• Journal of the Korea Institute of Military Science and Technology
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• 제21권6호
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• pp.744-751
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• 2018

In this paper, we propose a fast detection and identification algorithm of chemical gases with a passive FTIR spectrometer. We use a pre-detection algorithm that can reduce the spatial region effectively for gas detection and the candidates of the target. It is possible to remove background spectra effectively from measured spectra with the least-squares method. The CC(Correlation Coefficients) and the SNR(Signal-to-Noise Ratio) methods are used for the detection of target gases. The proposed pre-detection algorithm allows the total process of chemical gas detection to be performed with lower complexity compared with the conventional algorithms. This paper can help developing real-time chemical detection instruments and various applications of FTIR spectrometers.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• 제63권4호
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• pp.457-462
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• 2020

Pancreatic cancer is among the most difficult-to-treat tumors. More than half of patients with this cancer have very few symptoms at the early stages, allowing the development of distant metastases and resistance to cancer treatment. In this study, we found that Juniperus chinensis extract (JCX) decreased the cell viability and migration activity of PANC-1 and SNU-213 pancreatic cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. JCX increased caspase-3 activation and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-acetylcysteine treatment blocked JCX-induced ROS generation and the negative effects on pancreatic cancer cell viability. In addition, JCX down-regulated the levels of phospho-focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK). Together, these results indicate that JCX induces apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cell lines through ROS production, downregulating FAK/ERK signaling and activating caspase-3. We propose that JCX-derived compounds represent candidates for the development of alternative medicines for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권5호
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• pp.343-352
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• 2022

The advent of the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) has shown great potential as a leading method for analyzing the genome-wide profiling of chromatin accessibility. A comprehensive reference to the ATAC-seq dataset for disease progression is important for understanding the regulatory specificity caused by genetic or epigenetic changes. In this study, we present a genome-wide chromatin accessibility profile of 44 liver samples spanning the full histological spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We analyzed the ATAC-seq signal enrichment, fragment size distribution, and correlation coefficients according to the histological severity of NAFLD (healthy control vs steatosis vs fibrotic nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), demonstrating the high quality of the dataset. Consequently, 112,303 merged regions (genomic regions containing one or multiple overlapping peak regions) were identified. Additionally, we found differentially accessible regions (DARs) and performed transcription factor binding motif enrichment analysis and de novo motif analysis to determine new biomarker candidates. These data revealed the gene-regulatory interactions and noncoding factors that can affect NAFLD progression. In summary, our study provides a valuable resource for the human epigenome by applying an advanced approach to facilitate diagnosis and treatment by understanding the non-coding genome of NAFLD.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.35.2-35.2
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• 2021

Blue straggler stars (BSs) are "rejuvenated" main sequence stars first recognized by Allan Sandage from his observation of the prominent northern globular cluster M3 in the year of 1953. BSs are now known to be present in diverse stellar environments including open clusters, globular clusters, dwarf galaxies, and even the field populations of the Milky Way. This makes them a very useful tool in a wide range of astrophysical applications: Particularly BSs are considered to have a crucial role in the evolution of stellar clusters because they affect on the dynamics, the binary population, and the history of the stellar evolution of the cluster they belong to. Here we report a part of the preliminary results from our ongoing research on the BSs in the two metal-poor globular clusters (GCs) in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), Hodge 11 and NGC1466. Using the high precision multi-band images obtained with the Advanced Camera for Survey (ACS) onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), we extract time-series photometry to search for the signal of periodic variations in the luminosity of the BSs. Our preliminary results confirm that several BSs are intrinsic "short period (0.05 < P < 0.25 days)" variable stars with either pulsating or eclipsing types. We will discuss our investigation on the properties of those variable BS candidates in the context of the formation channels of these exotic main sequence stars, and their roles in the dynamical evolution of the host star clusters.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.29-34
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• 2020

