• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.1519-1529
• /
• 2016

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase -2 (gelatinase-A, Mr 72,000 type IV collagenase, MMP-2) and -9 (gelatinase-B, Mr 92,000 type IV collagenase, MMP-9) are key molecules that play roles in tumor growth, invasion, tissue remodeling, metastasis and stem-cell regulation by digesting extracellular matrix barriers. MMP-2 and -9 are well known to impact on solid cancer susceptibility, whereas, in hematological malignancies, a paucity of data is available to resolve the function of these regulatory molecules in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) and stromal cells of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate mRNA expression and gelatinase A and B secretion from BM-MNCs in vitro and genotypic associations of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T; rs243865), MMP-9 (-1562 C/T; rs3918242), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase -1 (TIMP-1) (372T/C; rs4898, Exon 5) and TIMP-2 (-418G/C; rs8179090) in MDS and AML. Results: The study covered cases of confirmed MDS (n=50), AML (n=32) and healthy controls (n=110). MMP-9 mRNA expression revealed 2 fold increased expression in MDS-RAEB II and 2.5 fold in AML M-4 (60-70% blasts). Secretion of gelatinase-B also revealed the MMP-9 mRNA expression and ELISA data also supported these data. We noted that those patients having more blast crises presented with more secretion of MMP-9 and its mRNA expression. In contrast MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) showed significant polymorphic associations in MDS (p<0.02) and AML (p<0.02). MMP-9 mRNA expression of C/T and T/T genotypes were 1.5 and 2.5 fold increased in MDS and AML respectively. In AML, MMP-2 C/T and T/T genotypes showed 2.0 fold mRNA expression. Only MMP-9 (-1306 C/T) showed significant 4 fold (p<0.001) increased risk with chemical and x-ray exposed MDS, while tobacco and cigarette smokers have 3 fold (p<0.04) risk in AML. Conclusions: In view of our results, MMP-9 revealed synergistic secretion and expression in blast crises of MDS and AML with 'gene' polymorphic effects and is significantly associated with increased risk with tobacco, cigarette and environmental exposure. Release and secretion of these enzymes may influence hematopoietic cell behavior and may be important in the clinical point of view. It may offer valuable tools for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as possible targets for the treatments.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
• /
• v.36 no.2
• /
• pp.285-295
• /
• 2016

The post-evaluation system after construction projects can evaluate estimates of use demand, project cost, and project schedule estimated in the planning phase of construction projects in public sector. Thus, it was introduced in 2000 for the purpose of reduction in future errors during similar constructions by project orderer by referring the post-evaluation results. However, many barriers to the post-evaluation system after construction projects have been reported due to evaluation systems that lack objectivity and reliability and lack of main bodies that utilize the system. Thus, this study derived implications for improvements of the post-evaluation system in Korea by benchmarking building project evaluation system and management as well as utilization systems of developed nations. Then this study conducted a survey with experts who have experienced activities in the post-evaluation committee and members of post-evaluation for public project owners. Therefore it identified the need of installation of specialized post-evaluation institutions as well as functions and work tasks to be taken by specialized institutions. Based on the analysis results, this paper provided revision drafts of related legislations and guidelines to be effective in post-evaluation. Through the study results, many trial and errors can be reduced in similar projects in the future by performing in-depth analysis on large-scale construction projects and repeatedly applied building project practices can be improved to raise technical competitiveness if the specialized institution is installed.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.279-287
• /
• 2007

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element indispensable for brain development and function; either excess or deficiency in Cu can cause brain malfunction. While it is known that Cu and Fe homeostasis are strictly regulated in the brain, the question as to how systemic Fe status may influence brain Cu distribution was poorly understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dietary Fe condition affects Cu transport into the brain, leading to an altered brain distribution of Cu. Rats were divided into 3 groups; an Fe-deficient (Fe-D) group which received an Fe-D diet ($3{\sim}5 mg$ Fe/kg), a control group that was fed with normal diet (35mg Fe/kg), and an Fe-overload group whose diet contained an Fe-O diet (20g carbonyl Fe/kg). Following a 4-week treatment, the concentration of Cu/Fe in serum, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and brain were determined by AAS, and the uptake rates of Cu into choroids plexus (CP), CSF, brain capillary and parenchyma were determined by an in situ brain perfusion, followed by capillary depletion. In Fe-D and Fe-O, serum Fe level decreased by 91% (p<0.01) and increased by 131% (p<0.01), respectively, in comparison to controls. Fe concentrations in all brain regions tested (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, mid brain, and cerebellum) were lower than those of controls in Fe-D rats (p<0.05), but not changed in Fe-O rats. In Fe-D animals, serum and CSF Cu were not affected, while brain Cu levels in all tested regions (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, mid brain, and cerebellum) were significantly increased (p<0.05). Likewise, the unidirectional transport rate constants $(K_{in})$ of Cu in CP, CSF, brain capillary and parenchyma were significantly increased (p<0.05) in the Fe-D rats. In contrast, with Fe-O, serum, CSF and brain Cu concentrations were significantly decreased as compared to controls (p<0.05). Cu transport was no significant change of Cu transport of serum in Fe-O rats. The mRNA levels of five Cu-related transporters were not affected by Fe status except DMT1 in the CP, which was increased in Fe-D and decreased in Fe-O. Our data suggest that Cu transport into brain and ensuing brain Cu levels are regulated by systemic Fe status. Fe deficiency appears to augment Cu transport by brain barriers, leading to an accumulation of Cu in brain parenchyma.

