• Title/Summary/Keyword: term functions

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Comparative Genomics Profiling of Clinical Isolates of Helicobacter pylori in Chinese Populations Using DNA Microarray

  • Han, Yue-Hua;Liu, Wen-Zhong;Shi, Yao-Zhou;Lu, Li-Qiong;Xiao, Shudong;Zhang, Qing-Hua;Zhao, Guo-Ping
    • Journal of Microbiology
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    • v.45 no.1
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    • pp.21-28
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    • 2007
  • In order to search for specific genotypes related to this unique phenotype, we used whole genomic DNA microarray to characterize the genomic diversity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from clinical patients in China. The open reading frame (ORF) fragments on our microarray were generated by PCR using gene-specific primers. Genomic DNA of H. pylori 26695 and J99 were used as templates. Thirty-four H. pylori isolates were obtained from patients in Shanghai. Results were judged based on In(x) transformed and normalized Cy3/Cy5 ratios. Our microarray included 1882 DNA fragments corresponding to 1636 ORFs of both sequenced H. pylori strains. Cluster analysis, revealed two diverse regions in the H. pylori genome that were not present in other isolates. Among the 1636 genes, 1091 (66.7%) were common to all H. pylori strains, representing the functional core of the genome. Most of the genes found in the H. pylori functional core were responsible for metabolism, cellular processes, transcription and biosynthesis of amino acids, functions that are essential to H. pylori's growth and colonization in its host. In contrast, 522 (31.9%) genes were strain-specific genes that were missing from at least one strain of H. pylori. Strain-specific genes primarily included restriction modification system components, transposase genes, hypothetical proteins and outer membrane proteins. These strain-specific genes may aid the bacteria under specific circumstances during their long-term infection in genetically diverse hosts. Our results suggest 34 H. pylori clinical strains have extensive genomic diversity. Core genes and strain-specific genes both play essential roles in H. pylori propagation and pathogenesis. Our microarray experiment may help select relatively significant genes for further research on the pathogenicity of H. pylori and development of a vaccine for H. pylori.

Stem Cells and Cell-Cell Communication in the Understanding of the Role of Diet and Nutrients in Human Diseases

  • Trosko James E.
    • Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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    • v.22 no.1
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    • pp.1-14
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    • 2007
  • The term, "food safety", has traditionally been viewed as a practical science aimed at assuring the prevention acute illnesses caused by biological microorganisms, and only to a minor extent, chronic diseases cause by chronic low level exposures to natural and synthetic chemicals or pollutants. "food safety" meant to prevent microbiological agents/toxins in/on foods, due to contamination any where from "farm to Fork", from causing acute health effects, especially to the young, immune-compromised, genetically-predisposed and elderly. However, today a broader view must also include the fact that diet, perse (nutrients, vitamins/minerals, calories), as well as low level toxins and pollutant or supplemented synthetic chemicals, can alter gene expressions of stem/progenitor/terminally-differentiated cells, leading to chronic inflammation and other mal-functions that could lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, atherogenesis and possibly reproductive and neurological disorders. Understanding of the mechanisms by which natural or synthetic chemical toxins/toxicants, in/on food, interact with the pathogenesis of acute and chronic diseases, should lead to a "systems" approach to "food safety". Clearly, the interactions of diet/food with the genetic background, gender, and developmental state of the individual, together with (a) interactions of other endogenous/exogenous chemicals/drugs; (b) the specific biology of the cells being affected; (c) the mechanisms by which the presence or absence of toxins/toxicants and nutrients work to cause toxicities; and (d) how those mechanisms affect the pathogenesis of acute and/or chronic diseases, must be integrated into a "system" approach. Mechanisms of how toxins/toxicants cause cellular toxicities, such as mutagenesis; cytotoxicity and altered gene expression, must take into account (a) irreversible or reversal changes caused by these toxins or toxicants; (b)concepts of thresholds or no-thresholds of action; and (c) concepts of differential effects on stem cells, progenitor cells and terminally differentiated cells in different organs. This brief Commentary tries to illustrate this complex interaction between what is on/in foods with one disease, namely cancer. Since the understanding of cancer, while still incomplete, can shed light on the multiple ways that toxins/toxicants, as well as dietary modulation of nutrients/vitamins/metals/ calories, can either enhance or reduce the risk to cancer. In particular, diets that alter the embryo-fetal micro-environment might dramatically alter disease formation later in life. In effect "food safety" can not be assessed without understanding how food could be 'toxic', or how that mechanism of toxicity interacts with the pathogenesis of any disease.

