• Title/Summary/Keyword: survival functions

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Regulation of the Immune System by NF-κB and IκB

  • Liou, Hsiou-Chi
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.35 no.6
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    • pp.537-546
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    • 2002
  • NF-${\kappa}B$/Rel transcription factor family participates in diverse biological processes including embryo development, hematopoiesis, immune regulation, as well as neuronal functions. In this review, the NF-${\kappa}B$/Rel signal transduction pathways and their important roles in the regulation of immune system will be discussed. NF-${\kappa}B$/Rel members execute distinct functions in multiple immune cell types via the regulation of target genes essential for cell proliferation, survival, effector functions, cell trafficking and communication, as well as the formation of lymphoid architecture. Consequently, proper activation of NF-${\kappa}B$/Rel during immune responses to allergens, auto-antigens, allo-antigens, and pathogenic infection is crucial for the integrity of host innate and adaptive immunity.

The Interface Between ER and Mitochondria: Molecular Compositions and Functions

  • Lee, Soyeon;Min, Kyung-Tai
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.41 no.12
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    • pp.1000-1007
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    • 2018
  • Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are essential organelles in eukaryotic cells, which play key roles in various biological pathways. Mitochondria are responsible for ATP production, maintenance of $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis and regulation of apoptosis, while ER is involved in protein folding, lipid metabolism as well as $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis. These organelles have their own functions, but they also communicate via mitochondrial-associated ER membrane (MAM) to provide another level of regulations in energy production, lipid process, $Ca^{2+}$ buffering, and apoptosis. Hence, defects in MAM alter cell survival and death. Here, we review components forming the molecular junctions of MAM and how MAM regulates cellular functions. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of impaired ER-mitochondrial communication in various neurodegenerative diseases.

WATER AND INTROSPECTION (물과 성찰(省察))

  • Shin, Sung-Woong;Cho, Soo-Churl
    • Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.3-24
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    • 2001
  • All human being can't exist by oneself. That is, all human being depend on intimate attachment for their survival. Physical and psychological powers and control functions are prerequisites for one's survival and these serve important functions in interpersonal relationships. There are two kinds of powers and controls. One is positive power which helps one survive effectively. Another one is negative power which disturbs one's effective survival. Introspection is one of the positive power and most important process in understanding oneself and others. Thus, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the physical and psychological meaning of the characteristics of water and based on this meaning, to suggest one way of introspection. The authors reviewed the precept of water which is described in Bible and oriental classical books such as 'the Analects of Confuicus(論語)', 'Tao Te Ching(道德經)', 'Mencius(맹자)', 'Chronicle(史記)', 'The Doctrine of the Mean(中庸)', 'University(大學)'. The author also reviewed 'The History of Three Countries(삼국사기, 삼국유사)', 'The Precept of Religion', and 'the modern poems' which includes the symbolic meaning of water. The results are summarized as follows:1) The flow of water itself is the expression of introspection. Because, water does not flow without filling a puddle. 2) Water is the symbol of 'Immortality'. 3) Water symbolizes 'Modesty and Trust'. 4) Water is the symbol of 'Freedom from Greed'. 5) Water symbolizes 'Goodness and Beauty'. 6) Water symbolizes 'Naturality and Love'. Immortality, Modesty and Trust, Freedom from Greed, Goodness and Beauty, and Naturality and Love are eternal, universal values which all human should seek and achieve. By the process of introspection through the symbolic meaning of water, we can achieve these positive aspects of human mind and spirit.

