• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2013

To investigate effects of phase mask on susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) using voxel-based analyses in normal elderly subjects. A three-dimensional (3D) gradient echo sequence ran to obtain SWIs in 20 healthy elderly subjects. SWIs with two (SWI2) and four (SWI4) phase multiplications were achieved with positive (PSWI) and negative (NSWI) phase masks to investigate phase mask effects. The voxel-based comparisons were performed using paired t-tests between PSWI and NSWI and between SWI2 and SWI4. Differences of signal intensities between magnitude images and SWI4 were larger than those between magnitude images and SWI2s. Differences of signal intensities between magnitude images and PSWIs were larger than those between magnitude images and NSWIs. Moreover, the signal intensities from NSWI2s and NSWI4s were greater than those from PSWI2s and PSWI4s, respectively. More differences of signal intensities between NSWI4 and PSWI4s were found than those between NSWI2s and PSWI2s in the whole brain images. The voxel-based analyses of SWI could be beneficial to investigate susceptibility differences on the entire brain areas. The phase masking method could be chosen to enhance brain tissue contrast rather than to enhance venous blood vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to apply voxel-based analyses of SWI to investigate clinical applications.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.10
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• pp.1476-1483
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• 2015

This study was conducted in order to compare changes in the quality characteristics and antioxidant activity of mulberries depending on the degree of ripeness between greenhouse (GH) and open field (OF) cultivation. The mulberries were divided into five degrees of ripeness. Quality characteristics such as pH, acidity, antioxidant activity, and contents of free sugar, organic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were investigated. pH level increased slightly while acidity decreased depending on the degree of ripeness. Fructose and glucose were detected in mulberries as the major free sugar. Fructose and glucose increased rapidly during ripening. Citric acid was major acid and decreased considerably during ripening. Contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins increased considerably in the last stage of ripening. Contents of polyphenols, and flavonoids in mulberry from OF were higher than from GH. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities increased rapidly in mulberries of the last degree. Contents of functional components were not greatly different between GH and OF, whereas content of free sugar in GH was higher than that in OF.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.50-55
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• 1999

The proximate composition, mineral content, fatty acid composition, ATP related compounds, amino acid composition, color and texture were investigated with dorsal and ventral muscle from olive flounder, spotted flounder and hybrid (olive flounder m $\times$spotted flounder f). Spotted flounder and hybrid were higher in moisture content, and lower in crude protein content than those of olive flounder, Potassium content in hybrid was higher than that in olive flounder and spotted flounder. Hybrid was lower in calcium, iron, manganese content, and higher in magnesium content than olive flounder and spotted flounder. The contents of saturated fatty acid, unsaturated fatty acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in hybrid were intermediate level of spotted flounder and olive flounder. Fatty acid composition of dorsal muscle was slightly similar to ventral muscle. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its related compounds contents and amino acid content in hybrid were intermediate level of spotted flounder and olive flounder, and these compounds of dorsal muscle were slightly similar to those of counterpart. The major amino acids such as aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine and Iysine were very similar to all the samples. Total amino acid and essential amino acid contents in dorsal muscle were slightly higher than those in ventral muscle. Free amino acid content and composition in hybrid were similar to spotted flounder, and free amino acid content in dorsal muscle was higher than in ventral muscle, The lightness of hybrid and spotted flounder was stronger than that of olive flounder, and was stronger in dorsal muscle. The breaking strength of hybrid was slightly lower than that of spotted flounder, and was stronger in dorsal muscle.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.169-177
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• 2014

