• Molecules and Cells
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2009

The myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) gene encodes both smooth muscle and nonmuscle cell isoforms. Recently, polymorphisms in MYLK have been reported to be associated with several diseases. To examine the genetic effects of polymorphisms on the risk of asthma and related phenotypes, we scrutinized MYLK by re-sequencing/genotyping and statistical analysis in Korean population (n = 1,015). Seventeen common polymorphisms located in or near exons, having pairwise $r^2$ values less than 0.25, were genotyped. Our statistical analysis did not replicate the associations with the risk of asthma and log-transformed total IgE levels observed among African descendant populations. However, two SNPs in intron 16 (+89872C> G and +92263T> C), which were in tight LD (|D'| = 0.99), revealed significant association with log-transformed blood eosinophil level even after correction multiple testing ($P=0.002/P^{corr}=0.01$ and $P=0.002/P^{corr}=0.01$, respectively). The log-transformed blood eosinophil levels were higher in individuals bearing the minor alleles for +89872C> G and +92263T> C than in those bearing other allele. In additional subgroup analysis, the genetic effects of both SNPs were much more apparent among asthmatic patients and atopic asthma patients. Among atopic asthma patients, the log-transformed blood eosinophil levels were proportionally increased by gene-dose dependent manner of in both +89872C> G and +92263T> C(P = 0.0002 and P = 0.00007, respectively). These findings suggest that MYLK polymorphisms might be among the genetic factors underlying differential increases of blood eosinophil levels among asthmatic patients. Further biological and/or functional studies are needed to confirm our results.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.6221-6226
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• 2015

In this paper, waveguide analysis was interpreted as an optical waveguide using the feedback perturbation method simple and easy to apply compared to the analysis method, while the other almost identical to the numerical calculation method. In addition, efficient coupling with an optical transmission line of optical fiber and the waveguide form the thin film of different functional elements is required in order to achieve the full optical communication system. However, problems arise, such as the light field (field) and the decrease of the access efficiency due to inconsistency in the distribution characteristics of the connection surface by the difference in size of the cross section thereof when connecting the optical fiber and the waveguide directly to the combination of a thin film. Therefore propose a new type of connector structure to increase the efficiency of the connection when connecting the optical fiber waveguide and the thin film was analyzed by applying a coupled mode theory, the binding efficiency of the modified contactor. And by diffusing Ti on the $LiNbO_3$ substrate and a wide range of applications in the manufacture of integrated optical material made of a current low-loss Ti: $LiNbO_3$ optical waveguide and making the Y-branch waveguide, and the properties were confirmed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.627-635
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• 2011

Purpose: Advanced breast cancer traditionally has been perceived as a contraindication to immediate breast reconstruction, because of concerns regarding adjuvant treatment delays and the cosmetic effects of radiotherapy to breast reconstruction, so delayed reconstruction is usually preferred in advanced breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy. However, with the improved outcome using multimodality therapy, consisting of perioperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immediate breast reconstruction is now being performed as surgical option for selected advanced breast cancer patients. Additionally, advanced breast cancer patients may be needed soft tissue coverage of an extensive skin and soft tussue defect after mastectomy. Current authors have experienced several types of immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. Methods: From December of 2007 to June of 2009, 14 women performed for immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction for advanced breast cancer. They had been treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy or radical mastectomy. Four different techniques were used immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction, which are pedicled TRAM flap (4 cases), extended LD flap with STSG (3 cases), thoracoabdominal flap (4 cases) and thoracoepigastric flap (3 cases). Results: The mean age was 53 years and mean follow up period was 9 months. Patients' oncologic status ranged stage IIIa to stage IV. Two patients had major complications: partial flap necrosis of TRAM flap and one distal necrosis of thoracoabdominal flap. Three patients with stage IV disease died from metastases. Conclusion: The result of this study suggests that immediate breast and chest wall reconstruction can be considered as surgical option for advanced breast cancer. But we need long term follow up and large prospective studies for recurrence and survival.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.253-258
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• 2006

