Effects of strobe light stimulation on postnatal developing rat retina

The nature and intensity of visual stimuli have changed in recent years because of television and other dynamic light sources. Although light stimuli accompanied by contrast and strength changes are thought to have an influence on visual system development, little information is available on the effects of dynamic light stimuli such as a strobe light on visual system development. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate changes caused by dynamic light stimuli during retinal development. This study used 80 Sprague-Dawley rats. From eye opening (postnatal day 14), half of the rats were maintained on a daily 12-h light/dark cycle (control group) and the remaining animals were raised under a 12-h strobe light (2 Hz)/dark cycle (strobe light-reared group). Morphological analyses and electroretinogram (ERG) were performed at postnatal weeks 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Among retinal neurons, tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR, dopaminergic amacrine cells) cells showed marked plastic changes, such as variations in numbers and soma sizes. In whole-mount preparations at 6, 8, and 10 weeks, type I TH-IR cells showed a decreased number and larger somata, while type II TH-IR cells showed an increased number in strobe-reared animals. Functional assessment by scotopic ERG showed that a-wave and b-wave amplitudes increased at 6 and 8 weeks in strobe-reared animals. These results show that exposure to a strobe light during development causes changes in TH-IR cell number and morphology, leading to a disturbance in normal visual functions

Distribution and Conservation of Long-billed Plovers Charadrius placidus in Korea

AbstractThe Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus of distribution was surveyed from 2002 to 2005, on rivers, streams and coasts of 38 areas within Korea. The Sum of highest numbers (sum of peak counts) of Long-billed Plovers at 24 sites was 198 individuals. Number of observed individuals during breeding period was 88 individuals, 129 individuals during the migration period, and 56 individuals during the wintering period. The Long-billed Plover breeds and migrates throughout Korea. They spend winter south of 37° latitude. Highest numbers (73 individuals) were observed at Daejeon. Therefore, streams and rivers of Korea are considered as an important habitat for the Long-billed Plover

FRAMEWORK OF AN INTEGRATED INFORMATION SYSTEM WITH OpenBIM BASED LIBRARY FOR NEW KOREAN STYLE HOUSE

ABSTRACT: This research introduces the roadmap of Establishment of Korean Traditional House Component Library Project (EKTHCLP) which developed an open BIM-based library system for new Korean traditional house components. In the project, the authors defined a parametric library by an XML-based approach; implemented the library to a browser and then developed a DB web contents Service which can be easily accessed by users. Using this system, users will be able to adjust the parameters to their wills and apply the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files generated from the browser to their projects regardless of software package selection. Because of additional information added in the IFC files, the translator for the generated IFC files from the browser to readable IFC file is under developing. BACKGROUND The Korean traditional house (woodened and assembled) is named Han-Ok that has passed through several centuries. Due to the popularity of the occidental house and expensive construction fee of Korean traditional house, the traditional house was always not preferred. However, since the eco-friendly and sustainable architectures were preferred and related construction technology of New Korean style house was developed as well as some national policy were made, the demands on Korean traditional house are increasing. Even though being improved, the traditional house is rather more difficult and expensive than we thought; therefore, an integrated information system which can be easily accessed by users is required. The research is carried out for openBIM based library development, popularity and cost decrease. SUMMARY There are five steps to implement an integrated information system for new Korean Traditional house. First step is to analyze geometry information and methods of assembled traditional house components from case study. Second step is to build database such as drawing sheet, documents, photo, and so on. Third step is to make 3D BIM Library and input needed properties to components. Fourth step is to connect a web service to distribute BIM libraries for end-users

(2R)-N-(2-Benzoyl­phen­yl)-1-benzyl­pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide

In the title compound, C25H24N2O2, the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings of the benzophenone moiety is 59.10 (6)°. An intra­molecular, bifurcated N—H⋯(O,N) hydrogen bond, which generates S(6) and S(5) rings, respectively, helps to establish the overall conformation of the mol­ecule

Standardization of the Manufacturing Process of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture Containing Melittin as the Active Ingredient

Background. Pharmacopuncture is a unique treatment in oriental medicine that combines chemical stimulation with conventional acupuncture. However, there are no standardized methods for preparing the herbal medicines used in pharmacopuncture, and it is not clear whether the active ingredients are safe and stable. Several studies have investigated nonstandardized preparation processes, but few investigations have addressed safety and preparation methods. Pharmacopuncture may provide an alternative treatment for incurable diseases. However, it must be as valid and safe as standardized medicine. In this way, the present project may contribute to the industrialization of medicine in Korea. It may also expand health insurance coverage by promoting evidence-based medical insurance benefits. Thus, the present study attempted to standardize and improve the raw materials, preparation, and efficacy of bee venom pharmacopuncture (BVP), which is a highly effective technique in oriental medicine. Method. To purify the crude bee venom, the extract was subjected to a stepped-gradient open column (ODS-A; 120 Å, 150 mesh). Using this method, the yield of melittin was significantly increased and the allergen proteins were effectively removed. The melittin content of the purified bee venom was determined using HPLC, and the product was then diluted to 0.1 mg/mL using injection water in preparation for BVP. Results. In the present study, we standardized the purification process to provide safe and stable BVP by increasing the main effective components and eliminating allergens. This study will be seminal in the industrialization and regulation of BVP. Conclusion. We developed an effective strategy for melittin purification and allergen removal from bee venom to create safe BVP

Phylogenetic analysis and characterization of Korean orf virus from dairy goats: case report

An outbreak of orf virus infection in dairy goats in Korea was investigated. Suspected samples of the skin and lip of affected goats were sent to the laboratory for more exact diagnosis. Orf virus was detected by electron microscopy and viral DNA was identified by PCR. To reveal the genetic characteristics of the Korean strain (ORF/09/Korea), the sequences of the major envelope protein (B2L) and orf virus interferon resistance (VIR) genes were determined and then compared with published reference sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the ORF/09/Korea strain was closest to the isolates (Taiping) from Taiwan. This is believed to be the first report on the molecular characterization of orf virus in Korea

Neuroprotective Activity of Sibjeondaebo-tang on Aβ Peptide-Induced Damages

Background. Sibjeondaebo-tang (SJDBT) has been used to treat diverse disorders including neuropsychiatric disabilities in traditional Korean medicine. Objective. The present study aims to investigate the potential effects of SJDBT on neuroprotection against Aβ peptide-induced damage using in vitro culture and in vivo rat brain systems. Materials and Methods. PC12 cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay, and neurite arborizations and caspase 3 protein signals in cultured PC12 cells and in vivo cortical neurons were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Phospho-Erk1/2 protein was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Results. In PC12 cells, atrophied cell body and reduced neurite extension by Aβ treatment were recovered by SJDBT treatment. Caspase 3 protein signals were increased in Aβ-treated PC12 cells, but SJDBT treatment decreased apoptotic cell death. Caspase 3 activation in cortical neurons, which was induced similarly by Aβ treatment, was reduced by SJDBT treatment. Furthermore, phospho-Erk1/2 protein levels, which had been decreased by Aβ treatment, were elevated in the cortical neurons by SJDBT treatment. Conclusion. These data show that SJDBT may play a role in protecting from damages induced by Aβ in neuronal tissue and further suggest that SJDBT can be explored as the potential therapeutic target for AD treatments in human