• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2007

The MH21 Research Consortium has conducted a high-resolution 3D seismic survey and a seafloor geochemical survey, to explore methane hydrate reservoirs in the eastern Nankai Trough, offshore Japan. Excellent geological information about shallow formations was obtained from the high-resolution 3D seismic survey, which was designed to image the shallow formations where methane hydrates exist. The information is useful in constructing a geological and geochemical model, and especially to understand the complex geology of seafloor, including geochemical manifestations and the structure of migration conduits for methane gas or methane-bearing fluid. By comparing methane seep sites observed by submersibles with seismic sections, some significant relationships between methane hydrate reservoirs, free gas accumulations below the seafloor, and seafloor manifestations are recognised. Bathymetric charts and seafloor reflection amplitude maps, constructed from seismic reflections from the seafloor, are also useful in understanding the relationships over a vast area. A new geochemical seafloor survey targeted by these maps is required. The relationships between methane hydrate reservoirs and seafloor manifestations are becoming clearer from interpretation of high-resolution 3D seismic data. The MH21 Research Consortium will continue to conduct seafloor geochemical surveys based on the geological and geochemical model constructed from high-resolution 3D seismic data analysis. In this paper, we introduce a basis for exploration of methane hydrate reservoirs in Japan by fusion of 3D seismic exploration and seafloor geochemical surveys.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.95-95
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• 2001

Ciinidipine (FRC-8635) is a newly synthesized novel DHP type of organic Ca$\_$2＋/channel blockers that have been developed so far in Japan (Yoshimoto et al., 1991 : Hosono et at., 1992). It also has a blocking action on L-type voltage-dependent Ca$\^$2＋/channel (VDCCs) in the rabbit basilar artery (Oike et al., 1990) and a slow-onset and long-lasting hypotensive action in clinical and experimental studies (Ikeda et al., 1992 ; Tominaga et al., 1997). Recent electrophysiological data indicate that cilnidipine might be a dual-channel antagonist for peripheral neuronal N-type and vascular L-type Ca$\^$2＋/channels (Oike et al., 1990 ; Fujii et al., 1997; Uneyama et at., 1997). However, little is known about the involvement of N-type VDCCs in contributing to the muscarinic receptor-mediated CA secretion. Therefore, the present study was attempted to investigate the effect of cilinidipine on secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by ACh, high K$\^$＋/, DMPP and McN-A-343 from the isolated perfused rat adrenal gland. Cilnidipine (1-10 ${\mu}$M) perfused into an adrenal vein for 60 min produced dose- and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretory responses evoked by ACh (5.32${\times}$10$\^$-3/M), DMPP (10$\^$-4/ M for 2 min) and McN-A-343 (10$\^$-4/ M for 2 min). However, lower dose of lobeline did not affect CA secretion by high K$\^$＋/(5.6${\times}$10$\^$-2/ M), higher dose of it reduced greatly CA secretion of high K$\^$＋/. Cilnidipine itself did also fail to affect basal catecholamine output. Furthermore, in adrenal glands loaded with cilnidipine (10 ${\mu}$M), CA secretory response evoked by Bay-K-8644 (10 ${\mu}$M), an activator of L-type Ca$\^$2＋/channels was markedly inhibited while CA secretion by cyclopiazonic acid (10 ${\mu}$M), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic Ca$\^$2＋/-ATPase was no affected. Moreover, $\omega$-conotoxin GVIA (1 ${\mu}$M), given into the adrenal gland for 60 min, also inhibited time-dependently CA secretory responses evoked by ACh and high K$\^$＋/.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.4067-4073
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• 2012

Obesity is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. Pioglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor$receptor{\gamma}$ ($PPAR{\gamma}$) agonist that induces differentiation in adipocytes and induces growth arrest and/or apoptosis in vitro in several cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the effect of pioglitazone on the development of azoxymethane-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in KK-$A^{\mathcal{Y}}$ obesity and diabetes model mice, and tried to clarify mechanisms by which the $PPAR{\gamma}$ ligand inhibits ACF development. Administration of 800 ppm pioglitazone reduced the number of colon ACF/mouse to 30% of those in untreated mice and improved hypertrophic changes of adipocytes in KK-$A^{\mathcal{Y}}$ mice with significant reduction of serum triglyceride and insulin levels. Moreover, mRNA levels of adipocytokines, such as leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, in the visceral fat were decreased. PCNA immunohistochemistry revealed that pioglitazone treatment suppressed cell proliferation in the colorectal epithelium with elevation of p27 and p53 gene expression. These results suggest that pioglitazone prevented obesity-associated colon carcinogenesis through improvement of dysregulated adipocytokine levels and high serum levels of triglyceride and insulin, and increase of p27 and p53 mRNA levels in the colorectal mucosa. These data indicate that pioglitazone warrants attention as a potential chemopreventive agent against obesity-associated colorectal cancer.