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First in the world to define new recovery mechanism of the walking functions of stroke patients [March 28, 2013] A recent research thesis published by Professor Jang, Seong Ho (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine) was selected as the cover thesis for the 2013 April issue of the prominent international academic journal 'Stroke'. According to the YU Medical Center (Executive Director Kim, Tae Nyeun) on the 28th, Professor Jang's thesis titled 'Functional Role of the Corticoreticular Pathway in Chronic Stroke Patients' was published on the cover of 'Stroke'. The Impact Factor of 'Stroke' is 5.729 and is SCI-level worldwide medical journal on strokes. In terms of impact factor, 'Stroke' is 14th place among 191 prominent international academic journals on clinical neurology, boasting high recognition and prestige. This thesis studied new recovery mechanisms for walking functions among patients with chronic strokes. The research results was placed on the cover of the 2013 April issue of 'Stroke' and was introduced in more detail in 6 pages (pp 1,099-1,104). According to the study, this was the first in the world to reveal the fact that recovery of independent walking functions of patients with chronic stroke who have completely damaged corticospinal tracts is achieved through the increase of nerve fibers of the corticoreticular pathway in the non-damaged cerebral hemisphere that was not affected by the stroke. Professor Jang said, "In the event that the corticospinal tract that was recognized as the most important motor pathway is damaged completely, walking can become possible by activating the corticoreticular pathway of the undamaged cerebral hemisphere." He added, "This is presumed to be one of the walking function recovery mechanisms of stroke patients and this will contribute to developing rehabilitation treatment so that stroke patients can recover their walking functions." Meanwhile, Professor Jang's major field of study is the rehabilitation of the stroke and the traumatic brain injury. He focuses on the recovery mechanism of the damaged cerebral nerves in stroke patients and the treatments using the recovery mechanism. He has currently written over 220 theses as the main author for SCI-level international academic journals. In the 2012 Joongang-ilbo University Evaluations, Professor Jang was selected as first place in the medical field for the individual thesis publications in international academic journals. Questions: YU Department of Rehabilitation Medicine ☎ 82-53-620-3270
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Second straight best poster award at the European Urological Association academic conference [March 27, 2013] A team of urology professors (Professors Moon, Ki Hak, Jung, Hee Chang, Song, Phil Hyun, Koh, Young Hwi) recently won the honor of being awarded an academic award for two straight years with the thesis they presented at the EUA (European Urological Association) academic conference, which boasts the world's highest prestige in urology. According to the YU Medical Center (Executive Director Kim, Tae Nyeun) on the 27th, the team of urology professors won the best poster award with their thesis titled 'A Study on the Change of Sexual Functions and Partner's Sexual Satisfaction of Female Patients after TOT (transobturator midurethral sling)' at the 28th EUA regular academic conference that was held for one week from March 15 in Milano, Italy. Professor Song, Phil Hyun participated in the academic conference in Milan and returned to Korea last week after making a presentation on their thesis. This paper examined the effects of TOT (procedure that inserts a special tape around the urethra to fix it on the normal position), which is a surgical operation for women with urinary incontinence performed by Professor Jung, Hee Chang. Professor Jung said, "TOT is a standard operation method for female stress urinary incontinence. While previous researches focused only on the clinical sectors such as success rates and complications, this study reports that this operation not only treats urinary incontinence, but also has a positive effect on sex life, which was found through questionnaires to the patient and male partner. It is expected that it will suggest a new horizon in the female sexology that is currently in a state of standstill." Meanwhile, this urology team was also awarded two best poster awards by publishing the thesis titled 'Usefulness of Prostate Volume Measurement by Rectal Examination' and the thesis titled 'Comparison of Bilateral Testis Volumes of Children with Undescended Testis and Hydrocele Under the Age of Two' at the 27th EUA academic conference held last year. When a thesis is selected by the EUA academic conference, it is published by an SCIE-level medical journal with an impact factor of 2.14 (as of 2010). When the impact factor is more than 1, it is usually deemed as worldwide academic journal with high influence. The EUA is recognized as one of the two prominent associations in urology together with the AUA (American Urological Association). Professor Moon, Ki Hak said, "The Department of Urology at the YU Medical Center has written theses selected by the EUA and AUA academic conferences for the past five consecutive years, which are indeed great medical achievements. This is unprecedented in non-Seoul areas." He added, "Based on our research achievements thus far, we will focus even more on treating patients." Questions: Department of Urology outpatient office ☎ 82-53-620-3170