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A Study on the Five Functions of the NSI-Tth Development of a conceptual Framework for NSI- (국가혁신시스템의 다섯 가지 기능에 관한 연구-국가혁신시스템의 개념적 분석 틀 개발-)

  • 임윤철
    • Journal of Technology Innovation
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.150-180
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    • 1997
  • This article introduces the five functions of the national innovation system(NIS). As one of social systems in the national level, the five generic functions of open system - production, boundary spanning, maintenance, adaptation, management functions - are applied to the NIS. The production function is the primary process, which produces innovative products and services of the NIS. The boundary spanning function is the function of procuring input and disposing the innovation output or aiding in these processes. Experienced R&D human resources, R&D funds, technology etc. are some of the components of the input of the NIS. The maintenance function is responsible for maintaining smooth operation and upkeeping the system in terms of various conditions. The adaptation function is to help the system change and adapt, and scan the environment for problems, opportunites, and technological developments. It has outward orientation, from the long-term view for the survival of the system. The management function carries out planning and control of the overall activities for the other four functions in order to effectiving run the system as a whole. Finally, this article discusses implications of the diagnosis of the national innovation system and the decision making process of S&T policy.

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The functions of mTOR in ischemic diseases

  • Hwang, Seo-Kyoung;Kim, Hyung-Hwan
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.44 no.8
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    • pp.506-511
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    • 2011
  • Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase and that forms two multiprotein complexes known as the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). mTOR regulates cell growth, proliferation and survival. mTORC1 is composed of the mTOR catalytic subunit and three associated proteins: raptor, mLST8/$G{\beta}L$ and PRAS40. mTORC2 contains mTOR, rictor, mLST8/$G{\beta}L$, mSin1, and protor. Here, we discuss mTOR as a promising anti-ischemic agent. It is believed that mTORC2 lies down-stream of Akt and acts as a direct activator of Akt. The different functions of mTOR can be explained by the existence of two distinct mTOR complexes containing unique interacting proteins. The loss of TSC2, which is upstream of mTOR, activates S6K1, promotes cell growth and survival, activates mTOR kinase activities, inhibits mTORC1 and mTORC2 via mTOR inhibitors, and suppresses S6K1 and Akt. Although mTOR signaling pathways are often activated in human diseases, such as cancer, mTOR signaling pathways are deactivated in ischemic diseases. From Drosophila to humans, mTOR is necessary for Ser473 phosphorylation of Akt, and the regulation of Akt-mTOR signaling pathways may have a potential role in ischemic disease. This review evaluates the potential functions of mTOR in ischemic diseases. A novel mTOR-interacting protein deregulates over-expression in ischemic disease, representing a new mechanism for controlling mTOR signaling pathways and potential therapeutic strategies for ischemic diseases.

Comparison of Single and Sandwich Collagen Gel on the Survival and Metabolism of Rat Hepatocytes Primary Cell Culture (쥐 간세포 일차배양 세포의 생존능과 대사능에 단층과 복층 콜라젠 젤이 미치는 영향의 비교)

  • 정미경;이혜경
    • KSBB Journal
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.453-461
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    • 1996
  • We compared the effects of two different systems of collagen matrix protein application on the survival and the biological functions of cultured primary hepatocytes. The rat liver primary hepatocytes were grown for approximately 40 days in vitro either on single collagen gel or between collagen sandwich gels. The morphological changes were observed for this culture period. While the hepatocytes grown on single gel began to die around at 7 days of culture, the cells grown between collagen gels still maintained their viability and began to die after 15 days. As markers for liver hepatic functions, we determined the biochemical activities of hepatocytes such as the secretions of albumin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, urea, and the reduction of secreted ammonia. We found that the rat hepatocytes cultured between collagen gels maintained fairly good biochemical functions than the hepatocytes cultured on single gel did. Therefore, the application of an extracellular matrix protein, collagen, in sandwich form was confirmed as a better choice for maintaining the functional hepatocytes culture for long term in vitro.

