• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.348-352
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• 2009

Over the last decade, the incidence of overweight and obesity has nearly doubled in many countries and is considered a pandemic. Obesity was identified as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease as the same level as smoking and diabetes. Visceral fat is considered one of the key contributors to outcome and certain ethnic groups such as Asians seem to be more affected than others. Weight reduction through lifestyle changes was found to be impactful to improve overall health, but weight loss and maintenance thereof is limited and difficult to sustain. Surgical intervention demonstrated a greater weight loss in the severely obese and was associated with improved all-cause mortality. Despite numerous pharmacological targets and a high medical need, only few drugs have been successfully developed. Earlier studies with amphetamine-derived compounds showed significant weight loss but their critical safety profiles led to market withdrawals and disappointment. More recent compounds; orlistat - a lipase inhibitor, rimonabant - a cannaboid-1-receptor antagonist, and sibutramine - a combined serotonin/norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor, all demonstrated similar significant efficacy; however, they carry specific safety profiles making them unsuitable for every patient. The main limitation of pharmacotherapy is the absence of clear benefit-risk assessments through outcome studies. Such a study - the SCOUT trial - was designed to compare sibutramine versus placebo and the effect on morbidity and mortality in nearly 10,000 obese patients with additional risk factors. Such studies could provide new scientific evidence for obesity treatment and may support future pharmacological approaches.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.76-76
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• 2013

The current hierarchical model of galaxy formation predicts that galaxy halos contain merger relics in the form of long stellar streams. In order to find stellar substructures in galaxy, we focused our investigation on the stellar spatial density around globular clusters and on the quantitative properties of the evolved sequences in the color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs). First, we investigated the spatial configuration of stars around five metal-poor globular clusters in halo region (M15, M30, M53, NGC 5053, and NGC 5466) and one metal-poor globular cluster in bulge region (NGC 6626). Our findings indicate that all of these globular clusters show strong evidence of extratidal features in the form of extended tidal tails around the clusters. The orientations of the extratidal features show the signatures of tidal tails tracing the clusters' orbits and the effects of dynamical interactions with the galaxy. These features were also confirmed by the radial surface density profiles and azimuthal number density profiles. Our results suggest that these six globular clusters are potentially associated with the satellite galaxies merged into the Milky Way. Second, we derived the morphological parameters of the red giant branch (RGB) from the near-infrared CMDs of 12 metal-poor globular clusters in the Galactic bulge. The photometric RGB shape indices such as colors at fixed magnitudes, magnitudes at fixed colors, and the RGB slope were measured for each cluster. The magnitudes of the RGB bump and tip were also estimated. The derived RGB parameters were used to examine the overall behavior of the RGB morphology as a function of cluster metallicity. The behavior of the RGB shape parameters was also compared with the previous observational calibration relation and theoretical predictions of the Yonsei-Yale isochrones. Our results of studies for stellar spatial distribution around globular clusters and the morphological properties of RGB stars in globular clusters could add further observational evidence of merging scenario of galaxy formation.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.260-266
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• 2008

Recently, there has been scientific discussion on the utility of -omics techniques such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics within toxicological research and mechanism-based risk assessment. Toxicogenomics is a novel approach integrating the expression analysis of genes (genomic) or proteins (proteomic) with traditional toxicological methods. Since 1999, the toxicogenomic approach has been extensively applied for regulatory purposes in order to understand the potential toxic mechanisms that result from chemical compound exposures. Therefore, this article's purpose was to consider the utility of toxicogenomic profiles for improved risk assessment, explore the current limitations in applying toxicogenomics to regulation, and finally, to rationalize possible avenues to resolve some of the major challenges. Based on many recent works, the significant impact toxicogenomic techniques would have on human health risk assessment is better identification of toxicity pathways or mode-of-actions (MOAs). In addition, the application of toxicogenomics in risk assessment and regulation has proven to be cost effective in terms of screening unknown toxicants prior to more extensive and costly experimental evaluation. However, to maximize the utility of these techniques in regulation, researchers and regulators must resolve many parallel challenges with regard to data collection, integration, and interpretation. Furthermore, standard guidance has to be prepared for researchers and assessors on the scientifically appropriate use of toxicogenomic profiles in risk assessment. The National Institute of Toxicological Research (NITR) looks forward to an ongoing role as leader in addressing the challenges associated with the scientifically sound use of toxicogenomics data in risk assessment.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2005

Cluster analysis of microarray data has been often used to find biologically relevant Broups of genes based on their expression levels. Since many functionally related genes tend to be co-expressed, by identifying groups of genes with similar expression profiles, the functionalities of unknown genes can be inferred from those of known genes in the same group. In this Paper we address a novel clustering approach, called seed clustering, and investigate its applicability for microarray data analysis. In the seed clustering method, seed genes are first extracted by computational analysis of their expression profiles and then clusters are generated by taking the seed genes as prototype vectors for target clusters. Since it has strong mathematical foundations, the seed clustering method produces the stable and consistent results in a systematic way. Also, our empirical results indicate that the automatically extracted seed genes are well representative of potential clusters hidden in the data, and that its performance is favorable compared to current approaches.

