• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.7-13
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• 2012

Objectives : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been associated with pathogenic processes including carcinogenesis through direct effect on DNA directly and by acting as a tumor promoter. Therefore, it has been regarded that ROS may be a major target for cancer prevention. The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall (PL), a traditional Chinese herb, has been a component of effective prescriptions for treatment of liver disease. Also, there are some reports about the antioxidant activities of the extracts from PL. However, little has been known about the effects of PL against oxidative damage. This work aimed to elucidate the anti-oxidant effects of Paeonia lactiflora pall (PL) in the non-cellular system and cellular system. Methods : Antioxidant activities of PL were evaluated by hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and $Fe^{2+}$ chelating assay. Anti-oxidative effect of PL was evaluated by ${\varphi}X$-174 RF I plasmid DNA cleavage assay in non-cellular system. In addition, DNA migration assay, expression level of phospho-H2AX, MTT assay and lipid peroxidation assay were performed for evaluate the anti-oxidative effect of PL in cellular system. Results : PL had a dose-dependent hydroxyl radical scavenging and $Fe^{2+}$ chelating capacity. In addition, PL inhibited oxidative DNA and cell damage induced by hydroxyl radical in non-cellular system and cellular system. Conclusion : Taken together, P. lactiflora pall may be possible for the application to a potential drug for treating the oxidative diseases such as cancer.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.117-122
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• 2023

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) that binds to the coreceptor CCR5 (R5 viruses) can evolve into viruses that bind to the coreceptor CXCR4 (X4 viruses), with high viral replication rates governing this coreceptor switch. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) treatment of HIV-1 infected patients has been found to slow the depletion of CD4+ T cells. This study assessed whether the KRG-associated slow depletion of CD4+ T cells was associated with coreceptor switching. Methods: This study included 146 HIV-1-infected patients naïve to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and seven patients receiving ART. A total of 540 blood samples were obtained from these patients over 122 ± 129 months. Their env genes were amplified by nested PCR or RT-PCR and subjected to direct sequencing. Tropism was determined with a 10% false positive rate (FPR) cutoff. Results: Of the 146 patients naïve to ART, 102 were KRG-naïve, and 44 had been treated with KRG. Evaluation of initial samples showed that coreceptor switch had occurred in 19 patients, later occurring in 38 additional patients. There was a significant correlation between the amount of KRG and FPR. Based on initial samples, the R5 maintenance period was extended 2.35-fold, with the coreceptor switch being delayed 2.42-fold in KRG-treated compared with KRG-naïve patients. The coreceptor switch occurred in 85% of a homogeneous cohort. The proportion of patients who maintained R5 for ≥10 years was significantly higher in long-term slow progressors than in typical progressors. Conclusion: KRG therapy extends R5 maintenance period by increasing FPR, thereby slowing the coreceptor switch.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.60.1-60.8
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• 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify the match between 5 shades of composites from different manufacturers with a shade guide and among the systems using a portable spectrophotometer. Materials and Methods: Shade measurements were performed on specimens of Z350 XT (3M ESPE), Charisma Diamond (Heraeus Kulzer GmbH), Esthet X-HD (Dentsply Caulk), and Empress Direct (Ivoclar-Vivadent) for shades A1, A2, A3, B1, and C3 using a Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer (Vita Zahnfabrik) against a white background. Corresponding shades of Vitapan Classical (Vita Zahnfabrik) guide were measured likewise and shade variation (ΔE) was calculated based on International Commission on Illumination L^*a^*b^* parameters. The ΔE of the composites in each shade was compared by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: All composites presented ΔE > 3.7 compared with the shade guide. Variation in shades A3, B1, and C3 was significantly different for all composites. ΔE of Z350 XT was significantly lower for A1 than for the other shades, whereas ΔE of Z350 XT and Charisma Diamond were significantly lower for A2 than for the other shades. Conclusions: No composite shade matched with the shade guide. Equivalent shades of the restorative composite from different manufacturers may show clinically noticeable ΔE.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.30.1-30.1
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• 2020

