• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.593-597
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• 2009

The uterus plays a critical role in pregnancy and steroid hormones, and both estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) especially play important roles in the cross-talk between embryos and uterus to support the pregnancy. E2 stimulates uterine growth during early pregnancy to prepare for implantation of embryos. This cross-talk during the implantation period involves hormones (E2 and P4) and growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). In the uterus of a pregnant pig, the action of E2 is mediated by estrogen receptor-${\beta}$ (ER-${\beta}$). The expression of ER-a was much higher in early pregnancy than in mid- and late- pregnancy, suggesting E2 secretion from embryos enhances transcription of ER-a during early pregnancy. In order to prove whether IGF-I is an E2 target gene, quantitative real-time PCR was performed on ovariectomized murine uterus with E2 and/or P4 treatment(s). Increased IGF-I mRNA expression was observed with E2 treatment, however, it was not significantly induced by P4 treatment, which clearly demonstrates that, in mice, E2 depends on the activation of uterine IGF-I gene expression. The expression of IGF-I in the uterus of pigs was much higher in early pregnancy than in mid- and late- pregnancy and these data exhibited the same expression pattern with the ER-${\beta}$ gene expression in the uterus. It suggests that a positive co-relationship between IGF-I and ER-${\beta}$ expression exists in the uterus, and that both gene expressions of IGF-I and ER-${\beta}$ are regulated by E2. It further suggests that uterine the IGF-I gene expression might be initiated by E2 secreted from embryos to increase ER-${\beta}$ gene expression, and that this increased ER-${\beta}$ further stimulates the expression of IGF-I in the uterus during early pregnancy.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2006

A polymorphism was found in the promoter region of porcine adipocyte fatty acid binding protein gene(A-FABP) gene which plays a key role in the binding and transportation of free fatty acid in adipocyte and deposition of intramuscular fat. Mutation was detected a substitution(T406C) using SSCP analysis and subsequently confirmed by sequencing the fragment in Duroc pigs. This T-406C mutation might change the binding activity for transcription factor nuclear factor 1(NF1). In this population, this mutation was genotyped using HinfⅠRFLP, and found three kinds of genotypes(TT, TC, and CC) showing their frequencies of 42.3, 44.3, and 13.4%, respectively. We statistically analyzed the association between the A-FABP genotypes and growth traits and found that the body weights of the pigs containing 406C/(TC or CC) were heavier for the body weight at the age of 20 weeks than those containing genotype TT(P<0.05), but not for those at the age of 0, 3, and 10 weeks. Pigs containing genotype CC had also a higher value for the average daily gain and lower values for the date for 90kg of body weight and food conversion ratio than those of 406T/- genotype. In addition, without the significant difference of back fat thickness, there was a significant association between the existence of allele CC and lean meat and eye muscle area(P<0.05). As a result of this study, we suggest that the allele T406C in the promoter region of A-FABP gene play an important role in deposition of intramuscular fat and weight in the later growth period. This polymorphism will be an useful molecular marker for breeding of Duroc pigs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 1997

Background : Malnutrition is a common finding in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially in the emphysema group. Although the mechanism of malnutrition is not confirmed, it is believed to be a relative deficiency caused by hypermetabolism due to increased energy requirements of the respiratory muscles, rather than a dietary deficiency. Malnutrition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is not a merely coincidental finding. It is known that the nutritional status correlates with physiologic parameters including pulmonary function, muscular power, and exercise performance, and is one of the important and independent prognostic factors of the disease. Methods : Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Yongdong Severance Hospital from May, 1995 to March, 1996 and age-matched healthy control group were studied. Survey of nutritional intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were done to assess nutritional status. Relationship between nutritional status and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume at one second), which was a significant functional parameter, was assessed. Results : 1) The patient group was consisted of 25 males with mean age of 66.1years and FEV1 of $42{\pm}14%$ of predicted values. The control group was consisted of 26 healthy males with normal pulmonary function, whose mean age was 65.0 years. 2) The ratio of calorie intake/calorie requirement per day was $107{\pm}28%$ in the patient group, and $94{\pm}14%$ in the control group, showing a tendency of more nutritional intake in patient group(B=0.06). 3) There were significant differences between the patient group and control group in percent ideal body weight(92.8% vs 101.6%, p=0.024), body mass index($20.0kg/m^2$ VS $21.9kg/m^2$, p=0.015), and handgrip strength(29.0kg vs 34.3kg, p=0.003). However, there were no significant differences in triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference, albumin, and total lymphocyte count between two groups. Percentage of underweight population was 40%(10/25) in the patient group, and 15%(4/26) in the control group. 4) The percent ideal body weight, triceps skinfold thickness, and mid-arm muscle circumference had significant correlation with FEV1. Conclusion : The patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease showed significant depletion in nutritional parameters such as body weight and peripheral muscle strength, while absolute amount of dietary intake was not insufficient. Nutritional parameters were well correlated with FEV1.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.320-328
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• 2004

