• Title/Summary/Keyword: scale interactions

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Voxel-wise Mapping of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Impression Formation

  • Jeesung Ahn;Yoonjin Nah;Inwhan Ko;Sanghoon Han
    • Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.77-94
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    • 2022
  • Social interactions often involve encountering inconsistent information about social others. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study to comprehensively investigate voxel-wise temporal dynamics showing how impressions are anchored and/or adjusted in response to inconsistent social information. The participants performed a social impression task inside an fMRI scanner in which they were shown a male face, together with a series of four adjectives that described the depicted person's personality traits, successively presented beneath the image of the face. Participants were asked to rate their impressions of the person at the end of each trial on a scale of 1 to 8 (where 1 is most negative and 8 is most positive). We established two hypothetical models that represented two temporal patterns of voxel activity: Model 1 featured decreasing patterns of activity towards the end of each trial, anchoring impressions to initially presented information, and Model 2 showed increasing patterns of activity toward the end of each trial, where impressions were being adjusted using new and inconsistent information. Our data-driven model fitting analyses showed that the temporal activity patterns of voxels within the ventral anterior cingulate cortex, medial orbitofrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and fusiform gyrus fit Model 1 (i.e., they were more involved in anchoring first impressions) better than they did Model 2 (i.e., showing impression adjustment). Conversely, voxel-wise neural activity within dorsal ACC and lateral OFC fit Model 2 better than it did Model 1, as it was more likely to be involved in processing new, inconsistent information and adjusting impressions in response. Our novel approach to model fitting analysis replicated previous impression-related neuroscientific findings, furthering the understanding of neural and temporal dynamics of impression processing, particularly with reference to functionally segmenting each region of interest based on relative involvement in impression anchoring as opposed to adjustment.

Cinnamic acid derivatives as potential matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibitors: molecular docking and dynamics simulations

  • Mohammad Hossein Malekipour;Farzaneh Shirani;Shadi Moradi;Amir Taherkhani
    • Genomics & Informatics
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    • v.21 no.1
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    • pp.9.1-9.13
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    • 2023
  • Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a zinc and calcium-dependent proteolytic enzyme involved in extracellular matrix degradation. Overexpression of MMP-9 has been confirmed in several disorders, including cancers, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. Therefore, MMP-9 inhibition is recommended as a therapeutic strategy for combating various diseases. Cinnamic acid derivatives have shown therapeutic effects in different cancers, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, and dental caries. A computational drug discovery approach was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of selected cinnamic acid derivatives to the MMP-9 active site. The stability of docked poses for top-ranked compounds was also examined. Twelve herbal cinnamic acid derivatives were tested for possible MMP-9 inhibition using the AutoDock 4.0 tool. The stability of the docked poses for the most potent MMP-9 inhibitors was assessed by molecular dynamics (MD) in 10 nanosecond simulations. Interactions between the best MMP-9 inhibitors in this study and residues incorporated in the MMP-9 active site were studied before and after MD simulations. Cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid revealed a considerable binding affinity to the MMP-9 catalytic domain (ΔGbinding < -10 kcal/ mol). The inhibition constant value for cynarin and chlorogenic acid were calculated at the picomolar scale and assigned as the most potent MMP-9 inhibitor from the cinnamic acid derivatives. The root-mean-square deviations for cynarin and chlorogenic acid were below 2 Å in the 10 ns simulation. Cynarin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid might be considered drug candidates for MMP-9 inhibition.

