• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.195-202
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• 2014

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder related to insulin resistance, obesity, and inflammation. Genetic and environmental factors also contribute to the development of MetS, and through genome-wide association studies (GWASs), important susceptibility loci have been identified. However, GWASs focus more on individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), explaining only a small portion of genetic heritability. To overcome this limitation, pathway analyses are being applied to GWAS datasets. The aim of this study is to elucidate the biological pathways involved in the pathogenesis of MetS through pathway analysis. Cohort data from the Korea Associated Resource (KARE) was used for analysis, which include 8,842 individuals (age, $52.2{\pm}8.9years$ ; body mass index, $24.6{\pm}3.2kg/m^2$). A total of 312,121 autosomal SNPs were obtained after quality control. Pathway analysis was conducted using Meta-analysis Gene-Set Enrichment of Variant Associations (MAGENTA) to discover the biological pathways associated with MetS. In the discovery phase, SNPs from chromosome 12, including rs11066280, rs2074356, and rs12229654, were associated with MetS (p < $5{\times}10^{-6}$), and rs11066280 satisfied the Bonferroni-corrected cutoff (unadjusted p < $1.38{\times}10^{-7}$, Bonferroni-adjusted p < 0.05). Through pathway analysis, biological pathways, including electron carrier activity, signaling by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase cascade, PDGF binding, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, and DNA repair, were associated with MetS. Through pathway analysis of MetS, pathways related with PDGF, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and PPAR signaling, as well as nucleic acid binding, protein secretion, and DNA repair, were identified. Further studies will be needed to clarify the genetic pathogenesis leading to MetS.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.171-191
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• 1998

The present study was designed to elucidate the effects of the Co-60 γ irradiation and/or calcium-deficient diet on the periodontal tissue formation in rat pups. The pregnant three-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the study. The experimental group was divided into two groups, irradiation/normal diet group (Group 2) and irradiation/calcium-deficient diet group (Group 3). The control group was non-irradiation/normal diet group (Group 1). The abdomen of the rats at the 19th day of pregnancy were irradiated with single absorbed dose of 350 cGy. The rat pups were sacrificed on the 14th day after delivery, and the maxillae including molar tooth germ were taken. The specimens including the 1st molar tooth germ were prepared to make tissue sections for light and transmission electron microscopy. Some of tissue sections for light microscopy were stained immunohistochemically with anti-fibronectin and anti-osteonectin antibodies. The results were as follows; 1. In the periodontal ligament forming area, the fibroblasts of Group Z showed irregular arrangement and low activity. The immunoreactivity between the fibroblasts and collagen fibers was decreased, compared with Group 1. The fibroblasts of Group 3 showed atrophic change and clumped nucleus. The collagen fibers showed cystic change and low immunoreactivity to the fibronectin. 2. In the cementum forming area, the cementoblasts of Group 2 showed decrease of number and atrophic change. The cementoblasts of Group 3 showed edematous change, atrophy of cytoplasm, and clumping of nucleus. 3. In the alveolar bone forming area, the bone of Group 2 was thin and various degree of immunoreactivity to the osteonectin. Group 3 showed edematous osteoblasts, fibrous degeneration of bone marrow, and weak immunoreactivity to the osteonectin.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.36-43
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood contamination on the push-out bond strength and surface morphology of tricalcium silicate materials; Biodentine$^{(R)}$, Theracal$^{(R)}$ and mineral trioxide aggregate. The standardized lumens of root slices prepared from extracted single-root human teeth were filled with Biodentine$^{(R)}$, Theracal$^{(R)}$ and mineral trioxide aggregate by manufacturer's instruction. The specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 20) for each material and then incubated for 4 days at $37^{\circ}C$; control group (phosphate buffered saline solution) and experimental group (fetal bovine serum). The push-out bond strengths were then measured by a universal testing machine and the surface morphology of each experimental group was analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Biodentine$^{(R)}$ and Theracal$^{(R)}$ showed higher push-out bond strength compared with mineral trioxide aggregate after exposure to fetal bovine serum. A substantial change in the surface morphology of each material was observed after exposure to fetal bovine serum. In conclusion, the push-out bond strengths of Biodentine$^{(R)}$ and Theracal$^{(R)}$ were higher than mineral trioxide aggregate when exposed to blood contamination. Therefore, it is supposed that the use of Biodentine$^{(R)}$ and Theracal$^{(R)}$ is appropriate in the presence of blood.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.137-144
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of acidic pH values on the push-out bond strength and surface morphology of tricalcium silicate materials: Biodentine$^{(R)}$, Theracal$^{(R)}$ and ProRoot MTA$^{(R)}$. The standardized lumens of root slices prepared from extracted single-root human teeth were filled with Biodentine$^{(R)}$, Theracal$^{(R)}$ and ProRoot MTA$^{(R)}$ according to manufacturer's instructions. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20) for each material and then incubated for 4 days at $37^{\circ}C$; 3 acidic groups (butyric acid buffered at pH 4.4, 5.4, 6.4) and 1 control group (phosphate buffered saline solution at pH 7.4). The push-out bond strengths were then measured by using a universal testing machine and the surface morphology of each experimental group was analyzed by a scanning electron microscope. Biodentine$^{(R)}$ and Theracal$^{(R)}$ showed higher push-out bond strength compared with ProRoot MTA$^{(R)}$ after exposure to acidic pH values. A substantial change in the surface morphology of each material occurred after exposure to different pH values. In conclusion, the push-out bond strengths of Biodentine$^{(R)}$ and Theracal$^{(R)}$ are higher than the ProRoot MTA$^{(R)}$. Further the acidic environment weakens the push-out bond strength and microstructure of tricalcium silicate materials.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2015

