• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.571-578
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• 2001

To evaluate if the apoptotic fragment assay could be used to estimate the dose prediction after radiation exposure, we examined apoptotic mouse crypt cells per 1,000 cells after whole body $^{60}Co$ $\gamma$-rays and 50MeV ($p{\rightarrow}Be^+$) cyclotron fast neutron irradiation in the range of 0.25 to 1 Gy, respectively. The incidence of apoptotic cell death rose steeply at very low doses up to 1 Gy, and radiation at all doses tigger rapid changes in crypt cells in stem cell region. These data suggest that apoptosis may play an important role in homeostasis of damaged radiosensitive target organ by removing damaged cells. The curve of dose-effect relationship for the data of apoptotic fragments was obtained by the linear-quadratic model $y=0.18+(9.728{\pm}0.887)D+(-4.727{\pm}1.033)D^2$ ($r^2=0.984$) after $\gamma$-rays irradiation, while $y=0.18+(5.125{\pm}0.601)D+(-2.652{\pm}0.7000)D^2$ ($r^2=0.970$) after neutrons in mice. The dose-response curves were linear-quadratic, and a significant dose-response relationship was found between the frequency of apoptotic cell and dose. These data show a trend towards increase of the numbers of apoptotic crypt cells with increasing dose. Both the time course and the radiation dose-response curve for high and low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation modalities were similar. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) value for crypt cells was 2.072. In addition, there were significant peaks on apoptosis induction at 4 and 6h after irradiation, and the morpholoigcal findings of the irradiated groups were typical apoptotic fragments in crypt cells that were hardly observed in the control group. Thus, apoptosis in crypt cells could be a useful in vivo model for studying radio-protective drug sensitivity or screening test, microdosimetric indicator and radiation-induced target organ injury. Since the apoptotic fragment assay is simple, rapid and reproducible in the range of 0.25 to 1 Gy, it will also be a good tool for evaluating the dose response of radiation-induced organ damage in vivo and provide a potentially valuable biodosimetry for the early dose prediction after accidental exposure.

• Journal of Korea Foresty Energy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2000

Wood of Robinia pseudoacacia and bark of Populus alba$\times$P. glandulosa, Fraxinus rhynchophylla and Ulmus davidiana var. japonica were collected and extracted with acetone-water(7:3, v/v) in glass jar to examine whether its bioactive compounds exist. The concentrated extracts were fractionated with hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and water, and then freeze-dried for column chromatography and bioactive tests. The isolated compounds were sakuranetin-5-O-$\beta$-D-glucopyranoside from Populus alba $\times$Pl glandulosa, 4--ethyoxy-(+)-leucorobinetinidin frm R. pseudoacacia and fraxetion from F. rhynchophylla and were characterized by $^1H$ and$^{13}C $ NMR and positive FAB-MS. Decay-resistant activity was expressed by weight loss ratio and hyphae growth inhibition in the wood dust agar medium inoculated wood rot fungi. R. pseudoacacia showed best anti-decaying property in both test and its methanol untreated samples, indicating higher activity than methanol treated samples in hyphae grwoth test. In antioxidative test, $\alpha$-tocopherol, one of natural antioxidants, and BHT, one of synthetic antioxidants, were used as references to cmpare with the antioxidant activities of the extacted fractions. Ethylacetate fraction of F. rhynchophylla bark indicated the hightest activity in this test and all fractions of R. pseudiacacia extractives also indicated higher activities compared with the other fractions. In the isolated compounds, aesculetin isolated from F. rhynchophylla bark showed best activity and followed by robonetinidin from R. pseudoacaica.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2015

Purpose: The long-term administration of antibiotics interferes with bacterial culture in the middle ear fluids (MEFs) of young children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The purpose of this study is to determine whether molecular diagnostics can be used for rapid and direct detection of the bacterial pathogen in culture-negative MEFs. Methods: The specificity and sensitivity of both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to the lytA gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae were comparatively tested and then applied for pneumococcal detection in the clinical MEFs. Results: The detection limit of the PCR assay was approximately $10^4$ colony forming units (CFU), whereas that of LAMP was less than 10 CFU for the detection of S. pneumoniae. Both PCR and LAMP did not amplify nucleic acid at over $10^6$ CFU of H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis, both of which were irrelevant bacterial species. Of 22 culture-negative MEFs from children with OME, LAMP positivity was found in twelve MEFs (54.5%, 12/22), only three of which were PCR-positive (25%, 3/12). Our results showed that the ability of LAMP to detect pneumococcal DNA is over four times higher than that of PCR (P<0.01). Conclusions: As a high-resolution tool able to detect nucleic acid levels equivalent to <10 CFU of S. pneumoniae in MEFs without any cross-reaction with other pathogens, lytA -specific LAMP may be applied for diagnosing pneumococcus infection in OME as well as evaluating the impact of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against OME.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2001

