In this study, a nanofibrous scaffold was obtained by co-electrospinning poly (3-hydroxybutyrate- co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and collagen in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol at a ratio of 3/7. The fiber diameters were in the range of 250-600 nm. It was found that PHBV/Collagen (PHCP) nanofibrous scaffold showed greater proliferation than the PHBV nanofibrous scaffold induced by oxidant in NIH3T3 cells. Otherwise, in the early-stage wound-healing mouse model, wound closure was evaluated according to wound size reduction and histology of regenerated skin on the backs of mice. Each of the tissues removed on day 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 was used for analysis of biochemical and pathological changes. None of the nanofiber-attached mice showed significant difference on the third day, however, from the third day until the ninth day, significantly faster healing was observed in PHCP-attached mice, compared to control wounds in epithelialization, wound contraction, and histopathological examinations. These results strongly support the beneficial effects of biomedical application of PHCP nanofiber in acceleration of the initial phase of wound healing through α-SM actin contraction.

The civil consciousness for reducing odor by increasing the flow rate with the Gulpo river which has been played a major water course in Incheon area were investigated with the survey of odor related questions for the citizens neighboring the river. The citizens suferred from odors generated from the river and factories has shown that the increase of the flow rate had good effect for reducing odors from the results of survey.

The effects of β-lapachone on gastric secretion were investigated. The pylorus of male Sprague-Dawley rats was ligated and intraduodenally injected with β-lapachone, and the volume, pH, free HCl, and total acidity of gastric fluid were measured 6 hours after the operation. Treatment with β-lapachone resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of gastric secretion Gastric fluid was reduced to 42.9% of control level by 100 mg/kg of β-lapachone, leading to an increase of pH to 6.70 from 1.85 in the control group. In parallel with the increase of pH, at this dosage, free HCl and total acidity decreased to 16.7% and 12.0%, respectively, of control levels. β-Lapachone exhibited ED50 values of 72, 46, and 47 mg/kg for inhibition of gastric volume, free HCl, and total acidity, respectively, implying a superior efficacy on gastric acid to volume. In comparison, pantoprazole (30 mg/kg) reduced the volume, free HCl and total acidity of gastric fluid to 53.0%, 26.0%, and 25.0%, respectively, of control levels, resulting in an increase in pH to 6.36. In the current study, it was confirmed that β-lapachone at an appropriate dose (100 mg/kg) exerted a higher inhibitory effect on gastric secretion than pantoprazole (30 mg/kg), a well-known proton-pump inhibitor. Therefore, it is suggested that β-lapachone could be a candidate compound for prevention or treatment of gastric ulcers induced by diverse psychological and physical stimuli.

Recently, odor and white smoke emitted from textile industry has emerged as a social problem. Most of pollutants from textile industry is due to the emissions from tenter facility, and in many case wet scrubber is widely used for treating this waste gas from tenter facility. However, it is still difficult to improve the environment of textile complex because of low treatment efficiency. For this reason, we carried out the EFC (Electric Fume Collector) pilot test (50 CMM) for removing odorous substances from waste gas emitted from tenter facility. EFC is a kind of wet electrostatic precipitator. As a result of this study, pollutants and white smoke were eliminated effectively and quite large amounts of oil could be recovered.

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Red ginseng extract on development of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male F344 rats. Five-week old animals received subcutaneous injections of DMH (30 mg/kg body weight) four times, for a period of two weeks in order to induce ACF. The animals were divided into groups fed a diet containing red ginseng extract at three different doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0%), respectively. Animals were evaluated for the total number of ACF and total aberrant crypts (AC) per colon detected from methylene blue-stained rat colon. ACF formation was observed in animals in the DMH-treated group. Four-time treatment with DMH induced mean 265.8±48.3 ACF/colon composed of a total of 608.8±110.9 aberrant crypts AC/colon. The numbers of ACF and AC induced by DMH were decreased to 204.4±29.3 and 464.7±70.3 by treatment with 0.5% red ginseng extract. In addition, the number of large ACF (≥4 AC/ACF) was suppressed from 39.9±10.6 ACF/colon in control to 28.5±5.3 ACF/colon in 0.5% red ginseng extract. These results suggested that red ginseng extract exerted a chemopreventive effect on DMH-induced colon cancer by inhibiting development of ACF and AC in F344 rats.

