• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.109-110
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• 2017

The nature of encoded information in neural circuits is determined by neuronal firing patterns and frequencies. This paper discusses the molecular identity and cellular mechanisms of spike-frequency adaptation in the central nervous system (CNS). Spike-frequency adaptation in thalamocortical (TC) and CA1 hippocampal neurons is mediated by the $Ca^{2+}$-activated $Cl^-$ channel (CACC) anoctamin-2 (ANO2). Knockdown of ANO2 in these neurons results in increased number of spikes, in conjunction with significantly reduced spike-frequency adaptation. No study has so far demonstrated that CACCs mediate afterhyperpolarization currents, which result in the modulation of neuronal spike patterns in the CNS. Our study therefore proposes a novel role for ANO2 in spike-frequency adaptation and transmission of information in the brain.

• Journal of Institute of Control, Robotics and Systems
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.420-425
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• 2008

PMMA light guiding plate with nano-sized pattern was fabricated using anodized aluminum oxide membrane as a template for nano imprint lithography. Nano-sized pore arrays were prepared by the self-organization processes of the anodic oxidation using the aluminum plate with 99.999% purity. Since the aluminum plate has a rough surface, the aluminum plate with thickness of 1mm was anodized after the pre-treatments of chemical polishing, and electrochemical polishing. The surface morphology of the alumina obtained by the first anodization process was controlled by the concentration of electrochemical solution during the first anodization. The surface morphology of the alumina was also changed according to temperature of the solution during chemical polishing performed after first anodization. The pore widening process was employed for obtaining the one-channel with flat surface and height of the channel because the pores of the alumina membrane prepared by the fixed voltage method shows the structure of two-channel with rough surface. It is shown from SPM results that the nano-sized pattern on PMMA light guiding plate fabricated by nano imprint lithography method was well transferred from that of anodized aluminum oxide template.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2007

Purpose: Recently well-developed anorectal function tests have revealed that there is an obvious pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) pattern in pediatric patients with constipation, as well as in adult's. The use of biofeedback therapy (BT) has been widely implemented in adult PFD patients; however, this approach has only rarely been considered for pediatric PFD patients. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of BT in children with PFD. Methods: We studied 70 children with PFD, who were referred to the department of pediatrics at the Asan Medical Center for the management of soiling or chronic constipation from September 2002 to February 2005. Diagnosis of PFD and assessment of the efficacy of BT for PFD treatment were carried out along with several ano-rectal function tests (cine-defecography, ano-rectal manometry, balloon expulsion test and intra-anal EMG); in addition, a questionnaire was administered. The BT based intra-anal EMG was performed. A follow-up telephone interview was performed more than 6 months later. Results: Most of the symptoms and results of the ano-rectal function tests were statistically improved after BT. In comparisons between the BT and control groups (BT refusal group due to poor compliance), the symptoms were statistically improved at follow-up. Therefore, for the shortterm improvement of symptoms, BT was better than conservative therapy alone. The negative feelings associated with ano-rectal function testing and BT were directly associated with failure or success of therapy. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with constipation or soiling that presented with an obvious PFD pattern showed that BT was a useful therapeutic tool for rapid improvement of symptoms.