• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.426-433
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• 2017

This paper describes the development process, the innovative techniques used and insights gained from the latest integrated, full scope, multistate Level 2 PSA analysis conducted at the Leibstadt Nuclear Power Plant (KKL), Switzerland. KKL is a modern single-unit General Electric Boiling Water Reactor (BWR/6) with Mark III Containment, and a power output of $3600MW_{th}/1200MW_e$, the highest among the five operating reactors in Switzerland. A Level 2 Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) analyses accident phenomena in nuclear power plants, identifies ways in which radioactive releases from plants can occur and estimates release pathways, magnitude and frequency. This paper attempts to give an overview of the advanced modeling techniques that have been developed and implemented for the recent KKL Level 2 PSA update, with the aim of systematizing the analysis and modeling processes, as well as complying with the relatively prescriptive Swiss requirements for PSA. The analysis provides significant insights into the absolute and relative importances of risk contributors and accident prevention and mitigation measures. Thanks to several newly developed techniques and an integrated approach, the KKL Level 2 PSA report exhibits a high degree of reviewability and maintainability, and transparently highlights the most important risk contributors to Large Early Release Frequency (LERF) with respect to initiating events, components, operator actions or seismic component failure probabilities (fragilities).

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.47-50
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• 2008

This study analyzed the effect of increasing the number of times using aluminum form to the surface quality of concrete through small sized test, and the result was summarized as following. At the early stage, there was no remarkable change between aluminum and coated plywood form, and the surface quality of concrete both forms slightly declined corresponding with increasing the number of times using.As void on the surface corresponding to the number of times, the voids ranged 0.1~1mm were increased corresponding to increasing the number of times using forms, and the other range voids were also increased according to increasing the number of times using forms. It was confirmed that the surface of concrete was damaged gradually. For comparison with aluminum and coated plywood form though this experimental results, there might be no difference, if release agent was used properly.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.657-663
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• 1998

The enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine in mammalian tissues is known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) (EC.1.14.13.39). In the present study, the role of NO in the regulation of exocrine secretion was investigated in rat pancreatic acinar cells. Treatment of rat pancreatic acinar cells with cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-OP) resulted in an increase in the arginine conversion to citrulline, the amount of $NO_X$, the release of amylase, and the level of CGMP. Especially, CCK-OP-stimulated increase of arginine to citrulline transformation, the amount of $NO_X$, and CGMP level were completely counteracted by the inhibitor of NOS, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (MMA), by contrast, that of amylase release was partially reduced. Furthermore, MMA-induced decrease of NOS activity and amylase release showed dose-dependent pattern. The data on the time course of CCK-OP-induced citrulline formation and CGMP rise indicate that NOS and guanylate cyclase were activated by treatment of CCK-OP. However, the mechanism of agonist-stimulated guanylate cyclase activation in acinar cells remains unknown. Therefore, activation of NOS is one of the early events in receptor-mediated cascade of reactions in pancreatic acinar cells and NO, not completely, but partially mediate pancreatic enzyme exocrine secretion.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.406-420
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• 2012

Objectives : Scutellaria barbata has been widely used in oriental medicine used for treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, to investigate the protective effect of Scutellaria barbata on type I allergic response, we determined whether Scutellaria barbata inhibits early or late allergic responses. Methods : To assess the effect of Scutellaria barbata Pharmacopuncture Extract(SB) in RBL-2H3 cells, we investigated the levels of the markers of degranulation such as ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine, inflammatory mediator such as IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, PGE2 and cysLT, and mRNA expression of cytokines and enzymes. In addition, we determined the levels of intracellular ROS by DCFH-DA assay and the free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method. Results : We found that SB suppressed the release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase and histamine and the production of IL-4, TNF-${\alpha}$, PGE2 and cysLT in RBL-2H3 by the antigen stimulation. SB also significantly inhibited the enzyme mRNA expressions, such as HDC2, COX-1, COX-2, 5-LOX and iNOS2, along with reduced cytokine mRNA expressions, such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-${\alpha}$ and GM-CSF in RBL-2H3. In addition, SB suppressed the levels of intracellular ROS. Conclusions : Our results indicate that SB protects against type I allergic response and exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the inhibition of degranulation, inflammatory mediator release and mRNA expression of cytokines and enzymes.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.564-570
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• 2015

