• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.133-142
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• 2018

Patients with type II diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence than non-diabetics. The anti-diabetic drug metformin is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of this disease and has recently shown antitumor effect in preclinical studies. The aberrant mutational activation in the components of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is very frequently observed in CRC. We previously reported that metformin inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK and BEZ235, a dual inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, has anti-tumor activity against HCT15 CRC cells harboring mutations of KRAS and PIK3CA. Therefore, we hypothesized that simultaneous inhibition of two pathways by combining metformin with BEZ235 could be more effective in the suppression of proliferation than single agent treatment in HCT15 CRC cells. Here, we investigated the combinatory effect of metformin and BEZ235 on the cell survival in HCT15 CRC cells. Our study shows that both of the two signaling pathways can be blocked by this combinational strategy: metformin suppressed both pathways by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK, 4E-BP1 and S6, and BEZ235 suppressed PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of 4E-BP1 and S6. This combination treatment synergistically reduced cell viability. The combination index (CI) values ranged from 0.44 to 0.88, indicating synergism for the combination. These results offer a preclinical rationale for the potential therapeutic option for the treatment of CRC.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.230-237
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• 2015

Purpose: Various gastrointestinal factors may contribute to maladaptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). To determine the association between maladaptive behavior in children with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms such as severity, intestinal microbiota, inflammation, enterocyte damage, permeability and absorption of opioid peptides. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study compared children with ASD to healthy controls, aged 2-10 years. Maladaptive behavior was classified using the Approach Withdrawal Problems Composite subtest of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory. Dependent variables were gastrointestinal symptom severity index, fecal calprotectin, urinary D-lactate, urinary lactulose/mannitol excretion, urinary intestinal fatty acids binding protein (I-FABP) and urinary opioid peptide excretion. Results: We did not find a significant difference between children with ASD with severe or mild maladaptive behavior and control subjects for gastrointestinal symptoms, fecal calprotectin, urinary D-lactate, and lactulose/mannitol ratio. Urinary opioid peptide excretion was absent in all children. Children with ASD with severe maladaptive behavior showed significantly higher urinary I-FABP levels compared to those with mild maladaptive behavior (p=0.019) and controls (p=0.015). Conclusion: In our series, maladaptive behavior in ASD children was not associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal inflammation (no difference in calprotectin), microbiota (no difference in urinary D-lactate) and intestinal permeability (no difference in lactulose/manitol ratio). ASD children with severe maladaptive behavior have significantly more enterocyte damage (increased urinary I-FABP) than ASD children with mild maladaptive behavior and normal children.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.57-65
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• 2000

The objective of this study was to apply the multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) program practically in dairy herds. Forty five superior Holstein cows ranked in 5% according to Type-Production Index(TPI) in Korea were selected as donors. The donors were superovulated with pFSH and the embryos collected from donors were frozen and preserved. The preserved embryos and frozen Holstein embryo imported from foreign country were thawed and transferred to recipients. The results obtained were as follows; 1. The total number of ova and freezable embryos collected per donor was 6.5 and 2.8, respectively. 2. The freezable embryos were obtained more(p<0.05) when the body condition score (BCS) of donors was in range of 2.50∼3.25(4.1) than in range of 3.50∼4.00(1.9), while the total number of ova was not changed. 3. The season affected on the collected number of freezable embryos(6.1 in winter, 4.5 in fall, 1.1∼1.5 in spring and summer, P<0.05), and the total number of obtained ova were more in winter than in other seasons(P<0.05). 4. Embryos were transferred to 343 recipients and 152 cows were confirmed pregnant(44.3%). 5. The higher pregnancy was obtained (P<0.05) when embryos were transferred in summer(53.3%) than in fall(36.0%), while the pregnancy rate was not affected by the origin and developmental stage of embryos, and the parity, BCS and estrus induction of recipients. From these results, the pregnancy rate was considered to be acceptable for the embryo transfer with domestic or imported Holstein embryos, however embryo production from superior Holstein donors was unsatisfactory for application of MOET scheme.

• Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.281-286
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• 2007

Gibberellins are growth hormones that play a pivotal role in the growth and development of plants. Present investigations were carried to check the effect of nitrogen(N) and silicon(Si) on bioactive $GA_1$ and its immediate precursor $GA_{20}$ at different growth stages of two rice cultivars with different maturity traits. It was observed that the endogenous bioactive $GA_1$ level gradually increased during vegetative stage and anthesis stage of both Junghwabyeo(early flowering cultivar) and Daesanbyeo(late flowering cultivar). However, the $GA_1$ and $GA_{20}$ content start decreasing during the seed filling stage in both rice cultivars, which indicated a possible relationship of bioactive $GA_1$ and floral development. Our results also confirmed that early 13-hydroxylation pathway was operated at all developmental stages of rice plant. Variation in the levels of the endogenous gibberellins in rice shoots were measured by GCMS-SIM using $^2H_2$-labeled gibberellins as internal standards. Combined application of N and Si enhanced growth parameters and reduced lodging index of both rice cultivars. It was thus concluded that the level of physiologically active $GA_1$ increased during vegetative and early reproductive stage, but starts declining at seed filling stage.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.363-369
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• 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the variation of Chinese milk vetch(Astragalus sinicus L.; CMV) seed quality after flowering. We tagged individual open flowers of CMV at the day of maximum flowering(11 May) in Seoul, Korea. Seed samples were harvested serially at 15, 20, 25 and 30 days after flowering(DAF). To compare with dried seeds, non-dried seeds were tested immediately after harvest and the remaining seeds were placed at room temperature for 4 weeks. Seed length, 1000 seed weight, moisture content, germination rate(GR), mean germination time(MGT), germination speed(GS), germination performance index(GPI) and physical dormancy rate(PDR) were investigated. Seed length increased to 2.6 mm and 1000 seed weight reached up to 2.2 g until 25 DAF. Seed moisture content dramatically decreased from 20 to 25 DAF. Moisture content of non-dried seed(7.5%) was similar to that of dried seed(5.5%) at 25 DAF. The rate of seed viability reached up to 94% at 25 DAF. In case of dried seed, GR increased up to 39% at 25 DAF whereas GR of non-dried seed varied from 5 to 10%. GS and GPI of dried seed were significantly higher than those of non-dried seed since 25 DAF. PDR of dried seed has decreased since 20 DAF, whereas PDR of non-dried seed has increased. GR, GS and GPI increased as PDR decreased. Our results evidenced that PDR might be one of major factor in variation of seed quality, of which development was completed at 25 DAF.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2017

Background: Many studies have reported positive results of the various mirror training and virtual reality games in improving dynamic standing balance and posture adjustment in chronic stroke patients. However, no systematic study has been conducted to compare the effects of virtual reality games and the mirror balance training. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises in improving proprioception of knee joint and standing balance of people with chronic stroke. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a Wii balance games group and a Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises group with 10 patients in each group. Each training was performed for 30 mins a day for 4 days. In addition to the balance training, 30 mins neuro-developmental-treatment based routine physical therapy was given to both groups. Proprioception was measured using two continuous passive motion devices, and static balance was measured using a Wii balance board. Dynamic balance assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and Timed Up-and-Go test. Results: All measured variables before and after the experimental results showed a significant improvement in both groups (p<.05). Only the improvement of the affected knee proprioception appeared to be significantly greater in the Wii balance game group (p<.05). However, other variables did not differ between the groups (p>.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Wii balance games and Mirror Self-Balancing Exercises may be helpful for improving the proprioception of knee joint and the balance of patients with chronic stroke.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.209-224
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• 2015

Objective : The main purpose of this study is to find a reasonable solutions for utilization of herbal formulas based on the medical classics. Methods : We used official Ten 'Selected Korean Medical Classics(SKMC)'. For input of formulas from SKMC, we had to select proper editions of them. After consultations with experts of 'The Korean Medicine Society for the Herbal Formula Study' and 'Korean Society of Medical History', we chose the proper editions of SKMC, and according to those books, we built formulas database using microsoft office excel sheets, respectively. Results : After whole input procedures, we requested several experts to inspect the results and also, to correct errors in them. Input categories were name of formula, name of classic, classification, original source, composition herb, weight, unit of weight, weight conversion index, converted weight, basic formula, indications, reason for modification, preparing method, taking method and contraindications. Final number of whole formulas in DB was 32,882. Conclusions : We used SKMC and built database using excel program. Through this procedure, we can provide a developmental ways to make a foundation for herbal formulas from the medical classics, so that we can make herbal formulas be standardized or industrialized more efficiently.

