• Korean Parent-Child Health Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.35-55
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• 2001

Recently attention has been focused on the effects of early intervention, or its lack, on both normal and preterm infants. Particularly numerous studies suggest that premature infants are not necessarily understimulated but instead are subjected to inappropriate stimulation. Developmental support and sensory stimulation have become clinical opportunities in which nursing practice can impact on the neurobehavioral outcome of premature infants. Developmental care has been widely accepted and implemented in neonatal intensive care units across the country. Increasingly, attention and concern in caring for low-birth-weight infants and premature infants has led clinicians in the field to explore the effects of a complex of interventions designed to create and maintain a developmentally supportive environment; to provide age-appropriate sensory input; and to protect the infant from inappropriate, excessive and stressful stimulation. The components of developmental care include modifications of the macro-environment to reduce NICU light and sound levels, care clustering, nonnutritive sucking, and containment strategies, such as flexed positioning or swaddling. Sensory stimulation of the premature infants is presented to standardize the modification of a developmental intervention based on physiologic and behavioral cues. The most appropriate type of stimuli are those that are sensitive to infant cues. Evaluation of infant physiological and behavioral responds to specific intervention stimuli may help to identify more appropriate interventions based on infants' cues. A critical question confronting the clinician is that of determining when the evidence supporting a change in practice is sufficient to justify making that change. There are acknowledged limitations in the current studies. Many of the studies examined had small sample sizes; used nonprobability sampling; and used a phase lag design, which introduces the possibility of threats to internal validity and limits the generalizability of the results. Although many issues regarding the effects of developmental interventions remain unresolved, the available research base documents significant benefits of developmental care for LBW infants in consistent outcomes, without significant adverse effects. Particularly, although the individual studies vary somewhat in the definition of specific outcomes measured, instrumentation used, time and method of data collection, and preparaion of the care providers, in all studies, infants receiving the full protocol of individualized developmentally supportive care had improvements in some aspect of four areas of infant functioning: level of respiratory or oxygen support, the establishment of oral feeding; length of hospital stay, and infant behavioral regulation. In summary, based on the available literature, individualized developmental intervention should be incorporated into standard practice in neonatal intensive care. And this implementation needs to be coupled with ongoing research to evaluate the impact of an individualized developmental care programs on the short- and long-tenn health outcomes of LBW infants.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.179-186
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• 2008

Several lines of evidence suggest that osteocytes play a critical role in bone remodeling. Both healthy and apoptotic osteocytes can send signals to other bone surface cells such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteoclast precursors, and bone lining cells through canalicular networks. Osteocytes responding to mechanical strain may also send signals to other cells. To determine the role for osteocytes an mechanical strain in bone remodeling, we examined the effects of fluid flow shear stress on osteoclast precursor cell and osteoblast proliferation and recruitment induced by osteocytes. In addition, the effects of fluid flow shear stress on osteocyte M-CSF, RANKL, and OPG mRNA expression were also examined. MLO-Y4 cells were used as an in vitro model for osteocytes, RAW 264.7 cells and MOCP-5 cells as osteoclast precursors, and 2T3 cells as osteoblasts. MLO-Y4 cells conditioned medium (Y4-CM) was collected after 24h culture. For fluid flow experiments, MLO-Y4 cells were exposed to 2h of pulsatile fluid flow (PFF) at 2, 4, 8, $16{\pm}0.6\;dynes/cm^2$ using the Flexcell $Streamer^{TM}$ system. For proliferation assays, MOCP-5, RAW 264.7, and 2T3 cells were cultured with control media or 10-100% Y4 CM. Cells were cultured for 3d, and then cells were counted. RAW 264.7 and 2T3 cell migration was assayed using transwells with control media or 10-100% Y4-CM. M-CSF, RANKL and OPG in MLO-Y4 mRNA expression was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Y4-CM increased osteoclast precursor proliferation and migration, but decreased 2T3 cell proliferation and migration. CM from MLO-Y4 cells exposed to PFF caused decreased RAW 267.4 cell proliferation and migration and 2T3 migration compared to control Y4-CM. However, Y4-CM from cells exposed to PFF had no effect on 2T3 osteoblastic cell proliferation. PFF decreased RNAKL mRNA and increased OPG mRNA in MLO-Y4 cells compared to control(without PFF). PFF had no effect on M-CSF mRNA expression in MLO-Y4 cells. These results suggest that osteocytes can regulate bone remodeling by communication with osteoclast precursors and osteoblasts and that osteocytes can communicate mechanical signals to other cells.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.37-49
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• 2013

