• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.2022-2038
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• 2010

Our study was designed to provide some insights on positive country image and the mechanisms of influence that Asian fashion industries can draw upon for future benefit. We focused on a country image and fashion products with Asian ethnic influence. Asian traditional costume elements reflected in contemporary fashion products may be important representative tools for national cultural identity. This study qualitatively investigated how and to what extent country image and additional information influence the evaluation of fashion products influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditional dress. We conducted four focus-group interviews (FGI) with 30 students from a fashion program at a university in the United States. We analyzed the evaluation of fashion products influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean traditional dress, and their associations with country image. Our qualitative analysis offered more developed empirical evidence for the various paths through which country image affects the evaluation of fashion products influenced by the ethnic dress of Asians. The results of our study showed that the more direct the source of prior knowledge, the larger the influence on product evaluation. This study showed that certain cues in the evaluation of fashion products with Asian ethnic influence induce changes in the affective state (that stem from the psychological and social nature of fashion products) and illustrate the necessity of considering the affective processes involved in the appropriate use of the country image. In the fashion industry, extrinsic properties such as the country image significantly influence the attitude and purchasing decisions of consumers. The significance of this study lies in its verification of the relationship between the country image and additional information. Modular and situational-contextual influences are also revealed as important factors that deserve more attention, as well as considerations regarding the dimensions of the country image described in attitude theory.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.97-108
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• 2011

Cancer stem cells have stem cell-like features, such as the ability for self-renewal and differentiation but show unlimited growth because they have the lost normal regulation of cell growth. Cancer stem cells and normal stem cells have similar features. They show high motility, diversity of progeny, robust proliferative potential, association with blood vessels, immature expression profiles, nestin expression, epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor expression, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression, hedgehog pathway activity, telomerase activity, and Wnt pathway activity. On the other hand, with cancer cells, some of these signaling pathways are abnormally modified. In 1875, Cohnheim suggested the concept of cancer stem cells. Recently, evidence for the existence of cancer stem cells was identified. In 1994, the cancer stem cells' specific cell surface marker for leukemia was identified. Since then, other specific cell surface markers for cancer stem cells in solid tumors (e.g. breast and colon cancer) have been identified. In oral cancer, studies on cancer stem cells have been performed mainly with squamous cell carcinomas. Oral cancer specific cell surface markers, which are genes strongly expressed in oral cancer and cancer stem cell specific side populations, have been identified. Cancer stem cells are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, to eliminate malignant tumors efficiently and reduce the recurrence rate, therapy targeting cancer stem cells needs to be performed. Currently, studies targeting the cancer stem cells' specific signaling pathways, telomerase and tumor vasculatures are being done.

• CELLMED
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.3.1-3.8
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• 2014

Spa represents a treatment widely used in many rheumatic diseases (RD). The mechanisms by which immersion in mineral or thermal water ameliorates RD are not fully understood. The net benefit is probably the result of a combination of factors, among which the mechanical, thermal and chemical effects are most prominent. Buoyancy, immersion, resistance and temperature play important roles. According to the gate theory, pain relief may be due to the pressure and temperature of the water on skin; heat may reduce muscle spasm and increase the pain threshold. Mud-bath therapy increases plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels and secretion of corticotrophin, cortisol, growth hormone and prolactin. It has recently been demonstrated that thermal mud-bath therapy induces a reduction in circulating levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, interleukin-$1{\beta}$ and tumour necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, important mediators of inflammation and pain. Furthermore, balneotherapy has been found to cause an increase in insulin-like growth factor-1, which stimulates cartilage metabolism, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$. Beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-degenerative effects of mineral water were confirmed in chondrocytes cultures, too. Various studies in vitro and in humans have highlighted the positive action of mud-packs and thermal baths, especially sulphurous ones, on the oxidant/antioxidant system. Overall, thermal stress has an immunosuppressive effect. Many other non-specific factors may also contribute to the beneficial effects observed after spa therapy in some RD, including effects on cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. adipokines) and changes in the environment, pleasant surroundings and the absence of work duties.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.83-98
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• 2017

