• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.1589-1594
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• 2016

Piperine [(E,E)-5-(3,4-methtylenedioxyphenyl)-2,4-pentadienolypiperidide] is a principal of Piperaceae, including Piper nigrum L. and Piper longum Linn., which has been used as a spice and traditional medicine. In this study, we investigated whether or not piperine has anti-cancer effects on AGS human gastric cancer cells. The results demonstrated that piperine not only inhibited proliferation using MTT assay but also induced apoptotic bodies using DAPI assay in a dose-dependent manner in response to piperine. Expression levels of p53, Bax (pro-apoptotic), cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved-PARP increased, whereas expression levels of Bcl-2, XIAP (anti-apoptotic), and Akt decreased in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control by western blotting analysis. To identify the connection between phospo-Akt and Bcl-2 family in response to piperine, LY249002 (Akt inhibitor) was treated with piperine ($150{\mu}M$). The results were shown that expression of phospo-Akt was reduced whereas expression of Bax and cleaved-PARP increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that piperine induced apoptosis in AGS cells and may serve as a chemopreventive or therapeutic agent for human gastric cancer.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.227-236
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• 2006

Purpose: Methylation of gene regulatory elements plays an important role in gene inactivation without genetic alteration. Gastric cancer is one of the tumors that exhibit a high frequency of CpG island hypermethylation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of CpG island hypermethylation in gastric carcinoma in relation to H. pylori infection, CIMP and clincopathologic variables. Materials and Methods: We investigated the promoter methylation Status of six genes (hMLH1, p16, p14, COX-2, MGMT, E-cadherin) and CIMP in 36 gastric carcinoma tissues as well as in nontumor tissues. CIMP status was investigated by examining the methylation status of MINT 1, 2, 12, 25 and 31. The methylation status of the promoter was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and H. pylori infection was examined by histological diagnosis after staining with Warthin-Starry silver. Results: Among the 36 gastric carcinoma tissues, DNA hypermethylation was detected in the following frequencies: 14 (38.9%) for p14, 13 (36.1%) for p16, 8 (22.2%) for MGMT, 10 (27.8%) for COX-2, 21 (58.3%) for E-cadherin, and 6 (16.7%) for hMLH1. The frequencies for MINT1 and MINT25 hypermethylation were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in nontumor tissues. 16 (44.4%) of the 36 gastric carcinoma tissues were positive for the CIMP CIMP-H tumors were associated with older patients and larger tumor size than CIMP-L tumors. We found a significant association between the presence of the CIMP and hypermethylation of p16. Hypermethylation of p16 and MINT2 were significantly different when compared by age. MINT1 gene methylation was significantly associated with H. pylori infection (P=0.004). Conclusion: Our results suggest that aberrant hypermethylation of multiple tumor related genes (hMLH1, p16, p14, COX-2, MGMT, E-cadherin, MINT1, 2, 12, 25, 31) occurs frequently in gastric carcinoma tissues. The hypermethylation of MINT1 was significantly higher in the tumor tissues and was associated with H. pylori infection.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.167-173
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• 2007

Purpose: Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract is one of the most widely used agents in alternative cancer therapeutic regimens in Europe. This study was conducted to determine the effect of mistletoe extract on immune function in gastric cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Ten patients that had undergone a curative gastrectomy were enrolled in the prospective study. ABNOBAviscum $Q^{(R)}$ was injected subcutaneously three times a week from postoperative-day 7 to week 16 with an increasing dose. All of the patients simultaneously received chemotheraphy with mitomycin, oral 5-FU and a cisplatin regimen. The WBC count, differential count, lymphocyte/WBC ratio and the level of cytokines (IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-6, IFN-$\gamma$, TNF-$\alpha$) were checked in the peripheral blood preoperatively, at postoperative week 8 and at postoperative week 16. Results: The WBC and neutrophil counts significantly decreased after treatment on week 8 and week 16 (P=0.001), but the total eosinophil count was slightly increased (P=0.15). The total lymphocyte count also decreased during treatment but the lymphocyte/WBC ratio was slightly increased without statistical significance (P=0.91). The cytokine levels did not significantly change during treatment. Conclusion: It is somewhat difficult to determine the direct effect of mistletoe therapy on immune function as the effect may be compromised by the concurrent chemotherapy. It can be assumed that the slightly increased lymphocyte/WBC ratio and eosinophil count may be a result of the immunomodulatory effect of the mistletoe extract.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 1988

