• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.100-107
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• 2011

In this study, a simulated situation in which the visions of the evacuees were blocked by the smoke, which is one of the most dangerous factors that cause casualties in case of an emergency, was conducted for the evaluation of the performance of an evacuation guidance system. For this purpose, the behavior and time taken by the experiment subjects in simulated evacuation test were measured and analyzed. When the evacuation guidance sound signals were given by 4 speakers at the same time, most of the subject were disoriented and took generally longer in getting to the pre-designated evac point. And, using only one speaker instead of two showed a better result in terms of the evacuation behavior or and orientation. Also, when there were two or more speakers used for the broadcasting of the guidance message, it turned out that using Hass effect, and placing the speakers closer, could result in higher awareness of the guidance message and maintenance of the orientation, while it also made the subjects took short to get to the evac point.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2017

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate whether fertilization could induce the resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes arrested at metaphase I (MI) after in vitro maturation (IVM), and to investigate the effect of $Ca^{2+}$ chelator treatment at the time of fertilization on the transition from MI to metaphase II (MII). Methods: MII-stage and arrested MI-stage mouse oocytes after IVM were fertilized, and then embryonic development was monitored. Blastocysts from each group were transferred into 2.5 days post-coitum pseudo-pregnant ICR mice. MI oocytes after IVM were treated with a $Ca^{2+}$ chelator to investigate the effect of $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations on their maturation. Results: As insemination time increased, the number of oocytes in the MI group that reached the MII stage also increased. The blastocyst rates and total cell numbers in the MII group were significantly higher than in the MI group. No pregnancy occurred in the MI group, but 10 pregnancies were achieved (10 of 12) in the MII group. The proportion of MI oocytes that matured to MII oocytes after fertilization was significantly higher in the non-treated group than in the $Ca^{2+}$ chelator-treated group. Conclusion: The findings that a higher proportion of MI-arrested oocytes progressed to MII after fertilization and that the MI-to-MII transition was blocked by $Ca^{2+}$ chelator treatments before fertilization indicate that the maturation of MI oocytes to MII oocytes is associated with intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ oscillations driven by fertilization.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4853-4858
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• 2013

Objectives: To investigate whether hypoxia has an effect on regulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapeutic drugs in laryngeal carcinoma cells and explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$). Methods: Laryngeal cancer cells were cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The sensitivity of the cells to multiple drugs and levels of apoptosis induced by paclitaxel were determined by MTT assay and annexin-V/propidium iodide staining analysis, respectively. HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was blocked by RNA interference. The expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ gene was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting. The value of fluorescence intensity of intracellular adriamycin accumulation and retention in cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: The sensitivity to multiple chemotherapy agents and induction of apoptosis by paclitaxel could be reduced by hypoxia (P<0.05). A the same time, the adriamycin releasing index of cells was increased (P<0.05). However, resistance acquisition subject to hypoxia in vitro was suppressed by down-regulating HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression. Conclusion: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ could be considered as a key regulator for mediating hypoxia-induced MDR in laryngeal cancer cells via inhibition of drug-induced apoptosis and decrease in intracellular drug accumulation.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.58-68
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• 2001

