• Macromolecular Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.282-289
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• 2004

We have extensively characterized the fluorescence behavior of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin in the absence and presence of a 1,3-bis-(l-pyrenyl)propane (BPP) fluorescent probe at various dynamic and isothermal cure histories by means of a steady-state fluorescence technique using a front-face illumination equipment. In addition, we explored the effect of the fluorescence intensity on the relaxation of the fluorescent probe in the UP resin by resting the dynamically and isothermally cured resin at ambient temperature and pressure for 24 h. The monomer fluorescence intensity, which has two characteristic peaks at 376 and 396nm, changed noticeably depending on the cure temperature and time and provided important information with respect to the molecular and photophysical responses upon curing. The result of the fluorescence study indicates that the increased local viscosity and restricted molecular mobility of the UP resin surrounding the BPP probe after curing are both responsible for the enhancement of the monomer fluorescence intensity. Our results also demonstrate that once the BPP probe has enough time to rearrange and become isolated prior to fluorescence, a sufficient amount of fluorescence is emitted. Therefore, we note that the fluorescence behavior of this UP resin system is influenced strongly by the relaxation process of the fluorescent probe in the resin as well as process used to cure the resin.

• Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.512-527
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• 2018

This review provides a comprehensive overview of brain imaging studies of the brain-gut interaction in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Functional neuroimaging studies during gut stimulation have shown enhanced brain responses in regions related to sensory processing of the homeostatic condition of the gut (homeostatic afferent) and responses to salience stimuli (salience network), as well as increased and decreased brain activity in the emotional response areas and reduced activation in areas associated with the top-down modulation of visceral afferent signals. Altered central regulation of the endocrine and autonomic nervous responses, the key mediators of the brain-gut axis, has been demonstrated. Studies using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging reported abnormal local and global connectivity in the areas related to pain processing and the default mode network (a physiological baseline of brain activity at rest associated with self-awareness and memory) in FGIDs. Structural imaging with brain morphometry and diffusion imaging demonstrated altered gray- and white-matter structures in areas that also showed changes in functional imaging studies, although this requires replication. Molecular imaging by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography in FGIDs remains relatively sparse. Progress using analytical methods such as machine learning algorithms may shift neuroimaging studies from brain mapping to predicting clinical outcomes. Because several factors contribute to the pathophysiology of FGIDs and because its population is quite heterogeneous, a new model is needed in future studies to assess the importance of the factors and brain functions that are responsible for an optimal homeostatic state.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2019

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by pain and limited range of motion in the jaw. TMD patients generally prefer to chew on the unaffected or less-affected side, and this tendency often results in asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion. Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the asymmetries in masseter muscle thickness and range of mandibular motion in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders. Methods: Thirty-nine subjects were divided into two groups: A TMD group ($n_1=19$) and a control group ($n_2=20$). The jaw opening range and laterotrusion were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The masseter muscle thickness was examined in both the resting state and the maximal clenching state using ultrasonography. The absolute asymmetry indices calculated based on the laterotrusion and masseter muscle thickness of the respective right and left sides. A two-way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant different was found in the masseter muscle thickness between the TMD and control group. A significant difference was found in the absolute asymmetry indices of mandibular laterotrusion between the TMD and control groups (p<.05). Furthermore, the ranges of jaw opening were significantly different between males and females (p<.05). The absolute asymmetry index values of masseter muscle thickness at rest and during maximal clenching were also significantly different between males and females (p<.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated that the subjects with TMD had a larger degree of asymmetry in laterotrusion than those without TMD. Therefore, a physiotherapy program needs to be designed to restore normal laterotrusion capacities for TMD subjects. These results also showed that female subjects had greater absolute asymmetry indices in masseter muscle thickness than male subjects. Therefore, more training is needed to promote bilaterally balanced chewing among women.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.71-82
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (cMRF) enables simultaneous mapping of myocardial T1 and T2 with very short acquisition times. Breathing maneuvers have been utilized as a vasoactive stress test to dynamically characterize myocardial tissue in vivo. We tested the feasibility of sequential, rapid cMRF acquisitions during breathing maneuvers to quantify myocardial T1 and T2 changes. METHODS: We measured T1 and T2 values using conventional T1 and T2-mapping techniques (modified look locker inversion [MOLLI] and T2-prepared balanced-steady state free precession), and a 15 heartbeat (15-hb) and rapid 5-hb cMRF sequence in a phantom and in 9 healthy volunteers. The cMRF_5-hb sequence was also used to dynamically assess T1 and T2 changes over the course of a vasoactive combined breathing maneuver. RESULTS: In healthy volunteers, the mean myocardial T1 of the different mapping methodologies were: MOLLI 1,224 ± 81 ms, cMRF_15-hb 1,359 ± 97 ms, and cMRF_5-hb 1,357 ± 76 ms. The mean myocardial T2 measured with the conventional mapping technique was 41.7 ± 6.7 ms, while for cMRF_15-hb 29.6 ± 5.8 ms and cMRF_5-hb 30.5 ± 5.8 ms. T2 was reduced with vasoconstriction (post-hyperventilation compared to a baseline resting state) (30.15 ± 1.53 ms vs. 27.99 ± 2.07 ms, p = 0.02), while T1 did not change with hyperventilation. During the vasodilatory breath-hold, no significant change of myocardial T1 and T2 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: cMRF_5-hb enables simultaneous mapping of myocardial T1 and T2, and may be used to track dynamic changes of myocardial T1 and T2 during vasoactive combined breathing maneuvers.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.107-120
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• 1986

