• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.123-136
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• 2004

Objective : Because the cause and etiology of chronic headache is not yet fully explained, the treatment of this symptom is not simple. This study compares the effects of aroma acupuncture and normal acupuncture applied on chronic headache patients, in order to establish a primary data for further studies of new treatments and developments of new practical acupunctures. Methods : 38 clinical experiment participants were gathered and through a questionnaire patients who experienced headache for more than 4 hours a day and more than 15 days per month were qualified as Chronic Headache patients. The qualified patients were classified in to two groups, aroma acupuncture group(Aroma AT group, n=23) and normal acupuncture group(AT group, n=15). Treatment was applied 2 times a weeks for 8 weeks. The acupoints, GV20, HN23, ST8, HN46, TE17, GB20, LI20, LI11, LI14, ST36, and LR3 were stimulated for 20 minutes in both the groups. The effects of both groups were analyzed using VAS scores and BPI (Brief Pain Inventory). Results : The VAS pain scores improved significantly in both groups. The decrease rate was larger in the Aroma AT group(p<0.05). The BPI scores for the both groups also decreased. The improvement in the Aroma AT group was larger(p<0.05). Conclusion : Aroma acupuncture applied on chronic headache patients showed effects of relieving pain, improving general activities, changing the mood, and improving sleeping behaviors. These effects were analyzed using VAS scores and BPI. The Aroma AT group showed significant changes of VAS and BPI compared to the AT group, suggesting that this new practical acupuncture is very effective when treating chronic headaches. Further researches are needed to evaluate the distinct functional mechanism of aroma acupuncture, but this study is meaningful in the sense that it will act as a fundamental study to build on.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.59-68
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• 2004

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture with various scales on symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Methods : Subjects were voluntarily recruited by newspapers and internet. All the subjects are confirmed as idiopathic parkinson's disease by a neurologist. The acupuncture therapy was performed twice a week for 8 weeks. Acupuncture points for EA group were GB34, and LR3, electrical stimulation frequency was 120Hz, duration 15 minutes, and intensity is up to pain threshold according to patients. The patient's symptoms were assessed before, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks treatments by unified Parkinson's disease rating scale(UPDRS), modified Hoehn-Yahr(H-Y) stage, Schwab & England activity of daily living and freezing of gait questionnaire(FOGQ). Results : UPDRS I, II, III, IV and total UPDRS scores were significantly improved after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05) compared to the pre-treatment. The scores of ADL were significantly improved after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05). There were significant changes in H-Y stage after 4 weeks(p<0.05), but There were no significant changes in H-Y stage after 8 weeks. There were significant changes in FOGQ scale after 4 weeks(p<0.05) and after 8 weeks(p<0.05). Conclusion : This study suggests that electroacupuncutre treatments can be applicable to improve symptoms in the patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.89-96
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• 2007

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment in chronic shoulder pain patients. Methods : 36 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture treatment group(E Group, n=18) and a control group(C Group, n=18). The E Group patients received acupuncture treatment on $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for four weeks. The C Group patients received no treatment. All patients in both groups were instructed to practise self exercise in their daily lives. Evaluations were made at baseline and after four weeks of study. The Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI) and the patient's subjective pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The obtained data was analyzed. Results : The E Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, SPADI and VAS after four weeks of treatment. The C Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, but the change of SPADI and VAS was insignificant(p>0.05). CSA and SPADI of E Group significantly(p<0.05) improved compared to the C Group, but the difference of VAS change in the two groups was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusions : Four weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI and VAS. The improvement of CSA and SPADI was significant(p<0.05) compared to untreated patients.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.143-155
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• 2007

Objectives: To observe the effect of acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment on adhesive capsulitis patients. Methods : 59 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture treatment group(E group, n=22), nerve block treatment group(W group, n=17) and acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment group(EW group, n=20). The E group received acupuncture treatment on LI15, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The W group received suprascapular nerve block, subacromial injection and trigger point injection, twice a week for 4 weeks. The EW group received the same treatment as the W group and after 5minutes of rest, successively received the treatment identical to that of E group. All three groups were instructed to practice groups were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment and after 1, 2, 3 and 4week treatment. Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM), the patient's treatment satisfaction measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) were used as assessment tools. The obtained data were analyzed and compared. Results : The E group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Adduction and Extension improved significantly(p<0.05). The W group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Abduction and Extension improved significantly. The EW group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI and VAS. As for ROM, Adduction, Abduction, Extension and Flexion improved significantly. The improvement of CSA, VAS and Abduction ROM in the EW group was significantly(p<0.05) superior compared to the groups treated with single type of treatment. Conclusion : It is suggested that acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment for adhesive capsulitis patients is more effective than the two single treatments. Through further studies, the acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment model may be developed into East-West Collaboration Model in treating adhesive capsulitis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.453-461
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• 2007

