• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.615-624
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• 2003

Vascular smooth muscle relaxation is modulated by an increase in cGMP subsequent to nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells. The effects of cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors were investigated in phenylephrine-precontracted rat aorta rings by using the specific inhibitors of PDE I, III, IV and V as relaxing agents (calmodulin-activated PDE inhibitors, IBMX and $W_7$, type I; cAMP-specific PDE inhibitors, milrinone, type IV; Ro 20-1724, type III and cGMP-specific PDE inhibitor, zaprinast, type V). All the PDE inhibitors produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in the ring with intact endothelium (+E). Except for milrinone, all the PDE inhibitors-induced relaxations were inhibited by removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$, $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine, $N^G$-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, methylene blue (MS) or nifedipine. The specific PDE I and PDE IV inhibitors both produced endothelium-independent relaxations which were inhibited by MS in -E rings. However, zaprinast had no effect in -E rings. Except for milrinone, sodium nitroprusside (a NO donor)-induced relaxation was significantly augmented by all PDE inhibitors in +E rings. The results suggest that I) the vasorelaxant properties of IBMX, $W_7$, Ro 20-1724 and zaprinast are dependent on endothelium or on interaction with $Ca^{2+}$ regulation, 2) each PDE is differently distributed in vascular tissues (endothelial and smooth muscle cells), 3) the vasodilations of PDE inhibitors are due to the increase of cAMP and cGMP formation through inhibition of cAMP- and cGMP-PDE and 4) the vasodilation action of milrinone does not involve in endothelial-cyclic nucleotide system.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.340-344
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• 1993

Gel type yoghurts from 5 representative manufacturers were collected at market and evaluated their physico-chemical properties during storage at $5^{\circ}C$. The range of pH, acidity, Brix and viscosity of each product were $3.87{\sim}4.19,\;0.97{\sim}1.42%,\;16.2{\sim}22.2\;and\;7,850{\sim}21,000 cp$ respectively. The pH of each product decreased gradually during storage time and reached around pH 4.1 after 16 days with proportional acidity increasing. The viscosity of all test products showed increasing trend by lactic acid bacterial action. Total lactic acid bacteria were $10^8{\sim}10^9\;CFU/ml$ at the beginning storage and increased or decreased depending upon each product. But all product maintained over than $10^8 CFU/ml$ which meets regulatory level after 16 days storage.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1119-1122
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• 2016

Background: Punica granatum (PG) has been demonstrated to possess antitumor effects on various types of cancer cells. In this study, we determined antiproliferative properties of a seed extract of PG (PSE) from Iran in different human cancer cells. Materials and Methods: A methanolic extract of pomegranate seeds was prepared. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were assessed by colorimetric assays. Antioxidant activity was determined with reference to DPPH radical scavenging activity. The cytotoxicity of different doses of PSE (0, 5, 20, 100, 250, 500, $1000{\mu}g/ml$) was evaluated by MTT assays with A549 (lung non small cell carcinoma), MCF-7 (breast adenocarcinoma), SKOV3 (ovarian cancer cells), and PC-3 (prostate adenocarcinoma) cells. Results: Significant (P<0.01) or very significant (P<0.0001) differences were observed in comparison to negative controls at all tested doses ($5-1000{\mu}g/ml$). In all studied cancer cells, PSE reduced the cell viability to values below 23%, even at the lowest doses. In all cases, IC50 was determined at doses below $5{\mu}g/ml$. In this regard, SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells were the most responsive to antiproliferative effects of PSE with a maximum mean growth inhibition of 86.8% vs. 82.8%, 81.4% and 80.0% in MCF-7, PC-3 and A549 cells, respectively. Conclusions: Low doses of PSE exert potent antiproliferative effects on different human cancer cells SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells as most and A549 cells ar least responsive regarding cytotoxic effects. However, the mechanisms of action need to be addressed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.3191-3196
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• 2013