Purpose - This research identifies the meaning of the core capability level of Car Master and the reason why its service at the Moment of Truth should be demonstrated through empirical cases. It can be seen that this study differs from existing research because it proposes that the recognized core capability level to achieve customer satisfaction should focus on the mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality. This paper examines the effect of Car Master's recognized core capability level on customer satisfaction by using the variables mentioned above. Moreover, this study uses regression analysis to verify that the mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality on Car Master's capability level achieves customer satisfaction. Research design, data, and methodology - First, we present evidence that could apply to Car Master's recognized core capability level by detailing the relationship between customer satisfaction and a structuring factor for Car Master's core capability level. Our proposed research model observes the relationship between the structuring factor of core capability and customer satisfaction. Second, we had an opportunity to define how the core capability and Moment of Truth quality affect customer satisfaction by performing empirical analysis on the partial mediating effect of Moment of Truth quality at a recognized core capability level and Moment of Truth quality affecting customer satisfaction. Results - First, the results indicate that Car Master's recognized core capability level (product professionalism, marketing skill, and reliability) positively affects customer satisfaction. Second, the results show that an ability to listen and a sense of dedication positively affect customer satisfaction, and are among the Moment of Truth quality factors; but performance capability, which is one of the Moment of Truth quality factors, does not positively affect customer satisfaction. These results clearly differ from prior studies focused on Moment of Truth quality and consumer satisfaction. Third, the results show that Moment of Truth quality has a partial mediating effect in terms of the impact of Car Master's recognized core capability level in achieving consumer satisfaction. Conclusions - This research indicates that the company will be able to expand if they investigate and show an interest in more training and education for Car Master. The study verified that outstanding Car Masters show differentiated performance on customer satisfaction at the Moment of Truth in various instances. Thus, we believe that this is the time for a discussion on systematic and empirically recognized core capability levels and the Moment of Truth quality. The study on Car Master's recognized core capability level offers suitable solutions for Car Masters to respond to customers at the Moment of Truth. Further, this study emphasizes the importance of service as a critical factor having a direct relationship with the company's success and failure and contributing to building trust with the customer. Thus, an investment in continuous education and training for Car Master will help the growth of the business.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.12
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• pp.1356-1363
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• 2014

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid orexigenic peptide hormone that is secreted predominantly by tX/A cells in the stomach, and it plays a major role in energy homeostasis. Activated ghrelin has an n-octanoyl group covalently linked to the hydroxyl group of the Ser3 residue, which is critical for its binding to the G-protein coupled growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHS-R1a). According to recent reports, both ghrelin and its receptor, GHS-R1a, are expressed by a variety of immune cells, including T- and B-lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells, and ghrelin stimulation of leukocytes provides a potent immunomodulatory signal controlling systemic and age-associated inflammation and thymic involution. Here, we report that ghrelin protected murine thymocytes from dexamethasone (DEX)-induced cell death both in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, we explored the molecular mechanisms of the antiapoptotic effect of ghrelin. According to our experiments, ghrelin inhibited the expression of proapoptotic proteins via the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) phosphorylation. As a result, ghrelin inhibited the proapoptotic activation of proteins, such as Caspase-3, PARP, and Bim. These data suggest that ghrelin, through GHS-R, inhibits the pathway to apoptosis by regulation of the proapoptotic protein activation signal pathway. They provide evidence that blocking apoptosis is an essential function of ghrelin during the development of thymocytes.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.135-140
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• 2013

