• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.209-215
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• 2023

Maintaining internal homeostasis and regulating innate behaviors are essential for animal survival. In various animal species, a highly conserved neuroendocrine system integrates sensory inputs and regulates physiological responses to environmental and internal changes. Diuretic hormones 44 and 31, which are homologs of mammalian corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), respectively, control body fluid secretion in Drosophila. These neuropeptides and their receptors have multiple physiological roles, including the regulation of body-fluid secretion, sleep:wake cycle, internal nutrient-sensing, and CO₂-dependent response. This review discusses the physiological and behavioral roles of DH44 and DH31 signaling pathways, consisting of neuroendocrine cells that secrete DH44 or DH31 peptides and their receptor-expressing organs. Further research is needed to understand the regulatory mechanisms of the behavioral processes mediated by these neuroendocrine systems.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 2013

This paper investigated Korean prosody as it relates to graded internal structure in an identification function. Within Korean prosody, variants regarded as dialectal variations can appear as different prosodic scales, which contain the range of within-category variations. The current experiment was intended to show how the prosodic scale corresponding to the range of within-category differences relates to f0 contours for speakers of two Korean dialects, North Kyungsang and South Cholla. In an identification task, participants responded by selecting an item from two answer choices. The probability of choosing the correct response from the two choices was computed by a logistic regression analysis using intercepts and slopes. That is, the correct response between two choices was used to show a linear line with an s-shape presentation. In this paper, to investigate the graded internal structure of labeling, 25%, 50%, and 75% of predicted probability were assessed. Listeners from North Kyungsang showed progressive variations, whereas listeners from South Cholla revealed random patterns in the internal structure of the identification function. In this paper, the results were plotted using scatterplot graphs, applying the range of within-category variation and predicted probability obtained from the logistic regression analyses. The scatterplot graphs showed the different degree of the responses for f0 scales (i.e., variations within categories). The results demonstrate that the gradient structures of native pitch accent users become more progressive in response to f0 scales.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.18-23
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• 2008

This study investigated interactions between the internal-external wave field of a permeable coastal structure consisting of rubble. The study examined the application criteria of an existing numerical model (CADMAS-SURF V.4.0) and proposed a modified method to provide reasonable results. In particular, the study focused on and emphasized the water surface profiles in front of a structure, wave run-up/run-down on a slope, and internal water level fluctuations due to the drag coefficient and porosity of a rubble mound structure. In conclusion, the result show that when the vertical fluctuations of the internal water levels in permeable coastal structures exhibited high-quality representation. Sane responses can be seen for wave run-up/run-down characteristics on its slopes.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2014

For a building with a dominant windward wall opening, the wind-induced internal pressure response can be described by a second-order non-linear differential equation. However, there are two ill-defined parameters in the governing equation: the inertial coefficient $C_I$ and the loss coefficient $C_L$. Lack of knowledge of these two parameters restricts the practical use of the governing equation. This study was primarily focused on finding an accurate reference value for $C_I$, and the paper presents a systematic investigation of the factors influencing the inertial coefficient for a wind-tunnel model building including: opening configuration and location, wind speed and direction, approaching flow turbulence, the model material, and the installation method. A numerical model was used to simulate the volume deformation under internal pressure, and to predict the bulk modulus of an experimental model. In considering the structural flexibility, an alternative approach was proposed to ensure accurate internal volume distortions, so that similarity of internal pressure responses between model-scale and full-scale building was maintained. The research showed 0.8 to be a reasonable standard value for the inertial coefficient.

• The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 2021

The concept of Shariah-based internal audit has received increasing attention from researchers in recent times especially since Islamic financial institutions have been developing in several Asian countries like Bangladesh. To avoid financial irregularities and to maintain Shariah-based financial transactions, an effective Shariah-based internal audit system is extremely important for Islamic financial institutions such as Islamic banks. Hence, the objective of this study is to determine the factors that influence the effectiveness of the Shariah-based audit system. Study data has been gathered from Shariah auditors, members of the Shariah board and audit committee of six private Islamic banks in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 210 survey questionnaires were sent and finally 136 responses were retained, indicating a final sample size of n=136, with a survey feedback rate of 65%. The study adopted a quantitative measure and collected only primary data, followed by convenience sampling. SPSS has been used to run necessary statistical interpretation. Results reveal that auditor's work autonomy, level of competency, and work performance significantly impact the Shariah-based internal audit effectiveness. The study findings can be adopted as guidelines to improve the overall effectiveness of the Shariah-based internal audit system in Islamic financial institutions.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.155-163
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• 2022

