• Title/Summary/Keyword: Degree of fragmentation

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A Relation of Urbanization Entropy and Urban Heat Phenomenon (도시화 엔트로피와 도시 열현상과의 관계성)

  • Sangjun Kang
    • Journal of the Korean Regional Science Association
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    • v.39 no.3
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    • pp.3-12
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    • 2023
  • The issue to be discussed is set as the relationship between urban fragmentation and urban heat phenomena. The fragmentation is recognized as a negative form that commonly occurs in the process of urbanization. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between urbanization entropy and heat phenomenon by looking at the five major cities in Korea. The employed methods are InVEST Urban Cooling Model and MSPA (Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis) by using the meteological data for the July 2018. The major results are as follows; First, a low rank correlation(rho=-0.3) is found in the relation between entropy and Cooling Capacity Index (CCi). Second, a very high level of rank correlation is observed between entropy and Average Temperature(℃)(rho=0.9). The implications are that 1) a city with a large degree of sprawling development can have a negative effect on urban heat phenomena; 2) the composition of land use including dispersion and concentration in non-urbanized areas, which has the characteristics of open space, can affect the urban thermal environment. Due to the limited number of case studies, it is appropriate to understand that a possibility, not generalization, is observed between entropy and heat phenomena in urbanized areas.

cAMP antagonizes ERK-dependent antiapoptotic action of insulin

  • Cui, Zhi Gang;Hong, Na-Young;Guan, Jian;Kang, Hee-Kyoung;Lee, Dae-Ho;Lee, Young-Ki;Park, Deok-Bae
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.44 no.3
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    • pp.205-210
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    • 2011
  • Insulin has antiapoptotic activity in various cell types. However, the signaling pathways underlying the antiapoptotic activity of insulin is not yet known. This study was conducted to determine if cAMP affects the antiapoptotic activity of insulin and the activity of PI3K and ERK in CHO cells expressing human insulin receptors (CHO-IR). Insulin-stimulated ERK activity was completely suppressed by cAMP-elevating agents like as pertussis toxin (Ptx) and cholera toxin (Ctx) after 4 h treatment. Insulin-stimulated PKB/Akt activity was not affected at all. Ptx treatment together with insulin increased the number of apoptotic cells and the degree of DNA fragmentation. Ctx or 8-br-cAMP treatment also increased the number of apoptotic cells and stimulated the cleavage of caspase-3 and the hydrolysis of PARP. Taken together, cAMP antagonizes the antiapoptotic activity of insulin and the main target molecule of cAMP in this process is likely ERK, not PI3K-dependent PKB/Akt.

Effect of Hyulbuchukeotang on the Inhibition of Proliferation of Uterine leiomyoma cells and Cell apoptosis (혈부축어탕(血府逐瘀湯) 자궁근종세포의 증식억제와 Apoptosis 관련 유전자 발현에 미치는 영향)

  • Moon, Na-Young;Baek, Seung-Hee;Kim, Dong-Chul
    • The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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    • v.19 no.2
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    • pp.186-198
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    • 2006
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the direct inhibitory effect of Hyulbuchukeotang on the proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells through an experiment treating uterine leiomyoma cells cultivated by explantation with indicated concentrations of Hyulbuchukeotang and to research the gene expression related to cell cycle ill order to discover the connection with apoptosis and its mechanism by analyzing cell cycle. Methods : After primary culture of uterine leiomyoma cells, the cultivated uterine leiomyoma cells were treated with indicated concentrations of Hyulbuchukeotang for 24 hours. The inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation was determined by the cell count assay. The value of a cell count assay represent the percentage of cells in a phase of the cell cycle compared with total cells. In addition, a link between Hyulbuchukeotang and apoptosis was examined through flow cytometric analysis by FACS and DNA fragmentation analysis. Finally, the degree of gene expression related to cell cycle was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Results : The inhibitory effect of Hyulbuchukeotang increase of uterine leiomyoma cells treated with indicated concentrations of Hyulbuchkeotang increases. The result of gene expression related to G1 phase after treating with 100, 250, 500, 1,000 ${\mu}g/ml$ concentrations of Hyulbuchukeotang. on uterine leiomyoma cells is that the gene expression of p27 was increased but that of p53 an p21 remained unchanged and the gene of pRB, pro-caspase 3 was decreased. Conclusion Through the mentioned experiments, it is demonstrated that Hyulbuchkeotang is effective in inhibiting Proliferation of uterine leiomyoma cells by extending cell cycle G1. However it is not considered that the inhibitory effect results from the aptoposis.

