• Journal of the Korea Institute of Military Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.234-245
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• 2023

The Arena Fragmentation Test(AFT) is designed to analyze warhead performance by measuring fragmentation data. In order to evaluate the results of the AFT, a set of AFT images are captured by high-speed cameras. To detect objects in the AFT image set, ResNet-50 based Faster R-CNN is used as a detection model. However, because of the low resolution of the AFT image set, a detection model has shown low performance. To enhance the performance of the detection model, Super-resolution(SR) methods are used to increase the AFT image set resolution. To this end, The Bicubic method and three SR models: ZSSR, EDSR, and SwinIR are used. The use of SR images results in an increase in the performance of the detection model. While the increase in the number of pixels representing a fragment flame in the AFT images improves the Recall performance of the detection model, the number of pixels representing noise also increases, leading to a slight decreases in Precision performance. Consequently, the F1 score is increased by up to 9 %, demonstrating the effectiveness of SR in enhancing the performance of the detection model.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.5-17
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• 2004

Objective : In order to measure the efficacy of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture by concentration level, we've treated A549 human lung cancer lines with different concentrations of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and examined mRNA and proteins which take parts in apoptosis. Methods : A549 human lung cancer lines were treated with various concentration levels of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and cell toxicity was carefully examined. From the analysis of DNA fragmentation, RT-PCR and Western blot, manifestation of mRNA and proteins which are associated with apoptosis were inspected. Results : The following results were obtained on apoptosis of A549 human lung cancer lines after administering various concentration levels of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture. 1. Measuring cell toxicity of lung cancer cells, strong cell toxicity was detected at high concentration level(1000ul, 1200ul), but no consistent concentration dependent reliance was detected. 2. Through DNA fragmentation, we were able to confirm cell destruction in all groups. 3. Experiment groups treated with cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed inhibition of Bcl-2 and COX-2 at mRNA and Protein level, whileas increase of Bax was shown. 4. Manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin Dl were confirmed in all groups. 5. Extrication of Cytochrome C was detected at all groups, as well as increased activity of the enzyme caspase-3 and caspase-9, and PARP fragmentation were confirmed. Conclusion : According to the results, we can carefully deduce cell destruction of A549 human lung cancer lines were induced by Apoptosis. At the fixed level, cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed decrease of Bcl-2 and COX-2, as well as increase of Bax. Since cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture increases manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin Dl, it affects cellular cycle and through these phenomena, we can consider extrication of Cytochrome C, increase of caspase, and PARP fragmentation are the results.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2009

Objectives: Seminal concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) relevant to sperm nuclear DNA integrity has not been studied. The present study aimed to evaluate seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ in correlation with sperm parameters and nuclear DNA integrity in asymptomatic healthy donors. Methods: Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from forty-five healthy donors. Results: Sperm quality was assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis and nuclear DNA integrity measured by the TUNEL assay in raw semen. TNF-${\alpha}$ concentrations were measured by ELISA in frozen-thawed seminal plasmas. Sperm DNA fragmentation rates were ranged between 1.9% and 53.0% (mean${\pm}$SD, 12.4${\pm}$9.6%). Univariate analysis revealed that DNA fragmentation rate was not associated with sperm concentration or motility but had a correlation with linearity negatively (r=-0.325, p=0.03) and age positively (r=0.484, p=0.001). The mean seminal concentration of TNF-${\alpha}$ was 4.9 pg/mL with a range from 1.1 to 22.6 pg/mL. The TNF-${\alpha}$ concentration had no correlation with clinically relevant parameters of sperm quality or nuclear DNA fragmentation rate. Conclusion: Our results indicate that sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation may be not associated with seminal TNF-${\alpha}$ level or sperm quality in asymptomatic healthy donors.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.105-115
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• 2002

Objective : To evaluate the effects of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated with a xanthine (X) and xanthine oxidase (XO) system on sperm function, the change of sperm characteristics, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation in bovine spermatozoa. Materials and Methods: ROS were produced using a combination of 1000 uM X and 50 mU/ml XO. The ROS scavengers: superoxide dismu tase (SOD) (200 U/ml) and catalase (500 U/ml) were also tested. Spermatozoa were incubated for 2 hours in BWW medium with a combination of X-XO supplemented with or without ROS scavengers at $37^{circ}C$ under 5% $CO_2$ incubator. Sperm movement characteristics by CASA (computer-aided sperm analysis), HOST (hypoosmotic swelling test), Caionophore induced acrosome reaction, malondialdehyde formation for the analysis of lipid peroxidation, the percentage of DNA fragmentation using the method of TdT-mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) by flow cytometry were determined after 2 hours incubation. Results: The action of ROS on bovine spermatozoa resulted in a decreased in capacity for sperm motility, Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction and membrane integrity, an increased in malondialdehyde formation and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. In the effects of antioxidant, catalase completely alleviated the toxic effects induced by the ROS in terms of sperm function and characteristics, however SOD exhibited no capacity to reduce the toxic effects. Conclusion: The ROS can induce significant damages to sperm functions and characteristics. The useful ROS scavengers can minimized the defects of sperm function and various damages of spermatozoa.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 1996