Objectives : This study was designed to investigate the protective mechanisms of Samul-tang (SMT) on $H_2O_2$-induced toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Methods : The cultured cells were pretreated with SMT and exposed to $H_2O_2$. The cell damage was assessed by using MTT assay. Also, we used Hoechst staining, Western blotting analysis. Results : SMT significantly reduced both $H_2O_2$-induced cell death and chromatin fragmentation. The decrease of Bcl2 expression by $H_2O_2$ was inhibited by SMT. In addition, the increase of Bax expression was also inhibited by SMT. In particular, Fas expression, which is generally recognized as cell death inducing signal by Fas/FasL interaction, was markedly decreased by $H_2O_2$ in a time-dependent manner, whereas this decrease was completely prevented by SMT. The cotreatment of SMT and $H_2O_2$ in H9c2 cells also induced the phosphorylation of ERK in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, PD098059, a specific inhibitor of ERKl/2, attenuated the protective effect of SMT on $H_2O_2$-induced toxicity in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Furthermore, the protective effect of SMT was significantly blocked by treatment of SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38. Conclusions : Taken together, this study suggests that the protective effects of the water extract of SMT against oxidative damages may be mediated by the modulation of Bel2 and Bax expression via the regulation of ERK and p38 signaling pathway.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.120-134
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the physical properties of silk and nylon fabrics that are treated with persimmon juice in accordance with irradiation time of ultraviolet spectrum. Persimmon juice dyeing has the advantage of using the tannin component of the persimmon. Tannin plays an important role in inhibiting photodegradation of fibers or polymers. Among fibrous materials, silk and nylon are prone to deterioration by light. Hence, this study aimed to reduce these weaknesses of silk and nylon by applying persimmon juice treatment. We accordingly carried out investigation and experiments on ultraviolet irradiation, and physical characteristics of treated fabrics. The persimmon juice treatment process led to increased weight and thickness. In addition, the air permeability of silk fabric was increased, as compared to the control specimen; whereas, that of nylon fabric was decreased. Both drape stiffness and flex stiffness of silk and nylon tended to be high in textiles processed with persimmon juice treatment, as compared to the control textile. Peak load and elongation at peak load of untreated samples clearly decreased in both silk and nylon fabrics with the increase of ultraviolet irradiation time, while those of persimmon juice treated samples increased. Furthermore, ultraviolet blocking ratio measurement indicated that the fabric specimens treated with persimmon juice blocked U.V. spectrum better than the control specimen.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.213-222
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• 2014

Abnormal adaptation of the stress-response system following traumatic stress can lead to alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis that may contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study used several behavioral tests to investigate the anxiolytic-like and antidepressant activity of L-tetrahydropalmatine (L-THP) in an experimental rat model of anxiety and depression induced by single prolonged stress (SPS), an animal model of PTSD. Male rats were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with vehicle or varied doses of THP 30 min prior to SPS for 8 consecutive days. Daily THP (50 mg/kg) administration significantly increased the number and duration of open arm visits in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, reduced the anxiety index, increased the risk assessment, and increased the number of head dips over the borders of the open arms after SPS. THP was also associated with increased time spent at the center of the open field, reduced grooming behaviors in the EPM test, and reduced time spent immobile in the forced swimming test (FST). It also blocked the decrease in neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the increase in corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in the hypothalamus. This is the first study to determine that THP exerts pronounced anxiolytic-like and antidepressant effects on the development of the behavioral and biochemical symptoms associated with PTSD, indicating its prophylactic potential. Thus, THP reversed several behavioral impairments triggered by the traumatic stress of SPS and is a potential non-invasive therapeutic intervention for PTSD.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.495-500
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• 2005

The nucleoside analogue gemcitabine (2', 2-difluorideoxycytide) is potential against a wide variety of solid tumors and considered to be one of the most active drugs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the signals of gemcitabine-induced apoptosis, especially in point of caspase pathway in A549. We exposed A549 cells to gemcitabine for dose/time dependent manner and the results showed that gemcitabine induced apoptotic cell death in a time/dose-dependent manner. We also treated to gemcitabine and Z-VAD-fmk as a pan-caspase inhibitor for 24 hours. Gemcitabine alone induced 35.3% cell death, and co-treatment with gemcitabine and Z-VAD-fmk induced 15.1% apoptotic cell death. Our results demonstrated that Z-VAD-fmk as a pan-caspase did not completely block the gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. Western blotting analysis showed that gemcitabine increased caspase-3, active caspase-8, p21 and p53 protein expressions in A549. Co-treatment with Z-VAD-fmk completely blocked caspase-3 and active caspase-8 protein expressions, but did not change the level of p21 and p53 protein expressions. Our data indicate that gemcitabine induced apoptosis through caspase-dependent and -independent pathways in A549.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.163-167
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• 2006

