• Title/Summary/Keyword: Soma

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Protective Effects of Pyropia yezoensis Glycoprotein against Ethanol-induced Chronic Gastric Injury in the Rat (만성적인 에탄올 섭취로 인한 쥐의 위 조직 손상에서 방사무늬 김(Pyropia yezoensis)의 보호효과)

  • Soma, Saeidi;Choi, Jeong Wook;Lee, Min Kyeong;Kim, Young Min;Kim, In Hye;Nam, Taek Jeong
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.47 no.6
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    • pp.765-769
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    • 2014
  • We examined the protective effects of Pyropia yezoensis glycoprotein (PYGP) against ethanol-induced gastric damage. The experimental animals were divided into four groups. They were treated with distilled water (control), ethanol alone (EtOH), ethanol + PYGP 150 mg/kg BW (EtOH+150), or ethanol + PYGP 300 mg/kg BW (EtOH+300). The groups were treated for 4 weeks. We measured mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), the apoptotic signaling pathway, and PARP activity in gastric tissues obtained from the rats. Ethanol consumption increased apoptotic signal activity and ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. PYGP reduced the apoptotic signaling pathway activity and ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. Furthermore, PYGP regulated Bcl-2 family expression. In light of these findings, PYGP appears to prevent ethanol-induced gastric injury and oxidative stress.

Application of the tri-axial drill-bit VSP method to drilling for geological survey in civil engineering

  • Soma Nobukazu;Utagawa Manabu;Seto Masahiro;Asanuma Hiroshi
    • Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.70-79
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    • 2004
  • We have examined the applicability of the triaxial drill-bit VSP method (TAD-VSP) to the geological survey of possible sites for a high-level radioactive waste disposal repository. The seismic energy generated by a drill bit is measured by a downhole multi-component detector, and the resulting signals are processed to image the geological structure deep underground. In order to apply the TAD-VSP method to civil-engineering-scale drilling, we have developed a small but highly sensitive and precise three-component downhole seismic measurement system, and recorded drill-bit signals at a granite quarry. We have successfully imaged discontinuities in the granite, possibly related to fractures, as highly reflective zones. The discontinuities imaged by the TAD-VSP method correlate well with the results of other borehole observations. In conclusion, the TAD-VSP method is usable in geological investigations for civil engineering because the equipment is compact and it is simple to acquire the drill-bit signal.

Imaging and analysis of genetically encoded calcium indicators linking neural circuits and behaviors

  • Oh, Jihae;Lee, Chiwoo;Kaang, Bong-Kiun
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.237-249
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    • 2019
  • Confirming the direct link between neural circuit activity and animal behavior has been a principal aim of neuroscience. The genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI), which binds to calcium ions and emits fluorescence visualizing intracellular calcium concentration, enables detection of in vivo neuronal firing activity. Various GECIs have been developed and can be chosen for diverse purposes. These GECI-based signals can be acquired by several tools including two-photon microscopy and microendoscopy for precise or wide imaging at cellular to synaptic levels. In addition, the images from GECI signals can be analyzed with open source codes including constrained non-negative matrix factorization for endoscopy data (CNMF_E) and miniscope 1-photon-based calcium imaging signal extraction pipeline (MIN1PIPE), and considering parameters of the imaged brain regions (e.g., diameter or shape of soma or the resolution of recorded images), the real-time activity of each cell can be acquired and linked with animal behaviors. As a result, GECI signal analysis can be a powerful tool for revealing the functions of neuronal circuits related to specific behaviors.

Does Inward Foreign Direct Investments Affect Export Performance of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in India? An Empirical Analysis

  • SINGHA, Seema;KUMAR, Brajesh;CHOUDHURY, Soma Roy Dey
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.9 no.9
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    • pp.143-156
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    • 2022
  • This article examines the effect of inward foreign direct investments (FDI) on the export performance of micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, and investigates the spillover impact and absorption capacity of the MSMEs sector. For the first time, the researchers applied the intersectoral linkage approach to investigate the matter and used a panel dataset between 2006 and 2017. The coefficients of forward and backward linkages are estimated by using the Rasmussen method, the study employs a basic linear panel data model, followed by various diagnostic tests to identify the problem of heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation / serial correlation, cross-sectional dependencies, multicollinearity, time-individual specific tests, and unobserved effects. The PCSE model was applied for robust standard error and the Hausman-Taylor IV model to check the robustness of the result generated in the linear panel data model. Despite the high prevalence of forward and backward intersectoral connections and the Lack of absorption capacity of local firms, the results show that FDI has little of an impact on the export performance of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in India. This study adds to the existing literature on determining local firms' spillover effect and absorption capacity in response to inward FDI.

