• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.7
• /
• pp.2883-2887
• /
• 2015

Background: The calcium-binding S100A4 protein is involved in epithelial to mesenchymal transition, oncogenic transformation, angiogenesis, cytoskeletal integrity, mobility and metastasis of cancer cells. This study aimed to clarify the roles of S100A4 in genesis and progression of glioma. Materials and Methods: S100A4 expression was examined by real-time RT-CPR and Western blot in glioma and paired normal brain tissue (n=69), and compared with clinicopathological parameters of tumors. In addition, glioma U251 cells transfected with an S100A4-expressing plasmid were examined for proliferation by MTT, apoptosis by Annexin V-FITC, and migration and invasion with Transwell chambers. Results: Increased S100A4 mRNA expression was found in gliomas, compared with paired non-tumor tissue (p<0.001). Gradual elevation of overexpression of S100A4 was observed with increasing glioma grade (p<0.001). Astrocytoma showed lower S100A4 mRNA expression than oligodendrogliomas, with glioblastomas having highest values (p<0.001). Similar results were obtained for S100A4 protein, a positive link being found between mRNA and protein expression in gliomas (p<0.001). There was higher growth, lower apoptosis, stronger migration and invasion of S100A4 transfectants than control and mock transfected cells (p<0.001). Conclusions: These findings indicate that up-regulated S100A4 expression is positively linked to pathogenesis, progression and histogenesis of glioma by modulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.248-288
• /
• 2022

The study on vascular plants of Gayasan National Park was conducted in 2016 over a period of 34 days from March to October 2016. As the study, a total of 768 taxa were recorded, including 118 families, 396 genera, 691 species, 15 subspecies, 51 varieties, and 11 forms. In the vascular plants, four endangered wild plants were recorded, Ponerorchis cucullata (L.) X.H.Jin, Trientalis europaea var. arctica (Fisch.) Ledeb., Cypripedium macranthos Sw., and Pedicularis hallaisanensis Hurus. Taxa of Least Concern (LC) or higher level on National Red List published by the Ministry of Environment of Korea were 21 taxa for example Tricyrtis macropoda Miq., and Lilium cernuum Kom. A total of 37 Korean endemic plants were investigated for example Abies koreana E.H.Wilson and Impatiens atrosanguinea (Nakai) B.U.Oh & Y.P.Hong. A total of 162 taxa of floristic regional indicators (3^rd to 5^th degree) were investigated including 9 taxa of V, 15 taxa of IV, 38 taxa of III, 45 taxa of II, and 53 taxa of I. Naturalized plants were recorded a total of 46 taxa with a Naturalization Index of 6.0%, the Urbanization Index was calculated to be 14.3% and 5 taxa of ecosystem disturbance plants were investigated such as Sicyos angulatus L., Rumex acetosella L., and Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. As the result of comparison with previous studies, in this study a total of 206 taxa were newly identified including 62 families, 144 genera, 184 species, 2 subspecies, 15 varieties, and 5 forms.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.454-459
• /
• 2004

Experimental hyperoxia represents a suitable in vitro model to study some pathogenic mechanisms related to oxidative stress. Moreover, it allows the investigation of the molecular pathophysiology underlying oxygen therapy and toxicity. In this study, a modified experimental set up was adopted to accomplish a model of moderate hyperoxia (50% $O_2$, 96 h culture) to induce oxidative stress in the human leukemia cell line, U-937. Spectrophotometric measurements of mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities, NMR spectroscopy of culture media, determination of antioxidant enzyme activities, and cell proliferation and differentiation assays were performed. The data showed that moderate hyperoxia in this myeloid cell line causes: i) intriguing alterations in the mitochondrial activities at the levels of succinate dehydrogenase and succinate-cytochrome c reductase; ii) induction of metabolic compensatory adaptations, with significant shift to glycolysis; iii) induction of different antioxidant enzyme activities; iv) significant cell growth inhibition and v) no significant apoptosis. This work will permit better characterization the mitochondrial damage induced by hyperoxia. In particular, the data showed a large increase in the succinate cytochrome c reductase activity, which could be a fundamental pathogenic mechanism at the basis of oxygen toxicity.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.380-387
• /
• 2015

