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Xylazole inhibits NO-cGMP pathway in fetal rat nerve cells

  • Wang, Xinyu;Wu, Yue;Liu, Lin;Bai, Hui;Zhang, Zhiheng;Zhao, Mingchao;Ma, Tianwen;Song, Xiaopeng;Jia, Lina;Lv, Liangyu;Yu, Yue;Xu, Xinyu;Chen, Hong;Gao, Li
    • Journal of Veterinary Science
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.16.1-16.13
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    • 2022
  • Background: Xylazole (Xyl) is a veterinary anesthetic that is structurally and functionally similar to xylazine. However, the effects of Xyl in vitro remain unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anesthetic mechanism of Xyl using fetal rat nerve cells treated with Xyl. Methods: Fetal rat nerve cells cultured for seven days were treated with 10, 20, 30, and 40 ㎍/ mL Xyl for 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min. Variations of amino acid neurotransmitters (AANTs), Nitric oxide-Cyclic GMP (NO-cGMP) signaling pathway, and ATPase were evaluated. Results: Xyl decreased the levels of cGMP and NO in nerve cells. Furthermore, Xyl affected the AANT content and Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity in nerve cells. These findings suggested that Xyl inhibited the NO-cGMP signaling pathway in nerve cells in vitro. Conclusions: This study provided new evidence that the anesthetic and analgesic effects of Xyl are related to the inhibition of the NO-cGMP signaling pathway.

Evaluation of Human Demonstration Augmented Deep Reinforcement Learning Policy Optimization Methods Using Object Manipulation with an Anthropomorphic Robot Hand (휴먼형 로봇 손의 사물 조작 수행을 이용한 인간 행동 복제 강화학습 정책 최적화 방법 성능 평가)

  • Park, Na Hyeon;Oh, Ji Heon;Ryu, Ga Hyun;Anazco, Edwin Valarezo;Lopez, Patricio Rivera;Won, Da Seul;Jeong, Jin Gyun;Chang, Yun Jung;Kim, Tae-Seong
    • Proceedings of the Korea Information Processing Society Conference
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    • 2020.11a
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    • pp.858-861
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    • 2020
  • 로봇이 사람과 같이 다양하고 복잡한 사물 조작을 하기 위해서 휴먼형 로봇손의 사물 파지 작업이 필수적이다. 자유도 (Degree of Freedom, DoF)가 높은 휴먼형(anthropomorphic) 로봇손을 학습시키기 위하여 사람 데모(human demonstration)가 결합된 강화학습 최적화 방법이 제안되었다. 본 연구에서는 강화학습 최적화 방법에 사람 데모가 결합된 Demonstration Augmented Natural Policy Gradient(DA-NPG)와 NPG 의 성능 비교를 통하여 행동 복제의 효율성을 확인하고, DA-NPG, DA-Trust Region Policy Optimization (DA-TRPO), DA-Proximal Policy Optimization (DA-PPO)의 최적화 방법의 성능 평가를 위하여 6 종의 물체에 대한 휴먼형 로봇손의 사물 조작 작업을 수행한다. 그 결과, DA-NPG 와 NPG를 비교한 결과를 통해 휴먼형 로봇손의 사물 조작 강화학습에 행동 복제가 효율적임을 증명하였다. 또한, DA-NPG 는 DA-TRPO 와 유사한 성능을 보이면서 모든 물체에 대한 사물 파지에 성공하여 가장 안정적이었다. 반면, DA-TRPO 와 DA-PPO 는 사물 조작에 실패한 물체가 존재하여 불안정한 성능을 보였다. 본 연구에서 제안하는 방법은 향후 실제 휴먼형 로봇에 적용하여 휴먼형 로봇 손의 사물조작 지능 개발에 유용할 것으로 전망된다.

A Study on the Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Characteristics of Workers in LCD Manufacturing Process (LCD 제조공정 종사근로자의 극저주파자기장 노출특성 연구)

  • Kim, JoonBeom;Kang, Joon Hyuk;Chung, Eun-Kyo;Jung, Kihyo
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.10-20
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate exposure levels of the extremely low frequency magnetic fields(ELF-MF) radiated from various electric facilities in Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) manufacturing processes. Methods: This study measured the exposure levels of personal and local ELF-MF for the electronic facilities installed in two LCD manufacturing companies. Samplers were installed around workers' waist during working hours to identify personal exposure levels, and direct reading equipment were located at 3 cm, 10 cm, and 30 cm away from the surface of the electronic facilities to measure local exposure levels. Average and maximum(ceiling) values were calculated for personal and local exposure levels. Results: Average and maximum of personal exposure levels for each worker were 0.56(mean) ± 0.02(SE) µT and 6.31 ± 0.75 µT, respectively. Statistical analyses of the study found that maximum of the personal exposure levels for engineers was significantly higher than that for operators since engineers spend more time near the electronic facilities for repairing. The range of maximum personal exposure levels was 0.50 ~ 43.50 µT and its highest level was equivalent to 4.35 % of ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists) exposure limit value(1 mT). Maximum of local exposure levels was 8.18 ± 0.52 µT and the electronic facilities with higher exposure levels were roof rail and electric panel, which were not related to direct manufacturing. The range of maximum local exposure levels was 0.60 ~ 287.20 µT and its highest level was equivalent to 28.7 % of the ACGIH exposure limit value. Lastly, the local exposure levels significantly decreased as the measurement distance from the electronic facilities increased. Conclusions: Maximum of personal and local exposure levels did not exceed the exposure limit value of ACGIH. However, it is recommended to keep the workers as far as possible from the sources of ELF-MF.