Properties of Galaxies in Cosmic Filaments around the Virgo Cluster

  • Lee, Youngdae;Kim, Suk;Rey, Soo-Chang;Chung, Jiwon
    • The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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    • v.45 no.1
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    • pp.64.2-64.2
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    • 2020
  • We present the properties of galaxies in filaments around the Virgo cluster with respect to their vertical distance from the filament spine. Using the NASA-Sloan Atlas and group catalogs, we select galaxies that do not belong to groups in filaments. The filament member galaxies are then defined as those located within 3.5 scale length from the filament spine. The filaments are mainly (~86%) composed of low-mass dwarf galaxies of logh2M∗/M⊙ < 9 dominantly located on the blue cloud in color-magnitude diagrams. We observe that the g - r color and stellar mass of galaxies correlate with their vertical distance from the filament spine in which the color becomes red and stellar mass decreases with increasing vertical filament distance. The galaxies were divided into two subsamples in different stellar mass ranges, with lower-mass (logh2M∗/M⊙ ≤ 8) galaxies showing a clear negative g-r color gradient, whereas higher-mass (logh2M∗/M⊙ > 8) galaxies have a flat distribution against the vertical filament distance. We observe a negative EW(Hα) gradient for higher-mass galaxies, whereas lower-mass galaxies show no distinct variation in EW(Hα) against the vertical filament distance. In contrast, the NUV - r color distribution of higher-mass galaxies shows no strong dependence on the vertical filament distance, whereas the lower-mass galaxies show a distinct negative NUV - r color gradient. We do not witness clear gradients of HI fraction in either the higher- or lower-mass subsamples. We propose that the negative color and stellar mass gradients of galaxies can be explained by mass assembly from past galaxy mergers at different vertical filament distances. In addition, galaxy interactions might be responsible for the contrasting features of EW(Hα) and NUV - r color distributions between the higher- and lower-mass subsamples. The HI fraction distributions of the two subsamples suggest that ram-pressure stripping and gas accretion could be ignorable processes in the Virgo filaments.

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Effects of Pre- and Post-workout Energy Bar Supplementation on Blood Lactate and Fitness in Young Adults with CrossFit Training: A randomized crossover study

  • Byung-Gul Lim;Xinxing Li;Wook Song
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.61-71
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    • 2023
  • Purpose : Energy bars are increasingly popular among active individuals, yet their timing and nutrient combinations' impact on exercise adaptation remains unclear. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating whether the combination of pre- and post-workout supplementation can synergistically enhance fitness and alleviate fatigue in trained CrossFit participants. Investigate if combining pre- and post-workout supplements can enhance fitness and blood lactate management in trained CrossFit participants, potentially improving exercise performance for this group. Methods : In a randomized crossover study, 20 trained CrossFit individuals (11 males, 9 females) completed thrice-weekly 60-minute CrossFit sessions for 3 weeks, with a one-week washout period. Participants were randomly assigned to either a chocolate bar group (CH, 45 g, 225 kcal) or an energy bar group (ES, 48 g, 238 kcal, with protein, caffeine, taurine, and BCAAs). For one week, participants consumed two bars of their assigned supplement five minutes before and after workouts. After a washout period, they switched supplements. Blood lactate levels and a visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed before, immediately after, and 30 minutes post-workout. Fitness tests (hand grip, broad jump, sit-ups) were conducted at baseline and 30 minutes post-final workout. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA (p<.05), 95 % confidence intervals, and magnitude inferences. Results : Hand grip strength (t=-5.60, p=.000), broad jump (t=-3.43, p=.003) and sit up (t=-3.94, p=.001) were significantly increased in the ES group. Compared to CH group, there was a significant time and group interactions for blood lactate level (F=5.51, p=.008) and VAS(F=31.67, p=.000) in the ES group. Conclusion : Pre- and post-workout energy bar supplementation may have a beneficial effect on blood lactate clearance and fitness in trained CrossFit individual. The combination of proprietary supplements taken may provide benefits for removing the blood lactate during high-intensity functional exercise.

Study on derivation from large-amplitude size dependent internal resonances of homogeneous and FG rod-types

  • Somaye Jamali Shakhlavi;Reza Nazemnezhad
    • Advances in nano research
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.111-125
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    • 2024
  • Recently, a lot of research has been done on the analysis of axial vibrations of homogeneous and FG nanotubes (nanorods) with various aspects of vibrations that have been fully mentioned in history. However, there is a lack of investigation of the dynamic internal resonances of FG nanotubes (nanorods) between them. This is one of the essential or substantial characteristics of nonlinear vibration systems that have many applications in various fields of engineering (making actuators, sensors, etc.) and medicine (improving the course of diseases such as cancers, etc.). For this reason, in this study, for the first time, the dynamic internal resonances of FG nanorods in the simultaneous presence of large-amplitude size dependent behaviour, inertial and shear effects are investigated for general state in detail. Such theoretical patterns permit as to carry out various numerical experiments, which is the key point in the expansion of advanced nano-devices in different sciences. This research presents an AFG novel nano resonator model based on the axial vibration of the elastic nanorod system in terms of derivation from large-amplitude size dependent internal modals interactions. The Hamilton's Principle is applied to achieve the basic equations in movement and boundary conditions, and a harmonic deferential quadrature method, and a multiple scale solution technique are employed to determine a semi-analytical solution. The interest of the current solution is seen in its specific procedure that useful for deriving general relationships of internal resonances of FG nanorods. The numerical results predicted by the presented formulation are compared with results already published in the literature to indicate the precision and efficiency of the used theory and method. The influences of gradient index, aspect ratio of FG nanorod, mode number, nonlinear effects, and nonlocal effects variations on the mechanical behavior of FG nanorods are examined and discussed in detail. Also, the inertial and shear traces on the formations of internal resonances of FG nanorods are studied, simultaneously. The obtained valid results of this research can be useful and practical as input data of experimental works and construction of devices related to axial vibrations of FG nanorods.

