• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.517-532
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• 2010

After establishment of Banwol industrial complex in 1987, Ansan city becomes the largest industrial sector development in Gyeonggi-do, Korea. As the population and industrial activity grow over this region, toxic air pollutants, particularly POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) from various emission sources have been major public concerns. Air samples for POPs monitoring were collected at the industrial sites ($A_2$), residential sites ($B_1$, $B_2$), commercial site (C), and rural/remote site (D) of the area of Ansan during 2008 with a prolonged industrial sampling site $A_1$ from 2001 to 2008. All samples were analysed for 2,3,7,8 substituted-polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin like polychlorinatd diphenyls (dl-PCBs). In site $A_1$, a steady decline of their concentrations from 2003 to 2008 was observed due to the reinforced emission guideline from waste incinerators. The average concentration of the PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs ranged between 0.118 pg-TEQ/$m^3$ (rural/remote site D) and 0.532 pg-TEQ/$m^3$ (industrial area $A_2$). These level were generally consistent with previous studies in Gyeonggi-do, while higher than other places. Most of PCDD/Fs congener were partitioned into particle phase, whereas dl-PCBs were partitioned into gas phase. The logarithm of gas-particle partition coefficient $K_P$ of dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs were well correlated with sub-cooled liquid vapor pressure $P_L$. The slope $m_T$ of log $K_P$ versus log $P_L$ for PCDD/Fs (-1.22) and dl-PCBs (-1.02) in industrial area ($A_2$) were high compared to other residential/commercial area. It suggests that this area was likely influenced by the direct emission source of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs. To simulate the partition of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs between gas and particle phase, Junge-Pankow model ($P_L$-base) and $K_{oa}$ model were applied. It was found that J-P model was more suitable than the $K_{oa}$ model in this study.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.1226-1232
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• 2007

Phellinus linteus is a well-known Oriental medicinal fungus that has various biological activities, including immunomodulatory and anti-tumor activities, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the anti-proliferative activity of the methanol extract of P. linteus-Barley corn (MEPLB) in human lekemic U937 cells. It was found that exposure of U937 cells to MEPLB resulted morphological change and growth inhibition in a dose-dependent manner as measured by trypan blue count and MTT assay. Upon treatment with MEPLB, U937 cells developed many of the hallmark features of apoptosis, including condensation of chromatin and an increase in the sub-G1 population suggesting that the anti-proliferative effect of MEPLB is associated with the induction of apoptosis. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of MEPLB were connected with a marked induction of the pro-apoptotic Bax and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21 in a p53-independent manner. Additionally, MEPLB treatment significantly induced the caspase-3 activity in U937 cells. Taken together, the present results suggest that apoptotic signals evoked by MEPLB in human leukemic U937 cells may converge caspase-3 activation through an up-regulation of Bax rather than a down-regulation of Bcl-2 or Bel-xL.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-10
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate gender equality consciousness among elementary school teachers and the 6th graders at 3 rural area in Korea. Methods: There were 78 teachers and 323 6th graders from five elementary schools in Y area in Jeonnam province. The data was collected with 3 structured self-reported questionnaire from June to July 2003. The instrument, which was developed by Korean Women Development Institute to test gender equality consciousness, was composed of 20-items (Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ = .87 in teachr group; Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ = .83 in children group) with four subcategories: family life, school life, business life, and social life. The data was analyzed by a one-way ANOVA and t-test using SPSS/PC+. Results: 1. Teachers' gender equality consciousness: The teachers' gender equality consciousness was significantly more affirmative in females (t = 5.313, p = .001) and in the younger teacher group (F = 24.710, p = .001). On the other hand, there was no significant difference according to marital status. The differences in all four subcategories were also significantly affirmative in the female and younger teacher group. 2. Students' gender equality consciousness: The gender equality consciousness among the 6th graders was somewhat different from the teachers'. School girls (t = 8.988, p = .001) and children from double income families (t = 3.171, p = .042) were more affirmative in gender equality consciousness than the other groups. In the four sub-categories, school girls were also significantly more affirmative in all four subcategories. On the other hand, according to the family income source, the children from double income families also tended to be more affirmative only in the subcategory of family life (t = 3.196, p = .042) Conclusions: Gender equality consciousness is remarkably different according to gender both in Korean elementary school teachers and in school children. Age was a key variable in teachers for gender equality consciousness. Further research in gender equality consciousness of parents, school principals and urban school population would be useful. In order to promote gender equality consciousness, various educational materials and a mass education campaign should be developed.