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity is commonly associated with transcriptional repression. However, there is also evidence for a function in transcriptional activation. Previous studies have demonstrated a fundamental role of deacetylase activity in $IFN{\alpha}$-responsive gene transcription. In the case of type II IFN ($IFN{\gamma}$) results are controversial: some genes require HDAC activity, while transcription of others is repressed by HDAC. To investigate the effect of HDAC on transcription of an $IFN{\gamma}$-activated gene, real-time PCR was used to measure CXCL10 mRNA in Hela cells stimulated with $IFN{\gamma}$ in the presence or absence of the HDAC inhibitor TSA. Chromatin imunoprecipitation combined with real-time PCR was used to check acetylation of histone H4 and recruitment of the STAT1 complex to the ISRE locus of the CXCL10 gene. Activation of CXCL10 transcription in response to $IFN{\gamma}$ was paralleled by a decrease in histone H4 acetylation and an increase in recruitment of the STAT1 complex to the CXCL10 ISRE locus. The transcription of CXCL10 and histone H4 deacetylation were blocked by TSA, but the latter had no obvious affect on recruitment of the STAT1 complex. Our data indicate that $IFN{\gamma}$ and STAT-dependent gene transcription requires the participation of HDAC, as does the $IFN{\alpha}$-STAT pathway.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 1997

To precisely analyze the role of ovarian steroids in the regulation of laminin chain gene expression in mouse uterine tissues, the ovariectomized mouse model was used. Ovariectomized mice received a single injection of steroid hormones and total RNA was isolated from whole uterine tissues. Messenger RNA levels of each laminin chain (A, 81, and 82) were determined by competitive RT-peR procedures. Estradiol decreased mRNA levels of laminin 81 chain about two-fold, and 82 chain rather moderately. Estradiol-induced inhibition of laminin 81 and 82 chain mRNA levels were completely blocked by pretreatment with estrogen receptor antagonist tamoxifen. Estriol, a short acting estrogen which cannot induce hyperplastic responses of rodent uterine tissues, also showed an inhibitory effect on 81 and 82 chain mRNA levels, while estrone, an inactive estrogen, failed to influence either 8 chain mRNA levels. Effects of steroids on A chain mRNA level were quite different from those on 8 chains. Laminin A chain mRNA level was slightly increased by estradiol treatment, but negatively affected by progesterone. Progesterone treatment greatly increased both 8 chain mRNA levels, but slightly decreased A chain mRNA level compared to the control. The effect of progesterone on laminin chain-specific mRNA levels was further increased by co-injection of estradiol in a time-dependent manner. Progesterone-induced 81 and 82 chain mRNA transcription was inhibited by RU486, a synthetic anti-progesterone /anti-glucocorticoid. The present study demonstrates for the first time that steroids are able to regulate laminin gene expression in mouse uterine tissues, indicating that steroid-regulated laminin gene expression is involved in uterine growth and probably differentiation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.173-187
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• 1985

Renal compensatory adaptation caused by ablation of a part of renal mass has long been known in the field of the compensatory renal hypertrophy or hyperplasia. Many reports were found on the chronic mechanisms on the compensatory renal hyperfunction after exclusion of the contralateral kidney. However the mechanism(s) of the acute compensatory hyperfunction after contralateral exclusion has not yet been clarified. In the present experiment, we have tried to prove the possibility of the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system and/or prostaglandin system in the control mechanism of the acute compensatory renal hyperfunction after contralateral kidney exclusion. There were found different responses of the renal hyperfunction by contralateral renal pedicle or ureteral occlusion. Contralateral renal pedicle or ureteral occlusion caused a sustained increases of the urinary volume, sodium and potassium excretion, while the magnitude of the changes was different quantitatively by the maneuvers. Blood collection affected on the acute compensatory renal responses after ureteral as well as renal pedicle occlusion. Plasma prostaglandin $E_2$ level was not changed by the contralateral renal pedicle or ureteral occlusion. Urinary excretion of Prostaglandin $E_2$, the indices of renal prostaglandin biosynthesis, was not changed by the contralateral renal pedicle occlusion, but increased without significance by the contralateral ureteral occlusion. Acute renal compensatory responses after contralateral renal pedicle occlusion were blocked by the pretreatment of indomethacin. Plasma renin activity increased after contralateral ureteral occlusion, but the pattern of the increases was the same as in the time-control group. Plasma renin activity after contralateral renal pedicle occlusion did not change by the time sequence. SQ 20,881, an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, blunted the contralateral renal responses after the renal pedicle occlusion. Bilateral renal denervation abolished the contralateral renal responses after the renal pedicle occlusion. The above data suggest that there is no direct evidence to support the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system and/or prostaglandin system for the acute compensatory renal hyperfunction after contralateral kidney exclusion, and that the functional changes of the intact kidney may be caused by a humoral substances, or other mechanisms by afferent renal nerve activity originating from the treated kidney.