Leaf extracts of Cassia alata L (akapulko), traditionally used for treatment of a variety of diseases, were evaluated for their potential antitumor properties in vitro. MTT assays were used to examine the cytotoxic effects of crude extracts on five human cancer cell lines, namely MCF-7, derived from a breast carcinoma, SK-BR-3, another breast carcinoma, T24 a bladder carcinoma, Col 2, a colorectal carcinoma, and A549, a nonsmall cell lung adenocarcinoma. Hexane extracts showed remarkable cytotoxicity against MCF-7, T24, and Col 2 in a dose-dependent manner. This observation was confirmed by morphological investigation using light microscopy. Further bioassay-directed fractionation of the cytotoxic extract led to the isolation of a TLC-pure isolate labeled as f6l. Isolate f6l was further evaluated using MTT assay and morphological and biochemical investigations, which likewise showed selectivity to MCF-7, T24, and Col 2 cells with $IC_{50}$ values of 16, 17, and 17 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively. Isolate f6l, however, showed no cytotoxicity towards the non-cancer Chinese hamster ovarian cell line (CHO-AA8). Cytochemical investigation using DAPI staining and biochemical investigation using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-a method used to detect DNA fragmentation-together with caspase assay, demonstrated apoptotic cell death. Spectral characterization of isolate f6l revealed that it contained polyunsaturated fatty acid esters. Considering the cytotoxicity profile and its mode of action, f6l might represent a new promising compound with potential for development as an anticancer drug with low or no toxicity to non-cancer cells used in this study.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to determine the electrical properties of the buccal area using facial surface electromyography (sEMG). Methods : This research was conducted on 44 healthy participants irrespective of their sex. Surface electrodes were attached to the midpoints of three imaginary lines connecting ST4 (Dicang) to ST6 (Jiache), ST4 to SI18 (Quanliao), and ST4 to the center point of SI18 and ST6. Then, the participants were trained in the movement that included a comprehensive action of buccal area. While the participants were performing the motion, sEMG values ($E_1$, $E_2$, $E_3$) and the distance change of the three imaginary lines ($D_1$, $D_2$, $D_3$) were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS ver. 22.0. Results : Significant differences were observed in the distance changes ($D_1$>$D_3$, $D_2$>$D_3$) and sEMG values ($E_1$<$E_2$<$E_3$). Moreover, there were positive correlations between $D_1$ and $E_1$, $D_2$ and $E_2$. Conclusion : We suggest that the measurement at ST4 to the center point of ST6 and SI18 with this motion would be adequate to check the electrical characteristics of the buccal area.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2014

In this study, strength development properties of high volume fly ash concrete was evaluated through compressive strength of concrete with reduction of unit water content. And concrete specimens were prepared according to target strength 3 level and variation of unit water content. As a result, the improved fluidity were obtained as a result of the ball bearing action of the spherical, the electrostatic repulsion and the particle size distribution of fly ash particles in case of using more than 50% fly ash. Through this, the mixture of fly ash has been shown to reduce the amount of water required in concrete. Also, the early strength of high volume fly ash concrete with reduction of unit water content was improved more about 66% than general concrete mixture.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.75-83
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• 2014

In order to prevent brittle failure of concrete, steel fiber reinforcement is effective composite material. However ductility of steel fiber reinforced concrete may be limited due to shrinkage caused by large content of cement binder. Chemical prestressing for steel fiber reinforcement in cement matrix can be induced through expansive admixture and this can increase reinforcing effect of steel fiber. In this study, mechanical performances in concrete with CSA (Calcium sulfoaluminate) expansive admixture and steel fiber reinforcement are evaluated. For this work, steel fiber reinforcement of 1 and 2% of volume ratio and CSA expansive admixture of 10% weight ratio of cement are added in concrete. Mechanical and fracture properties are evaluated in concrete with steel fiber reinforcement and CSA expansive admixture. CSA concrete with steel fiber reinforcement shows increase in tensile strength, initial cracking load, and ductility performance like enlarged fracture energy after cracking. With appropriate using expansive admixture and optimum ratio of steel fiber reinforcement, their interactive action can effectively improve brittle behavior in concrete.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.739-750
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• 1997

