• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2006

Biomarkers identify various stages and interactions on the pathway from exposure to disease. The three categories of biomarkers are those measuring susceptibility, exposure and effect. Susceptibility biomarkers are identifiable genetic variations affecting absorption, metabolism or response to environmental agents. Biomarkers of exposure indicate the amount of a foreign compound that is absorbed into the body. Biological measurements performed on human tissues are vastly expanding the capabilities of classical epidemiology, which has relied primarily on estimates of human exposure derived form chemical levels in the air, water, and other exposure routes. Biomarkers of exposure indicate the amount of a foreign compound that is absorbed into the body. Biological measurements performed on human tissues are vastly expanding the capabilities of classical epidemiology, which has relied primarily on estimates of human exposure derived form chemical levels in the air, water, and other exposure routes. The biomarker response is typical of chemical pollution by specific classes of compound, such as (i) heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, lead, zinc), responsible for the induction of metallothionein synthesis, and (ii) organochlorinated pollutants (PCBs, dioxins, DDT congeners) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which induce the mixed function oxygenase (MFO) involved in their bio transformations and elimination. Currently genomic researches are developed in human cDNA clone subarrays oriented toward the expression of genes involved in responses to xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, cell cycle components, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, estrogen-responsive genes, oxidative stress genes, and genes known to be involved in apoptotic cell death. Several research laboratories in Korea for kicking off these Environmental Genomics were summarized.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.127-142
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• 2016

Aerodynamic effects, such as drag force and flow-induced vibration (FIV), on civil engineering structures can be minimized by optimally modifying the structure shape. This work investigates the turbulent wake of a square prism with its faces modified into a sinusoidal wave along the spanwise direction using three-dimensional large eddy simulation (LES) and particle image velocimetry (PIV) techniques at Reynolds number $Re_{Dm}$ = 16,500-22,000, based on the nominal width ($D_m$) of the prism and free-stream velocity ($U_{\infty}$). Two arrangements are considered: (i) the top and bottom faces of the prism are shaped into the sinusoidal waves (termed as WSP-A), and (ii) the front and rear faces are modified into the sinusoidal waves (WSP-B). The sinusoidal waves have a wavelength of $6D_m$ and an amplitude of $0.15D_m$. It has been found that the wavy faces lead to more three-dimensional free shear layers in the near wake than the flat faces (smooth square prism). As a result, the roll-up of shear layers is postponed. Furthermore, the near-wake vortical structures exhibit dominant periodic variations along the spanwise direction; the minimum (i.e., saddle) and maximum (i.e., node) cross-sections of the modified prisms have narrow and wide wakes, respectively. The wake recirculation bubble of the modified prism is wider and longer, compared with its smooth counterpart, thus resulting in a significant drag reduction and fluctuating lift suppression (up to 8.7% and 78.2%, respectively, for the case of WSP-A). Multiple dominant frequencies of vortex shedding, which are distinct from that of the smooth prism, are detected in the near wake of the wavy prisms. The present study may shed light on the understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms of FIV control, in terms of passive modification of the bluff-body shape.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6211-6216
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the effects of gambogic acid (GA) on the growth of human malignant glioma cells. Methods: U251MG and U87MG human glioma cell lines were treated with GA and growth and proliferation were investigated by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by annexin V FITC/PI flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential assays and DAPI nuclear staining. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and GFP-LC3 localisation were used to detect autophagy. Western blotting was used to investigate the molecular changes that occurred in the course of GA treatment. Results: GA treatment significantly suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation, induced apoptosis in U251 and U87MG glioblastoma cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. GA treatment also lead to the accumulation of monodansylcadaverine (MDC) in autophagic vacuoles, upregulated expressions of Atg5, Beclin 1 and LC3-II, and the increase of punctate fluorescent signals in glioblastoma cells pre-transfected with GFP-tagged LC3 plasmid. After the combination treatment of autophagy inhitors and GA, GA mediated growth inhibition and apoptotic cell death was further potentiated. Conclusion: Our results suggested that autophagic responses play roles as a self-protective mechanism in GA-treated glioblastoma cells, and autophagy inhibition could be a novel adjunctive strategy for enhancing chemotherapeutic effect of GA as an anti-malignant glioma agent.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.32-40
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• 1996