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.335-335
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• 2017

Recently NERICA (New Rice for Africa) was developed by a crossing of African rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) and Asian rice (Oryza sativa L.) in West Africa, and is considered to be drought resistant, but drought resistance of NERICA and differences between Asian rice are not clarified enough. In this research, NERICA (four cultivars and two lines), Asian rice (three cultivars and sativa parent of NERICA) and African rice (glaberrima parent of NERICA) were cultivated in the field in Shizuoka University under drought and traits of each cultivar and line relevant to drought resistance, stomatal conductance by porometer, soil water content of individual depths by TDR method, SPAD values by SPAD meter and leaf thickness by micrometer, were measured and compared with dry matter production and yield. Effects of compost were also compared among sativa parent, one NERICA cultivar and two NERICA lines. Glaberrima parent showed highest top dry weight. One NERICA line, one drought resistant Asian rice cultivar and sativa parent, showed higher top dry weight and yield (ear weight) than other Asian rice cultivars and NERICA cultivars and line tested. Compost tended to increase top dry weight and yield in one of NERICA line and sativa parent. But in one NERICA cultivar and line, top dry weight and yield were not increased. In one of Asian rice, one of NERICA line and sativa parent that showed high top dry weight and yield, stomatal conductance was high. On the contrary the glaberrima parent and in other NERICA cultivars and line it was low. In sativa parent compost increased stomatal conductance but in NERICA cultivar and lines it was not. Among cultivars and lines that showed high top dry weight and yield sativa parent and one of NERICA line SPAD value and leaf thickness were high but in one of Asian rice and glaberrima parent they were low. Cultivar and line differences in yield and top dry weight among Asian rice and NERICA were significantly correlated with those in stomatal conductance ($r=0.778^{**}$ and $r=0.654^*$, respectively) and those in leaf thickness ($r=0.600^*$ and $r=0.640^*$, respectively). In Asian rice cultivars average soil water content was significantly correlated with yield ($r=0.886^*$) but in NERICA cultivars and lines it was not significant correlated (r= -0.256). Cultivar and line differences in leaf thickness were significantly correlated with SPAD value ($r=0.773^{**}$). In Asian rice cultivars it was significantly correlated ($r=0.962^{**}$), but in NERICA cultivars and lines it was not significantly correlated (r=0.559). Asian rice cultivars tended to consume soil water to increase yield but in NERICA cultivars and lines the tendency was not clear. Correlation between SPAD value and leaf thickness was different between Asian rice and NERICA cultivars and lines, and in Asian rice cultivars it was significantly correlated but in NERICA cultivars and lines it was not significant. Importance of maintaining high stomatal conductance by high leaf thickness was clarified.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 2010

The scientific verification of the physiological and psychological effects that result from interaction with green plants would not only provide objective knowledge on the psychological effect of green but would also establish useful grounds for the creation of green spaces that consider human emotions. The present study measured the cerebral activity(cerebral blood flow) and the autonomic nervous system activity (blood pressure, pulse rate, amylase) of fifteen Korean male subjects as they inhaled the natural scent diffused by pine needles. Impression and mood state evaluations of the reactions to the pine scent were carried out using the SD method and POMS. Cerebral activity was observed to be significantly activated in the feeling, judgment, and motor areas of the frontal lobe, as well as the memory area in the temporal lobe. Verbal evaluations by the SD method and POMS indicated a pine scent left natural but stimulated and active impressions, provided vigor, and also reduced confusion. The autonomic nervous system activities, however, showed no significant differences. These findings verified scientifically that a pine scent vitalizes humans both physiologically and psychologically. These results could be useful as fundamental data for the design of green spaces that consider human emotional aspects.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.1 no.1 s.1