• Journal of Industrial Technology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2020

Lithium-ion cells have become the go-to energy source across all applications; however, dendritic growth remains an issue to tackle. While there have been various research conducted and possible solutions offered, there is yet to be one that efficiently rules out the problem without, however, introducing another. This paper seeks to present a fast charging method and system to which lithium-ion batteries are charged while maintaining their lifetime. In the proposed method, various lithium cells are charged under multiple profiles. The parameters of charge profiles that inflict damage to the cell's electrodes are obtained and used as thresholds. Thus, during charging, voltage, current, and temperature are actively controlled under these thresholds. In this way, dendrite formation suppressed charging is achieved, and battery life is maintained. The fast-charging system designed, comprises of a 1.5kW charger, an inbuilt 600W battery pack, and an intelligent BMS with cell balancing technology. The system was also designed to respond to the aging of the battery to provide adequate threshold values. Among other tests conducted by KCTL, the cycle test result showed a capacity drop of only 0.68% after 500 cycles, thereby proving the life maintaining capability of the proposed method and system.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.2581-2587
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• 2010

Nitration of tyrosine and tryptophan residues is common in cells under nitrative stress. However, physiological consequences of protein nitration are not well characterized on a molecular level due to limited availability of the 3D structures of nitrated proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation can be an alternative tool to probe the structural perturbations induced by nitration. In this study we developed molecular mechanics parameters for 3-nitrotyrosine (NIY) and 6-nitrotryptophan (NIW) that are compatible with the AMBER-99 force field. Partial atomic charges were derived by using a multi-conformational restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) methodology that included the geometry optimized structures of both $\alpha$- and $\beta$-conformers of a capped tripeptide ACE-NIY-NME or ACE-NIW-NME. Force constants for bonds and angles were adopted from the generalized AMBER force field. Torsional force constants for the proper dihedral C-C-N-O and improper dihedral C-O-N-O of the nitro group in NIY were determined by fitting the torsional energy profiles obtained from quantum mechanical (QM) geometry optimization with those from molecular mechanical (MM) energy minimization. Force field parameters obtained for NIY were transferable to NIW so that they reproduced the QM torsional energy profiles of ACE-NIW-NME accurately. Moreover, the QM optimized structures of the tripeptides containing NIY and NIW were almost identical to the corresponding structures obtained from MM energy minimization, attesting the validity of the current parameter set. Molecular dynamics simulations of thioredoxin nitrated at the single tyrosine and tryptophan yielded well-behaved trajectories suggesting that the parameters are suitable for molecular dynamics simulations of a nitrated protein.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.708-718
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• 2010

The objective of the current study was to determine seasonal changes in glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum inorganic phosphorous (SIP), calcium, magnesium and iron concentrations in Nguni and crossbred cattle on the sweet and sour rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Body weights, body condition scores (BCS) and serum concentrations of energy-related metabolites and mineral profiles were determined in late cool-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet, post-rainy and early cool-dry seasons in 100 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to May 2008. Nguni cattle had lower (p<0.05) and higher (p<0.05) serum concentrations of glucose in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to crossbreds in the same seasons. Serum cholesterol and NEFA concentrations in Nguni were lower (p<0.05) than in the crossbreds. Nguni and crossbred cattle had higher (p<0.05) serum NEFA concentrations on the sweet rangeland during the late cool-dry season than on sour rangeland. Nguni cattle had higher (p<0.05) SIP concentration in the hot-wet season than the crossbreds. Generally, both breeds had lowest SIP concentration during the hot-wet season on the sour rangeland. The lowest magnesium and highest iron concentrations were observed in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to other seasons. Cattle on the sour rangeland had lower (p<0.05) iron concentrations than those on the sweet rangeland. It was concluded that Nguni cattle had lower cholesterol and NEFA, and higher SIP concentrations in the hot-wet season than crossbreds and energy deficits mostly occurred during the late cool-dry season on the sweet rangeland.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Surveying, Geodesy, Photogrammetry and Cartography
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.153-159
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• 2016

