• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.409-416
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• 2015

Purpose: This study evaluates a new banana bulk packaging method under the real transport conditions of Sri Lanka. Methods: A field evaluation of optimized 8-mm thick Styrofoam sheets used as the cushioning material was applied. A trial transport was conducted from Thambuttegama to Colombo using a medium-sized open truck, with banana leaves as the control material. Data were recorded at the farmer, transporter, retailer, and consumer stages of the supply chain. Mechanical damage, physiological loss in weight, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, ripeness index, visual quality ratings, and the physical damage index of the bananas were measured at each stage. A cost-benefit analysis was also conducted for both packaging methods. Results: The 8-mm styrofoam sheets significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the mechanical damage from 26.3% to 12.9% compared to the conventional method for long-distance transport, and the physiological loss in weight showed a decrease of 2.88%. The loss of firmness of the fruits followed a simmilar pattern for both methods until reaching the retailer, but at the consumer was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the control. However, the physical damage index at the retail stage for the control showed symptoms of physical injury, whereas the bananas transported using the cushioning materials exhibited only minor symptoms. Further, the visual quality of the fruits after transport from the farmer to the consumer was preserved, which is one of the main factors affecting consumer preference and retail price. The proposed method increases the profit margin by 51.2% for Embul bananas owing to the reduced postharvest losses. Conclusion: The 8-mm thick Styrofoam sheets reduced the physical damage to the bananas, with the quality parameters maintained at the prefered level. Moreover, profits may be increased.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.225-231
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• 1994

The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of endogenous nitric oxide in renin release under different physiological conditions. In the first series of experiments, renin release was either inhibited by acute volume-expansion (VE) or stimulated by clipping one renal artery in the rat. VE was induced by intravenous infusion of saline (0.9% NaCl) up to 5% of the body weight over 45 min under thiopental (50 mg/kg, IP) anesthesia. VE caused a decrease of plasma renin concentration (PRC). With $N^G-nitro-L-arginine$ methyl ester $(L-NAME,\;5\;{\mu}g/kg\;per\;min)$ superadded to VE, PRC decreased further. The magnitude of increase in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels following VE was not affected by the L-NAME. In two-kidney, one clip rats, L-NAME-supplementation resulted in a decrease, and L-arginine-supplementation an increase of PRC. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels were significantly lower in the L-arginine group than in the control. Blood pressure did not differ among the L-NAME, L-arginine, and control groups. In another series of experiments, the renin response to a blockade of NO synthesis was examined using in vitro preparations from isolated renal cortex. L-NAME significantly increased basal renin release, although it was without effect on the isoproterenol-stimulated release. These findings suggest that endogenous nitric oxide significantly contributes to the renin release. Since many factors may affect the renin release in vivo, an interaction between NO and renin under various pathophysiological states is to be further defined.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.23-32
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• 2010

Background : There has been increased global interest in traditional medicine. Ayurveda and Korean medicines are most world-widely spread as Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM). Objectives : This review gives an overview of basic principles and commonalities of Ayurveda, Tibetan and Korean medicine. Method : I have summarized the results of the research into the following categories: basic theoies, history, physiology and pathogenesis. Result : 1. Ayurveda is the medical science that grasps individual constitution through Tridosha, a combination of five primary elements(space, wind, fire, water, and earth), and systematically explains physiological and pathological phenomena which reveal according to the constitution. 2. The theoretical basis forming the Tibetan Medicine is the substance of phlegm, bile, and wind each of which is divided into five kinds. These physiological substances can be transformed into pathological factors when certain environment is formed. 3. Ayurveda, Tibetan and Korean medicine, three main axes of the traditional medicine arouse western medical researchers' interest by their peculiar views of the disease and the system of their medical theories. And they are expected to render services to human health. Conclusions : We can expect the potential of the approaching between Ayurveda, Tibetan and Korean medicine.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.642-648
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• 2002

The Dryness and the Dampness is the congential nature. the Water and Fire is the acquired action. the skin is related to the physiological function of the lung, so the skin is the domain of the lung. the lung belongs to the dryness-metal(燥金). And the Dryness and the Dampness in the six pathogenic factors exert a important pathogenic influence upon the skin. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition charactered by red, silver scaly patches in the affected areas, it is caused by excessive growth of the top layer of the skin(epidermis). Scalp psoriasis affects at least two thirds people who have psoriasis. Generally, the scalp will have plaque psoriasis characterized by elevated, inflamed, lesions covered with silvery white scales. The lesion of psoriasis is head, elbow and knee that are yang-channels in Oriental medicine. The syndrome falls with in the purview of the dryness-metal(燥金). In time, psoriasis takes a turn for the worse in the winter season. In space, many of people in comparison to the average in the world have psoriasis in high latitude that is dry and cold, for instance, the Scandinavian peninsula. Deficiency of yin-fluid and blood course often the dryness-syndrome, for instance, psoriasis, etc. So psoriasis is one of the dryness-syndrome in Oriental medicine.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.803-810
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• 2001