Deterioration Analysis and Source Area on Rock Properties of the Seokgatap Pagoda in the Bulguksa Temple, Korea (불국사 석가탑의 풍화훼손도 분석 및 기원암의 산지추정)

  • Lee, Myeong-Seong;Lee, Chan-Hee;Suh, Man-Cheol;Choi, Seok-Won
    • 한국문화재보존과학회:학술대회논문집
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    • 2004.10a
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    • pp.15-24
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    • 2004
  • The Seokgatap pagoda composed of mainly alkali granite and other minor pink-feldspar granite, fine-grained granite, granodiorite, diorite, gabbro, and tuff. Despite the small loss and damage derived from joints, its peel-off and exfoliation are serious enough to cause the heavy deterioration on the stone surface. The chemical and petrological weathering has partly replaced the original rock-forming minerals with clay minerals and iron oxyhydroxides. Based on the petrogenesis, rock materials of the pagoda is very similar to rocks of Dabotap pagoda and the Namsan granite in the Gyeongju. The central fart of the pagoda has sunken highly, which caused all the corners to split and the structural transformation to become worse. The reverse V-shaped gaps between the materials have broken stones filled in a coarse way. The iron plates inserted between the upper flat stone laid on other stones and tile pagoda body in the north and east side has been exposed in the air and corroded, discoloring of the adjacent stones. The overall diagnosis of the Seokgatap pagoda is the deteriorated functions of the stone materials, which calls for a long-term monitoring and plans to reinforce the stone surfaces. But the main body including the pagoda roof stone needs washing on a regular basis, and the many different cracks should be fixed with glue by using the fillers or hardeners designed for stone cultural properties after removing the cement mortar. In case of the replacement of the stone materials with new stones, it's necessary to examine the pagoda for the center of gravity and support intensity of the materials. The structural stability of the pagoda can be attained by taking a reinforce measure in geotechnical engineering and making a drainage. The ground humidity, which has aggravated weathering and structural instability, should be resolved by setting up a humidity reduction facility. The contamination of lichens and bryophyte around the pagoda and on the surface is serious. Thus biochemical treatments should be given too in order to prevent further biological damages and remove the vegetation growing on the discontinuous planes.

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Using Digital Climate Modeling to Explore Potential Sites for Quality Apple Production (전자기후도를 이용한 고품질 사과생산 후보지역 탐색)

  • Kwon E. Y.;Jung J. E.;Seo H. H.;Yun J. I.
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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    • v.6 no.3
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    • pp.170-176
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    • 2004
  • This study was carried out to establish a spatial decision support system for evaluating climatic aspects of a given geographic location in complex terrains with respect to the quality apple production. Monthly climate data from S6 synoptic stations across South Korea were collected for 1971-2000. A digital elevation model (DEM) with a 10-m cell spacing was used to spatially interpolate daily maximum and minimum temperatures based on relevant topoclimatological models applied to Jangsoo county in Korea. For daily minimum temperature, a spatial interpolation scheme accommodating the potential influences of cold air accumulation and the temperature inversion was used. For daily maximum temperature estimation, a spatial interpolation model loaded with the overheating index was used. Freezing risk in January was estimated under the recurrence intervals of 30 years. Frost risk at bud-burst and blossom was also estimated. Fruit quality was evaluated for soluble solids, anthocyanin content, Hunter L and A values, and LID ratio, which were expressed as empirical functions of temperature based on long-term field observations. AU themes were prepared as ArcGlS Grids with a 10-m cell spacing. Analysis showed that 11 percent of the whole land area of Jangsoo county might be suitable for quality 'Fuji' apple production. A computer program (MAPLE) was written to help utilize the results in decision-making for site-selection of new orchards in this region.

Adverse Effects of the Megadose Perilla Oil on the Rats Metabolism (들깨기름을 다량 투여한 흰쥐에서 대사에 미치는 역작용에 관하여)

  • 서화중;서유승
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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    • v.31 no.2
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    • pp.277-283
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    • 2002
  • In the present study, adverse effects of megadose of dietary perilla oil were investigated in an experimental model consisted of 6 groups of Wistar rats. To compare the adverse effects of megadose perilla oil with different kind of dietary fat, rats were fed one of the following diets for one month: 10% beef tallow (B$_1$B), 10% corn oil (C$_1$B), 10% perilla oil (P$_1$B), 20% beef tallow (B$_2$B), 20% corn oil (C$_2$B), and 20% perilla oil (P$_2$B) diet. The body weight gain rate seemed to be more affected by the size of fat contents than the species of fat in the diet, so the body weight gain rate of 20% fat groups were significantly higher than those of 10% fat groups in spite of the larger amount of flood intake in 10% fat groups than in 20% fat groups. The levers of plasma triglyceride and total-cholesterol in 20% fat groups were significantly increased in dose dependent fashion when compared to 10% groups, the values of beef tallow (B$_2$B) group being the highest among all groups. Plasma glutainic pyruvic transferase activities and level of blood urea nitrogen had a tendency to increase along with increase of fat contents (%) in diets, the values of P$_2$B group, the highest among all groups, being beyond the normal levers. The plasma carbon dioxide concentration of P$_2$B group was the highest in all groups and exceeded the normal value, there being no significant difference among the plasma carbon dioxide concentration of others groups. The results showed that large dose and long term intake of dietary perilla oil had some adverse effects on hepatic and other organic functions in rats.