• The Journal of Sustainable Design and Educational Environment Research
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.26-36
• /
• 2015

The new town was assumed that there is a difference between the country's elementary school environment. First, given the important elements of the school safety plan in order to verify this, and we plan to set up each of these elements by safety criteria. In the second chapter in order to achieve the objective of this study was to develop indicators to evaluate the safety of the school environment influences the safety of the school environment through the theoretical consideration. In Chapter 3, the difference in safety through the new elementary school survey of metropolitan areas was given a score per item per item depending on the evaluation criteria. The fourth section is the difference between safety school environment can be summarized as the following analytical results that the difference between the new city. The results of this study as follows: First, the characteristics of the elementary school environment showed a significant difference between the new town. Second, school location, terrain characteristics, bike paths and pedestrian to the installation, the safety of landscape installations, installing median barriers, traffic safety facilities, speed bumps, separation of pedestrian and vehicle circulation in the front door, scores of elements of the plan such as parking scheme there is a difference between the new town. Third, the introduction of elements of the plan such as Traffic calming or Traffic Island installation techniques was found lacking.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
• /
• 2007.11a
• /
• pp.519-522
• /
• 2007

China infrastructure construction market has huge potential for increased use of PPP/BOT mode and one of the most attractive markets of doing business. However, there are still a multitude of challenges for overseas EPC contractor to enter into the China PPP/BOT market both internally and externally. Especially, the construction legal system and relevant policies are considered at present the biggest barriers in accessing China construction market. Therefore, the main purpose of the paper is to identify the impact of the construction laws, regulations and BOT-related policies on the viability of foreign contractor-led BOT project in China. To the satisfaction of the purpose, this paper will first analyze China construction laws based on the key issues that must be tackled by foreign EPC contractor before they enter into China. This summary gives the possible contract scheme for a BOT project of interest in which foreign contractors could define the scope of works and measure the viability of the project. Finally, a case study of wastewater treatment plant BOT project in China subsequently illustrates some of the lessons learned from the foreign contractor's perspectives for successfully participating in future environmental market in China.

• Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
• /
• v.58 no.4
• /
• pp.262-270
• /
• 2021

Consumption of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has increased due to environmental pollution; therefore, the need for LNG carriers can efficiently transport large quantities of LNG, is increased. In various types of LNG Cargo Containment System (CCS), Membrane-type MARK-III composed of composite materials is generally employed in the construction of an LNG carrier. Among composite materials in a Mark-III system, glass-fiber composites act as a secondary barrier to prevent the inner hull structure from leakage of LNG when the primary barrier is damaged. Nevertheless, several cases of damage to the secondary barriers have been reported and if damage occurs, LNG can flow into the inner hull structure, causing a brittle fracture. To prevent those problems, this study conducted the applicability assessment of composite material manufactured by bonding glass-fiber and aluminum with epoxy resin and increasing layer from three-ply (triplex) to five-ply (pentaplex). Tensile tests were performed in five temperature points (25, -20, -70, -120, and -170℃) considering temperature gradient in CCS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) analyses were carried out to evaluate the microstructure and thermos-mechanical properties of the pentaplex. The results showed epoxy resin and increasing layer number contributed to improving the mechanical properties over the whole temperature range.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.1-18
• /
• 2022

Prior studies have shown positive effects of outdoor activities on the elderly's physical, mental and social health. 'Active aging' and 'age-friendly' neighborhood can be created by modifying the experiences and perceptions of the outdoor environment. This study aims to investigate the outdoor activities of the elderly living in a low-income elderly concentrated area and their perception of the neighborhood environment. We also explored the context of interactions between the facilitators and inhibitors of outdoor activities on the basis of temporal, spatial, and social conditions. We used a mixed method approach by collecting two different types of qualitative GIS data : observation maps of the main places and individual cognitive maps with in-depth interviews. The observational map analysis indicated that the preferred places and activity patterns differ by age, gender, and size of the group. The cognitive map and interviews demonstrated that the elderly's activity goals and perception of the landscape differ by places such as forests, parks, streams, open-spaces, vegetable gardens, and alleys. The elderly's desire for outdoor activities can be better fulfilled when their front doors and alleys are well-connected to an open-sight pleasant space. Familiarity is an important factor for the elderly, therefore it is important to remove the psychological and physical barriers by increasing the legibility and accessibility of places. In addition, social interactions and conflicts can have a significant influence on the elderly's occupation of space in the neighborhood environment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.906-917
• /
• 2022