• Journal of Fisheries and Marine Sciences Education
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.1003-1012
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• 2012

The gonadosomatic index (GSI), sex steroid hormones and gonadal development of roughscale sole Clidoderma asperrimum cultured in indoor tank were investigated to evaluate its sexual maturation and reproductive cycle. The highest GSI values of female and male were $6.91{\pm}4.03$ (May) and $0.16{\pm}0.08$ (August), respectively. The reproductive cycle would be classified into four successive developmental stages: growing stage (December to February), maturation stage (March to April), ripe and spawning stage (May to June), recovery and resting stage (July to November). The highest plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) levels of female were $259.4{\pm}76.8$ and $633.3{\pm}182.5$ pg/mL, respectively in May. Also $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregen-3-one ($17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-OHP) levels of female peaked in April before spawning season ($244.2{\pm}42.5$ pg/mL). The highest plasma testosterone (T) and 11-ketotestosterone levels of male were $231.0{\pm}46.0$ and $273.9{\pm}54.5$ pg/mL, respectively in April. But there was no significant difference in $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-OHP.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.5_1
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• pp.465-473
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• 1998

This study was carried out to investigate the developmental process of plant community during the secondary succession and changes of soil properties in the burned areas lapsed 28 years after the forest fire in Mt.Palgong. The forest fire occurred on March, 1969 and the red pine (pinus densiflora) forest and its floor vegetation were burned down. The results are summarized as follows: the floristic composition of burned and unburned areas were composed of 49 and 48 species of vascular plants, respectively. The dominant species based on SDR4 of the burned sites were Lespedeza maximowicxii(87.75), Carex humilis (62.94), Rhododendron schippenbachii(55.78) and Miscanthus sinensis var.purpurascens (51.94). In contrast, Pinus densiflora (81.17), Quercus serrata (53.58)m Carex humilis (53.11) and Miscanthus sinenis var. purpuracens (52.42) were dominant in the unburned area. The biological spectra showed the $H-D_1-R_5-e$ type in both areas. The indices of similarity (CCs) between the two areas were 0.80. Degree of succession (DS) was 734 in the burned area and 809 in the unburned area. The species diversity (H) and evenness indices (e) in the burned and unburned areas were 2.05, 2.13 and 0.53, 0.55, respectively. Dominance index (C) in the burned and unburned areas were 0.30 and 0.32, respectively. Soil properties such as soil pH, content of organic matter, total nitrogen, total carbon, exchangeable potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in burned area were comparatively higher than those of unburned area. Monthly changes of soil properties were of little significance except for some cases. These results suggest that there was relationship between trend of vegetation recovery and the changes of soil properties after the forest fire. Mixed forestation of fire-resistant species and nitrogen fixation species will be effective for reforestation after the forest fire.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.119-131
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• 1996

The relationship of maternal separation anxiety, availability of support system and child gender to initial preschool adjustment was examined. Data were collected on 72 middle-class Korean children(35 boys, 37 girls) between the ages of 31 months and 60 months who were entering preschool. Subjects were from intact families, all with non-working mothers. Mothers completed the Maternal Separation Anxiety Scale(MSAS) and indicated the number of extended family members in the home as an index of social support. Classroom teachers completed the Preschool Behavior Questionnaire (PBQ) for each child after the first 2 weeks and again after 6 weeks of school. Each child was observed by the research team during the first 2 weeks of school and again after the 6th-week using the Child Observation System (COS). Applying the COS observed behavior was classified as being in the dependent, neutral, or active mode. All instruments were culturally relevant as validated by Korean experts. Maternal Separation Anxiety was a significant predictor for girls only, accounting for 11% of initial COS variance (p=＜.05). In contrast, social support was a significant predictor for boys only, accounting for 28% of initial PBQ variance when entered after MSAS(p=.005). A significant difference between initial and 6th-week adjustment was obtained in the expected direction on the COS with behavior improving with time (t=-4.06, p=.001). Although a significant difference between initial and 6th-week PBQ adjustment was also obtained (t=-3.63, p=.001), it was not in the direction expected, problematic behavior were found to increase with time. Cultural and developmental factors help explain the findings. Given the patrilineal social system in Korea, boys are highly preferred over girls. Thus the at-home support system, comprised primarily of grandparents, may have a significant influence on school adjustment particularly of first-born sons. In contrast, since girls are viewed as fragile and vulnerable, mothers may express greater separation anxiety about girls. Finally, as would be expected, older children may be able to develop coping skills more readily than younger ones, as child adjustment on the COS significanlty improved over the 6-week period.