• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.190-196
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• 1993

The prognosis of chronic hepatitis C is very variable. In some, the disease is progressive and cirrhosis can develop from chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus(HCV) may act as a trigger towards hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Interferon has been used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in abroad, 16 patients with chronic C liver disease were treated with ${\alpha}$-interferon (alfa-2b; "Intron A" Schering Corp. Kenilworth. NJ). All patients were given ${\alpha}$-interferon in subcutaneous doses of 3 million units three times weekly for 1 to 9 months. During therapy, CBC and ALT levels were checked weakly to monthly. After therapy, patients were followed for 1 to 8 months. Among 16 patients treated with ${\alpha}$-interferon, progressive decrease of ALT levels was observed in 14(87.5%). In 11 patients(68.8%), ALT levels fell into the normal range during therapy, and in 9 of 11, within one month after therapy, 6 months after the completion of therapy in 4 of 9 patients(44.4%) whose ALT levels were in the normal range, ${\alpha}$-interferon seems to have effect in controlling disease activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. But the changes in the usage of ${\alpha}$-interferon, dose and duration, long term follow up and more convenient and simple tests for HCV detection are recommended for the better effect and the exact evaluation on the effect of ${\alpha}$-interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10407-10412
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• 2015

Background: ${\beta}$-elemene, extracted from herb medicine Curcuma wenyujin has potent anti-tumor effects in various cancer cell lines. However, the activity of ${\beta}$-elemene against glioma cells remains unclear. In the present study, we assessed effects of ${\beta}$-elemene on human glioma cells and explored the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human glioma U87 cells were used. Cell proliferation was determined with MTT assay and colony formation assay to detect the effect of ${\beta}$-elemene at different doses and times. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining and change of glioma apoptosis and cell cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were performed to investigated the influence of ${\beta}$-elemene on expression levels of Fas/FasL, caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax. The experiment was divided into two groups: the blank control group and ${\beta}$-elemne treatment group. Results: With increase in the concentration of ${\beta}$-elemene, cytotoxic effects were enhanced in the glioma cell line and the concentration of inhibited cell viability ($IC_{50}$) was $48.5{\mu}g/mL$ for 24h. ${\beta}$-elemene could induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. With Hoechst 33258 staining, apoptotic nuclear morphological changes were observed. Activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 was increased and the pro-apoptotic factors Fas/FasL and Bax were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with ${\beta}$-elemene at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, proliferation and colony formation by U87 cells were inhibited by ${\beta}$-elemene in a time and does-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ${\beta}$-elemene inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of human glioma cells in vitro. The induction of apoptosis appears to be related with the upregulation of Fas/FasL and Bax, activation of caspase-3,-8 and -9 and downregulation of Bcl-2, which then trigger major apoptotic cascades.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2009

Fine-grained peridotite xenoliths are rarely trapped in the basaltic rocks from the southeastern part of Jeju Island. Based on textural characteristics of the constituent phases showing uniform-sized, fine-grained tabular to mosaic grains with rare porphyroclastic relics, the studied samples can be defined as fine-grained, foliated porphyroclastic peridotites (FPP). Almost no significant difference among the FPPs in textures and major element compositions implies that the FPPs were derived from a structural domain, experiencing similar deformation events and deformation patterns. Moreover, the bimodal distribution with kink-banded porphyroclasts ($2{\sim}3mm$) and stain-free neoblasts ($200{\sim}300{\mu}m$), straight to gently curved grain boundaries with triple junctions, interstitial melt pockets, and microstructures for migrating grain boundary suggest that the studied samples went through dynamic recrystallization (${\pm}$ static recrystallization) in the presence of melt/fluid movement along foliation planes. No notable difference between the FPP and common protogranular xenoliths in major element compositions and geochemical evolution also implies that the FPP and protogranular xenoliths were from a similar horizon. Thus, the textural and geochemical characteristics of the FPPs reflects deformation events occurred at a localized and narrow zone within the lithospheric mantle beneath the Jeju Island. Although further detailed studies are necessary to define deformation events, the most possible process which could trigger deformation in the FPP in the rigid upper mantle was the ascending basaltic magma forming high-stress deformation zones. The suggested high-stress deformation zones in the lithosphere beneath the Jeju Island may be produced by paleo-faulting events related to the ascent of basalt magma before Jeju Island was formed.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.35-60
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• 1987

