• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.280-291
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• 2007

Much research has been conducted in the field of phytoremediation since the discovery of the range of plants known as hyperaccumulators. Research has focused simultaneously on elucidating the mechanism of metal(loid) accumulation and development of practical techniques to enhance accumulation efficiency. To date, it is generally understood that there are five specific mechanisms employed by hyperaccumulating plant species that are either not or under utilized by non-hyperaccumulators. These include 1) enhanced metal(loid)s uptake through the root cell, 2) enhanced translocation in plant tissue, 3) detoxification and sequestration, 4) enhanced metal availability in soil:root interface, and 5) active root foraging toward metal(loid) enriched soils. Among these mechanisms, understanding of the plant-root effect on metal(loid) dynamics and subsequent plant uptake is vital to overcome the inherit limitation of phytoremediation caused by low metal(loid) solubility in soils. Plant roots can influence the soil chemistry in the rhizosphere through changes in pH and exudation of organic compounds such as low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) which consequently change metal(loid) solubility. The decrease in soil pH by plant release of $H^+$ results in increased metal solubility. Elevated levels of organic compounds in response to high metal soil concentrations by plant exudation may also increases metal concentration in soil solution through formation of organometallic complexes.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.290-299
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• 2020

Purpose: Here, we verified that the actin cytoskeletal gene expression of human gingival fibroblasts was altered by the administration of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) using the nano-controlled releasing system. Materials and methods: The control and experimental groups were divided into 3 groups: the group with the TCA-only nano-controlled releasing system (EXP1), the group with the TCA- and EGF nano-controlled releasing system (EXP2), and the control group (CON) with 48-h incubation. Expression of 26 genes involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton were analyzed by real-time PCR followed by the determination of correlations and influential factors using the Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results: Among 23 genes upregulated in EXP1 and EXP2, expression of 14 genes were significantly increased in EXP2 compared to EXP1. On the other hand, LPAR1 was downregulated only in EXP1, GNA13 was upregulated only in EXP2, and F2R was downregulated only in EXP2. Three Rac1-related genes and CDC42 were identified as the influential factors of the actin gene upregulation. Conclusion: The actin cytoskeleton genes in human gingival fibroblast were upregulated by the administration of TCA and EGF using HGC-based nano-controlled releasing system.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.2
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• pp.88-96
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• 2011

Background: It is known that cigarette smoke (CS) causes cell death. Apoptotic cell death is involved in the pathogenesis of CS-related lung diseases. Some members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family have roles in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced apoptosis. This study was conducted to investigate the role of PKC epsilon in CSE-induced apoptosis in human lung fibroblast cell line, MRC-5. Methods: Lactate dehydrogenase release was measured using a cytotoxicity detection kit. The MTT assay was used to measure cell viability. Western immunoblot, Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry were used to demonstrate the effect of $PKC{\varepsilon}$. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities were determined using a colorimetric assay. To examine $PKC{\varepsilon}$ activation, Western blotting was performed using both fractions of membrane and cytosol. Results: We showed that CSE activated $PKC{\varepsilon}$ by demonstrating increased expression of $PKC{\varepsilon}$ in the plasma membrane fraction. Pre-treatment of $PKC{\varepsilon}$ peptide inhibitor attenuated CSE-induced apoptotic cell death, as demonstrated by the MTT assay (13.03% of control, 85.66% of CSE-treatment, and 53.73% of $PKC{\varepsilon}$ peptide inhibitor-pre-treatment, respectively), Hoechst 33342 staining, and flow cytometry (85.64% of CSE-treatment, 53.73% of $PKC{\varepsilon}$ peptide inhibitor-pre-treatment). Pre-treatment of $PKC{\varepsilon}$ peptide inhibitor reduced caspase-3 expression and attenuated caspase-3, caspase-8 activity compared with CSE treatment alone. Conclusion: $PKC{\varepsilon}$ seem to have pro-apoptotic function and exerts its function through the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in CSE-exposed MRC-5 cells. This study suggests that $PKC{\varepsilon}$ inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy in CS-related lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.619-625
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• 2008