A less simple approach developed for generation of marker-free transgenic plants is to select transformants without the use of selective marker genes. Some results about development of marker-free transgenic plants were obtained using a non-selective approach in several crops such as rice, potato and tobacco. However, the study did not provide evidence on detailed characterization of introduced gene on genome, a critical step for confirming the stable integration and transmission of a foreign gene. In this study, we evaluated structure and integration sites of transgene (mCry1Ac) in the transgenic Bt rice plants which were made via conventional Agrobacterium-mediated transformation by non-selective method. Structure and integration sites of transgene in these transgenic plants had similar fashion as those recovered under selection.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2015

The anticancer activity of a methanolic extract from lemon leaves (MLL) was assessed in MCF-7-SC human breast cancer stem cells. MLL induced apoptosis in MCF-7-SC, as evidenced by increased apoptotic body formation, sub-G1 cell population, annexin V-positive cells, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as proteolytic activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein. Concomitantly, MLL induced the formation of acidic vesicular organelles, increased LC3-II accumulation, and reduced the activation of Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K, suggesting that MLL initiates an autophagic progression in MCF-7-SC via the Akt/mTOR pathway. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a critical step in the acquisition of the metastatic state, is an attractive target for therapeutic interventions directed against tumor metastasis. At low concentrations, MLL induced anti-metastatic effects on MCF-7-SC by inhibiting the EMT process. Exposure to MLL also led to an increase in the epithelial marker E-cadherin, but decreased protein levels of the mesenchymal markers Snail and Slug. Collectively, this study provides evidence that lemon leaves possess cytotoxicity and anti-metastatic properties. Therefore, MLL may prove to be beneficial as a medicinal plant for alternative novel anticancer drugs and nutraceutical products.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.281-293
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• 2011

We investigated the causes and characteristics of a landslide at Hwangryeong Mountain, Busan, based on aerial photos, annual precipitation data, rock fracture patterns, and geomorphic features using GIS Software, and a statistical analysis of tilted trees. The analyzed slope shows evidence of a previous slope failure event and the possibility of future failures. Although the NW-SE trending slope was relatively stable until 1975, a large-scale slope failure occurred between 1975 and 1985 due to complex factors, including favorably oriented geologic structures, human activity, and heavy rain. This indicates that a detailed study of geologic structures, slope stability, and rainfall characteristics is important for slope cuttings that could be a major factor and cause of urban landsliding events. The statistic analysis of tilted trees shows a slow progressive creeping type of mass wasting with rock falls oblique to the dip of the slope, with the slope having moved towards the west since 1985. A concentration of tree tilting has developed on the northwestern part of the slope, which could reach critical levels in the future. The analysis of deformed trees is a useful tool for understanding landslides and for predicting and preventing future landslide events.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.240-250
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• 2012

This study was performed to investigate the consumption of coffee beverages and energy contribution ratios of coffee beverages and accompanying snacks by college students in Deajeon City and Chungnam Province in Korea. Questionnaire survey, dietary survey, and snack survey using food record method during 3-days were carried out. As a result, we found that 86.9% of male students and 75.6% of female students consumed coffee beverages usually, with no differences between the two groups. However, the frequency of coffee beverages consumed by female students out-numbered that of male students by 1 cup a day to 1-2 cups a week (p<0.05). Furthermore, male students most likely consumed coffee beverages at schools or academies, but female students consumed them at coffee shops (p<0.01). The reasons male students gave to consume coffee beverages were for scent, taste, fatigue, and to stay awake. Similarly, the reasons female students gave to consume coffee beverages were for scent, taste, habit, and to stay awake (p<0.01). Fully 58.1% of male students and 80.0% of female students ate snacks along with coffee beverages (p<0.01). Most male students substituted a coffee beverage and accompanying snack for a regular meal once a month. Female students were doing it at most 2-3 times a month (p<0.05). The mean daily dietary energy intake of male students was 1,924 kcal/d, and of female students was 1,518 kcal/d (p<0.001), which both were below the estimated energy requirements. Male students obtained 285.6 kcal/d and female students obtained 289.5 kcal/d from coffee beverages and accompanying snacks. There was a significant different in dietary intake of energy (p<0.05), calcium, and iron (p<0.001) for each ratio of reference intake between male and female students. The students who ate larger amounts of coffee beverages and accompanying snacks consumed less dietary energy, protein, calcium, and iron, respectively (p<0.05). These results show that many students consume coffee beverages regularly and obtain large amounts of energy from coffee beverages and accompanying snacks. It also shows that student's dietary nutrient intake tends to be poorer, as he or she obtains more energy from coffee beverages and accompanying snacks. Therefore, it is critical to monitor the influence of consumption of coffee beverages and accompanying snacks on the dietary nutrient intakes and health of college students, and to provide nutrition education about the proper consumption of coffee beverages and accompanying snacks based on scientific evidence.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.122-132
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• 2005