Rivers refer to either natural or artificial structures whose primary functions are flood control and water conservation. Due to recent localized torrential downpours led by climate change, large amounts of eroded soil have been carried away, forming deposits downstream, which in turn degrades the capacity to fulfill these functions. To manage rivers more effectively, we need data on riverbed erosion and deposition. However, environmental factors make it challenging to take measurements in rivers, and data errors tend to prevent researchers from grasping the current state of erosions and deposits. In this context, the aim of the present study is to provide basic data required for river management. To this end, the author made annual measurements with a Real-time Kinematic-Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS) and a total station in Pats Cabin Canyon, Oregon, United States, and also prepared thematic maps of erosion and deposition thickness as well as water depth profiles based on a GIS spatial analysis. Furthermore, the author statistically analyzed the accuracy of three dimensional (3D) measurement points and only used the data that falls within two standard deviations (i.e. ±2σ). In addition, the author determined a threshold for a DEM of Difference (DoD) by installing measurement points in the rivers and taking measurements, and then estimated erosion and deposition thickness within a confidence interval of ±0.1m. Based on the results, the author established reliable data on river depth profiles and thematic maps of erosion and deposition thickness using pre-determined work flows. It is anticipated that the riverbed data can be utilized for effective river management.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.30-41
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• 2019

Objectives Development of objective clinical measure for analyzing pediatric weakness has been studied. However, there is no gold standard clinical measures with acceptable validity and reliability were not provided yet and these has been major issue for clinics. Methods Some Korean medicine hospital outpatients (n=324) were recruited as participants, and 55 preliminary questions were given. Pediatric Weakness Scale (PWS) with five subscales and thirty questions were developed using factor analysis and item analysis. The internal consistency of PWS subscales were examined with using Cronbach's alpha. The correlations between PWS subscales and physical characteristics of Body Mass Index (BMI) and Ponderal Index (PI) were attested using Pearson's correlation. The differences between PWS subscale scores and profiles among 3 to 13 years old children were examined using profile analysis and ANOVA by gender. Results PWS five subscales explained 49.1% of total variance, and the range of Cronbach's alpha was from 0.700 to 0.803. The range of correlation coefficient between PWS total score and five subscales was from 0.643 to 0.748, and the PWS total score was significantly (p<0.001) correlated positively with BMI (r=-0.237) and negatively with PI (r=-0.280). The scores and profiles of PWS five subscales, BMI and PI were found to be significantly different among the all age groups. Conclusions Objective and validated clinical measure for analyzing pediatric weakness with five subscales was developed in current study, and foundations for screening, managing and treating pediatric weakness during the development were established as well. This study would contribute to the integrative education and clinical practice of the Eastern and Western medicine.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.147-162
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• 1995

The circulation due to tidal current and river discharge, and the associated suspended suspended sediment transport in macrotidal Keum Estuary, were studied through a series of field measurements of tidal currents and suspended sediment concentration at three anchored stations from 1990 through 1992. From the measurements, the following results were obtained. At the seaward entrance of the estuary, the veritical profiles of the ebb and flood currents were almost symmetric. At the southern channel the flood current was dominant in the whole water column, but in the northern channel the ebb current was dominant in the surface and bottom layers and the flood current was dominant in the intermediate layer. The maximum velocity of the tidal current in the southern channel was 174 cm/s during flood tide in the intermediate layer. The maximum velocity, 148 cm/s in the northern channel also appeared during flood tide in the intermediate layer. However, in the surface and bottom layers, the maximum velocities were 110.6 cm/s during ebb tide and 92.1 cm/s during flood tide, respectively. The type of the Keum Estuary can be categorized to 'Type 3' of Hansen and Rattray's scheme. The water column of the estuary during the flood tide becomes stratified, and after high water the ebb current reduces the density difference and the water column becomes turbulent. The lower layer of the water column is generally turbulent. The largest sediment flux 20.61 ton/s was found in the southern channel during flood current in the lowest river discharge (May, 1991), while the smallest flux, 0.65 ton/s in the northern channel in the lowest tidal range (July, 1992). The stronger bottom shear velocity for the present study area seems to erode the bottom sediments during the flood tide, and the relatively long duration of the ebb tide to transport the suspended sediments. Under normal river discharge conditions, the suspended sediments are transported mainly through the southern channel. However, under high river discharge condition the suspended sediment transport is dominant through the northern channel.