Background : Pulmonary vascular changes which occur early in the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent manifestation and later cause pulmonary hypertension, which is a bad prognostic factor in COPD. Beraprost sodium (BPS), an orally active prostacyclin analogue, has been shown to improve survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. This study investigated the effect of BPS in the patients with COPD. Methods : This is a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled, two center clinical trial. Twenty one consecutive patients with COPD were enrolled from June 2003 to June 2004 (patients treated with BPS for 3 months, BPS group, n=11; those with placebo, placebo group, n=10). The baseline demographic, pulmonary function and hemodynamic data were not significantly different between two groups. Results : On echocardiographic examination, trans tricuspid valve pressure gradient has decreased significantly after 3 months with beraprost in the BPS group [17.7(${\pm}11.4$) to 8.2(${\pm}8.9$) mm Hg, p-value<0.05], while there was no significant change in the control group. Six-minute walking distance has decreased in the control group and increased in the BPS group, but there was no statistical significance. Conclusion : In patients with COPD oral administration of BPS reduced the pulmonary arterial pressure. The clinical significance of this finding, that is improving symptoms and natural course of the disease, needs further study.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.134-138
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• 2015

BACKGROUND: In recent years, several researchers have focused on odour control methods to remove the harmful chemicals from chemical accidents and incidents. The present work deals with the system development of the hazardous. METHODS AND RESULTS: For on-site removal of hazardous gaseous materials from chemical accidents, mobile vortex wet scrubber was designed with water vortex process to absorb the gas into the water. The efficiency of the mobile vortex wet scrubber was evaluated using water spray and 25% ammonia solution. The inlet air velocity (gas flow rate) was according to the damper angle installed within the hood and with increase of gas flow rate, consequently the absorption efficiency was markedly decreased. In particular, when 25% ammonia solution was exposed to the hood inlet for 30 min, the water pH within the scrubber was changed from 7 to 12. Interestingly, although the removal efficiency of ammonia gas exhibited approximately 80% for 5 min, its efficiency in 10 min showed the greatest decrease with 18%. Therefore, our results suggest that the ammonia gas may be absorbed with the driving force of scrubbing water in water vortex process of this scrubber. CONCLUSION: When chemical accidents are occurred, the designed compact scrubber may be utilized as effective tool regarding removal of ammonia gas and other volatile organic compounds in the scene of an accident.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2001

Purpose: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been found to be the causative factors of apnea, stridor, feeding intolerance, poor weight gain, and sudden infants death syndrome (SIDS) in infants. GER is a well-described in infants and children, but only scant mention of the premature infants with GER can be found in the literature. Methods: Esophageal pH was measured during 24 hour in 21 healthy preterm infants, using a silicone microelectrode with an external reference electrode connected to a portable recorder. The mean age of the patients was $29{\pm}8$ days, mean gestational age was $30^{+5}{\pm}2^{+0}$ weeks, mean birth weight was $1,468{\pm}329$ g, mean postconceptional age was $34^{+6}{\pm}1^{+4}$ weeks and mean weight was $1,750{\pm}329$ g. We evaluated the following reflux parameters; number of acid reflux, number of long acid reflux, longest acid reflux minutes, and reflux index. Results: Pathologic GER was detected in 12 (57%) subjects and most interesting parameters are reflux index and number of episodes with a pH<4 during 24 hour (high correlation with postprandial reflux index). Reflux was not correlated to gestational age, birth weight, age, postconceptional age, weight, sex and medication of the theophylline. Conclusion: Gastroesophageal reflux is common in preterm infants, but it is usually not apparent, even with severe reflux.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2003

Purpose: To investigate the relation of the gastric epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and genotypes of H. pylori in children. Methods: Histologic grading by updated Sydney system, PCNA immunostaining, TUNEL method and the genotypes (cagA, picB and iceA) by PCR were performed in H. pylori positive (N=20) and negative (N=20) gastric biopsy specimens. Results: PCNA index was significantly different between H. pylori positive children ($77.4{\pm}13.12$) and H. pylori negative children ($52.3{\pm}12.20$) (p=0.000). There were positive correlations between PCNA index and H. pylori density (r=0.624, p=0.000), polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity (r=0.460, p=0.005) and chronic inflammation (r=0.433, p=0.009). Apoptosis index of H. pylori positive children ($0.70{\pm}0.411$) was significantly higher than of H. pylori negative children ($0.14{\pm}0.201$) (p=0.000). Positive correlations between apoptosis index and H. pylori density (r=0.691, p=0.000), polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity (r=0.585, p=0.000) and chronic inflammation (r=0.535, p=0.001) were noted. As PCNA index increased, apoptosis index significantly increased (r=0.527, p=0.001). The positive rates of genotypes were cagA 90%, picB 75%, iceA1 60% and iceA2 15%, respectively. There were no significant correlations between the status of the genotypes and PCNA index, apoptosis index, the endoscopic findings and the histologic findings. Conclusion: PCNA index and apoptosis index in H. pylori positive children were higher than in H. pylori negative children but were not related to H. pylori genotypes. This study suggested that correlatively increased gastric epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis are important to pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2003

