• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.1104-1111
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• 2017

In this study, the authors aimed to give careful consideration to the circulation of bioenergy (Qi) by using cardiorespiratory massage technique. Finding enlightenment in harmony with nature thousands of years ago, our ancestors created Qi using natural breathing and tried to achieve good health and long life by controling the up and down movement. Experiencing the importance of the abdomen during the hungry times, also, grandmothers cured diseases by rubbing the abdomen, which is the ocean of life with their soft, soothing touch of hand. Naval breathing therapy was formed, based on natural breathing, emotional recognition of grandmothers' soft, soothing touch, and the Theory of Unified Reason and Energy that is the key of Oriental medicine. Natural breathing and Yakson massage are kinds of naturopathy to change body and mind, cure diseases naturally, and maintain the improvement in physical functions by taking care of the abdomen through the creation of Qi and the up and down movement and keeping dynamic balance between the natural world and the inside and outside of human body. It is anticipated that this study could contribute to the practical spread for an active application of naval breathing therapy and be broadly used in scientific clinical researches.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.157-161
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• 2001

Mice homozygous for the lethal autosomal recessive anorexia mutation (anx) present with premature death around postnatal day 22. The anorexia mutant mice also present phenotypes such as reduced body weight, decreased food intake, and abnormal behavior characteristics such as body tremors, hyperactivity, uncoordinated gait, and head weaving. In order to investigate the expression of c-Fos in the hippocampus of anorexia mutant mice, the immunohistochemistry was performed in this study. The anorexia mutant mice exhibited lower expression of c-Fos in the hippocampus regions thBn the control group. In the CA3 and dentate gyrus, the number of c-Fos-positive cells in anorexia mutant mice was noticeably lower than that in control mice. However, no significant difference was found in the number of c-Fos-positive cells in CA1 of the two groups. The result suggests that the phenotypic characteristics of anorexia mutant mice may be associated with the hippocampal deficits of c-Fos expression.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.230-236
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• 2012

The Korean hare, Lepus coreanus, is an important mammal in ecosystem food chains, and is distributed across the entire Korean peninsula and northeastern China. Polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed using the biotinenrichment technique for use in population genetics studies. Five trinucleotide and four dinucleotide microsatellite loci were selected and tested on 22 Korean hare specimens collected from Gangwon Province and Gyeongsangbuk Province in South Korea. The number of alleles across the two sampling regions ranged from three to nine with a mean of 6.1. Mean observed and expected heterozygosities and polymorphic information content were 0.540, 0.627 and 0.579, respectively. Only one locus, Lc06, showed departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium after applying the Bonferroni correction. Four microsatellites, Lc01, Lc03, Lc12, and Lc19, satisfied the criteria to serve as a core set of markers recommended for population genetics studies. These new microsatellite markers will be widely applicable to future genetic studies for management and conservation of the Korean hare and related species, including assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of L. coreanus.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2007

Recently, we have shown that some endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, organotins and azoles suppressed steroidogenic enzymes such as P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and aromatase in bullfrog ovarian follicles. In the present study, by using an amphibian ovarian follicle culture system, we examined the effects of these endocrine disruptors on maturation and ovulation of oocytes from Rana dybowskii in vitro. Ovarian fragments or isolated follicles were cultured for 24 h in a medium containing frog pituitary homogenate (FPH) or progesterone ($P_{4}$) with or without endocrine disruptors, and oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle breakdown, GVBD) and ovulation were examined. Among the organotins, tributyltin (TBT) strongly inhibited both FPH-and $P_{4}-induced$ oocyte maturation ($ED_{50}$:0.6 and 0.7 ${\mu}M$, respectively); however, tetrabutyltin (TTBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) showed only partial suppression, while monobutyltin (MBT) showed no inhibitory effect. All of the organotins suppressed $P_{4}-induced$ oocyte ovulation very effectively at a low concentration, and TBT and DBT exerted an inhibitory effect on FPH-induced ovulation. Among the heavy metals, mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) were very effective in inhibiting FPH-induced oocyte maturation and ovulation, while lead (Pb), arsenite (As) and zinc (Zn) were less effective. However, all of the heavy metals suppressed FPH-induced oocyte ovulation at a high dose ($100{\mu}M$). Among the azoles, itraconazole (ICZ), ketoconazole (KCZ) and clotrimazole (CTZ) effectively inhibited FPH-induced oocyte maturation and ovulation, while econazole (ECZ), miconazole (MCZ) and fluconazole (FCZ) were considerably less effective. These results demonstrated that the abovementioned endocrine disruptors exhibited differential effects on oocyte maturation and ovulation in amphibian follicles and that the frog ovarian culture system could be used as an effective experimental tool to screen and evaluate the toxicity of various endocrine disruptors in vitro.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.3790-3797
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• 2021