International Cooperation Plan for DMZ World Peace Park: Focusing on NGO's international solidarity and support (DMZ 세계평화공원 조성을 위한 국제공조 방안: NGO의 국제연대 활동과 지원을 중심으로)

  • Suh, Kyung-Do
    • Journal of Digital Convergence
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    • v.14 no.12
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    • pp.645-655
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    • 2016
  • The purpose of this study is to analyze the roles and functions of NGO 's International Solidarity in the establishment of' DMZ World Peace Park ', the mechanism of operation, and the policy formation of NGO' s international solidarity. The establishment of the DMZ World Peace Park is a matter that can be achieved as a result of dialogue efforts between the two parties based on the agreement between the DPRK and the ROK government, but should take a more relaxed approach to the process issues in order to achieve such results And should be done in a long-term, step-by-step plan. In the process of realizing this, South Korea's own efforts alone are difficult, and it is necessary to seek various channels of dialogue with the international community so that North Korea can have dialogue negotiations. This will be the role of NGO, It should be noted. As a result, in order to establish 'DMZ World Peace Park', it is necessary to establish concrete road map of DMZ World Peace Park. In the first stage, it is necessary to organize and operate 'DMZ World Peace Park Promotion Committee' under the directorship of the President or Prime Minister, It is necessary to select candidates, to appeal to North Korea and to support the international community, and to participate voluntarily by the private sector. Phase 2 requires final settlement. Phase 3 will require a step-by-step road map, such as rapid construction of the Peace Park, expansion of peaceful use of the DMZ, and expansion of ecology, history and cultural tourism in the DMZ border area.

Effects of Nursing Intervention of Mutual Goal Setting on Gastrectomy Patients According to Health Locus of Control (위절제술환자의 건강통제위에 따른 상호목표설정 간호중재의 효과)

  • Jang Eun-Hee
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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    • v.5 no.1
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    • pp.107-124
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    • 1998
  • Based on King's goal attainment theory, this research deals with applying nursing intervention of mutual goal settings to gastrectomy patients. It tests the effects of nursing intervention, according to the patients' health locus of control, suggested as external boundary criteria for the theory by employing a quasi-experimental design which consists of a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control and experimental groups. The subjects of this research were 62 gastrectomy patients hospitalized at Y medical center and the experimental and control groups consisted of 31 subjects. The experimental group received nursing intervention at the mutual goal setting of 5 times from the day before the surgery to the 5th day after the surgery, while the control group received only routine nursing care. Recovery indicators of both groups were measured and compared. Measurement variables included patients' characteristics, health locus of control, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, peak expiratory flow, bowel movement recovery, mobility recovery, level of pain, patients' stress and patients' satisfaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package and the hypotheses were tested by ANOVA and ANCOVA. Results of the analyses are summarized as follows : 1) Internal health locus of control had higher effects of the nursing intervention of mutual goal setting than external health locus of control on pulmonary ventilatory functions of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow. 2) There was no statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the bowel movement recovery between the internal and external health locus of control. 3) There was no statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the mobility recovery between the internal and external health locus of control. 4) There was no statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the level of pain between the internal and external health locus of control. 5) There was no statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the level of stress between the internal and external health locus of control. 6) There was a statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the level of satisfaction with provision of nursing information between the internal and external health locus of control, and there was no statistically significant difference in the effects of nursing intervention of mutual goal setting on the level of satisfaction with outcome of nursing between the internal and external locus of control. On the basis of the research results, the following are recommended : 1) Repeated research on responses to health locus of control is necessary. 2) Not only the effectiveness of nursing intervention in acute recovery periods, but also the long term effects are to be investigated. 3) The development of instruments is needed to accurately measure mutual goal setting regarding postoperative deep breath, coughing, early ambulation, etc. so that the relationship among the postoperative recovery indicators may be explored. 4) It is required that an instrument be developed to measure perception which facilitates goal attainment in the interactive setting between patients and nurses.

