• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.127-131
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• 2017

Objectives: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) constitute the first line of defense against invading microbial pathogens. Early events in inflammation involve the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of injury or damage where changes in intracellular calcium can cause the activation of pro-inflammatory mediators from neutrophils including superoxide generation, degranulation and release of myeloperoxidase (MPO), productions of interleukin (IL)-8 and tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and adhesion to the vascular endothelium. To address the anti-inflammatory role of flavonoids, in the present study, we investigated the effects of the flavonoids quercetin and vitexin on the stimulus-induced nitric oxide (NO), $TNF-{\alpha}$, and MPO productions in human neutrophils. Methods: Human peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated, and their viabilities were determined by using the Trypan Blue exclusion test. The polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) preparations contained more than 98% neutrophils as determined by morphological examination with Giemsa staining. The viabilities of cultured neutrophils with various concentrations of quercetin and vitexin ($1-100{\mu}M$) were studied using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Neutrophils were cultured in complete Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, pre-incubated with or without quercetin and vitexin ($25{\mu}M$) for 45 min, and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) ($10^{-7}M$). NO production was carried out through nitrite determination by using the Griess method. Also, the $TNF-{\alpha}$ and the MPO productions were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and MPO assay kits. Results: Neutrophil viability was not affected up to a concentration of $100{\mu}M$ of quercetin or vitexin. Both quercetin and vitexin significantly inhibited $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO, and MPO productions in human neutrophils (P < 0.001). Conclusion:The present study showed that both quercetin and vitexin had significant anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, treatment with either quercetin or vitexin may be considered as a therapeutic strategy for treating patients with neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.163-166
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• 2016

Objectives: Quercetin is a flavonoid and an important dietary constituent of fruits and vegetables. In recent years, several pharmacological activities of quercetin, such as its neuroprotective activity and, more specifically, its anti-convulsant effects in animal models of epilepsy, have been reported. This study evaluated the role of quercetin pretreatment on gene expression of ${\gamma}$-amino butyric acid type A ($GABA_A$) receptor beta subunits in kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in mice. Methods: The animals were divided into four groups: one saline group, one group in which seizures were induced by using KA (10 mg/kg) without quercetin pretreatment and two groups pretreated with quercetin (50 and 100 mg/kg) prior to seizures being induced by using KA. Next, the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}$ subunits in the hippocampus of each animal were assessed at 2 hours and 7 days after KA administration. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect mRNA content in hippocampal tissues. Results: Pretreatments with quercetin at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg prevented significant increases in the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_1$ and the ${\beta}_3$ subunits of the $GABA_A$ receptor at 2 hours after KA injection. Pretreatment with quercetin (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ gene expression in the hippocampus at 7 days after KA injection. But, this inhibitory effect of quercetin at 50 mg/kg on the mRNA levels of the ${\beta}_3$ subunit of the $GABA_A$ receptor was not observed at 7 days after KA administration. Conclusion: These results suggest that quercetin (100 mg/kg) modulates the expression of the $GABA_A$ receptor ${\beta}_1$ and ${\beta}_3$ subunits in the KA model of epilepsy, most likely to prevent compensatory responses. This may be related to the narrow therapeutic dose range for the anticonvulsant activities of quercetin.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.263-268
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• 2010

Purpose: Eye movements and fixation ability are an important procedure to obtain external information and essential means of clear vision. The purpose of this study was to determine the reading performance such as reading time and number of fixations when random text was viewed at varying distances. Methods: Twenty two presbyopes were participated. All subjects were screened for their suitability to participate in the study by clinical examination, and none of the participants had previously worn contact lenses and no previous experience of wearing any types of presbyopic vision correction except single vision. The reading time and number of fixations were recorded using eye tracker while each subjects was waring four vision corrections which included single vision for distance (SV), bifocal spectacle lenses (BIF), progressive addition lenses (PAL), and monovision (MV). The reading material was presented at distance and near distance. Results: Reading time and number of fixations for near stimulus were significantly different among vision correction used in this study (p<0.001). In particular, wearing SV required longer reading time and produced longer fixation duration for near text. However, reading distance text was similarity performed across vision corrections tested and there was no statistical difference found for either reading time and number of fixations. Conclusions: Wearing presbyopic vision correction is advantageous for reading task of near stimuli, but not having near correction such as wearing SV could result in longer reading time and higher number of fixation due to lacks of accommodative ability for near task. For the future studies, it would be interesting to examine the performance of reading both at adapted and unadapted stages as examining only unadapted wearers was limitation of this study.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.1158-1161
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• 2004