In this study, the emission characteristics of landfill gas (LFG) were investigated with respect to reduced sulfur compounds (RSC) and elemental mercury. To describe their emission characteristics accurately, methane and dilution-to-threshold (D/T) ratio were also analyzed as reference. LFG samples were collected in three different pathways; (1) old landfill (LF), (2) new LF, and (3) composite from both LFs. Differences in RSC concentrations between two LFG samples were relatively insignificant in the case of H2S, CS2, and SO2. On the other hand, a significant reduction in CH3SH and DMS concentrations was observed from old landfill. The concentration data of Hg and methane showed a similar spatial trend between new and old LF, as seen from RSC. In general, a large quantity of trace gas pollutants came out from new rather than old LF. The correlation analysis indicated strong relationship between most sulfur compounds, while it is not for other components including Hg, CH4, and D/T ratio. It suggests that trace composition of LFG comply well with the maturity of landfill.

As a sensor of cellular energy status, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to play an important role in the pathophysiology of diabetes and its complications. Because AMPK is also expressed in podocytes, it is possible that podocyte AMPK would be an important contributing factor in development of proteinuria. In recent years, despite intensified interest in AMPK in the kidney, studies on the role of AMPK in podocytes are limited. In this review, I will discuss the roles of AMPK in podocytes, which may be involved in development of podocyte dysfunction and proteinuria, and the possibility of AMPK-modulating drugs in prevention and treatment of podocytopathy.

An effective method, use of a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) derivatization and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection, has been used for separation carbonyl compounds. In particular, acetonitrile/water composition as a mobile phase could not separated acrolein/acetone and 2-butanone/ butyraldehyde. In this study, however, that"s compounds separated using acetonitrile/water/tetrahydrofuran as a mobile phase. The resolution was 1.48 and 1.46, respectively. Also, aldehydes and ketones was shown different decrease rate and increase resolution at increase tetrahydrofuran ratio. But butyraldehyde become coeluted methacrolein. Therefore, it is need to consider of mobile phase for separation of butyraldehyde.

This study proposed simply design procedure of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) structure equipped with friction dampers. General method is suggested in order to reduce the structural seismic response by using friction dampers. The analysis model was transformed into an equivalent mass-spring-dashpot system by approximating nonlinear friction damping force with equivalent viscous damping force. A closed form solution for dynamic amplification factor (DAF) for steady-state response was derived by the energy balance equation. The equivalent damping ratio was defined by using DAF at natural frequency. The transfer function between input harmonic excitation and output structural response was obtained from the DAF, and the response reduction factor of the root mean square (RMS) for displacements without and with friction dampers was analytically determined. Using the proposed procedure the friction force required for satisfying given target response reduction factor was obtained. Mean response reduction factors matched well with the target values based on the dynamic analysis results. It is concluded that the proposed method is quite simple for the design of friction dampers to reduce seismic response of the structure.

This study fouces on the electricity generation of B1PV system in the super-tall buildings. To improve the efficiency of the B1PV system, solar irradiance and air temperature should be taken into consideration. This study does research on, one of two main parameters, the solar irracliance in the super high-rise buildings. According to the measurement of solar irracliance, it increased with altitude. It is, particularly, more obviously in the super-tall buildings than others. Subsequently, to make an accurate B1PV elecrticity generation prediction，it is necessary to anaiyze the solar irracliance distribution on the super-taII building's facade which is a prerequisite for optimal B1PV system design.

Environmental lighting zone-setting has suggested regulatory standards according to the influence of artificial illumination on natural environment and human life. Then, it is necessary to check out the viability of environmental lighting zone division as it is limited to use-zone division. This study aims to suggest some problems, which occur when environmental lighting zone is set by use-zone only, by comparing and analyzing the artificial illumination luminance. In addition, this study aims to suggest basis for the environmental lighting zone-setting and eventually, more effective environmental lighting zone division.

