• Molecules and Cells
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• v.38 no.10
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• pp.895-903
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• 2015

Non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involved in the growth and development of a variety of cells, including primordial germ cells (PGCs) which play an essential role in germ cell development. However, the target mRNAs and the regulatory networks influenced by miRNAs in PGCs remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate a novel miRNAs control PGC development through targeting mRNAs involved in various cellular pathways. We reveal the PGC-enriched expression patterns of nine miRNAs, including miR-10b, -18a, -93, -106b, -126-3p, -127, -181a, -181b, and -301, using miRNA expression analysis along with mRNA microarray analysis in PGCs, embryonic gonads, and postnatal testes. These miRNAs are highly expressed in PGCs, as demonstrated by Northern blotting, miRNA in situ hybridization assay, and miRNA qPCR analysis. This integrative study utilizing mRNA microarray analysis and miRNA target prediction demonstrates the regulatory networks through which these miRNAs regulate their potential target genes during PGC development. The elucidated networks of miRNAs disclose a coordinated molecular mechanism by which these miRNAs regulate distinct cellular pathways in PGCs that determine germ cell development.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.535-549
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• 2022

Purpose: The study aimed to design and develop an automated personalized self-care (APSC) program for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The secondary aim was to present a clinical protocol as a mixed-method research to test the program effects. Methods: The APSC program was developed in the order of analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation according to the software development life cycle, and was guided by the self-regulatory theory. The content validity, heuristics, and usability of the program were verified by experts and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: The APSC program was developed based on goal setting, education, monitoring, and feedback components corresponding to the phases of forethought, performance/volitional control, and self-reflection of self-regulatory theory. Using the mobile application, the participants are able to learn from educational materials, monitor their health behaviors, receive weekly-automated personalized goals and feedback messages, and use an automated conversation system to solve the problems related to self-care. The ongoing two-year study utilizes a mixed method design, with 180 patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus randomized to receive either the intervention or usual care. The participants will be reviewed for self-care self-efficacy, health behaviors, and health outcomes at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Participants in the intervention group will be interviewed about their experiences. Conclusion: The APSC program can serve as an effective tool for facilitating diabetes health behaviors by improving patients' self-care self-efficacy and self-regulation for self-care. However, the clinical effectiveness of this program requires further investigation.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.317-328
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• 2022

Trophoblasts, important functional cells in the placenta, play a critical role in maintaining placental function. The heterogeneity of trophoblasts has been reported, but little is known about the trophoblast subtypes and distinctive functions during preeclampsia (PE). In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the cell type-specific transcriptomic changes by performing unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of placental tissue samples, including those of patients diagnosed with PE and matched healthy controls. A total of 29,006 cells were identified in 11 cell types, including trophoblasts and immune cells, and the functions of the trophoblast subtypes in the PE group and the control group were also analyzed. As an important trophoblast subtype, extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) were further divided into 4 subgroups, and their functions were preliminarily analyzed. We found that some biological processes related to pregnancy, hormone secretion and immunity changed in the PE group. We also identified and analyzed the regulatory network of transcription factors (TFs) identified in the EVTs, among which 3 modules were decreased in the PE group. Then, through in vitro cell experiments, we found that in one of the modules, CEBPB and GTF2B may be involved in EVT dysfunction in PE. In conclusion, our study showed the different transcriptional profiles and regulatory modules in trophoblasts between placentas in the control and PE groups at the single-cell level; these changes may be involved in the pathological process of PE, providing a new molecular theoretical basis for preeclamptic trophoblast dysfunction.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.22 no.10
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• pp.57-66
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• 2022

The aim of the article is to investigate socio-political processes in Ukraine on the basis of institutional and behavioral approaches, in particular their regulatory and informational support. Methodology. To determine the nature and content of sociopolitical processes, the following approaches have been used: 1. Institutional approach in order to analyze the development of Ukraine's political institutions. 2. The behavioral approach has been used for the analysis of socio-political processes in Ukraine in the context of political behavior of citizens, their political activity which forms the political culture of the country. Results. The general features of the socio-political situation in Ukraine are as follows: the formed model of government, which can be conditionally described as "presidential"; public demand for new leaders remains at a high level; the society has no common vision of further development; significant tendency of reduction of real incomes of a significant part of the society and strengthening of fiscal pressure on businessmen will get a public response after some time. Increasing levels of voice, accountability, efficiency of governance and the quality of the regulatory environment indicate a slow change in the political system, which will have a positive impact on public sentiment in the future. At the same time, there has been little change in the quality of Ukraine's institutions to ensure political stability, the rule of law and control of corruption. There are no cardinal changes in the development of the institution of property rights, protection of intellectual rights, changes in the sphere of ethics and control of corruption. Thus, Ukraine's political institutions have not been able to bring about any change in the social-political processes. Accordingly, an average level of trust and confidence of citizens in political institutions and negative public sentiment regarding their perception and future change can be traced in Ukraine.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.411-416
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• 2022

Natural products are important sources for drug development because they have a wide variety of useful biological properties. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) has been used as an herbal medicine for treatment of colds, pain, and anemia. The present study was designed to evaluate the regulatory effect of AGN on immune enhancement in vivo and in vitro. To investigate the immune-enhancing effect of AGN, we used forced swimming test (FST) experimental model. Mice were orally administered by AGN or distilled water for 14 days and then immobility time and biological parameters in serum were measured. The results showed that immobility time in AGN treatment group was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group. Plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and lactate dehydrogenase in AGN group was significantly decreased compared with control group. Additionally, we showed that AGN treatment significantly increased immune-related cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-2, and interferon (IFN)-𝛾 levels in Molt-4 cells. Collectively, the findings provide experimental evidence that AGN may be effective in improving immune function.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.39-62
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• 2007