CdS-QD particles are a nano-sized semiconducting crystal that emits light. Their optical properties show great potential in many areas of applications such as disease-diagnostic reagents, optical technologies, media industries and solar cells. The wavelength of emitting light depends on the particle size and thus the quality control of CdS-QD particle requires accurate determination of the size distribution. In this study, CdS-QD particles were synthesized by a simple ${\gamma}$-ray irradiation method. As a particle stabilizer polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) were added. In order to determine the size and size distribution of the CdS-QD particles, sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) was employed. Effects of carious parameters including the the flow rate, external field strength, and field programming conditions were investigated to optimize SdFFF for analysis of CdS-QD particles. The Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis show the primary single particle size was ~4 nm, TEM images indicate that the primarty particles were aggregated to form secondary particles having the mean size of about 159 nm. As the concentration of the stabilizer increases, the particle size tends to decrease. Mean size determined by SdFFF, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were 126, 159, and 152 nm, respectively. Results showed SdFFF may become a useful tool for determination of the size and its distribution of various types of inorganic particles.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• v.2
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• pp.203-208
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• 2006

The main research conducted previously on GPS ionosphere in China is first introduced. Besides, the current investigations include as follows: (1) GPS-based spatial environmental, especially the ionosphere, monitoring, modeling and analysis, including ground/space-based GPS ionosphere electron density (IED) through occultation/tomography technologies with GPS data from global/regional network, development of a GNSS-based platform for imaging ionosphere and atmosphere (GPFIIA), and preliminary test results through performing the first 3D imaging for the IED over China, (2) The atmospheric and ionospheric modeling for GPS-based surveying, navigation and orbit determination, involving high precisely ionospheric TEC modeling for phase-based long/median range network RTK system for achieving CM-level real time positioning, next generation GNSS broadcast ionospheric time-delay algorithm required for higher correction accuracy, and orbit determination for Low-Earth-orbiter satellites using single frequency GPS receivers, and (3) Research products in applications for national significant projects: GPS-based ionospheric effects modeling for precise positioning and orbit determination applied to China's manned space-engineering, including spatial robot navigation and control and international space station intersection and docking required for related national significant projects.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.537-542
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• 2004

To reveal the relationship between the changes in the growth and photo- synthesis induced by low dose radiation, red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants were serially irradiated three times with gamma rays of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 Gy. The plant growth was monitored by the fresh weight, the stem length, and the leaf length & width. All the irradiation groups (0.5-4 Gy) were stimulated in growth at 1 day after the $1^{st}$ irradiation (DA1I), but rather inhibited at 3 days after the $3^{rd}$ irradiation (DA3I). The maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), the photochemical quenching (qP), the non-:photochemical quenching (NPQ) and the apparent rate of the photosynthetic electron transport (ETR) were used to represent the changes in the photosynthesis by the serial irradiation. The irradiation groups except 0.5 Gy had higher Fv/Fm values at 3 DA3I than the control one. After the 3$^{rd}$ irradiation, the qP values appeared to be a little lower in the 1-4 Gy groups than in the control and 0.5 Gy ones. In contrast, the NPQ values were rather higher in the irradiation groups except 0.5 Gy. During the whole experimental period, the ETRs decreased in the control group but remained relatively constant in the 4-Gy one. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that the stimulatory effect of ionizing radiation on the plant growth was determined by the incident dose of the single irradiation rather than by the cumulative one of the serial irradiation. They also demonstrate that the growth stimulation induced by a low dose radiation could not be positively correlated with an alteration in the photosynthesis. Additionally, we discuss in text that an ionizing radiation may partly protect the leaf senescence by delaying the development of the plants.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.535-542
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of EDTA irrigant according to application time and temperature. 31 human mature extracted teeth with a single canal were sectioned with microtome in 3mm thickness and gained 62 samples of root canals. They were distributed randomly into 6 groups of 10 specimens each and control group of 2 specimens. Each specimen was prepared with GT rotary file (Dentsply, Maillefer Co., Swiss) and irrigated with 3 ml sodium hypochlorite every minute. Then smear layer was removed with EDTA solution (PULPDENT$^{\circledR}$, PULPDENT Co., USA.) except two control specimens. Specimens of each group were irrigated with 17% EDTA. The time and temperature of application were as follows : (Table omitted) All specimens were split longitudinally and prepared for examination by scanning electron microscopy. A set of reference micrographs was used to award a debris score as follows: 0 = no smear layer, all tubules clean and open; 1 = no superficial smear layer, tubule openings visible, but some contain debris plug or soft tissue remnants: 2 = moderate smear layer, some tubules open and others closed; 3 = heavy smear layer, most/all tubule openings obscured. Results were evaluated with Kruskal-Wallis test to determine whether there was statistically significant difference among six groups. Pairs of groups were analyzed using the Student-Newman-Keuls Method and Mann-Whitney test. The results were as follows : 1. Control specimens showed heavy smear layer at the canal walls 2. Among the groups applied with EDTA for 2 minutes, group 1 showed the heaviest smear layer, and there was statistically significant difference between group 1 and the other groups(p<0.05). 3. Among the groups applied with EDTA for 5 minutes, group 4 and group 6 showed smear layer but there was no significant difference between them. 4. Among the groups applied with EDTA for the same temperature, group 1 showed heavier smear layer than group 4, and there was statistically significant difference(p<0.05). 5. Among the groups applied with EDTA for the same temperature, group 2 showed heavier smear layer than group 5 and group 3 showed heavier smear layer than group 6. But there was no statistically significant difference among them. From the results above, it could be concluded, EDTA solution is effective in removing of smear layer when it is applied for 5 minutes. If EDTA is applied for 2 minutes, it should be applied above room temperature.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.08a
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• pp.434-434
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• 2012

