• Journal of Information Processing Systems
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.176-192
• /
• 2014

The realization of Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) has been fostered by the availability of low cost and low power CMOS devices. However, the transmission of bulk video data requires adequate bandwidth, which cannot be promised by single path communication on an intrinsically low resourced sensor network. Moreover, the distortion or artifacts in the video data and the adherence to delay threshold adds to the challenge. In this paper, we propose a two stage Quality of Service (QoS) guaranteeing scheme called Prioritized Multipath WMSN (PMW) for transmitting H.264 encoded video. Multipath selection based on QoS metrics is done in the first stage, while the second stage further prioritizes the paths for sending H.264 encoded video frames on the best available path. PMW uses two composite metrics that are comprised of hop-count, path energy, BER, and end-to-end delay. A color-coded assisted network maintenance and failure recovery scheme has also been proposed using (a) smart greedy mode, (b) walking back mode, and (c) path switchover. Moreover, feedback controlled adaptive video encoding can smartly tune the encoding parameters based on the perceived video quality. Computer simulation using OPNET validates that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms the conventional approaches on human eye perception and delay.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.82-90
• /
• 2015

Plant cell immobilization can protect plant cells from shear forces and increase the stability of gene. An additional advantage of immobilization is the easiness for performing continuous culture with cell recycling. Therefore plant cell immobilization can overcome the limitations of plant cell applications. In addition, target protein should be selected from pharmaceutical proteins to get rid of low expression level problem. The enhanced production of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) was investigated in immobilized Nicotiana tabacum suspension cell cultures. When the cells were immobilized in polyurethane foam, specific production of hGM-CSF was higher than that in alginate bead immobilization. Optimum continuous culture condition was the addition of 60 g/L sucrose in growth media with exchanging media every 6 day. Under the same condition, specific hGM-CSF production was 7 times higher in a 500-mL spinner flask than that in 100-mL Erlenmeyer flasks. Therefore, development of an effective immobilization process would be possible when the advantage of easy cell recycling was used. Consequently, enhanced production of target proteins could be possible in immobilized continuous cultures when the advantages of immobilization were applied.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays a key role in neuronal cell damage, which is associated with neurodegenerative disease. The aim of present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of perilla oil (PO) and its active component, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), against hydrogen peroxide $(H_2O_2)$-induced oxidative stress in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: The SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells exposed to $250{\mu}M$ $H_2O_2$ for 24 h were treated with different concentrations of PO (25, 125, 250 and $500{\mu}g/mL$) and its major fatty acid, ALA (1, 2.5, 5 and $25{\mu}g/mL$). We examined the effects of PO and ALA on $H_2O_2$-induced cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and nuclear condensation. Moreover, we determined whether PO and ALA regulated the apoptosis-related protein expressions, such as cleaved-poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), cleaved caspase-9 and -3, BCL-2 and BAX. RESULTS: Treatment of $H_2O_2$ resulted in decreased cell viability, increased LDH release, and increase in the nuclei condensation as indicated by Hoechst 33342 staining. However, PO and ALA treatment significantly attenuated the neuronal cell death, indicating that PO and ALA potently blocked the $H_2O_2$-induced neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, cleaved-PARP, cleaved caspase-9 and -3 activations were significantly decreased in the presence of PO and ALA, and the $H_2O_2$-induced up-regulated BAX/BCL-2 ratio was blocked after treatment with PO and ALA. CONCLUSIONS: PO and its main fatty acid, ALA, exerted the protective activity from neuronal oxidative stress induced by $H_2O_2$. They regulated apoptotic pathway in neuronal cell death by alleviation of BAX/BCL-2 ratio, and down-regulation of cleaved-PARP and cleaved caspase-9 and -3. Although further studies are required to verify the protective mechanisms of PO and ALA from neuronal damage, PO and ALA are the promising agent against oxidative stress-induced apoptotic neuronal cell death.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.433-442
• /
• 1998

