DMNQ S-64 Induces Apoptosis via Caspase Activation and Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition in Human Nonsmall Lung Cancer Cells

LIM, E.-S.,RHEE, Y.-H.,PARK, M.-K.,SHIM, B.-S.,AHN, K.-S.,KANG, H.,YOO, H.-S.,KIM, S.-H. Wiley (Blackwell Publishing) 2007 Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Vol.1095 No.1

<P>Shikonin has been reported to induce apoptosis and inhibit angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. 6-(1-propoxyiminoalkyl)-5,8-dimethoxyoxy 1,4-naphtoquinone S-64 (DMNQ S-64) was synthesized as a shikonin derivative. In this article, the underlying apoptotic mechanism of DMNQ S-64 was examined. DMNQ S-64 exerted cytotoxicity against A549 lung carcinoma cells with IC(50) of 27.3 microM. Apoptotic bodies were observed in DMNQ S-64-treated A549 cells by 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining assay. DMNQ S-64 also increased sub-G1 DNA portion in a concentration-dependent manner by flow cytometric analysis. Western blotting has revealed that DMNQ S-64 effectively activates the expression of caspase 8, 9, and 3, cleaves poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and increases the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, cytochrome c was released in a concentration-dependent manner by DMNQ S-64. Similarly, DMNQ S-64 significantly increased caspase 3 activity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). It also significantly inhibited the level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) by ELISA and downregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, DMNQ S-64 may exhibit cytotoxicity against A549 cells via caspase activation and COX-2 inhibition.</P>

Electrocatalytic activity of chemically deposited Cu_xS thin film for counter electrode in quantum dots-sensitized solar cells

Lim, I.,Lee, D.Y.,Patil, S.A.,Shrestha, N.K.,Kang, S.H.,Nah, Y.C.,Lee, W.,Han, S.H. Elsevier Science Publishers 2014 Materials chemistry and physics Vol.148 No.3

The compact (c-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S) and the porous (p-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S) with particle decorated films of coppers-ulfidearesynthesized using a chemical bath deposition technique, and the films are characterized using electrochemical techniques. In addition, the chemically deposited Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S films are investigated as a counter electrode in quantum dots-sensitized solar cells (QSSCs). The available redox active reaction sites of the p-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S film are found to be 57.9% higher than those available in the c-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S film. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the effective diffusion coefficients of the polysulfide electrolyte in the c-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S and p-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S films are estimated to be 3.67 x 10<SUP>-5</SUP> and 6.35 x 10<SUP>-5</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> s<SUP>-1</SUP>, respectively. These results can be ascribed to the improvement in the available redox active reaction sites and the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S counter electrode. As compared to the c-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S film, the p-Cu<SUB>x</SUB>S film as a counter electrode exhibits an enhanced photovoltaic performance of the QSSCs with the power conversion efficiency of 3.17%, short-circuit current of 11.89 mA c<SUP>-</SUP>m<SUP>2</SUP>, open-circuit voltage of 0.50 V, and fill factor of 53.29. The improved performance of the QSSCs is ascribed to the improvements on the available redox active reaction sites, electrocatalytic activity and the diffusion coefficients, which are directly related to the surface morphology of the sulfide films.

Multi-layered hydrogenated p-type microcrystalline silicon windows for a-Si:H thin film solar cells on opaque substrates

Lee, Y.J.,Lee, S.H.,Schropp, R.E.I.,Lee, K.S.,Lim, J.W.,Yun, S.J. Pergamon Press 2016 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.41 No.15

<P>The effects of multi-layered p-type microcrystalline (mu c-) Si:H windows on the performance of substrate-type amorphous Si:H thin film solar cells on opaque substrates were investigated. The results were well explained in terms of H-2-plasma-induced damage (HPID) at the p/i-interface and the near-interface region of the light-absorbing layer. The mu c-Si:H was deposited using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a H-2-rich atmosphere. A high microcrystalline volume fraction was obtained with a high H-2 dilution ratio, which can cause considerable HPID. Cell efficiency was enhanced with a multi-layered p-type mu c-Si:H composed of films with low and high crystalline volume fraction, compared to cells with single-layered mu c-Si:H. In the multi-layered p-type mu c-Si:H, the low crystalline film was placed on an i-Si:H layer to reduce HPID. The present work demonstrated that HPID was reduced at the p/i-interface and the near-interface region of the light-absorbing layer, and that the quality of the p-type mu c-Si:H needs to be a significant consideration to achieve high efficiency. Copyright (C) 2016, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</P>

GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test for detection and H1, H3, and H5 subtyping of influenza viruses

Jang, J.W.,Ko, S.Y.,Byoun, M.S.,Sung, H.W.,Lim, C.S. Elsevier Science 2015 Journal of clinical virology Vol.73 No.-

Background: Rapid identification and subtype determination of influenza virus is important in managing infected patients. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are widely used in this manner, but most can only detect influenza A and B viruses without subtyping. A new RIDT, GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test (GENEDIA), was developed for detection of influenza A and B viruses and also subtyping of influenza A to H1, H3, H5 which has not been possible with other RIDTs. Objectives: Assess the performance of GENEDIA. Study design: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 274 clinically suspected patients (influenza A/H1N½009 (n=50), influenza A/H3 (n=50), influenza B (n=73) and influenza-negative (n=101)) and analyzed with the real-time RT-PCR, GENEDIA, SD Bioline Influenza Ag, and Alere BinaxNow Influenza A&B Card. Also, 46 fecal specimens (H5N2 (n=3), H5N3 (n=3)) of spot-billed duck were analyzed with RT-PCR and GENEDIA. Results: Compared to real-time RT-PCR, the sensitivities of GENEDIA, SD Bioline Influenza Ag, and Alere BinaxNow Influenza A&B Card were 73.0%, 57.0%, 58.0% for influenza A, respectively, and 68.5%, 65.8%, 57.5% for influenza B, respectively. Specifically, the sensitivity of GENEDIA was 70.0% for influenza A/H1N½009 and 76.0% for influenza A/H3. From the avian influenza samples, GENEDIA detected all six H5 subtype without any cross-reactions. Conclusion: The GENEDIA Multi Influenza Ag Rapid Test was sensitive in detecting influenza viruses compared with other commercial RIDTs and also useful for rapid subtype determination of influenza A.

Decomposition of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) on Ni(100) and Ni₃Al(100) surfaces from first-principles

Hernandez, J.M.,Lim, D.H.,Nguyen, H.V.P.,Yoon, S.P.,Han, J.,Nam, S.W.,Yoon, C.W.,Kim, S.K.,Ham, H.C. Pergamon Press ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2014 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.39 No.23

Spin-polarized density functional theory studies of hydrogen sulfide (H<SUB>2</SUB>S) adsorption and decomposition on Ni(100) and Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Al(100) surfaces were conducted to understand the aluminum (Al) alloying effect on H<SUB>2</SUB>S dissociation. For such purpose, we first determined the near surface structure of fully ordered Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Al alloy along the [100] direction by calculating the Al segregation energy to the surface and then examined the adsorption energies of the adsorbates (H<SUB>2</SUB>S, HS, S, and H) and the activation barriers for the H<SUB>2</SUB>S and HS decomposition by using Climbing Image-Nudged Elastic Band method. We found that regardless of the way to terminate the surface, Al atom in bimetallic Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Al(100) tends to exist in the first surface layer, rather than in the second or third layer, and the Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Al(100) surface can substantially retard the H<SUB>2</SUB>S decomposition by reducing the adsorption energy of sulfur compounds compared to the pure Ni(100) case. Finally, we presented how the Al in Ni<SUB>3</SUB>Al modifies the activity of surface Ni atoms toward the sulfur compounds by calculating the local density of states and charge distribution in alloying components. This work hints the importance of knowing how to properly tailor the reactivity of Ni based materials to enhance the resistance for sulfur poisoning.

Phase II study of S-1 combined with oxaliplatin as therapy for patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer: influence of the <i>CYP2A6</i> polymorphism on pharmacokinetics and clinical activity

Kim, K-p,Jang, G,Hong, Y S,Lim, H-S,Bae, K-s,Kim, H-S,Lee, S S,Shin, J-G,Lee, J-L,Ryu, M-H,Chang, H-M,Kang, Y-K,Kim, T W Nature Publishing Group 2011 The British journal of cancer Vol.104 No.4