LDD175(4-choloro-7-trifluoromethyl-10H-benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]indole-l-carboxylic acid) is one of benzofuroindole derivatives that act as a potent $BK_{Ca}$ channel openers. In the process of testing LDD175 as a new drug candidate, an acute toxicity study was carried out in mice. The mice were administered LDD175 intraperitoneally at dose of 0.2, 1, 10, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800mg/kg and orally at dose of 10, 100, 400, 800mg/kg body weight. After administering LDD175, the vital organs such as the liver, kidney and spleen were carefully observed for any significant pathological features or differences from the norm over a l4-day period. LDD175 did not induce any short-term toxicity at doses less than 100mg/kg. A $LD_{50}$ of LDD175 was 2493mg/kg in male mice and 4908mg/kg in female mice. Weight reduction was observed at a dose of 800mg/kg in male, and 400 and 800mg/kg in female. The kidney weight decreased in females after an intraperitoneal injection of LDD175 high dose(>400mg/kg, i.p.), and the spleen weight increased in the male(800mg/kg, i.p.) and female(400mg/kg, i.p.) mice. Inspite of the change in organ weights, there were neither histopathological changes nor any gross morphological abnormalities detected in any organ. LDD175 did not produce significant changes in the general behavior at doses of <200mg/kg, but decreased locomotor activity was observed at an intraperitoneal dose of 400mg/kg. Its effects on the locomotor activity and activity on the rotarod were tested and compared with the effects of diazepam 5mg/kg. The decrement in the locomotor activity and the activity on the rotarod induced by LDD175 was less serious than it by diazepam.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.775-780
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• 1998

Gamma irradiation at 5 kGy was applied to beefs for evaluation of their possible genotoxicity and acute oral toxicity. The genotoxicity of 5 kGy irradiated beef was evaluated by Salmonella typhimurium reversion assay and in vivo micronucleus assay using mouse bone marrow cells. The results were negative in the bacterial reversion assay with S. typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537. Clastogenic effects were not shown in vivo mouse micronucleus assay at 5 kGy dose tested. In an acute toxicity test, 5 kGy-irradiated beef was administrated orally at a dose level of 313 to 5,000 mg/kg, and then number of deaths, clinical signs, body weights, and pathological examinations were examined daily for 14 days post-administration. The results indicate that 5 kGy irradiated beef did not show any toxic effect on mice and oral $LD_{50}$ value was over 5,000 mg/kg on ICR mice.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.381-395
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• 1989

The main purpose of this research is to provide scientific informations about standard wage and performance tariffs in forest management with special reference to working time for thinning. To identify relationships between net working time and tree characteristics, three geographically different sample plots were established at Yangsan, Bongpyung and Jinan and 460 oaks, 372 Japanese larches, 232 red pine and 240 pitch pine mere selected at each sample plots. The results of statistical analysis using multiple regression are as follows ; 1. Five independent variables of breast height diameter(DBH), mid-diameter(MD) large end diameter(LD), log-length(L), No. of branches(NOB) were stable independent of worker and tree species. 2. Comparing correlation coefficient of five independent variables, the best predictive variables, breast height diameter and No. of branches, were selected. Breast height diameter and No. of branches were identified as the most important independent variables in terms of effect on the dependent variable of the working time. 3. Comparing coefficient of determination (Rp) and residual mean square (MSEp), the best Linear regression equation for each tree species was selected as follower : $WT=a+b1{\times}NOB+b2{\times}DBF$ 4. Proportion of hang-up time to total working time in thinning were 66% in oak stand, 74%, in Japanese larch stand, 55%, in red pine stand and 52% in pitch pine stand, respectively. 5. Based on the best regression equation, a table of working time was made by strata of number of branches and breast height diameter. 6. Total working time using the best regression equation in Table 5 can be predicted in terms of felling time, limbing time, hang-up time, i.e., total working time increases by 11 to 13 seconds with every 1 centimeter increase in breast height diameter from 7 to 16 centimeter.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2014

This study was conducted to determine the optimal dose of gamma-ray on the growth and nucleus DNA damage for mutation breeding in licorice. Gamma-rays irradiated to dry seeds with various doses (0 to 1000 Gy). Significant decreases in germination rate (%), survival rate (%) and growth characteristics (plant height, number of leaves, root length and fresh weight) were observed by dose of increased. $LD_{50}$ (lethal dose) was approximately 400 Gy to 500 Gy. Also, reduction doses ($RD_{50}$) of plant height, number of leaves, root length and flash weight were 428 Gy, 760 Gy, 363 Gy and 334 Gy, respectively. It is supplest that the optimal dose of gamma irradiation for licorice mutation induction might be about 400 Gy in this study. We also conducted comet assay to observe nucleus DNA damage due to gamma irradiation. In comet assay, a clear difference was identified over 300 Gy treatments. With increasing doses of gamma-ray in the range of 100 to 1000 Gy, the rate of head DNA was decreased significantly from 92.88% to 73.09%. Tail length(${\mu}m$) was increased as the dose of increased over 300 Gy. Growth characteristics (Germination rate, Survival rate, plant height, number of leaves, root length and fresh weight) were highly negatively ($P{\leq}0.01$) correlated with dose. While the tail length was highly positively ($P{\leq}0.01$) correlated with dose.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.189-197
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• 2012

