• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.661-670
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• 2017

50-year tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies (1966~2015) for principle conifer tree species (Taxus cuspidata, Pinus koraiensis, Abies koreana) and Quercus mongolica at subalpine zone in Mt. Jiri were established. The establishing of tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies for each tree species were fulfilled using four trees, which showed the good result in cross-dating. In the comparisons between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies within the same tree species all tree species showed reliable results statistically (p < 0.001), and they also showed EPS higher than 0.85. In addition to, the reliable correlations (p < 0.001) were verified between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies of four tree species, as well. In the response function analysis in order to investigate the relationships between tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies and corresponding climatic factors, i.e., monthly precipitation and mean temperature, T. cuspidata showed a negative correlation with May precipitation (p < 0.05) and A. koreana showed a negative correlation with April precipitation (p < 0.05). If long tree-ring ${\delta}^{18}O$ chronologies of T. cuspidata and A. koreana will be established, it will be possible to reconstruct April and May precipitation in the past when we have no the meteorological data.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.17-34
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• 1984

The Ordovician limestone and dolomite was mineralized by the intrusion of quartz porphyry to form hydrothermal ore deposit along the fault shear zone, which trends $N30^{\circ}-40^{\circ}W$ dipping $60^{\circ}-70^{\circ}SW$. The primary manganese carbonates in the upper part of the deposit were oxidized to form supergene manganese ore deposits. The quartz porphyry is plotted mainly in granite region of the triangular diagram of normative composition. The granite phase contains more copper and lead, but less zinc, nickel and chromium than the granodiorite phase which occupies the northwestern part of the quartz porphyry. The content of copper, lead, zinc, nickel and chromium in the quartz porphyry is lower compared with the granitic rocks from the copper province in the Gyeongsang basin. But the granitic rocks from the lead-zinc province has lower content of copper and nickel than the quartz porphyry. The primary distribution pattern of trace elements in the country rock of limestone and dolomite has close relation with the hydrothermal mineralization, showing anomalous or high content near the fault shear zone. The secondary distribution pattern of trace elements in soils shows close relation with the solubility of the carbonates of the elements under weathering condition.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.171-176
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• 2008

The comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) models between 3${\beta}$-Hydroxy-12-oleanen-28-oic acid (1-30) analogues as substrate molecule and their inhibitory activities ($pI_{50}$) against protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)-1B were derived and discussed quantitatively. Listing in order, the CoMFA>CoMSIA${\geq}$HQSAR>2D-QSAR model, these QSAR models had the better statistical values. The optimized CoMSIA F1 model at grid 3.0${\AA}$ had the best predictability and fitness ($q^2$=0.754 and $r^2$=0.976) by field fit alignment. The order of contribution ratio (%) of CoMSIA fields concerning the inhibitory activities was a H-bond acceptor (48.9%), steric field (25.8%) and hydrophobic field (25.4%), respectively. Therefore, the inhibitory activities of substrate molecules against PTP-1B were dependent upon H-bond acceptor field (A) of $R_4$-group. From the analytical results of CoMSIA contour maps, oleanolic acid derivatives will have better inhibition activities if $R_1$ group has H-bond acceptor disfavor, $R_3$group has steric disfavor and $R_4$ group has steric, hydrophobic, H-bond favor.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 1999

The aim of this study is to improve the accuracy of field placement and junction between adjacent fields and block shielding through the use of a computed tomography(CT) simulator and virtual simulation. The information was acquired by assessment of Alderson Rando phantom image using CT simulator (I.Q. Xtra - Picker), determination of each field by virtual fluoroscopy of voxel IQ workstation AcQsim and colored critical structures that were obtained by contouring in virtual simulation. And also using a coronal, sagittal and axial view can determine the field and adjacent field gap correctly without calculation during the procedure. With the treatment planning by using the Helax TMS 4.0, the dose in the junction among the adjacent fields and the spinal cord and cribriform plate of the critical structure was evaluated by the dose volume histogram. The pilot image of coronal and sagittal view took about 2minutes and 26minutes to get 100 images. Image translation to the virtual simulation workstation took about 6minutes. Contouring a critical structure such as cribriform plate, spinal cord using a virtual fluoroscopy were eligible to determine a correct field and shielding. The process took about 20 minutes. As the result of the Helax planning, the dose distribution in adjacent field junction was ideal, and the dose level shows almost 100 percentage in the dose volume histogram of the spinal cord and cribriform plate CT simulation can get a correct therapy area due to enhancement of critical structures such as spinal cord and cribriform plate. In addition, using a Spiral CT scanner can be saved a lot of time to plan a simulation therefore this function can reduce difficulties to keep the patient position without any movements to the patient, physician and radiotherapy technician.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.555-563
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• 2018