Purpose : We investigated the incidence and predisposing factors of pulmonary embolism in minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS). Methods : Lung perfusion scan using 99mTC-MAA were done on 14 patients who were diagnosed to minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Group h: Five patients who had perfusion defects on scan, Group B; Nine patients who had no perfusion defect on scan. Between the two groups, the differences of platelet number, hematocrits, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, proteinuria were evaluated. Results : Five patients were found to have perfusion defect consistent with pulmonary embolism($35.7\%$). However, there were minimal or no respiratory symptoms and signs. In our laboratory studies, the mean proteinuria on admissions was $676{\pm}31\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, and $313{\pm}28\;mg/m2/hr$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were more severe proteinuria in group with pulmonary embolism(P<0.05). The mean platelet count at early stage of remission after steroid treatment was $746,600{\pm}280,000/mm3$ in the group with pulmonary embolism, $511,890{\pm}90,000/mm3$ in the group without pulmonary embolism. There were significant difference of platelet count between the two groups(P<0.01). In patients with pulmonary embolism, there were more higher and sustained increasement of platelet count. All cases of pulmonary embolism were treated with dipyridamole(5 mg/kg). In 4 cases the perfusion defects were improved in two weeks, however, one case showed persistent perfusion defect after 1 month. Conclusion : Our study suggested that pulmonry embolism might be one of tile major complications in childhood MCNS The occurrence rate was correlated with severity of proteinuria before treatment and sustained increasement of platelet counts in early remission state after steroid treatment. Therefore, the scintigraphic pulmonary perfusion study is mandatory in childhood MCNS, especially in the high risk patients, such as the patients with severe proteinuria and sustained increasement of platelet count. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2001;5 : 100-8)

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.259-267
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• 1990

This study was carried out by investigating the changes of physico-chemical and mechanical properties of Gwanghwal and Poseung series in order to obtain basic information on the soil improvement and management. 1. In Gwanghwal series, the content of salt in soil and ground water before rice transplanting at the 21st year after reclamation were 0.29 and 1.02 percent respectively, and the safty cultivation of paddy rice was possible after 33 years of reclamation in both soil series. 2. Clay contents. atterberg limits and clay activity according to the age of reclaimation showed negative correlation. but sand content and N-value were positive in them. 3. Cone index was lower than $3kg/cm^2$ for the first 5 years after reclaimation in both soil series, and the formation of hard pan were 33rd and 49th year after reclamation in Gwanghwal and Poseung series respectively, and its thickness was more in Poseung than in Gwanghwal series. 4. Shearing resistance decreased with the age of reclaimation in both soil series. and friction resistance increased in Gwanghwal than Poseung siries. 4. Shearig resistance decreased with the age of reclaimation in both soil series, and friction resistance increased in Gwanghwal than Poseung series. 5. Soil pH. available, $SiO_2$, $Mg^2$, $K^+$, $Na^+$ and C. E. C showed negative correlation. with the year cultivated paddy rice. but O. M. ava ilable $P_2O_5Ca^{2+}$ and T-N had positive one in both soil series. Contents of O. M and $Ca^{2+}$ and T-N had positive one in both soil series. Contents of O. M and $Ca^{2+}$ were high in Gwanghwal, but C. E. C. was in Poseung series.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.288-295
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• 2010

Metal exposure experiments using polychaete (Perinereis nuntia) as a bio-indicator of trace metals contamination were conducted to evaluate the bioaccumulation and the biomarkers responses such as metallothionein-like protein (MTLPs) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) which was simultaneously exposed to Cadmium (Cd) and Copper (Cu). Cu and Cd concentrations in polychaete were enhanced with increasing exposure time and their concentrations of aqueous medium. Initial accumulation of Cd was higher than that of Cu. Our results showed that the bioaccumulation of Cu and Cd were prohibited, especially at higher Cu levels, suggesting the different cellular uptake mechanisms when Cu and Cd are co-exist. Net accumulation rate of Cu was declined with exposure time but it did not show any significant change for Cd. Although the highest MTLPs concentration was observed at 6 hr of exposure time, it did not show any significant change related to exposure times and metals concentrations. An increase of GST activity tended to increase as a function of exposure time and metals concentrations. And GST activities in P. nuntia have similar tendency with bioconcentration factors in high concentration of Cu (treatment group IV) at post 24 h of exposure. Our results provide new information of the bioaccumulation and biomarker responses to understand the effects of co-existing contaminants (Cu and Cd) using polychaete. Further studies are required to elucidate the bioaccumulation and biomarkers responses for various contaminants.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 1977

Contents of proline and chloride in halophytes were $80-1700\;{\mu}g/gfw$ and 0.13-0.45 mM/gfw respectively. The content of proline was inversely proportional to that of chloride. Rhizomes of Phargmites communis Trin, a halophyte, were grown in non-saline medium and then taken to saline treatment for one or two weeks. Growth of P. communis was inhibited when salinized with 0.25M NaCl. Total nitrogen decreased and alcohol soluble nitrogen and proline increased when growth was retarded. The quantity of Fraction 1 protein decreased at 0.25M NaCl treatment. The accumulation of proline at high concentration in P. communis suggested that it might play a role in osmotic adjustment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.84 no.2
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• pp.266-274
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• 1995