Heunginjimun as treasure No.1 is wooden structure of 2 story. This stucly presents an investigation on vibration characteristics of Heunginjimun in Seoul through ambient vibration test. The research team studied structural characteristics unlike general building and performed the test. Natural or environmental excitation as ambient vibration source is always present and hence the test implies a minimum interference with normal use of the structure. Natural frequencies, damping ratio and modes are identified and compared using two strategies, Frequency Domain Decomposition, Stochastic Subspace Identification techniques. The result shows that behavior and dynamic property of Heuninjimun.

Recently, a market of architecture is requiring buildings of long spanned structures as most buildings become taller and larger. For being long spanned structures, elements of buildings must be light. As an alternative proposal, various hollow-core slabs and flat plate salbs were developed and used frequently in the inside and outside of the country. But the study of the hollow-core slabs using deck plate and assembly of light weight is the first. In the present study, Flexural and vibration tests were performed on the hollow-core slabs using deck plate and assembly of light weight to investigate the flexural behavior and serviceability. Four test specimens were used for test parameters; one hollow-core slab with an assembly of light weight, and three hollow-core slabs with deck plate and an assembly of light weight. The test parameters also included amount of tension bar and existence of shear reinforcement. The test results showed that the hollow-core slabs with deck plate and an assembly of light weight had a crack of shear, so shear reinforcement must be conducted.

This study is analyzing a member kind after placing concrete, the location-based temperature record, and the strength development, by making insulation gang-form with application of polyurethane form to general gang-form for securing efficient concrete quality in the condition of cold weather. According to our experimental results, the member of general gang-form with curing in the same condition as the actual field didn’t drop to under 3˚C until before 24 hours in the early part, but fell to under 0˚c from 36 hours later because a large rise in temperature caused by hydration reaction didn't occur. On the other hand, in case of insulation gang-form, the temperature on the surface and the central part didn't go down to under 3˚C before 12 hours in the early part and didn't fall to under it even until 72 hours after it while the peak temperature went up to 12˚C. Thus, it could be known to definitely have excellent insulation effect compared to space heating curing, which is generally performed on the spot. In comparison with space heating curing whose error in curing temperature is big every field, it is judged to likely have great effect on improvement in concrete quality given the work construction in cold weather and on early demolding in a cast during winter.

With the trends of massiveness and complexity of construction, the main agents of construction have considered the various types of risk management strategies to minimize the loss caused by the risk factors from the nature of construction project, regional characteristics, and scale of construction. The risk management has been conducted, because the risk factors have exacerbated the condition of construction in terms of the level of productivity, quality of construction, atmosphere, and budget. Based on thε interests regarding risk factor management, the current study suggests the work breakdown structure-based process. Additionally, based on the work breakdown structure, the risk factors on constructions are identified and stratified depending on the level of salience of each risk factor. The purpose of result is to lead Korean Land Corporation understand and control the risk factors properly for the advanced construction process of Korean Land Corporation. Ultimately the current study contribute to advance of efficient risk management strategies by using ANP method, which identify and control the primary risk factos depending on the impact of the interaction and subordinate relationship between risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to review existing assessment tools for patients with low back pain and improve them through combination. A total of 314 patients with low back pain participated. Their condition was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPD), and the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS). Rasch analysis was applied to identify inappropriate items, item difficulties, and the separation index. In this study, the 'sex life' item of the ODQ (10 items) and the 'sleeping' item of the BPFS (12 items) showed misfit statistics, whereas all items of the QBPD (20 items) were appropriate. After combining the ODQ, QBPD and BPFS, Rasch analysis was applied. The 'pain intensity', and the 'sex life' item of the ODQ and the 'throw a ball' item of QBPD showed misfit statistics. These 3 items were retained for further analysis. The remaining 42 combined ODQ-QBPD-BPFS items were arranged according to difficulty. For all subjects, the most difficult item was 'pain intensity', whereas the easiest was 'take food out of the refrigerator'. As the separation index of 42 combined ODQ-QBPD-BPFS was higher than that of the three questionnaires separately, difficulty of items varied with some need for rearrangement. The results of this study confirmed the possibility and need for a new back pain disability assessment tool, and produced one. Further study is needed to refine the questionnaire in consideration of psychosocial and occupational factors.

