• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.136-144
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• 1999

Crystal structures of tungsten-bronze type microwave dielectric ceramics, $BaOLa_2O_34TiO_2$ (BLT) and $BaO(Nd_{0.77}Y_{0.23})_4TiO_2$ (B(NY)T), were analysed using the Rietveld method. The most relibale refinement was obtained by refining the cation and anion positions from the x-ray and neutron diffraction data, respectively. The ambiguites inherent in the refined crystal structure by Mateeva et al. were resolved. The $BaORe_2O_34TiO_2$ structure consiste of $3\times2$ perovskite blocks and 4 pentagon-channels. The Ti-O6 octahedrons are distroted and tilted, which, consequently, induces the displacements of Ba and Re ions producing the superlattics (c$\approx$ 7.6 $\AA$). The B(NY)T showed more severely tilted Ti-O6 octahedrons. The relative dielectric constant $\varepsilon_{\gamma}$ and temperature coefficient $\tau_\varepsilon$ are 109.5 and-$180 ppm/^{\circ}C$ in BLT, 76 and $+40 ppm/^{\circ}C$ in B(NY)T, respectively. The small Re ions produced a positive $\tau_\varepsilon$. The relation between $\tau_\varepsilon$ and the octahedron tilting in complex perovskite is discussed for the tungsten bronze type structure.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.33 no.4 s.111
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• pp.129-142
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• 2005

Korea's pet-related society has been fast growing without the base and preparations of socio-cultural animal welfare. For the most part, Korea's current public parks, in particular, have a space structure in which a lot of friction between the general public who are not fond of dogs and dog owners in public places has been happening unavoidably. A lot of countries that are taking a lead role in animal welfare have built dog parte that the general public and dogs can enjoy together. This research starts with the realization that the concept of 'dog park' needs to be introduced in Korea as more and more Koreans own dogs and other pets. This research aims to provide guidance for dog park planning by drawing a dog park planning model and to promote basics for co-existence of dogs and people in a park and set in place animal welfare early and raise the level of awareness. Total 7 types of dog put 56 planning items including dog zone, dog playground, and agility, and a selective matrix by which it is possible to select essential recommendatory optional items by each type of dog park were drawn in this research. Overall there were the highest needs in separated area for dogs in park. A dog park planning model is designed as follows. 1) To select a dog park type that was introduced. 2) To set up facilities applicable in common and planning items desired in advance by each type. 3) To zone dog park areas by the priority order of planning items that were introduced and to position necessary facilities. 4) To plan program that should be were introduced. A dog park was expected to take some positive roles such as providing opportunities to socialize dogs, activating social communities, more effective park management by participating local community members and so on.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.1106-1115
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• 2009

Mori Ramulus has multiple applications in Korean traditional medicine prescription because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing macrophage activities. Yet, no studies on the anti-arthritic activity of EMR (extract of Mori Ramulus) have been reported in vitro and in vivo. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with chronic inflammation characterized by hyperplasia of synovial cells in affected joints, which ultimately leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone. Because collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is similar to RA in pathological symptoms and immune reactions, there have been several reports concerning RA using CIA mouse model. Here, we investigated the effects of Mori Ramulus on RA using CIA mice. The importance of CD4+ Th1 cells in RA progress was previously indicated and studies further showed that Th17 cells play a prime role in severity of disease. Accordingly, the present study was focused on CIA associated with CD4+ Th1 cells and Th1 7 cells. DBA/1OlaHsd mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII). After a second collagen immunization, mice were treated with EMR once a day for 4 weeks. The severity of arthritis within the paw joints was evaluated by histological assessment of cartilage destruction and pannus formation. Immune cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), draining lymph node (DLN) and paw joints, cytokine production and gene expression were assessed from CIA mouse using ELISA, FACS and real-time PCR analysis. Administration of EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and inhibited the production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6 and IL-17 in the serum. The erosion of cartilage was dramatically reduced in mouse knees after treatment with EMR. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EMR significantly suppressed the progression of CIA and that this action was mediated by the decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$, IL-6, IL-17 and collagen II-specific antibody in the serum. EMR suppressed Th17 cells and reduced level of IL-6 via B cell suppression, and thus, the levels of autoantibodies produced from B cells were decreased. Furthermore, EMR suppressed NKT cells which directly stimulate B cells and develop imbalance of Th1/Th2 cell. Oral administration of EMR (100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the progression of CIA, which is comparable to that of methotrexate (MTX, 0.3 mg/kg) used as a positive control. We are currently studying the mechanism underlying the therapeutic role for EMR in CIA mice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7897-7907
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• 2014