An Examination of the Relationship between Learning Outcomes of Employees Participating in Work-Study Integrated Degree Programs and University Efforts in Response (일학습병행 재직자학위연계 교육과정 참여학생의 학습성과와 대학측 대응 노력 간의 연관성 고찰)

  • Choi, Sungyon
    • Journal of Engineering Education Research
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    • v.27 no.1
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    • pp.3-12
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    • 2024
  • The degree-linked programs for employees, operated by joint training centers in specialized universities that have implemented work-study integrated programs, are educational programs that require an annual government budget of around 80 billion KRW. However, the 70+ universities running these programs face issues such as a decline in academic achievement and an increase in dropout rates among students. In this paper, I conducted multiple regression analysis based on observed and measured information to examine whether the participating students in these programs are achieving an appropriate level of academic performance and to identify the factors that universities need to invest in to achieve that level. To do this, I hypothesized a causal relationship between the university's input factors and students' academic achievement, and used the SPSS program to analyze the statistical data, confirming the validity of the hypothesis. The collected data for the study were obtained through a survey developed using a Likert 4-point scale, which quantified the distribution of grades among students enrolled in IT-related departments offering the degree-linked programs for employees and the emotional contact efforts made by the universities to motivate them for academic success. Particularly, through the results of multiple regression analysis, it was confirmed that these input factors, unlike those for students in general education programs, require more personalized and frequent interactions.

Effects of Breathing Re-education Training on Pain and Dysfunction Levels, Posture, Quality of Life, Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial (호흡 재교육 훈련이 만성 목통증 환자의 통증과 기능장애 수준, 자세, 삶의 질, 폐 기능에 미치는 영향: 무작위 대조군 실험)

  • Sang-hyu Lee;Suhn-yeop Kim
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.29-42
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    • 2024
  • Background: This study aimed to determine the effects of training on breathing re-education on pain and dysfunction levels, posture, quality of life (QoL), and pulmonary function in patients. Methods: This study included 34 patients with chronic neck pain and upper thoracic breathing pattern were included. The participants were assigned to either the routine physical therapy program (RPTP) (CG; n=17) or RPTP and breathing pattern re-education training (EG; n=17). The CG and EG groups performed RPTP for 40 minutes, and only the EG groups performed breathing re-education training for 10 minutes. Exercises were performed thrice weekly for both groups. Level of pain and dysfunction, posture, QoL and pulmonary function status were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: After four weeks of intervention, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Korean version of neck disability index, cranio-vertebral angle, cranial rotation angle, and 12-item short form health survey-physical and mental component summaries had significant differences before and after intervention in both groups (p<.01). However, only NPRS, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1s, and maximum voluntary ventilation showed significant interactions between the two groups and measurement time (p<.01). Conclusion: Breathing re-education training and RPTP may be optimal for patients with chronic neck pain and may be more effective in improving neck pain and pulmonary function.

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Comparisons of HRV Parameters Among Anxiety Disorder, Depressive Disorder and Trauma·Stressor Related Disorder (불안장애, 우울장애, 외상 및 스트레스 관련 장애의 심박변이지표 비교 연구)

  • Kim, Ji-eun;Park, Do-won;Han, Ji-yeon;Lee, Jung Hyun
    • Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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    • v.28 no.1
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    • pp.81-88
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    • 2020
  • Objectives : This study aimed to compare autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation and differential relationships with clinical severities between anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, and trauma·stressor related disorder using heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Methods : We conducted a retrospective chart review of outpatients from 2017 to 2018 in Stress Clinic of National Center for Mental Health. Total 473 patients were included; 166 anxiety disorder; 184 depressive disorder ; 123 trauma·stressor related disorder. Parameters of 5-min analysis of HRV were compared in three groups. Additionally, we investigated the differential association of each parameters with Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) across each group. Results : No significant differences were found in all HRV parameters between the three groups. However, significant group interactions by CGI-S were found in standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD) (SDNN, p=0.017 ; RMSSD, p=0.034). A negative relationship between CGI-S and SDNN, RMSSD has been found in anxiety disorder and depressive disorder. However, a positive relationship between CGI-S and SDNN, RMSSD has been found in trauma·stressor related disorder. Conclusions : Despite of no significant differences of each HRV parameter, our findings suggested the differential associations of HRV parameters with clinical severity among anxiety disorder, depressive disorder and trauma·stressor related disorder. In trauma·stressor related disorder, the clinical severity and degree of ANS dysregulation may differ, so more aggressive treatment is suggested.

