• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2017

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Advances in the chemotherapeutic treatment of this disease have improved the outcomes of DLBCL; nonetheless, many patients still die of DLBCL, and therefore, a better understanding of this disease and identification of novel therapeutic targets are urgently required. In a recent gene expression profiling study, PDE (phosphodiesterase) 4B was found to be overexpressed in chemotherapy-resistant tumors. The major function of PDE4B is to inactivate the second messenger cyclic 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) by catalyzing the hydrolysis of cAMP to 5'AMP. It is known that cAMP induces cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis in B cells, and PDE4B abolishes cAMP's effect on B cells. However, the mechanism by which PDE4B is overexpressed remains unclear. Here, we show that the aberrant expression of miRNA may be associated with the overexpression of this gene. The PDE4B 3' untranslated region (UTR) has three functional binding sites of miR-23b, as confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Interestingly, miR-23b-binding sites were evolutionarily conserved from humans to lizards, implying the critical role of PDE4B-miR-23b interaction in cellular physiology. The ectopic expression of miR-2 3b repressed PDE4B mRNA levels and enhanced intracellular cAMP concentrations. Additionally, miR-23b expression inhibited cell proliferation and survival of DLBCL cells only in the presence of forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, suggesting that miR-23b's effect is via the downregulation of PDE4B. These results together suggest that miR-23b could be a therapeutic target for overcoming drug resistance by repressing PDE4B in DLBCL.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.796-804
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• 2017

This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of Houttuynia cordata (HCME) and to identify a compound having antioxidant effect. The ethyl acetate fraction of HCME showed the highest antioxidant effect in organic solvent fractions. The fraction was then separated into 12 fractions by open column chromatography. Among these fractions, the fraction 10 (Fr. 10) with the highest antioxidant activity was isolated, and its antioxidant effect was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, TBARS, cell viability, DNA oxidation and DCF fluorescence. The Fr. 10 at a $64{\mu}g/ml$ showed 60% of inhibitory effect similar to that of vitamin C at $10{\mu}g/ml$, compared with blank group. The Fr. 10 at $64{\mu}g/ml$ showed 264% of reducing power, compared with blank group. TBARS assay showed that the Fr. 10 at $64{\mu}g/ml$ had 35.5% of inhibitory effect similar to that of vitamin E at $1,000{\mu}g/ml$, compared with blank group. The Fr. 10 above $32{\mu}g/ml$ displayed cytotoxicity. However, it was observed that the Fr. 10, above $1{\mu}g/ml$ reduced DNA damage. DCF fluorescence assay showed that the Fr. 10 inhibited oxidative stress by $H_2O_2$ in a dose dependent manner. The compound of Fr. 10 was identified to be rutin whose molecular weight is 610 by the IR and LC-MS analyses. Therefore, these results suggest that the rutin of Fr. 10 could use as a natural antioxidant for development of cosmetics and functional foods.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.345-354
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• 2000

Purpose : Conventional radiation therapy Portal images gives low contrast images. The purpose of this study was to enhance image contrast of a linacgram by developing a low-cost image processing method. Materials and Methods : Chest linacgram was obtained by irradiating humanoid Phantom and scanned using Diagnostic-Pro scanner for image processing. Several types of scan method were used in scanning. These include optical density scan, histogram equalized scan, linear histogram based scan, linear histogram independent scan, linear optical density scan, logarithmic scan, and power square root scan. The histogram distribution of the scanned images were plotted and the ranges of the gray scale were compared among various scan types. The scanned images were then transformed to the gray window by pallette fitting method and the contrast of the reprocessed portal images were evaluated for image improvement. Portal images of patients were also taken at various anatomic sites and the images were processed by Gray Scale Expansion (GSE) method. The patient images were analyzed to examine the feasibility of using the GSE technique in clinic. Results :The histogram distribution showed that minimum and maximum gray scale ranges of 3192 and 21940 were obtained when the image was scanned using logarithmic method and square root method, respectively. Out of 256 gray scale, only 7 to 30$\%$ of the steps were used. After expanding the gray scale to full range, contrast of the portal images were improved. Experiment peformed with patient image showed that improved identification of organs were achieved by GSE in portal images of knee joint, head and neck, lung, and pelvis. Conclusion :Phantom study demonstrated that the GSE technique improved image contrast of a linacgram. This indicates that the decrease in image quality resulting from the dual exposure, could be improved by expanding the gray scale. As a result, the improved technique will make it possible to compare the digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and simulation image for evaluating the patient positioning error.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.43 no.8
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• pp.1236-1247
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• 2014