Distribution of Plant Resources in Mt. Baekseok (Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do) (백석산(강원도 평창군) 식물자원의 분포)

  • Jun-Hee Jeong;Ki-Oug Yoo
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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    • v.36 no.4
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    • pp.341-368
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    • 2023
  • Distribution of plant resources in Mt. Baekseok located at Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, were surveyed for a total 17 times from April 2021 to September 2022. The result of this survey revealed 628 taxa, consisting of 99 families, 346 genera, 552 species, 20 subspecies, 49 varieties, 6 forms, and one hybrid. Among them, 21 taxa were endemic plants to Korea, 12 taxa were red list plants by the Ministry of Environment and 560 taxa were red list plants by the Korea Forest Service. The floristic target species amounted to 164 taxa, specifically one taxon of grade V, 20 taxa of grade IV, 52 taxa of grade III, 53 taxa of grade II, and 38 taxa of grade I. In addition, 34 taxa were classified as plants adaptable to climate change. 42 taxa of alien plants and 3 taxa of ecosystem disturbance species were also found in this area. Useful plants listed consists of 246 taxa (39.2%) of edible plants, 215 taxa (34.2%) of pasture plants, 187 taxa (29.8%) of medicinal plants, 75 taxa (11.9%) of ornamental plants and 22 taxa (3.5%) of timber plants, respectively.

Quantitative analysis of hydrogen in thin film by scattering-recoil co-measurement technique (산란-되튐 동시 측정 방법에 의한 박막 중 수소 정량법)

  • Lee, Hwa-Ryun;Eum, Chul Hun;Choi, Han-Woo;Kim, Joonkon
    • Analytical Science and Technology
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    • v.19 no.5
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    • pp.400-406
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    • 2006
  • Hydrogen analysis by elastic recoil detection has been performed utilizing polyimide film as a reference sample of known hydrogen content assuming the soundness of ion beam current integration. However beam current integration at higher incidence angle is not reliable. Scattering yield per unit fluence by current integration which is normalized per unit path length decreases as the sample tilt angle is getting higher. Moreover because beam current integration at high tilt angle is incomplete, hydrogen evaluation is very risky by direct comparison of sequentially collected recoil spectra between reference and target sample. In this study, primary ion beam dose is determined by backscattering spectrum that is collected simultaneously with recoil spectrum instead of ion beam current integration in order to reduce uncertainty arising in the process of current integration and to enhance the reliability of quantitative analysis. Three test samples are selected $-7.6{\mu}m$ polyimide film, hydrogen implanted silicondioxide and Au deposited carbon wafer- and analyzed by two methods and compared.

Determination of diclofenac and its metabolites in human urine by GC-MS (GC-MS를 이용한 소변 중 Diclofenac 및 대사체 분석)

  • Jeong, Jee-Hye;Huh, Hun;Lee, Won Woong;Hong, Jongki
    • Analytical Science and Technology
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    • v.21 no.6
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    • pp.510-517
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    • 2008
  • This study has been described the metabolism and excretion in a healthy male urine collected for 26hrs after oral administration of diclofenac. To detect conjugated metabolites of diclofenac, urine sample was acid-hydrolyzed under the conditions of 6M-HCl at over $110^{\circ}C$ for 1hr. During the acidic hydrolysis process, diclofenac and its metabolites were converted into their corresponding lactam-ring through dehydration reaction. As results of chemical conversion by means of hydrolysis, the structures of diclofenac and its metabolites were also changed acidic to basic forms. However, lactam-ring was degraded by hydroxyl ion at basic condition. Thus, the extraction rate of dehydrated diclofenac and its metabolites was not favored at basic condition. For the determination of trace amounts of diclofenac and its metabolites in urine, trimethylsilylation (TMS) with MSTFA was applied and followed by analysis with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. In this study, four metabolites that are formed by the hydroxylation of parent drug were mainly detected. Each metabolite was tentatively identified by both interpretation of mass spectra and comparison with previously reported results. In addition, time profile of urinary excretion rate for parent drugs and metabolites was studied. Finally, the metabolic pathway of diclofenac was suggested on the basis of the elucidation of its metabolites and excretion profiles.