The electrophysiological effects of benzopyran potassium channel openers (PCOs: lemakalim, KR-30450 and KR-30818) on the ischemia/reperfusion-induced arrythmias were investigated. In anesthetized rats, subjected to 45 min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) followed by 90 min reperfusion, ventricular arrythmias were identified according to the Lambeth Conventions by lead II ECG. Rats were intravenously given vehicle ($1\%$ DMSO), lemakalim, KR-30450, and KR-30818 alone or in combination with a selective $K_{ATP}$ blocker glibenclamide, 30 min prior to coronary occlusion. Compared to vehicle, lemakalim ($30{\mu}g/kg$ i.v.), the active enantiomer of cromakalim, had a tendancy to increase the duration of ventricular tachycardia (Vl) and ventricular fibrillation (VF), the number of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) and the incidence of VF, especially in the early post-occlusion peroid ($0\~15$ min), while increasing ST-segment elevation. Both KR-30450 ($30{\mu}g/kg$, i.v.) and KR-30818 (30, $100{\mu}g/kg$, i.v.) showed similar proarrhythmic effects to lemakalim (PVC, duration of VT, and incidence of VF) with a tendancy to decrease the duration of VF and ST-segment elevation. Unlike other PCOs, however, glibenclamide (0.3, 1.0 mg/kg) had opposite effects on the induction of arrhythmias (PVC, the duration of VF); it had a tendancy to increase the duration of VT with a slight elevation of ST-segment. It seems likely that glibenclamide (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.), reduced the effects of lemakalim or KR-30450 ($30{\mu}g/kg$, i.v.) on arrhythmias (PVC, VT, VF and ST-segment). These results indicate that, in the coronary occluded rat model of ischemia, lemikuiln and KR-30450 exert a proarrhythmic activity, the effect being considered related to the opening of KATP channel.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.530-534
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• 2001

Many dental practitioners are bonding amalgam to tooth structure. The potential advantage of this procedure, suggested by in vitro test results, are reduced microleakage, which could lead to a reduced incidence of postoperative sensitivity ; increased strength of the prepared tooth ; and retention of restoration in less retentive preparations, with the potential fer conserving tooth structure. Although in vitro studies support this procedure, its efficacy has not been adequately confirmed in the clinical environment. The authors placed traditional Class I and Class II, bonded and unbonded amalgam restorations in 76 teeth. Fuji I Glass Ionomer luting cement was the bonding agent selected. Marginal adaptation were evaluated after two years. the authors found no significant difference in marginal adaptation between bonded and unbonded restorations.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.481-485
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• 2005

The response of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis to high salt stress was investigated by incubating the cells in light of moderate intensity in the presence of 0.8 M NaCl. NaCl caused a decrease in photosystem II (PSII) mediated oxygen evolution activity and increase in photosystem I (PSI) activity and the amount of P700. Similarly maximal efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and variable fluorescence (Fv/Fo) were also declined in salt-stressed cells. Western blot analysis reveal that the inhibition in PSII activity is due to a 40% loss of a thylakoid membrane protein, known as D1, which is located in PSII reaction center. NaCl treatment of cells also resulted in the alterations of other thylakoid membrane proteins: most prominently, a dramatic diminishment of the 47-kDa chlorophyll protein (CP) and 94-kDa protein, and accumulation of a 17-kDa protein band were observed in SDS-PAGE. The changes in 47-kDa and 94-kDa proteins lead to the decreased energy transfer from light harvesting antenna to PSII, which was accompanied by alterations in the chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectra of whole cells and isolated thylakoids. Therefore we conclude that salt stress has various effects on photosynthetic electron transport activities due to the marked alterations in the composition of thylakoid membrane proteins.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2829-2834
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• 2013

