• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.154-158
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• 1999

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to find the optimum TE value for enhancing $T_2^{*}$ weighting effect and minimizing the SNR degradation and to compare the BOLD effects according to the changes of TE in 1.5T and 3.0T MRI systems. Materials and Methods : Healthy normal volunteers (eight males and two females with 24-38 years old) participated in this study. Each volunteer was asked to perform a simple finger-tapping task (sequential opposition of thumb to each of the other four fingers) with right hand with a mean frequency of about 2Hz. The stimulus was initially off for 3 images and was then alternatively switched on and off for 2 cycles of 6 images. Images were acquired on the 1.5T and 3.0T MRI with the FLASH (fast low angle shot) pulse sequence (TR : 100ms, FA : $20^{\circ}$, FOV : 230mm) that was used with 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76ms of TE times in 1.5T and 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66ms of TE in 3.0T MRI system. After the completion of scan, MR images were transferred into a PC and processed with a home-made analysis program based on the correlation coefficient method with the threshold value of 0.45. To search for the optimum TE value in fMRI, the difference between the activation and the rest by the susceptibility change for each TE was used in 1.5T and 3.0T respectively. In addition, the functional $T_2^{*}$ map was calculated to quantify susceptibility change. Results : The calculated optimum TE for fMRI was $61.89{\pm}2.68$ at 1.5T and $47.64{\pm}13.34$ at 3.0T. The maximum percentage of signal intensity change due to the susceptibility effect inactivation region was 3.36% at TE 66ms in 1.5T 10.05% at TE 46ms in 3.0T, respectively. The signal intensity change of 3.0T was about 3 times bigger than of 1.5T. The calculated optimum TE value was consistent with TE values which were obtained from the maximum signal change for each TE. Conclusion : In this study, the 3.0T MRI was clearly more sensitive, about three times bigger than the 1.5T in detecting the susceptibility due to the deoxyhemoglobin level change in the functional MR imaging. So the 3.0T fMRI I ore useful than 1.5T.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.438-444
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• 2005

Purpose: Anhedonia has been proposed to be the result of a basic neurophysiologic dysfunction and a vulnerability marker that precede and contribute to the liability of developing schizophrenia. We hypothesized that anhedonia, as a construct reflecting the decreased capacity to experience pleasure, should be associated with decreased positive hedonic affect trait. This study examined the relationship between anhedonia and positive hedonic affect trait and searched for the brain legions which correlate with anhedonia in normal subjects. Materials and Methods: Using $^{18}F$-FDG PET scan, we investigated the brain activity of twenty one subjects during resting state. Questionnaires were administrated after the scan in order to assess the self-rated individual differences in physical/social anhedonia and positive/negative affect traits. Results: Negative correlation between physical anhedonia score and positive affect trait score was significant (Pearson coefficient =-0.440, p<0.05). The subjects physical and social anhedonia scores showed positive correlation with metabolic rates in the cerebellum and negative correlation with metabolic rates in the inferior temporal gyrus and middie frontal gyrus. In addition, the positive affect trait score positively correlated with various areas, most prominent with the inferior temporal gyrus. Conclusion: These results suggest that neural substrates, such as the inferior temporal gyrus and prefrontal-cerebellar circuit, which dysfunction has been proposed to be involved with the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia, may also play a significant role in the liability of affective deficits like anhedonia.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.153-163
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• 2000

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of squalene (SQ), one of the natural chelator, on the ultrastructural changes in the mouse liver caused by $HgCl_2$. A total of 40 healthy ICR that weighted 30 gm $({\pm}2gm)$ was used for experiment. The experimental group was divided into two groups; group A and B. The group A administrated $HgCl_2$ (4.0mg/kg) to the intraperitoneal. The group B administrated $HgCl_2$ (4.0 mg/kg) to the intraperitoneal treated with SQ (180 mg/kg, 2 times/day). Each group was observed at 24, 48, 72, 96 hours after injected $HgCl_2$. The results were as follows: 1. Group A Nucleus showed condensation of nuclear membrane at the 24 hours. At the 48 hours, observed distinct condensation. But nuclear membrane be seen relative rounded-shape at the 96 hours. At overall the time, inner cavity of mitochondria swollen and development of cristae weakened. Also electron density of matrix was a little low. At the 72 hours, destruction of the inner and outer membrane of mitochondria observed occasionally. Swelling of inner cavity of rER and destruction of lamellae be found from 24 hours to 72 hours, but at the 96 hours, only some swelling 2. Group B Nuclear membrnae and chromatin be seen normal shape at overall the time. Mitochondria showed destruction of the inner membrane until the 48 hours, but mostly normal shapes. Electron density showed high on the all groups. RER be found swelling of inner cavity at the 24 and 48 hours, but found typical lamellae and observed a number of transfer vesicles around rER at the 72 and 96 hours. These results suggest that squalene attenuates the toxic effect of the $HgCl_2$ in the mouse liver.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.468-476
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• 2020

