• Development and Reproduction
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2013

A specific inhibitor of RNA polymerase II, ${\alpha}$-amanitin is broadly used to block transcriptional activities in cells. Previous studies showed that ${\alpha}$-amanitin affects in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC). In this study, we evaluated the target of ${\alpha}$-amanitin, and whether it affects oocytes or cumulus cells (CCs), or both. We treated ${\alpha}$-amanitin with different time period during in vitro culture of denuded oocytes (DOs) or COCs in comparison, and observed the changes in morphology and maturation status. Although DOs did not show any change in morphology and maturation rates with ${\alpha}$-amanitin treatment, oocytes from COCs were arrested at metaphase I (MI) stage and CCs were more scattered than control groups. To discover causes of meiotic arrest and scattering of CCs, we focused on changes of cumulus expansion, gap junctions, and cellular metabolism which to be the important factors for the successful in vitro maturation of COCs. Expression of genes for cumulus expansion markers (Ptx3, Has2, and Tnfaip6) and gap junctional proteins (Gja1, Gja4, and Gjc1) decreased in ${\alpha}$-amanitin-treated CCs. However, these changes were not observed in oocytes. In addition, expression of genes related to metabolism (Prps1, Rpe, Rpia, Taldo1, and Tkt) decreased in ${\alpha}$-amanitin-treated CCs but not in oocytes. Therefore, we concluded that the transcriptional activities of CCs for supporting suitable transcripts, especially for its metabolic activities and formation of gap junctions among CCs as well as with oocytes, are important for oocytes maturation in COCs.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.197-204
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of high-heels (HH) modification on metatarsal stress in female workers. Method: Seven females who work in clothing stores ($heights=160.4{\pm}3.9cm$; $weights=47.4{\pm}4.1kg$; $age=31.3{\pm}11.1yrs$; $HH\;wear\;career=8{\pm}6.5yrs$) wore two types of HH (original and modified). The modified HH had been grooved with 1.5 cm radius and 0.2 cm depth around the first metatarsal area inside of the shoes using the modified shoe-last. Participants were asked to walk for 15 minutes on a treadmill and to stand for 10 minutes with original and modified HH, respectively. Kinetics data were collected by the F-scan in-shoe system. After each test, participants were asked to rate their perceived exertion using the Borg's 15-grade RPE scale and interviewed about their feeling of HH. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and effect size (Cohen's d) were used to determine the difference of the variables of interest between the original and modified HH. Results: In the present study, modified HH of the peak contact pressure of 1st metatarsal (PCP) left, PCP right, pressure time integral (PTI) left, peak pressure gradient (PPG) left during standing and PPG right during walking are greater than original HH. And even it didn't show statistically significant, the average in all pressure values of modified HH showed bigger than original HH. It surmised to be related to awkward with modified HH. Even though they said to feel the comfortable cause of big space inside of HH in the interview, they seemed to be not enough time to adapt with new HH. So their walking and standing postures were unstable. Conclusion: Modified the fore-medial part of HH can reduce the stress in the first metatarsal head and big toe area during standing and walking.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.1465-1474
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is the effects of 12 weeks complex training using swiss ball and elastic band on senior fitness and sarcopenia index in elderly women. The subject of this study was classified into exercise group (n=13) and control group (n=14). EG were carrier exercise program with swiss-ball and elastic band by 3 times a week, 3sets, RPE 11-13, and 60 minute. Test variables of among this study, senior fitness which is muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and dynamic balance and age-related sarcopenia index were muscle strength, muscle mass and short physical performance battery (SPPB). The results of this study were not significantly improvement at muscle strength, cardiopulmonary and flexibility but dynamic balance was significantly difference. And SPPB were significantly difference. In conclusion, the complex whole body training had positive effects on dynamic balance and SPPB of the elderly women.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1263-1270
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of exercise mode and anti-hypertensive drug responding status on the cardiovascular response and perceived exertion in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Seventy-five patients who participated in six-week exercise rehabilitation therapy performed a treadmill running and a cycle ergometer exercise at intensities of 60%HRR and 85%HRR respectively. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), rate pressure production (RPP), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. The results of cardiovascular response by the different exercise modes with moderate and intensive intensity of anti-hypertensive drug responder and nonresponder ACS patients were following: First cycle ergometer exercise induced significantly higher SBP, DBP, MAP, RPP and MAP than treadmill running exercise at the intensities of 60%HRR and 85%HRR in both anti-hypertensive responder and nonresponder ACS patients (p<0.05). Secondly anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients had significantly higher DBP and MAP that anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients at all the exercise modes (p<0.05). Finally there was no difference of RPP between anti-hypertensive responder and nomresponder ACS patients, although anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients showed higher blood pressure and RPP than anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients. In conclusion, cycle ergometer induced increased cardiovascular response at same intensities of treadmill running exercise and anti-hypertensive nonresponder ACS patients had even more increased cardiovascular response than anti-hypertensive responder ACS patients with no difference in perceived exertion during exercise. These results suggested that cycle ergometer exercise should be greatly careful with the risk of higher blood pressure, especially for those who are patients with hypertensive blood pressure.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.23-36
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• 2017