Development of Truck Axle Load Distribution Model using WIM Data (WIM 자료를 활용한 화물차 축하중 분포 모형 개발)

  • Lee, Dong Seok;Oh, Ju Sam
    • KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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    • v.26 no.5D
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    • pp.821-829
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    • 2006
  • Traffic load comprise primary input to pavement design causing pavement damage. therefore it should be proceeded suitable traffic load distribution modeling for pavement design and analysis. Traffic load have been represented by equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) which convert mixed traffic stream into one value for design purposes. But there are some limit to apply ESALs to other roads because it is empirical value developed as part of the original AASHO(American Association of State Highway Officials) road test. There have been many efforts to solve these problems. Several leading country have implemented M-E(Mechanistic-Empirical) design procedures based on mechanical concept. As a result, they established traffic load quantification method using load distribution model known as Axle Load Spectra. This paper details Axle Load Spectra and presents axle load distribution model based on normal mixture distribution function using truck load data collected by WIM system installed in national highway. Axle load spectra and axle load distribution model presented in this paper could be useful for basic data when making traffic load quantification plan for pavement design, overweight vehicle permit plan and pavement maintenance cost plan.

Anti-osteoarthritis effect of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract in monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritic Sprague-Dawley rats (Monosodium iodoacetate 유도 골관절염 동물모델에서 보스웰리아 검레진 추출물의 항골관절염 효과 연구)

  • Jae In Jung;Ryong Kim;Eun Ji Kim
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.56 no.3
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    • pp.231-246
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-osteoarthritic effect of the ethanol extract of Boswellia serrata gum resin (FJH-UBS) enriched with keto-β-boswellic acid and 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid compared to the conventional Boswellia serrata extract by adding the process of removing oil with hexane, in the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were orally administered 0, 40, or 80 mg of FJH-UBS/kg body weight (BW)/day for 5 weeks and injected with MIA intra-articularly into right knee joints on day 15 to induce osteoarthritis. Changes in the knee joint microarchitecture, cartilage degradation, the expression of inflammatory mediators, cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in serum and synovia were observed. Results: Oral administration of FJH-UBS (80 mg/kg BW/day) reduced MIA-induced knee swelling and cartilage degradation and increased the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan in articular cartilage. Furthermore, FJH-UBS administration reduced MIA-induced increases in the serum levels of prostaglandin E2, leukotriene B4, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and MMP-13, and MIA-induced increases in the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in the synovia of knee joints. Conclusion: These results indicate that FJH-UBS exerts its anti-osteoarthritic effects by suppressing the expressions of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs and, thus, cartilage degradation. Furthermore, they suggest that FJH-UBS has potential use as a functional food that improves joint and cartilage health.

Factors Associated with Body Mass Index(BMI) Among Older Adults: A Comparison Study of the U.S., Japan, and Korea (노인의 체질량지수에 관련된 요인 연구: 미국, 일본, 한국 비교를 중심으로)

  • Yeom, Jihye;Kim, Jung Ki;Crimmins, Eileen M.
    • 한국노년학
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.1479-1500
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    • 2009
  • This study examined BMI distributions among older adults in three different countries: the U.S., Japan, and Korea. The paper also explored differences in the factors predicting BMI in the three countries using three data sets: the U.S. Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA II, 8,589 persons), the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging (NUJLSOA, 2,888 persons), and the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA, 2,397 persons). Descriptive analysis and multiple regression were performed. Japanese older adults were somewhat lighter than Koreans with fewer people at the upper end of the BMI distribution. Distributions of BMI among both Koreans and Japanese are shifted leftward relative to Americans. There is less dispersion in the distribution of BMI for Koreans and Japanese than among Americans. The association between socioeconomic variables and BMI is stronger in the U.S. and Japan than in Korea. Demographic variables are strong predictors of BMI in Korea. In Japan, all health behaviors have significant effects on BMI. It is concluded that the relationships between behavioral, demographical, and socioeconomic factors and BMI are not the same across countries. Results have policy implications for the involvement of health practitioners in helping older adults to control weight.

Family Activities and Well-being in Midlife: Meal, Phone Conversation, and Leisure (가족간 식사, 통화 및 여가활동과 중년기의 행복)

  • Kyoungmi Kim;Seungah Ryu;Incheol Choi
    • Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.279-300
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    • 2012
  • Many studies have demonstrated that family plays a crucial role in health and wellbeing in life. There has been little research, however, examining the relative importance of activities together with family members in middle-aged adults. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of family meal, phone conversation with family, and family leisure activities on happiness, health, and family relationship. Total 286 middle-aged adults (M=50.13) participated in this study. Dependent variables were happiness (SWB), physical and psychological illness symptoms, family satisfaction, sex satisfaction, and parenting sense of competence. This research showed that (1) frequency of meal with family was positively correlated with happiness, family relationship, and negatively physical/psychological illness symptoms; (2) high frequency of talking on the phone with family resulted in that high level of happiness, family satisfaction, sex satisfaction, and parenting sense of competence, and lower illness symptoms; (3) the more participants spent leisure time with family, the happier and the more family satisfaction they feel. Findings suggest that activities together with family members in middle-aged adults may enhance their happiness, health, and quality of family relationship. The implication for current study were discussed.

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