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Kim, Seong Jin, senior in the School of Economics and Finance, takes first place in the 'Market Economy Development, Thesis/Idea Competition' The corporate analysis reports made by individual investors contribute to the development of the stock market [Mar 1, 2013] "In response to the repeated stock price manipulations that were unveiled recently, the financial authorities announced strong measures to stop stock price manipulations, but investors still have their hands tied as they are unable to trust companies. It is now time to have special measures to remove the prevalent mistrust in the stock market and restore its integrity. Thus, I came up with the idea to utilize the collective intelligence of individual investors to purify and monitor the market." Kim, Seong Jin (23, photo), a senior in the School of Economics and Finance, won first place in the idea sector of the 'Research Thesis and Idea Competition for the Development of the Market Economy' hosted by the Market Economy Research Institute(MERI). This competition, which is in its seventh year, was sponsored by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance(MOSF) and the Korea Exchange(KRX), and received applications for research theses and ideas for the goal of 'establishing and spreading the market economy principles' from February 18 to March 31 among college and graduate school students, and the general public. In result, Kim, Seong Jin's 'Development of the Stock Market through Ant-Reports: Collection and Use of Information through Collective Intelligence' was awarded first place in the idea sector. He received the Fair Trade Commission Award and a cash prize of 3 million won at the Merry Gold Hall on the 5th Floor of El Tower at 5 p.m. on the 26th of last month. Kim's idea was to provide an online space in which individual investors could disclose their information on the corporations and verify the information mutually like Wikipedia, the 'free encyclopedia that anyone can edit' in order to complete and supplement corporate analysis reports. "There was a book that said that a map of Mars made by scientists who researched Mars for decades was similar to that of map of Mars drawn up by about 75,000 amateurs, emphasizing the importance of cooperation. Likewise, if the information power of individual investors is used collectively, I believe that it will be possible to overcome the quantitative limitations and qualitative biases of corporate analysis reports made up by a few institutional investors or experts. Furthermore, it can prevent distrust and confusion in the stock market caused by 'stock market flyers' and 'stock price manipulations', while helping the market purify itself." Reviews on this idea were very good saying that it is realistic and excellent, and could be used as a policy agenda to put into execution. While gradually gaining experience at 'Finomics' (advice Professor Kim, Do Yeon), a club for the School of Economics and Finance, for the past 3 years, he has also won an award at a thesis competition hosted by Citibank and the Korea Institute of Finance. But, he still did not forget to say that this award was possible thanks to the positive instructions of his professors and the encouragement of his fellow classmates. He said that he hoped to go into the economics and finance sector and contribute to the healthy growth of the stock market, and said with a smile, "It would be ideal for a powerful and just person to protect the safety of the people. Likewise, a person who has better understanding of the economy and insight will be able to contribute to the establishment of a healthy market economy principle. I will study hard and work harder."
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He Published 96 SCI theses on the semiconductor quantum dots research sector for the past 10 years [April 29, 2013] Professor Kim, Jong Su (44, Department of Physics, photo) was awarded the 'Semiconductor Academic Award' in recognition of his contributions to the semiconductor academic sector in the 89th general meeting of the Korean Physical Society held at the DCC (Daejeon Convention Center) on the 25th. Professor Kim, who is highly active both domestically and internationally in academic studies such as publishing 96 SCI theses in the semiconductor quantum dot, solar cell, and semiconductor nano-structure research sectors, earned his bachelor's, master's and Ph.D at YU, and also served as a researcher for the COE (Center of Excellence) at the Japanese National Institute for Materials Science and a senior researcher at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology. He has been employed as a professor of physics at YU since March 2009 and he is currently a member of the Korean Physical Society Semiconductor Physics division, an editor of the Journal of the Korean Physical Society, and a director at the Korean Vacuum Society(KVS) and a chairperson of the KVS semiconductor and thin film sub-committee.
