• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7825-7829
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• 2015

Background: Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV infection in the world (~14.7%). Around 10-15% of HCV-infected persons will advance to cirrhosis within the first 20 years. The incidence of HCC is expected to grow in the next two decades, largely due to HCV related cirrhosis, and detection of HCC at an early stage is critical for a favorable clinical outcome. No simple reliable non-invasive marker has been available till now. B2M, a non-glycosylated polypeptide composed of 99 amino acids, is one of the components of HLA class I molecules on the surfaces of all nucleated cells. It has been reported that the level of serum B2M is elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis C and HCV-related HCC when compared to HCV-negative patients or healthy donors. Determining the clinical utility of serum B2M as a marker for disease progression in Egyptian patients with HCV related chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma was the aim of the present study. Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross sectional study 92 participants were included in 4 equal groups: Group (1) non cirrhotic chronic HCV; Group (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis; Group (3) HCC on top of HCV,; and Group (4) healthy controls. History taking, clinical examination, routine labs and abdominal ultrasound were conducted for all patients, PCR and Metavir scores for group (1) patients, and triphasic CT abdomen and AFP for Group (3) patients. B2M levels were measured in serum with a fully-automated IMX system. Results: The mean serum B2M level of Group (1) was $4.25{\pm}1.48{\mu}g/ml$., Group (2) was $7.48{\pm}3.04$, Group (3) was $6.62{\pm}2.49$ and Group (4) was $1.62{\pm}0.63$. Serum B2M levels were significantly higher in diseased than control group (p<0.01) being significantly higher in cirrhosis ($7.48{\pm}3.04$) and HCC groups ($6.62{\pm}2.49$) than the HCV group ($4.25{\pm}1.48$) (p<0.01). There was a significant correlation between B2M Level and ALK, total and direct bilirubin and INR (p<0.05), and a significant inverse correlation between B2M level and albumin, total proteins, HB andWBCS values (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between B2M level and viral load or Metavir score, largest tumour size or AFP (p>0.05). The best B2M cut-off for HCV diagnosis was 2.6 with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 92%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. The best B2M cut-off for HCC diagnosis was 4.55 which yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive values of 74%, 62%, 39.5, 87.8% respectively (p-value <0.01) while best cut-off for cirrhosis was 4.9, with sensitivity 74 % and specificity 74%.The sensitivity for HCC diagnosis increased upon B2M and AFP combined estimation to 91%, specificity to 79%, NPV to 95% and accuracy to 83%. Conclusions: Serum B2M level is elevated in HCV related chronic liver diseases and may be used as a marker for HCV disease progression towards cirrhosis and carcinoma.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.160-170
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• 2003

A pilot study was performed to examine the feasibility of intermittent slow sand filtration for agricultural reuse of reclaimed water. The effluent of biofilter for 16-unit apartment was used as influent to the slow sand filtration system at 0.6 $m^3$/day loading rate using 15 seconds spray in every 10 minutes on the about 1 $m^2$ surface area and 0.5 m depth. The influent concentrations of total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC) and E. coli were in the range of 10.000 MPN/100 mL. and they were reduced to less than 1,000 MPN/100 mL after filtration with average of 320, 270, and 154 MPN/100 mL, respectively, showing over 95 % removal. Turbidity and SS were improved effectively and their average concentration was reduced to 0.8 NTU and 1.7 mg/L, respectively, and removal rate was about 50 %. Average BOD and COD concentrations were also reduced substantially to 2.6 and 25.8 mg/L with about 55 and 21 % removal rate, respectively. Nutrients removal was relatively low and removal rate for T-N and T-P was low however, remaining nutrients might be beneficial and less concerned in case of agricultural reuse. The concentration of biofilter effluent used in this experiment was in the range of secondary treatment effluent but slightly stronger than the one from existing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Therefore, intermittent slow sand filtration might be also applicable to the effluent from WWTPs as long as its agricultural reuse is available. Considering stable performance and effective removal of bacterial indicators as well as other water quality parameters, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness, the intermittent slow sand filtration was thought to be an effective and feasible alternative for agricultural reuse of reclaimed water. This paper is a preliminary result from pilot study and further investigations are recommended on the optimum design parameters before full scale application.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.52.1-52.11
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• 2021

Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of low and moderate concentrations of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and double antibiotic paste (DAP) loaded into a hydrogel system on crown discoloration and explored whether application of an adhesive bonding agent prevented crown discoloration. Materials and Methods: Intact human molars (n = 160) were horizontally sectioned 1 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction. The crowns were randomized into 8 experimental groups (calcium hydroxide, Ca[OH]₂; 1, 10, and 1,000 mg/mL TAP and DAP; and no medicament. The pulp chambers in half of the samples were coated with an adhesive bonding agent before receiving the intracanal medicament. Color changes (ΔE) were detected by spectrophotometry after 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks, and after 5,000 thermal cycles, with ΔE = 3.7 as a perceptible threshold. The 1-sample t-test was used to determine the significance of color changes relative to 3.7. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effects of treatment, adhesive, and time on color change, and the level of significance was p < 0.05. Results: Ca(OH)₂ and 1 and 10 mg/mL DAP did not cause clinically perceivable tooth discoloration. Adhesive agent use significantly decreased tooth discoloration in the 1,000 mg/mL TAP group up to 4 weeks. However, adhesive use did not significantly improve coronal discoloration after thermocycling when 1,000 mg/mL TAP was used. Conclusions: Ca(OH)₂ and 1 and 10 mg/mL DAP showed no clinical discoloration. Using an adhesive significantly improved coronal discoloration up to 4 weeks with 1,000 mg/mL TAP.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.65-65
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• 2019

Near-Earth objects consist of a mixture of bodies originated from outer solar system and main asteroidal belt, which are recognized as comets and near-Earth asteroids. In principal, they have orbits distinguishable by their orbital elements. It is, however, that some comets are recognized as asteroids because they could have lost the most of volatile materials in their subsurface layers. Due to their asteroidal appearances, it has been challenging to discriminate such dormant comets from a list of known asteroids. Here we propose to utilize polarimetric technique for finding such dormant comets. We thus conducted a polarimetric observations of three candidates of dormant comet nuclei, (331471) 1984 QY1, (3552) Don Quixote and (944) Hidalgo, by using the 1.6-m Pirka Telescope at the Nayoro observatory (operated by Hokkaido University, Japan). We selected these asteroids in comet-like orbits (ACOs) based on the orbital elements (i.e., the Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter TJ < 3). We found that 1984 QY1 has a polarimetric albedo (geometric albedo determined via polarimetry) pV = 0.16 +/- 0.06 while both Don Quixote and Hidalgo have Rc-band polarimetric albedos pR < 0.05. In accordance with the polarimetric result together with a dynamical analysis, we surmised that 1984 QY1 could be an S-type asteroid evolved into the current orbit via 3:1 mean motion resonance with Jupiter. On the contrary, the previous spectroscopic studies indicated that Don Quixote and Hidalgo are classified into D-type taxonomic group, which are typical of comet nuclei. In this presentation, we will introduce our polarimetric observations of ACOs and emphasize that polarimetry is powerful for discriminating the asteroidal and cometary origins.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.775-788
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• 2010

The decomposition of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and the mass balance of nitrogen (N) species as products were investigated in a UV/H2O2system by varying pH, concentrations of $H_2O_2$, and $O_2$. All experiments were conducted in a semi-batch system employing a 50 mL reaction vessel and a coil-type quartz-tube reactor. In contrast with previous studies employing batch mode, TNT decomposition in the semi-batch mode was proportionally enhanced by increasing $H_2O_2$ concentration to 10 mM (0.034%), indicatingthat an inhibitory effect of excess $H_2O_2$on hydroxyl radical (${\cdot}OH$) can be negligible. N compounds are released as $NO_2^-$ in the early stages of the reaction, but $NO_2^-$ is rapidly oxidized to $NO_3^-$ by means of ${\cdot}OH$. $NH_4^+$ was also detected in this study and showed gradually the increase with increasing reaction time. In this study, $NH_4^+$ production can involve the reduction of nitro group of TNT concurrent with the production of $NO_3^-$. Of the N species originating from TNT decomposition, 12 ~ 72% were inorganic forms (i.e. [$NO_3^-$] + [$NO_2^-$] + [$NH_4^+$]). This result suggests that the large remaining N portions indicate that unidentified N compounds can exist.