Background: There is paucity of studies defining the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in Saudi Arabia despite the surging epidemic of obesity, change in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCDs risk factors among employees at King Faisal University in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia and to determine the possible correlates for clustering of NCDs risk factors among them. Materials and Methods: All employees were invited to participate; the World Health Organization STEPwise approach was used for data collection which consisted of a personal interview to collect socio-demographic characteristics, NCD history, tobacco use, vegetables and fruit consumption, and physical activity (PA), followed by anthropometric measurements namely weight, height and waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, subjects were finally subjected to biochemical tests with determination of fasting plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. Results: Of the surveyed employees (n=691), daily current smokers accounted for 22.7%. 94.9%, 95.1% and 86% consumed < 5 servings per day of vegetables, fruits and both fruits and vegetables respectively, 73% were physically inactive, 64% were overweight or obese, 22.1% had hypertension, and 21.5% were diabetics. Elevated cholesterol levels were found in 36.6%, low high density lipoproteins in 36.8%, and elevated triglycerides in 36.1%. Only 3% had no NCD risk factors, and 57.6% had ${\geq}3$ factors. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender (being male, adjusted odds ratio 'aOR'=1.51), aged ${\geq}50$ years (aOR=3.06), < college education (aOR=1.75), current smokers (aOR=2.37), being obese (aOR=6.96) and having a low PA level (aOR=4.59) were the significant positive predictors for clustering of NCD risk factors. Conclusions: Over fifty percent of the studied university's employees had multiple (${\geq}3$) NCD risk factors. Screening and health promotion initiatives should be launched at least targeting the modifiable factors to avert the excessive risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and several types of cancers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4559-4565
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• 2013

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is involved in DNA synthesis and repair. We here aimed to investigate two common polymorphisms, C677T and A1298C, with genotype and haplotype frequencies in colorectal cancer (CRC) cases among Jordanian. Materials and Methods: 131 CRC cases were studied for MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, compared to 117 controls taken from the general population, employing the PCR-RFLP technique. Results: We found the frequency of the three different genotypes of MTHFR C677T among Jordanians to be CC: 61.7%, CT: 35.2%, and TT 3.1% among CRC cases and 50.9%, 38.8% and 10.3% among controls. Carriers of the TT genotype were less likely to have CRC (OR=0.25; 95%CI: 0.076-0.811; p=0.021) as compared to those with the CC genotype. Genotype analysis of MTHFR A12987C revealed AA: 38.9%, AC: 45%, and CC 16% among CRC cases and 37.4%, 50.4% and 12.2% among controls. There was no significant association between genetic polymorphism at this site and CRC. Haplotype analysis of MTHFR polymorphism at the two loci showed differential distribution of the TA haplotype (677T-1298A) between cases and controls. The TA haplotype was associated with a decreased risk for colorectal cancer (OR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, p=0.03). Conclusions: The genetic polymorphism of MTHFR at 677 and the TA haplotype may modulate the risk for CRC development among the Jordanian population. Our findings may reflect an importance of genes involved in folate metabolism in cancer risk.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3101-3109
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• 2015

Background: Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is involved in amino acid synthesis and DNA function. Two common polymorphisms are reported, C677T and A1298C, that are implicated in a number of human diseases, including cancer. Objective: The association between MTHFR C677T and A1298C genotype and haplotype frequencies in risk for lung cancer (LC) was investigated in the Jordanian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 98 LC cases were studied for MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms, compared to 89 controls taken from the general population, employing the PCR-RFLP technique. Results: The frequency of the genotypes of MTHFR C677T among Jordanians was: CC, 59.6%, CT, 33%; and TT, 7.4% among LC cases and 49.4%, 40.2% and 10.3% among controls. No significant association was detected between genetic polymorphism at this site and LC. At MTHFR A12987C, the genotype distribution was AA, 29.5%; AC, 45.3%, and CC 25.3% among LC cases and 36.8%, 50.6% and 12.6% among controls. Carriers of the CC genotype were more likely to have LC (OR=2.5; 95%CI: 1.04-6; p=0.039) as compared to AA carriers. Smokers and males with the CC genotype were 9.9 and 6.7 times more likely to have LC, respectively ($OR_{smokers}=9.9$; 95%CI: 1.2-84.5, p=0.018; $OR_{men}=6.6$; 95%CI: 1.7-26.2, p=0.005). Haplotype analysis of MTHFR polymorphism at the two loci showed differential distribution of the CC haplotype (677C-1298C) between cases and controls. The CC haplotype was associated with an increased risk for lung cancer (OR=1.6; 95% CI: 1.03-2.4, p=0.037). Conclusions: The genetic polymorphism of MTHFR at 1298 and the CC haplotype (risk is apparently lower with the C allele at position 677) may modulate the risk for LC development among the Jordanian population. Risk associated with the 1298C allele is increased in smokers and in males. The results indicate that a critical gene involved in folate metabolism plays a modifying role in lung cancer risk, at least in the Jordanian population.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.63-85
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was carried out to know the effects of Danggwisayeokgaohsuyusaenggang-tang(hereinafter referred to DST) on arthritis induced by collagen on DBA/1 OlaHsd mice. Methods : For this purpose, DST was orally administered to mouse with arthritis induced by collagen II. Cytotoxicity, high performance liquid chromatograph(HPLC) analysis, arthritis index, value of immunocyte in draining lymph node and paw joint, cytokine were measured in vivo. Results : 1. The cytotoxicity against human fibroblast cells(hFCs) was not measured in any concentration. 2. In HPLC analysis, There are high peak patterns at 8 minute(min), 12 min, 35 min, 45 min. 3. The arthritis index was decreased significantly. 4. The degree of arthritis induced damage of joint of DST group is slight compared with control group in histopathologic observation(Hematoxylin and eosin stain(H&E), Masson's trichrome(M-T) staining). 5. In total cell counts of draining lymph node(DLN) and paw joint, the cells in DLN decreased significantly on DST 200 mg/kg and the cells in paw joint decreased significantly on 200 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. 6. In DLN, $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $CD3^+/CD69^+$, major histocompatibility complex(MHC), class-II/$CD11c^+$ cells decreased significantly on DST 200 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg $CD3^+/CD8^+$ cells decreased significantly on DST 200 200 mg/kg, $CD4^+$, $CD3^+/CD44^+$ cells decreased. 7. In paw joints, $CD4^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells decreased significantly on DST 200 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. 8. In joints, levels of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, cyclo-oxygenase-2(COX-2), NOS-II were decreased on DST 200 mg/kg and DST 50 mg/kg. 9. In analysing of cytokine in CD3/CD28 activated spleen, IL-17 was decreased significantly, IL-4 was increased significantly $INF-{\gamma}$ was decreased on DST 200 mg/kg. 10. In analysing of cytokine in collagen activated spleen, IL-17 were decreased significantly, IL-4 was increased significantly. Conclusions : This results demonstrated that DST suppressed the inflammatory progression of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) mice and supported further studies are required to survey continuously in looking for the effective substance and mechanism in the future.

