• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.35-42
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• 2008

Purpose: Alterations in the structure and function of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are important in cardiovascular disease and maintaining chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is associated with changes in vascular smooth muscle tone. The spontaneous or myogenic tone of a blood vessel reflects the ability to adapt smooth muscle tone to changes in transmural pressure. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in myogenic tone are not fully understood. Methods: Here, we investigated the relationship between mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) in isometric contraction and enzymatic activity using muscle strips from rats made hypertensive with aldosterone-analogue deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salts. Results: Changes in myogenic tone and intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$) were different after physiological salt solution (PSS) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The myogenic tone and quiescent phosphorylation induced by the PSS treatment were inhibited by 10 ${\mu}$M PD098059, an extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, and 10 ${\mu}$M wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3K, in hypertensive rats. Conclusion: The development of DOCA-induced hypertension is associated with altered isometric contractions and $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ via changes in activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K after DOCA-salt treatment. Therefore, ERK1/2 and PI3K activity affect hypertension and may be suitable targets for physical therapy in cardiovascular disease.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.123-135
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program using dietary consult and physical exercise conducted by public health center in Chuncheon city for obese adults. This study used a pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 58 out of 90 obese adults with body mass index (BMI) greater than $25kg/m^2$ who completed all education sessions for 8 weeks. Data on dietary habits, dietary behaviors, nutritional knowledge, anthropometric parameters and biochemical indices and daily nutrient intakes assessed by a 24-hour recall were collected before and after the intervention program., in order to evaluate program effectiveness. After the intervention, there were positive changes in exercise status and dietary habits and nutrition knowledge accuracy. Especially, the answer of 'I drink a cup of milk every day' were significantly improved (p<0.001), and the answer of 'I don't overeat', which is a dietary attitude question was significantly improved (p<0.05). Dietary intakes of most of nutrients were not significantly different between pre-test and post-test. But calcium (p<0.05), potassium (p<0.05), vitamin A (p<0.01), vitamin E (p<0.05), and folic acid (p<0.05) were significantly increased in the female group after the intervention. Weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.01), blood pressure (p<0.001), were significantly decreased after program, but changes of skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass were not significant. Resting heart rate (p<0.01), flexibility (p<0.001), whole body reaction (p<0.05), grip strength (p<0.01) and balance (p<0.01) showed positive changes after the intervention. Blood glucose level in serum was significantly decreased (p<0.001). These results indicated that dietary education and exercise program was effective not only for weight reduction but also for the improvement of physical fitness in obese adults.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.1273-1283
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• 1999

This study was done to explore the effects of dance therapy on pulmonary and cognitive functions in the elderly. The design of this study was a non-equivalent pre-post test experiment. The subjects consisted of elderly persons living in a facility located in Kyoungi-Do. Fifty eight subjects had normal cognition, sensory function and resting blood pressure. They underwent tests of pulmonary and cognitive function as baseline data before dance therapy, and at 6th week and at the end of 12nd week after following dance therapy. Twenty seven elderly persons were assigned to the experimental group and participated with the dance therapy. This therapy was based on the Marian Chace's dance therapy and Korean traditional dance with music. The dance therapy consisted of 50 minutes session, 3 times a week for 12 weeks. One session consisted of warming-up, expression, catharsis, sharing and closing stage. the intensity of the dance therapy was at the 40% of age-adjusted maximum heart rates. Data were analyzed with mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni multiple regression using SAS program. The results were as follows : 1. Pulmonary function(forced expiratory volume at one second and forced vital capacity) of the experimental subjects significantly increased over time more than that of the control subjects. 2. The experimental group had significantly higher score for pulmonary function than the control group at the 12nd week after dance therapy. 3. Cognitive function of the experimental subjects significantly increased over time more than that of the control subjects. 4. The experimental group had significantly higher score for cognitive function than the control group at the 6th week and 12nd week after dance therapy. The findings showed the dance therapy could be effective in improving the pulmonary and cognitive function of the elderly.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.176-189
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• 2012

