• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.142-149
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• 1994

The Barkhausen noise was measured as the change of line width(39~1.22 mm) and scratching angle($90^{\circ}~50^{\circ}$) with respect of rolling direction in grain-oriented 3 % Si-Fe of 0.30 and 0.27 mm thickness. The two peak phenomena of the noise envelope observed for non-scratching and scratching of line width 39 mm was explained by large activation energy during $180^{\circ}$ domain wall nucleation and annihilation processes. The amplitudes of the noise envelpoes were decreased as the decrement of scratching line width, but did not almost changed below line width of 9.75 mm. It was explained that the decrease in the envelope with increasing scratching number is associated with lower activation energy of $180^{\circ}$ domain nucleation and annihilation in the vicinity of the scratching area. The noise power was decreased as narrower line width. The dependence of the power on the scratching angle was sharpest decreaded at the 50 angle.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.55-63
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• 2010

Background: Cordyceps militaris has been used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases and has been reported to possess both antitumor and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo. However, the pharmacological and biochemical mechanisms of Cordyceps militaris extract (CME) on macrophages have not been clearly elucidated. In the present study, we examined how CME induces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, and the expression of co-stimulatory molecules. Methods: We confirmed the mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines through RT-PCR and western blot analysis, followed by a FACS analysis for surface molecules. Results: CME dose dependently increased the production of NO and proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, TNF-${\alpha}$, and $PGE_2$, and it induced the protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, and proinflammatory cytokines in a concentrationdependent manner, as determined by western blot and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. The expression of co-stimulatory molecules such as ICAM-1, B7-1, and B7-2 was also enhanced by CME. Furthermore, the activation of the nuclear transcription factor, NF-${\kappa}B$ in macrophages was stimulated by CME. Conclusion: Based on these observations, CME increased proinflammatory cytokines through the activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, further suggesting that CME may prove useful as an immune-enhancing agent in the treatment of immunological disease.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.11-22
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of three different pelvic tilts on a sit-to-stand (STS) and to suggest a new assessment approach based on biomechanical analysis. The three difrent pelvic tilts were: (1) comfortable pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (CPT STS), (2) posterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (PPT STS) and (3) anterior pelvic tilt sit-to-stand (APT STS). To determine the onset time of muscle contraction surface electrodes were applied to the rectus femoris muscle (RF), vastus lateralis muscle (VL), biceps femoris muscle (BF), tibialis anterior muscle (TA), gastrocnemius muscle (GCM), and soleus muscle (SOL). The ICC was used for functional linkage analysis. The findings of this study were as follows. First, significant differences were found in kinematic variables and in muscle activation pattern among the three activities. Second, the results of functional integrated analysis revealed that recruited muscle activation patterns changed when the thigh-off was viewed as a reference point. Third, there were independent functional units between the thigh-off and the VL and between the thigh-off and the RF in the functional linkage analysis. The VL and RF acted as prime mover muscles, and more postural adjustment muscle recruitment was required as the demand of postural muscle control increased (PPT STS, APT STS, and CPT STS in order). In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest the following evaluative and therapeutic approach for STS activity. APT STS can be introduced for movement efficiency and functional advantage when abnormal STS is treated. However, excessive APT would change the muscle activation patterns of BF and SOL and require additional postural muscle control to cause abnormal control patterns.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.295-300
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• 2014

The actin cytoskeleton plays an important role in macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses by modulating the activation of Src and subsequently inducing nuclear factor (NF)-${\kappa}B$ translocation. In spite of its critical functions, few papers have examined how the actin cytoskeleton can be regulated by the activation of toll-like receptor (TLR). Therefore, in this study, we further characterized the biological value of the actin cytoskeleton in the functional activation of macrophages using an actin cytoskeleton disruptor, cytochalasin B (Cyto B), and explored the actin cytoskeleton's involvement in morphological changes, cellular attachment, and signaling events. Cyto B strongly suppressed the TLR4-mediated mRNA expression of inflammatory genes such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), without altering cell viability. This compound also strongly suppressed the morphological changes induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 ligand. Cyto B also remarkably suppressed NO production under non-adherent conditions but not in an adherent environment. Cyto B did not block the co-localization between surface glycoprotein myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD2), a LPS signaling glycoprotein, and the actin cytoskeleton under LPS conditions. Interestingly, Cyto B and PP2, a Src inhibitor, enhanced the phagocytic uptake of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran. Finally, it was found that Cyto B blocked the phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) at 1 min and the phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) at 5 min. Therefore, our data suggest that the actin cytoskeleton may be one of the key components involved in the control of TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses in macrophages.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2009

Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related death in women, but the main biological causes remain open questions. Hormonal factors have been considered to be an important determinant causing ovarian cancer. Recent studies have shown that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I and its analogs have clinically therapeutic value in the treatment of ovarian cancer. In addition, numerous studies have shown that the potential of GnRH-II in normal reproductive system or reproductive disorder. GnRH-I receptors have been detected in approximately 80% of ovarian cancer biopsy specimens as well as normal ovarian epithelial cells and immortalized ovarian surface epithelium cells. GnRH-II receptors have also been found to be more widely expressed than GnRH-I receptors in mammals, suggesting that GnRH receptors may have additional functions in reproductive system including ovarian cancer. The signal transduction pathway following the binding of GnRH to GnRH receptor has been extensively studied. The activation of protein kinase A/C (PKA/PKC) pathway is involved in the GnRH-I induced anti-proliferative effect in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, GnRH-I induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation plays a role in anti-proliferative effect and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and the activation of transcriptional factors related to cellular responses. However, the role of GnRH-I and II receptors, there are discrepancies between previous reports. In this review, the role of GnRH in ovarian cancer and the mechanisms to induce anti-proliferation were evaluated.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2017

Background: Scapular winging is a prominence of the entire scapular medial border, mainly caused by insufficient activity of the serratus anterior (SA) and imbalance of scapulothoracic muscles. Push-up plus (PUP) exercise has been commonly used to increase SA muscle activity. The facilitation of abdominal muscle may affect scapular muscle activity by myofascial connections. Thus, the sequential activation of the turnk muscles is suggested to facilitate the transition of proper force from upper limb and restore force couple of scapular muscles. The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) has been effective in improving activation of the deep trunk muscles during movement. Objects: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ADIM on the activity of the upper trapezius (UT), lower trapezius (LT), and SA during PUP exercises in subjects with scapular winging. Methods: Fourteen men with scapular winging (determined as a of distance between the scapular medial border and thoracic wall over 3 cm) volunteered for our study. The subjects performed the PUP exercise with and without ADIM. Surface electromyography was used to collect the electromyography data of the UT, LT, and SA. A scapulometer was used to measure the amount of scapular winging. Results: SA activity was significantly greater and scapular winging significantly lower during the PUP exercise with ADIM than during those without ADIM. Conclusion: PUP exercise with ADIM can be used as an beneficial method to improve SA activation and to reduce the amount of scapular winging in subjects with scapular winging.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2018

Purpose: This study aimed (1) to identify asymmetry observed in electromyography (EMG) activity patterns of lower limb muscles between affected and unaffected sides of stroke patients during sit to stand (STS) movement and (2) to identify the muscles of the paretic lower limb that affected STS performance in stroke patients. Methods: This study consisted of 27 patients (15 males and 12 females) with poststroke hemiparesis. The activation of the rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), and gastrocnemius (GCM) of the affected side and unaffected side during STS movement were recorded using surface EMG. In addition, EMG lower limb muscle activation patterns were measured in the all section, pre-thigh off (pre-TO), and post-thigh off (post-TO) section. All measurements were obtained during five repetitions of the STS (FTSTS) movement. An independent t-test was performed to compare the affected side and unaffected side of the lower limb during the STS movement. A stepwise linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the muscles that affected STS performance. Results: Activation of both the RF and TA significantly affected the lower limb during the STS movement (p<0.05). Two muscles showed a difference on the post-TO section. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the RF and TA muscles of the affected lower limb were affected in FTSTS. Conclusion: These results provide a basis for reinforcement training, focusing on the RF and TA muscles of the affected side of stroke patients to improve asymmetric movement and performance in STS movement.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.7-12
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hip adduction using a ball on the activation of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and the vastus lateralis (VL) during dynamic semisquat exercises. Methods : Twenty seven participants performed three repetitions of a double-leg semisquat and squeeze semisquat (semisquat with hip adduction using a ball) at $60^{\circ}$ knee flexion. The activation of the VMO and the VL was recorded at dominant leg during both semisquat exercises using surface electromyography (MP 100). EMG data were normalized to the maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the quadriceps produced during seated, isometric knee extension. Results : Results of paired t-test analyses revealed that there were no differences between activity of the VMO and the VL in both double-leg semisquat and squeeze semisquat. The activity of the VMO was significantly increased in squeeze semisquat whereas there was no difference in activity of the VL between double-leg semisquat and squeeze semisquat. Conclusion : Combining hip adduction using a ball with semisquat at $60^{\circ}$ knee flexion preferentially increases the activity of the VMO. We can conclude that semisquat at $60^{\circ}$ knee flexion with hip adduction using a ball selectively recruits the VMO. Rehabilitation for quadricep imbalance should consider these findings when selecting exercises which could preferentially activate the VMO.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.25-34
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• 2002