The ASKAP-EMU survey is a deep wide-field radio continuum survey designed to cover the entire southern sky and a significant fraction of the northern sky up to +30°. Here, we report a discovery of a radio relic in the merging cluster SPT-CL J2023-5535 at z=0.23 from the ASKAP-EMU pilot 300 square degree survey (800-1088 MHz). The deep high-resolution data reveal a ~2 Mpc-scale radio halo elongated in the east-west direction, coincident with the intracluster gas. The radio relic is located at the western edge of this radio halo stretched ~0.5 Mpc in the north-south orientation. The integrated spectral index of the radio relic within the narrow bandwidth is α1088MHz800MHz = -0.76 ± 0.06. Our weak-lensing analysis shows that the system is massive (M200 = 1.04 ± 0.36 × 1015M⊙) and composed of at least three subclusters. We suggest a scenario, wherein the radio features arise from the collision between the eastern and middle subclusters. Furthermore, the direct link between the local AGN and the relic along with the discontinuities in X-ray observation hint us that we are looking at the site of re-acceleration.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.161-168
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• 2024

This study was conducted to identify the pollutants generated by the fuel complex and to determine the health effects of the surrounding residents. In addition, based on the results of epidemiological surveys and health impact surveys of local residents, we analyze the distribution of patient groups and exposure characteristics according to the distance from the fuel complex boundary. Samples were collected from the briquette plant within the fuel complex and analyzed by SEM-EDXA, X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and ICP. In addition, the distribution of patients and exposure characteristics were analyzed according to the distance from the fuel complex and yard boundaries. Analysis of briquette samples from the fuel complex showed that the average particle size was 10-30 ㎛, the shape was irregular, and SiO₂ accounted for more than 50%. It is believed that silica, which causes pneumoconiosis, may have been scattered into the air. In particular, there was a large distribution of 5 ㎛ particles that affect respiratory diseases. According to the analysis of the residential addresses and distribution of pneumoconiosis cases, many pneumoconiosis cases were located in the area between 200 and 500 meters from the boundary of the fuel complex. In addition, 28 pneumoconiosis cases were identified as a result of the epidemiological survey and health impact survey at the fuel complex. In detail, there were 8 cases of occupational pneumoconiosis, 6 cases of environmental pneumoconiosis, and 14 cases of occupational and environmental pneumoconiosis. The confirmed pneumoconiosis cases were located between 0.3 and 1.1 kilometers from the fuel complex. It was found that environmental pollutants generated by the fuel complex adversely affect the health of local residents. In particular, there are many cases of pneumoconiosis in the area between 200 and 500 meters from the boundary of the fuel complex, and this distance is considered to be the direct and indirect impact zone of the briquette plant.

• Advances in materials Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.153-160
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• 2024

This study investigates the application of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) anodization techniques on stainless steel 304L (SS304L) in an ethylene glycol and ammonium fluoride (NH4F) electrolyte solution to produce a nano-porous oxide layer. With limited research on AC anodizing of stainless steel, this study focuses on comparing AC and DC anodization in terms of current density versus time response, phase analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and corrosion rate determined by linear polarization. Both AC and DC anodization were performed for 60 minutes at 50 V in an electrolyte solution containing 0.5% NH4F and 3% H₂O in ethylene glycol. The results show that AC anodization exhibited higher current density compared to DC anodization. XRD analysis revealed the presence of ferrite (α-Fe) and austenite (γ-Fe) phases in the as-received specimen, while both AC and DC anodized specimens exhibited only the γ-Fe phase. The corrosion rate of the AC-anodized specimen was measured at 0.00083 mm/year, lower than the corrosion rate of the DC-anodized specimen at 0.00197 mm/year. These findings indicate that AC anodization on stainless steel offers advantages in terms of higher current density, phase transformation, and lower corrosion rate compared to DC anodization. These results highlight the need for further investigation and exploration of AC anodization as a promising technique for enhancing the electrochemical properties of stainless steel.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.91-104
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• 2024