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Song, Eun Kyung, master of architecture, and Yoo, Seong Joon, master of architectural engineering are recognized by Korea's top academic society in architecture [April 26, 2013] Master's degree holders of YU awarded for their graduation thesis from the Architectural Institute of Korea (from left to right: Song, Eun Kyung, Yoo, Seong Joon) Master's degree theses of YU graduate school were recognized for excellence by the nation's top academic society. Recently, the Architectural Institute of Korea (AIK, president Seo, Chi Ho) announced the results from reviewing the '9th Best Graduation Theses Contest'. According to this, Song, Eun Kyung (28) and Yoo, Seong Joon (28) who graduated from the Department of Architecture in February were awarded. Song's paper that was awarded among fifty-one master's degree papers was titled 'Study on Modernization of Han-Ok through thermal performance characteristic for exterior wall' (thesis director Kim, Chul Kyu). It is a paper that analyzes modernization methods of Hanok(Korean traditional houses), for which various attempts are being made, and proposes the improvement measures for it, as interest for well-being grows. Song, who majored in architecture in graduate school visited the Seoul Bukchon Hanok Village and Jeonju Hanok Village and collected and analyzed data from related institutes. She conducted studies from three aspects such as the heat collection, heat storage and heat control (management) of the outer walls of Hanok. This was for taking into sufficient consideration of not only the life convenience of Hanok, but also the environment-friendliness. In result, she discovered that 10 architectural methods being attempted for modernization of Hanok satisfy their respective standards, but do not take into general consideration through measurement data. Moreover, she suggests the systematization considering the 3 aspects for modernization of Hanok as directions for improvement. Song, who is currently working as a design chief at 'ATF Architects Korea' and lecturing at Sunlin College, said, "I want to be an influential young architect who takes on new challenges such as remodeling old buildings in the area to make them not only comfortable to live in and environment-friendly, but also to make them into buildings with high cultural preservation values." Yoo, Seong Joon, who was also awarded with Song, wrote his paper titled 'An Analysis on Improvement Plan of IAQ in Small Printing Workplace Using CFD' (thesis director Yang, Jeong Hoon). Though he majored in architectural engineering, he had a great deal of interest in environmental issues. He began scientific explorations on the negative effects of hazardous materials emitted in production work places on the health of workers and on their work performance, and the improvement method. For this, he visited small printing workplaces located in the publication alley of Namsan-dong, Daegu to take measurements and conduct comparative analysis simulations. In result, he came to the conclusion that in the case of areas with low frequency of ventilation, 'localized ventilation', and for places with high ventilation frequencies, 'substitutional ventilation' were the most effective. Thus, he proposed effective ventilation systems to improve the indoor air quality of small printing workplaces. Since April, he has been working on his PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from Kyushu University Graduate School in Ito, Japan. He said, "I will continue my research to improve indoor environments so that even the less fortunate can live in pleasant and comfortable environments."
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Professor Chang, Hyeun Wook at the College of Pharmacy suggests possibility to simultaneously treat metabolic and allergic diseases His Thesis was published in the online edition of <Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology> [April 24, 2013] Professor Chang, Hyeun Wook explains his research looking at the <Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology> in which his research is carried Is there any way to treat the 'modern chronic disease' that interfere with the lives of modern people? Professor Chang, Hyeun Wook (College of Pharmacy) suggested for the first time in the world the possibility to develop new drugs that can treat metabolic and allergic diseases simultaneously. Professor Chang scientifically proved that by artificially activating AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), which is a sensor protein to maintain bodily energy homeostasis, it is possible to treat not only metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, but also allergic diseases simultaneously through experiments with rats. It has already been reported that when AMPK is activated, absorption of sugar and oxidization of fats in cells are promoted, which can treat metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and fatty liver. However, Professor Chang's research was the world's first that revealed that AMPK activation can also suppress allergies and inflammation. In particular, the result of this research is even more meaningful when considering animal test result of 'the higher blood-sugar, the more severe allergic reactions'. Through preliminary examinations, Professor Chang already gained results that allergic reactions were stronger for rats with high blood-sugar levels. This research also showed