A lead slowing-down spectrometer (LSDS) system is a promising nondestructive assay technique that enables a quantitative measurement of the isotopic contents of major fissile isotopes in spent nuclear fuel and its pyroprocessing counterparts, such as $^{235}U$, $^{239}Pu$, $^{241}Pu$, and, potentially, minor actinides. The LSDS system currently under development at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (Daejeon, Korea) is planned to utilize a high-flux ($>10^{12}n/cm^2{\cdot}s$) neutron source comprised of a high-energy (30 MeV)/high-current (~2 A) electron beam and a heavy metal target, which results in a very intense and complex radiation field for the facility, thus demanding structural shielding to guarantee the safety. Optimization of the structural shielding design was conducted using MCNPX for neutron dose rate evaluation of several representative hypothetical designs. In order to satisfy the construction cost and neutron attenuation capability of the facility, while simultaneously achieving the aimed dose rate limit (< $0.06{\mu}Sv/h$), a few shielding materials [high-density polyethylene (HDPE)eBorax, $B_4C$, and $Li_2CO_3$] were considered for the main neutron absorber layer, which is encapsulated within the double-sided concrete wall. The MCNP simulation indicated that HDPE-Borax is the most efficient among the aforementioned candidate materials, and the combined thickness of the shielding layers should exceed 100 cm to satisfy the dose limit on the outside surface of the shielding wall of the facility when limiting the thickness of the HDPE-Borax intermediate layer to below 5 cm. However, the shielding wall must include the instrumentation and installation holes for the LSDS system. The radiation leakage through the holes was substantially mitigated by adopting a zigzag-shape with concrete covers on both sides. The suggested optimized design of the shielding structure satisfies the dose rate limit and can be used for the construction of a facility in the near future.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.159-174
• /
• 2007

Pharmacology of Korean Red ginseng gives us unique possibility to develop new class of antiepileptic drugs today and to improve one's biological activity. The chemical structures of ginsenosides (GS) have some principal differences from well-known antiepileptic new generation drugs. The antiepileptic effect of GS was also demonstrated in all models of epilepsy in rats (young and adult), which have studied, in all models of epilepsy including status epilepticus (SE), induced by lithium - pilocarpine. In our experiments in rats new evidences on protective effects were exerted as a result of premedication by GS. Pre-treatment of several GS could induce decrease of the seizures severity and brain structural damage (by MRI), neuronal degeneration in hippocampus. Wave nature of severity of motor seizures during convulsive SE was observed during lithium-pilocarpine model of SE in rats (the first increase of seizures was 30 min after the beginning of SE and the second - 90 min after. The efficacy of treatment on SE by ginsenoside as expected was observed after no less 3 weeks by daily GS i.p. administration. It is blocked SE or significantly decrease the severity of seizures during SE. The implication of presented data is that combination of ginsenosides from Korean Red ginseng and ginseng cell culture Dan25 that could be applied for prevention of epileptical status development. However, a development of optimal ratio of different ginsenosides $(Rb_1$ Rc, Rg, Rf,) should consummate in the new antiepileptic drug development.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
• /
• v.11 no.6
• /
• pp.484-488
• /
• 2006

Alteration of illumination with optimum carbon dioxide fixation-based curve in this research successfully enhanced the $CO_{2}-fixation\;(q_CO_{2}$ capability of Chlorella vulgaris Buitenzorg cultivated in a bubble column photo bioreactor. The level of $CO_{2}$ fixation was up to 1.91 times that observed from cultivation with intensification of illumination on an optimum growth-based curve. During 144 h of cultivation, alteration of light intensity on an optimum $CO_{2}-fixation-based$ curve produced a $q_CO_{2}$ of $12.8\;h^{-1}$. Meanwhile, alteration of light intensity with a growth-based curve only produced a $q_CO_{2}$ of $6.68\;h^{-1}$. Increases in light intensity based on a curve of optimum $CO_{2}-fixation$ produced a final cell concentration of about 5.78 g/L. Both cultivation methods were carried out under ambient pressure at a temperature of $29^{\circ}C$ with a superficial gas velocity of $2.4\;m/h(U_{G}$. Cells were grown on Beneck medium in a 1.0 L Bubble Column Photo bioreactor illuminated by a Phillips Halogen Lamp (20 W/12 V/50 Hz). The inlet gas had a carbon dioxide content of 10%.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.884-894
• /
• 2023

Design and safety assessment of fuel pins for application in innovative Generation IV fast reactors calls for a dedicated nuclear fuel modelling and for the extension of the fuel performance code capabilities to the envisaged materials and irradiation conditions. In the INSPYRE Project, comprehensive and physics-based models for the thermal-mechanical properties of U-Pu mixed-oxide (MOX) fuels and for fission gas behaviour were developed and implemented in the European fuel performance codes GERMINAL, MACROS and TRANSURANUS. As a follow-up to the assessment of the reference code versions ("pre-INSPYRE", NET 53 (2021) 3367-3378), this work presents the integral validation and benchmark of the code versions extended in INSPYRE ("post-INSPYRE") against two pins from the SUPERFACT-1 fast reactor irradiation experiment. The post-INSPYRE simulation results are compared to the available integral and local data from post-irradiation examinations, and benchmarked on the evolution during irradiation of quantities of engineering interest (e.g., fuel central temperature, fission gas release). The comparison with the pre-INSPYRE results is reported to evaluate the impact of the novel models on the predicted pin performance. The outcome represents a step forward towards the description of fuel behaviour in fast reactor irradiation conditions, and allows the identification of the main remaining gaps.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.55-95
• /
• 2010

