• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.348-360
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• 2015

Objectives From observing the tongue of a patient, one can assess the health status; this method has been frequently used in traditional Korean Medicine (KM) clinics. In particular, KM posits that the color of the tongue is highly related to digestive functions. In this study, the color of tongue and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between chronic dyspepsia (CD) patients and healthy subjects. Methods Healthy subjects and CD patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic gastritis (CG) were enrolled for the study. Profile view images of the tongue were acquired by using a computerized tongue image acquisition system (CTIS). The color of the tongue body was extracted from the non-coated region on the tongue images. Results Color differences in CIE L*a*b* color space between the three sub-types of CD patients and healthy subjects were analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis with age and sex as the factors. The variable b* was significantly lower in GERD patients than in the controls (p=0.017). Variable a* was significantly lower in CG than in the controls (p=0.03). No significant difference was seen between FD and controls. In GERD, the tongue body seems to be intense red in color; in CG, pale red. Frequency domain analysis showed that HF was significantly lower in GERD patients than in the controls (p=0.041). Conclusions The color of the tongue body and HF of HRV can be used for diagnosing digestive functions in health care.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.141-147
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• 2017

A pressure sensor in pulse measurement system is a core component for precisely measuring the pulse waveform of radial artery. A pulse sensor signal that measures the pulse wave in contact with the skin is affected by the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and skin surface. In this study, we found experimentally that the signal changes of the pressure sensors and a temperature sensor were caused by the temperature of the wrist surface while the pressure sensor was contacted on the skin surface for measuring pulse wave. To observe the signal change of the pulse sensor caused by temperature increase on sensor surface, Peltier device that can be kept at a set temperature was used. As the temperature of Peltier device was kept at $35^{\circ}C$ (the maximum wrist temperature), the device was put on the pulse sensor surface. The temperature and pressure signals were obtained simultaneously from a temperature sensor and six pressure sensors embedded in the pulse sensor. As a result of signal analysis, the sensor pressure was decreased during temperature increase of pulse sensor surface. In addition, the signal difference ratio of pressure and temperature sensors with respect to thickness of cover layer in pulse sensor was increased exponentially. Therefore, the signal of pressure sensor was modified by the compensation equation derived by the temperature sensor signal. We suggested that the thickness of cover layer in pulse sensor should be designed considering the skin surface temperature.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2017

Objectives: To interpret the meanings of Ryodoraku data and to use it as diagnosis tool, study on relationship between Ryodoraku and autonomic nervous reaction (ANR) has to be preceded prior to disease studies. This study aims to observe the change of Ryodoraku characteristics with ANR caused by treadmill exercise via a feasibility study. Methods: The electric current at 24 Ryodoraku points(H1~H6 at left/right wrists and F1~F6 at left/right feet) and vital signs were measured at rest, immediately after the treadmill exercise test, and at later recovery times(10min, 20min, 30min, 60min, 120min after the exercise test). The calculated Ryodoraku scores (RSs) were analyzed using repeated ANOVA test. Results: The RSs in the wrist Ryodoraku points were significantly increased immediately after the exercise (p<.05) and at 10min recovery time (p<.01), and no significant differences were found during the rest of the experimental sets. To the contrary, the RSs in the feet Ryodoraku points showed less difference throughout all the measurement time. Conclusions: The Ryodoraku characteristics change more sensitively in the wrists than in the feet in accordance with the previously reported sweat gland responses of the treadmill exercise. This is the first feasibility study to observe the change of Ryodoraku characteristics caused by treadmill exercise, and it shows the Ryodoraku characteristics are in accordance with known ANS responses.

• Journal of the Korean School Mathematics Society
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.719-745
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• 2012

This research is a study on student's understanding fundamental conception of mathematical curriculum, especially in geometry domain. The goal of researching is to analyze student's wrong conception about that domain and get the mathematical teaching method. We developed various questions of descriptive assessment. Then we set up the term, procedure of research for the understanding student's knowledge of geometry. And we figured out the student's understanding extent through analysing questions of descriptive assessment in geometry. In this research, we concluded that most of students are having difficulty with defining the fundamental conception of mathematics, especially in geometry. Almost all the students defined the fundamental conceptions of mathematics obscurely and sometimes even missed indispensable properties. Prior to this study, we couldn't identify this problem. Here are some suggestions. First, take time to reflect on your previous mathematics method. And then compile some well-selected questions of descriptive assessment that tell us more about student's understanding in geometry.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.29-35
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• 2016

