• Title/Summary/Keyword: trace function

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Short-Term Changes in Gut Microflora and Intestinal Epithelium in X-Ray Exposed Mice

  • Tsujiguchi, Takakiyo;Yamaguchi, Masaru;Yamanouchi, Kanako
    • Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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    • v.45 no.4
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    • pp.163-170
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    • 2020
  • Background: Gut microflora contributes to the nutritional metabolism of the host and to strengthen its immune system. However, if the intestinal barrier function of the living body is destroyed by radiation exposure, the intestinal bacteria harm the health of the host and cause sepsis. Therefore, this study aims to trace short-term radiation-induced changes in the mouse gut microflora-dominant bacterial genus, and analyze the degree of intestinal epithelial damage. Materials and Methods: Mice were irradiated with 0, 2, 4, 8 Gy X-rays, and the gut microflora and intestinal epithelial changes were analyzed 72 hours later. Five representative genera of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were analyzed in fecal samples, and the intestine was pathologically analyzed by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Alcian blue staining. In addition, DNA fragmentation was evaluated by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results and Discussion: The small intestine showed shortened villi and reduced number of goblet cells upon 8 Gy irradiation. The large intestine epithelium showed no significant morphological changes, but the number of goblet cells were reduced in a radiation dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the small intestinal epithelium of 8 Gy-irradiated mice showed significant DNA damaged, whereas the large intestine epithelium was damaged in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the large intestine epithelium showed less recovery potential upon radiation exposure than the small intestinal epithelium. Analysis of the intestinal flora revealed fluctuations in lactic acid bacteria excretion after irradiation regardless of the morphological changes of intestinal epithelium. Altogether, it became clear that radiation exposure could cause an immediate change of their excretion. Conclusion: This study revealed changes in the intestinal epithelium and intestinal microbiota that may pave the way for the identification of novel biomarkers of radiation-induced gastrointestinal disorders and develop new therapeutic strategies to treat patients with acute radiation syndrome.

3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77) enhances human Kv1.3 channel currents and alters cytokine production

  • Jong-Hui Kim;Soobeen Hwang;Seo-In Park;Hyo-Ji Lee;Yu-Jin Jung;Su-Hyun Jo
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.28 no.4
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    • pp.323-333
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    • 2024
  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were once used throughout various industries; however, because of their persistence in the environment, exposure remains a global threat to the environment and human health. The Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 channels have been implicated in the immunotoxicity and cardiotoxicity of PCBs, respectively. We determined whether 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77), a dioxin-like PCB, alters human Kv1.3 and Kv1.5 currents using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Exposure to 10 nM PCB77 for 15 min enhanced the Kv1.3 current by approximately 30.6%, whereas PCB77 did not affect the Kv1.5 current at concentrations up to 10 nM. This increase in the Kv1.3 current was associated with slower activation and inactivation kinetics as well as right-shifting of the steady-state activation curve. Pretreatment with PCB77 significantly suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-10 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated Raw264.7 macrophages. Overall, these data suggest that acute exposure to trace concentrations of PCB77 impairs immune function, possibly by enhancing Kv1.3 currents.

A Research on the Change of Spatial Usage though Enlargment and Remodeling of Urban Traditional Residences - Focused on Dining-Kitchen conversion of seoul Urban Traditional Residences - (증.개축에 따른 도시한옥 공간사용 방식의 변화에 관한 실태 조사연구 - 서울시 도시한옥의 DK화를 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Seok-Woo;Koo, Soo-Young;Kim, Young-Bum;Park, Yong-Hwan
    • Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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    • v.18 no.5
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    • pp.111-118
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    • 2009
  • Urban houses of traditional Korean Style are a type of habitation that happened during a transitional period when the modernization of habitation had progressed in 1930s, and also a habitation folding societal trails that had adapted and developed into urbanization together with the native traits of traditional Korean Style houses. Because they keep our style of living and the process of change just as they were, it is important work to shed light on and keep a record of it. So, this thesis arranges the contents of research on the actual condition of living, and may try to reason by analogy the changing style of residents' living through the change of space composition and the way of space usage for the urban houses of traditional Korean style that were changed by extension and remodeling of residents. As the concrete matters, it is to grasp the physical and spatial change of urban houses of traditional Korean style in accordance with extension and remodeling, and to analyze in which part and how they had been changing for the spatial composition of urban houses of traditional Korean style according to the change of living style, and especially the change toward a stand-up type of k stand-and the following traits and factors of the change toward Dining-Kitchen. The kitchen changed toward Dining-Kitchen shows some typical discrepancies depending on the location of kitchen as like a case of changing toward Dining-Kitchen from the existing location, a case of extending into the rear side of kitchen, a case of switching of location between kitchen and the inner room, and a case of changing toward Dining-Kitchen from the location of a room across from the main living room. As kitchen changed toward Dining-Kitchen like these, it shows that the connecting trace into the inner room came out, each room came to show a bit clearer function but grow smaller relation with the threshing ground, and also the function of the threshing ground came reduced.

