• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.970-975
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• 2012

In Sasang constitutional medicine, doctors diagnose and treat patients according to their Sasang consitutition (SC) type. In this work, by a clinical test with a radial pulse tonometer, we investigated radial pulse properties which were significant in distinguishing unhealthy subjects from healthy subjects for each SC type. We measured radial pulse properties on left and right Gwan locations with a pulse tonometer for 299 elderly female subjects of age of 50 years old or above. We used a newly developed SCAT system to determine subjects' SC types. Subjects' health levels of either healthy or unhealthy were determined independently by two Korean medical doctors. To investigate the statistical differences, we used either of Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on the normality of distribution of test statistic. For TE type, unhealthy subjects were characterized with significant increases in heart rate, systolic to diastolic period, pulse depth, while they showed significant decreases in width of pulse in normal direction, pulse area in diastolic period, and high harmonic components (6th, 7th) of power spectral density. For SE type, unhealthy subjects were characterized with significant increases in pulse pressure and pulse depth, while no significant differences were found for SY type. We investigated the characteristic differences in radial pulse properties due to change in health levels on each SC type for elderly females. Pulse variables which were significantly different between healthy subjects and unhealthy subjects were found to vary between SC types. For TE type subjects, many variables were found significant at the left Gwan location, which is in support of the theory of hyperactive liver functioning for TE type. Irrespective of the constitution, the related changes in the pulse properties due to worsened health level were in support of elevated blood flow amount in compensation with weakened blood circulatory function.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3519-3528
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• 2012

Inhibitory effects of Maclura amboinenesis Bl, one plant used traditionally for the treatment of cancers, on metastatic potential of highly metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells were investigated in vitro. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay. Details of metastatic capabilities including invasion, migration and adhesion of B16F10 melanoma cells were examined by Boyden Chamber invasion and migration, scratch motility and cell attachment assays, respectively. The results demonstrated that n-hexane and chloroform extracts exhibited potent anti-proliferative effects (p<0.01), whereas the methanol and aqueous extracts had less pronounced effects after 24 h exposure. Bioactivity-guided chromatographic fractionation of both active n-hexane and chloroform extracts led to the isolation of two main prenylated xanthones and characterization as macluraxanthone and gerontoxanthone-I, respectively, their structures being identified by comparison with the spectral data. Interestingly, both exhibited potent effective effects. At non-toxic effective doses, n-hexane and chloroform extracts (10 and $30{\mu}g/ml$) as well as macluraxanthone and gerontoxanthone-I (3 and $10{\mu}M$) significantly inhibited B16F10 cell invasion, to a greater extent than $10{\mu}m$ doxorubicin, while reducing migration of cancer cells without cellular cytotoxicity. Moreover, exposure of B16F10 melanoma cells to high concentrations of chloroform ($30{\mu}g/ml$) and geratoxanthone-I ($20{\mu}M$) for 24 h resulted in delayed adhesion and retarded colonization. As insights into mechanisms of action, typical morphological changes of apoptotic cells e.g. membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, apoptotic bodies and loss of adhesion as well as cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase with increase of sub-G1 cell proportions, detected by Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry were observed, suggesting DNA damage and subsequent apoptotic cell death. Taken together, our findings indicate for the first time that active n-hexane and chloroform extracts as well as macluraxanthone and gerontoxanthone-I isolated from Maclura amboinensis Bl. roots affect multistep of cancer metastasis processes including proliferation, adhesion, invasion and migration, possibly through induction of apoptosis of highly metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells. Based on these data, M. amboinensis Bl. represents a potential candidate novel chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent. Additionally, they also support its ethno-medicinal usage for cancer prevention and/or chemotherapy.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.1033-1041
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• 2014

Rapid urbanization of Korea was an unprecedented example in the world and urban population increased significantly. As a result, unbalanced distribution of population is serious problem in Korea because approximately 50% of the population is concentrated in the capital area that is 10% of nation's territory, thereby occurring various urban problems including UHI. Hence, Sejong Special Autonomous City was inaugurated officially on 2 July 2012 in order to decentralize population of capital area and induce more balanced regional development. The Sejong City has been changed drastically over a period of years as developed practically since the late 2000's and is expected to have new problems of urbanization. The land cover change due to urbanization is the main cause of UHI that urban area is significantly warmer than its surrounding areas and UHI is not only affecting urban climate change but also natural environment. So the purpose of this research is to analyze level of urbanization and UHI effect and to provide the correlation analysis between Land Surface Temperature and spectral indices. To achieve this, satellite imagery from LANDSAT were used. NDVI, NDBI, and UI were calculated using red, near-infrared, mid-infrared ($0.63{\mu}m-1.75{\mu}m$) images and LST was retrieved utilizing thermal infrared ($10.4{\mu}m-12.5{\mu}m$) image. Based on each index and LST, Changes of NDVI, UI and UHI through TVI were analyzed in Sejong City. UHI effect increased around newly constructed multi-functional administrative city, the correlation between LST and NDVI was negative and UI was strong positive.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.102-108
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• 2008