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• pp.88-105
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• 1992

This dissertation aims to investigate the structure of Palsangjeon, a five story wooden pagoda in Pubjoo Temple which is the only wooden pagoda existing in Korea, by a comparative study of the Palsangjeon with Japanese counterparts. By doing so, the writer of the present investigation attempts to find out its structural originality. The main finding of this study are as follows. The upper part of Palsangjeon is constructed with square log frameworks called GuiTl and Sacheon-Ju around the central column. The four walls along Sacheon-Ju from the 1st level to the 3rd well resists the outside horizontal piressure. And Gui-Tl structure on the 5th level copes much better with shear force. So this frame consisting of Sacheon-Ju and log frameworks might be viewed an semi-core system, This core is supported once again by the frame of Go-Ju. That is to say. Go-Ju supports frame of Sacheon-Ju. And the frame of Pyeong-Ju on the 4th and the 5th levels also supports it. The frame of Go-Ju is supported by the frame of Pyeong-Ju on the 1st and the 2nd levels. So this structure is designed to resist the wind and also keep the balance by properly distributing vertical pressure. The plan and the elevational structure of Palsangjeon keep the balance by the perfect symmetric structure. And the frame of Sacheon-Ju forming semi-core system can resist both the lateral load and the vertical pressure for the balance of its structure. The five story pagoda in Horyuji used to stand on a central which is desigend to support the main body of the pagoda from the first level. The principles of balance is used between the Ha-Aag and short to react the rafter. Sacheon-Ju and edge column is against the lateral load. The structural jointing system is stable thanks to the log framewroks formed on every level. The five story pagoda in Horyuji poseses the structual system originated from the ancient wooden pagoda. The pagoda is found to express simple, sincere and straight forward form. On the other hand, it could be seen as a stucture resisting the earthquake and the lateral load, Palsangjeon is an excellent building which religions function is well harmonized with its structure and appearance. It not only functions extremely well as a regions place like other pagodas, but also excellently shows how multi-story wooden building should be structured.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.368-379
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the dosimetric difference between simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), and the clinical outcomes of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) chemoradiotherapy featuring SIB-IMRT. Materials and Methods: This study included ten patients with ASCC who underwent chemoradiotherapy using SIB-IMRT with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C. SIB-IMRT delivered 54 Gy to each primary tumor plus metastatic lymph nodes and 45 Gy to regional lymph nodes, in 30 fractions. Four patients received additional boosts to the primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes; the median total dose was 54 Gy (range, 54 to 60 Gy). We additionally created 3DCRT plans following the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 9811 protocol to allow dosimetric comparisons with SIB-IMRT. Locoregional control, overall survival, and toxicity were calculated for the clinical outcome evaluation. Results: Compared to 3DCRT, SIB-IMRT significantly reduced doses to the external genitalia, bladder, and intestine, delivering the doses to target and elective nodal region. At a median follow-up time of 46 months, 3-year locoregional control and overall survival rates were 88.9% and 100%, respectively. Acute toxicities were treated conservatively. All patients completed radiotherapy with brief interruptions (range, 0 to 2 days). No patient experienced ${\geq}grade$ 3 late toxicity during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The dosimetric advantages of SIB-IMRT appeared to reduce the toxicity of chemoradiotherapy for ASCC achieving high locoregional control in the extended period.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.64-69