Barley has nutritional benefits due to its high dietary fiber content; therefore, the intake of whole barley grains is recommended. However, barley is often consumed in the fermented form because of the improved texture and digestibility. The present study was designed to elucidate the intracellular signaling pathway for macrophage activation by the polysaccharide BF-CP from fermented barley. BF-CP is a neutral polysaccharide, composed of neutral sugars, including glucose (70.7%), xylose (11.4%), and arabinose (9.0%). BF-CP exhibited macrophage-stimulatory activity by inducing the production of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, and nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Further, BF-CP treatment strongly increased the IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Signal transduction experiments using immunoblotting showed that BF-CP phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38, and nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$, in RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that BF-CP activates the macrophages via MAPK and $NF-{\kappa}B$ pathways, and also induces an increase in the production of cytokines.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2014

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified various genetic susceptibility loci for breast cancer based mainly on European-ancestry populations. Differing linkage disequilibrium patterns exist between European and Asian populations. Methods: Ten SNPs (rs2075555 in COL1A1, rs12652447 in FBXL17, rs10941679 in 5p12/MRPS30, rs11878583 in ZNF577, rs7166081 in SMAD3, rs16917302 in ZNF365, rs311499 in 20q13.3, rs1045485 in CASP8, rs12964873 in CDH1 and rs8170 in 19p13.1) were here genotyped in 1009 Chinese females (487 patients with breast cancer and 522 control subjects) using the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Association analysis based on unconditional logistic regression was carried out to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for each SNP. Stratification analyses were carried out based on the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status. Results: Among the 10 SNPs, rs10941679 showed significant association with breast cancer when differences between the case and control groups in this Han Chinese population were compared (30.09% GG, 45.4% GA and 23.7% AA; P = 0.012). Four SNPs (rs311499, rs1045485, rs12964873 and rs8170) showed no polymorphisms in our study. The remaining five SNPs showed no association with breast cancer in the present population. Immunohistochemical tests showed that rs2075555 was associated with ER status; the AA genotype showed greater association with ER negative than ER positive (OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.29-0.99; P = 0.046). AA of rs7166081 was also associated with ER status, but showed a greater association with ER positive than negative (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.04-2.44; P = 0.031). However, no significant associations were found among the SNPs and PR status. Conclusion: In this study using a Han Chinese population, rs10941679 was the only SNP associated with breast cancer risk, indicating a difference between European and Chinese populations in susceptibility loci. Therefore, confirmation studies are necessary before utilization of these loci in Chinese.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1233-1239
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• 2014

Background: The incidence of brain metastases (BM) varies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), calls into question the value of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). It is possible that clinicopathologic characteristics are associated with the development of BM, but these have yet to be identified in detail. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis on risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Eligible data were extracted and the risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was detected using Q and I-squared statistics, and publication bias was tested by funnel plots and Egger's test. Results: Six randomized controlled trials with a focus on the value of PCI and 13 eligible studies with a focus on risk factors for BM were included. PCI significantly reduced the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.59). Compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma was associated with a low incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.47, 95% confidence interval =0.34-0.65). The funnel plot and Egger's test suggested that there was no publication bias in the current meta-analysis. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides statistical evidence that compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can be used as a predictor for BM in patients with NSCLC, and PCI might reduce the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC, but does not provide a survival benefit.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9655-9660
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• 2014

Background: Nigella Sativa (NS) is an herb from the Ranunculaceae family that exhibits numerous medicinal properties and has been used as important constituent of many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). The ability of NS to kill cancer cells such as PC3, HeLa and hepatoma cells is well established. However, our understanding of the mode of death caused by NS remains nebulous. The objective of this study was to gain further insight into the mode and mechanism of death caused by NS in breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Materials and Methods: Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were treated with a methanolic extract of NS, and a dose- and time-dependent study was performed. The $IC_{50}$ was calculated using a Cell Titer $Blue^{(R)}$ viability assay assay, and evidence for DNA fragmentation was obtained by fluorescence microscopy TUNEL assay. Gene expression was also profiled for a number of apoptosis-related genes (Caspase-3, -8, -9 and p53 genes) through qPCR. Results: The $IC_{50}$ of MCF-7 cells was $62.8{\mu}L/mL$. When MCF-7 cells were exposed to $50{\mu}L/mL$ and $100{\mu}L/mL$ NS for 24h, 48h and 72h, microscopic examination (TUNEL assay) revealed a dose- and time-dependent increase in apoptosis. Similarly, the expression of the Caspase-3, -8, -9 and p53 genes increased significantly according to the dose and time. Conclusions: NS induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through both the p53 and caspase pathways. NS could potentially represent an alternative source of medicine for breast cancer therapy.