We have studied the properties of Ag/undoped ZnO (ZnO) multilayer thin films deposited on glass substrate by the facing targets sputtering method. In an attempt to find out the optimum conditions of the Ag thin film, which would be coated on the ZnO thin film, we investigated the changes of sheet resistance, transmittance and surface morphology as a function of deposition times and the substrate temperature. The electrical and optical characteristics of Ag/ZnO multilayers were evaluated by a four-point probe, a UV/VIS spectrometer with a spectral range of 390-770 nm, a X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. We were able to prepare the Ag/ZnO multilayer thin film with sheet resistance of 9.25 $\Omega/sq.$ and transmittance of over 80% at 550nm.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.235-258
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• 2011

The purpose of this study is to investigate climatological variations from the temporal and spatial surface particulate organic carbon (POC) estimates based on SeaWiFS spectral radiance, and to determine the physical mechanisms that affect the distribution of pac in the Gulf of Mexico. 7-year monthly mean values of surface pac concentration (Sept. 1997 - Dec. 2004) were estimated from Maximum Normalized Difference Carbon Index (MNDCI) algorithm using SeaWiFS data. Synchronous 7-year monthly mean values of remote sensing data (sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface wind (SSW), sea surface height anomaly (SSHA), precipitation rate (PR)) and recorded river discharge data were used to determine physical forcing factors. The spatial pattern of POC was related to one or more factors such as river runoff, wind-derived current, and stratification of the water column, the energetic Loop Current/Eddies, and buoyancy forcing. The observed seasonal change in the POC plume's response to wind speed in the western delta region resulted from seasonal changes in the upper ocean stratification. During late spring and summer, the low-density river water is heated rapidly at the surface by incoming solar radiation. This lowers the density of the fresh-water plume and increases the near-surface stratification of the water column. In the absence of significant wind forcing, the plume undergoes buoyant spreading and the sediment is maintained at the surface by the shallow pycnocline. However, when the wind speed increases substantially, wind-wave action increases vertical motion, reducing stratification, and the sediment were mixed downward rather than spreading laterally. Maximum particle concentrations over the outer shelf and the upper slope during lower runoff seasons were related to the Loop Current/eddies and buoyancy forcing. Inter-annual differences of POC concentration were related to ENSO cycles. During the El Nino events (1997-1998 and 2002-2004), the higher pac concentrations existed and were related to high runoffs in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but the opposite conditions in the western Gulf of Mexico. During La Nina conditions (1999-2001), low Poe concentration was related to normal or low river discharge, and low PM/nutrient waters in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, but the opposite conditions in the western Gulf of Mexico.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.391-398
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• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate lichen as a typical biomass damage on the surfaces of flagpole-supporting stones in the Beopjusa temple. The lichens present on the flagpole-supporting stones were limited to five species. Two dominant lichen species were identified: Aspicilia sp. and Pertusaria flavicans. One foliose species and one fruticose species, which are rarely observed on crustose lichens, were identified as Xanthoparmelia conspersa and Ramalina sekika, respectively. The lichen inhabiting the black algae layer was confirmed as Leprocaulon textum. ATR-FTIR was performed to analyze the secondary metabolites synthesized by the lichens. By comparing the FTIR spectra of Xanthoparmelia conspersa and Ramalina sekika, the synthesized organic acids were confirmed to differ from each other. Furthermore, the spectral changes and characteristics due to functional groups in the molecules were confirmed.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.106-111
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• 2012

Drying characteristic of high moisture coal using a 5 kg/hr bench scale flash dryer was investigated. Moisture content and heating value of raw coal as received basis were 29.74 wt% and 4,270 kcal/kg, respectively. Gas inlet temperature and gas inlet flow rate were $400{\sim}600^{\circ}C$ and 10~20 m/sec, respectively. The raw coal was ground and classified to the particle size range of $100{\sim}2,000{\mu}m$. The moisture removal rate of raw coal was dramatically increased with increasing gas inlet temperature and decreasing gas inlet flow rate. The heating value of dried coal was increased to 5,100~5,900 kcal/kg. To examine the chemical change on the surface of high moisture coal during flash drying process, FT-IR spectral analysis was carried out. As a result, major changes in hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl peak was confirmed.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.108-109
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• 2013