Narcolepsy is characterized by sleep attack with excessive daytime sleepiness(EDS), cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucination. Paradoxically, narcoleptics tend to complain of frequent arousals and shallow sleep during the night time despite their excessive sleepiness. However, nocturnal sleep fragmentation in narcoleptics is relatively ignored in treatment strategies, compared with sleep attack/EDS and cataplexy. In our paper, we attempted to investigate further on the poor nocturnal sleep in narcoleptics and to discuss possible treatment interventions. Out of consecutively seen patients at Seoul National University Sleep Disorders Clinic and Division of Sleep Studies, we recruited 57 patients, clinically assessed as having sleep attack and/or EDS. Nocturnal polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test(MSLT) were done in each of the subjects. We selected 19 subjects finally diagnosed as narcolepsy(mean age $26.0{\pm}18.3$ years, 16 men and 3 women) for this study, depending on the nocturnal polysomnographic and MSLT findings as well as clinical history and symptomatology. Any subject co-morbid with other hypersomnic sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep was excluded. Sleep staging was done using Rechtschaffen and Kales criteria. Sleep parameters were calculated using PSDENT program(Stanford Sleep Clinic, version 1.2) and were compared with the age-matched normal values provided in the program. In narcoleptics, compared with the normal controls, total wake time was found to be significantly increased with significantly decreased sleep efficiency(p<.01, p<.05, respectively), despite no difference of sleep period time and total sleep time between the two groups. Stage 2 sleep%(p<.05), slow wave sleep%(p<.05), and REM sleep%(p<.01) were found to be significantly decreased in narcoleptics compared with normal controls, accompanied by the significant increase of stage 1 sleep%(p<.01). Age showed negative correlation with slow wave sleep%(p<.05). The findings in the present study indicate significant fragmentation of nocturnal sleep in narcoleptics. Reduction of REM sleep% and the total number of REM sleep periods suggests the disturbance of nocturnal REM sleep distribution in narcoleptics. No significant correlations between nocturnal polysomnographic and MSLT variables in narcoleptics suggest that nocturnal sleep disturbance in narcoleptics may be dealt with, in itself, in diagnosing and managing narcolepsy. With the objective demonstration of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of nocturnal and daytime sleep in narcoleptics, we suggest that more attention be paid to the nocturnal sleep fragmentation in narcoleptics and that appropriate treatment interventions such as active drug therapy and/or circadian rhythm-oriented sleep hygiene education be applied as needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.199-206
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• 2016

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the correlations of the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with semen parameters and apoptosis, and to investigate the effects of density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) on reducing the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency. Methods: Semen analysis and a sperm DNA fragmentation assay were performed to assess the correlations between semen parameters and the DFI in 458 semen samples. Sperm with progressive motility or non-apoptosis were isolated by DGC or MACS, respectively, in 29 normozoospermic semen samples. The effects of DGC or MACS alone and of DGC and MACS combined on reducing the amount of sperm in the sample with DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency were investigated. Results: The sperm DFI showed a significant correlation (r=-0.347, p< 0.001) with sperm motility and morphology (r=-0.114, p< 0.05) but not with other semen parameters. The DFI ($11.5%{\pm}2.0%$) of semen samples was significantly reduced by DGC ($8.1%{\pm}4.1%$) or MACS alone ($7.4%{\pm}3.9%$) (p< 0.05). The DFI was significantly further reduced by a combination of DGC and MACS ($4.1%{\pm}1.3%$, p< 0.05). Moreover, the combination of DGC and MACS ($1.6%{\pm}1.1%$, p< 0.05) significantly reduced the protamine deficiency rate of semen samples compared to DGC ($4.4%{\pm}3.2%$) or MACS alone ($3.4%{\pm}2.2%$). Conclusion: The combination of DGC and MACS may be an effective method to isolate high-quality sperm with progressive motility, non-apoptosis, high DNA integrity, and low protamine deficiency in clinical use.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.1-17
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• 2004