The geochemical characteristics including minerals, major and trace elements chemistries of the Proterozoic, Jurassic and Cretaceous granites in Korea are systematically summarized and intended to decipher the origin and crystallization process in connection with the tectonic evolution. The granites in Korea are classified into three different ages of the granites with their own distinctive geochemical patterns: 1) Proterozoic granitoids; 2) Jurassic granites(cratonic and mobile belt); 3) Cretaceous-Tertiary granites. The Proterozoic granite gneisses (I-type and ilmenite-series) formed by metamorphism of the geochemically evolved granite protolith. The Proterozoic granites (S-type and ilmenite-series) produced by remobilization of sialic crust. The Jurassic granites (S-type and ilmenite-series) were mainly formed by partial melting of crustal materials, possibly metasedimentary rocks. The Cretaceous granites (I-type and magnetite-series) formed by fractional crystallization of parental magmas from the igneous protolith in the lower crust or upper mantle. The low temperature ($315{\sim}430^{\circ}C$) and small temperature variations (${\pm}20{\sim}30^{\circ}C$) in the cessation of exsolution of perthites for the Proterozoic and Jurassic granites might have been caused by slow cooling of the granites under regional metamorphic regime. The high ($520^{\circ}C$) and large temperature variations (${\pm}110^{\circ}C$) of perthites for the Cretaceous granites postulate that the rapid cooling of the granitic magma. In terms of the oxygen fugacity during the feldspar crystallization in the granite magmas, the Jurassic mobile belt granites were crystallized in the lowest oxygen fugacity condition among the Korean granites, whereas the Cretaceous granites in the Gyeongsang basin at the high oxygen fugacity condition. The Jurassic mobile belt granites are located at the Ogcheon Fold Belt, resulting by closing-collision situation such as compressional tectonic setting, and emplaced into a Kata-Mesozonal ductile crust. The Jurassic cratonic granites might be more evolved either during intrusion through thick crust or owing to lower degree of partial melting in comparison with the mobile belt granites. The Cretaceous granites are possibly comparable with a continental margin of Andinotype. Subduction of the Kula-Pacific ridge provided sufficient heat and water to trigger remelting at various subcrustal and lower crustal igneous protoliths.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 1996

According to the traditional receptor model, competitive antagonists share with agonists the ability to bind to a common site on receptors, but they are different from agonist in that they cannot trigger the biological response-i.e., they lack intrinsic efficacy. Recent findings extend the model by indicating that not all antagonists display an intrinsic efficacy of zero but that some display 'inverse agonism'. In the present study we studied the inverse agonism at $A_1$ adenosine receptors in membranes prepared from rat cerebral cortex. Eight commercially available $A_1$ adenosine receptor antagonists (CGS-15943, ADPX, CPT, DPCPX, DPX, N-0840, PACPX and 8-PT) were screened for inverse agonism by measuring the extent of $[^{35}S]guanosine-5'-({\gamma}-thio)$ triphosphate $([^{35}S]GTP_{\gamma}S)$ binding to G proteins. The agonist-induced stimulation of $[^{35}S]GTP_{\gamma}S$ bindings was completely blocked in the presence of $A_1$ adenosine receptor antagonists. Under optimal conditions, two types of antagonists could be distinguished. Seven antagonists including DPCPX decreased the basal $[^{35}S]GTP_{\gamma}S$ binding in the absence of agonist, displaying inverse agonist activity. One (CGS-15943) had no effect on the basal bindings. N-ethylmaleimide treatment reduced the basal bindings as well as agonist-mediated stimulation of $[^{35}S]GTP_{\gamma}S$ bindings, indicating that a substantial amount of this binding reflects an activated state of the C proteins. In good agreement with these findings, 0.1 mM GTP decreased the apparent affinity of the receptors for the agonist PIA, increased that for DPCPX, and had no effect on that for CGS-15943.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.425-440
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• 2000