• 대한공업교육학회지
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-22
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• 2007

The purposes of this study were to measure the school-related adjustment level of technical high school students, and to determine the relationship between school-related adjustment and its related variables. The study was carried out through questionnaire survey method. The population sample for the study constituted 553 completed questionnaires from purposive sample of 600 first grade technical high school students. A survey questionnaire was developed by researcher, which consisted of 28 scales. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Major findings of this study were as follows: First, school-related adjustment level of technical high school students was average. In sub-variables of school-related adjustment, 'compliance with the rule' was the highest, and 'relation to teacher' was the lowest. Second, five related variables were found to be a significant relationship with school-related adjustment level of technical high school students. They were 'orientation for freshman', 'student's department hope', 'teacher activity for student learning improvement', 'teacher support for student school life', 'parent's interest about school life'. Third, after multiple regression analysis, the proportion of the variance in school-related adjustment of technical high school students was about 42.2%. School-related adjustment of technical high school students was most explained by 'teacher activity for student learning improvement'.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.77-81
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• 2005

The monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP3), on chromosome 17q11.2-q12, is a secreted chemokine, which attracts macrophages during inflammation and metastasis. In an effort to discover additional polymorphism(s) in genes whose variant(s) have been implicated in asthma, we scrutinized the genetic polymorphisms in MCP3 to evaluate it as a potential candidate gene for asthma host genetic study. By direct DNA sequencing in twenty-four individuals, we identified four sequence variants within the 3 kb full genome including 1,000bp promoter region of MCP3; one in promoter region (-420T>C), three in intron (+136C>G, +563C>T, +984G>A) respectively. The frequencies of those four SNPs were 0.020 (-420T>C), 0.038 (+136C>G), 0.080 (+563C>T), 0.035 (+984G>A), respectively, in Korean population (n = 598). Haplotypes, their frequencies and linkage disequilibrium coefficients (|D'|) between SNP pairs were estimated. The associations with the risk of asthma, skin-test reactivity and total serum IgE levels were analyzed. Using statistical analyses for association of MCP3 polymorphisms with asthma development and asthma-related phenotypes, no significant signals were detected. In conclusion, we identified four genetic polymorphisms in the important MCP3 gene, but no significant associations of MCP3 variants with asthma phenotypes were detected. MCP3 variation/haplotype information identified in this study will provide valuable information for future association studies of other allergic diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.755-762
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• 2005

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects more than 90% of the world's population and has a potential oncogenic nature. A histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), has shown potential ability in cancer chemoprevention and treatment, but its effect on EBV-infected Akata cells has not been examined. This study investigated the effect of TSA on the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells. TSA inhibited cell growth and induced cytotoxicity in the EBV infected Akata cells. TSA treatment sensitively induced apoptosis in the cell, which was demonstrated by the increased number of positively stained cells in the TUNEL assay, the migration of many cells to the sub-$G_0/G_1$ phase in flow cytometric analysis, and the ladder formation of genomic DNA. Western blot analysis showed that caspase-dependent pathways are involved in the TSA-induced apoptosis of EBV-infected Akata cells. Overall, this study shows that EBV-infected B lymphomas are quite sensitive to TSA-provoked apoptosis.

• 대한공업교육학회지
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-19
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to analysis a satisfaction about technical specialized high school supported by Seoul metropolitan office of education. The study was carried out through questionnaire survey method. The population sample for the study constituted 894 completed questionnaires from sample of 1050 technical specialized high school students and parents. A survey questionnaire for students consisted of 20 scales, and it for parents consisted of 16 scales. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Major findings of this study were as follows: First, satisfaction perceived technical specialized high school students supported by Seoul metropolitan office of education was high. In sub-variables of school satisfaction, 'school facilities' was the highest, and 'relation to teacher' was the lowest. Second, three related variables were found to be significant in affecting the satisfaction of technical specialized high school students supported by Seoul metropolitan office of education. They were grade of students, achievement of students, and school type(public school/private school). Third, their parents were satisfied with technical specialized high school supported by Seoul metropolitan office of education. Fourth, gender difference of parents and school type(public school/private school) had no appreciable affect on satisfaction of parents.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.772-779
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• 2009

Object : In the present study, we investigated the obesity and blood parameters between Qi-deficiency and Fire/Heat pattern identification/syndrome differentiation (PI/SD) in acute stroke patients. Materials and Methods : A total of 391 stroke patients within 7 days after onset were consecutively recruited from 12 hospitals across South Korea from Nov. 1st, 2006 to Jun. 31st, 2009. They were diagnosed as Fire/Heat or Qi-deficiency among five PI/SD subtypes by two independent stroke experts. We investigated the differences of obesity and blood characteristics between Fire/Heat and Qi-deficiency by statistical analyses. Results : In male subjects, obesity was significantly associated with Fire/Heat PI/SD. The averaged mean BMI ($24.13kg/m^2$) and waist circumference(89.34cm) of the Fire/Heat group were higher than those of the Qi-deficiency group ($22.60kg/m^2$ and 83.43 cm, respectively). The number of obese patients was larger in the Fire/Heat group than in the Qi-deficiency group (p = 0.001). Hyperlipidemia was also related with Fire/Heat. However, obesity was not associated with PI/SD in female subjects where the number of hyperlipidemic patients was higher in the Qi-deficiency group. Among blood parameters, the levels of triglycerides and fasting blood sugar were higher in the Fire/Heat group compared with the Qi-deficiency group in male subjects. However, total cholesterol of the Qi-deficiency group was higher than in the Fire/Heat group among female subjects. Conclusion : This study shows that obesity and hyperlipidemia are significantly difference between Qi-deficiency and Fire/Heat. We suggests that PI/SD may be associated with clinical characteristics and large population study between PI/SD and clinical characteristics including blood parameters are needed.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.954-961
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• 2007