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can give rise to a vast array of differentiated derivatives, which have gained great attention in the field of in vitro toxicity evaluation. We have previously demonstrated that hPSC-derived alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are phenotypically and functionally similar to primary AECs and could be more biologically relevant alternatives for assessing the potential toxic materials including in fine dust and cigarette smoking. Therefore, in this study, we employed hPSC-AECs to evaluate their responses to exposure of various concentrations of diesel particulate matter (dPM), cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and nicotine for 48 hrs in terms of cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress. We found that all of these toxic materials significantly upregulated the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Furthermore, the exposure of dPM (100 ㎍/mL) strongly induced upregulation of genes related with cell death, inflammation, and oxidative stress compared with other concentrations of CSE and nicotine. These results suggest that hPSC-AECs could be a robust in vitro platform to evaluate pulmotoxicity of various air pollutants and harmful chemicals.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.523-535
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and improvement of dyslipidemia on Hyangsapyeongwi-san. Methods: In this study, HUVEC cells were cultured and treated with Hyangsapyeongwi-san to measure intracellular KLF2, eNOS, MCP-1, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 gene expression levels related to anti-inflammation. The weight of experimental animals administered with Hyangsapyeongwi-san was measured, blood samples were biochemically analyzed, and liver tissues were reviewed to research histological changes. Results: Gene expression levels in the cells treated with Hyangsapyeongwi-san generally showed a meaningful anti-inflammatory effect. The body weight of the experimental animals decreased, and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol in the blood generally declined while HDL-cholesterol tended to increase. Fat accumulation between hepatocytes was also reduced after the administration of Hyangsapyeongwi-san. Conclusions: This study confirmed that Hyangsapyeongwi-san has the effect of suppressing vascular inflammatory responses through the regulation of genes involved in the vascular inflammatory process and improving dyslipidemia through the reduction of blood lipids and weight loss.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.659-667
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Sensitization to staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) could contribute to asthma severity. However, its relevance with eosinophilic phenotype has not yet been clarified. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum specific IgE levels to SAg and eosinophilic airway inflammation in adult asthmatics. Methods: The serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs, including staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) and B (SEB), and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) were measured by ImmunoCAP in 230 adult asthmatic patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, including serum total/free IgE, and 2 eosinophil-activation markers, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN), were analyzed according to blood eosinophil counts (BEC; 150 cells/µL) and serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs (0.35 kU/L). Results: Asthmatic patients showed higher serum specific IgE levels to 3 SAgs than HCs (p < 0.05 for all). The serum total/free IgE levels were significantly higher in asthmatics with positive IgE responses to 3 SAgs than those without (p < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in clinical parameters including age, asthma severity, comorbidities, or smoking according to IgE responses to 3 SAgs. Patients with positive IgE responses to SEB (not to SEA/TSST-1) had higher serum specific IgE levels to house dust mites and ECP/EDN as well as higher BEC with positive correlations between serum SEB-specific IgE levels and BEC/ECP/EDN (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: These findings suggest that serum SEB-specific IgE levels could contribute to eosinophil activation as well as IgE production in adult asthma.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.214-223
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• 2003

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of green tea extract (GTE) on arterial blood pressure and contractile responses of isolated aortic strips of the normotensive rats and to establish the mechanism of action. The phenylephrine ($10^{-6}~10^{-5}M$)-induced contractile responses were greatly inhibited in the presence of GTE (0.3~1.2 mg/mL) in a dose-dependent fashion. Also, high potassium ($3.5{\times}10^{-2}~5.6{\times}10^{-2}{\;}M$)-induced contractile responses were depressed in the presence of 0.6~1.2 mg/mL of GTE, but not affected in low concentration of GTE (0.3 mg/mL). However, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, $4~12{\;}{\mu}g/mL$) did not affect the contractile responses evoked by phenylephrine and high $K^+$. GTE (5~20 mg/kg) given into a femoral vein of the normotensive rat produced a dose-dependent depressor response, which is transient. Interestingly, the infusion of a moderate dose of GTE (10 mg/kg/30 min) made a significant reduction in pressor responses induced by intravenous norepinephrine. However, EGCG (1 mg/kg/30 min) did not affect them. Collectively, these results obtained from the present study demonstrate that intravenous GTE causes a dose-dependent depressor action in the anesthetized rat at least partly through the blockade of adrenergic $\alpha_1$-receptors. GTE also causes the relaxation in the isolated aortic strips of the rat via the blockade of adrenergic $\alpha_1$-receptors, in addition to the unknown direct mechanism. It seems that there is a big difference in the vascular effect between GTE and EGCG.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.71-88
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• 2018

At the University of Western Ontario (UWO), numerical tools represented in semi-closed form solution for the conductors and finite element modeling of the lattice tower were developed and utilized significantly to assess the behavior of transmission lines under downburst wind fields. Although these tools were validated against other finite element analyses, it is essential to validate the findings of those tools using experimental data. This paper reports the first aeroelastic test for a multi-span transmission line under simulated downburst. The test has been conducted at the three-dimensional wind testing facility, the WindEEE dome, located at the UWO. The experiment considers various downburst locations with respect to the transmission line system. Responses obtained from the experiment are analyzed in the current study to identify the critical downburst locations causing maximum internal forces in the structure (i.e., potential failure modes), which are compared with the failure modes obtained from the numerical tools. In addition, a quantitative comparison between the measured critical responses obtained from the experiment with critical responses obtained from the numerical tools is also conducted. The study shows a very good agreement between the critical configurations of the downburst obtained from the experiment compared to those predicted previously by different numerical studies. In addition, the structural responses obtained from the experiment and those obtained from the numerical tools are in a good agreement where a maximum difference of 16% is found for the mean responses and 25% for the peak responses.