• Electrical & Electronic Materials
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• v.11 no.11
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• pp.9-17
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• 1998

The dependence of the ionic conductivity on the B-site ion substitution in (Li0.5La0.5)Ti1-xMxO3 (M=Sn, Zr, Mn, Ge) system has been studied. Same valence state and various electronic configuration and ionic radius of Sn4+, Zr4+, Mn4+ and Ge4+(4d10(0.69$\AA$), 4p6(0.72$\AA$), 3d10(0.54$\AA$) and 3d3(0.54$\AA$), respectively) induced the various crystallographic variaton with substitutions. So it was possibleto investigate the crystallographic factor which influence the ionic conduction by observing the dependence of the conductivity on the crystallographic factor which influence the ionic conduction by observing the dependence of the conductivity on the crystallographic variations. We found that the conductivity increased with decreasing the radii of B-site ions or vice versa and octahedron distortion disturb the ion conduction. The reason for this reciprocal proportion of conductivity on the radius of B-site ions has been examined on the base of the interatomic bond strength change due to the cation substitutions. The results were good in agreement with the experimental results. Therefore it could be concluded that the interatomic bond strength change due to the cation substitutions may be the one of major factors influencing the lithium ion conductivity in perovskite(Li0.5La0.5) TiO3system.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1996.04a
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• pp.212-212
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• 1996

Effects of ginseng total saponin(GTS) on changes in the glutamatergic nervous system induced by AF64A were studied in rats. Rats were pretreated with the infusion of AF64A (3mM) into lateral ventricle and were posttreated with GTS (50mg/kg, j.p) for 1 week. Twenty four hrs after the last administration, rats were sacrified and each brain resions was dissected ; striatum, hippocampus and frontal cortex. At each brain regions, total glutamate and other amino acids levels, [$^3$H]MK801 binding sites and glutamine synthetase activity were measured using HPLC-ECD, ligand binding assay and enzyme activity assay, respectively. The AF64-induced increase in the levels of total glutamate in hippocampus were significantly decreased by the administration of GTS. Furthermore, that compared with saline and GTS was decreased in striatum. The levels of total GABA compared with saline and GTS were declined in frontal cortex. Moreover, the AF64A-induced decrease in the levels of total taurine were significantly increased by the administration of GTS to extents of normal states. The numbers of [$^3$H]MK801 binding sites were differently affected in brain resiojns ; the decrease in hippocampus and no change in both striatum and frontal cortex, Glutamine synthetase activity was significantly increased in hippocampus. In comparision with saline and GTS, that was significantly decreased in striatum These results suggest that GTS may adjust the levels of glutamate, GABA and taurine constantly and may induce increase of glutamine synthetase activity declined.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.23-32
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• 2009