Objectives : The paper's objective is to study into the books dealing in the debate surrounding the existence, or nonexistence, of urinary bladder's upper gate and lower gate, a debate that ensured since the publication of Huangdineijing. Methods : Sikuquanshu and Zhongyishijia databases were searched to collect related materials, and these materials were reviewed to get an understanding of the historical development of the debate. Results : The upper gates of urinary bladder was first mentioned in Nanjing. Since then, Wanglu's Yijingsuhuiji asserted that the upper gate exists while the lower didn't, but many argued after the dawning of Ming Dynasty that the upper doesn't exist while the lower does. Additionally, some urged in relation to the assertion of the nonexistence of upper gate that water liquid pervades into the urinary bladder through sebaceous membrane or oil net. Conclusions : Behind the debate between the existence or nonexistence of the upper and lower gates in urinary bladder is the theory of qi transformation. Even the anatomical knowledge of urinary bladder was submitted as an evidence. In general, the debate developed depending on how the differences between Huangdineijing's osmotic opinion and Nanjing's existence of the upper gate were perceived.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2017

Objectives : Comparative review was rendered to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of two common treatment approaches of treatment based on syndrome differentiation and treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease. A typical symptom of headache from hypertension was chosen for substantial approach of this review. Methods : Pros and cons of two different approaches to disease were evaluated based on literatures and texts focusing treatment based on syndrome differentiation and treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease. Headache can be correlated with hypertension yet it can be induced by multiple other factors, and headache may/may not accompany hypertension. Hypertension is an example of treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease and headache can be an example of treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Results : Treatment based on syndrome differentiation can give more autonomy and flexibility in approach to the disease, Intuition, experience, and traditional medical theory can be applied with ease. However, management and eradication of diseases are difficult and standardization of treatment is not easy among practitioners. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease incorporated merits of both eastern and western medicines, achieving more evidence based diagnosis and treatment. Eradication and standardization of disorders are possible with the latter approach. Conclusions : Comparing two systems of treatment based on syndrome differentiation and treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease with emphasis on hypertension and headache yielded medical values. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation from disease appears to be superior in medical values and effectiveness, but further evaluation and interest are needed to make advancement in Korean traditional medicine.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.45.1-45.7
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• 2022

Food security will be affected by climate change worldwide, particularly in the developing world, where the most important food products originate from plants. Plants are often exposed to environmental stresses that may affect their growth, development, yield, and food quality. Auxin is a hormone that plays a critical role in improving plants' tolerance of environmental conditions. Auxin controls the expression of many stress-responsive genes in plants by interacting with specific cis-regulatory elements called auxin-responsive elements (AuxREs). In this work, we performed an in silico prediction of AuxREs in promoters of five auxin-responsive genes in Zea mays. We applied a data fusion approach based on the combined use of Dempster-Shafer evidence theory and fuzzy sets. Auxin has a direct impact on cell membrane proteins. The short-term auxin response may be represented by the regulation of transmembrane gene expression. The detection of an AuxRE in the promoter of prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) in Z. mays and the 3-fold overexpression of this gene under auxin treatment for 30 min indicated the role of POP in maize auxin response. POP is regulated by auxin to perform stress adaptation. In addition, the detection of two AuxRE TGTCTC motifs in the upstream sequence of the bx1 gene suggests that bx1 can be regulated by auxin. Auxin may also be involved in the regulation of dehydration-responsive element-binding and some members of the protein kinase superfamily.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.10-15
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• 2024

Previous studies have highlighted the pivotal role of the β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling pathway in stimulating cancer metastasis induced by chronic stress. According to the theory of traditional Korean medicine, chronic stress can induce Qi stagnation. Based on the traditional role of premature citrus unshiu peel in moving Qi, we hypothesized that an ethanol extract of premature citrus unshiu peel (EPCU) can attenuate chronic stress-induced cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the potential role of EPCU on modulating the adrenergic agonists-induced metastatic properties of liver cancer cells. Our findings revealed that adrenergic agonists, including norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), and isoproterenol (ISO), augmented the migratory capacity of Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which was completely abrogated by EPCU treatment in a concentration-dependent manner. Consistently, EPCU inhibited the E-induced invasive property of Hep3B cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that EPCU efficiently attenuates adrenergic agonists-induced metastatic abilities of liver cancer cells. As a molecular mechanism, EPF suppressed the phosphorylation of major components of β-AR signaling pathway, including Src, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and ERK, induced by E treatment. Taken together, our results demonstrate that EPCU impedes the adrenergic agonists-driven metastatic potential of cancer cells by inhibiting β-AR signaling pathway. This study provides basic evidence supporting the probable use of premature citrus unshiu peel to prevent metastasis in liver cancer patients under chronic stress.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.427-435
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• 2008