The physico-chemical characteristics and the concentrations of chlorophylls of coastal seawater were investigated to know the seasonal variations of biological oceanographic environments in the Islands of Ullungdo(U) and Dokdo(D). The samplings of sea water according to different depths were performed four seasons (May, June, August and November) in five stations along the coast of Ullungdo Island and 3 times (June, August and November) in three stations around the coast of Dokdo Island. The seasonal variations of sea water temperature showed that the formation of thermocline in August was distinct in comparison to the other seasons. The sea water in the surface was influenced by low temperature-high salinity in May and with high temperature-low salinity in the investigated area. The amount of seston was high in May (5.3-15.0mg/l) and was low in August (1.4-4.9mg/l) in ullungdo island. for the nutrients or sea water in Ullungdo Island, the concentrations of nitrate and ammonium were higher than Dokdo Island (nitrate-max. of U in August : 0.10-11.50$\mu\textrm{g}$/1, max. of D in August : 2.92-8.10$\mu\textrm{g}$/l : ammonium-max. of U in November : 14.18-20.69$\mu\textrm{g}$/l, max. of D in June : 0-1.78 $\mu\textrm{g}$/l). The high concen-tration of chlorophylls showed on the deeper layer from 30 m to 50 m in August (U 30 m : 0.85$\mu\textrm{g}$/l ; D 50m : 1.02 $\mu\textrm{g}$/l), while the concentrations of chlorophylls were even in May, June and November in the deeper layer of surface layer. In conclusion, the establishment of thermocline in deeper area of the euphotic layer in August was a trigger far the development of phytoplankton, while the complex physico-chemical system by diverse currents and vertical mixing of sea water in the area induced the even distribution of phytoplankton in both epilimnion and hypolimnion in May, June and November.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2020

Macrophages are initiators for regulating a host's defenses to eliminate pathogens and trigger tissue repair. Macrophages are classified into two types: classically (M1) activated macrophages and alternatively (M2) activated macrophages. M1-phenotype macrophages directly or indirectly kill infectious organisms and tumor cells via pro-inflammatory responses, whereas M2-phenotype macrophages remodel wounded tissue through anti-inflammatory responses. In this paper, we investigated how Phellinus linteus hot water extract passed from Diaion HP-20 resin (PLEP) regulates polarization of M1-like or M2-like macrophages in human THP-1 cells. PLEP did not have cytotoxicity at a high concentration of 300 ㎍/ml. We observed morphological alteration of the THP-1 cells, which are stimulated by PLEP, LPS/INF-γ (M1 stimulators) or IL-4/IL13 (M2 stimulators). PLEP exposure induced morphology contiguous with LPS/INF-γ. qPCR was also performed to determine whether PLEP influences M1 or M2 polarization-related genes. M1-phenotype macrophage-specific genes, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL10 and CCR7, were enhanced by PLEP in a dose-dependent manner similar to LPS/INF-γ. Conversely, M2-phenotype-specific genes, such as MRC-1, DC-SIGN, CCL17 and CCL22, were suppressed by PLEP. PLEP also significantly up-regulated secretory inflammation cytokines related to M1 polarization of macrophages, including TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6, which was similar to the gene expression. Further, MAPK and NF-κB signaling were increased by treatment with PLEP, resulting in enhancement of cytokine secretion. PLEP might therefore be used as a promising booster of pro-inflammatory responses through M1 polarization of human THP-1 cells.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.142-161
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• 2013

