• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2007

In this paper. we have studied improvement in sensitivity by increasing the frequency of SAW sensors for detecting the immobilization and hybridization of DNA. The sensor consists of twin SAW delay lines operating at 200MHz, a sensing channel and a reference channel. fabricated on $36^{\circ}$ rotated Y-cut X-propagation $LiTaO_3$ crystals. The optimum concentration of probe and target DNA was decided for the improvement of detection mechanism. and digital syringe pump system was used to reduce the human errors. The hybridization between immobilized probe DNA and target DNA on the gold-coated delay line results in mass loading on the delay line of the sensing channel. Thus, the relative frequency change was monitored in relation to the mass loading. The measurement results showed a good response of the sensor to the DNA hybridization with a maximum sensitivity level up to 0.066ng/m1/Hz.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.295-313
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• 2023

Objectives : While treatments for cancer are advancing, the development of effective treatments for cancer metastasis, the main cause of cancer patient death, remains insufficient. Recent studies on Dichroae Radix have revealed that its active ingredients have the potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the cancer metastasis inhibitory effect of Dichroae Radix using network pharmacological analysis. Methods : The active compounds of Dichroae Radix have been identified using Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. The UniProt database was used to collect each of information of all target proteins associated with the active compounds. To find the bio-metabolic processes associated with each target, the DAVID6.8 Gene Functional classifier tool was used. Compound-Target and Target-Pathway networks were analyzed via Cytoscape 3.40. Results : In total, 25 active compounds and their 62 non-redundant targets were selected through the TCMSP database and analysis platform. The target genes underwent gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. The gene list applied to the gene ontology analysis revealed associations with various biological processes, including signal transduction, chemical synaptic transmission, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, response to xenobiotic stimulus, and response to drugs, among others. A total of eleven genes, including HSP90AB1, CALM1, F2, AR, PAKACA, PTGS2, NOS2, RXRA, ESR1, ESR2, and NCOA1, were found to be associated with biological pathways related to cancer metastasis. Furthermore, nineteen of the active compounds from Dichroae Radix were confirmed to interact with these genes. Conclusions : The results provide valuable insights into the mechanism of action and molecular targets of Dichroae Radix. Notably, Berberine, the main active ingredient of Dichroae Radix, plays a significant role in degrading AR proteins in advanced prostate cancer. Further studies and validations can provide crucial data to advance cancer metastasis prevention and treatment strategies.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 2024

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular targets and pathways of anti-inflammatory effects of Jakyakgamchotang with corydalis tuber (JC) using network pharmacology. Methods : The compounds in constituent herbal medicines of JC were searched in TCM systems pharmacology (TCMSP). Target gene informations of the components were collected using chemical-target interactions database provided by Pubchem. Afterwards, network analysis between compounds and inflammation-related target genes was performed using cytoscape. Go enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed on inflammation-related targets using DAVID database. Results : 70 active compounds related to inflammation were identified, and 295 target genes related to the anti-inflammatory activity of the compound of JC were identified. In the Go biological process DB and KEGG pathway DB, "inflammatory response", "cellular response to lipopolysaccharide", "positive regulation of interleukin-6 production", and "positive regulation of protein kinase B. signaling", "positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade", "positive regulation of I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling", "negative regulation of apoptotic process", and "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway" were found to be mechanisms related to the anti-inflammatory effects related to the target genes of JC. The main compounds predicted to be involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of JC were quercetin, licochalcone B, (+)-catechin, kaempferol, and emodin. Conclusions : This study provides the molecular targets and potential pathways of JC on inflammation. It can be used as a basic data for using JC for various inflammatory disease in traditional korean medicine clinic.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.107-119
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• 2001

As the information gap between rural and urban area, and between men and women has been widening, the Rural Development Administration(RDA) has initiated the women farmers information project from 2000. The aims of this project are; 1) to facilitate women farmers' computer and information application in agriculture and income generating activities, and 2) to make them to be leaders to popularize computer application in rural area and agricultural sector. For these, RDA has provided not only PC, software, computer training but also the post support of extension educator to target group. This paper focused on evaluating the effect of the project, clarifying the related variables with the effect, and providing suggestions to enhance the effect. The data were gathered from 310 target women farmers and 166 extension educators in charge of the project all over the country by mailing survey with questionnaire. The main findings of this study were as follows; 1) The level of computer application of the target group was improved drastically, 2) As their self-assessment, they could improve psychological fear on the computer, recognition about information, and attitude to seek information, 3) This project was helpful for them in terms of information gathering and farm(or income generating activities) management, 4) They tried to disseminate the benefit of computer application to neighbors, so that the neighbors' interest in computer and attendance of computer training were improved, 5) Variables such as the computer training hours, the number of interaction with extension educator, formal schooling and farming history were significantly related to the project's effect. To enhance the project's effect the following strategies should be carried out; 1) The period of the computer training course should be standardized and the subjects should attend to the computer training course for the standardized period. 2) Through continuous interaction with the subjects, the extension educator should support them to use computer well and to overcome some difficulties as a beginner. 3) In selecting the subjects, the priority should be given to the person who graduated high school at least. 4) The subjects should focus on using management software, gathering useful information for their business, and selling their products directly to the consumer. 5) So as to enhance the abilities mentioned above, RDA should strengthen learning opportunities through on-line training and providing educational software, besides of existing off-line training.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.590-599
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• 2018