Structural Optimization of Planar Truss using Quantum-inspired Evolution Algorithm (양자기반 진화알고리즘을 이용한 평면 트러스의 구조최적화)

  • Shon, Su-Deok;Lee, Seung-Jae
    • Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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    • v.18 no.4
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2014
  • With the development of quantum computer, the development of the quantum-inspired search method applying the features of quantum mechanics and its application to engineering problems have emerged as one of the most interesting research topics. This algorithm stores information by using quantum-bit superposed basically by zero and one and approaches optional values through the quantum-gate operation. In this process, it can easily keep the balance between the two features of exploration and exploitation, and continually accumulates evolutionary information. This makes it differentiated from the existing search methods and estimated as a new algorithm as well. Thus, this study is to suggest a new minimum weight design technique by applying quantum-inspired search method into structural optimization of planar truss. In its mathematical model for optimum design, cost function is minimum weight and constraint function consists of the displacement and stress. To trace the accumulative process and gathering process of evolutionary information, the examples of 10-bar planar truss and 17-bar planar truss are chosen as the numerical examples, and their results are analyzed. The result of the structural optimized design in the numerical examples shows it has better result in minimum weight design, compared to those of the other existing search methods. It is also observed that more accurate optional values can be acquired as the result by accumulating evolutionary information. Besides, terminal condition is easily caught by representing Quantum-bit in probability.

Modelling of the noise-added saturated steam table using neural networks (노이즈가 포함된 포화증기표의 신경회로망 모델링)

  • Lee, Tae-Hwan;Park, Jin-Hyun
    • Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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    • v.15 no.2
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    • pp.413-418
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    • 2011
  • The thermodynamic properties of steam table are obtained by measurement or approximate calculation under appropriate assumptions. Therefore they are supposed to have basic measurement errors. And thermodynamic properties should be modeled through function approximation for using in numerical analysis. In order to make noised thermodynamic properties corresponding to measurement errors, random numbers are generated, adjusted to appropriate magnitudes and added to original thermodynamic properties. Both neural networks and quadratic spline interpolation method are introduced for function approximation of these modified thermodynamic properties in the saturated water based on pressure and temperature. In analysis spline interpolation method gives much less relative errors than neural networks at both ends of data. Excluding the both ends of data, the relative errors of neural networks is generally within ${\pm}0.2%$ and those of spline interpolation method within ${\pm}0.5$~1.5%. This means that the neural networks give smaller relative errors compared with quadratic spline interpolation method within range of use. From this fact it was confirmed that the neural networks trace the original values better than the quadratic interpolation method and neural networks are more appropriate method in modelling the saturated steam table.

Design of Single Power CMOS Beta Ray Sensor Reducing Capacitive Coupling Noise (커패시터 커플링 노이즈를 줄인 단일 전원 CMOS 베타선 센서 회로 설계)

  • Jin, HongZhou;Cha, JinSol;Hwang, ChangYoon;Lee, DongHyeon;Salman, R.M.;Park, Kyunghwan;Kim, Jongbum;Ha, PanBong;Kim, YoungHee
    • The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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    • v.14 no.4
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    • pp.338-347
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    • 2021
  • In this paper, the beta-ray sensor circuit used in the true random number generator was designed using DB HiTek's 0.18㎛ CMOS process. The CSA circuit proposed a circuit having a function of selecting a PMOS feedback resistor and an NMOS feedback resistor, and a function of selecting a feedback capacitor of 50fF and 100fF. And for the pulse shaper circuit, a CR-RC2 pulse shaper circuit using a non-inverting amplifier was used. Since the OPAMP circuit used in this paper uses single power instead of dual power, we proposed a circuit in which the resistor of the CR circuit and one node of the capacitor of the RC circuit are connected to VCOM instead of GND. And since the output signal of the pulse shaper does not increase monotonically, even if the output signal of the comparator circuit generates multiple consecutive pulses, the monostable multivibrator circuit is used to prevent signal distortion. In addition, the CSA input terminal, VIN, and the beta-ray sensor output terminal are placed on the top and bottom of the silicon chip to reduce capacitive coupling noise between PCB traces.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Shale Deposits in the Lower Anambra Basin, Nigeria: Implication for Provenance, Tectonic Setting and Depositional Environment