Although the individual channel readout method can improve the performance of PET detectors with pixelated photo-sensors, such as silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), this method leads to a significant increase in the number of readout channels. In this study, we proposed a novel multiplexing method that could effectively reduce the number of readout channels to reduce system complexity and development cost. The proposed multiplexing circuit was designed to generate bipolar pulses with different zero-crossing points by adjusting the time constant of the high-pass filter connected to each channel of a pixelated photo-sensor. The channel position of the detected gamma-ray was identified by estimating the width between the rising edge and the zero-crossing point of the bipolar pulse. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed multiplexing circuit, four detector blocks, each consisting of a 4 × 4 array of 3 mm × 3 mm × 20 mm LYSO and a 4 × 4 SiPM array, were constructed. The average energy resolution was 13.2 ± 1.1% for all 64 crystal pixels and each pixel position was accurately identified. A coincidence timing resolution was 580 ± 12 ps. The experimental results indicated that the novel multiplexing method proposed in this study is able to effectively reduce the number of readout channels while maintaining accurate position identification with good energy and timing performance. In addition, it could be useful for the development of PET systems consisting of a large number of pixelated detectors.

• International Neurourology Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.252-259
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• 2018

Purpose: Naftopidil ((${\pm}$)-1-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl) piperazinyl]-3-(1-naphthyloxy) propan-2-ol) is prescribed in several Asian countries for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Previous animal experiments showed that intrathecal injection of naftopidil abolished rhythmic bladder contraction in vivo. Naftopidil facilitated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in spinal cord slices. These results suggest that naftopidil may suppress the micturition reflex at the spinal cord level. However, the effect of naftopidil on evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in SG neurons remains to be elucidated. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats at 6 to 8 weeks old were used. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made using SG neurons in spinal cord slices isolated from adult rats. Evoked EPSCs were analyzed in $A{\delta}$ or C fibers. Naftopidil or prazosin, an ${\alpha}1$-adrenoceptor blocker, was perfused at $100{\mu}M$ or $10{\mu}M$, respectively. Results: Bath-applied $100{\mu}M$ naftopidil significantly decreased the peak amplitudes of $A{\delta}$ and C fiber-evoked EPSCs to $72.0%{\pm}7.1%$ (n=15) and $70.0%{\pm}5.5%$ (n=20), respectively, in a reversible and reproducible manner. Bath application of $100{\mu}M$ prazosin did not inhibit $A{\delta}$ or C fiber-evoked EPSCs. Conclusions: The present study suggests that a high concentration of naftopidil reduces the amplitude of evoked EPSCs via a mechanism that apparently does not involve ${\alpha}1$-adrenoceptors. Inhibition of evoked EPSCs may also contribute to suppression of the micturition reflex, together with nociceptive stimulation.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.8
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• pp.254-259
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• 2019