The objective was to analyze the radiotherapy (RT) practice at the cancer centre of a tertiary academic medical institution in Delhi. This audit from an Indian public institution covered patient care processes related to cancer diagnosis, integration of RT with other anti-cancer modalities, waiting time, overall treatment time, and compliance with RT. Over a period of one year, all consecutively registered patients in radiotherapy were analyzed for the audit cycle. Analysis of 1,030 patients showed median age of 49.6 years, with presentation as stage I and II in 14.2%, stage III and IV in 71.2% and unknown stage in 14.6%. A total of 974 (95%) were advised for RT appointment; 669 (68.6%) for curative intent and 31.4% for palliation. Mean times for diagnostic workup and from registration at cancer centre to radiotherapy referral were 33 and 31 days respectively. Median waiting time to start of RT course was 41 days. Overall RT compliance was 75% and overall duration for a curative RT course ranged from 50 days to 61 days. Non-completion and interruption of RT course were observed in 12% and 13% respectively. Radiotherapy machine burden in a public cancer hospital in India increases the waiting time and 25% of advised patients do not comply with the prescribed treatment. Infrastructure, machine and manpower constraints lead to more patients being treated on cobalt (74%) and by two-dimensional (78%) techniques.

• Journal of Korean Society for Geospatial Information Science
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.71-79
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• 2007

Land suitability assessment has been enforced by the National Land Planning and Utilization Act since 2003 to prevent urban sprawl and protect natural environment. It assesses developmental, agricultural or preservable suitability of land parcel according to such criteria as soil, location and usability by local governments. Land suitability assessment system (LSAS) has been introduced to prevent cursory development by urban sprawl and to lead a harmonious development with conservation in the non-urban area. However, with the lack of experience and knowledge various problems have been arisen in the operation of this system, raising a question for the improvement of the assessment unit of land. The purpose of this study is to investigate methods of developing land assessment as a sustainable land use management tool. In this study, land suitability assessment has been executed through geographic information systems. On the basis oh the results of analysis, practical and institutional problems are described, and technical and institutional solutions are suggested.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.7 no.9
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• pp.389-400
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• 2020

A construction project is a designed product made up of labors, materials, and installations in the project positioned on the ground and may include the underground and ground section, and the section in water or on the water surface. It is a civil, industrial, transport, agricultural and rural development, infrastructure, or some other. A key phase in the life cycle of these construction projects is the implementation when building products are made directly with workers, equipment, materials, and managers. If there is a lack of management experience, information, and problem-solving solutions to tackle the risks faced by contractors, especially foreign ones, will fail in controlling the project's cost. This study was conducted with investigations, discussions, and evaluation of the factors that lead to cost overruns in the construction projects of international contractors in Vietnam. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that those factors that influence cost overruns these construction projects fall into five general groups, including factors related to (i) the owners, (ii) the foreign contractors, (iii) the subcontractors and suppliers, (iv) state management, and (v) the project itself. Besides, the study proposes solutions to limit cost overruns in construction projects and improve the profitability of international contractors in Vietnam.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 1982

We studied this experiment to compare the effects of exercise and other body conditions: i.e., Flack test, cold pressor test and bicycle ergometry on the electrocardiogram. We had sixty healthy college students who were thirty nine men and twenty one women. Their $mean{\pm}SD$ values of physical characteristics were as follows: age; $22.0{\pm}1.4$, weight; men $61.7{\pm}5.6\;kg$, women $46.2{\pm}7.47\;kg$. We observed the changes of P-Q and Q-T interval, R and T amplitude, mean QRS vector, S-T segment deviation, and P and T vector. The result obtained were summarized as follows: P vector was shifted rightward regardless of the type of stress. T vector was shifted var-in each stress but in the bicycle ergometry T vector was shifted leftward. Mean QRS vector was shifted rightward immediately after the bicycle ergometry. Percentage of the occurrence of the depression of S-T segment was 21.7% at the immediately after the submaximal bicycle ergometry in lead II. The elevation of S-T segment was often observed after the mild stresses. Increased amplitude of T wave in the cold pressor test and decreased amplitude of T wave in the bicycle ergometry were observed. In the bicycle ergometry and other stresses, the precise mechanism of S-T segment changes was unexplained but insufficient repolarization in base or apex of the left ventricle due to heart strain was indicated by so called S-T vector analysis.