• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.4731-4742
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• 2022

RBMK fuel assemblies differ from other LWR FA due to a specific arrangement of the fuel rods, the low enrichment, and the used burnable absorber - erbium. Therefore, there is a challenge to adapt modeling tools, developed for other LWR types, to solve RBMK problems. A set of 10 different depletion simulation schemes were tested to estimate the impact on reactivity and spent fuel composition of possible SCALE code options for the neutron transport modelling and the use of different nuclear data libraries. The simulations were performed using cross-section libraries based on both, VII.0 and VII.1, versions of ENDF/B nuclear data, and assuming continuous energy and multigroup simulation modes, standard and user-defined Dancoff factor values, and employing deterministic and Monte Carlo methods. The criticality analysis with burn-up credit was performed for the SFP loaded with RBMK-1500 FA. Spent fuel compositions were taken from each of 10 performed depletion simulations. The criticality of SFP is found to be overestimated by up to 0.08% in simulation cases using user-defined Dancoff factors comparing the results obtained using the continuous energy library (VII.1 version of ENDF/B nuclear data). It was shown that such discrepancy is determined by the higher U-235 and Pu-239 isotopes concentrations calculated.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2014

The fruit of Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) is an important source of traditional Korean and Chinese medicines. In this study, NNMBS223, consisting of the ethanol extract of T. terrestris, showed potent anti-inflammatory activities in RAW264.7 macrophages. We investigated the effect of NNMBS223 in suppressing the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and production of iNOS-derived nitric oxide (NO), COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. In addition, NNMBS223 induced expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 through nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in macrophages. The effects of NNMBS223 on LPS-induced production of NO and PGE2 were partially reversed by the HO activity inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP). These findings suggest that Nrf2-dependent increases in expression of HO-1 induced by NNMBS223 conferred anti-inflammatory activities in LPS stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.394-413
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• 2010

The object of this paper is to identify the key elements that impact a radiation dose at EAB (Exclusion Area Boundary). This study is based on the AST (Alternative Source Terms) as defined in Regulatory Guide 1.183. The LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident) and the LRA (Locked Rotor Accident) are selected as limiting cases. A sensitivity analysis of accidental behavior with respect to various parameters during LOCA and LRA at Kori Unit 1 is also undertaken for the following objectives: to determine the limiting parameters, to find the impact trend of the radiation dose, and to find the safety margin between AST and TID (Technical Information Document) methodologies. This work confirms that key parameters are particulate removal rate, decontamination factor, iodine chemical form, gap fraction, partitioning factor, and the impact of isotopes group. Comparing TID with AST, the radiation dose of TID is about 80% greater than that of AST under a LOCA, and about 60% greater than that of AST for the case of a LRA; thus the safety margin is remarkably increased when the AST is used. In this work, the sensitivity analysis results are presented in terms of a sensitivity index called the "NDD (Normalized Dose Difference)", which compares the impact of parameters with that of a reference case. These values are derived by using a combination of the leak rate (primary to secondary), iodine chemical form, gap fraction, partitioning factor, spray removal rate, source term, and other variables.

• Proceedings of the Korean Nuclear Society Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.97.1-97.1
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• 2003

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2009

Objectives: Seminal concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) relevant to sperm nuclear DNA integrity has not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ in correlation with sperm parameters and nuclear DNA integrity in asymptomatic healthy donors. Methods: Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from forty-five healthy donors. Results: Sperm quality was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis and nuclear DNA integrity measured by the TUNEL assay in raw semen. TNF-${\alpha}$ concentrations were measured by ELISA in frozen-thawed seminal plasmas. Sperm DNA fragmentation rates were ranged between 1.9% and 53.0% (mean${\pm}$SD, 12.4${\pm}$9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed that DNA fragmentation rate was not associated with sperm concentration or motility but had a correlation with linearity negatively (r=-0.325, p=0.03) and age positively (r=0.484, p=0.001). The mean seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ was 4.9 pg/mL with a range from 1.1 to 22.6 pg/mL. The TNF-${\alpha}$ concentration had no correlation with clinically relevant parameters of sperm quality or nuclear DNA fragmentation rate. Conclusion: Our results indicate that sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation may be not associated with seminal TNF-${\alpha}$ level or sperm quality in asymptomatic healthy donors.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.78-84
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• 1997

