• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.87-94
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• 2014

Nitric oxide (NO), which has been recognized as an integral molecule in maintaining homeostasis, plays an important role in host defense against microbes. NO has diverse antimicrobial mechanisms by directly and/or indirectly interacting with microbes. Under the circumstance that there is an urgent need for a new class of antimicrobial agents due to antibiotic resistance, much effort has been made to develop a NO-based antimicrobial agent. In order to make it possible, strategies to store and release NO in a controlled manner are required because NO has a gaseous property and a very short half-life. In this review, we described NO biochemistry and its mechanisms of antimicrobial activity. In additions, we introduced various NO-releasing systems that improve NO's antimicrobial activity.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.429-437
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• 2009

The control mechanism of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on gonadotropin (GTH) release was studied using cultured pituitary cell or cultured whole pituitary obtained from Testosterone (T) treated and control immature rainbow trout. The release of FSH was not changed by salmon type GnRH (sGnRH), chiken-II type (cGnRH-II), GnRH analogue ([des-$Gly^{10}D-Ala^6$] GnRH ethylamide) and GnRH antagonist ([Ac-3, 4-dehydro-$Pro^1$, D-p-F-$Phe^2$, D-$Trp^{3,6}$] GnRH) in cultured pituitary cells of T-treated and control fish. Indeed, FSH release was not also altered by sGnRH in cultured whole pituitary. All tested drugs had no effect on the release of LH in both culture systems of control fish. The levels of LH, in contrast, such as the pituitary content, basal release and responsiveness to GnRH were increased by T administration in both culture systems. In addition, the release of LH in response to sGnRH or cGnRH-II induced in a dose-dependent manner from cultured pituitary cells of T-treated fish, but which is not significantly different between in both GnRH at the concentration examined. Indeed, LH release was also increased by sGnRH in cultured whole pituitary of T-treated fish. GnRH antagonist suppressed the release of LH by sGnRH ($10^{-8}\;M$) and GnRH analogue ($10^{-8}\;M$) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner from cultured pituitary cells of T-treated fish, and which were totally inhibited by $10^{-7}\;M$ GnRH antagonist. These results indicate that the sensitivity of pituitary cells to GnRH is elevated probably through the T treatment, and that GnRH is involved in the regulation of LH release. GnRH-stimulated LH release is inhibited by GnRH antagonist in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of gonadal steroids on FSH levels are less clear.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.409-413
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• 2012

Purpose: Rehabilitative devices are used to enhance sensorimotor training protocols, for improvement of motor function in the hemiplegic limb of patients who have suffered a stroke. Sensorimotor integration feedback systems, included with these devices, are very good therapeutic frameworks. We applied this approach using electrical stimulation in stroke patients and examined whether a functional electric stimulation-assisted biofeedback therapy system could improve function of the upper extremity in chronic hemiplegia. Methods: A prototype biofeedback system was used by six subjects to perform a set of tasks with their affected upper extremity during a 30-minute session for 20 consecutive working days. When needed for a grasping or releasing movement of objects, the functional electrical stimulation (FES) stimulated the wrist and finger flexor or extensor and assisted the patients in grasping or releasing the objects. Kinematic data provided by the biofeedback system were acquired. In addition, clinical performance scales and activity of daily living skills were evaluated before and after application of a prototype biofeedback system. Results: Our findings revealed statistically significant gradual improvement in patients with stroke, in terms of kinematic and clinical performance during the treatment sessions, in terms of manual function test and the Purdue pegboard. However, no significant difference of the motor activity log was found. Conclusion: Hemiplegic upper extremity function of a small group of patients with chronic hemiparesis was improved through two weeks of training using the FES-assisted biofeedback system. Further research into the use of biofeedback systems for long-term clinical improvement will be needed.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.260-266
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• 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether different types of adhesive systems and enamel-protective agents will affect the tensile bond strength of lingual brackets. Methods: A total of 75 extracted mandibular incisors were randomly divided into 5 groups and lingual brackets were bonded. Group 1 specimens received Transbond XT (3M Unitek, Monrovia, CA, USA), Group 2 required the application of a fluoride-releasing resin (Ortho-coat, Pulpdent, Watertown, MA, USA) with Transbond XT, Group 3 specimens received a chlorhexidine varnish (Cervitec Plus, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Lichtenstein) with Transbond XT. In Group 4, a light-cured orthodontic adhesive (Aegis Ortho, Bosworth, Skokie, USA) was applied and in Group 5, an antimicrobial self-etching primer (Clearfil Protect Bond, Kuraray, Osaka, Japan) was used. Results: There were no significant differences in bond strength whether fluoride-releasing resin or chlorhexidine varnish were used or not. Group 5 had significantly higher bond strength and adhesive remnant index (ARI) values than other groups (p < 0.001). The application of enamel-protective products did not have an adverse affect on the bond strength of lingual brackets. Conclusions: These products might provide benefits both for the patient and the clinician, by supporting the oral hygiene during lingual orthodontic treatment. The higher ARI score may be beneficial for Clearfil Protect Bond but its excessive bond strength should be considered in clinical practice, especially where the enamel is thin.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.422-428
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• 2010