This study examined the effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on obese women and aimed to confirm that the effects of KRG on obesity differ dependently on a gene. Fifty obese women were recruited and randomized to receive KRG (n=24) or placebo (n=26) for 8 wk. Measurements of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio (WHR), total fat mass, percentage of body fat, resting metabolic rate, basal body temperature, and daily food intake (FI), blood test (serum lipid, liver and renal function), Korean version of obesity-related quality of life scale (KOQOL), and a gene examination were performed. Comparisons of subjects before and after the administration of KRG revealed significant improvements of obesity in terms of weight, body mass index (BMI), WHR, FI, and KOQOL. However, in the comparison between KRG group and placebo group, only KOQOL was significantly different. KRG displayed significant efficacy on BMI and KOQOL in the CT genotype of the G protein beta 3 gene, but not in the CC genotype, on blood sugar test in the Trp64/Arg genotype of the beta 3 adrenergic receptor gene, but not in Trp64/Trp genotype, on KOQOL in the DD genotype of the angiotensin I converting enzyme gene, but not in the ID and DD genotypes. The effects of KRG on obesity were confirmed to some extent. However, a distinct effect compared to placebo was not confirmed. KRG is more effective for improving the secondary issues of the quality of life derived from obesity rather than having direct effects on the obesity-related anthropometric assessment and blood test indices.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.282-289
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• 2004

We have extensively characterized the fluorescence behavior of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin in the absence and presence of a 1,3-bis-(l-pyrenyl)propane (BPP) fluorescent probe at various dynamic and isothermal cure histories by means of a steady-state fluorescence technique using a front-face illumination equipment. In addition, we explored the effect of the fluorescence intensity on the relaxation of the fluorescent probe in the UP resin by resting the dynamically and isothermally cured resin at ambient temperature and pressure for 24 h. The monomer fluorescence intensity, which has two characteristic peaks at 376 and 396nm, changed noticeably depending on the cure temperature and time and provided important information with respect to the molecular and photophysical responses upon curing. The result of the fluorescence study indicates that the increased local viscosity and restricted molecular mobility of the UP resin surrounding the BPP probe after curing are both responsible for the enhancement of the monomer fluorescence intensity. Our results also demonstrate that once the BPP probe has enough time to rearrange and become isolated prior to fluorescence, a sufficient amount of fluorescence is emitted. Therefore, we note that the fluorescence behavior of this UP resin system is influenced strongly by the relaxation process of the fluorescent probe in the resin as well as process used to cure the resin.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.28-43
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• 2012

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of Boiogito for obesity. We examined the efficacy of Boiogito for obese patients and we expected the reaction of Boiogito would vary according to the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNPs). Methods: 111 subjects(body mass index${\geq}25m/kg^2$) were recruited and randomized to receive Boiogito(n=55) or Placebo(n=56) for 8weeks. Anthropometric factors, serum lipid profile, glucose, blood pressure(BP), pulse rate, resting metabolic rate and Korean version of obesity-related quality of life(KOQOL) scale measured at baseline and 8weeks. SNPs(${\beta}3$-adrenergic receptor(ADRB3), G protein ${\beta}3$(GNB3), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 gene(PPAR-${\gamma}2$), uncoupling protein(UCP2)) were conducted at baseline. Adverse reactions and safety outcome variables were also checked during trials. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement on obesity after treatment. Boiogito group decreased triglyceride than did control group and improved KOQOL. Boiogito showed a significant higher efficacy in C/T and T/T genotype of GNB3 gene / in Trp64 and Arg64 genotype of ADRB3 gene / in D/D genotype of UCP2 gene / in Pro/Pro genotype of PPAR-${\gamma}$ gene. Conclusions: Boiogito promoted obesity indexes without severe adverse reactions and proved its safety. Pharmacogenetical studies of Boiogito on obesity could be a effective method for the individualized treatment and prevention of obesity.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.315-328
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• 2019

This paper presents an investigation on bearing capacity, load-settlement behavior and safety factor of rock-soil slopes reinforced using geogrid-box method (GBM). To this end, small-scale laboratory studies were carried out to study the load-settlement response of a circular footing resting on unreinforced and reinforced rock-soil slopes. Several parameters including unit weight of rock-soil materials (loose- and dense-packing modes), slope height, location of footing relative to the slope crest, and geogrid tensile strength were studied. A series of finite element analysis were conducted using ABAQUS software to predict the bearing capacity behavior of slopes. Limit equilibrium and finite element analysis were also performed using commercially available software SLIDE and ABAQUS, respectively to calculate the safety factor. It was found that stabilization of rock-soil slopes using GBM significantly improves the bearing capacity and settlement behavior of slopes. It was established that, the displacement contours in the dense-packing mode distribute in a broader and deeper area as compared with the loose-packing mode, which results in higher ultimate bearing load. Moreover, it was found that in the loose-packing mode an increase in the vertical pressure load is accompanied with an increase in the soil settlement, while in the dense-packing mode the load-settlement curves show a pronounced peak. Comparison of bearing capacity ratios for the dense- and loose-packing modes demonstrated that the maximum benefit of GBM is achieved for rock-soil slopes in loose-packing mode. It was also found that by increasing the slope height, both the initial stiffness and the bearing load decreases. The results indicated a significant increase in the ultimate bearing load as the distance of the footing to the slope crest increases. For all the cases, a good agreement between the laboratory and numerical results was observed.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.151-163
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• 2021