Drynariae Rhizoma has been used for promotes mending of the sinews and bone, tonifies the kidney for such symptoms as weak low back and knees, and stimulates the growth of hair as a tinctute for alopecia in oriental medicine. This experiment examined the effect of an acetone extracts of Drynariae Rhizomas(GSB-1), its EtoAc fraction(GB-2) and n-buOH fraction(GSB-3), on hair growth activity of the C57BL/6L mice after topical application to skin. First, We examined on hair growth activity of extracts of Drynariae Rhizomas compare to control and 1 % minoxidil groups. Second, We investigated on the number of hair follicle and mast cells after topical application of extracts of the Drynariae Rhizomas to skin for 16 day. Third, We investigated immunoreactive density of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), protein kinase C-${\alpha}$(PKC-${\alpha}$) and stem(mast) cell factor(SCF) in skin of C57BL/6N mice by immunohistochemical methods. The results were as follows : Hair growth effect of acetone extracts of Drynariae Rhizomas, its EtoAc fraction and n-BuOH fraction was observed in 98 %, 96 % and 60 % in hair removed skin area in 16 day respectively, Immunoreactive density of VEGF in skin of GSB-1 group was weakly stained compare to control group in 10 day, But GSB-2 and GSB-3 groups were mildy stained in bulge and root sheath of skin. Immunolocalization of SCF antigens was observed weakly stained density in epidermis, bulge, stem cells and dermal papilla of control gruop. but in experimental group, immunoreactivity of SCF antigens was observed mildly stained density in bulge, epidermis and root sheath of GSB-1 gruop, heavily stained density in epidermis, bulge and root sheath of GSB-2 and GSB-3 groups to the hair removal skin of C57BL/6N mice on day 10. These experiment suggest that acetone extracts of Drynariae Rhizomas and its EtoAc fraction may be used for topical treatment of alopecia areata.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.219-228
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• 2006

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment on Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) in frozen shoulder patients. Methods : 17 voluntary patients received acupuncture treatment on LI15, TE14, GB21 and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The patients were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment, after 1 week of treatment, after 2 weeks, 3 weeks and after 4 weeks of treatment. Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM) and the patient's satisfaction concerning the treatment was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). DITI was measured before treatment and after 4weeks of treatment. The obtained data was analyzed. Results : CSA, SPADI, VAS, adduction and extension showed significant(p<0.05) improvement. Abduction and flexion both improved after 4 weeks of treatment, but the improvement was statistically insignificant(p>0.05). DITI showed improvement but the improvement was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusion : 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI, VAS, adduction and extension in frozen shoulder patients(p<0.05). The improvement of abduction and flexion after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment was insignificant(p>0.05). DITI results improved after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment. But the change of thermal difference was insignificant(p>0.05).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.177-185
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• 2006

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment and western medical treatment on frozen shoulder patients. Methods : 39 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to the Eastern treatment group(E group, n=22) and the Western treatment group(W group, n=17). The E group received acupuncture treatment on LI15, TE14, GB21 and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The W group received suprascapular nerve block, subacromial injection and trigger point injection, twice a week for 4 weeks. Both groups were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment and after treatment using Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI) and the patient's satisfaction concerning the treatment was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The obtained data were analyzed and compared. Results : The E group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) according to the CSA and SPADI. The patient's satisfaction scored 5.67 on a scale of 10. The W group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) according to the CSA and SPADI. The patient's satisfaction scored 7.73. But the difference between the two groups were insignificant according to CSA and SPADI. Conclusion : Both acupuncture and nerve block treatment significantly improved frozen shoulder. But the difference of the two treatments was insignificant.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 2010