The meaning and application of 'lesion corporelle' in the context of a variety of mental or psychic injuries is less clear, while there is very little disagreement about its literal translation. U.S. Court decisions since Floyd allow recovery for a range of claims involving emotional injury under Article 17; in some cases there is no recovery, while in others there is full recovery, depending on the allegations and the nexus between the alleged injury and any related or accompanying physical injury. Courts are in agreement that pure emotional injury is not compensable under the Convention. Most courts agree that emotional injury is not compensable in those cases where it has resulted only in physical manifestations such as weight loss or sleeplessness. At the same time, most courts generally agree that emotional injury is compensable if it proximately flows from a physical injury. The issue as to whether the courts would associate PTSD with bodily injury as envisioned in the present Warsaw structure or even the new regime reflected in the Convention proposed by ICAO would largely depend on the extent to which courts would be ready to embrace the compelling scientific findings with regard to mental distress and its application within the term 'bodily injury'. Taken together, these points when the current under Article 17 of the Warsaw Convention, 'physical injury' notion of 'mental injury' is to be extended. Of course, the current terms of the Warsaw Convention have been maintaining a precedent for many countries appear to have a statue of the original purpose of the treaty does not contribute to the diffusion. Therefore, in future treaties 'bodily injury', the term 'injury', the term 'personal injury' or 'health undermined' the term should be replaced or revised.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.3-23
• /
• 2015

The Chevron saga including Chevron/TexPet v. Ecuador, PCA Case No. 34877(hereinafter referred to as "Chevron I") and Chevron/TexPet v. Ecuador, PCA Case No. 2009-23(hereinafter referred to as "Chevron II") started out of domestic litigations between TexPet and Ecuador in the early 1990s. In Chevron I, the Tribunal decided that Article 2(7) of the U.S.-Ecuador BIT on effective means of provision was breached because of undue delays in the seven legal proceedings TexPet had brought against Ecuador in respect to contractual obligations. In Chevron II, it was contended that through the actions and inactions of the judiciary and the executive, Ecuador breached her several obligations under the BIT. Ecuador objected to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal because TexPet's investment was terminated in 1992, and because Chevron is not a party to the 1995 Settlement Agreement and 1998 Final Release. In its Interim Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility, the Tribunal applied a prima facie standard to the facts alleged by the Claimants but denied by the Respondent, and decided that questions in respect of the Respondent's jurisdictional objections should be joined to the merits under Article 21(4) of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. In the merits phase of Chevron II, the Tribunal divided the merits of the Parties' dispute into two parts, entitled "Track 1" and "Track 2". In its Partial Award on Track 1, the Tribunal decided that Chevron is a "Releasee" under the 1995 Settlement Agreement. In a decision on "Track 1B", the Tribunal decided that the Lago Agrio complaint cannot be read as pleading "exclusively" or "only" diffuse claims, and that, to this extent, the Claimants' reliance on the 1995 Settlement Agreement as a complete bar to the Lago Agrio complaint must fail, as a matter of Ecuadorian law. The Tribunal maintained the position that the Parties' disputes on both merit and jurisdiction should be reserved for Track 2. It remains to be seen how the Tribunal addresses the Claimants' allegations of multiple denials of justice under international law against the judgments of the Respondent's Courts, together with the Respondent's jurisdictional objections in Track 2 of the arbitration.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.87.2-87.2
• /
• 2013

We studied a fine-scale half ring-like structure around a pore seen from the high spectral and the high spatial resolution data. Our observations were carried out using the Fast Imaging Solar Spectrograph (FISS) and the InfraRed Imaging Magnetograph (IRIM) installed at the 1.6 meter New Solar Telescope of Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) on 2012 July 19. During the observations, we found a fine-scale half ring-like structure located very close to a pore (~0.4 arcsec apart from the pore). It was seen in the far wing images of the $H{\alpha}$ and Ca II $8542{\AA}$ lines, but it was not seen in the line center images of two lines. The length of the structure is about 4200 km and the width is about 350 km. We determined its line-of-sight velocity using the Doppler shift of the centroid of the Ti II line ($6559.6{\AA}$, close to the $H{\alpha}$ line) and determined horizontal velocity using the NAVE method. we also investigated the magnetic configurations using the Stokes I, Q, U, and V maps of the IRIM. As a results, we found that it has a high blue-shift velocity (~2km) faster than the photospheric features and has a strong horizontal component of the magnetic field. Based on our findings, we suggest that it is associated with small flux emergence, which occurs very close to the pore. Even though it is very small structure, this kind of magnetic configuration can be in chare of the upper chromosphere heating, especially above the pore.