In order to enhance scientific interest and a sense of affinity about ocean, the programs of the oceanic camp 'oceanic summer school' were developed and applied to $4^{th}$ and $9^{th}$-grade elementary and middle school students for 9 years from 2004 to 2012. It was composed of oceanic training for snorkeling, a tour to oceanic institutes and museums near the camp academy place, experimental learning in oceanic-related field, field trips for ocean and earth sciences, and lectures on various subjects of ocean. We developed and implemented 9-kinds of inquiry surveys to evaluate changes in cognitive and affective characteristics, and ocean literacy of students participated at the present oceanic summer camp. Based on the statistical analysis, affective characteristics such as interest, inquisitiveness, passion, and so on, were enhanced. Analysis of ocean literacy revealed that cognitive characteristics of the students were increased by 40%. We presented parents' responses on the programs of oceanic summer school. Some students with less initial interest of ocean have positively changed to make up their minds to be a oceanographer in several years later. In light of this, the summer school can be evaluated to be successfully functioned as a long-term support system for potentially young-talented students in the field of ocean science. This study addresses that long-term implementation of the summer oceanic camp may trigger students with potential talent toward in-depth science in the near future even though it could not bring positive effect immediately. This addresses the necessity of policy supports in order that various programs like the scientific camp should be more constructively developed and executed for next-generation manpower in oceanographic fields.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.84-90
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• 2009

We incubated marine columnar sediments at $25^{\circ}C$ for 230 days to simulate the responses of phosphorus in the sediment which was exposed to freshwater. The incubation was composed of three different treatments (FW: freshwater, FWA: freshwater under anoxic condition, and SW: seawater as a Control). Six particulate fractions of phosphorus in sediment were obtained through sequential extraction and, for comparison, phosphate concentrations in porewater and superlying water were also determined. After the incubation, evidently higher concentrations of phosphate were found in FW and FWA compared to SW. Mass extinction of living organisms in marine sediment from freshwater shock and consequent decay of their corps probably contributed such high phosphate spike in the overlying water. Higher concentrations of BD-P(lron-bound P) were found in FW compared to SW. After exposure to the freshwater, we could determine that penetration depth of dissolved oxygen in marine sediment will be deeper. A result of increases of ferrous compounds in freshwater where contained less sulfide has been obtained. Because of these phenomena, BD-P was increased in FW. On the contrary, BD-P was decreased in FWA since poor dissolved oxygen concentration. In FWA, total amount of Leachable P(SUM of LOP) has been remarkably increased through the experiment, which strongly suggested the easy conversion of the leachable P into reactive P. This experiment has shown that most of diverse P species in marine sediment were leachable under freshwater and low oxygen condition. Therefore reclamation of natural tidalfalt and consequent freshwater introduction seems to trigger the conversion of diverse P-species to leachable P in the marine sediments, which will exert high benthic load of phosphate to the overlying water.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.311-336
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• 2015

This article surveys the current international law with respect to RPAS from both the public air law and private air law perspectives. It then reviews current and proposed Australian domestic RPAS regulation while emphasizing the peculiar risks in operation of RPAS; and how they affect concepts of liability, safety and privacy. While RPAS operations still constitute only a small portion of total operations within commercial aviation, international pilotless flight for commercial air transport remains a future reality. As the industry is developing so quickly the earlier the pursuit of the right policy solutions begins, the better the law will be able to cope with the technological realities when the inevitable risks manifest in accidents. The paper acknowledges that a domestic or regional approach to RPAS, typified by the legislative success of the Australian experience, is and continues to be the principal measure to deal with RPAS issues globally. Furthermore, safety remains the foremost factor in present and revised Australian RPAS regulation. This has an analogue to the international situation. Creating safety-related rules is imperative and must precede the creation or adoption of liability rules because the former mitigates the risk of accidents which trigger the application of the latter. The flipside of a lack of binding airworthiness standards for RPAS operators is potentially a strong argument that the liability regime (and particularly strict liability of operators) is unfair and unsuited to pilotless flight. The potential solutions the authors raise include the need for revised ICAO guidance and, in particular, SARPs with respect to RPAS air safety, airworthiness, and potentially liability issues for participants/passengers, and those on the ground. Such guidance could then be adapted swiftly for appropriate incorporation into domestic laws bypassing the need for or administrative burden and time it would take to activate the treaty process to deal with an arm of aviation that states know all too well is in need of safety regulation and monitoring.