PURPOSE. The objectives of the current study were to estimate the influence of self-reinforced hollow structures with a graded density on the dimensional accuracy, weight, and mechanical properties of Co-Cr objects printed with the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sixty-five dog-bone samples were manufactured to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of printing, weight, and tensile properties of DMLS printed Co-Cr. They were divided into Group 1 (control) (n = 5), Group 2, 3, and 4 with incorporated hollow structures based on (spherical, elliptical, and diamond) shapes; they were subdivided into subgroups (n = 5) according to the volumetric reduction (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). Radiographic imaging and microscopic analysis of the fractographs were conducted to validate the created geometries; the dimensional accuracy, weight, yield tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were calculated. The data were estimated by one-way ANOVA and Duncan's tests at P < .05. RESULTS. The accuracy test showed an insignificant difference in the x, y, z directions in all printed groups. The weight was significantly reduced proportionally to the reduced volume fraction. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the control group and Group 2 at 10% volume reduction were comparable and significantly higher than the other subgroups. CONCLUSION. The printing accuracy was not affected by the presence or type of the hollow geometry. The weight of Group 2 at 10% reduction was significantly lower than that of the control group. The yield strength and elastic modulus of the Group 2 at a 10% reduction showed means equivalent to the compact objects and were significantly higher than other subgroups.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.566-572
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• 2007

Two hybrid catalysts for the direct synthesis of DME were prepared and the catalytic activity of these catalysts were investigated. The hybrid catalyst for the direct synthesis of DME was composed as the catalytic active components of methanol synthesis and dehydration. The methanol synthesis catalyst was formed from the precursor contained Cu and Zn, the methanol dehydration catalyst was used ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$. As PM-CZ+D and CP-CZA/D, Two hybrid catalysts were prepared by physical mixing method (PM-CZ+D) and precipitation method (CP-CZA/D), respectively. PM-CZ+D was prepared by physically mixing methanol synthesis catalyst and methanol dehydration catalyst, CP-CZA/D was prepared by depositing Cu-Zn or Cu-Zn-Al components on ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$. The crystallinity and the surface morphology of synthesized catalyst were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate the physical property of prepared catalyst. And BET surface area by $N_2$ adsorption and the surface area of Cu by $N_2O$ chemisorption were investigated about the hybrid catalysts. In addition, catalytic activity of these hybrid catalysts was examined with varying reaction conditions. At that time, the reaction temperature of $250{\sim}290^{\circ}C$, the reaction pressure of 50~70 atm, the $[H_2]/[CO]$ mole ratio of 0.5~2.0 and the space velocity of $1,500{\sim}6,000h^{-1}$ were investigated the catalytic activity. From these results, it was confirmed that the reactivity of CP-CZA/D was higher than that of PM-CZ+D. When the conditions of reaction temperature, pressure, $[H_2]/[CO]$ ratio and space velocity were $260^{\circ}C$, 50 atm and 1.0, $3,000h^{-1}$ respectively, CO conversion using CP-CZA/D hybrid catalyst was 72% and the CO conversion of CP-CZA/D was more than 20% compared with the CO conversion of PM-CZ+D. It was known that Cu surface area of CP-CZA/D hybrid catalyst was higher than that of hybrid PM-CZ+D catalyst using $N_2O$ chemisorption. It was assumed that the catalytic activity was improved because Cu particle of hybrid catalyst prepared by precipitation method was well dispersed.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.27-31
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• 2016