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Expression Pattern and Prognostic Significance of Claudin 1, 4 and 7 in Pancreatic Cancer

  • Alikanoglu, Arsenal Sezgin;Gunduz, Seyda;Demirpence, Ozlem;Suren, Dinc;Gunduz, Umut Riza;Sezer, Cem;Yildiz, Mustafa;Yildirim, Mustafa
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.10
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    • pp.4387-4392
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    • 2015
  • Background: Tight junctions (TJs) organise paracellular permeability and they have an important role in epithelial and endothelial cell polarity and permanence of barrier function. It has been demonstrated that the Claudin family constitutes an important component of them. In this study, we assessed expression patterns of of Claudin1, 4 and 7 and whether they have any relation with prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer. Materials and Methods: Expression patterns of Claudin 1,4 and 7 were examined by immunohistochemistry in 25 patients with a histopathological diagnosis of pancreatic cancer using a semiquantitative scoring of the extent and intensity of staining. After grouping the staining scores as low (final score 0-2) and high (final score 3-9) the relation between expression of Claudin 1,4 and 7 and survival was evaluated. Results: There was no significant relation between expression of Claudin 1,4 and 7 and gender and stage. No statistically significant relation was found between Claudin 1 and 4 expression and survival whereas a statistically significant relation was found between decrease in Claudin 7 expression and decrease in survival. Conclusions: Claudins have important functions other than their popular function known as adhesion. Supporting this hypothesis, we found a statistically significant relationship between increased Claudin 7 expression and increased survival time, and this suggests that Claudin 7 may exert different tumorigenic effects in pancreatic cancer other than its well-known adhesion effect.

Prognostic Significance of Peripheral Blood Flow Cytometry Parameters in Patients with Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer

  • Engin, Huseyin;Bilir, Cemil;Tekin, Ishak Ozel
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.14 no.12
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    • pp.7645-7649
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    • 2013
  • Background: Immune functions and their relation to prognosis in breast cancer patients have become areas of great interest in recent years. Correlations between survival outcomes and peripheral blood flow cytometry parameters are therefore of interest. Here we focused on patients with non-metastatic breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients with pathological confirmed breast carcinoma and flow cytometry data were assessed for overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results: The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 29-83). Multivariate analysis revealed that OS was significantly associated with absolute cytotoxic T cell count (95%CI, coef 2.26, p=0.035), tumor size (95%CI, coef -14.5, p 0.004), chemotherapy (95%CI, coef 12.9, p 0.0001), MFI of CD4 (95%CI, coef -5.1, P 0.04), MFI of HLA DR (95%CI, coef -5.9, p 0.008) and tumor grade (95%CI, coef -13, P 0.049) with R-Sq(adj)=67%. Similar findings were obtained for PFS. Conclusions: OS and PFS were significantly associated with tumor grade, tumor size, chemotherapy, MFI of CD4, HLA DR and absolute cytotoxic T cell count. The study revealed that MFI of basic CD markers and absolute cytotoxic T cell number may be a prognostic factors in women with non-metastatic BC.

Smoothing Kaplan-Meier estimate using monotone support vector regression (단조 서포트벡터기계를 이용한 카플란-마이어 생존함수의 평활)

  • Hwang, Changha;Shim, Jooyong
    • Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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    • v.23 no.6
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    • pp.1045-1054
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    • 2012
  • Support vector machine is known to be the very useful statistical method in classification and nonlinear function estimation. In this paper we propose a monotone support vector regression (SVR) for the estimation of monotonically decreasing function. The proposed monotone SVR is applied to smooth the Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival function. Experimental results are then presented which indicate the performance of the proposed monotone SVR using survival functions obtained by exponential distribution.

Estimation of hazard function and hazard change-point for the rectal cancer data (직장암 데이터에 대한 위험률 함수 추정 및 위험률 변화점 추정)

  • Lee, Sieun;Shim, Byoung Yong;Kim, Jaehee
    • Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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    • v.26 no.6
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    • pp.1225-1238
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    • 2015
  • In this research, we fit various survival models and conduct tests and estimation for the hazard change-point with the rectal cancer data. By the log-rank tests, at significance level ${\alpha}=0.10$, survival functions are significantly different according to the uniporter of glucose (GLUT1), clinical stage (cstage) and pathologic stage (ypstage). From the Cox proportional hazard model, the most significant covariates are GLUT1 and ypstage. Assuming that the rectal cancer data follows the exponential distribution, we estimate one hazard change-point using Matthews and Farewell (1982), Henderson (1990) and Loader (1991) methods.