Background and Objectives: Bilateral microphones with contralateral routing of signal (BiCROS) hearing aid is an option for hearing rehabilitation in individuals with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL). The clinical factors influencing the trial and purchase of BiCROS were investigated. Subjects and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 78 patients with ASNHL who were recommended to use BiCROS and analyzed the demographic and audiological factors influencing the trial and purchase of BiCROS. Results: Among the 78 patients, 52 (66.7%) availed of the free BiCROS trial and 21 (26.9%) purchased BiCROS. The mean pure tone audiometry (PTA) air conduction (AC) threshold of the better- and worse-hearing ears were 44.2±12.8 dB and 90.7±22.5 dB HL, respectively. The decision for trial or purchase of BiCROS was not influenced by age, sex, duration of hearing loss of the worse-hearing ear, or PTA AC threshold or speech discrimination score of both ears. The first and third quartiles of the PTA AC thresholds for the better-hearing ear of BiCROS buyers were 38.75 dB and 53.75 dB HL, respectively. The counterpart values for the worse-hearing ear were 72.50 dB and 118.75 dB HL, respectively. Conclusions: The clinical factors analyzed in this study were found to be irrelevant to the trial and purchase of BiCROS in patients with ASNHL. Nevertheless, the distribution range of the auditory thresholds of the subjects using BiCROS can be a useful basis for the counseling of patients with ASNHL and selection of candidates for BiCROS use.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권7호
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• pp.812-828
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• 2020

Objective: To provide an evidence-based guide for the MRI interpretation of complete tumor response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer using visual assessment on T2-weighted imaging (T2) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: PubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched on November 28, 2019 to identify articles on the following issues: 1) sensitivity and specificity of T2 or DWI for diagnosing pathologic complete response (pCR) and the criteria for MRI diagnosis; 2) MRI alone vs. MRI combined with other test(s) in sensitivity and specificity for pCR; and 3) tests to select patients for the watch-and-wait management. Eligible articles were selected according to meticulous criteria and were synthesized. Results: Of 1615 article candidates, 55 eligible articles (for all three issues combined) were identified. Combined T2 and DWI performed better than T2 alone, with a meta-analytic summary sensitivity of 0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.77; I² = 80.60) and summary specificity of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.80-0.94; I² = 92.61) for diagnosing pCR. The criteria for the complete response on T2 in most studies had the commonality of remarkable tumor decrease to the absence of mass-like or nodular intermediate signal, although somewhat varied, as follows: (near) normalization of the wall; regular, thin, hypointense scar in the luminal side with (near) normal-appearance or homogeneous intermediate signal in the underlying wall; and hypointense thickening of the wall. The criteria on DWI were the absence of a hyperintense signal at high b-value (≥ 800 sec/mm²) in most studies. The specific algorithm to combine T2 and DWI was obscure in half of the studies. MRI combined with endoscopy was the most utilized means to select patients for the watch-and-wait management despite a lack of strong evidence to guide and support a multi-test approach. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide an evidence-based practical guide for MRI assessment of complete tumor response after CRT for rectal cancer.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 한국응용약물학회 1994년도 춘계학술대회 and 제3회 신약개발 연구발표회
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• pp.186-186
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• 1994

Many agonists have been known to activate the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids through the bindings with corresponding receptors on the various cells. Diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate(IP3) generated by the action of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) are well known second messengers for the activation of protein kinase C and the mobilization of Ca2+ in many cells. Three types of PI-PLC isozyme (${\alpha}$,${\gamma}$, and $\delta$) and several subtrpes for each type have been identified from mammalian sources by purification of enzymes and cloning of their cDNAs. Each type PI-PLC isozyme is coupled to different receptors and mediators, for example, ${\beta}$-types are coupled to the seven-transmembrane-receptors via Gq family of G-proteins and ${\beta}$-types directly to the receptor tyrosine kinases. Specific modulators for the signaling pathway through each type of PI-PLC should be very useful as potential potential candidates for lend substances in developing novel drugs. To establish the sensitive and convenient screening systems for searching modulators on PI-PLC mediated signaling, two kinds of approaches have been tried. (1) Establishment of in vitro assay condition for each type of PI-PLC isozyme: Overexpression by using vaccinia virus and purification of each isozyme was carried out for the preparation of large amounts of enaymes. Optimum and sensitive assay condition for the measurements of PI-ELC activities were established. (2) Development of the cell lines in which each type of PI-PLC is permanently overexpressed: A fibroblast cell line (3T3${\gamma}$1-7) in which PI-PLC-${\gamma}$1 was overexpressed by using pZip-neo expression vector was developed and used for the measurement of PDGF-induced IP3 formation. The responses for IP3 formed in 3T3${\gamma}$1-7 cells by the treatment of PDGF is 8 times more sensitive than those in control cells. 3T3${\gamma}$l-7 cell is useful for the screening of the inhibitors on the PDGF-induced cellular responses from large number of samples in a small volume(50 ${\mu}$l) and short time(5-15 min). Using these systems, we screened hundreds of herb-extracts for the inhibition of PDGF-induced IP3 formation and selected several extracts that showed the inhibition as the candidates for isolation and characterization of active substances. The determination of the acting point of selected extracts or fractions in the PDGF signaling pathway has been analyzing.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.313-324
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• 2017