The activities of serum of serum lactate dehydrogenase (SLDH), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), serum creatine phosphokinase (SCPK), and their isozymes were determined in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats acclimated to cold environment $(4\\pm1^\\circC)$ for 36 days. The SLDH activity was significantly higher in the early stage of acclimated period. The steady state of SLDH activity seemed to be reached by the end of acclimated period. Electrophoretic separation of serum of control rat showed three SLDH isozymes. Isozymes SLDH4 and SLDH5 appeared most prominently, whereas only trace of SLDH1 or SLDH2 was found. The increase in SLDH level during acclimation to cold environment is a reflection of an immediate increase in the SLDH1, SLDH2, and SLDH3 type of SLDH isozyme. The acclimation to cold environment increased significantly level of SALP in the early state of acclimated period. SALP activity showed a attaining steady state with the resting level after transient rise. Electrophoretic separation of SALP of control rats showed the SALP1 and SALP2 fractions. The transient rise in SALP activity of rats acclimated to cold environment coincided with a transient rise in SALP1 fraction. Immediately after exposure to cold environment, there was significant elevation in SCPK activity. Value returned to normal after transient rise. A new steady state of SCPK activity seemed to be reached by 36 days. It may be inferred from the above data that thermal compensation appears to result from a change in the activity of an enzyme and that the SLDH, SLDH-isozyme, SALP-isozyme, and SCPK may be involved directly or indirectly in thermoregulation during acclimation to cold environment.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.711-719
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• 2003

The effects of taurine, carnitine or glutamine supplementation on endurance exercise performance along with related fatigue factors were evaluated in male college students in the Department of Physical Education, who's maximal oxygen consumption rates (VO$_2$max) were equivalent to those of endurance athletes. Twenty four subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6), and given placebo, taurine (4 g/day), carnitine (4 g/day), or glutamine (4 g/day) tablets for 2 weeks. Subjects could run 6.9 min or 9.0 min longer until exhausted on a treadmill at the intensity of 75% VO$_2$max following taurine or camitine supplementation for 2 weeks, respectively, compared to the value measured prior to each supplementation. Glutamine or placebo supplementation did not improve the endurance exercise performance based on the running time until exhausted on a treadmill. Serum lactate concentrations measured 1 hr after the initiation of the endurance exercise, as well as at all-out state tended to be decreased by taurine, carnitine, or glutamine supplementation, and were significantly lowered (43% decrease) by carnitine supplementation (p < 0.05). Taurine supplementation significantly reduced the serum inorganic phosphorus concentration measured at all-out state (14% decrease, p < 0.05), while carnitine supplementation significantly lowered the resting state serum inorganic phosphorus level (20% decrease, p < 0.05). Taurine (32% reduction) or carnitine (23% reduction) supplementation significantly decreased serum ammonia concentration measured at all-out state (p < 0.05). From these results, 4 g/day of taurine or carnitine supplementation appears to improve the endurance exercise performance and related human fatigue factors.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.166-178
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• 2013