This study was performed to establish light intensity conditions for producing stem cuttings for aeroponic systems suitable for seed potato production using a closed-type plant production system. Shoot tip cultured plantlets of 'Sumi' and 'Chubaek' potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were acclimatized, cuttings were collected, and stem cuttings were planted. The seedlings were raised for 40 days at different LED light intensities (60, 120, 180, and 240 μmol·m^-2·s^-1), and were cultivated in an aeroponic system for 80 days. When stem cuttings were raised at 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 LED light intensity, the plant height was the longest, at 17.3 cm for 'Sumi' and 16.1 cm for 'Chubaek', and the number of nodes was the highest in both cultivars. The higher light intensities, produced smaller plants with fewer nodes. The leaf areas, SPAD values, and Fv/Fm values differed slightly between cultivars. The fresh weight of stem cuttings, and the production rate of healthy stem cuttings were the highest at 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1. In the aeroponic system, seedlings raised at 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 with LED light intensity showed a difference between the cultivars, but the fresh weight of stems and leaves above the planting plate was the heaviest. In addition, below the planting plate the stem cuttings were longest and the root weight was heaviest at 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 LED light intensity. The number of stolons also differed between cultivars, but was greatest for seedlings raised at 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 LED light intensity, at 4.2/plant for 'Sumi' and 7.7/plant for 'Chubaek'. At 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 LED light intensity, the tuber number and total tuber weight were the best, but the higher the light intensity, the smaller the total tuber number and total tuber weight for both cultivars. In conclusion, when producing potato stem cuttings for aeroponic systems using a closed-type plant production system, the most suitable LED light intensity for raising seedlings was found to be 60 μmol·m^-2·s^-1.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.289-298
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• 2009

Effects of Nattokinase fibrinol (NKF), defined as a fibrinolytic product, on fibrinolytic and atherogenetic markers were studied for healthy adults (20-31 years old), who is smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day. Subjects were divided into 29 for NKF group and 10 for placebo group in a short term study. They were given 2 tablets of NKF (4,000 unit) or placebo tablet and thereafter blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4 hr prerid. For a 4-week long term study, 15 subjects for NFK group and 10 subjects for placebo group were supplemented one tablet of each NKF (2,000 unit) and placebo per day, respectively. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4 weeks later. The short-term experimental trial showed that NKF remarkably increased fibrinolytic activity at 2hr after consumption, which was maintained up to 4 hr, relative to that of placebo, while NKF reduced the euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) and retarded the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), as compared to placebo group. NKF supplementation for 4 weeks elevated fibrinolytic activity, shortened ECLT and retarded aPTT. Furthermore, NKF supplementation increased anti-atherogenic index by decreasing triglyceride (TG) and elevating high-density lipiprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. These results indicate that NKF supplementation for short term or long term might have beneficial effects on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease by increasing fibrinolytic activity and improving atherogenic markers such as hyperlipidemia.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.186-189
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• 2007

More than 6,000 rare disorders including genetic diseases have been reported. Of them, 1,500 diseases (1,211 for clinical diagnosis and 289 for research only) are technically possible for genetic testing. In Korea, since 2005, only 63 genetic diseases is permitted for prenatal genetic testing by the "Bioethics and Biosafety Law". The article 25 in the law prescribes 63 genetic diseases without clear indication for its selection and inclusion criteria. In EU, USA, and other foreign countries, however, there is no provision in the statute on prenatal genetic testing; it is not restricted by a law. Recently, a woman (Mrs. L, 38y) who is a carrier for Menkes disease made an appeal to a government for an amendment of the "Bioethics and Biosafety Law" prohibiting the prenatal diagnosis of her pregnancy at risk for Menkes disease. Menkes disease (MNK) is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, connective tissue defects and hair abnormalities, and no effective treatment is available yet. The prevalence rate of MNK is one in about 250,000 live births. Menkes syndrome patients fail to absorb copper from the gastrointestinal tract in quantities adequate for meeting nutritional needs. These needs seem particularly acute during the initial 12 month of life, when the velocity of brain growth and motor neurodevelopment. Most of pts. die around 3yrs. of age. Mrs. L had a boy with Menkes disease who died at 2y.o. in 2001. Subsequent pregnancy in 2003, she was able to have prenatal genetic testing for mutation of the Menkes (ATP7A) gene and delivered a healthy baby boy. Now, She is pregnant again and wants to have prenatal diagnosis. however, this time, she was not allowed to have any more because Menkes disease is not included in 63 genetic diseases permitted by the law for prenatal genetic testing, in spite of the fact that she is a Menkes disease carrier and her pregnancy is at risk to have an affected baby. This case shows the practical problem of the legal restriction for prenatal genetic testing in Korea. In this study, we report a arguable case and discuss the controversial issues in the legal restriction for prenatal genetic testing in Korea.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.503-510
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• 2010