As a basic information to implement the fire plan that dominates multiple targets effectively under the battle environment with limited resources, such a process is mandatory that gives a priority order to a target with the high level of threat by quantitatively computing the threat level of an individual target through the analysis on the target. However, the study has still remained in the initial level on an evaluation algorithm for the threat level of the ground target. Considering this fact, the present paper proposes the evaluation algorithm for the threat by multiple ground targets. The proposed algorithm has a core point to consider the type of target and protected asset to implement the computation of proximity; set the additional value based on the weights indicating the significance of weapon and protected asset; and compute the threat level of a target that considers the characteristics of the target. The evaluation and verification of performances have been implemented through the simulation and visualization of an algorithm proposed in the present paper. From the performance result, as the proposed algorithm has been able to perform effectively the threat assessment according to the weights indicating the significance of weapons and protected assets under diverse environments where weapons and protected assets are located, high utility and effect are expected when applied to an actual ground weapon system.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.61-72
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• 2013

Purpose - It is widely accepted that the process of developing marketing strategy is composed of three steps: market segmentation, target market selection and positioning. However, mass marketing strategy based on cost reduction through economies of scale and standardized products, can be also an effective strategic option. Many marketing scholars including Theodore Levitt emphasize the importance of applying the mass production concept to various industries including service industries. Especially, in times of economic downturn, the capability of providing consumers with low-priced, value products can be an important source of competitive advantage, as well as the ability of providing high-priced premium products. Marketers should decide whether they will implement mass marketing strategy or target marketing strategy. The present study theoretically shows that firms should understand the target customers' price elasticity as well as the firm's cost structure in order to make such a strategic decision. Research design, data, and methodology - Instead of implementing an empirical study, this study provides a theoretical(mathematical) investigation on the effect of consumers' price elasticity on a firm's optimal price level, profit, sales volume, revenue, and cost. The results are mostly deduced from derivative calculations and several graphs are utilized to represent the results on the relationships between the variables under study. Results - The analytical results suggest that it is more profitable for a firm to adopt the segment/target marketing strategy (more specifically the differentiation strategy) when the degree of consumers' heterogeneity is high and the proportion of the fixed cost in the total cost is low. On the other hand, if the degree of consumers' heterogeneity is low and the fixed cost is high, it is better to adopt the mass marketing strategy or the cost leadership strategy. The strategy of concentrating on a single target market will be effective when consumers' needs are highly heterogeneous but the fixed cost is high. Any of the three types of generic strategies proposed my Porter(1980, 1985) can be applied when both the consumers' heterogeneity and the fixed cost are low. This study also proposes the contribution-margin-based method for developing the optimal pricing strategy. Conclusions - One of the primary roles of marketers is to find a proper compromise between the two conflicting goals of maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing cost. In order to do so, he or she should understand the characteristics of the target customers as well as the cost structure of the firm. In addition to the theoretical analyses, this study discusses several business cases and explains how superior companies find the optimal compromise position between these two goals and dominate the market. One of the radical changes recently taking place in business arena is the reduction of production and distribution costs of both physical goods and information due to the advancement and the wide diffusion of information technology. The cost reduction combined with lowered priced elasticity incurred by customized products and services, will enable many firms to adopt the mass customization strategy.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.801-810
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• 2021