  • Olugbenga Okunlola;Agonsi Udodirim Lydia;Aliyu Ohiani Umaru;Raymond Webrah Kazapoe;Olusegun G. Olisa
    • Economic and Environmental Geology
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    • v.56 no.6
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    • pp.799-816
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    • 2023
  • Mineralogical and geochemical studies of shales within the Lower Anambra Basin was conducted to unravel the depositional environment, provenance, maturity, paleo-weathering conditions, and tectonic settings. Mineralogical studies conducted using X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the samples were composed of kaolinite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and illite. KaolinIite is the dominant mineral, constituting approximately 41.5% of the bulk composition, whereas the non-clay minerals are quartz, ilmenite, and sillimanite. Geochemical analysis showed a predominance of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 contents of the shale samples with mean values of 52.29%, 14.09%, and 6.15% for Imo Shale (IS); 52.31%, 16.70%, and 7.39% for Mamu Shale (MS); 43.21%, 21.33%, and 10.36% for Enugu Shale (ES); 53.35%, 15.64%, and 7.17% for Nkporo Shale (NS); and 51.24%, 17.25%, and 7.78% for Agwu Shale (AS). However, the shales were depleted in Na2O, MgO, K2O, MnO, TiO2, CaO, and P2O5. The trace element ratios of Ni/Co and Cu/Zn of the shale suggest an oxic depositional environment. The average SiO2 vs. Al2O3 ratio of the shales indicated textural maturity. Compared to the PAAS standard, the shales plot below the PAAS value of 0.85, suggesting a high degree of maturity and intensive chemical weathering, further confirmed on a CIA vs. PIA plot. On log (K2O/Na2O) against SiO2 and tectonic setting discriminant function diagrams, the shales plot mostly in the field of passive continental margin tectonic setting. The discriminant function diagrams as well as Al2O3/TiO2 ratio of the shales showed that they were derived from a mixed source (mafic and intermediate igneous rocks).

Effects of Uncooked Powdered Food on Antioxidative System and Serum Mineral Concentrations in Rats Fed Unbalanced Diet (생식제품 급여가 영양불균형식이를 섭취하는 흰쥐의 항산화체계 및 혈청 무기질 농도에 미치는 영향)

  • 이여진;이해미;박태선
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.36 no.9
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    • pp.898-907
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    • 2003
  • Antioxidative function of uncooked powdered food (Sangsik) was evaluated in rats consuming nutritionally unbalanced diet including 1% cholesterol, high proportion of animal lipids (lard : soybean oil : 8 . 2) , sub-optimal levels of vitamin and mineral mixture along with 0.5% ethanol in drinking water. The uncooked powdered food tested in the present study was a mixture composed of 42 kinds of plant foods (cereals, legumes, seaweeds, vegetables, and fruits) supplemented with vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber. Control rats were fed the semi-purified diet based on the AIN-93G composition, and nutritionally unbalanced rats were divided into 3 groups, and fed one of the following diets with 0.5% ethanol in drinking water for 5 weeks : unbalanced control diet (UC) ,20% Sangsik powder supplemented diet (S20), and 40% Sangsik powder supplemented diet (S40) . Food efficiency ratio was significantly higher in rats fed S40 compared to the value for rats fed UC (p < 0.05). Hepatic level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was significantly lower in rats fed UC compared to that for control rats (p < 0.05) , and was not influenced by dietary supplementation of the Sangsik powder. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly higher in rats fed UC compared to that for control rats (p < 0.05) , and significantly reduced in rats fed S20 or S40 compared to the value for unbalanced control rats. Feeding unbalanced control diet significantly reduced the ratio of hepatic GSH-Px + catalase/SOD activities compared to the value for control rats, and this decrease in the ratio of antioxidant enzyme activities was reversed by adding the Sangsik powder to the diet at 20% (p <0.05) . Based on the results of antioxidant enzyme activities, feeding uncooked powdered diet appears to provide a favorable environment for body's antioxidative defense mechanism. Serum levels of Fe and Cu were significantly lower in rats fed the Sangsik powder supplemented diets compared to the value for unbalanced control rats (p < 0.05) , and levels of Se, Mn, and Zn were also tended to be decreased by dietary supplementation of the Sangsik powder. These results postulate the possibility that ingredients used in the uncooked powdered food may decrease the bioavailability of trace elements in rats.