Purpose $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ renal scan is a test for the comparison of the function by imaging the parenchyma of the kidneys by the cortex of a kidney and by computing the intake ratio of radiation by the left and right kidney. Since the distance between the kidneys and the bladder is not far given the bodily structure of an infant, the bladder is included in the examination domain. Research was carried out with the presumption that counts of bladder would impart an influence on the kidneys at the time of this renal scan. In consideration of the special feature that only a trace amount of a RI is injected in a pediatric examination, research on the method of injection was also carried out concurrently. Materials and Methods With 34 infants aged between 1 month to 12 months for whom a $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ renal scan was implemented on the subjects, a Post IMAGE was acquired in accordance with the test time after having injected the same quantity of DMSA of 0.5mCi. Then, after having acquired an additional image by shielding the bladder by using a circular lead plate for comparison purposes, a comparison was made by illustrating the percentile of (Lt. Kidney counts + Rt. Kidney counts)/ Total counts, by drawing the same sized ROI (length of 55.2mm X width of 70.0mm). In addition, in the format of a 3-way stopcock, a Heparin cap and direct injection into the patient were performed in accordance with RI injection methods. The differences in the count changes in accordance with each of the methods were compared by injecting an additional 2cc of saline into the 3-way stopcock and Heparin cap. Results The image prior to shielding of the bladder displayed a kidney intake rate with a deviation of $70.9{\pm}3.18%$ while the image after the shielding of the bladder displayed a kidney intake rate with a deviation of $79.4{\pm}5.19%$, thereby showing approximately 6.5~8.5% of difference. In terms of the injection method, the method that used the 3-way form, a deviation of $68.9{\pm}2.80%$ prior to the shielding and a deviation of $78.1{\pm}5.14%$ after the shielding were displayed. In the method of using a Heparin cap, a deviation of $71.3{\pm}5.14%$ prior to the shielding and a deviation of $79.8{\pm}3.26%$ after the shielding were displayed. Lastly, in the method of direct injection into the patient, a deviation of $75.1{\pm}4.30%$ prior to the shielding and a deviation of $82.1{\pm}2.35%$ after the shielding were displayed, thereby illustrating differences in the kidney intake rates in the order of direct injection, a Heparin cap and the 3-way methods. Conclusion Since a substantially minute quantity of radiopharmaceuticals is injected for infants in comparison to adults, the cases of having shielded the bladder by removing radiation of the bladder displayed kidney intake rates that are improved from those of the cases of not having shielded the bladder. Although there are difficulties in securing blood vessels, it is deemed that the method of direct injection would be more helpful in acquisition of better images since it displays improved kidney intake rate in comparison to other methods.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.183-191
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• 2002

Purpose : X-linked agammaglobulinemia(XLA) is an immunodeficiency caused by abnormalities in Bruton's tyrosine kinase(Btk), and is characterized by a deficiency of peripheral blood B cells. We studied the cytoplasmic expression of Btk protein and analyzed the Btk gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from two siblings and one cousin with XLA, as well as additional family members. Methods : Btk protein expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Isolation of the coding sequence of the Btk gene was performed by amplification using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) technique. Sequence alterations were screened by the single-stranded conformation polymorphism(SSCP) method and characterized by standard sequencing protocols. Results : Cytoplasmic expression of Btk protein in monocytes was not detected in three patients with XLA. In addition, Btk protein analysis clearly showed cellular mosaicism in monocytes from four obligate carriers, findings further supported by SSCP. A single base pair mutation(T to C) in Btk-exon three, which encodes the PH domain, was identified in four XLA patients. A diagnostic sequencing analysis was established to detect heterozygotic pattern in 4 carrier females. Furthermore, we found significant clinical heterogeneity in individuals with the same gene mutation. Conclusion : The implicating genetic alteration provided valuable clues to the pathogenesis of XLA in Korea and the flow cytometric analysis was suggested as a useful tool for rapid detection of XLA patients and carriers. The present study has identified a genetic mutation in the Btk coding region and demonstrated heterogeneity in clinical manifestations among patients with the same mutation. A flow cytometric analysis was found to be informative in establishing a deficiency of Btk protein in both patients and carriers and is recommended as a frontline procedure in the molecular diagnosis and work-up of XLA.