Different amounts of black garlic extract(0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12%(W/W)) were added to white pan bread, and the quality characteristics were evaluated. The pH and density of dough was decreased with increasing concentration of black garlic extract. There was no marked difference in the fermentation power of the dough expansion among the samples. The pH of bread decreased, and there were no significant differences in baking loss rate, dough yield or bread specific volume as the concentration of black garlic extract was increased. Regarding crust and crumb color values, lightness gradually diminished with increased amounts of black garlic extract in bread, whereas redness and yellowness increased. For measurement of texture, the highest hardness and gumminess of bread were observed in the 1% added group, and there was no remarkable difference between the 3% added group and control. Sensory evolution was the highest when 6% black garlic extract was added, but there were no significant differences in terms of color or overall acceptability. The results imply that addition of black garlic extract to white pan bread created a healthy and functional bread.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.466-476
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• 2006

The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the acceptability and consumption attitude for soy foods between Korean and Canadian university students as young consumers. This survey was carried out by questionnaire and the subjects were n=516 in Korea and n=502 in Canada. Opinions for soy foods in terms of general knowledge were that soy foods are healthy (86.5% in Korean and 53.4% in Canadian) or neutral (11.6% in Korean and 42.8% in Canadian), dairy foods can be substituted by soy foods (51.9% in Korean and 41.8% in Canadian), and soy foods are not only for vegetarians and milk allergy Patients but also for ordinary People (94.2% in Korean and 87.6% in Canadian). In main sources of information about soy foods, the rate by commercials on TV, radio or magazine was the highest (58.0%) for Korean students and the rate by family or friend was the highest(35.7%) for Canadian students. In consumption attitude, all of Korean students have purchased soy foods but only 55.4% of Canadian students have purchased soy foods, and soymilk was remarkably recognized and consumed then soy beverage and margarine in order. 76.4% of Korean students and 65.1% of Canadian students think soy foods are general and popular and can purchase easily, otherwise, in terms of price, soy foods were expensively recognized as 'more expensive than dairy foods' was 59.1% (Korean) and 54.7% (Canadian), and 'similar to dairy foods' was 36.8% (Korean) and 39.9% (Canadian). Major reasons for the rare consumption were 'I am not interested in soy foods' in Korean students (27.3%) and 'I prefer dairy foods to soy foods' in Canadian students (51.7%). However, consumption of soy foods in both countries are very positive and it will be increased.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.209-218
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• 1999

Objectives : The aims of this study were to discriminate the clinical differences, to measure the estrogen and homovanillic acid levels, to evaluate a correlation between estrogen and homovanillic acid, and to identify an association of cognitive deficit with estrogen and homovanillic acid among male and female schizophrenics. Methods : In addition to the structured interviews, the plasma estrogen levels by radioimmunoassay and the homovanillic acid levels by HPLC were measured in 20 male and 21 female schizophrenics as well as 10 healthy male and 9 female controls. Results : 1) The plasma estrogen levels were higher in females than males, and significantly higher in female schizophenics than female controls. The homovanillic acid levels were higher in female schizophrenics than female controls, and were lower in male schizophrenics than male controls. 2) The onset age seemed to be earlier in male schizophrenics, and the frequency of admission, duration of antipsychotic drug administration, dosage of antipsychotics and duration of illnesses were more in males. The estrogen and homovanillic acid levels were significantly higher in female schizophrenics. 3) The estrogen levels had a significant positive correlation with sex, age and onset age, while the homovanillic acid levels did with sex. However, estrogen were not correlated with homovanillic acid levels. 4) The estrogen and homovanillic acid levels were not significantly different between male and female schizophrenics with cognitive deficits. In the schizophrenic patients without cognitive deficits, the estrogen levels were significantly higher in females, while there were no significant sex differences in homovanillic acid. 5) In the male and female schizophrenics predominantly with negative symptoms, there were no significant differences in estrogen and homovanillic acid levels. In those predominantly with positive symptoms, the estrogen levels were significantly higher in females, while there were no sex differences in homovanillic acid levels. 6) In schizophrenics with undifferentiated subtype, the estrogen and homovanillic acid levels were significantly higher in females. In those with paranoid or disorganized subtypes, the estrogen levels were significantly higher in females, while there were no sex differences in the homovanillic acid levels. 7) The mean values of PANSS-negative, PANSS-total, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K and estrogen levels were significantly higher in male schizophrenics with cognitive deficits. The mean values of illness duration, CGI, PANSS-positive, PANSS-negative, PANSS-total, PANSS-CF and MMSE-K were significantly higher in female schizophrenics with cognitive deficits. 8) The variables which showed significant correlation with cognitive deficits were PANSS-negative, PANSS-total, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K and estrogen levels in male schizophrenics. The variables which showed significant correlation with cognitive deficits were subtypes, onset age, illness durataion, CGI, PANSS-positive, PANSS-negative, PANSS-total, PANMSS-CF and MMSE-K in female schizophrenics. The estrogen levels were significantly correlated with admission frequencies, history of antipsychotic administration, duration of antipsychotic administration and cognitive deficits in male schizophrenics, while age were not correlated with in females. The homovanillic acid levels had a significant correlation with subtypes and onset age in male schizophrenics, while there were no correlation among variables in females. Conclusions : Although the plasma concentrations of estrogen and homovanillic acid in female schizophrenics were significantly higher than males, we could not find an association between them. Furthermore, the various factors affecting on the cognitive deficits, estrogen and homovanillic acid levels seemed to be somewhat different according to sex.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.102-110
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• 1999