Objective : To compare and examine how adjustment of pH and electrolyte can affect the efficacy of cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture, we've administered pure cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture and pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture on A549 human lung cancer lines. Then mRNA and proteins which take parts in apoptosis were examined. Methods : Pure cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture treated group was set as the control group and pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture groups were administered on A549 human lung cancer lines. Cell toxicity was carefully examined and from the analysis of DNA fragmentation, RT-PCR, and Western blot, manifestation of mRNA and proteins which are associated with apoptosis were inspected. Results : The following results were obtained on apoptosis of A549 human lung cancer lines after administering pH and electrolyte adjusted cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture. 1. Measuring cell toxicity of lung cancer cells, higher cell toxicity was detected at pH and electrolyte adjusted groups and the results were concentration dependent. 2. Through DNA fragmentation, we were able to confirm cell destruction in all groups. 3. Experiment groups treated with cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture showed inhibition of Bcl-2 and COX-2 at mRNA and Protein level, whileas increase of Bax was shown. 4. Manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1 were confirmed in all groups. 5. Extrication of Cytochrome C was detected at all groups, as well as increased activity of the enzyme caspase-3 and caspase-9, and PARP fragmentation were confirmed. Conclusions : From the above results, we can carefully deduce cell destruction of A549 human lung cancer lines were induced by Apoptosis. At the same concentration level, cell destruction efficacy was better with adjusted pH and electrolyte. Cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture also showed decrease of Bcl-2 and COX-2, as well as increase of Bax. Since cultivated wild ginseng distilled herbal acupuncture increases manifestation of p21, p53, Cyclin E, and Cyclin D1, it affects cellular cycle and through these phenomena, we can consider extrication of Cytochrome C, increase of caspase, and PARP fragmentation are the results.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.150-161
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• 2005

Soraksan National Park and Odaesan National Park, that are 20.7 km apart, should play an important role as habitats and corridors for wildlife because they are located in the center of Baekdudaegan. However, landscape features such as small area, fragmentation, and geographic isolation seem to impede the proper ecological functions of these two national parks. Using GIS technique, we examined the pattern of fragmentation in these two national parks and adjacent regions (Sokcho-si, Goseong-gun, Inje-gun, Yangyang-gun, and Hongcheon-gun) encompassing a total of $4573.5km^2$ in area. We then selected the patches suitable for an endangered carnivorous species, leopard cat, based on habitat conditions, and identified the network and stepping stone among patches to enable leopard cats to migrate. Diverse roads and artificial facilities in the study area generated a total of 24,701 patches: 39 patches among these were selected as potential habitats upon considering the habitat condition such as vegetation types and minimum area for leopard cat. Three patches nearby Gyebangsan and Bangtaesan were identified as a potential network center to relieve the effects of fragmentation and isolation of the two national parks. Our results also showed that patches containing Jombongsan and Bangtaesan would act as a source patch from there leopard cats can disperse to both national parks. It is an urgent task to identify the pattern of fragmentation and the connectivity between patches in national parks and adjacent areas for wildlife conservation because almost all national parks confront land- scape problems similar to the two national parks examined in this study.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.5 s.85
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• pp.671-677
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the effect of the water-extract from non-fermented or fermented Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) on the proliferation and apoptosis of the NIH3T3 mouse normal fibroblast cells and various human cancer cell lines including HCT-15 human colon carcinoma, AGS human gastric carcinoma, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma, Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma and HeLa human cervical carcinoma using MTT(3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] -2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and DNA fragmentation. In an anti-cancer test using various human cancer cells, fermented Chaga mushroom extract showed higher antiproliferating effect than that of non-fermented Chaga mushroom extract. Mouse normal NIH3T3 cells were exhibited 80% above survival under fermented or non-fermented Chngn mushroom extract of various concentrations(0, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml). Fermented Chaga mushroom extract significantly inhibited cell growth on HCT-15 cells in a dose-dependent manner. HCT-15 cells treated with non-fermented or fermented Chaga mushrooms extract produced a distinct oligonucleosomal ladder with different sizes of DNA fragments, a typical characteristic of cells undergoing apoptosis. These results suggest that fermented Chaga mushroom extract suppresses growth of HCT-15 human colon carcinoma cells through apoptosis.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.123-134
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• 2023

Objective: The heart contains a pool of c-kit⁺ progenitor cells which is believed to be able to regenerate. The differentiation of these progenitor cells is reliant on different physiological cues. Unraveling the underlying signals to direct differentiation of progenitor cells will be beneficial in controlling progenitor cell fate. In this regard, the role of the mitochondria in mediating cardiac progenitor cell fate remains unclear. Specifically, the association between changes in mitochondrial morphology with the differentiation status of c-kit⁺ CPCs remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the relationship between mitochondrial morphology and the differentiation status of c-kit⁺ progenitor cells. Methods and Results: c-kit⁺ CPCs were isolated from 2-month-old male wild-type FVB mice. To activate differentiation, CPCs were incubated in α-minimal essential medium containing 10 nM dexamethasone for up to 7 days. To inhibit Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation, either 10 μM or 50 μM mdivi-1 was administered once at Day 0 and again at Day 2 of differentiation. To inhibit calcineurin, either 1 μM or 5 μM ciclosporin-A (CsA) was administered once at Day 0 and again at Day 2 of differentiation. Dexamethasone-induced differentiation of c-kit⁺ progenitor cells is aligned with fragmentation of the mitochondria via a calcineurin-Drp1 pathway. Pharmacologically inhibiting mitochondrial fragmentation retains the undifferentiated state of the c-kit⁺ progenitor cells. Conclusions: The findings from this study provide an alternative view of the role of mitochondrial fusion-fission in the differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells and the potential of pharmacologically manipulating the mitochondria to direct progenitor cell fate.