Peptidoglycan (PG), the gram positive bacterial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP), is detected in a high proportion in macrophage-rich atheromatous regions, and expression of chemokine CXCL8, which triggers monocyte arrest on early atherosclerotic endothelium, is elevated in monocytes/ macrophages in human atherosclerotic lesion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PG induced CXCL8 expression in the cell type and to determine cellular signaling pathways involved in that process. Exposure of THP-1 cell, human monocyte/macrophage cell line, to PG not only enhanced CXCL8 release but also profoundly induced il8 gene transcription. PG-induced release of CXCL8 and induction of il8 gene transcription were blocked by OxPAPC, an inhibitor of TLR-2/4 and TLR4, but not by polymyxin B, an inhibitor of LPS. PG-mediated CXCL8 release was significantly attenuated by inhibitors of PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways. PKC inhibitors, MAPK inhibitors, and ROS quenchers also significantly attenuated expression of CXCL8. The present study proposes that PG contributes to inflammatory reaction and progression of atherosclerosis by inducing CXCL8 expression in monocytes/macrophages, and that TLR-2, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, PKC, ROS, and MAPK are actively involved in the process.

• BMB Reports
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.573-577
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• 2001

The mammalian heart is known to undergo significant mechanical changes during fetal and neonatal development. The objective of this study was to define the ontogeny of the ryanodine receptor/$Ca^{2+}$ release channel and SERCA that play the major roles in excitation-contraction coupling. Whole ventricular homogenates of fetal (F) (19 and 22 days in gestation), postnatal (N) (1 and 7 days postnatal), and adult (A) (5 weeks postnatal) Sprague-Dawley rat hearts were used to study [$^3H$]ryanodine binding and oxalate-supported $^{45}Ca^{2+}$ uptake. For the ryanodine receptor, the major findings were: (1) The ryanodine receptor density, as determined by maximal [$^3H$]ryanodine binding ($B_{max}$), increased 3 fold between the F22 and A periods ($0.26{\pm}0.1$ vs. $0.73{\pm}0.07$ pmoles/mg protein, p<0.01), whereas there was no significant change during the F22 and N1 development phases ($0.26{\pm}0.1$ vs. $0.34{\pm}0.01$). (2) Affinity of the ryanodine receptor to ryanodine did not significantly change, as suggested by the lack of change in the $K_d$ during the development and maturation. For SERCA, changes started early with an increased rate of $Ca^{2+}$ uptake in the fetal periods (F19: $8.1{\pm}1.1$ vs. F22: $19.3{\pm}2.2$ nmoles/g protein/min; p<0.05) and peaked by 7 days (N7) of the postnatal age ($34.9{\pm}2.1$). Thus, we conclude that the quantitative changes occur in the ryanodine receptor during myocardial development. Also, the maturation of the $Ca^{2+}$ uptake appears to start earlier than that of the $Ca^{2+}$ release.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.290-297
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• 2011

The phenology of Campylaephora hypnaeoides J. Agardh and optimal conditions for carpospore release, growth and reproduction were examined in the field and in the laboratory from January to December 2007. In the field population of C. hypnaeoides, approximately 50% of the plants were vegetative during the study period. Additionally, the percentages of carposporophytes and tetrasporophytes were maximal in April (37%) and June (57%), respectively. Maximum growth in plant length, dry weight, and hook number coincided with the tetrasporophyte reproductive peak in the field. In culture, carpospore release, sporeling growth and reproduction were affected by environmental factors such as daylength, temperature, and salinity. The liberation of carpospores was maximum under continuous light and at a combination of $15^{\circ}C$ and $10\;{\mu}mol$ photons $m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$. Maximum growth of tetrasporophyte sporelings occurred at a combination of $20\;{\mu}mol$ photons $m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ of constant light and $25^{\circ}C$. However, the growth of gametophyte sporelings was maximal under $40\;{\mu}mol$ photons $m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ of constant light and in a combination of $20^{\circ}C$ and 35 psu. The tetrasporophyte sporelings were grew faster than gametophytes, indicating that gametophyte- and tetrasporophyte-sporelings have different physiological responses to irradiance and temperature. Tetrasporangial branches and cystocarps of C. hypnaeoides were produced from carpospores and tetraspores within 1 month, and they were stimulated at high temperature and irradiance levels. In conclusion, C. hypnaeoides should be seeded using carpospores during early winter (November-December) because cystocarps are easily identified by fishermen, and tetrasporophytes grow faster than gametophytes.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.267-275
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• 1999