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of Lepidii Semen Herbal-acupu ncture(LS-HA) at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$ on ovalbumin(OVA)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental groups, except the Normal group and the LS-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the LS-HA group and the OVA-LS-HA group were treated with LS-HA(1%) at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. The mice in the OVA-Needle-Prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at $Joksanmi(ST_{36})$. LS-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week. Results : The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+$, $CCR3^+$, $CD3e^+$, $CD19^+$, $CD3e^+/CD69^+$cells in the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-LS-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that LS-HA at $Joksamni(ST_{36})$ is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.107-125
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• 2005

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the asthma-suppressive and immuno-regulatory effect of NR-HA(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture) at Pyesu(BL13) on OVA(ovalbumin)-induced asthma in mice. Methods : C57BL/6 mice out of all the experimental sloops, except the Normal group and the NR-HA group, were sensitized and challenged with OVA. The mice in the NR-HA group and the OVA-NR-HA group were treated with NR-HA(1%) at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Saline group were injected with saline at Pyesu(BL13). The mice in the OVA-Needle-prick group were treated with a single prick with an injection needle at Pyesu(BL13). NR-HA, saline injection and needle prick were administered for 8 weeks, three times a week Results : in vitro 1. The populations of granulocytes, $CD3e^-/CCR3^+$cells, $CD69^+/CD3e^+$ cells, $CD4^+\;cells\;and\;CD23^+/B220^+$ cells in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse lungs decreased significantly by NR-HAS(Notopterygii Rhizoma Herbal-acupuncture solution). 2. The lung weight and total cells in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 3. Total leukocytes and eosinophils in BALF of the OVA-NR-HA group decreas ed significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 4. The collagen accumulation in the lung sections of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with that of the OVA-control group. 5. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE in BALF and serum of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 6. The numbers of $Gr-1^+/CD11b^+,\;CCR3^+,\;CD3e^+, \;CD19^+,\;CD3e^+/CD69^+$ cells in the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA-Control group. 7. The mRNA expressions of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-5, IL-4 and IL-13 in lung of the OVA-NR-HA group decreased significantly compared with those of the OVA- Control group. 8. The NR-HA group did not show my considerable difference from the Normal group. The OVA-saline group and the OVA-Needle prick group showed suppressive effects on OVA-induced asthma however they were not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that NR-HA at Pyesu(BL13) is considered to be effective in treating asthma and to be put to practical use in the future asthma clinic.

• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.81
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• pp.189-224
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• 2017

The case of 'Paik Jong-moon's Taped Conversation,' has presented "an important and serious challenge to the freedom of the press and democracy" in South Korea. Nevertheless, this case has not been reported by the mainstream news media. It has also been forgotten without a proper fact-finding or investigation by regulatory agencies, like The Foundation for Broadcast Culture, The Korea Communications Commission, or The National Assembly. This study aims to examine why the above has happened through in-depth interviews of reporters and TV producers, senior journalists, former and incumbent commissioners of the broadcasting regulatory agencies, and experts of the industry, as well as literature research. Here, I present three answers. First, I found two reasons the mainstream press has ignored this incident. 1) It serves for political interests instead of reporting truth. 2) Public broadcasters' watchdog role has been neutralized. Second, regulatory agencies like The Foundation for Broadcast Culture, The Korea Communications Commission and The National Assembly are ruled by political tribalism. The ruling party's members of the National Assembly and these agencies were reluctant to investigate allegations surrounding Paik Jong-moon, such as illegal dismissals, illegal intervention in programming or production, illegal recruitment and illegal business deals. That's because they considered CEO Paik an ally. Using their majority power, they have rejected the request from opposition-affiliated commissioners or from opposition lawmakers to investigate the allegations. Third, there were no alternative forces within the public broadcasters to unveil the truth. In conclusion, the legal and institutional shake-up of corporate governance is urgently needed for public broadcasters and broadcasting regulatory agencies.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.151-164
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of self-efficacy that impacts on personal goal setting.. In addition, in the process of going to achieve the goal, this study was to evaluate the role of self-regulation resources. Specifically, this paper is divided into two groups of self-regulation resources, to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy and goal-setting theory. To achieve this goal, by manipulating the self-adjusting resources to target college students divided into two groups, this measured the performance of the self-efficacy and goal setting. In the test, the a mediated effect of goal setting between self-efficacy and performance was meaningful, and evidence of enhancing the self-regulatory resource by self-efficacy was found. As a result, this paper provides guideline that manages the performance by using the self-efficacy and self-regulatory resource.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare Studies
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.203-232
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to compare the national quality regulation schemes among four countries, and to find out implications to Korean quality regulation system of social services. For this, this study fixed comparative criteria on national quality regulation schemes, and compared the quality regulation schemes of 4 countries such as England, United States, Singapore and Japan. By reviewing prior relevant studies, three criteria could be suggested.: the level of user centeredness, the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement and stability of operation system. All analysed nations share similarities in that they all eager to provide quality information to their service users and develop nationally acceptable quality standards of social services. On the contrary, differences are identified in the level of regulatory enforcement and establishment of independent body for national quality control. By these results, this study discussed the meaning of these findings and their implications on the development of Korean quality regulation system.