• Magazine of the Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.55-66
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• 1988

This study was conducted to investigate the various engineering properties and correlationshops among the soil constants of alluvial clayey deposits distributed in the bay of Asan and their results are summarized as follows : 1. Grain size distribution of soil was consisted of 12 % of clay, 46-73 % of silt, 2-23 % of sand, and as for the consistency characteristics, 26-36 % of liquid limit, 18-21 % of plastic limit and 6-16 % of plastic index, and so the soil belonging to as a lower plastic nonorganic clay, it's specific gravity was 2,66-2.70, and the location on the plastic chart was approximately above the A-line. Z The natural moisture content and unit weight were 30-43 % and 1.76-1.87 g I cm$_3$, respectively, and according to increment of natural moisture content, the unit weight was decreased, and the initial void ratio and degree of saturation were shown of 0,87-1119 and 92- 100 %, most of saturated. 3. Cone resistance value which was shown 2.4 - 6.5 kg / $cm^2$ was a little lower and it was increased with the depth of layer and shown the formular $q_c=0.7_z+1.32$. 4. Unconfined compression strength was about 0.18-0.43kg /$cm^2$, cu, 0.1-0.22kg / $\psi$, $2-6^{\circ}$ under uu-test condition of triaxial, and CCU, 0.08-0.3 kg/cm , $\psi$, $12-18^{\circ}$ under the condition of cu-test. 5. Pre-consolidation load of characteristics of consolidation was 0.4-0.8 kg / $cm^2$, compression index, about 0.17-0.33. 6. Liquid limit and plastic index were incresased with the increment of clay content but most of alluvial clay was appeared as a normal through non-activity clay soil shown more natural moisture content than liquid limit, and their relationship as follows : LL=0.38( cy+54.8), PI=0.836(LL -17.8), PI =0.468(LL -0.48) 7. The initial void ratio presented correlationship of positive among clay content, natural moisture content and liquid limit, and that of reverse with unit weight, and their results as follws : $e_o=0.024(w_n+0.2)$, $e_o=e_o=0.0003c_y+0.0005 LL+0.0151 W_n+\frac{3.58}{r-t}-1.52$ 8. It was shown that the compression index has correlationship of postive among the clay content, liquid limit, plastic index, natural moisture content and initial void ratio, and their relationships as follows ; $c_c=0.44(e_o-0.47)$, $c_c=0.001$

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.2125-2134
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• 2015

IrrE is a highly conserved global regulator in the Deinococcus genus and contributes to survival from high doses of UV radiation, ionizing radiation, and desiccation. Drad-IrrE and Dgob-IrrE from Deinococcus radiodurans and Deinococcus gobiensis I-0 each share 66% sequence identity. However, Dgob-IrrE showed a stronger protection phenotype against UV radiation than Drad-IrrE in the D. radiodurans irrE-deletion mutant (ΔirrE), which may be due to amino acid residues differences around the DNA-binding HTH domain. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a Drad-IrrE A184S single mutant, which has been characterized and compared with the ΔirrE mutant complemented strain with Drad-irrE, designated ΔirrE-E. The effects of the A184S mutation following UV radiation and mitomycin C (MMC) shock were determined. The A184S mutant displayed significantly increased resistance to UV radiation and MMC shock. The corresponding A184 site in Dgob-IrrE was inversely mutated, generating the S131A mutant, which exhibited a loss of resistance against UV radiation, MMC shock, and desiccation. qPCR analysis revealed that critical genes in the DNA repair system, such as recA, pprA, uvrA, and ddrB, were remarkably induced after UV radiation and MMC shock in the ΔirrE-IE and A184S mutants. These data suggested that A184S improves the ability against UV radiation and MMC shock, providing new insights into the modification of IrrE. We speculated that the serine residue may determine the efficiency of DNA binding, leading to the increased expression of IrrE-dependent genes important for protection against DNA damage.