<P><B>Background:</B></P><P>Advanced biliary cancer is often treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a combination of S-1, an oral fluoropyrimidine prodrug, and oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic biliary cancer.</P><P><B>Methods:</B></P><P>Patients with histologically confirmed metastatic biliary cancer and no history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy were enrolled. Oxaliplatin was administered intravenously (130 mg m<SUP>−2</SUP>), followed by 14-day administration of oral S-1 (40 mg m<SUP>−2</SUP> twice daily) with a subsequent 7-day rest period every 21 days. Pharmacokinetic analysis of S-1 was performed at cycle 1. Patients were genotyped for <I>CYP2A6</I> polymorphisms (<SUP>*</SUP>1, <SUP>*</SUP>4, <SUP>*</SUP>7, <SUP>*</SUP>9 or <SUP>*</SUP>10), and pharmacokinetic and clinical parameters compared according to the <I>CYP2A6</I> genotype.</P><P><B>Results:</B></P><P>In total, 49 patients were evaluated, who received a median of four cycles. The overall response rate was 24.5%. Median progression-free and overall survival was 3.7 and 8.7 months, respectively. The most common haematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicity was neutropenia (14%), while non-hematological grade 3 out of 4 toxicities included anorexia (14%), nausea (12%), asthenia (10%), vomiting (10%), and diarrhoea (4%). Biotransformation of S-1 (AUC<SUB>0−24 h</SUB> of 5-fluorouracil/AUC<SUB>0−24 h</SUB> of tegafur) was 1.85-fold higher for the <I>*1/*1</I> group than for the other groups (90% confidence interval 1.37–2.49). Diarrhoea (<I>P</I>=0.0740), neutropenia (<I>P</I>=0.396), and clinical efficacy (response rate, <I>P</I>=0.583; PFS, <I>P</I>=0.916) were not significantly associated with <I>CYP2A6</I> genotype, despite differences in 5-FU exposure.</P><P><B>Conclusion:</B></P><P>The combination of S-1 and oxaliplatin appears to be active and well tolerated in patients with metastatic biliary cancer, and thus is feasible as a therapeutic modality. <I>CYP2A6</I> genotypes are associated with differences in the biotransformation of S-1. However, the impact of the <I>CYP2A6</I> polymorphism on variations in clinical efficacy or toxicity requires further evaluation.</P>

세관 양광주 방전에서 플라즈마 확산의 완전 해

김동준,정종문,김정현,황하청,정재윤,조윤희,임현교,구제환,최은하,조광섭,Jin, D.J.,Jeong, J.M.,Kim, J.H.,Hwang, H.C.,Chung, J.Y.,Cho, Y.H.,Lim, H.K.,Koo, J.H.,Choi, E.H.,Cho, G.S. 한국진공학회 2010 Applied Science and Convergence Technology Vol.19 No.1

관경이 수 mm인 세관 램프 내부에서 플라즈마의 확산을 조사하기 위하여 이극성(ambipolar) 확산방정식을 해하였다. 반경 방향의 확산에 의한 유리관 벽에서의 플라즈마 소멸 특성시간은 $\tau_r\;=\;(r_0/2.4)^2/D_a$로 주어진다. 반경 $r_0{\sim}1\;mm$이고 이극성 확산계수 $D_a{\sim}0.01\;m^2/s$ 이면, $\tau_r{\sim}17\;{\mu}s$이다. 이는 램프의 교류전원 구동에서 플라즈마를 유지하기 위한 구동 최소 주파수 ~30 kHz에 해당한다. 고전압이 인가되는 전극부에 발생한 고밀도의 플라즈마가 양광주로 확산되는 특성시간은 $\tau_z{\sim}0.1\;s$이다. 고밀도 플라즈마 경계에서의 시간에 대한 확산속도는 $t{\sim}10^{-6}\;s$일 때 $u_D{\sim}10^2\;m/s$이고, $t{\sim}10^{-3}\;s$이면 그 속도는 $u_D{\sim}1\;m/s$로 느려진다. 따라서 램프 길이 ~1 m에 대하여 전극부에서 생성된 고밀도 플라즈마가 양광주 전체로 확산되는 시간은 수 초가 걸린다. The ambipolar diffusion equation has been solved in a fine-tube lamp of a few mm in diameter. In the diffusion of radial direction, the plasma diffuses and vanishes away at the glass wall by recombination with the characteristic time of plasma loss is given by $\tau_r\;=\;(r_0/2.4)^2/D_a$. With the radius $r_0{\sim}1\;mm$ and the ambipolar diffusion coefficient $D_a{\sim}0.01\;m^2/s$, the vanishing time is calculated $\tau_r{\sim}10\;{\mu}s$ which corresponds to the least value of frequency 30 kHz for the sustaining the plasma in the operation of high voltage AC-power. In the diffusion of longitudinal z-direction, a high density plasma generated at the area of a high voltage electrode, diffuses into the positive column with the characteristic time $\tau_z{\sim}0.1\;s$. The plasma diffusion velocity at the boundary of high density plasma is $u_D{\sim}10^2\;m/s$ at the time $t{\sim}10^{-6}$ s and the diffusion velocity becomes slow as $u_D{\sim}1\;m/s$ at $t{\sim}10^{-3}\;s$. Therefore, for the long lamp of 1 m, it takes about several seconds for the high density plasma at the area of electrode to diffuse through the whole positive column space.