The sorption of europium (Eu (III)) onto kaolinite and the influence of humic acids over a range of pH 3 ~ 11 has been studied by batch adsorption experiment (V/m = 250 : 1 mL/g, $C_{Eu(III)}\;=\;1\;{\times}\;10^{-5}\;mol/L$, $C_{HA}\;=\;5{\sim}50\;mg/L$, $P_{CO2}=10^{-3.5}\;atm$). The concentrations of HA and Eu(III) in aqueous phase were measured by UV absorbance at 254nm (e.g., $UV_{254}$) and ICP-MS after microwave digestion for HA removals, respectively. Results showed that the HA sorption onto kaolinite was decreased with increasing pH and their sorption isotherms fit well with the Langmuir adsorption model (except pH 3). Maximum amount ($q_{max}$) for the HA sorption at pH 4 to 11 was ranged from 4.73 to 0.47 mg/g. Europium adsorption onto the kaolinite in the absence of HA was typical, showing an increases with pH and a distinct adsorption edge at pH 3 to 5. However in the presence of HA, Eu adsorption to kaolinite was significantly affected. HA was shown to enhance Eu adsorption in the acidic pH range (pH 3 ~ 4) due to the formation of additional binding sites for Eu coming from HA adsorbed onto kaolinite surface, but reduce Eu adsorption in the intermediate and high pH above 6 due to the formation of aqueous Eu-HA complexes. The results on the ternary interaction of kaolinte-Eu-HA are compared with those on the binary system of kaolinite-HA and kaolinite-Eu and adsorption mechanism with pH was discussed.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.277-285
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• 2008

Panax ginseng C.A. Mayer (Araliaceae, P. ginseng) has been used for the enhancement of vascular and immune functions in Korea and Japan for a long time. Ginsenoside $Rb_1$ and $Rg_3$ isolated from P. ginseng head-part butanolic extract (PGHB) were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity. Ginsenosides and PGHB did not affect the cell viability within $0\;-\;100\;{\mu}g/ml$ concentration to RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. Ginsenosides and PGHB inhibited partly lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner. The ginsenosides and PGHB showed partially chemical nitric oxide (NO) quenching (maximum 40%) in the cell-free system. Also, ginsenoside $Rb_1$ and $Rg_3$ inhibited markedly approximately 74 and 54% of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA transcription from LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, the inhibitory effect of ginsenosides and PGHB on NO production did not occur as a result of cell viability, but was caused by both the chemical NO quenching and the regulation of iNOS. Additionally, the ginsenoside $Rb_1$ and PGHB inhibited prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, showed approximately 70-98% inhibition at $100\;{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. And the treatment with ginsenosides and PGHB attenuated partially LPS-upregulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene transcription. Ginsenoside $Rg_3$ suppressed LPS-stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) level to the basal in RAW 264.7 cells. From these results, ginsenoside $Rb_1,\;Rg_3$, and PGHB may be useful for the relief and retardation of immunological inflammatory responses and its action may occur through the reduction of inflammatory mediators, including NO, $PGE_2$, and IL-6 production.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.10 no.5
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• pp.1143-1179
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• 2016

Offshore wind turbines are considered as a fundamental part to develop substantial, alternative energy sources. In this highly flexible structures, monopiles are usually used as support foundations. Since the monopiles are large diameter (3.5 to 7 m) deep foundations, they result in extremely stiff short monopiles where the slenderness (length to diameter) may range between 5 and 10. Consequently, their elastic deformation patterns under lateral loading differ from those of small diameter monopiles usually employed for supporting structures in offshore oil and gas industry. For this reason, design recommendations (API and DNV) are not appropriate for designing foundations for offshore wind turbine structures as they have been established on the basis of full-scale load tests on long, slender and flexible piles. Furthermore, as these facilities are very sensitive to rotations and dynamic changes in the soil-pile system, the accurate prediction of monopile head displacement and rotation constitutes a design criterion of paramount importance. In this paper, the Fourier Series Aided Finite Element Method (FSAFEM) is employed for the determination of static impedance functions of monopiles for OWT subjected to horizontal force and/or to an overturning moment, where a non-homogeneous soil profile has been considered. On the basis of an extensive parametric study, and in order to address the problem of head stiffness of short monopiles, approximate analytical formulae are obtained for lateral stiffness $K_L$, rotational stiffness $K_R$ and cross coupling stiffness $K_{LR}$ for both rough and smooth interfaces. Theses expressions which depend only on the values of the monopile slenderness $L/D_p$ rather than the relative soil/monopile rigidity $E_p/E_s$ usually found in the offshore platforms designing codes (DNV code for example) have been incorporated in the expressions of the OWT natural frequency of four wind farm sites. Excellent agreement has been found between the computed and the measured natural frequencies.