Giomer is fluoride-releasing, resin-based dental materials that comprise PRG(pre-reacted glass ionomer) filler. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of Giomer using self-etching primer systems to bovine dentin. Bovine incisors were mounted in self-curing orthodontic resin and the facial surfaces were wet ground on SIC paper to expose the dentin. Total 100 samples were made and divided randomly into 4 groups, Giomer group(I), Composite resin group(II) and Compomer group(III), Giomer and single bottle adhesive group(IV). The shear bond strengths of 25 samples per each group were measured using universal testing machine. And data were analyzed statistically with One-way ANOVA and Scheffe test. Giomer group(I) showed the significantly higher bond strength than Compomer group(III)(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between Giomer group(I) and Composite resin group(II)(p>0.05). And there is no significant difference between gourp(I) and group(IV). Based on the results of present study, the use of Giomer as an esthetic restorative material for primary teeth might be justified. It is considered that more study about the fluoride releasing ability is needed to evaluate the anticariogenic effect of giomer.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.265-278
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• 2008

Stress reaction can be shown widely in the systems of psychology, endocrinology, immunology and so on. Stress promotes catecholamine from the autonomic nerve system, and this activates the sympathetic nerve system. As the sympathetic nerve system is activated, high blood pressure, tachycardia, vertigo, anxiety, diaphoresis, myotonic reaction and others can happen. Autonomic imbalance is the syndrome that people suffer from various symptoms accompanying no organic lesions and no psychological disorders by losing the hormonies between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve system. We experienced a 55 year-old female who complained of sudden abdominal pain after being frightened at trouble with her husband. Her abdominal pain was very characteristic, "Something is like rising in my abdomen.", that occurred several times a day. We diagnosed 'Bun-Ton Disease' from her abdominal sign. Several oriental medicine books recorded aspects of Bun-Ton disease and treatments, we had given herbal medicine and treated acupuncture be based on those. Results from studies to date suggest the Bun-Ton Disease's main cause is fright or shock, and they stimulate releasing epinephrine or norepinephrine, that result in various symptoms. In this case report, we will present this patient's case and review the Bun-Ton Disease.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.103-113
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• 1999

Many in-depth reviews related to regulations of prolactin secretion are available. We will, therefore, focus on controversial aspects using personal opinion in this review. The neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary gland involves multiple factors including prolactin-release inhibiting factor (PIF) and prolactin releasing factor (PRF). The PIF exerts a tonic inhibitory control in the physiological conditions. The PIF should be able to effectively inhibit prolactin release or a lifetime, but the inhibitory action of dopamine cannot be sustained for a long period of time. Perifusion of a high concentration of dopamine (l ,000 nM) could not sustain inhibitory action on prolactin release but when a small amount of ascorbic acid (0.1 mM) is added in a low concentration of dopamine (3 nM) solution, prolactin release was inhibited for a long period. Ascorbate is essential for dopamine action to inhibit prolactin release. We have, therefore, concluded that the PIF is dopamine plus ascorbate. The major transduction system for dopamine to inhibit prolactin release is the adenylyl cyclase system. Dopamine decreases cyclic AMP concentration by inhibiting adenylyl cyclase, and cyclic AMP stimulates prolactin release. However, the inhibitory mechanism of dopamine on prolactin release is much more complex than simple inhibition of CAMP production. The dopamine not only inhibits cyclic AMP synthesis but also inhibits prolactin release by acting on a link(s) after the CAMP event in a chain reaction for inhibiting prolactin release. Low concentrations of dopamine stimulate prolactin release. Lactotropes are made of several different subtypes of cells and several different dopamine receptors are found in pituitary. The inhibitory and stimulatory actions induced by dopamine can be generated by different subtype of receptors. The GH$_4$ZR$_7$ cells express only the short isoform (D$_{2s}$) of the dopamine receptor, as a result of transfecting the D$_{2s}$ receptors into GH$_4$C$_1$ cells which do not express any dopamine receptors. When dopamine stimulates or inhibits prolactin release in GH$_4$ZR$_7$ cells, it is clear that the dopamine should act on dopamine D$_{2s}$ receptors since there is no other dopamine receptor in the GH$_4$ZR$_7$. Dopamine is able to stimulate prolactin release in a relatively low concentration while it inhibits in a high concentration in GH$_4$ZR$_7$. These observations indicate that the dopamine D$_2$ receptor can activate stimulatory and/or inhibitory transduction system depending upon dopamine concentrations.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.1442-1448
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• 2017