Size characteristics of three widely used landscape trees were analized to establish a methodology of size prediction as time Passes. Tree height, tree width, stem diameter(breast or surface), canopy length and tree age were measured directly and indirectly(by using photograph), and the data were analized by using regression analysis through PC-SAS. The results are summarized as follows : 1. Zelkova serrata MAKINO showed relatively slow growth rate and the tree form was changed as aged. Size predictions were available by using the regression equations listed below : Surface diameter = 0.8293 x AGE Tree height = 0.4109(0.8293 x AGE) - 0.0039(0.7273 x AGE)$^2$Tree width = 0.3240(0.8293 x AGE) - 0.0024(0.1293 x AGE)$^2$Canopy length = 0.1337(0.8293 x AGE) - 0.0020(0.7293 x AGE)$^2$2. Pinus strobus L. showed relatively fast growth rate and the tree form did not change much as aged. Size predictions were available by using the regression equations listed below. Breast diameter = 0.756 x AGE Tree height = 0.7695(0.756 x AGE) - 0.0164(0.75\ulcorner x AGE)$^2$Tree width = 0.4331(0.756 x AGE) - 0.0079(0.75\ulcorner x AGE)$^2$Canopy length = 0.1365(0.756 x AGE) - 0.0032(0.75f x AGE)$^2$ 3. In case of Magnolia denudata DESROUX, tree form was determined relatively earlier than the other two species. Si2e predictions were available by using the regression equations listed below : Surface diameter = 0.88 x AGE Tree height = 0.5412(0.88 x AGE) - 0.0110(0.88 x AGE)$^2$ Tree width = 0.3752(0.88 x AGE) - 7.0061(0.88 x AGE)$^2$Canopy length = 0.1110(0.88 x AGE) - 0.0022(0.88 x AGE)$^2$ This study aimed to find a way to predict size change of landscaping plants. This methodology will be applied to a wide range of landscape plants to provide practical data to landscape designers.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2003

Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to improve reproductive efficiency of artificial insemination with fresh- and frozen-semen following estrus induction in dog. Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2~3 years) were selected fur the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1 : dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally f3r five days at 12 hr intervals. Croup 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu$g/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Croup 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. After being treated, the dogs were evaluated fur the rates of estrus induction and time interval lapses from treatment to beginning of the pro-estrus. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The ejaculated semen was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM; TES, 209 mM; citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 co above the surface of liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) for 23 min. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, there was no significant differences in the pregnancy rate of dogs between group treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine and group treated clomifene or bromocriptine only. However, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully fur artificial insemination in dog.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.111-119
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• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of a functional drink prepared by mixed fermentation of oak mushroom extract and whey. As the ratio of oak mushroom extract increased, the pH value of the whey fermentative solution decreased proportionally, and the titratable acidity increased significantly. The number of lactic acid bacteria after 24 hours of culture was at a level of $10^{11}CFU/mL$ in all whey fermentative solutions containing oak mushroom extracts. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities after 24 hours of culture were higher in a fermentative solution containing oak mushroom extract than in the control. After 24 hours of culture, the nitric oxide production in whey fermentation solution by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells was lower compared to that in whey fermentation solution with oak mushroom. Sensory evaluation revealed that, color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability of the whey fermentation solution sample, which contained 1.0% oak mushroom extract, were much better than those of the other groups. Sensory evaluation of a whey drink containing oak mushroom flavor indicated that the whey drink containing 0.001% oak mushroom flavor was better than the other samples.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate changes in physico-chemical characteristics of Hanwoo carcass according to different castration and slaughtering ages. Total 75 Hanwoo calves(average 4 months old) were randomly assigned to Control(bulIs). Treatment I. Il , III. or IV(castrated on 4. 9. 12. and 16 months of age, respectively) and slaughtered at 7. 9. 12, 16, and 28 months of age. Moisture contents in M. Longissimus dorsi of both Hanwoo bulls and steers were decreased as the slaughtering age increased. Moisture contents in all steer groups were significantly(P <0.05) lower(average 68.63%) than that in bulls(72.18%) at 28 months of age. Crude fat contents tended to increase as the slaughtering age increased. Crude fat contents in Treatment III(castrated at 12 months of age) at 28 months of age were 10.24% which was the highest among all steer groups. Crude protein contents in M. Longissimus dorsi of Hanwoo bulls were around 23% regardless of slaughtering age. Water holding capacity(WHC) of both bulls and steers tended to increase as the animals aged. Steers showed rapid increase in WHC after 16 months of age and showed higher(78.39%)) WHC than bulls(70.00%) at 28 months of age. Palmitic acid(CI8: 0) contents in Hanwoo bulls were increased as the slaughtering age increased(20.92 \longrightarrow 24.22%) whereas stearic acid(CI8: 0) contents were decreased(I8.l5 \longrightarrow11.32%). Oleic acid(CI8: I). a major unsaturated fatty acid. significantly(P <0.05) increased(25.59 \longrightarrow 37.90%) when slaughtering age of Hanwoo increased. Changes in fatty acid composition in Hanwoo steers were similar to those in bulls except oleic acid contents were higher and stearic acid contents were lower than bulls at 28 months of age.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.69-76
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify dosimetric results and reproducibility of position during craniospinal irradiation (CSI) using tomotherapy (Accuray Incorporated, USA). Also, by comparing with conventional CSI Technique, we confirmed the efficiency of using a Tomotherapy. Materials and Methods: 10 CSI patients who get tomotherapy participate. Patient-specific quality assurances (QA) for each patient are conducted before treatment. When treating, we took Megavoltage Computed Tomography (MVCT) that range of head and neck before treatment, L spine area after treatment. Also we conducted in-vivo dosimetry to check a scalp dose. Finally, we made a 3D conventional radiation therapy(3D-CRT) of those patients to compare dosimetric differences with tomotherapy treatment planning. Results: V107, V95 of brain is 0 %, 97.2 % in tomotherapy, and 0.3 %, 95.1 % in 3D-CRT. In spine, value of V107, V95 is 0.2 %, 18.6 % in tomotherapy and 89.6 %, 69.9 % in 3D-CRT. Except kidney and lung, tomotherapy reduced normal organ doses than 3D-CRT. The maximum positioning error value of X, Y, Z was 10.2 mm, -8.9 mm, -11.9 mm. Through in-vivo dosimetry, the average of scalp dose was 67.8 % of prescription dose. All patient-specific QA were passed by tolerance value. Conclusion: CSI using tomotherapy had a risk of parallel organ such as lung and kidney because of integral dose in low dose area. However, it demonstrated dosimetric superiority at a target and saved normal organ to reduce high dose. Also results of reproducibility were not exceeded margins that estimated treatment planning and invivo dosimetry showed to reduce scalp dose. Therefore, CSI using tomotherapy is considered to efficient method to make up for 3D-CRT.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.44-54
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• 2001