Objectives : Blood stasis (BS) is related to be caused by blood circulation and stagnation which are cancer, atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia in traditional medicine. We extracted 3 kinds of BS formula; Seogakjihwang-tang (SGT), Tonggyuhawlhyul-tang (THT), Hyulbuchukeo-tang (HCT). This study was conducted to investigate whether the 3 kinds of herbal formula extracts have inhibitory efficacy association with anti-adipogenesis. Methods : To investigate the anti-adipogenesis, we used the mouse fibroblast cell line, 3T3-L1 which differentiated into adipocytes in response to insulin, IBMX and dexamethasone (MDI). Cytotoxicity of herbal formula extracts were examined by CCK-8 kit. Intracellular lipid droplets were detected by Oil-Red-O staining. Triglyceride (TG) and leptin were measure using elisa kit. Results : The yield of water extracts was 14.62% (SGT), 21.27% (THT), 20.02% (HCT). Lipid accumulation was reduced significantly by 3 kinds of herbal formula compared to control. Especially, THT and HCT decreased lipid droplet, respectively at all concentration. The TG and leptin were also inhibited by 3 kinds of herbal formula. The IC50 of TG were $280.51{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (SGT), $52.62{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (THT), $313.99{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (HCT). The IC50 of leptin were $348.76{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (SGT), $164.02{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (THT), $257.00{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ (HCT). THT was better than other herbal formula on anti-adipogenesis. Conclusion : kinds of herbal formula inhibited adipogenesis in MDI-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as indicated by the significant reduction in TG and leptin concentration without cytotoxicity. Therefore, 3 kinds of herbal formula for BS might act as a therapeutic agent for preventing lipid diseases, such as obesity and atherosclerosis.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.61-68
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• 2017

Objectives : Jema-sunghyangjungkisan (JSGS, Jima Xingxiang Zhengqi san) and yeoldahanso-tang (YDHST, Reduo hanshao decoction) are traditional herbal formulas which commonly used to prevent and treat stroke in traditional korean medicine. However, JSGS and YDHST extracts have not been previously reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, We measured the anti-inflammatory effects of JSGS and YDHST extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7 cells. Methods : To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of JSGS and YDHST extracts, tumor necrosis factor-alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) were examined in RAW 264.7 cells with LPS of $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Results : JSGS and YDHST extracts did not have any cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. $TNF-{\alpha}$ concentration decreased 49.67% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ by JSGS but, YDHST has no statistically significant effect at all concentration. IL-6 accumulation on JSGS and YDHST extracts in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells reduced 22.03% and 41.44% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ respectively. In addition, JSGS has no inhibitory effects on NO accumulation and YDHST reduced 10.08% at $500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. Moreover, JSGS and YDHST treatment does-dependently reduced the $PGE_2$ production. In particular, YDHST ($500{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) extract was more effective compared with $10ng/m{\ell}$ of indomethacin which is the $PGE_2$ positive control. Conclusions : Our results suggest that treatment of JSGS and YDHST extracts decreased the LPS-stimulated inflammation. Therefore, in the present study, we demonstrated that JSGS and YDHS may be used as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2010

Researches for stem cells have been focused on scientists in biomedical sciences as well as clinical application for its great therapeutic potentials. Stem cells have two distinct characteristics: self-renewal and differentiation. In this short review, the links between stem cell research and biomedical engineering is discussed based on the basic characteristics of stem cells. This concept can be extended to the fundamental questions of biological sciences for cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration. For understanding proliferation and apoptosis of stem cells, techniques from biomedical engineering such as surface patterning, MEMS, nanotechnologies have been used. The advanced technologies such as microfluidic technologies, three dimensional scaffold fabrication, and mechanical/electrical stimulation have also been used in cell differentiation and migration. Basic and unsolved questions in the stem cell research field have limitations by studying conventional technologies. Therefore, the strategic fusion between stem cell biology and novel biomedical engineering field will break the barriers for understanding fundamental questions of stem cells, which can open the window for the clinical applications of stem cell based therapeutics as well as regeneration of damaged tissues.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.739-744
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• 2015

The sexual maturation and spawning time of female ocean sunfish Mola mola in Korean waters were studied by observing the gonads histologically. Specimens were purchased in a fish market in October 2013 and May, June, and October 2014. Nine females (total length 100-250 cm, gonad weight 31-3,470 g) and one male (total length 131 cm, gonad weight 60 g) were studied. Histologically, the ovaries became active in May and spawning began in July and continued until October. In July, mature oocytes and yolk globule stage oocytes were observed; parts of the gonad showed traces of spawning, while others had degenerated and absorbed any oocytes. By October, many oocytes had degenerated and been absorbed. Therefore, the approximate spawning period of ocean sunfish is from July to October based on histological changes in the gonads. The asynchronous oocyte development suggests that the ocean sunfish is a multiple spawner, as reported previously. The catch distribution data suggest that the waters around Jeju Island are a sunfish spawning area.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Navigation and Port Research Conference
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• 2013.10a
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• pp.422-423
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• 2013

This study is a fundamental research for light house heritage which has historical and cultural value to be designated as cultural heritage. Therefore, the institution of designated and registered cultural heritage are to be reviewed and proper standards of choosing suitable light house heritage are to be arranged. Some elements to be considered for the proper regulation criteria are authenticity of cultural assets, assesment base and guideline of conservation and management.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2014

Telomerase plays a pivotal role in the pathology of aging and cancer by maintaining genome integrity, controlling cell proliferation, and regulating tissue homeostasis. Telomerase is essentially composed of an RNA component, Telomerase RNA or TERC, which serves as a template for telomeric DNA synthesis, and a catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). The canonical function of TERT is the synthesis of telomeric DNA repeats, and the maintenance of telomere length. However, accumulating evidence indicates that TERT may also have some fundamental functions that are independent of its enzymatic activity. Among these telomere-independent activities of hTERT, the role of hTERT in gene transcription has been investigated in detail. Transcriptional regulation is a fundamental process in biological systems. Several studies have shown a direct involvement of hTERT in gene transcription. This mini-review will focus on the role of hTERT in gene transcription regulation, and discuss its possible mechanisms.