Gamma irradiated-treatment of natural medicinal plants can be used to improve extraction transference number and for qualitative improvement of color when applied to functional material exploration. This study investigated the biological activities of Aralia elata cortex extracts upon gamma irradiation. In addition, different physical techniques [photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and thermoluminescence (TL)] were used for irradiation identification of Aralia elata cortex. In PSL analysis, non-irradiated (0 kGy) sample showed a negative result of 400 photon counts (PCs), whereas irradiated (5, 10, and 30 kGy) samples showed positive results of 90,100.00, 312,614.33, and 321,661.67 PCs, respectively. In the TL method, growth curve showed very unusual behaviors around $200^{\circ}C$ upon natural-irradiation of the non-irradiated (0 kGy) sample and around $150{\sim}250^{\circ}C$ for the irradiated (5, 10, and 30 kGy) samples. The TL ratio was 0.1 in non-irradiated samples at 0.011, whereas the values of irradiated samples (5, 10, and 30 kGy) were 0.1 at 1.105, 1.009, and 2.206, respectively. For phenolics of gamma-irradiated Aralia elata cortex, water and 50% ethanol extracts had the highest amounts, $17.30{\pm}0.40mg/g$ and $18.87{\pm}0.46mg/g$ at 10 kGy irradiation, respectively. The inhibitory activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme and xanthin oxidase were higher in both irradiated water and 50% ethanol extracts than in non-irradiated ones. For pancreatin ${\alpha}$-amylase and ${\alpha}$-glucosidase inhibitory activities, water and 50% ethanol extracts containing $200{\mu}g/mL$ of phenolics showed high inhibitory activities of 60~100% at all irradiation doses (0~30 kGy). This result confirmed that Aralia elata cortex extracts have greater anti-diabetic effects than acabose as a diabetic remedy. Gamma-irradiated Aralia elata cortex extracts are useful as a functional material with anti-diabetic effects. Thus, Aralia elata cortex extracts can be used as a functional material with various biological activities, and gamma-irradiation can be used to amplify biological activities in plants.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2007

Objetives : Identification of target genes for ethanol in neurons is important for understanding its molecular and cellular mechanism of action and the neuropathological changes seen in alcoholics. The purpose of this study is to identify of altered gene expression after acute treatmet of ethanol in rat gliom cells. Methods : We used high density cDNA microarray chip to measure the expression patterns of multiple genes in cultured rat glioma cells. DNA microarrays allow for the simultaneous measurement of the expression of several hundreds of genes. Results : After comparing hybridized signals between control and ethanol treated groups, we found that treatment with ethanol increased the expression of 15 genes and decreased the expression of 12 genes. Upregulated genes included Orthodenticle(Drosophila) homolog 1, procollagen type II, adenosine A2a receptor, GATA bindning protein 2. Downregulated genes included diacylglycerol kinase beta, PRKC, Protein phosphatase 1, clathrin-associated protein 17, nucleoporin p58, proteasome. Conclusion : The gene changes noted were those related to the regulation of transcription, signal transduction, second messenger systems. modulation of ischemic brain injury, and neurodengeneration. Although some of the genes were previously known to be ethanol responsive, we have for the most part identified novel genes involved in the brain response to ethanol.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.185-194
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• 2006

The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria isolated from endodontic lesions by cell culture and to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of them against 8 antibiotics. The necrotic pulpal tissues were collected from 27 infected root canals, which were diagnosed as endodontic infection. Samples were collected aseptically from the infected pulpal tissue of the infected root canals using a barbed broach and a paper point. The cut barbed broaches and paper points were transferred to an eppendorf tube containing $500{\mu}l\;of\;1{\times}PBS$. The sample solution was briefly mixed and plated onto a BHI-agar plate containing 5% sheep blood. The agar plates were incubated in a $37^{\circ}C$ anaerobic chamber for 2 to 5 days. The bacteria grown on the agar plates were identified by comparison of 16S rRNA gene (rDNA) sequencing method at the species level. To test the sensitivity of the bacteria isolated from the infected root canals against 8 antibiotics, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using broth dilution assay. The data showed that 101 bacterial strains were isolated and were identified. Streptococcus spp. (29.7%) and Actinomyces spp. (21.8%) were predominantly isolated. The 9 strains were excluded in antimicrobial susceptibility test because they were lost during the experiment or were not grown in broth culture. The percentage of bacteria susceptible for each antibiotic in this study was clindamycin, 87.0% (80 of 92); tetracycline, 75.0% (69 of 92); cefuroxime axetil, 75.0% (69 of 92); amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (5:1), 71.7% (66 of 92); penicillin G, 66.3% (61 of 92); erythromycin, 66.3% (61 of 92); amoxicillin, 44.6% (41 of 92); and ciprofloxacin, 31.5% (29 of 92). The susceptibility pattern of 8 antibiotics was dependent on the host of the bacteria strains rather than the kinds of bacterial species. These results indicate that antibiotic susceptibility test should be performed when antibiotics are needed for the treatment of infected root canals.