This study chiefly aims to ascertain the effect of birth weight and litter size on productive performance in rabbits. After delivery kits were removed from their mothers for individual weighing and randomly assigned to one of the following three experimental treatments: Group (KT 6) with six tiny kits (about 45 g) per litter (21 litters); Group (KT 8) with eight tiny kits (about 45 g) per litter (17 litters); Group (KN8) with eight normal kits (about 70 g) per litter (20 litters). The litters, separated from their mothers by putting them in a closed cage, suckled one time a day for 15 minutes. Daily milk production was measured by weighing the does immediately before and after suckling; body weight of kits was measured on a weekly basis. At weaning 60 rabbits per group were raised for six weeks to ascertain post-weaning performance and health. Compared with the two other groups, the kits of group KT8 ingested smaller quantities of milk both during the first 3 weeks (497.7 vs. 520.0 vs. 544.3 g, respectively for groups KT8, KN8, KT6) and the following period (261.3 vs. 285.0 vs. 302.7 g, respectively for KT8, KN8, KT6). The differences between groups KT8 and KT6 were statistically significant (p<0.01) in the first period while in the second period also KN8 group showed milk intake different in respect of KT8 (p<0.01) and KT6 (p<0.05) groups. Solid feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) lower in group KT6 (23.1 vs. 26.2 vs. 26.8 g/d, respectively for groups KT6, KN8, KT8). At weaning the kits of group KN8 always weighed more (966 vs. 894 vs. 888 g; p<0.01, respectively for groups KN8, KT6, KT8). After weaning, no parameter considered (daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality and risk sanitary index) was affected by birth weight and litter size.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 1996

There is a limestone basin surrounded by the mountains consisted of Paleozoic sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in the Masung, Munkyung city, Kyungsangpook do. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the geomorphic processes of the gentle hillslopes in the marginal piedmont of Masung basin. To do so, I analyzed deposits over hillslopes and the relation ship between the distance from the divide and the height(above sea level) at the longitudinal profile of the hillslope, and considered interrelation between the distributions of the gentle hillslopes(less than 230m) and lithology. Geomorphic processes of Masung basin are as follow: (1) The depth of deposits over hillslope increases toward downstream of the hillslope. Most gravels within deposits, whose lithology is limestone, are those eroded at the boundary(overthrust fault zone) between the back-mountain and the hillslope. Deposits at the outward margin of hillslope is well sorted. and moderately imbricated. (2) Hillslope at the margin of the basin(160-230m asl) is formed by the action of 'the flow with channel'. At the boundary between the soft rock(limestone; basin floor) and hard rock(sedimentary and metamorphic rock; back-mountain), the relatively weak limestone is eroded to fresh bedrock by the subsequent action of the overland flow, and therefore discontinuity in slope appeared. (3) After hills lopes were formed, sediments(boulders and fine material) produced during dissection in back-mountain buried deposits over hillslope. In conclusion, geomorphic processes of Masung basin is 'differential erosion due to differentiation of lithological hardness' having suggested as geomorphic processes of granitic basin. However it is not 'removal of weathering material due to sheetflow' but 'erosion due to the overland flow with channel'.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.52-56
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• 2017

Objectives: Neutrophils represent the front line of human defense against infections. Immediately after stimulation, neutrophilic enzymes are activated and produce toxic mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). These mediators can be toxic not only to infectious agents but also to host tissues. Because flavonoids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, they are subjects of interest for pharmacological modulation of inflammation. In the present study, the effects of rutin on stimulus-induced NO and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ productions and MPO activity in human neutrophils were investigated. Methods: Human peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation coupled with dextran T500 sedimentation. The cell preparations containing > 98% granulocytes were determined by morphological examination through Giemsa staining. Neutrophils were cultured in complete Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, pre-incubated with or without rutin ($25{\mu}M$) for 45 minutes, and stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Then, the $TNF-{\alpha}$, NO and MPO productions were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Griess Reagent, and MPO assay kits, respectively. Also, the viability of human neutrophils was assessed using tetrazolium salt 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and neutrophils were treated with various concentrations of rutin ($1-100{\mu}M$), after which MTT was appended and incubated at $37^{\circ}C$ for 4 hour. Results: Rutin at concentrations up to $100{\mu}M$ did not affect neutrophil viability during the 4-hour incubation period. Rutin significantly decreased the NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ productions in human peripheral blood neutrophils compared to PMA-control cells (P < 0.001). Also, MPO activity was significantly reduced by rutin (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In this in vitro study, rutin had an anti-inflammatory effect due to its inhibiting NO and $TNF-{\alpha}$ productions, as well as MPO activity, in activated human neutrophils. Treatment with rutin may be considered as a therapeutic strategy for neutrophil-mediated inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.231-236
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• 2015