Boundary layer measurements for validating CFD condensation model and analysis based on heat and mass transfer analogy in laminar flow condition

  • Shu Soma;Masahiro Ishigaki;Satoshi Abe;Yasuteru Sibamoto
    • Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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    • v.56 no.7
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    • pp.2524-2533
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    • 2024
  • When analyzing containment thermal-hydraulics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool because multi-dimensional and local analysis is required for some accident scenarios. According to the previous study, neglecting steam bulk condensation in the CFD analysis leads to a significant error in boundary layer profiles. Validating the condensation model requires the experimental data near the condensing surface, however, available boundary layer data is quite limited. It is also important to confirm whether the heat and mass transfer analogy (HMTA) is still valid in the presence of bulk condensation. In this study, the boundary layer measurements on the vertical condensing surface in the presence of air were performed with the rectangular channel facility WINCS, which was designed to measure the velocity, temperature, and concentration boundary layers. We set the laminar flow condition and varied the Richardson number (1.0-23) and the steam volume fraction (0.35-0.57). The experimental results were used to validate CFD analysis and HMTA models. For the former, we implemented a bulk condensation model assuming local thermal equilibrium into the CFD code and confirmed its validity. For the latter, we validated the HMTA-based correlations, confirming that the mixed convection correlation reasonably predicted the sum of wall and bulk condensation rates.

Impact of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer on the Long-Term Quality of Life and Late Side Effects: A Multicentric Clinical Evaluation by the Turkish Oncology Group

  • Kilic, Diclehan;Yalman, Deniz;Aksu, Gorkem;Atasoy, Beste M.;Igdem, Sefik;Dincbas, Fazilet O.;Yalcin, Suayib
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.11
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    • pp.5741-5746
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    • 2012
  • Aim: Although preoperative chemoradiatherapy (CRT) has proven its benefits in terms of decreased toxicity, there is still a considerable amount of cases that do not receive postoperative CRT. Oncologists at different geographic locations still need to know the long-term effects of this treatment in order to manage patients successfully. The current paper reports on long-term quality of life (QOL) and late side effects after adjuvant CRT in rectal cancer patients from 5 centers in Anatolia. Methods: Rectal cancer patients treated with postoperative CRT with minimum 1-year follow-up and were in complete remission, were evaluated according to RTOG and LENT-SOMA scales. They were also asked to complete Turkish version of EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and the CR-38 module. Each center participated with the required clinical data. Results: Two hundred and thirty patients with median age of 55 years participated and completed the study. Median follow-up time was 5 years. All patients received RT concomitant with chemotherapy. Common parameters that both increased functional health scales and yielded better symptom scores were long term interval after treatment and sphincter-saving surgery. In addition, surgery type and follow-up time were determined to be predictors of QOL scores and late toxicity grade. Conclusion: Postoperative CRT was found to have a great impact on the long term QOL and side effects in rectal cancer survivors. The factors that adversely affect these are abdominoperineal resection and shorter interval. The findings may encourage life-long follow-up and cooperation with patients, which should be mentioned during the initial counseling.

Changes of Sexual Behaviors in Rapamycin-injected Cichlid Fish Astatotilapia burtoni Males

  • Kim, Tae Ha;Sohn, Young Chang
    • Development and Reproduction
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.267-274
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    • 2016
  • Cichlid fish species exhibit characteristic sexual behaviors according to not only reproductive stages but also social status. In a reproductive season, Astatotilapia burtoni males compete for females and a small number of dominant winners finally obtain the chance of spermiation. In addition to the characteristic behaviors, the dominant males have relatively bigger gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) neurons in the preoptic area (POA) of brain compared to those of subordinate males. Although the stimulatory effect of GnRH1 in vertebrate reproduction is well established, little is known about the triggering signal pathway to control GnRH1 neurons and GnRH1-mediated sexual behavior. In the present study, we evaluated the potential effect of TOR inhibitor rapamycin in relation to the cichlid male behaviors and GnRH1 neuron. After 14 h and 26 h of intraventricular injection of rapamycin, behavior patterns of chasing and courtship display did not show significant changes between rapamycin- and DMSO-injected males. Behaviors of spawning site entry increased in rapamycin-injected fish at 26 h post-injection than at 14 h post-injection significantly (P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was a tendency that GnRH1 neurons' soma size in the POA shrank by rapamycin injection, whereas the testes did not show notable changes. Taken together, these results suggest the possible role of TOR signal on GnRH1-mediated sexual behavior in cichlid dominant males, although further biological characterization of the TOR signaling pathway will be required to clarify this matter.