Vegetational data from 62 quadrats of Pinus densiflora for. erecta and Chunyang-type of Pines densiflora forests were analyzed by using two multivariate methods : TWo-way INdicator Species ANalysis(TWINSPAN) for classification and Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis(DCCA) for ordination. The dominant tree species of Pinus densiflora for. erecta communities were found in the order of Pines densiflora for. erecta, Quercus mongolica, Quercus variabilis, Lindera obtusiloba, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, and Rhus trichocapa. The dominant tree species of Chunyang -type of Pinus densiflora communities were Quercue variabilis. Quercue mongolica, Fraxiraus sieboldiana, Styrax obassia, and Quercus serrata. The forest vegetation of Pinus densiflora was classified into Quercars variabilis-Styrax obassia. Quercus variabilis Quercus variabilis-Quercus mongolica, and Quercue mongolica communities according to TWINSPAN. Pinus densiflora for. erecta community was distributed in the good nutrition area of total nitrogen. organic matter, $K^+$, $Ca^{{+}+}$, $Mg^{{+}+}$, and canon exchange capacity, while Chunyang type of Pinus densiflora community in the good nutrition area of $P_2O_5$. The relationship between the distribution of dominant communities for forest vegetation and soil condition in Pinus densiflora communities was investigated by analysing the elevation and soil nutrition gradients. Quercus mongolica community was distributed in the high elevation and good nutrition area of total nitrogen, organic matter, and ration exchange capacity, while Quercus variabilis community was distributed in the low elevation and poor nutrition area of total nitrogen, organic matter, and ration exchange capacity. Quercus variabilis Styrax obassia and Quercus variabilis-Quercus mongolica community was distributed en the medium elevation and medium nutrition area.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 1996

This experiment was conducted to find out an effective propagation method for reed(Phragmites communis Trin.), ensuring a continuous herbicide screening for reed control. Reed propagation methods were compared under a greenhouse condition using tour different materials; seeds, rhizomes, depressed stolons of P. japonica Steud., and stem cuttings. Although reed seeds were easy to harvest and store, their germination rate(${\leq}$5%) was very low and seedling growth from the seeds was slow. Rhizomes were difficult to harvest and their harvest time was limited from November to March. Furthermore, reed propagation using rhizomes had problems of a relatively low germination rate(46%), no uniformity in size and shape, individual differences at the early stage of growth, and difficulties in material storage. Rate of reed growth from rhizomes was higher in commercial soil mix(Boo Nong soil) than in sand or in sand+upland soil(1:1). Depressed stolons of P. japonica had a moderate germination rate(65%) and were relatively easy to harvest. However, their harvest time was limited only from August to September. Propagation method using stem cuttings had several advantages over the above methods using other materials. Reed plants could uniformly be propagated from the stem cuttings with a relatively high germination rate(75%). Stem cuttings of central nodes showed a higher germination rate compared to those of upper or lower nodes. Stem cuttings from the field should be used immediately after harvest, since their germination rate decreased rapidly when they were stored under a wet- or a dry-refrigerated condition. Furthermore, the germination of stem cuttings tended to decrease when they were collected from the field after August. This indicates that there is a limitation of harvest time for stem cuttings. However, a year-round propagation of reed using stem cuttings is possible if parent plants are grown in a greenhouse, and thus herbicide screening for reed control could continuously be performed.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.468-477
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• 2009

Purpose: Hydrodynamic-based procedure is a simple and effective gene delivery method to lead a high gene expression in liver tissue. Non-invasive imaging reporter gene system has been used widely with herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) and its various substrates. In the present study, we investigated to image the expression of HSV1-tk gene with 5-(2-iodovinyD-2'-deoxyuridine (IVDU) in mouse liver by the hydrodynamicbased procedure. Materials and Methods: HSV1-tk or enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) encoded plasmid DNA was transferred into the mouse liver by hydrodynaminc injection. At 24 h post-injection, RT-PCR, biodistribution, fluorescence imaging, nuclear imaging and digital wholebody autoradiography (DWBA) were performed to confirm transferred gene expression. Results: In RT-PCR assay using mRNA from the mouse liver, specific bands of HSV1-tk and EGFP gene were observed in HSV1-tk and EGFP expressing plasmid injected mouse, respectively. Higher uptake of radiolabeled IVDU was exhibited in liver of HSV1-tk gene transferred mouse by biodistribution study. In fluorescence imaging, the liver showed specific fluorescence signal in EGFP gene transferred mouse. Gamma-camera image and DWBA results showed that radiolabeled IVDU was accumulated in the liver of HSV1-tk gene transferred mouse. Conclusion: In this study, hydrodynamic-based procedure was effective in liver-specific gene delivery and it could be quantified with molecular imaging methods. Therefore, co-expression of HSV1-tk reporter gene and target gene by hydrodynamic-based procedure is expected to be a useful method for the evaluation of the target gene expression level with radiolabeled IVDU.