BACKGROUND: The ferronickel and rapid cooling slags used in present study are industrial wastes derived from a steel factory in Korea. These slags are used as almost road construction materials after magnetic separation. However, the use of slag to remove phosphorus from wastewater is still a relatively less explored. The objective of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of ferronickel slag (FNS) and rapid cooling slag (RCS) as sorbents for phosphorus removal in wastewater. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adsorption experiments were conducted to determine the adsorption characteristics of the FNS and RCS for the phosphorus. Adsorption behaviour of the phosphorus by the FNS and RCS was evaluated using both the Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm equations. FNS and RCS were divided into two sizes as effective sizes. Effective sizes of FNS and RCS were 0.5 and 2.5 mm, respectively. The adsorption capacities (K) of the phosphorus by the FNS and RCS were in the order of RCS 0.5 (0.5105) > RCS 2.5 (0.3572) ${\gg}$ FNS 2.5 (0.0545) ${\fallingdotseq}$ FNS 0.5 (0.0400) based on Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacities (a; mg/kg) of the phosphorus determined by the Langmuir isotherms were in the order of RCS 0.5 (3,582 mg/kg) > RCS 2.5 (2,983 mg/kg) > FNS 0.5 (320 mg/kg) ${\fallingdotseq}$ FNS 2.5 (187 mg/kg). RCS 0.5 represented the best sorbent for the adsorption of phosphorus. In the experiment, the Langmuir model showed better fit with our data than the Freundlich model. CONCLUSION: This study indicate that the use of RCS in constructed wetlands or filter beds is a promising solution for phosphorus removal via adsorption and precipitation mechanisms.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2000

Members of the glycoprotein family, which includes CG, LH, FSH and TSH, comprise two noncovalently linked $\alpha$- and $\beta$-subunits. Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), known as PMSG, has a number of interesting and unique characteristics since it appears to be a single molecule that possesses both LH- and FSH-like activities in other species than the horse. This dual activity of eCG in heterologous species is of fundamental interest to the study of the structure-function relationships of gonadotropins and their receptors. CG and LH $\beta$ genes are different in primates. In horse, however, a single gene encodes both eCG and eLH $\beta$ -subunits. The subunit mRNA levels seem to be independently regulated and their imbalance may account for differences in the quantities of $\alpha$ - and $\beta$-subunits in the placenta and pituitary. The dual activities of eCG could be separated by removal of the N-linked oligosaccharide on the $\alpha$-subunit Asn 56 or CTP-associated O-linked oligosaccharides. The tethered-eCG was efficiently secreted and showed similar LH-like activity to the dimeric eCG. Interestingly, the FSH-like activity of the tethered-eCG was increased markedly in comparison with the native and wild type eCG. These results also suggest that this molecular can implay particular models of FSH-like activity not LH-like activity in the eCG/indicate that the constructs of tethered molecule will be useful in the study of mutants that affect subunit association and/or secretion. A single-chain analog can also be constructed to include additional hormone-specific bioactive generating potentially efficacious compounds that have only FSH-like activity. The LH/CG receptor (LH/CGR), a membrane glycoprotein that is present on testicular Leydig cells and ovarian theca, granulosa, luteal, and interstitial cells, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of gonadal development and function in males as well as in nonpregnant and pregnant females. The LH/CGR is a member of the family of G protein-coupled receptors and its structure is predicted to of a large extracellular domain connected to a bundle of seven membrane-spanning a-helices. The LH/CGR phosphorylation can be induced with a phorbol ester, but not with a calcium ionophore. The truncated form of LHR also was down-regulated normally in response to hCG stimulation. In contrast, the cell lines expressing LHR-t631 or LHR-628, the two phosphorylation-negative receptor mutant, showed a delay in the early phase of hCG-induced desensitization, a complete loss of PMA-induced desensitization, and an increase in the rate of hCG-induced receptor down-regulation. These results clearly show that residues 632~653 in the C-terminal tail of the LHR are involved in PMA-induced desensitization, hCG-induced desensitization, and hCG-induced down-regulation. Recently, constitutively activating mutations of the receptor have been identified that are associated with familial male-precocious puberty. Cells expressing LHR-D556Y bind hCG with normal affinity, exhibit a 25-fold increase in basal cAMP and respond to hCG with a normal increase in cAMP accumulation. This mutation enhances the internalization of the free and agoinst-occupied receptors ~2- and ~17- fold, respectively. We conclude that the state of activation of the LHR can modulate its basal and/or agonist-stimulated internalization. Since the internalization of hCG is involved in the termination of hCG actions, we suggest that the lack of responsiveness detected in cells expressing LHR-L435R is due to the fast rate of internalization of the bound hCG. This statement is supported by the finding that hCG responsiveness is restored when the cells are lysed and signal transduction is measured in a subcellular fraction (membranes) that cannot internalize the bound hormone.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.112-117
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• 2014