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A Study on the Trail Mangement in National Park Using Habitat Suitability Assessment: A Case Study of Yellow-throated Marten Habitats in Mt. Mudeung National Park (서식지 적합성 평가를 통한 국립공원 탐방로 관리 방안 연구 - 무등산 국립공원 내 담비 서식지를 중심으로 -)

  • Lim, Chi-Hong;Lee, Chang-Seok;Jung, Song-Hie;Park, Yong-Su
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.63-75
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    • 2017
  • This study carried out for establishing the synthetic restoration plan to improve ecological quality of Mt. Mudeung National Park based on the results of conservation value assessment for yellow-throated marten habitats. Yellow-throated marten has significant implications as umbrella species for the wildlife habitats conservation, therefore, this species could be used to ecological restoration plan of the damaged forest ecosystem in Mt. Mudeung National Park. In this study, we diagnosed the quality of yellow-throated marten habitats in Mt. Mudeung National Park based on five natural and two artificial factors. In addition, we evaluated the integrity of each zone divided by trails quantitatively based on land use intensity. As a result, forest landscape quality in Mt. Mudeung National Park was influenced greatly by human activity and the degree was depended on the intensity of trails. Therefore, in this study, we suggested the closing of trails composed of the illegal and 36 legal trails. And then, we modeled the changes of habitats quality of Yellow-throated marten for each closing step. As a result the area of core habitats increased by two times and wildlife habitats quality improved in the whole area of the Mt. Mudeung National Park. As a result, the results of this study indicate that man-made linear landscape elements play a key role in the quality of habitats for predators, which require large habitats area like the Yellow-throated marten. Therefore, in order to establish an ecological restoration plan in the mountainous area, we recommend the concept of the linear landscape should be applied with the concept of area landscape.

Design Characteristics of Village Parks Through analysis of Structuring Themes -The Case of Seoul City- (형태주제 분석을 통한 마을마당의 설계특성 -서울시의 사례-)

  • Kim, Shin-Won;Heo, Jun
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.71-84
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    • 2000
  • In this study, design characteristics of Village Parks in Seoul are investigated through an analysis of structuring themes expressed in spatial design. The goals and objectives of this study are: to emphasize the significance of design themes; and to demonstrate an approach to the design of landscapes through an analysis of structuring themes. For conducting this study, geometric forms and naturalistic forms were examined first. That is, the following 15 structuring themes were examined, as guiding themes: the 90$^{\circ}$rectangular theme; the 45$^{\circ}$/90$^{\circ}$angular theme; the 30$^{\circ}$/60$^{\circ}$ angular theme; circles on circle; concentric circles and radii; arcs and tangents; circle segments; the ellipse; the spiral; the meander; the free ellipse and scallops; the free spiral; the irregular polygon; the organic edge; and clustering and fragmentation. Forty five Village Parks in Seoul, built between 1996 and 1997, were analyzed through these 15 structuring themes. An analysis of Village Parks was conducted by the following two categories: land shape and structuring themes; and design directions and structuring themes. The research results are as follows; 1) Geometric forms are more frequently applied than naturalistic forms. 2) Regardless of land shape, geometric forms derived from simple primary shapes, the square and the circle, are frequently used. And the meander and the irregular polygon among naturalistic forms are frequently used. 3) Regarding design directions and structuring themes, design concepts, symbolic meanings and spatial forms are, to some degree, integrated. 4) The spiral is not applied among geometric forms. And the meander and the irregular polygon, as naturalistic forms, are frequently utilized. Research findings obtained from this study could be used in the designing of future Village Parks. For a profound study, future, research is needed in two-dimensional plans and three-dimensional elements of Village Parks.