This study was conducted to estimate microclimate of natural deciduous forest in national forest of Pyungchang, Kangwon province and to investigate the effects of the microclimatic conditions on the periodic annual increment of diameter by site types. In this study, site was first classified by nine types considering both elevation (higher than 1,000 m, 700∼1,000 m, and lower than 700 m) and topographical conditions (ridge, slope and valley). For each of site types, diameter growth was measured by using increment borer and periodic annual increment of diameter was then analyzed. A topoclimatological technique, for estimating microclimatic conditions, which make use of empirical relationships between the topographical factor and the climatic normals in the study area was applied to produce monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity, precipitation and hours of sunshine. From these monthly estimtes, 17 weather variables such as warmth index, coldness index, index of aridity etc. which affect the diameter growth were computed for each of site types. The periodic annual increment of diameter was then correlated with and regressed on the 17 weather variables to examine effects of microclimatic conditions on the diameter growth by site types. From the correlation analysis, it was found that the diameter growth by site types was positively correlated with all of 17 weather variables except the warmth index. Especially, the conditions such as high relative humidity and large amount of sunshine hours provide favorable environment for the growth of diameter. On the other hand, it was also found that diameter growth was negatively iufluenced by warmth index. According to the regression analysis, the periodic annual increment of diameter could be well predicted by index of aridity and mean relative humidity for the growing season.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.982-991
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• 2006

The screen quota system is one of the most controversial issues in the Korean film industry. There are two different points of view regarding the system. Some say it is highly effective to protect and nurture Korean movies. However, others argue that it hurts the duality of the Korean movies. The number of days, for which Korean movies have to play on local screens, has been reduced to 73, starting on July 1st, 2006. Actually, it is 50 percent fewer than the previous year. In facL Korea has implemented the screen quota. system two times. First, it was practiced from 1935 to 1945, during the Japanese colonial period. This was to regulate imported movies, especially American ones, as the Japanese government was to use movies for the political propaganda. In 1935, the number of foreign movies screened had to be less than three fourths of the total. And they gradually reduced the size by two thirds in 1936, and again by half in 1937. After the attack on Pearl Harbor when the Pacific War happened, Japan completely banned importing American movies in Korea. The reason why it regulated the imported foreign films is to increase the number of domestic movies, both Japanese and Korean. It was for making propaganda films fur carrying the war. The second practice of the screen quota is from 1967 to the present year. It was designed to boom the Korean film industry. However, the competitive power of Korean films has not been improved in spite of the practice of the system. Moreover, the film industry has gone through the depression. Korean film agencies have occupied the Korean film market thanks to the protection by government. The founding of the film agencies has been strongly regulated. So has importing foreign movies. Under the special protection like this, Korean film agencies have been enjoying the monopoly In the mean time, they have pursued income not by making quality movies but by importing foreign movies. As a result, cinema audiences turn away form Korean films and prefer foreign movies. Furthermore, the screen quota system hurts the relationship between film producers and distributors, imposing the duties only on theaters. In short, the screen quota system has satisfied neither film producers, theater runners, nor film goers. In other words. the excessive protection has weakened the competitive power of Korean film industry.