• Journal of the Korean Geographical Society
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.571-605
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• 2015

This research revealed that 'Yipjiamlyu' in the Mukedeng's map is geographically 'a beginning point of underf low,' whose location is on the Heishigou's riverbed(E.L. 1,840m) in the NNE side of Daegakbong peak, and that 'Tomungangweon'(Heishigou) is one of the upstream reach of the Sungari River, which, according to historical documents and my fieldwork, Mukedeng also knew at the time of Yimjin(1712) Boundary Making and Demarcation(YBMD). These findings suggest the need to reinterpret the processes of YBMD. Mukedeng set up the Baekdusanjeonggyeobi on the mistaken assumptions on the linkage of 'Yipjiamlyu' and Tumen River. It should have been set up on the Daeyeonjibong peak. Mukedeng found the 'Yipjiamlyu' on the riverbed of 'Tomungangweon'(Heishigou), went downstream, and realized that this river did not flow into the Tumen River. During the search for the source of Tumen River, he found a water stream, and regarded it as the source of Tumen River. He speculated that the water at the 'Yipjiamlyu' flows through the underground to reappear at the his 'identified' source of Tumen River. Consequently, he adjured the construction of demarcation from Baekdusanjeonggyeobi through 'Yipjiamlyu' to the his 'identified' source of Tumen River. The water stream pointed as the source of Tumen River, however, was not part of the upstream reach of Tumen River. Actually, Korean officials, who were in charge of establishing boundary features, set up the demarcation from Baekdusanjeonggyeobi through Huanghuasongdianzi to the true source of Tumen River identified by themselves, which Mukedeng had not intended. The ambiguity of the location of 'Yipjiamlyu' caused a difference between Mukedeng's original request and Korean officials' implementation in the boundary demarcation. Throughout the whole processes of YBMD, Korea(Joseon) and China(Qing) both mistook the real geography of the river system. Their understanding on Yalu River system was correct. But the identification of the spring source of the Tumen River by Korean participants was the only geographically correct result related on this river system in YBMD.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.4 no.11
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• pp.509-520
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• 2015

College Scholastic Ability Test(CSAT) is a primary test to evaluate the study achievement of high-school students and used by most universities for admission decision in South Korea. Because its level of difficulty is a significant issue to both students and universities, the government makes a huge effort to have a consistent difficulty level every year. However, the actual levels of difficulty have significantly fluctuated, which causes many problems with university admission. In this paper, we build two types of data-driven prediction models to predict correct answer rate and to identify significant factors for CSAT English test through accumulated test data of CSAT, unlike traditional methods depending on experts' judgments. Initially, we derive candidate question-specific factors that can influence the correct answer rate, such as the position, EBS-relation, readability, from the annual CSAT practices and CSAT for 10 years. In addition, we drive context-specific factors by employing topic modeling which identify the underlying topics over the text. Then, the correct answer rate is predicted by multiple linear regression and level of difficulty is predicted by classification tree. The experimental results show that 90% of accuracy can be achieved by the level of difficulty (difficult/easy) classification model, whereas the error rate for correct answer rate is below 16%. Points and problem category are found to be critical to predict the correct answer rate. In addition, the correct answer rate is also influenced by some of the topics discovered by topic modeling. Based on our study, it will be possible to predict the range of expected correct answer rate for both question-level and entire test-level, which will help CSAT examiners to control the level of difficulties.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-23
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• 1970