that compared to rats without having food consumption restrictions, rats with restricted food consumption had less allergic reactions. Because food consumption restriction is a condition for AMPK activation, it was interpreted that AMPK activation which has the effect on the suppression of the allergic reactions was proved. The result of this research, which was carried out for about 3 years as part of the 'leading researcher support project' (core research) by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning (MSIP, Minister Choi Mun Kee) and the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF, President Lee, Seung Jong), was published on the April 15 online edition of the SCI Journal, <Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology : JACI> issued by the American Academy, Asthma, Immunology. This journal is recognized as the world's top academic journal in the allergy sector with an impact factor (IF) of 11. On this research, Professor Chang, said "There are many different causes and results for allergic diseases. Currently, over 30% of the global population and about 15-20% of the Korean population are reported to be suffering from allergic immune diseases. The problem is that it is continuously on the rise. Metabolic diseases are also on the rise due to westernized diets and lack of exercise." He added, "I hope that this research will help hasten the development of new drugs that can treat the chronic diseases of modern people, which are metabolic diseases and allergic diseases." As follow-up research, Professor Chang is researching allergic reaction control mechanisms using the interaction of AMPK and AMPK inhibitory enzyme, while also studying the suppression effects of metabolic diabetes and allergic reactions by AMPK activators separated from natural materials. He hopes to obtain results from it soon. <Test results of allergy and inflammation reaction for normal rats and AMPK congenitally deficient rats> * * The larger and clearer the blue area on the inner part of the ear shows more severe allergy and inflammation reaction
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Signed MOUs with the Rural Development Administration(RDA) and the Korea Rural Economic Institute(KREI) Constructing the university-research-government cooperation system and Pursuing the globalization of the Saemaul Undong [April 19, 2013] YU signed the cooperation agreements with the KREI (left) and RDA to begin globalizing the Saemaul Undong and the Saemaul Undong spirit as well as supporting the ODA projects for emerging countries. Ahead of the 'Saemaul Day' on April 22, YU (President Noh, Seok Kyun) announced that they will fully pursue globalization of the Saemaul Undong and ODA projects for emerging countries through university-research-government cooperation on the 19th. As part of this, YU signed a cooperation agreement with the RDA (administrator Lee, Yang Ho) at the 3rd floor main conference room of YU main administration building. This is to mutually cooperate in research and education to secure food security and support development of farming and rural areas of emerging countries. In particular, as there is large demand to learn from the experiences of Korea that greatly improved the farm economy through development and distribution of facility cultivation technologies, as well as achieving self-sustainability through the development of the high yielding rice variety named 'Tongil', they are planning to upgrade agricultural technology cooperation for emerging countries through government-academic cooperation. The RDA currently has Korea Project on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Centers in 15 emerging countries. Furthermore, it has established and is operating the 'Asia Food & Agriculture Cooperation Initiative' (AFACI) in which 11 countries in Asia participated and the 'Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative' (KAFACI) with 17 African nations. Earlier, at 11 a.m. on the 11th, the cooperation agreement with the KREI (acting president, Choi, Sei Kyun) was also signed at the president's office. The two sides agreed to work together to make mutual efforts for Korea's rural development, Saemaul Undong ODA projects and pass on the know-how of Korea's economic development to emerging countries. Accordingly, YU and KREI are planning to mutually cooperate in fostering domestic and international experts in rural development, exchange human and material resources, and collaborate in joint research. Acting president of KREI, Choi, Sei Kyun said in his opening address, "We newly established the international agricultural cooperation support team from this year to provide consulting on agricultural policies for emerging countries. We expect that YU will help considerably in localizing Korea's experiences." YU President Noh, Seok Kyun replied, "The know-how and the spirit of the Economic development of Korea must be passed on together to maximize effects of ODA projects for emerging countries." He added, "We have established and continuously worked on the 'Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul', which is a base for academically systematizing and globalizing the Saemaul Undong, the Can-Do Spirit, the Economic development policies and leadership. Therefore, we hope that through this university-research-government cooperation system the efforts and achievements made by YU thus far will be the cornerstone for the success of Korea's ODA projects."