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Conservation Value Assessment by Considering Patch Size, Connectivity and Edge (패치크기, 연결성, 가장자리를 고려한 보전가치평가)

  • Lee, Dong-Kun;Kim, Eun-Young;Oh, Kyu-Shik
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.8 no.5
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    • pp.56-67
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    • 2005
  • Rapid and reckless economical development is causing nationwide deforestation; more and more forest is being developed to be used as a base for economic advancement. While benefiting the national economy, this destruction of forest is creating a serious problem in the National Land Plan. To solve this problem, it is imperative to understand the current condition of damaged forest and make an environment-friendly plan. This paper explains the principles of spatial plan and sets the criteria for the plan, such as patch size, connectivity, and edge of the Landscape Ecology. The paper assesses the conservational value of area that are currently being developed or planned to be developed to figure out the current environmental situation. This conservational value was verified by the field survey. The result of assessment appears that the patch size of the major mountains in site is over 1,000ha and edge is located widely beside roads. The area of the high connectivity is located agriculture area in valley or narrow roads. The research shows that the patch size is related to biodiversity the larger the patch size, the more populated the species are. The research also reveals the conservational value indicated by degree of connection to forest, difference in the structure of vegetation between core area and edge area, and effects of surrounding environment. In further study, we will assess other criteria of conservation value, such as patch shape and fragmentation to the Landscape Ecology, and apply those criteria in biological aspects of the spatial plan.

Short-Term Changes in Gut Microflora and Intestinal Epithelium in X-Ray Exposed Mice

  • Tsujiguchi, Takakiyo;Yamaguchi, Masaru;Yamanouchi, Kanako
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.163-170
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    • 2020
  • Background: Gut microflora contributes to the nutritional metabolism of the host and to strengthen its immune system. However, if the intestinal barrier function of the living body is destroyed by radiation exposure, the intestinal bacteria harm the health of the host and cause sepsis. Therefore, this study aims to trace short-term radiation-induced changes in the mouse gut microflora-dominant bacterial genus, and analyze the degree of intestinal epithelial damage. Materials and Methods: Mice were irradiated with 0, 2, 4, 8 Gy X-rays, and the gut microflora and intestinal epithelial changes were analyzed 72 hours later. Five representative genera of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were analyzed in fecal samples, and the intestine was pathologically analyzed by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Alcian blue staining. In addition, DNA fragmentation was evaluated by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results and Discussion: The small intestine showed shortened villi and reduced number of goblet cells upon 8 Gy irradiation. The large intestine epithelium showed no significant morphological changes, but the number of goblet cells were reduced in a radiation dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the small intestinal epithelium of 8 Gy-irradiated mice showed significant DNA damaged, whereas the large intestine epithelium was damaged in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the large intestine epithelium showed less recovery potential upon radiation exposure than the small intestinal epithelium. Analysis of the intestinal flora revealed fluctuations in lactic acid bacteria excretion after irradiation regardless of the morphological changes of intestinal epithelium. Altogether, it became clear that radiation exposure could cause an immediate change of their excretion. Conclusion: This study revealed changes in the intestinal epithelium and intestinal microbiota that may pave the way for the identification of novel biomarkers of radiation-induced gastrointestinal disorders and develop new therapeutic strategies to treat patients with acute radiation syndrome.

Microstructural Evolution of Cu-15 wt%Ag Composites Processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing (등통로각압축공정을 이용하여 제조된 Cu-15 wt%Ag 복합재의 미세구조)