In this review, we discuss the genes and the related signal pathways that regulate aging and longevity by reviewing recent findings of genetic longevity models in rodents in reference to findings with lower organisms. We also paid special attention to the genes and signals mediating the effects of calorie restriction (CR), a powerful intervention that slows the aging process and extends the lifespan in a range of organisms. An evolutionary view emphasizes the roles of nutrient-sensing and neuroendocrine adaptation to food shortage as the mechanisms underlying the effects of CR. Genetic and non-genetic interventions without CR suggest a role for single or combined hormonal signals that partly mediate the effect of CR. Longevity genes fall into two categories, genes relevant to nutrient-sensing systems and those associated with mitochondrial function or redox regulation. In mammals, disrupted or reduced growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 signaling robustly favors longevity. CR also suppresses the GH-IGF-1 axis, indicating the importance of this signal pathway. Surprisingly, there are very few longevity models to evaluate the enhanced anti-oxidative mechanism, while there is substantial evidence supporting the oxidative stress and damage theory of aging. Either increased or reduced mitochondrial function may extend the lifespan. The role of redox regulation and mitochondrial function in CR remains to be elucidated.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.51-72
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• 2010

Given the extensive role of IS in everyday life and the increasing presence of women in IS users, understanding gender differences in individual technology continuance usage decisions is an important issue. Nevertheless, much of the large body of research on gender differences has just examined mean differences between women and men in terms of abilities, usage habit, and traits. Even though lots of psychology studies have shown that women, more than men, were influenced by affective factors, gender-affection-continuance use linkage has not been examined in the context of on-line shopping services. Therefore, the primary purpose of this paper is to seek to examine gender differences in terms of influence of affective factor in the context of IS continuance use. Meanwhile, IS continuance has been an important subject of study in the IT research area. To date, to explain why and how users are motivated to continue to use on-line shopping services, lots of theory-based research such as expectation-confirmation model (ECM) has been proposed. In particular, various affective factors have been proposed to explain continuance use of on-line shopping services recently. Affective factors have been regarded as essential factors for increasing relational strength and satisfaction. Several affective factors have been studied by prior IS adoption and continuance studies. Among them are enjoyment and anxiety. In IS continuance research, positive affect has been commonly and narrowly conceptualized and measured as the enjoyment which a person derives from using computers. Hence, in this study, we introduced intimacy factor, which was conceptually related to the quality of interactions and relationships in previous research. It also has been regarded as essential factors for strengthening human relationships. As a result, we have observed gender effect while examining intimacy-continuance bond. As expected based on the previous literatures, women seem to be more sensitive in affective factors. The contribution point here is that we find evidence in the context of on-line shopping services.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.194-204
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• 2004

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate what kinds of research have been done about scientific inquiry in terms of scientific argumentation in the classroom context from the upper elementary to the high school levels. First, science educators argued that there had not been differentiation between authentic scientific inquiry by scientists and school scientific inquiry by students in the classroom. This uncertainty of goals or definition of scientific inquiry has led to the problem or limitation of implementing scientific inquiry in the classroom. It was also pointed out that students' learning science as inquiry has been done without opportunities of argumentation to understand how scientific knowledge is constructed. Second, what is scientific argumentation, then? Researchers stated that scientific inquiry in the classroom cannot be guaranteed only through hands-on experimentation. Students can understand how scientific knowledge is constructed through their reasoning skills using opportunities of argumentation based on their procedural skills using opportunities of experimentation. Third, many researchers emphasized the social practices of small or whole group work for enhancing students' scientific reasoning skills through argumentations. Different role of leadership in groups and existence of teachers' roles are found to have potential in enhancing students' scientific reasoning skills to understand science as inquiry. Fourth, what is scientific reasoning? Scientific reasoning is defined as an ability to differentiate evidence or data from theory and coordinate them to construct their scientific knowledge based on their collection of data (Kuhn, 1989, 1992; Dunbar & Klahr, 1988, 1989; Reif & Larkin, 1991). Those researchers found that students skills in scientific reasoning are different from scientists. Fifth, for the purpose of enhancing students' scientific reasoning skills to understand how scientific knowledge is constructed, other researchers suggested that teachers' roles in scaffolding could help students develop those skills. Based on this literature review, it is important to find what kinds of generalizable teaching strategies teachers use for students scientific reasoning skills through scientific argumentation and investigate teachers' knowledge of scientific argumentation in the context of scientific inquiry. The relationship between teachers' knowledge and their teaching strategies and between teachers teaching strategies and students scientific reasoning skills can be found out if there is any.