Bovine somatotropin is known to improve the growth rate and lactation in cattle. In this study, we examined the concentration-time profiles of a sustained-release formulation of bovine somatotropin (BST) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in plasma and milk in cows. In addition, the possible effect of co-administrated vitamin ADE complex on the pharmacokinetic parameters of BST and IGF-1 was evaluated. 1. Plasma BST and IGF-1 levels reached the peak at 12~24 and 48 hours after the administration of BST, and plasma half-lives ranged 100 to 137 and 201 to 310 hours, respectively. To 8th day after administration, BST and IGF-1 levels in milk were not significantly different from the control levels. 2. Plasma BST levels showed cyclic pattern with high concentrations in early stage after each injection and following gradual declining during repeated administrations at 2 week intervals, while plasma IGF-1 levels in treated animals did not show such a cyclic pattern, but remained higher than the control levels. 3. Milk BST and IGF-1 levels during repeated treatments were not significantly different from the control levels. 4. Co-administration of vitamin ADE complex yielded slightly increased AUC of plasma BST for high dose group, but such effect was not evident in the IGF-1 levels. Co-administration of ADE complex tended to increase plasma BST levels and decrease the elimination half-life of IGF-1. 5. These results suggest that the BST formulation tested is one of the ideal sustained-release formulation for long term use in dairy industry. As for the co-administration of vitamin ADE complex, the benefit of co-administration with BST is needed to be further evaluated.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.359-368
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• 2019

In this study, we carried out extensive in vitro studies on various concentrations of tioxolone along with benzoxonium chloride and their niosomal forms against Leishmania tropica. Niosomes were prepared by the hydration method and were evaluated for morphology, size, release study, and encapsulation efficiency. This study measured leishmanicidal activity against promastigote and amastigote, apoptosis and gene expression levels of free solution and niosomal-encapsulated tioxolone along with benzoxonium chloride. Span/Tween 60 niosome had good physical stability and high encapsulation efficiency (more than 97%). The release profile of the entrapped compound showed that a gradual release rate. The combination of niosomal forms on promastigote and amastigote were more effective than glucantime. Also, the niosomal form of this compound was significantly less toxic than glucantime ($P{\leq}0.05$). The flowcytometric analysis on niosomal form of drugs showed that higher number of early apoptotic event as the principal mode of action (89.13% in $200{\mu}g/ml$). Also, the niosomal compound increased the expression level of IL-12 and metacaspase genes and decreased the expression level of the IL-10 gene, which further confirming the immunomodulatory role as the mechanism of action. We observed the synergistic effects of these 2 drugs that induced the apoptotic pathways and also up regulation of an immunomodulatory role against as the main mode of action. Also, niosomal form of this combination was safe and demonstrated strong anti-leishmaniasis effects highlights further therapeutic approaches against anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in future planning.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.407-412
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• 2001

This study was conducted to find out the effect of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, such as latex coated urea(LCU) and Meister10(MS10) on direct seeded rice in dry soil(DS). Junghwabyeo, and early maturity rice cultivar was grown on the plots which were treated with None-nitrogen. urea. LCU and MS10 plot. Growth characteristic, yield and yield components were investigated. Nitrogen uptake-efficiency and physico-chemical properties of soil before-after experiment were analyzed. Plant height and number of tillers $m^{-2}$ in LCU and MS10 plot at early grow stages were higher than those in urea plot. Plant height and number of tillers $m^{-2}$ grown on the plot of Ms10 plot were higher than those of LCU plot. The number of seedling $m^{-2}$ were no significant differences among None-N, urea, and MS10 plot in DS. Heading date and leaf color were higher with Urea than LCU and MS10 plot. Culm length in LCU and MS10 plot were longer compared with urea plot, but panicle length was similar among with Urea, LCU and MS10 plot. Number of panicles $m^{-2}$ was greater in order of MS10 > LCU > Urea plot. Yield were greater in order of MS10 > LCU > Urea plot. Nitrogen uptake and nitrogen efficiency were greater in order of MS10 > LCU > urea plot. After the experiment, total content of nitrogen in soil was not changed at all treatments, but pH, P and Si of soil were lower than those of before experiment at all treatments.