  • Lee, In Ho;Hong, Sun Ig;Lee, Kap Ho
    • Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
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    • v.50 no.12
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    • pp.931-937
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    • 2012
  • The microstructure of Cu-15 wt%Ag composites fabricated by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with intermediate heat treatment at $320^{\circ}C$ was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Ag precipitates with a thickness of 20-40 nm were observed in the eutectic region of the Cu-15 wt%Ag composite solution treated at $700^{\circ}C$ before ECAP. The Cu matrix and Ag precipitates had a cube on cube orientation relationship. ECAPed composites exhibited ultrafine-grained microstructures with the shape and distribution dependent on the processing routes. For route A in which the sample was pressed without rotation between each pass, the Cu and Ag grains were elongated along the shear direction and many micro-twins were observed in elongated Cu grains as well as in Ag filaments. The steps were observed on coherent twin boundaries in Cu grains. For route Bc in which the sample was rotated by 90 degrees after each pass, a subgrain structure with misorientation of 2-4 degree by fragmentation of the large Cu grains were observed. For route C in which the sample was rotated by 180 degrees after each pass, the microstructure was similar to that of the route A sample. However, the thickness of the elongated grains along the shear direction was wider than that of the route A sample and the twin density was lower than the route A sample. It was found that more microtwins were formed in ECAPed Cu-15 wt%Ag than in the drawn sample. Grain boundaries were observed in relatively thick and long Ag filaments in Cu-15 wt%Ag ECAPed by route C, indicating the multi-crystalline nature of Ag filaments.

KR 31378, a Potent Antioxidant, Inhibits Apoptotic Death of A7r5 Cells

  • Kim, Ki-Young;Kim, Byeong-Gee;Kim, Sun-Ok;Yoo, Sung-Eun;Hong, Ki-Whan
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.5 no.5
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    • pp.381-388
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    • 2001
  • This work describes the pharmacological inhibition by KR 31378 and its acetyl metabolite, KR 31612, of the apoptotic cell death induced by $H_2O_2$ in the A7r5 cells. Exposure of A7r5 cells to $H_2O_2$ (0.5 mM) induced a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in association with oligonucleosomal DNA fragmentation. $H_2O_2-induced$ cell death was potently suppressed by KR 31378, KR 31612, ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ or trolox. Additionally, the apoptotic death of A7r5 cells (DNA ladders on electrophoresis) was also strongly suppressed by KR 31378 and KR 31612, but to a less degree by ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ and trolox. As a mechanistic study, incubation with $H_2O_2$ markedly showed a decreased Bcl-2 level and, in contrast, increased Bax protein and cytochrome C release, which were significantly and concentration-dependently reversed by KR 31378 and KR 31612 as well as by ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ and trolox. KR 31378 and ${\alpha}-tocopherol$ significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in accordance with reduced intracellular ROS and peroxyl radical. These results suggest that KR 31378 has a therapeutic potential against the apoptotic injury via mediation of anti- oxidative stress.

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Establishment and Characterization of Carboplatin-Resistant Retinoblastoma Cell Line

  • Cho, Chang Sik;Jo, Dong Hyun;Kim, Jin Hyoung;Kim, Jeong Hun
    • Molecules and Cells
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    • v.45 no.10
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    • pp.729-737
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    • 2022
  • Carboplatin-based chemotherapy is the primary treatment option for the management of retinoblastoma, an intraocular malignant tumor observed in children. The aim of the present study was to establish carboplatin-resistant retinoblastoma cell lines to facilitate future research into the treatment of chemoresistant retinoblastoma. In total, two retinoblastoma cell lines, Y79 and SNUOT-Rb1, were treated with increasing concentrations of carboplatin to develop the carboplatin-resistant retinoblastoma cell lines (termed Y79/CBP and SNUOT-Rb1/CBP, respectively). To verify resistance to carboplatin, the degree of DNA fragmentation and the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 were evaluated in the cells, following carboplatin treatment. In addition, the newly developed carboplatin-resistant retinoblastoma cells formed in vivo intraocular tumors more effectively than their parental cells, even after the intravitreal injection of carboplatin. Interestingly, the proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase was higher in Y79/CBP and SNUOT-Rb1/CBP cells than in their respective parental cells. In line with these data, the expression levels of cyclin D1 and cyclin D3 were decreased, whereas p18 and p27 expression was increased in the carboplatin-resistant cells. In addition, the expression levels of genes associated with multidrug resistance were increased. Thus, these carboplatin-resistant cell lines may serve as a useful tool in the study of chemoresistance in retinoblastoma and for the development potential therapeutics.