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Professor Choi, Chang Bon of the School of Biotechnology scientifically proved the superior taste of Hanwoo Beef after 3 years of research 36 times more 'inosine monophosphate' than American beef and 7 times more than Australian beef More antioxidants, anti-aging, and hangover recovery materials in Hanwoo Beef [April 15, 2013] Professor Choi, Chang Bon, who scientifically proved the better taste of Hanwoo Beef after three years of research Does Hanwoo Beef really taste better than American beef or Australian beef? If so, why? YU Professor Choi, Chang Bon (52, School of Biotechnology, photo), who spent over 20 years to prove the superiority of Hanwoo(Korean Native Cattle), finally found the answer. He scientifically proved that Hanwoo beef had a considerably larger amount of 'inosine monophosphate', which is a nucleic acid substance that determines the taste of beef, compared to American beef and Australian beef. Professor Choi began an exploratory research on substances related to taste in sirloins of Hanwoo beef, American beef and Australian beef with the support of the Hanwoo Board. Samples used for this research in the past 3 years include 60 head of Hanwoo and 20 head of both American cattle and Australian cattle. Hanwoo beef was selected evenly among 3 grade to 1++ grade, and imported beef were purchased in local markets. In result, Professor Choi discovered that while there was an average of 2.57μM (micro mole) per 100g of 'inosine monophosphate', which determines the taste of beef serloin, in Hanwoo beef, there was only 0.07μM in American beef and 0.35μM in Australian beef. 'Inosine monophosphate' is a natural ingredient that gives the unique taste of protein and it stimulates the taste senses related to 'good taste' on the tongue. It has a similar taste to MSG, a chemical seasoning, and it has been reported that Japanese wagyu beef contains a large amount of it. However, this is the first time that studies were made on 'inosine monophosphate' for Hanwoo beef. Professor Choi analyzed that Hanwoo beef had 36 times more inosine monophosphate than American beef and 7 times more than Australian beef. Thus, he was able to prove the 'unique flavor' of Hanwoo beef through scientific and objective data. In addition, Professor Choi also revealed that Hanwoo beef had 2.7 times more than American beef and 1.4 times more than Australian beef of 'carnosine', which has anti-oxidizing, anti-aging and hangover recovery effects. Earlier on, Professor Choi presented research results that 'cholesterol contents in Hanwoo beef are lower than imported beef' and that 'the monounsaturated fatty acid in Hanwoo beef lowered bad cholesterol and neutral fat content in the blood of lab animals and people', as he contributed to scientifically proving the excellence of Hanwoo beef. Professor Choi stated, "Everybody knows that we cannot protect Hanwoo farms just by appealing to patriotism in the Era of FTA. Thus, it is absolutely necessary to procure scientific and objective data that prove the superiority of Hanwoo." He also added, "The next step to take is to establish a research institute that studies the unique characteristics of Hanwoo, discovers and organizes data more systematically, and distributes them."
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21st president, begins two year term from April 1, 2014 Largest academic society in Korea on forestry and forest resource studies [April 16, 2013] Dean of the College of Natural Resources Lee, Heon Ho (57, Department of Forest Resources, photo) was appointed as the 21st president of the Korean Forest Society at the society general assembly held at the Seoul National University Hoam Hall on the 11th. His term will be for two years starting on April 1, 2014. Professor Lee stated that as the next president, he would establish a 'general innovative plan for the society', reestablish the identity of the society, and focus on creating a model for the society that is future-oriented and competitive. In addition, he also stated that he would promote related industries by reinforcing industry-academic-government-research networks and create an academic society that can contribute to creating new growth engines. The Korean Forest Society has over 1,000 individual members and over 120 institutional members. It is the nation's largest forestry and forest resources society.
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Contributions to promoting the Nutrition Plus Business and developing nutritional policies [April 11, 2013] Professor Seo, Jung Sook (57) of the Department of Food and Nutrition was awarded the presidential citation. The Ministry of Health & Welfare held a commemorative event for the '41st Health Day' at the 63 Convention Center in Yeouido-dong in Seoul and awarded those who contributed to the development of health and medicine and to improve national health. The theme of this event was 'Healthy 100-year-olds, Start by Managing Blood Pressure'. Professor Seo was awarded here the presidential citation for her contributions in the development of national nutritional policies and improving national health for the past 31 years through the promotion of the 'Nutrition Plus Business', research on nutritional policies, establishing the cornerstone for the clinical nutritionist system, and enacting the DRI (dietary reference intakes) standards. The Nutrition Plus Business is a project that provides temporary support such as nutritional consulting, education and supplementary foods for low-income children, expecting mothers, and persons with nutritional risk factors (anemia, underweight, and physical retardation). Professor Seo, who is an expert in food and nutrition studies, participated in the policy advice, planning, development, and achievement evaluations of the programs for 5 years from the beginning of the project, thus contributing to improved national nutrition. Professor Seo earned her bachelor's and master's in food and nutrition, and her PhD in nutrition at Seoul National University. She has been serving as a professor of the YU Department of Food and Nutrition since 1982.