In this paper, we tried to present the basic framework so that we can conduct more systematic research on natural healing through fusion research, which combines the service marketing of natural healing field with the service marketing. This study investigated the user's satisfaction and intention to reuse natural and aesthetic experiences. People aged 20 to 50 across the country were given a range commonly known as "naturopathy," and the survey was conducted on those who experienced it. Analysis of data was performed using the SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0 programs. Studies have shown that naturopathy experiences have a positive effect on customer satisfaction. After verifying the effect of the quality of naturopathy experience on customer satisfaction and reuse, it was found that customer satisfaction greatly affected customer satisfaction and customer satisfaction had a very high impact on the intention of reuse.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the physiological role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) associated with odontogenic differentiation during tooth development in mice. Mouse dental papilla cell-23 (MDPC-23) cells cultured in differentiation media were stimulated with the specific NAMPT inhibitor, FK866, and Visfatin (NAMPT) for up to 10 days. The cells were evaluated after 0, 4, 7, and 10 days. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The mineralization assay was performed by staining MDPC-23 cells with Alizarin Red S solution. After cultivation, MDPC-23 cells were harvested for quantitative PCR or Western blotting. Analysis of variance was performed using StatView 5.0 software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The expression of NAMPT increased during the differentiation of murine odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Furthermore, the up-regulation of NAMPT promoted odontogenic differentiation and accelerated mineralization through an increase in representative odontoblastic biomarkers, such as dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein-1, and alkaline phosphatase in MDPC-23 cells. However, treatment of the cells with the NAMPT inhibitor, FK866, attenuated odontogenic differentiation, as evidenced by the suppression of odontoblastic biomarkers. These data indicate that NAMPT regulated odontoblastic differentiation through the regulation of odontoblastic biomarkers. The increase in NAMPT expression in odontoblasts was closely related to the formation of the extracellular matrix and dentin via the Runx signaling pathway. Therefore, these data suggest that NAMPT is a critical regulator of odontoblast differentiation during tooth development.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.255-266
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• 2022

Purpose: This study sought to study the effects of cross-legged sitting posture on joint motion. It also examined the correlation between the changes in the joint range of motion, musculoskeletal symptoms, and facial asymmetry. Methods: The Acumar Digital Inclinometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, USA) was used to measure the range of motion (ROM). We measured the flexion and extension of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine using a dual inclinometer, and measured the ROM of the shoulder and hip joint with a single inclinometer. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to investigate musculoskeletal symptoms and facial asymmetry. Results: The data analysis was performed using the Jamovi version 1.6.23 statistical software. After confirming the normality of the ROM with descriptive statistics, it was compared with the normal ROM through a one-sample t-test. Correlation matrix analysis was performed to confirm the association between facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms. The result of the one-sample t-test showed a significant increase in the thoracic spine extension and right and left hip external rotation (p<0.001^***), while most other joints were restricted. As per the frequency analysis, facial asymmetry was found to be 81.70%. Conclusion: The independent variable, namely cross-legged sitting posture led to an increase in ROM. The study also suggests that facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms could occur. Therefore, to prevent the increase and limitation of ROM and to prevent the occurrence of facial asymmetry and musculoskeletal symptoms, it is suggested that the usual cross-legged sitting posture should be avoided.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.801-812
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Diet planning in childcare centers is difficult because of the required knowledge of nutrition and development as well as the high design complexity associated with large numbers of food items. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to provide diet-planning solutions via automatic and effective application of professional knowledge, addressing the complexity of optimal diet design. This study presents the results of the evaluation of the utility of AI-generated diets for children and provides related implications. MATERIALS/METHODS: We developed 2 AI solutions for children aged 3-5 yrs using a generative adversarial network (GAN) model and a reinforcement learning (RL) framework. After training these solutions to produce daily diet plans, experts evaluated the human- and AI-generated diets in 2 steps. RESULTS: In the evaluation of adequacy of nutrition, where experts were provided only with nutrient information and no food names, the proportion of strong positive responses to RL-generated diets was higher than that of the human- and GAN-generated diets (P < 0.001). In contrast, in terms of diet composition, the experts' responses to human-designed diets were more positive when experts were provided with food name information (i.e., composition information). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the development and evaluation of AI to support dietary planning for children. This study demonstrates the possibility of developing AI-assisted diet planning methods for children and highlights the importance of composition compliance in diet planning. Further integrative cooperation in the fields of nutrition, engineering, and medicine is needed to improve the suitability of our proposed AI solutions and benefit children's well-being by providing high-quality diet planning in terms of both compositional and nutritional criteria.