Effect of Urea-Molasses Cake Supplementation of Swamp Buffaloes Fed Rice Straw or Grasses on Rumen Environment, Feed Degradation and Intake

  • Van Thu, Nguyen;Uden, Peter
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.14 no.5
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    • pp.631-639
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    • 2001
  • Two experiments were carried out concerning the effects of urea-molasses cake (UMC) and its separate components as supplements on rumen environment, in sacco feed degradability and intake of swamp buffaloes fed rice straw, grasses or a mixture of grasses and rice straw. Experiment 1 was a change-over design with 4 animals and 6 treatments. The buffaloes were fed rice straw ad libitum, and the experimental treatments were: no supplementation (R); 700 g of the complete urea-molasses cake (RUMC); 53.2 g urea (RU); 276 g rice bran and 52.5 coconut meal (RRC); 26.6 g salt, 26.6 g bone meal and 2.1 g trace minerals (RMi); and 25 g molasses (RMo). Experiment 2 was a Latin square design with four diets and four animals. The treatments were: rice straw ad libitum and mixed grass (RG) at 2.5 g dry matter per kg live weight (LW); RG plus 700 g urea-molasses cake (RGUMC); mixed grass ad libitum (G); and G plus 700 g cake (GUMC). In both experiments the supplements were fed once daily. In Exp. 1 although the rumen pH was significantly different (p<0.05) among diets, it varied only from 6.90 to 7.06. The ruminal ammonia was also significantly (p<0.05) different among the diets with RUMC significantly higher than R. Total bacterial and protozoal counts were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RUMC, RU, RMo and RRC diets. Total feed and rice straw intakes were highest for RUMC (p<0.05) and lowest for the RMi and RMo diets, but in sacco degradability of four different roughages were not significantly different among diets. In Exp. 2, rumen pHs of the diets differed significantly and (p<0.01) ranged from 7.04 - 7.19. Ruminal $NH_3-N$ concentrations (mg/100 ml) were also significantly different (p<0.05), and higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total counts of bacteria and protozoa were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets. The total feed intake and roughage intake were significantly (p<0.05) higher for the RGUMC, G and GUMC diets compared to the RG diet. Correspondingly, LW changes also differed among treatments (p=0.06). It was concluded that there were significant increases in rumen $NH_3-N$ concentration, microbial populations and feed intake in the buffaloes by UMC supplementation, whereas the significant difference in in sacco DM degradation was not found by any type of supplementation. There seemed to be a need of a combination of urea, molasses, minerals and other protein nitrogen sources to enhance rice straw intake. Adding grass to the rice straw diet at 0.25% LW (DM) should also be considered to maintain buffalo rumen function and production with UMC supplementation, when rice straw is the main roughage.

A Study on the Hongmunkwan(弘文館) (홍문관고(弘文館考))

  • Pak, Yong-Joon
    • Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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    • v.2 no.1
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    • pp.236-265
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    • 1974
  • The study is to trace the origin of the Hongmunkwan ana discuss its development and roles assigned in each succeeding stages of the history. The Hongmunkwan lived a long life through Koryo and Yi dynasties. It was a multi-functioned institution designed as a royal library, an educational institution, and a political reference center. Prior to the Hongmunkwan, there were some established institution with similar functions to its ones during the Three-Kingdom Era. One of such kind was the Sungmunkwan(崇文館), which was eventually renamed the Hongmunkwan by King Songjong(成宗) of Koryo in 995, and a distinguished scholar-minister was appointed at the position of directorship for management of the now status-raised institution where state documents and books were housed. The Hongmunkwan experienced some reforms during its long life. In 1420, King Sejong(世宗) of Yi Dynasty founded the Jipyonjon(集賢殿) within the royal palace in place of the Hongmunkwan. The Jipyonjon was an innovated Hongmunkwan where many scriptures were stored and distinguished scholars and officials studied on them, sometimes delivering lectures to the king. King Sejo(世祖) abolished the Jipyonjon in his second year(1456) and reestablished the Hongmunkwan designed as a royal library in place of the former in his ninth year. King Songjong(成宗) in his 10th year (1479) of the reign, reformed the Yemunkwan(藝文館), which existed from the beginning of the Yi dynasty, by extending its functions and afterwards absorbed it into the Hongmunkwan together with the functions of the former Jibhyonjon which were included in the Yemunkwan. He founded another Yemunkwan which had the roles of drafings and descriptions of royal decrees. In the 10th year (1504) of Yonsankun(燕山君), the Hongmunkwan was abolished and instead of it the Jindokchong(進讀廳) was founded with less authority and functions. But shortly after that, King Jungjong(中宗) refounded the Hongmunkwan with the same scale, same authority and same functions as the former, one. As the Hongmunkwan also had a function of the royal library it collected and kept numerous books and writings in it. Some books and writings of the Hongmunkwan were composed of those which had been transmitted from the Koryo Dynasty and the others were composed of those which had been collected in the country or purchased by the trade with China in the Yi dynasty. Also newly-compiled important books in the country were reprinted and one of them were send to the Hongmunkwan. In the 8th year (1784) of King Jongjo(正祖), the history of the Hongmunkwan, entitled the Hongmunkwanji(弘文館志), was written and editioned by the royal decree and it was reeditioned the 7th year (1870) of King Kojong(高宗). The Hongmunkwan was absorbed into the Kyujanggak(奎章閣) in 1907.

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