Recently, electric power systems have been operating with tight margins and have reached their operational limits. Many researchers consider a microgrid as one of the best solutions to relieve that problem. The microgrid is generally powered by renewable energies that are connected through power converters. In contrast to the rotational machines in the conventional power plants, the converters do not have physical rotors, and therefore they do not have rotational inertia. Consequently, a stand-alone microgrid has no inertia when it is powered by the only converter-based-generators (CBGs). As a result, the relationship between power and frequency is not valid, and the grid frequency cannot represent the power balance between the generator and load. In this paper, a superconducting flywheel energy storage system (SFESS) is applied to an inertia-free stand-alone (IFSA) microgrid. The SFESS accelerates or decelerates its rotational speed by storing or releasing power, respectively, based on its rotational inertia. Then, power in the IFSA microgrid can be balanced by measuring the rotor speed in the SFESS. This method does not have an error accumulation problem, which must be considered for the state of charge (SOC) estimation in the battery energy storage system (BESS). The performance of the proposed method is verified by an electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2016

In many fish species, including Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), gonadal development occurs at the expense of stored energy and nutrients. Therefore, reproductive systems are inhibited by limited food supply. It has been well established that reproductive function is highly sensitive to both metabolic status and energy balance. Nothing is known about the possible mediated connection between energy balance and reproduction. Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide product of the Kiss gene has emerged as an essential gatekeeper of reproduction and may be possibly be linked to energy balance and reproduction in non-mammalians. Thus, in this study, the effect of fasting (10 days) on the expression of kisspeptin and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene were assessed in Nile tilapia (male and female) using qRT-PCR. In addition, plasma levels of estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in adult tilapia were measured by ELISA. In male tilapia, fasting reduced Kiss2 and GnRH I mRNA expression in the brain and 11-KT level in comparison with the fed tilapia (p < 0.05). In females, however, there were no significant differences in GnRH I mRNA expression and $E_2$ between fish subjected to fasting and those fed (p > 0.05). These data indicate the impact of nutritional states on kisspeptin as a potential regulatory mechanism for the control of reproduction in male Nile tilapia.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.31 no.1 s.57
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• pp.11-15
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• 1995

Serotonergic neurons in medulla oblongata play an important role in the endogenous descending pain inhibitory system. To illucidate the factors involved in the regulation of medullary serotonergic neurons, we studied the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and agents acting on various second messenger systems on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) release from cultured neurons of rat fetal (gestational age 14th day) medulla oblongata. Cultured cells maintained for 10 days in vitro were stimulated for 48 hours with CCK or other neuropeptides at 10 micromolar concentration. CCK ($10{\mu}M$) and substance P ($10{\mu}M$) significantly increased. 5-HT release. However, somatostatin, proctolin, thyrotropin releasing hormone, and interleukin-6 did not have any effects on 5-HT release. Nimodipine ($1{\mu}M$), a calcium channel blocker, almost completely, and calmidazolium ($1{\mu}M$), a calmodulin antagonist, significantly inhibited the CCK-induced 5-HT release. The total 5-HT content (intracellular 5-HT plus released 5-HT) was significantly increased by CCK. However, the intracellular 5-HT content was not significantly changed by CCK. Forskolin ($5{\mu}M$), an adenylate cyclase activiator, but not $2{\mu}M$ phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a protein kinase C activator, significantly enhanced 5-HT release. The total 5-HT content (intracellular 5-HT plus released 5-HT) was significantly increased by forskolin. However, the intracellular 5-HT content was not significantly changed by forskolin. PMA had no effect on intracellular 5-HT levels. These results suggest that CCK regulates serotonergic neurons in the medulla oblongata by enhancing 5-HT secretion through calcium influx and caimodulin, and that cyclic AMP system but not protein kinase C system is involved in 5-HT release.