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effects of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture and Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture on autonomic nervous system with Heart Rate Variability(HRV). Purpose of the trial was to observe what influence Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture and Bovis calculus Fel Ursi pharmacopuncture have on the autonomic nervous system. Methods : 40 healthy male volunteers were divided into two experimental groups, such as Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture group and Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture group. Study design was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. 20 subjects in one experimental group were injected Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture, 20 subjects in other experimental group were injected hydrolyzed Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture at GB21(Kyonjong). We measured HRV 7 times : baseline measurement and every 5 minutes for 30 minutes after injection. The SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data by the paired t-test(in group) and independent sample t-test(between the groups). Results A. Time Domain Analysis 1. Analysis of Mean HRV, SDNN and Complexity After injection of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture, Mean HRV was significantly decreased all the times after injection. SDNN was significantly increased at immediate and 25 minute after injection. Complexity was significantly decreased only at 15 minute after injection. After injection of Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture, Mean HRV was significantly decreased all the times after injection. Complexity was significantly decreased at 15 minutes after injection. 2. Analysis of HRV index, pNN50 After injection of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture, HRV index was significantly increased immediately after injection. pNN50 was significantly decreased at immediately, 20 and 25 minutes after injection. After injection of Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture, HRV index was significantly increased immediately after injection. pNN50 was significantly decreased at immediate and 25 minutes after injection. B. Frequency Domain Analysis 1. Analysis of Ln(TP), Ln(HF), Ln(LF), Ln(VLF) After injection of Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture, Ln(TP) was significantly increased at immediate and 25 after injection. Ln(HF) was significantly increased all the times after injection. Ln(LF) was significantly increased at 15, 20 and 25 minutes after injection. Ln(VLF) was significantly increased at immediate and 25 minutes after injection. After injection of Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture, Ln(TP) was significantly increased at immediately and 25 after injection. Ln(LF) was significantly increased at 20 and 25 minutes after injection. Ln(VLF) was significantly increased at immediate and 25 minutes after injection. Conclusions : We results suggest that Cervi Pantotrichum Cornu Pharmacopuncture and Bovis calculus Fel Ursi Pharmacopuncture in healthy adult men tend to activate the autonomic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system within normal range.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2011

Climate change could have a pronounced impact on natural and agricultural ecosystems. To assess the impact of climate change, projected climate data have been used as inputs to models. Because such studies are conducted occasionally, it would be useful to employ Cloud computing, which provides multiple instances of operating systems in a virtual environment to do processing on demand without building or maintaining physical computing resources. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to use open source geospatial applications in order to avoid the limitations of proprietary software when Cloud computing is used. As a pilot study, Amazon Web Service ? Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) was used to calculate the number of days with rain in a given month. Daily sets of climate projection data, which were about 70 gigabytes in total, were processed using virtual machines with a customized database transaction application. The application was linked against open source libraries for the climate data and database access. In this approach, it took about 32 hours to process 17 billion rows of record in order to calculate the rain day on a global scale over the next 100 years using ten clients and one server instances. Here I demonstrate that Cloud computing could provide the high level of performance for impact assessment studies of climate change that require considerable amount of data.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.986-995
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• 2016

The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of endangered fish species and elucidate their relations on chemical water quality, physical habitat conditions and ecological stream health. The dominant species in the watershed was Pseudopungtungia nigra (Pn), Gobiobotia macrocephala (Gm), Gobiobotia brevibarba (Gb), Liobagrus obesus (Lo), and Iksookimia choii (Ic) in the order. The species of Pn designated as "critical endangered species (I) (CER)", was most widely distributed species among the endangered species, so the designation of the species should be re-evaluated. The endangered species was most popular (4 species, 384 individuals) in the Cho-River region of eighteen lotic regions. According to the analysis of chemical tolerance limits in the habitats with endangered fish species, biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total phosphorus (TP) was analyzed as "very good" (Ia) and "good condition" in the chemical criteria of the Ministry of Environment, Korea. Also, chemical conditions, based on ammonia-N ($NH_{4+}$), total nitrogen (TN), phosphate-P ($PO_{4^-}P$) were much better in the habitat with endangered species (Hw) than the habitat without endangered species (Ho). In the meantime, the species of Ic showed wide ranges on the chemical tolerance, so physical habitat conditions, such as the size of substrate particles (sand) and hydrological regime, were considered as more important factors than the chemical water quality, if the water quality is not largely degraded. The endangered species were also more distributed in the high-order (4-6) streams than the low-order (1-3) streams. The evaluation of ecological stream health, based on multi-metric model of the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI), showed the large difference between the Hw (21.6, fair condition)and Ho (30.5, good condition), indicating that the habitat maintained well chemically and physically had higher distributions of endangered species. Overall, the designation of CER on the Pn should be re-evaluated due to wide-distributions, and the protections from water pollution and the habitat conservations on the endangered species are necessary in the watershed.