The specific purpose of this study is to develop the numerical guide for the cost-benefit analysis of ORE ($/person-Sv reduction) to meet the criterion of ALARA in the design stage of the KNGR. In deriving the guide, the risk factor which is defined by the risk to unit collective radiation exposure dose (deaths/person-Sv) and the monetary value of human life ($/death) are required. The risk factor has been estimated from various clinical data accumulated for a number of years and continuously modified. And the monetary value of human life is usually quantified using the human capital approach. In this study, the risk to radiation exposure perceived by a group of people is investigated through an extensive poll survey conducted among university students in order to modify the existing risk factor for radiation exposure. And in evaluating the monetary value of human life, the QOL factor is introduced in order to incorporate the degree of public welfare or quality of life. As a result of study, a value within the range of 151, 000~172, 000 dollars per person-Sv reduction is recommended as the appropriate interim numerical guide for cost-benefit analysis of ORE to meet the criterion of ALARA in the design stage of the KNGR. A poll survey was also conducted in order to see whether the public acceptance cost of nuclear power should be incorporated in developing the guide, and the result of study shooed that such a cost does not need to be considered.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.349-356
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• 2018

Generally, berry fruits have various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-cancer effects. The effects of gooseberry, a berry fruits, on atopic dermatitis (AD) have not been widely examined. The aim of this present study is to investigate whether gooseberry modulates AD. We examined the pharmacological effects of gooseberry on 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD symptoms in mice. To determine the anti-atopic mechanism of gooseberry, we investigated its effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines and activation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ in PMA + ionophore -stimulated human mast cells (HMC-1). The results demonstrated that gooseberry attenuated AD clinical symptoms such as erythema, edema and dryness as well as histamine and IgE serum levels in DNCB-induced AD model mice. Additionally, gooseberry suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and activation of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ in stimulated HMC-1. These findings demonstrate that gooseberry is potential agent for treating AD and allergic inflammation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.95-111
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• 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important healthcare problem worldwide. Often, glucocorticoid (GC) resistance develops during COPD treatment. As a classic hypoglycemic drug, metformin (MET) can be used as a treatment strategy for COPD due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but its specific mechanism of action is not known. We aimed to clarify the role of MET on COPD and cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced GC resistance. Through establishment of a COPD model in rats, we found that MET could improve lung function, reduce pathological injury, as well as reduce the level of inflammation and oxidative stress in COPD, and upregulate expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1), and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2). By establishing a model of GC resistance in human bronchial epithelial cells stimulated by CSE, we found that MET reduced secretion of interleukin-8, and could upregulate expression of Nrf2, HO-1, MRP1, and HDAC2. MET could also increase the inhibition of MRP1 efflux by MK571 significantly, and increase expression of HDAC2 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, MET may upregulate MRP1 expression by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and then regulate expression of HDAC2 protein to reduce GC resistance.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.436-446
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• 2018

Background: The potential therapeutic values of Korean Red Ginseng extract (KRGE) in autoimmune disorders of nervous system have not been fully investigated. Methods: We used an acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis animal model of multiple sclerosis and determined the effects and mechanism of KRGE on spinal myelination. Results: Pretreatment with KRGE (100 mg/kg, orally) for 10 days before immunization with myelin basic protein $(MBP)_{68-82}$ peptide exerted a protective effect against demyelination in the spinal cord, with inhibited recruitment and activation of immune cells including microglia, decreased mRNA expression of detrimental inflammatory mediators (interleukin-6, interferon-${\gamma}$, and cyclooxygenase-2), but increased mRNA expression of protective inflammatory mediators (insulin-like growth factor ${\beta}1$, transforming growth factor ${\beta}$, and vascular endothelial growth factor-1). These results were associated with significant downregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathways in microglia/macrophages, T cells, and astrocytes. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that KRGE alleviates spinal demyelination in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through inhibiting the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ signaling pathway. Therefore, KRGE might be used as a new therapeutic for autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, although further investigation is needed.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.151-160
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• 2016

Inflammatory cytokines play a major role in osteoclastogenesis, leading to the bone resorption that is frequently associated with osteoporosis. Sulforaphane, isolated from the Broccoli(Brassica oleracea var. italia) florets, inhibits the production of inflamatory cytokine. In the present study, we determined inhibitory effect of sulforaphane on Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand(RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation. Sulforaphane inhibited the expression of osteoclast marker genes, such as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP), cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9), and calcitonin receptor in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage. Also, sluforaphane inhibited the expression of osteoclast protein, such as TRAP, MMP-9, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6) and transcription factor nuclease factor of activated T cells(NFAT)c1. Sulforaphane inhibited RANKL-induced activiation of nuclear factor kappaB(NF-kappaB) by suppression RANKL-mediated NF-kappaB transcriptional acitivation. We are confirmed that sulforaphane inhibits not only transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB but also expressions of the osteoclastogenesis factors(TRAP, cathepsin K, MMP-9, calcitonin, TRAF6) and trranscription factor NFATc1.