This study examined the behavior of dairy heifers and the factors affecting the performance of them on pasture. Behavior of 10 Holstein heifers in a herd of 25 animals that rotationally grazed five 8-ha pastures was observed and recorded every 5 minutes during 24 hours; body weights were measured once a month from June to October. Blood and rumen fluid samples were collected from 5 of them bimonthly. Chemical composition was analyzed for the forage samples collected each month. CP content (DM basis) of herbage ranged from 12.2 (June) to 17.2% (October) and ADF from 31.1 (October) to 39.1% (July). Standing (posture) time was different significantly among months (p<0.001) ranging from 48.3 to 61.3% of 24 hours and was longer in July and August (61.3% and 58.3%, respectively) when ADF content of herbage was higher than in the other months. Grazing time which significantly differed among months (p<0.001) ranged from 29.1 to 41.6% of 24 hours and was shorter in June and September (29.1% and 33.0%, respectively) when ADF content was lower than in the other months. Average DG through the experiment period was 0.74 kg/day. August was the lowest in DG (0.41 kg/day) and the longest in rumination time and standing-rumination time among months. Animals of higher DG had a shorter standing time (r=-0.36, p<0.01) and a longer lying-rumination time (r=0.55, p<0.001) throughout the experiment. Total protein concentration in blood ranged from 9.04 to 9.64 g/dl and was negatively correlated with DG (r=-0.65, p<0.05). Phospholipid concentration of blood ranged from 119.66 to 156.40 mg/dl and was negatively correlated with DG (r=-0.57, p<0.05). VFA in rumen fluid, acetic acid proportion (ranging from 69.35 to 74.76%) and butyric acid proportion (ranging from 7.18 to 12.05%) showed significant differences among months (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). Butyric acid proportion was significantly related with DG (r=0.60, p<0.05).

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2011

Vitellogenin (Vg) is the precursor of vitellin (Vn), which is the major yolk protein in nearly all oviparous species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and most invertebrates. It is one of the most important factors during reproduction, and numerous studies have shown that Vg genes are markers of the reproductive cycle and effecter genes induced by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Previously, we isolated two distinct cDNAs encoding vitellogenin homologs Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 from Pandalus shrimp Pandalopsis japonica. In this study, full-length genomic sequences of Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 were determined using a PCR-based genome walking strategy. Isolated Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 genes were 11,910 and 11,850 bp long, respectively. Both Pj-Vg genes had 15 exons and 14 introns, and the splicing sites were also the same, suggesting that they arose via gene duplication. The similar structural characteristics of decapod Vg genes suggest that they are all orthologs that evolved from the same ancestral gene. Analysis of Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 expression revealed that the relative copy numbers of Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 were similar in the hepatopancreas, whereas Pj-Vg2 transcripts were also detected in the ovary. Expression of both Pj-Vg genes was induced in hepatopancreas of mature individuals, whereas only Pj-Vg2 transcripts were upregulated in the ovaries from mature animals, suggesting that both Pj-Vgs are important for oocyte development. A strong positive correlation was found between Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2 transcripts in the same individual, indicating they are under the same control mechanisms. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between ovarian and hepatopancreatic Pj-Vg2 transcripts, suggesting that its dual expression is regulated by similar physiological conditions. Knowledge of the similarities and differences between the two vitellogenin-like genes, Pj-Vg1 and Pj-Vg2, would help us to understand their roles in reproduction and other physiological effects.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.704-714
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• 2008

Purpose: This study explored the feasibility of a 12 week self-efficacy based exercise intervention for overweight and obese college students. Method: A repeated measure, 4-group randomized controlled design was used. Students were recruited from two universities. in Seoul. Korea using: (1) flyers either on the campus bulletin boards or in campus restrooms: (2) advertisement on campus e-board: and (3) self-referral. Inclusion criteria were: (1) Korean college students aged 18 to 29: (2) BMI >23: (3) viscerally obese: and (4) accessible to a phone and a computer. Participants completed three self-reported questionnaires: socio-demographic questionnaire (at the baseline), Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week), and Physical Fitness sub-subscale (at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week). Additionally. physiological data (height, weight, blood pressure) were collected at the baseline and $12^{th}$ week. Descriptive statistics and a two-way mixed ANOVA were performed using SPSS12.0. Results: No significant group difference was observed. However. students with increased exercise self-efficacy during the program showed better physical fitness in the $12^{th}$ week. When students' physical fitness was enhanced. the physiological factors were improved. Conclusions: Self-efficacy based exercise intervention may be applicable and acceptable to the college students. It is necessary to conduct a replicated study with a larger sample and an elongated intervention period.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.75-80
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• 2005