This study aimed to compare differences according to categories of fishery and marine environmental policies for the (estimated) amount of fishery waste generated by fishing, and to analyze the correlation between associated independent and dependent variables. The independent variables were divided into three dif erent sectors. The first sector included precautionary policies that observed eco-friendly fishing support program, institutional prevention activities, and physical barriers installation. The second sector with the current management policies included the relevant vessel operations, establishment of fishery order, fishery restructuring, and fishery ground clean-up. Thirdly, post-response policies comprised the litter purification from river to shoreline, the collection and removal of marine, sedimentary, and floating debris, purchasing salvaged debris generated while fishing, fishery waste disposal, and repairing damage caused by marine litter. The indicator used was the settlement amount by each program. The dependent variable was the estimated amount of fishery waste and the indicator was the sum of the loss of traps and gill nets and the loss of their appendages. According to the results of Kruskal-Wallis Test, the estimated amount of fishery waste was highest in the East Sea in terms of sea area and the highest in the Si(city) according to basic local municipality. The settlement amount related to the marine environment services was largest in the Gun(county). Further, there were significant differences between Gun(county) and the other regions(Si(city) and Gu(autonomous district)) with respect to most variables. The variables related to the estimated amount of fishery debris were the project purchasing salvaged debris generated while fishing and fishery waste disposal program in the post-response policies.

• Journal of International Area Studies (JIAS)
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.83-108
• /
• 2011

South America has vast energy resources with the renewable and non-renewable sources. However, many countries in the region are unable to guarantee adequate energy security both of energy supply and demand. Currently the possibility of energy security is high through regional energy integration based on the potential economic benefits. The difference of regulation system with the individual countries in the region impose strong barriers to integration process. Security of energy supply and its demand as well is fundamental issues in this region and regional energy cooperation is essential for getting rid of the insecurity of energy supplies. Despite of this problem, currently Latin American countries made a great effort to make multilateral energy security regime through projecting great energy infrastructure network(e.g. IIRSA) or mechanism especially in South America, which can give countries access to the region's reserve supplies by providing regulations and pricing mechanism with a shared energy market in this region. Brazil's active leading in the formulation of such movement toward energy security integration and participation of energy infrastructure network is good initiative to enforce this great energy security change. Politically and economically, Brazil's geographical position and the level of market size and oil and natural gas resources, in addition the leadership in renewable energy sources make it a sound candidate to take over the coordination of the secure integration of region's energy market. However, on the conditions of existing many obstacles such as, control of the output of the region's power plant, energy flows, the environmental matter within local community must be overcome to make more advance process and steps. Finally, to secure more institutional approach, this region must settle regional disputes resolution regime urgently.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
• /
• 2022.06a
• /
• pp.1245-1246
• /
• 2022

Walkability is an indicator of how much pedestrians are willing to walk and how well a walking environment is created. As walking can promote pedestrians' mental and physical health, there has been increasing focus on improving walkability in different ways. Thus, plenty of research has been undertaken to measure walkability. When measuring walkability, there are many objective and subjective variables. Subjective variables include a feeling of safety, pleasure, or comfort, which can significantly affect perceived walkability. However, these subjective factors are difficult to measure by making the walkability index more reliant on objective and physical factors. Because many subjective variables are associated with human emotional states, understanding pedestrians' emotional states provides an opportunity to measure the subjective walkability variables more quantitatively. Pedestrians' emotions can be examined through surveys, but there are social and economic difficulties involved when conducting surveys. Recently, an increasing number of studies have employed physiological data to measure pedestrians' stress responses when navigating unpleasant environmental barriers on their walking paths. However, studies investigating the emotional states of pedestrians in the walking environment, including assessing their positive emotions felt, such as pleasure, have rarely been conducted. Using wearable devices, this study examined the various emotional states of pedestrians affected by the walking environment. Specifically, this study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring biometric data, such as electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV), using wearable devices as an indicator of pedestrians' emotional states-both pleasant-unpleasant and aroused-relaxed states. To this end, various walking environments with different characteristics were set up to collect and analyze the pedestrians' biometric data. Subsequently, the subjects wearing the wearable devices were allowed to walk on the experimental paths as usual. After the experiment, the valence (i.e., pleasant or unpleasant) and arousal (i.e., activated or relaxed) scale of the pedestrians was identified through a bipolar dimension survey. The survey results were compared with many potentially relevant EDA and HRV signal features. The research results revealed the potential for physiological responses to indicate the pedestrians' emotional states, but further investigation is warranted. The research results were expected to provide a method to measure the subjective factors of walkability by measuring emotions and monitoring pedestrians' positive or negative feelings when walking to improve the walking environment. However, due to the lack of samples and other internal and external factors influencing emotions (which need to be studied further), it cannot be comprehensively concluded that the pedestrians' emotional states were affected by the walking environment.