Treatment of root perforation elicits special considerations due to its blood-contaminated circumstances. It is known that conventional dental restorative materials are all leaking. Calcium sulfate is the material which react with water to become chemically set. This study, therefore, was performed to develop a new compound containing calcium sulfate and to evaluate its physical and biological characteristics. Three materials were used, IRM, calcium sulfate, calcium sulfate-hydroxyapatite compound. The composition of the calcium sulfate-hydroxyapatite compound was basically 50 % of calcium sulfate and 50 % of hydroxyapatite mixed with guajacol. The materials were mixed in conventional way and underwent four physical test procedures, setting time, solubility test, compressive strength, and marginal leakage test. All materials were evaluated under the scanning electron microscope to examine the marginal sealing ability. Animal experiment was also performed to test the materials' tissue response. Twenty-four dog's premolars were tested with either furcation perforations or apical retro-fillings. From the results, we found that calcium sulfate possess the good marginal sealing ability. However, calcium sulfate creates many voids which is caused by crystal thrusting action when it reacts with water. It seemed that the voids caused disintegration of the material which eventually lead to tissue reaction. By compounding calcium sulfate and hydroxyapatite, we were able to obtain the better physical properties but it showed larger marginal gap between the material and the root surface. Within the six weeks observation period, both IRM and calcium sulfate-hydroxyapatite compound showed good tissue responses in animal experiment. It is concluded that calcium sulfate would be the material of choice in root perforation repair, but the physical property needs to be further improved.

• Proceedings of the Korea Concrete Institute Conference
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• 2008.04a
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• pp.925-928
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• 2008

Fiber is an important ingredient in strain-hardening cementitious composite (SHCC), which can control fracture of cementitious composite by bridging action. The properties of reinforcing fiber, as tensile strength, aspect ratio and elastic modulus, have great effect on the fracture behavior of SHCC. To apply SHCC to structural member, SHCC must have economical efficiency and workability as well as own excellent tensile performance. For these purposes, four-point bending and direct tensile tests on SHCC with only hybrid synthetic fibers, total fiber volume fraction, $V_f$, is 1.5%, are carried out. The research emphasis is on the mechanical properties of SHCC made in Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polyethylene (PE) fibers, and how this affects the composite property, and ultimately its strain-hardening performance. Also, effect of hybrid type and water-cement ratio on the behavior of SHCC was evaluated in this paper.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.31-53
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• 2005

In the present structural codes the safety verification is based on a linear analysis of the structure and the satisfaction of ultimate and serviceability limit states, using a semi-probabilistic security format through the consideration of partial safety factors, which affect the action values and the characteristic values of the material properties. In this context, if a non-linear structural analysis is wanted a difficulty arises, because the global safety coefficient, which could be obtained in a straightforward way from the non-linear analysis, is not directly relatable to the different safety coefficient values usually used for the different materials, as is the case for reinforced concrete structures. The work here presented aims to overcome this difficulty by proposing a methodology that generalises the format of safety verification based on partial safety factors, well established in structural codes within the scope of linear analysis, for cases where non-linear analysis is needed. The methodology preserves the principal assumptions made in the codes as well as a reasonable simplicity in its use, including a realistic definition of the material properties and the structural behaviour, and it is based on the evaluation of a global safety coefficient. Some examples are presented aiming to clarify and synthesise all the options that were taken in the application of the proposed methodology, namely how to transpose the force distributions obtained with a non-linear analysis into design force distributions. One of the most important features of the proposed methodology, the ability for comparing the simplified procedures for second order effects evaluation prescribed in the structural codes, is also presented in a simple and systematic way. The potential of the methodology for the development and assessment of alternative and more accurate procedures to those already established in codes of practice, where non-linear effects must be considered, is also indicated.