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A Study of the Diagnosis of Downtown Deterioration in Busan (부산시 도심 노후화 진단에 관한 연구)

  • Kwon, Il-Hwa;Nam, Kwang-Woo
    • Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.39-53
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    • 2013
  • Although the efficient formation of urban space structure is a key factor in energy saving and environmentally-friendly aspect, the maintenance of the center and sub-center of the city that are key factors has been becoming increasingly difficult due to the variability and complexity of urban activities. In the case of Busan, amid the expansion of urban scale due to rapid economic development and overpopulation, systematic approaches to professional diagnosis and maintenance have been significantly insufficient - other than the city basic plan which has been conducted at an interval of 20 years. For the effective management of urban central area, systematic monitoring of the CBD through demand forecast and blight forecast at a city level must first be implemented. In order to fulfill this goal, this study is to figure out the current state of the CBD through the diagnosis on blight of the urban central area in the viewpoint of rehabilitation of the CBD and to propose the measures for practical utilization of the information about space for the further management of the central area of the city. For analysis, the study looks into the present state in terms of physical index, economic index, and social index. And then as a micro-approach by utilizing economic index, the study has thoroughly examined the economic blight of the Seomyun urban central area of Busan. The outcome of the analysis shows that in terms of population distribution and land utilization the area is in the stage of inefficient dispersion after having gone through the stage of suburbanization. It is expected that this study, as the material that proves the necessity of enhancing the function of the CBD, can propose the direction for the management of the urban center of Busan through blight prediction and management of the urban center and can provide the basic data for the long-term urban development that aims at the efficient strengthening of functions of the CBD.

Evaluation of Chloride Behavior and Service Life in Long-Term Aged FA Concrete through Probabilistic Analysis (장기재령 FA 콘크리트에 대한 염화물 거동 및 확률론적 염해 내구수명 평가)

  • Yoon, Yong-Sik;Kwon, Seung-Jun
    • Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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    • v.8 no.3
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    • pp.276-285
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    • 2020
  • In this study, accelerated chloride diffusion tests were performed on OPC(Ordinary Portland Cement) and FA(Fly Ash) concrete considering three levels o f W/B(Water to Binder) ratio o n 1,095 curing days. The accelerated chloride diffusion coefficient and the passed charge were evaluated in accordance with Tang's method and ASTM C 1202, and the resistance performance to chloride attack improved over time. FA concrete showed excellent resistance performance against chloride penetration with help of pozzolanic reaction. As the result of the passed charge, FA concrete showed durability improvement, "low" grade to "very low" grade, but OPC concrete changed "moderate" grade to "low" grade at 1,095 curing days. After assuming the design variables used for durability design as normal distribution functions, the service life of each case was evaluated by the probabilistic analysis method based on MCS(Monte Carlo Simulation). In FA concrete, the increase of probability of durability failure was lower than that of OPC concrete with increasing time, because the time-dependent coefficient of FA concrete was up to 3.2 times higher than OPC concrete. In addition, the service life by probabilistic analysis was evaluated lower than the service life by deterministic analysis, since the target probability of durability failure was set to 10%. It is considered that more economical durability design will be possible if the mo re suitable target probability of durability failure is set for various structures through researches on actual conditions and indoor tests under various circumstances.

Development of GIS based Marine Mineral Resource Information System for Managing Marine Exploration Data (GIS 기반의 해양탐사자료 관리를 위한 해양광물자원정보시스템 설계 및 구축)

  • Kim, Dong-Il;Kim, Kye-Hyun;Park, Yong-Hyun
    • Spatial Information Research
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    • v.19 no.6
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    • pp.19-28
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    • 2011
  • Recently, the interests of marine mineral resources has been increasing from the depletion of land resources around the world and many countries are involving in marine exploration work. South Korea is also currently performing exploration work to estimate the marine mineral resources around the Korean Peninsula. However, massive amounts of marine exploration data accumulated from the long-term exploration work have not been systematically managed. The data have been managed by the file based system instead of commercial database. The aim of this study is to construct GIS-based Marine Mineral Resource Information System using a spatial database for the core sediments of the marine exploration data. For constructing such DB system, GIS-based data items were classified, and a database was designed using relational database model. The database was constructed using commercial DBMS(Database Management System), Oracle. Also, necessary functions of the system were defined for the effective use of database based on users' requirement analysis. The GIS-based Marine Mineral Resource Information System has enabled to support the systematic management of the marine exploration data. Furthermore, it is expected that this spatial database will be useful in estimating the reserves of the mineral resources and provide valuable information for economic evaluation. In the future, the application of advanced techniques of spatial analysis and 3-dimensional display function will be required.