A lava tube is one of the hot issues of lunar science because it is regarded as a good candidate place for setting a lunar base. Recently much effort has been made to find lunar lava tubes. However, preceding works mainly made use of high-resolution lunar surface image data in conjunction with geomorphological consideration to present some lava tube candidates. Yet, those candidates stay no more than indirect indications. We propose a new data analysis technique of High Frequency (HF) radar observation data to find lunar lava tubes of which location depth is smaller than the range resolution of the radar pulse. Such shallow target echoes cannot be resolved from surface echoes, which presents the different location of the lunar surface compared to that of real lunar surface. The proposed technique instead finds the surface range (distance from LRS to the reflector of the most intense signal) anomaly which occurs as a result of the low range resolution of LRS pulse. We applied this technique to the surface range of Kaguya Lunar Radar Sounder (LRS) data. The surface range was deduced to make LRS surface elevation which was compared with the average surface elevation of Kaguya Digital Terrain Model (DTM). An anomalous discrepancy of the surface elevation was found in the Rima Galilaei area, which suggests the existence of a shallow lava tube.

• Current Photovoltaic Research
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.21-24
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• 2016

Chalcopyrite based (CIGS) thin films have considered to be a promising candidates for industrial applications. The growth of quality CIGS thin films without secondary phases is very important for further efficiency improvements. But, the identification of complex secondary phases present in the entire film is crucial issue due to the lack of powerful characterization tools. Even though X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and normal Raman spectroscopy provide the information about the secondary phases, they provide insufficient information because of their resolution problem and complexity in analyzation. Among the above tools, a normal Raman spectroscopy is better for analysis of secondary phases. However, Raman signal provide the information in 300 nm depth of film even the thickness of film is > $1{\mu}m$. For this reason, the information from Raman spectroscopy can't represent the properties of whole film. In this regard, the authors introduce a new way for identification of secondary phases in CIGS film using depth Raman analysis. The CIGS thin films were prepared using DC-sputtering followed by selenization process in 10 min time under $1{\times}10^{-3}torr$ pressure. As-prepared films were polished using a dimple grinder which expanded the $2{\mu}m$ thick films into about 1mm that is more than enough to resolve the depth distribution. Raman analysis indicated that the CIGS film showed different secondary phases such as, $CuIn_3Se_5$, $CuInSe_2$, InSe and CuSe, presented in different depths of the film whereas XPS gave complex information about the phases. Therefore, the present work emphasized that the Raman depth profile tool is more efficient for identification of secondary phases in CIGS thin film.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.339-343
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• 2000

When plants are exposed to subfreezing temperatures ice crystals are forming within extracelluar space in leaves. The growth of ice crystal is closely related to the degree of freezing injury. It was shown that an antifreeze protein binds to an ice nucleator through hydrogen bonds to prevent growth of ice crystal and also reduces freezing damage. The antifreeze proteins in plants are similar to PR proteins but only the PR proteins induced upon cold acclimation were shown to have dual functions in antifreezing as well as antifungal activities. Three of the genes encoded for CLP, GLP, and TLP were isolated from barley and Kentucky bluegrass based on amino acid sequence revealed after purification and low temperature-inducibility as shown in analysis of the protein. The deduced amino acid of the genes cloned showed a signal for secretion into extracellular space where the antifreezing activity sup-posed to work. The western analysis using the antisera raised against the antifreeze proteins showed a positive correlation between the amount of the protein and the level of freeze tolerance among different cultivars of barely. Besides it was revealed that TLP is responsible for a freeze tolerance induced by a treatment of trinexapac ethyl in Kentucky bluegrass. Analysis of an overwintering wild rice, Oryza rufipogon also showed that an acquisition of freeze tolerance relied on accumulation of the protein similar to CLP. The more direct evidence for the role of CLP in freeze tolerance was made with the analysis of the transgenic tobacco showing extracellular accumulation of CLP and enhanced freeze tolerance measured by amount of ion leakage and rate of photosynthetic electron transport upon freezing. These antifreeze proteins genes will be good candidates for transformation into crops such as lettuce and strawberry to develop into the new crops capable of freeze-storage and such as rose and grape to enhance a freeze tolerance for a safe survival during winter.