The purpose of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the passive lumbar extension (PLE) test and prone instability test (PIT). Thirty-three subjects (14 males, 19 females) with lower back pain enrolled in the study and the subjects were divided into 2 groups (positive and negative instability groups) on the basis of radiographies of flexion and extension. Reliability was determined by the kappa coefficient and validity was examined using calculated sensitivity, specificity, and the likelihood ratio. The results showed that the reliability of the PLE test was higher than the PIT (intra-rater reliability: k=.86 and k=.81, interrater reliability: k=.65 and k=.62) and the validity of the PLE test was also higher than the PIT (sensitivity: 91% and 62%, specificity: 95% and 85% positive likelihood ratio: 20.00 and 4.10, negative likelihood ratio: .10 and .45). In conclusion, we think that the PLE test was a more reliable and valid method for lumbar instability than the PIT.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between pain intensity, physical impairments, disability, and psychological factors according to the difference in duration of low back pain. This study was a cross-sectional survey of 102 participants with low back pain, divided into two groups equal in number: The first group consisted of patients with acute and subacute low back pain, while the second group consisted of patients suffering from chronic low back pain. The results showed that gender, age, pain intensity, physical impairment, disability and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs (FABs) for work activities were not significantly different between two groups. FABs for physical activities of the first group were significantly more prevalent than in the second group. More than moderate correlations were found between pain intensity, physical impairment, and disability in the first group. Less than moderate correlations were found between pain intensity, physical impairment, disability, FABs, and depression in the second group. These findings suggest that we must consider psychological factors in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain. Regression analyses revealed that pain intensity and FABs for work activities significantly contributed to the prediction of disability in the first group. Also, pain intensity and FABs for physical activities significantly contributed to the prediction of disability in the second group. Pain intensity was most important predictor of disability in two groups.

The purpose of this study was to assess the agreement of manual muscle testing (MMT) and test-retest reliability of a hand held dynamometer for the posterior gluteus medius muscle, with and without lumbar stabilization, using a pressure biofeedback unit for patients with low back pain. The pressure biofeedback unit was used to minimize the substitute motion of the lumbopelvic region during hip abduction in patients lying on their side. Fifteen patients with low back pain participated in this study. A tester determined the MMT grades of the posterior gluteus medius with and without the pressure biofeedback unit. Active hip abduction range of motion with an inclinometer and the strength of their posterior gluteus medius using a hand held dynamometer were measured with and without the pressure biofeedback unit in the MMT position. The agreement of the grade of muscle strength in the MMT, and intra-rater reliability of both the active hip abduction range of motion and the strength of posterior gluteus medius were analyzed using the weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. The agreement of MMT with the pressure biofeedback unit (weighted kappa=.92) was higher than the MMT (weighted kappa=.34)(p<.05). The inclinometer with pressure biofeedback unit measurement of the active hip abduction range of motion had an excellent intra-rater reliability (ICC=.90). Also, the hand held dynamometer with pressure biofeedback unit measure of strength of the posterior gluteus medius had a good intra-rater reliability (ICC=.85). Therefore, the test for muscle strength with pressure biofeedback unit will be a reliable method for the determination of the MMT grades or amount of posterior gluteus medius muscle strength and the measurement of the range of motion for hip abduction in patients with low back pain.

The purpose of this study is to examine the activity ratios of global trunk muscles and local trunk muscles in relation to adjustments in the level of task difficulty while performing stability exercises in easily applied bridging lumbar stabilization exercise. Twenty healthy subjects performed bridging lumbar stabilization exercise while the level of task difficulty was plate was used in the same posture for all the exercises. EMG was used to examine the activity ratios of the global muscles and multifidus in relation to the level of task difficulty. Moreover, the activity ratios of the multifidus muscle, the erector spinae and the gluteus maximus muscle were measured. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used, and a Bonferroni correction was conducted (=.05). When the bridging lumbar stabilization exercise were performed at different difficulty levels, the activity of the multifidus muscle, which is a local muscle, was high in all three exercises. Also, compared to low intensity and intermediate intensity exercises, high intensity exercises showed more significant differences (=.05). Among all the muscles, the multifidus showed the highest activity at intermediate intensity. Based on these results, we suggest that in the case of bridging lumbar stabilization exercise, low intensity or intermediate intensity exercises are more suitable and efficient for local muscle stabilization.