Predation efficiency and preference of the hydrophilid water beetle, Hydrochara affinis (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae), larvae on two mosquito species, Culex pipiens molestus and Ochlerotatus togoi, were tested under laboratory conditions. Experiments were conducted in a transparent cylindrical plastic container (diameter, 100 mm; height, 40 mm; water level, 15 mm) for 24 hours (16 h, light; 8 h, dark) at $25^{\circ}C$. The predation efficiency of H. affinis on mosquito larvae was investigated under various prey conditions (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128 larvae) with five replicates. Further, in order to investigate the prey preference on two mosquito species, each 32 larvae of C. pipiens molestus and O. togoi were provided simultaneously for the first instar larva of H. affinis with 5 replicates. As a result, the predation curves of H. affinis on two mosquito species were logarithmic; and the number of consumed prey increased as the number of predator instars were increased. As predicted from the predation curves, the estimated maximum number of C. pipiens molestus and O. togoi consumed by a third instar larva of H. affinis per a day was 926 and 304 larvae, respectively. As predicted from the Holling's disk equation, the differences in consumed prey number between predator instars and prey species were caused by handling time rather than attack rate. Handling time decreased rapidly as the predator larvae grew, and that of O. togoi was twice longer than that of C. pipiens molestus.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 2001

Purpose : Irradiation cones by using backscatter electrons are made for the treatment of superficial small lesions of skin, oral cavity, and rectum where a significant dose gradient and maximum surface dose is desired. Methods and Materials : Backscatter electrons are produced from the primary electron beams from the linear accelerators. The design consists of a cylindrical cone that has a thick circular plate of high atomic number medium (Pb or Cu) attached to the distal end, and the plate can be adjusted the reflected angle. Primary electrons strike the metal plate perpendicularly and produce backscatter electrons that reflect through the lateral hole for treatment. Using film and a parallel plate ion chamber, backscatter electron dose characteristics are measured. Results : The depth dose characteristic of the backscatter electron is very similar to that of the hard x-ray beam that is commonly used for the intracavitary and superficial lesions. The basckscatter electron energy is nearly constant and effectively about 1.5 MeV from the clinical megavoltage beams. The backscatter electron dose rate of $35\~85\;cGy/min$ could be achieved from modern accelerators without any modification. and the depth in water of $50\%$ depth dose from backscatter electron located at 6mm for $45^{\circ}$ angled lead scatter. The beam flatness is dependent on the slit size and the depth of treatment, but is satisfactory to treat small lesions. Conclusions : The measured data for backscatter electron energy, depth dose flatness dose rate and absolute dose indicates that the backscatter electrons are suitable for clinical use.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.233-241
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• 2007