The purpose of this study was to observe the changes of acidity of resin cement(Time Line), glass ionomer cement(GC Fugi Lining LC), zinc phosphate cement(Fleck's zinc cement). zinc oxide eugenol cement(Sultan,Chemists.) in vivo and in vitro. Class I cavities with 3mm depth were prepared on the occlusal surfaces of 20 recently extracted human Mn. molar teeth and 20 human Mn. 3rd molar teeth in oral cavity. The prepared cavities were divided into 4 groups of each 5 teeth using the above 4 cavity liners. Each cement was mixed in accordance with manufacturer's direction at the room temperature of $23^{\circ}{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ and filled into the cavity in a width of 1 mm. The microelectrode of pH meter was inserted into the prepared cavity which was filled with mixed cement, and the acidity of cement was measured for 3 days from the beginning of cement mix in vitro and in vivo. The measured acidity was then statistically analyzed by ANOVA. The results were as follows. 1. In vitro, the pH of zinc oxide eugenol cement was statistically lower than that of the three other groups at 2min, 4min, 6min, 8min, 10min, 12min, 18min, 20min. (p<0.05). 2. The pH of zinc oxide eugenol cement in vivo was statistically higher than that in vitro at 16min,16min, 20min(p<0.05). 3. The pH of zinc phosphate cement in vivo was statistically higher than that in vitro at 4min, 20min(p<0.05). 4. In vitro and in vivo, there was no significant difference in the pH between the resin cement and the glass ionomer cement(p>0.05). 5. The initial acidity was not high, but almost neutral in all kinds of the cements.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.271-278
• /
• 2010

The appearance of Asian Dust (AD) originating from China and Mongolia during spring each year is a meteorological phenomenon periodically observed in extensive regions of East Asia. According to a previous epidemiological study, AD has adverse effects on both human beings and ecosystems. In this study, we collected total suspension particles (TSP) in the AD period and Non-AD (NAD) period. We extracted organic components from TSP using dichloromethane (DCM), and the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed. The DCM extracts contained PAHs such as benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, and pyrene. No significant difference was observed in cytotoxicity of the DCM extracts from AD versus NAD when tested on the human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B. e also examined the toxic mechanisms of AD extracts in cultured BEAS-2B cells and RAW264.7 cells, and in BEAS-2B cells observed increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased glutathione (GSH), and induced caspase-3 activity. Increased expression of oxidative stress-related and inflammation- related genes were also observed in BEAS-2B cells, while nitric oxide (NO) levels were increased in RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, the results suggest that in these cultured cells, AD may induce cytotoxicity through oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signals.

• Analytical Science and Technology
• /
• v.19 no.3
• /
• pp.239-243
• /
• 2006

This method is used for the determination of itraconazole in human plasma by liquid-liquid extraction and high performance liquid chromatography. Felodipine was used as an internal standard. After extraction of the plasma with diethyl ether, the centrifuged upper layer was then transferred. The supernantant was evaporated and then reconsituted with mobile phase. The mobile phase was composed of 10 mM ammonium acetate adjusted to pH 7 by phosphoric acid with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. A C18 reversed-phase column with a pre-column was used as the analytial column. Linear detection responses were obtained for itraconzole concentration range for 2~1,000 ng/mL. The correlation coefficient of linear regression($R^2$) was 0.9991, limit of quantification (LOQ) was 2 ng/mL, reproducibility was less than 10.8 %, and accuracy was 97.2~108.2%. This method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of itraconazole in human plasma.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2016

The physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacities, and sensory optimization of taro (Colocasia esculenta) under different aging conditions were investigated to develop black taro. Black taro was processed in three steps (steaming: $95{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ for 1 h; aging: 85, 90, $95^{\circ}C$ for 20, 40, and 60 h; drying: $60^{\circ}C$ for 24 h) and ground into a powder for all experiments. Black taro showed an increased crude fiber content and browning index compared to raw taro. Calcium oxalate contents, reducing sugar contents, moisture contents, and lightness values were decreased during the processing of taro. Improvements in total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) were observed in the black taro samples aged at higher temperature. Response surface methodology was used for sensory optimization, and the optimum aging conditions with the highest acceptance values were found to be $88.73^{\circ}C$ for 39.50 h for taste, and $88.82^{\circ}C$ for 42.60 h for overall acceptance.