A 17-year-old girl presented with complaints of headache and decreasing vision of one month's duration, without any history of fever, weight loss, or any evidence of an immuno-compromised state. Her neurological examination was normal, except for papilledema. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits, except for a slightly increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). Non-contrast computerized tomography of her head revealed complex mass in left frontal lobe with a concentric, slightly hyperdense, thickened wall, and moderate perilesional edema with mass effect. Differential diagnoses considered in this case were pilocytic astrocytoma, metastasis and abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained in 3.0 Tesla (3.0T) scanner revealed a lobulated outline cystic mass in the left frontal lobe with two concentric layers of T2 hypointense wall, with T2 hyperintensity between the concentric ring. Moderate perilesional edema and mass effect were seen. Post gadolinium study showed a markedly enhancing irregular wall with some enhancing nodular solid component. No restricted diffusion was seen in this mass in diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed increased lactate and lipid peaks in the central part of this mass, although some areas at the wall and perilesional T2 hyperintensity showed an increased choline peak without significant decrease in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) level. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) enhanced perfusion study showed decrease in relative cerebral blood volume at this region. These features in MRI were suggestive of brain abscess. The patient underwent craniotomy with excision of a grayish nodular lesion. Abundant acid fast bacilli (AFB) in acid fast staining, and epithelioid cell granulomas, caseation necrosis and Langhans giant cells in histopathology, were conclusive of tubercular abscess. Tubercular brain abscess is a rare manifestation that simulates malignancy and cause diagnostic dilemma. MRI along with MRS and magnetic resonance perfusion studies, are powerful tools to differentiate lesions in such equivocal cases.

• Communications for Statistical Applications and Methods
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.459-471
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• 2010

Higher quality level is generally perceived by customers as improved performance by assigning a correspondingly higher satisfaction score. Usually, the quality level is measured by process capability indices. The index is used to determine whether a production process is capable of producing items within a specified tolerance. The third generation index $C_{pmk}$ is more powerful than two useful indices $C_p$ and $C_{pk}$. which have been widely used in six sigma industries to assess process performance. Most evaluations on process capability indices focus on point estimates, which may result in unreliable assessments of process performance. In this paper, we consider better testing procedure on assessing process capability index $C_{pmk}$ for practitioners to use in determining whether a given process is capable. It is easy to use the proposed method for assessing process capability index $C_{pmk}$. Whether a process is clearly normal or nonnormal, our bootstrap testing procedure could be applied effectively without the complexity of calculation. A numerical result based on our proposed method is illustrated.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.99-109
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• 2012

Seasonal fluctuations of Riptortus pedestris were investigated in four regions including two sites each at Mt. Yangseong (Munui-myeon, Cheongwon-gun), O-chang (Cheongwon-gun), and Jujung-dong (Cheongju) using aggression pheromone traps from April to November in 2010 and 2011. Aggression pheromone and aggression pheromone + soybean traps were set at all investigated sites, and the Mt. Yangseong A and B sites were investigated at a farmland (80 m, asl) and forest (200 and 300 m). The population density of R. pedestris was high in mid June, mid August, and late October in 2010 and in early May, mid June, mid September, and early October in 2011 with trivoltine. O-chang and Jujung-dong populations, which were distinguished in farmlands and forests, were highest from June to August in the farmland and in September in the forest. Similar numbers of R. pedestris were capture in the farmlands and the forest in June-August, September-November, respectively. From the results of the four regions, more R. pedestris adults were captured in the aggression pheromone + soybean trap than that in the pheromone trap. To investigate the migration route by altitude, 500 R. pedestris adults marked with fluorescent paint were released and re-caught insects were counted in traps after 10 and 20 days. The pattern of the re-caught R. pedestris indicated migration from the forest to farmlands during April-June. These results suggest that the insects did not migrate in August because food was plentiful in the forest at 200 m, but they moved to the forest during October due to the scarcity of food and for overwintering. The R. pedestris seasonal fluctuations in 2011 were affected heavily by the environment, particularly rain precipitation.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.95-107
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• 2013

In order to examine the temperature regime responsible for periglacial processes, air and ground temperatures were monitored from October 2010 to May 2011 at a subalpine bare patch (1,710m asl) of Mt. Halla. Four thermistor sensor probes were installed at 55 cm above a ground surface and depths of 2 cm, 10 cm, and 20 cm, respectively. A mean air temperature is $-0.1^{\circ}C$, while mean ground temperatures are $1.8^{\circ}C$ at 2 cm, $2.6^{\circ}C$ at 10 cm and $3.2^{\circ}C$ at 20 cm deep. A mean monthly ground temperature at 2 cm deep demonstrates below $0^{\circ}C$ successively from January to March, while those at 10 cm and 20 cm deep show no sub-zero temperature. A total of 72 freeze-thaw cycle was observed in air temperature. However, the numbers in ground temperature reduced into 17 at 2 cm, 8 at 10 cm, and 3 at 20 cm deep. The cycles of air temperature and ground temperature at 2 cm deep mostly fluctuated diurnally, while those of ground temperature at 10 cm and 20 cm deep exhibited a several-daily oscillation. Snow cover over 55 cm high remained from January to early April, and it seemed to disappear completely on April 16. A seasonal frost of at least 2 cm thick was formed on late December and the isotherm of $0^{\circ}C$ descended slowly into 10 cm deep on late March to early April due to the insulating snow cover. It showed the maximum freezing depth of 20 cm on April 7 to 14 and then thawed rapidly so that the frozen ground did not longer after April 17. Periglacial processes are predominant during a freezing period than a thawing period when the ground surface is still covered with snow. The periglacial mass movement in the subalpine zone of Mt. Halla is mainly generated by frost creep in terms of the occurrence depth of diurnal freeze-thaw cycle and the maximum freezing depth of ground.