This study was carried out to develop the improved useful mutants for yield or composition of stevia plants using the gamma ray or chemical mutagens treatments. The seeds of stevia 'Suwon No. 11' were irradiated up to 400 Gy of gamma ray. Chemical mutagens were treated on the seeds of the 'Suwon No. 11' using 0.07% colchicine, 10 mM sodium azide, or 10 mM NMU for various durations. The germination rate, and shoot and root growth of seedling were estimated at 30 days after gamma ray irradiation or chemical mutagen treatment, and the plant height, the number of branches, and leaf length and width were examined at 3 months after mutagenesis treatments. In the case of gamma ray treatments, the germination rate and early-stage growth were decreased as the increase of radiation dose, and the 50% lethal dose was found to be 200 Gy. the plant height was decreased as the increase of radiation dose, while the number of branches per plant and leaf length were increased. Leaf shape was modified to the relatively longer one compared to the control, which was identified more apparently at the treatments of higher than 150 Gy. In the treatment of chemical mutagens, the rate of germination and survival were decreased as the increase of incubation time. The 50% lethal dose for germination rate were identified as the conditions of the 15 hours incubation in 0.07% colchicine, the 4 hrs in 10 mM sodium azide, and the 2 hrs in 10 mM NMU, in the three chemical mutagens treatments. Chemical mutagens had no influence on shoot growth, while root growth was increased, especially as the incubation time was extended. The highest root growth occurred in the NMU treatment at 6 hrs incubation time. The plant height was decreased as the increase of incubation time in the chemical mutagens treatments. Among the chemical mutagens, NMU was the most effective to induce the mutants with long-shaped or the least lobed leaves.

• FLOWER RESEARCH JOURNAL
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.128-133
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• 2008

This study was conducted to select new variants with different characteristics in plant height, leaf color, and petal color of plantain lily (Hosta plantaginea) and Japanese farfugium (Farfugium japonicum). After 10-30Gy ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation to seeds of both species, seed germination, variant induction, growth of variants, and survival ratios were estimated. Days required for seed germination were lengthened and % seed germination decreased as the dosage of ${\gamma}-ray$ increased over 20Gy. Lethal dose ($LD_{50}$) for plantain lily and Japanese farfugium were 30Gy and 25Gy, respectively. Plantain lily and Japanese farfugium treated by more than 20Gy ${\gamma}-ray$ showed dwarf characteristics in growth, and variations in leaf and petal colors. Total 166 variants in plantain lily were induced by ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation in a $M_1$ generation, among which 12 promising variants were selected in a $M_2$ generation. Total 57 variants of Japanese farfugium were induced by ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation in a $M_1$ generation, among which nine promising variants were selected in a $M_2$ generation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.1165-1176
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• 2019

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum, are the most toxic substances known. However, the number of currently approved medical countermeasures for these toxins is very limited. Therefore, studies on therapeutic antitoxins are essential to prepare for toxin-related emergencies. Currently, more than 10,000 Halla horses, a crossbreed between the native Jeju and Thoroughbred horses, are being raised in Jeju Island of Korea. They can be used for equine antitoxin experiments and production of hyperimmune serum against BoNT/A1. Instead of the inactivated BoNT/A1 toxoid, Halla horse was immunized with the receptor-binding domain present in the C-terminus of heavy chain of BoNT/A1 (BoNT/A1-HCR) expressed in Escherichia coli. The anti-BoNT/A1-HCR antibody titer increased rapidly by week 4, and this level was maintained for several weeks after boosting immunization. Notably, $20{\mu}l$ of the week-24 BoNT/A1-HCR(-immunized) equine serum showed an in vitro neutralizing activity of over 8 international units (IU) of a reference equine antitoxin. Furthermore, $20{\mu}l$ of equine serum and $100{\mu}g$ of purified equine $F(ab^{\prime})_2$ showed 100% neutralization of 10,000 $LD_{50}$ in vivo. The results of this study shall contribute towards optimizing antitoxin production for BoNT/A1, which is essential for emergency preparedness and response.