Objective: This paper presents a study to evaluate the WBGT index for assessing the effects of a wide range of outdoor weather conditions on human responses. Background: The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index was firstly developed for the assessment of hot outdoor conditions. It is a recognised index that is used world-wide. It may be useful over a range of outdoor conditions and not just for hot climates. Method: Four group experiments, involving people performing a light stepping activity, were conducted to determine human responses to outside conditions in the U.K. They were conducted in September 2007 (autumn), December 2007 (winter), March 2008 (spring) and June 2008 (summer). Environmental measurements included WBGT, air temperature, radiant temperature (including solar load), humidity and wind speed all measured at 1.2m above the ground, as well as weather data measured by a standard weather station at 3m to 4m above the ground. Participants' physiological and subjective responses were measured. When the overall results of the four seasons are considered, WBGT provided a strong prediction of physiological responses as well as subjective responses if aural temperature, heart rate and sweat production were measured. Results: WBGT is appropriate to predict thermal strain on a large group of ordinary people in moderate conditions. Consideration should be given to include the WBGT index in warning systems for a wide range of weather conditions. However, the WBGT overestimated physiological responses of subjects. In addition, tenfold Borg's RPE was significantly different with heart rate measured for the four conditions except autumn (p<0.05). Physiological and subjective responses over 60 minutes consistently showed a similar tendency in the relationships with the $WBGT_{head}$ and $WBGT_{abdomen}$. Conclusion: It was found that either $WBGT_{head}$ or $WBGT_{abdomen}$ could be measured if a measurement should be conducted at only one height. The relationship between the WBGT values and weather station data was also investigated. There was a significant relationship between WBGT values at the position of a person and weather station data. For UK daytime weather conditions ranging from an average air temperature of $6^{\circ}C$ to $21^{\circ}C$ with mean radiant temperatures of up to $57^{\circ}C$, the WBGT index could be used as a simple thermal index to indicate the effects of weather on people. Application: The result of evaluation of WBGT might help to develop the smart clothing for workers in industrial sites and improve the work environment in terms of considering workers' wellness.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1605-1610
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of combined exercise program and garlic pill intake on Body Composition, CRP and Adiponectin in obese high school male students. Twenty-one male students in city B volunteered to participate, and the signed consents were received before the study. Experimental groups were garlic pill intake with combined exercise group (n=7), combined exercise group (n=7), control group (n=7). The total experimental period was 16 weeks. The combined exercise group exercised 3 times a week for 16 weeks with intensity of RPE 7~15. Each exercise was 70 minutes long. A 5 g garlic pill was consumed after lunch and dinner every day. For statistics, two-way repeated test within the group was conducted through SPSS 12.0; for post-examination, Scheffe was utilized; and for inter-group examination, a paired t-test was used. The conclusions of this study are as follows. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in %body fat. Within each group, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significantly greater decrease in %body fat than the control group. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in LBM. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group had a significant decrease in CRP. Between groups, combined exercise with garlic pill group, combined exercise and control group showed a decrease in adiponectin. In conclusion, regular exercise and garlic pill intake improved % body fat in obese high school male students.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.197-208
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• 1997

Class III malocclusion patients can be approached with many different types of treatment methods, and thus, each patient's problems must be accurately evaluated to allow selection of the best possible treatment method. Cephalometric analysis is an essential part of diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic patients, and it would certainly be helpful if reliable cephalometric guidelines could be set. The author divided 482 Class III malocclusion patients(253 males and 229 females) into fourgroups according to different types of treatment methods they have received to correct imbalance between upper and lower jaws: 1) orthopedic appliance (face mask & RPE), 2) camouflage treatment with fixed appliance, 3) surgical-orthodontic treatment, 4) cross-bite correction with removable plates/ functional appliance. Cephalometric values at the time of first clinical examination were compare among the four groups. Cephalometric analysis indicates the following results: 1)the amounts of antero-posterior and vertical skeletal discrepancies and dental compensation were greatest in surgery group 2) SNB, Wits, distance from Nasion Perpendicular Plane to point a facial angle, facial convexity, and APDI were greater in orthopedic appliance group than fixed appliance(camouflage) group, but there was no statistical difference 3) removable plates/ functional appliance group showed least amounts of skeletal discrepancies and dental compensation with statistical significance.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.560-570
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• 2000