An emerging recombinant cluster of nephropathogenic strains of avian infectious bronchitis virus in Korea

Lim, T.H.,Lee, H.J.,Lee, D.H.,Lee, Y.N.,Park, J.K.,Youn, H.N.,Kim, M.S.,Lee, J.B.,Park, S.Y.,Choi, I.S.,Song, C.S. Elsevier Science 2011 Infection, genetics and evolution Vol.11 No.3

The infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is continuously evolving through point mutation and recombination of their genome, subsequently the emergence of IBV variants complicates disease control. The objective of this study was to investigate genetic characterization of new IBV variants isolated from commercial chicken flocks in Korea collected between 2005 and 2010. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all new IBV isolates belonged to Korean group II (K-II), which included the nephropathogenic IBV strains. However, the isolates formed a new gene cluster that was distinguished from the two distinct K-II subgroups (KM91-like and QX-like). Recombination events were identified in the S1 gene, with their putative parental strains being the KM91-like or QX-like subgroup. In addition, two crossover sites were observed in the S1 gene of IBV isolates. These results suggest that natural genetic recombination between heterologous strains classified into different genetic groups has occurred and may have caused the emergence of new IBV strains. This finding provides important information on IBV evolution and is essential for the effective control of IB in Korea.

Electrochemical performance of H₂O-CO₂ coelectrolysis with a tubular solid oxide coelectrolysis (SOC) cell

Lee, S.H.,Lee, J.W.,Lee, S.B.,Park, S.J.,Song, R.H.,Yun, U.J.,Lim, T.H. Pergamon Press ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2016 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.41 No.18

<P>The H2O-CO2 electrochemical conversion process in solid oxide coelectrolysis (SOC) cells is potentially an efficient way to reduce CO2 emissions and to store renewable power simultaneously. In this study, a tubular solid oxide coelectrolysis (SOC) cell based on a general electrode support solid oxide fuel cell was fabricated and investigated. We fabricated tubular electrode support tubes through an extrusion process, and the essential SOC cell components, i.e., the electrolyte and the electrode, were then coated onto the surface of a ceramic support consecutively using a vacuum slurry and dip-coating method. The cell was operated while varying the operating temperature, cathode gas flow rate, and the supplied amount of H2O. The results demonstrate that the fabricated tubular SOC cell is a promising candidate for many practical applications, such as technology to mitigate climate change and power fluctuations associated with renewable energy. Copyright (C) 2016, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</P>

Effect of Curing Time on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Beef Jerky Replaced Salt with Soy Sauce, Red Pepper Paste and Soybean Paste

Lim, H.J.,Kim, G.D.,Jung, E.Y.,Seo, H.W.,Joo, S.T.,Jin, S.K.,Yang, H.S. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.8

This study was done to investigate the quality properties of beef jerky with soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste replacing salt. Sliced beef samples were cured in salt (control), soy sauce, red pepper paste, and soybean paste for 24 or 48 h and then dried at $70^{\circ}C$ for 8 h. Treatments showed higher final moisture content and lower $Na^+$ concentration than the control after drying for 8 h. The lightness and shear force values were lower in all treatment samples than in the control during 48 h of curing time. In particular, lower lipid oxidation was found in the jerky cured with red pepper paste than in the control. Sensory evaluation showed that color, flavor, and tenderness of jerky samples were improved by replacing salt with soy sauce, red pepper paste and soybean paste, and higher likeability scores of the beef jerky were obtained among those treatments after 48 h of curing time.