Eleutherococcus senticosus (also called Acanthopanax senticosus), belonging to Araliaceae family, has been used as an important medicinal woody plant. Mature seeds of Eleutherococcus senticosus have rudimentary (extremely immature) zygotic embryos and require a long-term stratification for about 18 months to induce germination. Here, through the methods of endosperm removal and other exogenous treatments, we investigated the factors for inducing rudimentary embryos by in vitro culture, Rudimentary zygotic embryos in seeds were at globular to heart-shaped stage at about $250{\mu}m$ in length just after harvest of fruits. When the seeds without testa were cultured on 1/2 MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962) medium, they did not germinate regardless of medium and sucrose concentrations but the removal of endosperm tissue markedly stimulated the growth of rudimentary zygotic embryos. The embryo reached ear-lier maturation, once when the endosperm surrounding the rudimentary embryos was removed. Rudimentary zygotic embryos developed cotyledons within 3 weeks of culture after endosperm emoval. However, post-mature zygotic embryos failed to germinate though they were morphologically normal, indicating another dormancy of embryos. $GA_3\;(2.0\;\cal{mg/L})$ and/or charcoal ($0.2\%$) treatment rapidly enhanced the germination of zygotic embryos. These results suggest that E. senticosus seeds have double dormancy; i. e. morphological rudimentary dormancy influenced by surrounding endosperm and physiological dormancy after post-maturation of zygotic embryos. Based on the above findings, we established the rapid germination of rudimentary zygotic embryos by in vitro culture of excised seeds with endosperm removal and $GA_3$ treatment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-21
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• 2015

Cancer, a serious public health problem in worldwide, results from an excessive and uncontrolled proliferation of the body cells without obvious physiological demands of organs. The gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach and intestine, is a unique organ system. It has the highest cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality in the body and is influenceed by both genetic and environmental factors. Among the various chemical elements recognized in the nature, some of them including zinc, iron, cobalt, and copper have essential roles in the various biochemical and physiological processes, but only at low levels and others such as cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel are considered as threats for human health especially with chronic exposure at high levels. Cadmium, an environment contaminant, cannot be destroyed in nature. Through impairment of vitamin D metabolism in the kidney it causes nephrotoxicity and subsequently bone metabolism impairment and fragility. The major mechanisms involved in cadmium carcinogenesis could be related to the suppression of gene expression, inhibition of DNA damage repair, inhibition of apoptosis, and induction of oxidative stress. In addition, cadmium may act through aberrant DNA methylation. Cadmium affects multiple cellular processes, including signal transduction pathways, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Down-regulation of methyltransferases enzymes and reduction of DNA methylation have been stated as epigenetic effects of cadmium. Furthermore, increasing intracellular free calcium ion levels induces neuronal apoptosis in addition to other deleterious influence on the stability of the genome.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.1057-1061
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• 2008

For the purpose of investigating the reasonable logics contained in physiognomy of east and old western medicine. hypothetical researches based on hydromechanics theory were performed concerning facial types of form and pathologic features, especially 4 types of Dr. Jisan-Essence, Qi energy. Emotional Activity and Blood(EQAB). In order to infer the functional relation between facial type forming and EQAB factors, EQAB were supposed as fluid grounded on their continual flowing or periodical change and pressure effect from its congestion. and a premise that there's a linear corresponding relationship between the appearance of organ and its physical conditions of its inner vessels is formed too. Through this work, the unit fluid model(UFM) of Essence can be assumed as circle shape formed by the high viscosity and surface tension, the UFM model of Qi energy as quadrangular shape by the scattering features to outer four directions, and the UFM of emotional activity as inverted triangular shape by the flippant and uprising features, and the UFM of blood as ellipsoid triangle by the heavy and descending features in spite of circulation. The shapes made from each UFM are reproduced in the process of human development and manifest respective facial shape through the self-reproduction method like fractal theory in the last. Conclusively. it is said that the facial form analysis method like EQAB type theory can be the useful methodology to understand the human pathological and physiological features in view of hydromechanics.