Despite recent efforts for fabricating flexible transparent conducting films (TCFs) with low resistance and high transmittance, several obstacles to meet the requirement of flexible displays still remain. Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films, which have been traditionally used as the TCFs, have a serious obstacle in TCFs applications. SWNTs are the most appropriate materials for conductive films for displays due to their excellent high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. Recently, it has been demonstrated that acid treatment is an efficient method for surfactant removal. However, the treatment has been reported to destroy most SWNT. In this work, the fabrication by the spraying process of transparent SWNT films and reduction of its sheet resistance by Au-ionic doping treatment on PET substrates is researched. Arc-discharge SWNTs were dispersed in deionized water by adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant and sonicated, followed by the centrifugation. The dispersed SWNT was spray-coated on PET substrate and dried on a hotplate. When the spray process was terminated, the TCF was immersed into deionized water to remove the surfactant and then it was dried on hotplate. The TCF film was then was doped with Au-ionic doping treatment, rinsed with deionized water and dried. The surface morphology of TCF was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The sheet resistance and optical transmission properties of the TCF were measured with a four-point probe method and a UV-visible spectrometry, respectively. This was confirmed and discussed on the XPS and UPS studies. We show that 87 ${\Omega}/{\Box}$ sheet resistances with 81% transmittance at the wavelength of 550 nm. The changes in electrical and optical conductivity of SWNT film before and after Au-ionic doping treatments were discussed. The effects of hole transport interface layer using Au-ionic doping SWNT on the performance of organic solar cells were investigated.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.174-183
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• 2001

During the rapid phase of gonadal development of the freshwater teleost, the catfish (Silurus asotus), the influence of hCG upon the inducement of final oocyte maturation and spawning was investigated electrophoretically and ultrastructurally. The electrophoretic patterns obtained were different in the presence and absence of some of the major or minor zones, because of the hormone level in catfish. The vitellogenin of hormone-treated fish was stained more intensively than that of sham-treated fish. These proteins showed some minor or main bands of egg extracts which migrated at positions corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 90,000. However, the thickness of electrophoretic band in molecular weight for hCG-treated fish was slightly lower than that for saline control. It seemed the plasma protein with molecular weight of approximately 45,000 in hCG-treated fish disappeared. In contrast to the control fish, the ovaries in the catfish treated with hCG shows a marked ultrastructural change under the electron microscope. No dilated profiles were seen in the granulosa cells of the mature oocyte before ovulation. After germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), the zona radiata interna (ZRI) becomes more compact, and there is a loss of all the processes from the pore canals. There is a wide space between the vitelline membrane and zona radiata. Also, during final maturation, the microvillar processes from the oocyte are seen no longer to penetrate deeply into the extracellular spaces of the overlying granulosa cells, and the reticulate patterns of the zona radiata interna becomes occluded, giving the zona radiata a more solid appearance. It has been possible to initiate 100% oocyte maturation in yolk granules and follicles in vivo by treatment with hCG and a high water temperature ($27^{\circ}C$). In hCG-treated fish, the percentages of successful artificial fertilization and hatching were maximal at 15 h after a single injection. It seems clear that a long acting preparation containing hCG can be successfully used in prespawning fish to advance the final events of gonadal maturation and initiate spawning. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the potential of hCG to either stimulate or inhibit the reproductive development of fish at other stages of the seasonal reproductive cycle.