Novel synthesis of nanocrystalline thin films by design and control of deposition energy and plasma

  • Han, Jeon G.
    • Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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    • 2016.02a
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    • pp.77-77
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    • 2016
  • Thin films synthesized by plasma processes have been widely applied in a variety of industrial sectors. The structure control of thin film is one of prime factor in most of these applications. It is well known that the structure of this film is closely associated with plasma parameters and species of plasma which are electrons, ions, radical and neutrals in plasma processes. However the precise control of structure by plasma process is still limited due to inherent complexity, reproducibility and control problems in practical implementation of plasma processing. Therefore the study on the fundamental physical properties that govern the plasmas becomes more crucial for molecular scale control of film structure and corresponding properties for new generation nano scale film materials development and application. The thin films are formed through nucleation and growth stages during thin film depostion. Such stages involve adsorption, surface diffusion, chemical binding and other atomic processes at surfaces. This requires identification, determination and quantification of the surface activity of the species in the plasma. Specifically, the ions and neutrals have kinetic energies ranging from ~ thermal up to tens of eV, which are generated by electron impact of the polyatomic precursor, gas phase reaction, and interactions with the substrate and reactor walls. The present work highlights these aspects for the controlled and low-temperature plasma enhanced chemical vapour disposition (PECVD) of Si-based films like crystalline Si (c-Si), Si-quantum dot, and sputtered crystalline C by the design and control of radicals, plasmas and the deposition energy. Additionally, there is growing demand on the low-temperature deposition process with low hydrogen content by PECVD. The deposition temperature can be reduced significantly by utilizing alternative plasma concepts to lower the reaction activation energy. Evolution in this area continues and has recently produced solutions by increasing the plasma excitation frequency from radio frequency to ultra high frequency (UHF) and in the range of microwave. In this sense, the necessity of dedicated experimental studies, diagnostics and computer modelling of process plasmas to quantify the effect of the unique chemistry and structure of the growing film by radical and plasma control is realized. Different low-temperature PECVD processes using RF, UHF, and RF/UHF hybrid plasmas along with magnetron sputtering plasmas are investigated using numerous diagnostics and film analysis tools. The broad outlook of this work also outlines some of the 'Grand Scientific Challenges' to which significant contributions from plasma nanoscience-related research can be foreseen.

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Impacts of Sand Mining on the Macrobenthic Community in Gyeonggi Bay, Korea (경기만에서 해사채취가 대형저서동물 군집구조에 미치는 영향)

  • Yu, Ok-Hwan;Lee, Hyung-Gon;Lee, Jae-Hac;Kim, Dong-Sung
    • Ocean and Polar Research
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    • v.28 no.2
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    • pp.129-144
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    • 2006
  • Small-scale effects of sand mining on macrobenthic communities have been reported previously. However, little information is available as to how dredging affects the macrobenthic community structure. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of large-scale exhibition dredging on the macrobenthic community of Gyeonggi Bay, Korea, where sand mining has continued for 20 years. Prior to dredging, the macrobenthic species composition was similar to that of areas near the dredging site, with several common dominant species found before dredging. After dredging, the number of species, density, and diversity (H') in the experimental area (sites 0 and 1) decreased significantly, but no difference was observed at other sites. Multivariate analysis (multidimensional scaling) revealed significant differences in community structure before and after dredging. The amphipod Urothoe grimaldii japonica, which was the most dominant species at sites 0,1, and 2, decreased rapidly at sites 0 and 1 after dredging, but no difference was observed at site 2. In addition, the index of multivariate dispersion (IMD) and the relative IMD (r. IMD) were large at sites 0 and 1, suggesting that the effects of dredging were direct at site 0 and 1, but indirect at site 2. The macrobenthic communities at sites 3 and 4 were not affected by dredging, but they were affected by physical conditions and biological interactions. We suggest that benthic biotope indices such as the IMD and r.IMD may constitute a valid tool for assessing the effects of dredging on the macrobenthic community; long-term monitoring is required to verify this.