The effects of thermal cycling on residual stresses in both inorganic passivation/insulating layer that is deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and organic thin film that is used as a bonding adhesive are evaluated by 4 point bending method and wafer curvature method. $SiO_2/SiN_x$ and BCB (Benzocyclobutene) are used as inorganic and organic layers, respectively. A model about the effect of thermal cycling on residual stress and bond strength (Strain energy release rate), $G_c$, at the interface between inorganic thin film and organic adhesive is developed. In thermal cycling experiments conducted between $25^{\circ}C$ and either $350^{\circ}C$ or $400^{\circ}C$, $G_c$ at the interface between BCB and PECVD $ SiN_x $ decreases after the first cycle. This trend in $G_c$ agreed well with the prediction based on our model that the increase in residual tensile stress within the $SiN_x$ layer after thermal cycling leads to the decrease in $G_c$. This result is compared with that obtained for the interface between BCB and PECVD $SiO_2$, where the relaxation in residual compressive stress within the $SiO_2$ induces an increase in $G_c$. These opposite trends in $G_cs$ of the structures including either PECVD $ SiN_x $ or PECVD $SiO_2$ are caused by reactions in the hydrogen-bonded chemical structure of the PECVD layers, followed by desorption of water.

• The KIPS Transactions:PartD
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• v.9D no.2
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• pp.235-242
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• 2002

We propose an advanced transaction scheduling protocol for concurrency control of multilevel secure databases in wireless mobile network environment. Wireless communication is characterized by frequent spurious disconnections. So short-lived transaction must quickly access database without any delay by long-lived one. We adapted two-phase locking protocol, namely traditional syntax-oriented serializability notions, to multilevel secure databases in wireless mobile network environment. Altruistic locking, as an advanced protocol, has attempted to reduce delay effect associated with lock release moment by use of the idea of donation. An improved form of a1truism has also been deployed for extended a1truistic locking. This is in a way that scope of data to he early released is enlarged to include even data initially not intended to be donated. Our protocol is based on extended altruistic locking, but a new method, namely bi-directional donation locking for multilevel secure databases (MLBiDL), is additionally used in order to satisfy security requirements and concurrency. We showed the Simulation experiments that MLBiDL outperforms the other locking protocols in terms of the degree of throughput and average waiting time.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.333-343
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• 2004

Statement of problem: In its preceding work, change in surface characteristics were investigated in consideration that both microtopograpy and macroscopic configuration of implants surface are two of the most important factors, in that they can construct agreeable environment by raising surface energy, to affect osseointegration and biocompatibility explained by cell proliferation. Purpose: This study focused on examining cytocompatibility of dental implants materials Ti-Ag alloys, of which mechanical and electrochemical superiority to cp-Ti or Ti6Al4V were verified, in comparison with that of cp-Ti, and Ti6Al4V. Materials and methods: In this regard, MTT tests for L-929, the fibroblast connective tissues and cell proliferation tests for osteoprogenitor cells, MC3T3-E1 were performed on cp-Ti, Ti6Al4V, and Ti-Ag alloys following thermal oxidation according to appropriate heat treatment temperature(untreated, 400, 600, $800^{\circ}C$) and heat treatment duration(untreated, 0.5, 1, 4 hr). Results: The MTT tests on fibroblasts L-929 resulted in cell viability of over 90% in all experimental group entities, where, especially, the 100% of the viability for Ti-Ag alloys specimens accounted for the slightest adverse effect of ions release from those alloys on the cell. In MC3T3-E1 proliferation tests, the population of cells in the experimental group was roughly increased as experimentation proceeded, after two to four days. Proliferation showed highest viability for most of specimens, including Ti2.0Ag, treated at $600^{\circ}C$. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is the heat treatment temperature, not the duration that has considerable effects on thermal oxidation of specimens. Ti-Ag alloys treated at $600^{\circ}C$ proved to have the best surface morphology as well as cytocompatibility when compared with Ti or Ti6Al4V for short-term biocompatibility tests.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.497-517
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• 1995

The cells associated with normal defense mechanism in inflammation release free oxygen radicals, hydroxy radicals, and various protease, all of which can damage the surrounding cells(fibroblasts) and matrix molecules(collagen). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of "scavenger" enzyme, superoxide dismutase(SOD). to periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Human PDL cells were cultured from the teeth extracted for non-periodontal reason. Cultured PDL cells in vitro were treated with SOD and LPS according to dosage and culture times. Cellular activity was exaimed by Microtitration(MTT) assay. The quantitative expression of cellular proliferation by proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), collagen type I and fibronectin by indirect immunocytochemically stain in PDL cells were done. The results were as follows: 1. As only SOD treated group at 2 and 3 days, PDL cell activity was significantly increased at more than 150U(P<0.05). 2. When LPS(0.5, $5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and SOD(more than 150U) were added together, it was significantly increased than LPS only treated and control groups at 2 days(P<0.05). 3. When LPS($5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and SOD(150, 300U) were added together, PCNA index was significantly increased than LPS only treated and control groups at 2 and 3 days(P<0.05). 4. When LPS($5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and SOD(150U) were added together, collagen type I was significantly increased than LPS only treated and control groups at 3 days(P<0.05). 5.When LPS($5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and SOD(300U) were added together, fibronectin was significantly increased than LPS only treated and control groups at 3 days(P<0.05). On the above the results, the SOD in association with collagen type I, fibonectin, and PCNA may afford biological protection to oxy-radicals that were typically liberated during normal inflammatory response. Thus, the exogenous application of SOD may be effective in sthe treatment of the localized breakdown associated with chronic periodontal disease.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.270-279
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• 1991