This study is aimed at developing a cardiac rehabilitation program and enlightening the effects of the program on patient's health behavior compliance, cardiovascular functional capacity, and quality of life. Using a quasi-experimental approach the nonequivalent control group pretest - posttest design was accepted for this study. The subjects of this study consisted of 55 patients with ischemic heart disease at the Cardiac Center of 'G' Hospital located in Inchon from May 1, 1998 to April 30, 1999. The patients were divided into two groups: the experimental group, which participated in the cardiac program with 30 patients and 25 patients of a control group were not involved in the program. There were two phases in the cardiac rehabilitation program: the first phase was a team approach education. It focused on reducing the risk of ischemic heart problems. The second phase was individual training by using a home based exercise program, which was comprised of 8 weeks, three sessions per week, 40-60 minutes per session, and followed by consultation. Every session involved 20-40 minutes of aerobic exercise at 40-60% of heart rate reserve, 11∼13 RPE and 10 minutes of warm-up and 10 minutes of cool-down exercises. The experimental tools for the study were the health behavior compliance scale developed by Lee, Yoon-hee (1992), and quality of life scale developed by McGirr et al.(1990). RPPsubmax were measured by the treadmill. The collected data was processed by SPSS and analyzed by χ²test and t-test. The results of this study were as follows: 1. The health behavior compliance in experimental group was significantly increased (t=5.091, p=.000) when compared to the control group. 2. RPPsubmax also decreased significantly in the experimental group when compared to the control group(t=-2.109, p=.040). 3. The quality of life significantly improved in the experimental group (t=3.853, p=.000) as compared to the control group. As the above results of this study revealed, the effectiveness of the cardiac rehabilitation program of the study was confirmed. It increased the health behavior compliance for reducing the risk of further coronary events, enhanced the cardiovascular functional capacity, and eventually improved the patient's quality of life.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.37-40
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• 2002

Ascidians are lower chordates, and their tadpole-like larvae share a basic body plan with vertebrates. To study photoreceptive systems in ascidians, we have isolated and characterized cDNA clones for three opsins, five G protein ${\alpha}$ subunits (G${\alpha}$), catalytic and regulatory subunits of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE), and arrestin from the ascidian Ciona intestinalis tadpole larva. Ci-opsin1 and Ci-opsin2 are vertebrate-type opsins, while Ci-opsin3 is a retinal photoisomerase similar to retinochrome and mammalian RGR. Both Ci-opsin1 and arrestin are specifically localized in the photoreceptor cells of the ocellus, whereas Ci -opsin2 is not expressed in the photoreceptors, but is co-localized in another population of neurons in the brain with PDE (Ci-PDE9 and Ci-PDE$\delta$). Ci-opsin3 is present in the entire region of the brain. Though five different cDNAs encoding Ga have been cloned, no transducin-type G protein has been found yet. Interestingly, one of G${\alpha}$i isoform is conspicuously expressed in the entire region of the brain. The Ci-opsin3 gene expression was observed in a broad area of the brain vesicle as well as in the visceral ganglion. Genes encoding ascidian homologs of CRALBP and ${\beta}$-CD, whose function is required for the mammalian visual cycle, are co-expressed with Ci-opsin3 in the brain vesicle and visceral ganglion. Localization of Ci-opsin3, CRALBP, and ${\beta}$-CD in a broad area of the brain suggests that the brain of the ascidian larva has a visual cycle system similar to that of the vertebrate RPE. Based on these data, we discuss the evolution of vertebrate visual systems.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.9 s.89
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• pp.1204-1210
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• 2007

The topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide causes an accumulation of DNA double strand breaks within the nuclei of cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of etoposide on the cell growth and apoptosis of human RPE cells. Etoposide evoked a significant inhibition of cell growth, and also induced DNA fragmentation in ARPE-19 cells. In addition, etoposide significantly up-regulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a stress-responsive protein and is known to play a protective role against the oxidative injury. And, etoposide-induced HO-1 expression was affected by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine. We also used oligonucleotides interfering with HO-1 mRNA (siRNA) for the inhibition of HO-1 expression. Interestingly, knock-down of the HO-1 gene significantly increased the level of DNA fragmentation in etoposide-treated ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, these results suggest that up-regulated HO-1 plays as an anti-apoptotic factor in the process of apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells stimulated by etoposide.