Objectives : The alcohol dependence in elderly people has been prevalent because of increase in geriatric population. However, it is difficult to find out alcohol dependence in the aged, because they have less specific clinical features as compared with adult alcoholics. The aims of this study were to screen alcohol dependence among elderly Koreans and to know the clinical characteristics of Korean delerly alcoholics. Methods : The questionnaires translated into Korean such as Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test(MAST-K), the Brief MAST and the MAST-Geriatirc Version (MAST-KG) were used to screen alcohol dependence in the elderly alcoholic inpatients aged over 60(N=43), adult alcoholic inpatients within 20-59 Yrs of age(N=60), which were compared with age matched normal healthy aged(N=18) or adult controls(N=45). The demographic data such as sex, age, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, marital status, numbers of children, dwelling and religion as well as alcohol history such as duration of alcohol drinking, onset age, family history, impulsivity, somatic illness and motivation were also obtained to identify characteristic features of Korean aged alcoholics by structured interviews. Results : 1) The aged alcoholics had the charateristic features of more in males, lower age, low education levels, more in blue-collar workers, lower socioeconomic class, more in single, few babies, more living alone, having no religion without statistical significance. 2) The onset age of alcohol dependence was significantly higher in the aged alcoholics($45.3{\pm}13.6Yrs$) than in the adult alcoholics($27.7{\pm}8.7Yrs$)(p<0.0001). The duration of problematic alcohol drinking was significantly longer in the aged alcoholics($22.0{\pm}15.1Yrs$) than in adult alcoholics($14.2{\pm}8.4Yrs$)(p<0.01). Otherwise, there were no significant difference between aged and adult alcoholics in the family history, imulsivity, somatic illness and motivation. 3) The mean score of the MAST-K was significantly higher in the aged alcoholics($20.6{\pm}5.4$) than in the normal aged($6.7{\pm}4.4$)(p<0.0001), which was significantly lower than in the adult alcoholics($26.2{\pm}8.0$) and in normal adult controls($9.5{\pm}3.2$)(p<0.05). The mean score of the Brief MAST was significantly lower in the aged alcoholics($9.3{\pm}3.5$) than in the adult alcoholics($14.5{\pm}6.6$)(p<0.0001). The mean score of the MAST-KG was significantly higher in the aged alcoholics($10.6{\pm}3.5$) than in the normal aged($4.8{\pm}4.3$)(p<0.0001). The former was significantly lower than in the adult alcoholics($12.9{\pm}4.3$)(p<0.005), and the mean score was $4.5{\pm}2.8$ in normal adult controls. 4) The items which showed statistically significant differences between aged alcoholics and normal aged controls could be found in 10 items of the MAST-K(items 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 14, 17, 21, 22 and 23), 2 items of the Brief MAST(items 2 and 9), and 7 items of the MAST-KG(items 6, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24)(p<0.01). Conclusions : The scores of the MAST-K, the Brief MAST and the MAST-KG were significantly lower in the aged alcoholics than those in the adult alcoholics (p<0.05). The statistically significant differences between aged alcoholics and normal aged controls could be found in 10 items of the MAST-K, 2 items of the Brief MAST and 7 items of the MAST-KG. Therefore, a briefer rating scales around 10 items are needed to screen alcohol dependence among Korean elderly people.