Purpose: We examined the effect of the dual EGFR/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor, GW572016, on EGFR/HER2 receptor phosphorylation, inhibition of downstream signaling and radiosensitization in either an EGFR or HER2 overexpressing human breast cancer xenograft. Materials and Methods: We established SCID mice xenografts from 4 human breast cancer cell line that overexpressed EGFR or HER 2 (SUM 102, SUM 149, SUM 185, SUM 225). Two series of xenografts were established. One series was established for determining inhibition of the EGFR/HER2 receptor and downstream signaling activities by GW572016. The other series was established for determining the radiosensitization effect of GW572016. Inhibition of the receptor and downstream signaling proteins were measured by the use of immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. For determining the in vivo radiosensitization effect of GW572016, we compared tumor growth delay curves in the following four treatment arms: a) control; b) GW572016 alone; c) radiotherapy (RT) alone; d) GW572016 and RT. Results: GW572016 inhibited EGFR, HER2 receptor phosphorylation in SUM 149 and SUM 185 xenografts. In addition, the p44/42 MAPK (ERK 1/2) downstream signaling pathway was inactivated by GW572016 in the SUM 185 xenograft. In the SUM 225 xenograft, we could not observe inhibition of HER2 receptor phosphorylation by GW572016; both p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2) and Akt downstream signal protein phosphorylation were inhibited by GW572016. GW572016 inhibited growth of the tumor xenograft of SUM 149 and SUM 185. The combination of GW572016 and RT enhanced growth inhibition greater than that with GW572016 alone or with RT alone in the SUM 149 xenograft. GW572016 appears to act as an in vivo radiosensitizer. Conclusion: GW572016 inhibited EGFR/HER2 receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling pathway proteins. GW572016 modestly inhibited the growth of tumor in the SUM 185 xenograft and showed radiosensitization in the SUM 149 xenograft. Our results suggest that a better predictor of radiation response would be inhibition of a crucial signaling pathway than inhibition of a receptor.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.513-518
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• 2009

Purpose: Integration of the functional information of myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) and the morphoanatomical information of coronary CT angiography (CTA) may provide useful additional diagnostic information of the spatial relationship between perfusion defects and coronary stenosis. We studied to know the added value of three dimensional cardiac SPECT/CTA fusion imaging (fusion image) by comparing between fusion image and MPS. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients (M:F=26:22, Age: $63.3{\pm}10.4$ years) with a reversible perfusion defect on MPS (adenosine stress/rest SPECT with Tc-99m sestamibi or tetrofosmin) and CTA were included. Fusion images were molded and compared with the findings from the MPS. Invasive coronary angiography served as a reference standard for fusion image and MPS. Results: Total 144 coronary arteries in 48 patients were analyzed; Fusion image yielded the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis per coronary artery 82.5%, 79.3%, 76.7% and 84.6%, respectively. Respective values for the MPS were 68.8%, 70.7%, 62.1% and 76.4%. And fusion image also could detect more multi-vessel disease. Conclusion: Fused three dimensional volume-rendered SPECT/CTA imaging provides intuitive convincing information about hemodynamic relevant lesion and could improved diagnostic accuracy.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.316-321
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• 2005

A total of ninety six pigs ($L{\times}Y{\times}D$, 20.92(2.13kg average initial body weight) were used in a 16-week performance growth assay to determine the effect of supplemental medicinal plane (Artemisia, Acanthopanax and Garlic) on growth performance, IGF-1 of serum and carcass characteristics in finishing pigs. The dietary treatments were included 1) CON (basal diet; Control), 2) MP1 (basal diet added $0.02\%$ of medicinal plant mixtures), 3) MP2 (basal diet added $0.04\%$ of medicinal plant mixtures) and 4) MP3 (basal diet added $0.06\%$ of medicinal plant mixtures). Through entire experimental period, as medicinal plants mixture (MP) increased, there was a decrease (linear, P<0.08) in average daily feed intake and an increase (linear, P<0.02; quadratic, P<0.08) in gain/feed. The backfat thickness tended to decrease in pigs fed MP diet compared to pigs fed CON diet (linear, P<0.09; quadratic, P<0.01). Increasing medicinal plane mixture tended to increase in IGF-1 content in serum (linear, P<0.09). The hunter $a^{*}$ (redness) (linear, P<0.01) and $b^{*}$ (yellowness) (linear, P<0.02) values of longissimus muscle were affected by the dietary MP treatments. The color of longissimus muscle was higher in the dietary MP treatments than that of the muscle in the control diet (linear, P<0.03). In conclusion, the result obtained from this feeding triad suggest that the medicinal plants mixture supplementation below $0.06\%$ in diets for growing-finishing pigs can be improved growth performance, IGF-1 and meat quality.