It has been well known that the integrity of airway epithelium is important in developing of bronchial hyperreactivity or bronchial asthma. But the mechanisms underlying this nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness are not yet determined. To evaluate the ability of guinea pig trachea to release an epithelium derived relaxing factor (EpDRF) which relax rat vascular smooth muscle, we performed the coaxial bioassay using guinea pig trachea and rat aorta. And to evaluate the nature of EpDRF we investigate the influence of methylene blue and indomethacin on the coaxial bioassay. Results were as follows. 1) Vascular smooth muscle mounted into the epithelium intact trachea which was precontracted with phenylephrine was relaxed by addition of histamine or acetylcholine. But vascular smooth muscle mounted into epithelium denuded trachea failed to be relaxed. 2) Epithelium dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle was not affected by pretreatment of methylene blue or indomethacin. These results strongly suggests that guinea pig tracheal epithelium releases EpDRF which is able to relax rat vascular smooth muscle. And EpDRF released by airway epithelium is not related to endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) or cyclooxygenase products.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2013

Objectives We investigated the tolerability, safety, and treatment response to flexible-dose paliperidone ER in patients with non-acute schizophrenia in whom previous antipsychotic drugs were ineffective. Methods This 24-week interim analysis of the 48-week multicenter, prospective, open-label study assessed effectiveness using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia-Severity (CGI-SCH-S) Scale, Personal and Social Performance (PSP) and Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI). Safety and tolerability were assessed using the Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS) and Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS). Results Effectiveness was assessed in 169 patients. Significant improvement in the PANSS total score was observed by week-1 and continued until week-24. The response rate was 33%. The CGI-SCH-S and PSP total scores significantly improved during 24 weeks ; however, no change occurred in the total DAI. Fifty-nine percent of patients reported adverse events, of which extrapyramidal symptoms were the most frequent (19.0%). The DIEPSS and LUNSERS scores were improved after 24 week. Conclusions Switching to the flexible-dose paliperidone ER from an ineffective antipsychotic drug was safe, tolerable, and showed a good treatment response in Korean patients with schizophrenia.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.95-95
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• 2001

Ciinidipine (FRC-8635) is a newly synthesized novel DHP type of organic Ca$\_$2＋/channel blockers that have been developed so far in Japan (Yoshimoto et al., 1991 : Hosono et at., 1992). It also has a blocking action on L-type voltage-dependent Ca$\^$2＋/channel (VDCCs) in the rabbit basilar artery (Oike et al., 1990) and a slow-onset and long-lasting hypotensive action in clinical and experimental studies (Ikeda et al., 1992 ; Tominaga et al., 1997). Recent electrophysiological data indicate that cilnidipine might be a dual-channel antagonist for peripheral neuronal N-type and vascular L-type Ca$\^$2＋/channels (Oike et al., 1990 ; Fujii et al., 1997; Uneyama et at., 1997). However, little is known about the involvement of N-type VDCCs in contributing to the muscarinic receptor-mediated CA secretion. Therefore, the present study was attempted to investigate the effect of cilinidipine on secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by ACh, high K$\^$＋/, DMPP and McN-A-343 from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. Cilnidipine (1-10 ${\mu}$M) perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32${\times}$10$\^$-3/M), DMPP (10$\^$-4/ M for 2 min) and McN-A-343 (10$\^$-4/ M for 2 min). However, lower dose of lobeline did not affect CA secretion by high K$\^$＋/(5.6${\times}$10$\^$-2/ M), higher dose of it reduced greatly CA secretion of high K$\^$＋/. Cilnidipine itself did also fail to affect basal catecholamine output. Furthermore, in adrenal glands loaded with cilnidipine (10 ${\mu}$M), CA secretory response evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}$M), an activator of L-type Ca$\^$2＋/channels was markedly inhibited while CA secretion by cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}$M), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca$\^$2＋/-ATPase was no affected. Moreover, $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA (1 ${\mu}$M), given into the adrenal gland for 60 min, also inhibited time-dependently CA secretory responses evoked by ACh and high K$\^$＋/.