Acupuncture stimulation for motor cortex activities: Evidence from 3T functional MRI study

  • 최보영;전신수;유승식;최기순;박상동;임은철;정성택;이형구;서태석
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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    • 2003.09a
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    • pp.75-75
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    • 2003
  • Purpose: To investigate whether or not acupuncture of GB34 produces a significant response of the modulation of somatomotor areas by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Methods: The acupoint, GB34, located in the back of the knee, is known to be effective in recovering motor function after stroke. Using 3T MRI scanner, functional MR imaging of the whole brain was performed in 12 normal healthy subjects during two stimulation paradigms; acupuncture manipulation on GB 34 and sham points. This study investigates the activation of the motor cortex elicited by a soft and an intensified stimulation of GB 34. Three different paradigms were carried out to detect any possible modulation of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) response in the somatomortor area to motor stimulation through acupuncture. Results: Group analysis from seven individuals showed that bilateral sensorimotor areas (BA 3,4,6 and 7) showed stimulation related BOLD signal contrast of approximately 6% whereas very few areas were activated when sham stimulation is given. Conclusions: The present study shows that acupuncture fMRI study can be safely conducted in 3T MRI environment, and acupuncture stimulation in GB34 modulates the cortical activities of the soma- to motor area in human. The present findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of motor function by acupuncture and form a basis for future investigations of motor modulation circuits in the stroke patients. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by a grant of the Mid and Long Term Nuclear RID Plan Program, Ministry of Science and Technology, Republic of Korea.

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Ultrastructural Study on the Development of the Carotid Body in Human Fetus (인태아(人胎兒) 경동맥체(頸動脈體)의 발육(發育)에 관(關)한 전자현미경적(電子顯微鏡的) 연구(硏究))

  • Yoon, Jae-Rhyong;Park, Byoung-Sun;Kim, Baik-Yoon
    • Applied Microscopy
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    • v.24 no.1
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    • pp.11-27
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    • 1994
  • The morphological development of the carotid body was studied by electron microscope in human fetuses from 40mm to 260mm crown rump length (10-30 weeks of gestational age). At 40mm fetus, the carotid body was composed of cluster of primitive glomus cells, primitive supporting cells, unmyelinated nerve fibers, and blood capillaries. In connective tissue between internal and external carotid arteries adjacent to the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion, two types of glomus cells through all prenatal period were found. Dark cells contained a dense cytoplasm with conspicuous large dense-cored granules, whereas light cells had a less dense cytoplasm with dense-cored granules. The light cells contained dense-cored granules that were smaller and less abundant than those in the dark cells. The primitive supporting cells appeared star-shaped with attenuated cytoplasmic extensions intervening between the adjacent glomus cells. Synaptic contact between the axon terminals and soma of the glomus cells were first observed at 40mm fetus. In 80-100mm fetus, the carotid body contained tightly packed collection of glomus cells and supporting cells which surrounded the abundant thin-walled blood vessels. Intercellular junctions between the glomus cells and adjacent cells were commonly seen. Nerve endings on the glomus cells have the form of small boutons and the other from of large calyces. During the second half of the fetal period, the glomus cells were completely enveloped by supporting cells and nerve terminals. At 260mm, the morphological features of carotid body were similar to those of human adult. The result of this study demonstrates that there are differences between the carotid body and aorticopulmonary bodies, especially with respect to their synaptic complexes, abundant blood capillaries, and two glomus cell types.

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Dendritic localization and a cis-acting dendritic targeting element of Kv4.2 mRNA

  • Jo, Anna;Nam, Yeon-Ju;Oh, Jun-Young;Cheon, Hyo-Soon;Jeromin, Andreas;Lee, Jin-A;Kim, Hyong-Kyu
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.43 no.10
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    • pp.677-682
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    • 2010
  • Kv4.2, a pore-forming $\alpha$-subunit of voltage-gated A-type potassium channels, is expressed abundantly in the soma and dendrites of hippocampal neurons, and is responsible for somatodendritic $I_A$ current. Recent studies have suggested that changes in the surface levels of Kv4.2 potassium channels might be relevant to synaptic plasticity. Although the function and expression of Kv4.2 protein have been extensively studied, the dendritic localization of Kv4.2 mRNA is not well described. In this study, Kv4.2 mRNAs were shown to be localized in the dendrites near postsynaptic regions. The dendritic transport of Kv4.2 mRNAs were mediated by microtubule-based movement. The 500 nucleotides of specific regions within the 3'-untranslated region of Kv4.2 mRNA were found to be necessary and sufficient for its dendritic localization. Collectively, these results suggest that the dendritic localization of Kv4.2 mRNAs might regulate the dendritic surface level of Kv4.2 channels and synaptic plasticity.