• Advances in environmental research
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.79-94
• /
• 2016

In order to evaluate the contamination and health risk, levels of six hazardous elements i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb in soils of 12 different land-uses were measured. The average concentration of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, As and Cd in soils were 267, 239, 206, 195, 58 and 16 mg/kg, respectively. Levels of each metal exceeded the environmental action level for soils, which could pose significant risk to human. The metal concentrations were subsequently used to establish hazard indices (for adults and children) where the 5th and 95th percentile values were used to derive the hazard index through different exposure pathways (ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation). Considering the total exposure through each of the three pathways, the hazard index elucidates that there was a potency of non-cancer risk at most of the sites for both the adults and children. The findings of this study suggested that different land-use soils were severely contaminated with hazardous elements and attention is needed on the potential health risks to the exposed inhabitants.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.253-258
• /
• 1997

Ten, heretofore unreported, $ 5^I-methyl-5^I-[2-(5-substituted uracil-1-yl)ethyl)]-2^I-oxo-3^I$-methylenetetrahydrofurans (H, F, Cl, Br, I, $ CH_3$,$CF_3$,$CH_2CH_3$,$ CH=CH2$, SePh) (7a-j) were synthesized and evaluated against four cell lines (K-562, FM-3A, P-388 and U-937). For the preparation of ${\alpha}$-methylene-${\gamma}$-butyrolactone-linked to 5-substituted uracils (7a-j), the convenient Reformasky type reaction was employed which involves the treatment of ethyl ${\alpha}$-(bromomethyl)acrylate and zinc with the respective 1-(5-substituted uracil-1-yl)-3-butanone (6a-j). The 5-substituted uracil ketones (6a-j) were directly obtained by the respective Michael type reaction of vinyl methyl ketone with the $K_2CO_3$(or NaH)-treated 5-substituted uracils (5a-j) in the presence of acetic acid in the DMF solvent. The .alpha.-methylene-.gamma.-butyrolactone compounds showing the most significant antitumor activity are 7e, 7f, 7h and 7j (inhibitory concentration $(IC_50)$ ranging from 0.69 to $2.9 {\mu}g/ml$), while 7b, 7g and 7i have shown moderate to significant activity. The compounds 7a, 7c and 7d were found to be inactive. The synthetic intermediate compounds 6a-j were also screened and found marginal to moderate activity where compounds 6b and 6g showed significant activity $(IC_50:0.4~2.8 {\mu}g/ml)$.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.185-194
• /
• 1999

Background: NF-$\kappa$B is a characteristic transcriptional factor whose functional activity is determined by post-translational modification of protein and subsequent change of subcellular localization. The involvement of the NF-$\kappa$B family of the transcription factors in the control of such vital cellular functions as immune response, acute phase reaction, replication of certain viruses and development and differentiation of cells has been clearly documented in many previous studies. Several recent observations have suggested that the NF-$\kappa$B might also be involved in the carcinogenesis of some hematological and solid tumors. Investigating the possibility that members of the NF-$\kappa$B family participate in the molecular control of malignant cell transformation could provide invaluable information on both molecular pathogenesis and cancer-related gene therapy. Method: To determine the expression patterns and functional roles of NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors in human lung cancer cell lines NCI-H792, NCI-H709, NCI-H226 and NCI-H157 were analysed by western blot, using their respective antibodies. The nuclear and the cytoplasmic fraction of protein extract of these cell lines were subsequently obtained and NF-$\kappa$B expression in each fraction was again determined by western blot analysis. The type of NF-$\kappa$B complex present in the cells was determined by immunoprecipitation. To detect the binding ability of cell-line nuclear extracts to the KB consensus oligonucleotide, electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA) was performed. Results: In the cultured human lung cancer cell lines tested, transcription factors of the NF-$\kappa$B family, namely the p50 and p65 subunit were expressed and localized in the nuclear fraction of the cellular extract by western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that in the cell, the p50 and p65 subunits made NF-$\kappa$B complex. Finally it was shown by Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay(EMSA) that nuclear extracts of lung cancer cell lines are able to bind to NF-$\kappa$B consensus DNA sequences. Conclusion: These data suggest that in human lung cancer cell lines the NF-$\kappa$B p50/p65 complex might be activated. and strengthen the hypothesis that NF-$\kappa$B family transcription factors might be involved in the carcinogenesis of human lung cancer.