Recently Carter(1952) reported the capsule antigens of Pasteurella multocida could be divided into four serological types A,B,C and D by means of precipitation tests. Subsequently he showed that the most sensitive for identification of these types involved the use of capsule substance adsorbed by erythrocytes in hemagglutination test. It may be somewhat difficult to conduct the hemagglutination test in small laboratory, because relatively large amounts of antisera and erythrocytes of the human O type are required for the test. A simple method for serological typing of P. multocida was the slide agglutination test employed by Little et al. (1943) and Namioka et al. (1962), but this method is still in controversy. The author tried adapting Carter's hemagglutination method to the slide method so called "micromethod technique", and studied on the stabilization of erythrocytes for use of slide hemagglutination to P. multocida although many invesigators reported the stabilization of erythrocytes. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. A simplified method (slide method) for capsule typing of the organism was developed by adapting Carter's hemagglutination reaction(tube method). Antibody-containing serum can be diluted serially on Boerner's microtest slide with capillary or serological pipetts with a considerable accuracy. The slide reaction can be carried out with case on the slide by adding $0.05m{\ell}$ of antigen-sensitized erythrocytes suspension diluted to one percent on $0.05m{\ell}$ of serially diluted antibody-containing sera, and the final result can be read after 60 minutes at the room temperature ($15^{\circ}C$). 2. It is difficult to determine superiority of inferiority between the slide method and the tube method on the pattern of the reaction of hemagglutination. 3. The pH range of 6.6 to 8.3 is optimal for the slide hemagglutination reaction. 4. The antigen-sensitization against erythrocytes at $37^{\circ}C$ is optimal for the slide hemagglutination. 5. Both the doses and concentration of antigen do not influence the antigen-adsorbing capacity of erythrocytes. 6. The reduction of antigen-sensitizing hours does not influence the antigen-adsorbing capacity of erythrocytes even 30 minutes. 7. The tannic acid treatment against formalinized and non-formalinized erythrocytes showed no effect on the reaction of hemagglutination. 8. The erythrocytes preserved at $4^{\circ}C$ in the ACD solution do not decrease the reactivity on the reaction of hemagglutination for 60 days, while they begin slight hemolysis 30 days after preserving. 9. The stable preparation of erythrocytes can be obtained by treating the cells at $37^{\circ}C$ for 20 hours with from 4 to 8 percent of formalin in saline or buffer. These cells can be preserved at $4^{\circ}C$ for more than 8 months experimented without hemolysis. With low concentration of formalin, the cells were not sufficiently stabilized resulting in the hemolysis after short period of preservation at $4^{\circ}C$. 10. The erythrocytes treated with 16 percent of formalin remain constantly or increase the reactivity for the reaction of hemagglutination. On the contrary, the cells treated with I to 8 percent of formalin decrease the reactivity. 11. There is no difference between nontreated fresh erythrocytes and the erythrocytes preserved in the ACD solution on the reactivity against the hemagglutination, and the erythrocytes treated with 16 percent of formalin showed the reactivity of higher level than that of the above two kinds of erythrocytes. 12. There is no difference between the saline and the isotonic buffer solution on the reaction of hemagglutination.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.525-538
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to analyze the habitat status and species diversity of benthic diatoms and estimate the applicability of TDI (Trophic Diatom Index) to obtain the basic data for the identification and management of created wetlands in the Nakdong River. We observed a total of 38 families and 173 species of benthic diatom during the survey period, and spring and autumn showed a similar number of species of 156 and 154, respectively. The result of the SOM (Self-Organizing Map) analysis showed that the distribution of benthic diatom was sensitive to environmental factors such as nutrient concentration and rainfall in each wetland. The cluster 1 was characterized by the survey sites of autumn mostly and consisted of points of high TDI, although the nutrients such as total phosphorus and total nitrogen were low, and the species number and abundance of diatoms were low. Conversely, cluster 4 was characterized by the survey sites of spring mostly and consisted of points of low TDI, even though total nitrogen was high. Considering that most of the created wetlands had the reduced inflow and outflow, the increased flow rate in the summer lowers nutrient values in autumn, and the species number and abundance of benthic diatom decreases due to the increase of turbidity, which reduces the light penetrations to the substrates. On the contrary, the TDI value is low in spring because the low water level causes insufficient substrate surface to the benthic diatoms, and it is too early for the establishment and development of saprophilous species. Although various studies have used TDI as an indicator for evaluating the habitat environment and water quality, it is not a good evaluation indicator in this study since the nutrient concentration in the wetlands mostly high as they have a low flow rate and are close to the stagnant area. Nevertheless, additional periodic surveys that comprehensively reflect the fact that the summer rainfall and inflow/outflow regulating function might affect the species diversity and distribution of benthic diatoms are necessary.