The experiments were conducted to determine effects of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on T cell subpopulations and responsiveness to mitogen of splenocytes in male broiler chicks. In experiment 1, birds (8-d old) were fed basal, CLA-(CLA) and safflower oil-supplemented (SA) diets which were formulated by supplementary 10 g CLA or safflower oil/kg to the basal diet for 14 d. Broiler starter diet, which mainly consisted of corn and soybean meal, was served as the basal diet. Proliferative response and interleukin (IL)-2-like activity stimulated by concanavalin (Con) A at a concentration of $10{\mu}g/ml$ of splenocytes in chicks fed the CLA diet were greater than in chicks fed the SA diet, but not at $20{\mu}g$ Con A/ml. Percentage of CD3-positive T cells in splenocytes did not differ between chicks fed the SA diet and CLA. Ratio of CD4-positive T cells to CD8- positive T cells was significantly affected by dietary fat source. In experiment 2, broiler chicks (1-d old) were fed the same diets as in experiment 1 for 14 d. Results of splenocyte proliferation to Con A were similar to those in experiment 1, but phytohemaggulutinin (PHA)- or pokeweed mitogen (PWM)- induced splenocyte proliferation did not differ between the CLA and SA fed groups. Supplementation with SA or CLA to the basal diet tended to have a depressive effect on the proliferation, with the greater effect being that of SA. In experiment 3, effect of an addition of CLA to splenocyte culture medium on splenocyte proliferation was determined. An addition of CLA to the culture medium resulted in reduction of the splenocyte proliferation to Con A, but an addition of linoleic acid. When PWM and PHA were used as mitogen, the inhibitory effect of CLA and linoleic acid on the proliferation did not differ. The results suggested that the effect of dietary CLA on splenocyte proliferation was similar to that of SA, although the effect of dietary CLA on sub-populations was slightly different from that of dietary SA. Further studies are needed to clarify whether use of CLA would be beneficial for maintaining or enhancing T cell immunity in chicks.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.237-247
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• 2020

Objective : Fixation of the C1-2 segment is challenging because of the complex anatomy in the region and the need for a high degree of accuracy to avoid complications. Preoperative 3D-computed tomography (CT) scans can help reduce the risk of complications in the vertebral artery, spinal cord, and nerve roots. However, the patient may be susceptible to injury if the patient's anatomy does not match the preoperative CT scans. The intraoperative 3D image-based navigation systems have reduced complications in instrument-assisted techniques due to greater accuracy. This study aimed to compare the radiologic outcomes of C1-2 fusion surgery between intraoperative CT image-guided operation and fluoroscopy-guided operation. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the radiologic images of 34 patients who underwent C1-2 fusion spine surgery from January 2009 to November 2018 at our hospital. We assessed 17 cases each of degenerative cervical disease and trauma in a study population of 18 males and 16 females. The mean age was 54.8 years. A total of 139 screws were used and the surgical procedures included 68 screws in the C1 lateral mass, 58 screws in C2 pedicle, nine screws in C2 lamina and C2 pars screws, four lateral mass screws in sub-axial level. Of the 34 patients, 19 patients underwent screw insertion using intraoperative mobile CT. Other patients underwent atlantoaxial fusion with a standard fluoroscopy-guided device. Results : A total of 139 screws were correctly positioned. We analyzed the positions of 135 screws except for the four screws that performed the lateral mass screws in C3 vertebra. Minor screw penetration was observed in seven cases (5.2%), and major pedicle screw penetration was observed in three cases (2.2%). In one case, the malposition of a C2 pedicle screw was confirmed, which was subsequently corrected. There were no complications regarding vertebral artery injury or onset of new neurologic deficits. The screw malposition rate was lower (5.3%) in patients who underwent intraoperative CT-based navigation than that for fluoroscopy-guided cases (10.2%). And we confirmed that the operation time can be significantly reduced by surgery using intraoperative O-arm device. Conclusion : Spinal navigation using intraoperative cone-beam CT scans is reliable for posterior fixation in unstable C1-2 pathologies and can be reduced the operative time.