Objective: microRNAs (miRNAs) can play a role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, and their role is achieved by regulating the expression of target genes. Our previous high-throughput sequencing found that ssc-miR-185 plays an important regulatory role in piglet diarrhea, but its specific target genes and functions in intestinal porcine epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) are still unclear. We intended to verify the target relationship between porcine miR-185 and cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) gene in IPEC-J2 and to explore the effect of miR-185 on the proliferation of IPEC-J2 cells. Methods: The TargetScan, miRDB, and miRanda software were used to predict the target genes of porcine miR-185, and CDC42 was selected as a candidate target gene. The CDC42-3' UTR-wild type (WT) and CDC42-3'UTR-mutant type (MUT) segments were successfully cloned into pmirGLO luciferase vector, and the luciferase activity was detected after co-transfection with miR-185 mimics and pmirGLO-CDC42-3'UTR. The expression level of CDC42 was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The proliferation of IPEC-J2 was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Results: Double enzyme digestion and sequencing confirmed that CDC42-3'UTR-WT and CDC42-3'UTR-MUT were successfully cloned into pmirGLO luciferase reporter vector, and the luciferase activity was significantly reduced after co-transfection with miR-185 mimics and CDC42-3'UTR-WT. Further we found that the mRNA and protein expression level of CDC42 were down-regulated after transfection with miR-185 mimics, while the opposite trend was observed after transfection with miR-185 inhibitor (p<0.01). In addition, the CCK-8, MTT, and EdU results demonstrated that miR-185 promotes IPEC-J2 cells proliferation by targeting CDC42. Conclusion: These findings indicate that porcine miR-185 can directly target CDC42 and promote the proliferation of IPEC-J2 cells. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of miR-185/CDC42 axis in piglets' resistance to diarrhea is yet to be elucidated in further investigation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.457-470
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• 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of kinesin superfamily member 15 (KIF15) in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis (NPC) and explore its underlying mechanisms. We employed various assays, including the CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, the Transwell and scratch assay, Western blotting, and nude mice transplantation tumor, to investigate the impact of KIF15 on NPC. Our findings demonstrate that KIF15 plays a critical role in the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of NPC cells. Furthermore, we discovered that silencing KIF15 inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis, and that KIF15's effect on NPC cell growth is mediated through the PI3K/AKT and P53 signaling pathways. Additionally, we showed that KIF15 promotes nasopharyngeal cancer cell growth in vivo. Our study sheds light on the significance of KIF15 in NPC by revealing that KIF15 knockdown inhibits NPC cell growth through the regulation of AKT-related signaling pathways. These findings suggest that KIF15 represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of NPC.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.111-124
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• 2023

Objectives : Oxidative stress is an important cause of many diseases including liver injury. Therefore, adequate regulation of oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in maintaining liver function. Until recently, there has been no studies on the hepatoprotective effect of Samchulgeonbi-tang (SCGBT). Therefore, the hepatoprotective effect of SCGBT was investigated in HepG2 cells. In this study, oxidative stress was induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and iron. Methods : To analyze the hepatoprotective effects of SCGBT against oxidative stress induced by AA + iron, the cell viability, apoptosis-related proteins and intracellular ROS, glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane permeability (MMP) were measured. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription activation and expressions of Nrf2 target gene were analyzed through immunoblot analysis. Results : SCGBT increased the cell viability from AA + iron - induced cell death and inhibited apoptosis by regulating apoptosis related proteins. SCGBT protected cells by inhibiting ROS production, GSH depletion, and MMP degradation against AA + iron induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, Nrf2 activation was increased by SCGBT, and the Nrf2 target genes were also activated by SCGBT. Conclusions : These results suggest that the SCGBT has a hepatocyte protection effect and antioxidant effect from AA + iron induced oxidative stress.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.37-48
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• 2019

Current research explores the effect of language on the perception of facial emotion as suggested by the psychological construction theory of emotion by using a psychophysical method. In this study, we hypothesize that the perception of facial expression may be influenced if the observer is shown an affective word before he/she judges an expression. Moreover, we suggest that his/her understanding of a facial emotion will be in line with the conceptual context that the word denotes. During the two experiments conducted for this project, a control stimulus or words representing either angry or happy emotions were briefly presented to participants before they were shown a target face. These target faces were randomly selected from seven faces that were gradually morphed to show neutral to angry (in Experiment 1) and neutral to happy (in Experiment 2) expressions. The participants were asked to perform a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) task to judge the emotion of the target face (i.e., decide whether it is angry or neutral, or happy or neutral). The results of Experiment 1 (when compared with the control condition) showed that words denoting anger decreased the point of subjective equality (PSE) for judging the emotion of the target as anger, whereas words denoting happiness increased the PSE. Experiment 2, in which participants had to judge expressions on a scale from happy to neutral, produced a contrasting pattern of results. The outcomes of this study support the claim of the psychological construction theory of emotion that the perception of facial emotion is an active construction process that may be influenced by information (such as affective words) that provide conceptual context.