Objectives Alteration of epigenetic effects of testosterone during early development was suggested as an ancillary mechanism for the genesis of schizophrenia. EEG coherence was thought to be a marker for cerebral laterality of which important determinant was testosterone during early development. We studied sex-related differences of EEG coherences between patients with schizophrenia and controls to examine the sex effects in the genesis of schizophrenia. Methods EEG was recorded in 35 patients with schizophrenia and 46 healthy controls in the eyes closed resting state. Pair-wise EEG coherences were calculated over delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands. To examine the differences of EEG coherence according to sex in each group, ANCOVA was performed using Statistical Analysis system (SAS, Ver 9.3) and R (Ver 2.15.2). Results Healthy control males showed more increased right intrahemispheric coherences than healthy control females in delta, theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. In patients with schizophrenia, this male dominant pattern in right intrahemispheric coherences was attenuated especially in alpha and beta bands. Healthy control females showed more increased interhemispheric coherences than healthy control males in delta, theta, beta and gamma frequency bands. In patients with schizophrenia, these female dominant patterns in interhemispheric coherences were attenuated especially in delta, theta, and beta bands, which were commonly observed in frontal to central areas. Conclusion Sex differences in resting EEG coherences were attenuated in schizophrenia patients. These results imply that sex-related aberrant cerebral lateralization might exist in patients with schizophrenia, which are partly due to sex hormones via epigenetic mechanisms.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2008

As a step toward developing conservation and restoration plans for an endangered species of the Oriental White Stork (Ciconia boyciana), we studied daily foraging behavior and ecology. We released two individuals, male and female, after enclosing study site with a fence and cutting out a part of two or three feathers of primaries. Research was conducted from 16 June to 11 July, 2007 for 25 days at Whawonri, Mewonmyung, Chungbuk province. We investigated diural and daily variation of foraging time budget, diet composition, and habitat selection of the feeding individuals. The storks quadratically invested for foraging time and resting time according to time of day, but no significant variation in the foraging time and resting time appeared daily over 25 days. As a result, the storks mainly used wetland as a foraging site in the center of the study area to that in the edge as well as to other types of habitat. The high usage for wetland in the center did not change over the 25 days while Rice field decreased and Wetland in the edge and Pathway increased. Female invested more time for foraging than male, but the foraging efficiency did not differ between them. We discussed the significance of foraging behavior and habitat selection for management plan.

• Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.77-86
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to survey and analyze the operating state and characteristics of domestic and foreign green care, prioritize the facilities and programs for green care introduction through expert survey of importance, and thereby to provide a basic material for introducing green care in facilities in Rural Development Project districts, including domestic rural experience facilities. Domestic and foreign literature was analyzed in order to classify the necessary facilities programs, of green care, and the analysis results were modified and supplemented through Expert Delphi Survey. Based on the results, AHP based importance survey was conducted. In terms of the facilities and programs for green care introduction, necessary facilities (H/W) were categorized into four types (accommodation facility, resting facility, experience facility, therapy facility) and S/W programs into three types (learning experience type, therapy type, and care type). To verify the reliability of the AHP based importance survey, Consistency Index (C.I.) was analyzed. As a result, the C.I. value of nine respondents ranged from 0.000 to 0.083 so that the survey was found to have high consistency. The importance of S/W programs was 0.627, and that of H/W facilities was 0.373. For green care introduction, programs were found to be more important. Regarding the categories of necessary facilities, therapy facility had the highest value, or 0.348; experience facility 0.253; accommodation facility 0.211; resting facility 0.188. Therefore, therapy facility and experience facility were found to be important. In case of S/W programs, therapy type had the highest value, or 0.499, and learning experience type (0.255) and care type (0.246) were similarly important. Generally, the categories that had high importance values tended to show a remarkable difference in importance of their sub categories. In particular, facilities or therapy programs using natural ecology and forests were found to be highly important. In conclusion, it is required to actively review the introduction of active programs using resources, such as existing experience facilities and accommodation facilities and villages forests, and programs making the body and soul comfortable, such as natural ecology experience, Green Shower, and horticulture activity.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.57-64
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• 2019

Anger is the most common emotional trigger causing relapses in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The present study intended to investigate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses induced by anger in individuals with AUDs. The participants in this study included twelve individuals with AUDs and 14 non-frequent drinkers. Anger was induced in the participants via a 120-second film clip. Before the presentation of this audio-visual stimulus, the ANS responses of the participants were measured for 60 seconds to ascertain their resting state. Subsequently, the participants' ANS responses were measured again for 120 seconds when they were in an emotional state during the presentation of the clip. After the ANS measurements were taken, participants were asked to rate the type of emotion they had experienced as they viewed the film and to report its intensity. The results indicated that the levels of anger experienced by the AUD group were not significantly different from the emotion registered by the control group. However, the ANS responses induced in AUD participants when they were in an emotional state showed blunted skin conductance levels (SCL) and skin conductance responses (SCR) compared to the control group participants. Individuals with AUDs evinced lower emotional arousal than the participants of the control group. These results can help clinicians understand the psychological and physiological responses of individuals with AUDs to anger in order to design effective interventions that would reduce chances of anger and relapse.