Mitochondria play key roles in the production of cell's energy. Their dominant function is the synthesis of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and phosphate (Pi) through the oxidative phosphorylation. Evaluation of drug-induced mitochondrial toxicity has become increasingly important since mitochondrial dysfunction has recently been implicated in numerous diseases including cancer and diabetes mellitus. Mitochondrial functions have been monitored via oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, and more importantly via ATP synthesis since ATP synthesis is the most essential function of mitochondria. Various analytical methods have been employed to investigate ATP synthesis in mitochondria, including high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), bioluminescence technique, and pH measurement. However, most of these methods are based on destructive analysis or indirect monitoring through the enzymatic reaction. Infrared absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) is one of the useful techniques for real-time, label-free, and direct monitoring of biological reactions [1,2]. However, the strong water absorption requires very short path length in the order of several micrometers. Transmission measurements with thin path length are not suitable for mitochondrial assays because solution handlings necessary for evaluating mitochondrial toxicity, such as rapid mixing of drugs and oxygen supply, are difficult in such a narrow space. On the other hand, IRAS in the multiple internal reflection (MIR) geometry provides an ideal optical configuration to combine solution handling and aqueous-phase measurement. We have recently reportedon a real-time monitoring of drug-induced necrotic and apoptotic cell death using MIR-IRAS [3,4]. Clear discrimination between viable and damaged cells has been demonstrated, showing a promise as a label-free and real-time detection for cell-based assays. In the present study, we have applied our MIR-IRAS system to mitochondria-based assays by monitoring ATP synthesis in isolated mitochondria from rat livers. Mitochondrial ATP synthesis and hydrolysis were in situ monitored with MIR-IRAS, while dissolved oxygen level and solution pH were simultaneously monitored with O2 and pH electrodes, respectively. It is demonstrated that ATP synthesis and hydrolysis can be monitored by the IR spectral changes in phosphate groups in adenine nucleotides and MIR-IRAS is useful for evaluating time-dependent drug effects of mitochondrial toxicants.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.429-438
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• 1997

Mechanical valve is one of the most widely used implantable artificial organs of which the reliability is so important that its failure means the death of patient. Therefore early noninvasive detection is essentially required, though mechanical valve failure with thrombosis is the most common. The objective of this paper is to detect the thrombosis formation by spectral analysis and neural network. Using microphone and amplifier, we measured the sound from the mechanical valve which is attached to the pneumatic ventricular assist device. The sound was sampled by A/D converter(DaqBook 100) and the periodogram is the main algorithm for obtaining spectrum. We made the thrombosis models using pellethane and silicon and they are thrombosis model on the valvular disk, around the sewing ring and fibrous tissue growth across the orifice of valve. The performance of the measurment system was tested firstly using 1 KHz sinusoidal wave. The measurement system detected well 1KHz spectrum as expected. The spectrum of normal and 5 kinds of thrombotic valve were obtained and primary and secondary peak appeared in each spectrum waveform. We find that the secondary peak changes according to the thrombosis model. So to distinguish the secondary peak of normal and thrombotic valve quantatively, 3 layer back propagation neural network, which contains 7, 000 input node, 20 hidden layer and 1 output was employed The trained neural network can distinguish normal and valve with more than 90% probability. As a conclusion, the noninvasive monitoring of implanted mechanical valve is possible by analysing the acoustical spectrum using neural network algorithm and this method will be applied to the performance evaluation of other implantable artificial organs.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.29-38
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• 2006

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of intertidal flat can be widely used not only for scientific fields, coastal management, fisheries, ocean safety, military, but also for understanding natural and artificial topographic changes of the tidal flat. In this study, we generated DEM of the Ganghwado southern intertidal flat, the largest tidal flat in the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, using waterline method and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). Constructed DEM which applied waterline method to the Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM+ images closely expresses overall topographic relief of tidal flat. We found that the accuracy was determined by the number of waterlines which reflect various tidal conditions. The application of InSAR to the ERS-1/2 and ENVISAT images showed that only ERS-1/2 tandem pairs successfully generated DEM in the part of northern Yeongjongdo, but construction of DEM in the other areas was difficult due to the low coherence caused by a lot of surface remnant waters. In the near future, Kompsat-2 will provide satellite images having multi-spectral and high spatial resolution within a relatively short period at different sea levels. Application of waterline method to these images will help us construct a high precision tidal flat DEM. Also, we should develop DEM generation method using single-pass microwave satellite images.