• Cross-Cultural Studies
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• v.46
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• pp.173-197
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• 2017

The present work aims to analyze the concept of space in $Jes{\acute{u}}s$ $Fern{\acute{a}}ndez$ Santos' work Los bravos. Throughout its pages, one can observe the multidimensional possibilities of space in literature. Throughout time, the concept of literary space has developed and it has been modified constantly in order to meet the needs required for the evolution of narratology. In the past, Aristotle stated that space is the place where characters and physical objects happen to exist. This remained almost unchanged until the Renaissance. In the $19^{th}$ century, space stopped being considered just a mere scene where the action takes place as it was given more importance by romantic authors in their works. Realism intensified the spaces as the interior of the house. In fact, the descriptions of space became more important. In this article, I focus on the various meanings of space in the novel Los bravos. First, I analyze the dichotomy between real and ideal spaces, and continue with the cathartic dimension of the fictional space. Then, I present and analyze the opposition between urban and rustic spaces in this novel, and, finally, I show the confrontation between the spaces of men and women. Through this analysis, we can observe that characters have a space where they feel more comfortable and how, occasionally, they leave their "usual space of action" to reach their "ideal place". Women want to stay in their kitchen to chat with each other, while men prefer to leave the house to visit a cafe with their colleagues. The door and the window divide the border of the worlds of men and women. However, that line is not only dividing the structure of the house, but it is also of a psychological house.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6721-6726
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• 2013

Background: Changes in DNA methylation patterns are believed to be early events in hepatocarcinogenesis. A better understanding of methylation states and how they correlate with disease progression will aid in finding potential strategies for early detection of HCC. The aim of our study was to analyze the methylation frequency of tumor suppressor genes, P14, P15, and P73, and a mismatch repair gene (O6MGMT) in HCV related chronic liver disease and HCC to identify candidate epigenetic biomarkers for HCC prediction. Materials and Methods: 516 Egyptian patients with HCV-related liver disease were recruited from Kasr Alaini multidisciplinary HCC clinic from April 2010 to January 2012. Subjects were divided into 4 different clinically defined groups - HCC group (n=208), liver cirrhosis group (n=108), chronic hepatitis C group (n=100), and control group (n=100) - to analyze the methylation status of the target genes in patient plasma using EpiTect Methyl qPCR Array technology. Methylation was considered to be hypermethylated if >10% and/or intermediately methylated if >60%. Results: In our series, a significant difference in the hypermethylation status of all studied genes was noted within the different stages of chronic liver disease and ultimately HCC. Hypermethylation of the P14 gene was detected in 100/208 (48.1%), 52/108 (48.1%), 16/100 (16%) and 8/100 (8%) among HCC, liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and control groups, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the studied groups (p-value 0.008). We also detected P15 hypermethylation in 92/208 (44.2%), 36/108 (33.3%), 20/100 (20%) and 4/100 (4%), respectively (p-value 0.006). In addition, hypermethylation of P73 was detected in 136/208 (65.4%), 72/108 (66.7%), 32/100 (32%) and 4/100 (4%) (p-value <0.001). Also, we detected O6MGMT hypermethylation in 84/208 (40.4%), 60/108 (55.3%), 20/100 (20%) and 4/100 (4%), respectively (p value <0.001. Conclusions: The epigenetic changes observed in this study indicate that HCC tumors exhibit specific DNA methylation signatures with potential clinical applications in diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, methylation frequency could be used to monitor whether a patient with chronic hepatitis C is likely to progress to liver cirrhosis or even HCC. We can conclude that methylation processes are not just early events in hepatocarcinogenesis but accumulate with progression to cancer.