The main target of this study is to investigate nonlinear transient responses of moving polymer nano-size plates fortified by means of Graphene Platelets (GPLs) and resting on a Winkler-Pasternak foundation under a transverse pressure force and a temperature variation. Two graphene spreading forms dispersed through the plate thickness are studied, and the Halpin-Tsai micro-mechanics model is used to obtain the effective Young's modulus. Furthermore, the rule of mixture is employed to calculate the effective mass density and Poisson's ratio. In accordance with the first order shear deformation and von Karman theory for nonlinear systems, the kinematic equations are derived, and then nonlocal strain gradient scheme is used to reflect the effects of nonlocal and strain gradient parameters on small-size objects. Afterwards, a combined approach, kinetic dynamic relaxation method accompanied by Newmark technique, is hired for solving the time-varying equation sets, and Fortran program is developed to generate the numerical results. The accuracy of the current model is verified by comparative studies with available results in the literature. Finally, a parametric study is carried out to explore the effects of GPL's weight fractions and dispersion patterns, edge conditions, softening and hardening factors, the temperature change, the velocity of moving nanoplate and elastic foundation stiffness on the dynamic response of the structure. The result illustrates that the effects of nonlocality and strain gradient parameters are more remarkable in the higher magnitudes of the nanoplate speed.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.47-55
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• 2021

In order to ensure the fact that eight principle pattern differentiation is used clinically as a basic guideline for Korean medicine practice, the definition, role and method of yin-yang pattern differentiation with its case report were explored at first. Yinyang Pattern Differentiation is a method of discriminating human tendencies or morbidity based on the yin and yang characteristics expressed in living bodies. And yin and yang are the two contrasting characteristics and aspects of the interaction when certain physical conditions that have a lasting effect on the human physiological metabolic function are correlated with the morbidity. Specific methods of yinyang pattern differentiation can be divided into several types of yin and yang indicators. First, time and space factors like day and night, hot and cold seasons, above and below, topographical districts. Second, colors and pulse and their/or relative clearness and muddiness, hardness and softness, moving and resting. Third, diagnose yin and yang patterns through distinguishing the true and false of a fever and cold in an emergency phase such as increase of brain pressure and shock state. Fourth, general characteristics of the propensity and constitution of a subject such as body type, speech, behavior, and physiological metabolism. And for clinical use, these were summarized again as a symptom indicators of physical signs and color, pulse, tongue and questionnaire indicators of propensity, body type, and space-time characteristics. Conclusively, it was confirmed that yinyang pattern differentiation has its own diagnostic significance which is distinct from exterior-interior, cold-heat and deficiency-excess pattern differentiation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.343-353
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• 2024

Objective: Long-term imbalances in the muscles around the neck could the functional resting length of the muscles, resulting in a chronic forward head posture. This study aimed to assess the effects of combining posture correction exercises with extracorporeal shockwave therapy on muscle activity, neck function and pain in adults with forward head posture. Design: Pretest-posttest two groups design. Methods: A total of 22 adults, diagnosed with forward head posture, participated in the study. Random assignment allocated 11 participants to the posture correction exercise (PCE) group, while the other 11 were assigned to the posture correction exercise group combined with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). In the combined group, ESWT was administered twice a week for four weeks, delivering 1,000 impulses in a radial pattern to the levator scapulae and upper trapezius muscles. The PCE group performed a exercise program for approximately 30 minutes, three times a week, over the same four-week period. The PCE focused on strengthening weakened muscles and stretching of shortened muscles. Results: Both the PCE group and the combined group with ESWT exhibited a significant increase in lower trapezius muscle activity within groups (p<0.05). Moreover, the craniovertebral angle and neck disability index showed significant improvements in both groups (p<0.05). While the pressure pain thresholds tended to increase only in the combined group, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: This suggests that both the PCE program and the combination with ESWT can be effective in enhancing posture and reducing pain in individuals with forward head posture.