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and joint destruction. The synovial fibroblasts express cell adhesion molecules and have a role in adhesive interation with inflammatory cells in synovial tissue. It has been suggested that hypoxic conditioins are thought to exist in arthritic joints, and several studies indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in hypoxic condition can initiate events that lead to pro-adhesive changes via increased expression of adhesion molecules. So, this study wsa designed to examine whether antioxidant can inhibit hypoxia-induced expression of ICAM-1 in cultured human synovial fibroblasts. Methods: Synovial fibroblasts were isolated from synovial tissue in patients with RA and cultured at hypoxic condition. Antioxidant, PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) were pre-treated for an hour before the hypoxic culture and synovial fibroblasts were harvested at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours time points. Cell surface ICAM-1 expression in synovial fibroblasts was examined by the flow cytometric analysis. To analyse the expression of ICAM-1 mRNA, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed. The levels of cytokines in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA, and activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ was analysed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The adhesive reaction between synovial fibroblasts and lymphocytes was assayed by measurement of fluorescent intensity of BCECF-AM in lymphocytes. Results: Hypoxic stimuli up-regulated the ICAM-1 expression as well as the adhesive interaction of human synvial fibroblasts to lymphocytes in a time-dependent manner, and PDTC inhibited hpyoxia-induced ICAM-1 expression and cell-cell interaction. PDTC also inhibited the hypoxia-induced activation of intracellular transcription factor, NF-${\kappa}B$. PDTC decreased the amount of hypoxia-induced production of IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$. Conclusion: These studies demonstrate that PDTC inhibit the hypoxia-induced expression of the adhesion molecule, ICAM-1 and activation of NF-${\kappa}B$ in cultured human synovial fibroblasts.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.164-168
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• 2011

Nanocrystalline cadmium sulphide (CdS) thin films were prepared using chemical bath deposition (CBD), and the structural, optical and photoconductive properties were investigated. The crystal structure of CdS thin film was studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystallite size, dislocation density and lattice constant of CBD CdS thin films were investigated. The dislocation density of CdS thin films initially decreases with increasing film thickness, and it is nearly constant over the thickness of 2,500 ${\AA}$. The dislocation density decreases with increasing the crystallite size. The Urbach energies of CdS thin films are obtained by fitting the optical absorption coefficient. The optical band gap of CdS thin films increases and finally saturates with increasing the lattice constant. The Urbach energy and optical band gap of the 2,900 A-thick CdS thin film prepared for 60 minutes are 0.24 eV and 2.83 eV, respectively. The activation energies of the 2,900 ${\AA}$-thick CdS thin film at low and high temperature regions were 14 meV and 31 meV, respectively. It is considered that these activation energies correspond to donor levels associated with shallow traps or surface states of CdS thin film. Also, the value of ${\gamma}$ was obtained from the light transfer characteristic of CdS thin film. The value of ${\gamma}$ for the 2,900 A-thick CdS thin film was 1 at 10 V, and it saturates with increasing the applied voltage.