Graphing abilities are critical to understand and convey information in science. And then, to what extent are secondary students in science courses able to understand line graphs? To find clues about the students' interpretation processes of the information in science-related line graphs, this study has the following research question: Is there a difference between the levels of complexity of good and poor readers as they use the thinking aloud method for studying cognitive processes? The present study was designed to provide evidence for the hypothesis that good line graph readers use a specific graph interpretation process when reading and interpreting line graphs. With the aid of the thinking aloud method we gained deeper insight into the interpretation processes of good and poor graph readers while verifying verbal statements with respect to line graphs. The high performing students tend to read much more information and more trend-related information than the low performing students. We support the assumption of differential line graph schema existing in the high performing students in conjunction with general graph schema. Also, high performing students tend to think aloud much more metacognitively than low performing students. High performing students think aloud a larger quantity of information from line graphs than low performing students, and more trend-related sentences than value-related sentences from line graphs. The differences of interpretation processes revealed between good and poor graph readers while reading and interpreting line graphs have implications for instructional practice as well as for test development and validation. Teaching students to read and interpret graphs flexibly and skillfully is a particular challenge to anyone seriously concerned with good education for students who live in an technological society.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.119-133
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• 1998

Attentional processes facilitate cognitive and behavioral performance in several ways. Attention serves to reduce the amount of information to receive. Attention enables humans to direct themselves to appropriate aspects of external environmental events and internal operations. Attention facilitates the selection of salient information and the allocation of cognitive processing appropriate to that information. Attention is not a unitary process that can be localized to a single neuroanatomical region. Before the cortical registration of sensory information, activation of important subcortical structures occurs, which is called as an orienting response. Once sensory information reaches the sensory cortex, a large number of perceptual processes occur, which provide various levels of perceptual resolution of the critical features of the stimuli. After this preattentional processing, information is integrated within higher cortical(heteromodal) systems in inferior parietal and temporal lobes. At this stage, the processing characteristics can be modified, and the biases of the system have a direct impact on attentional selection. Information flow has been traced through sensory analysis to a processing stage that enables the new information to be focused and modified in relation to preexisting biases. The limbic and paralimbic system play significant roles in modulating attentional response. It is labeled with affective salience and is integrated according to ongoing pressures from the motivational drive system of the hypothalamus. The salience of information greatly influences the allocation of attention. The frontal lobe operate response selection system with a reciprocal interaction with both the attention system of the parietal lobe and the limbic system. In this attentional process, the search with the spatial field is organized and a sequence of attentional responses is generated. Affective, motivational and appectitive impulses from limbic system and hypothalamus trigger response intention, preparation, planning, initiation and control of frontal lobe on this process. The reticular system, which produces ascending activation, catalyzes the overall system and increases attentional capacity. Also additional energetic pressures are created by the hypothalamus. As psychophysiological measurement, skin conductance, pupil diameter, muscle tension, heart rate, alpha wave of EEG can be used. Event related potentials also provide physiological evidence of attention during information process. NI component appears to be an electrophysiological index of selective attention. P3 response is developed during the attention related to stimulus discrimination, evaluation and response.