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that induces symptoms such as a decrease in motor function and cognitive impairment. Increases in the aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta protein ($A{\beta}$) in the brain may be closely correlated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effects of an adzuki bean extract on the aggregation of $A{\beta}$ were examined; moreover, the anti-Alzheimer's activity of the adzuki extract was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, we undertook thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the effect of an adzuki bean extract on $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregation. To evaluate the effects of the adzuki extract on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in vivo, $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing Drosophila were used. In these flies, overexpression of $A{\beta}_{42}$ induced the formation of $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregates in the brain, decreased motor function, and resulted in cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Based on the results obtained by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM, the adzuki bean extract inhibited the formation of $A{\beta}_{42}$ aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. When $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing flies were fed regular medium containing adzuki extract, the $A{\beta}_{42}$ level in the brain was significantly lower than that in the group fed regular medium only. Furthermore, suppression of the decrease in motor function, suppression of cognitive impairment, and improvement in lifespan were observed in $A{\beta}_{42}$-overexpressing flies fed regular medium with adzuki extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the delaying effects of an adzuki bean extract on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide useful information for identifying novel prevention treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Bacillus fermentation broth (ENM) on the human NK cell activity, and bone matrix density, matrix content and area of hamsters fed ENM. Methods: NK cell activity was tested, and bone mineral density were measured by x-ray. Results: NK cell activity was significantly higher in the control group (644.71 pg/ml) and in the test group (1796.37 pg/ml) (p<.004). Test groups were significantly increased by 1110.37 pg/ml in the pre-test and 1796.37 pg/ml in the post-test(p<.001). Behavioral observations after feeding ENM to hamsters showed normal behavior with no difference between control and test groups. The hamster body weight of the control was 106 g at the initial and final 27 days. In the test group, the initial weight was 96.6 g and the final 27 days was 114 g. No morphological changes were observed in the X-ray photographs of the hamster hind legs. The bone matrix density was 0.059 g/cm³ in control and 0.062 g/cm³ in the test, which was increased by 0.003 g/cm³. The bone matrix content was 0.175 g in the control and 0.196 g in the test. The bone area was 2.95 cm² in the control and 3.19 cm² in the test, which was increased by 0.19 cm². In the autopsy, neither the control nor the test group showed any remarkable abnormality, and each organ was normal. Conclusions: It is thought that ingestion of ENM is useful for immunity enhancement.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 12-weeks of movement training would increase the psoas major cross-sectional area (CSA) in senior men and women. Fifty eight men and women aged 65 to 80 years old ($69.6{\pm}3.7$, 30 male, 28 female) were divided into a control (n=19) and exercise group (n=39). Subjects were assessed before and after the training program for stature, body mass, and magnetic resonance imaging of the psoas major and the quadriceps muscle. The experimental group performed exercises using machines designed to improve the movement of the hip at a frequency of twice every week, with a total of 23 trainings in 12-weeks. Magnetic resonance images of both thighs and the abdomen and psoas major were obtained, aimed at 50% of the length of the greater trochanter and the lower edge of the femur and between the fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) lumbars. A 9.4% increase in the psoas major CSA in the training group was observed. In the male and female breakdown, a 11.5% and 8.4% change was observed in males and females, respectively. In the quadriceps, there was no significant statistical improvement in either males or females. Furthermore, in the control group, there was no significant change seen in either the psoas major or the quadriceps. As a result of conducting training that enables upkeep of posture and smooth linkage of the lumbar spine, the pelvis and thighbone, the psoas major CSA of older adults were improved in a short period of time. For this reason, the possibility of improving the psoas CSA, which decreases remarkably with increased age, by improving the linkage of the body trunk is also suggested.