Purpose: In a retrospective study for the pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation in the past 6 years at Samsung Medical Center, the clinical features of 5 patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) were analyzed. Methods: Between June 1996 and June 2002, 41 pediatric patients underwent liver transplantation. Seven of them died in the postoperative period. Thirty-five including one patient who died of PTLD were finally reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: high risk group, EBV naive recipients of EBV-positive grafts; low risk group, the patients other than those in high risk group. The authors reviewed age at operation, immunosuppressive agent, postoperative duration until diagnosis, postoperative duration until EBV seroconversion, presence of treatment against rejection, and presenting symptoms of PTLD. Results: Five of 41 patients (12.2%) developed PTLD. All of them belonged to high risk group, and the incidence of PTLD in high risk group was 31.3% (5/16). The mean age at operation was 10.8 months old and the mean duration between operation and diagnosis for PTLD was 9.8 months. Primary EBV infection developed after a median of 6 months after transplantation. One patient was diagnosed as laryngeal and gastrointestinal PTLD and the other four, gastrointestinal PTLD. The following symptoms and signs were seen in the patients: anemia (100%), hypoalbuminemia (100%), fever (80%), diarrhea (80%), gastrointestinal bleeding (80%), and anorexia (60%). Conclusion: PTLD is one of the major complications after pediatric liver transplantation, especially in the group of high-risk recipients. Anemia, hypoalbuminemia, fever, diarrhea and gastrointestinal bleeding were features that are characteristic of PTLD. The common features of PTLD development were: (i) EBV-positive donors placed into EBV naive recipients, (ii) primary EBV infection about 6 months after transplantation, (iii) young age, about 1 year old at operation, and (iv) the requirement for intensive posttransplant immunosuppression.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.192-207
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• 2020

Profitability of upland crops is better than paddy crops and proportion of upland is increasing. However, there is a lack of infrastructures for upland irrigation. The object of this study were to develop water supply scenarios using individual and collective agricultural wells to evaluate economic feasibility to consider geographical analysis of upland farms and water supply facilities. Cheongyang, Dangjin, Yesan, and Goesan were selected as study areas where four different crops of red pepper, chinese cabbage, apple, and bean, respectively, were mainly produced in Chungcheong province. As a result, B/C ratio was estimated as 1.49, 1.36, 1.90, and 0.71 in using individual wells scenario, and 1.45, 1.20, 1.91, and 0.65 in using collective wells scenario for red pepper, chinese cabbage, apple, and bean. It turned out that change of price effected on economic feasibility a lot for crops with low production income. As a result of evaluating economic feasibility by number of plots for developing collective well, there was no effect of economy of scale for red pepper and chinese cabbage. In case of collectivizating more than 20 upland plots, effect of economy of scale appeared for apple and bean. In conclusion, development of water using high value crops including red pepper and apple, and effect of collective well requires additory analysis of .spatial distribution of farms.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.195-202
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• 1981

The return of water to the atmosphere from water, soil and vegetation surface is one of the most important aspects of hydrological cycle, and the seasonal trend of variation of river basin evaporation is also meaningful in the longterm runoff analysis for the irrigation and water resources planning. This paper has been prepared to show some imformation to estimate the monthly river basin evaporation from pan evaporation, potential evaporation, regional evaporation and temperature through the comparison with river basin evaporation derived from water budget method. The analysis has been carried out with the observation data of Yongdam station in the Geum river basin for five year. The results are summarized as follows and these would be applied to the estimation of river basin evaporation and longterm runoff in ungaged station. 1. The ratio of pan evaporation to river basin evaporation ($E_w/E_{pan}$) shows the most- significant relation at the viewpoint of seasonal trend of variation. River basin evaporation could be estimated from the pan evaporation through either Fig. 9 or Table-7. 2. Local coefficients of cloudness effect and wind function has been determined to apply the Penman's mass and energy transfer equation to the estimation of river basin evaporation. $R_c=R_a(0.13+0.52n/D)$ $E=0.35(e_s-e)(1.8+1.0U)$ 3. It seems that Regional evaporation concept $E_R=(1-a)R_C-E_p$ has kept functional errors due to the inapplicable assumptions. But it is desirable that this kind of function which contains the results of complex physical, chemical and biological processes of river basin evaporation should be developed. 4. Monthly river basin evaporation could be approximately estimated from the monthly average temperature through either the equation of $E_w=1.44{\times}1.08^T$ or Fig. 12 in the stations with poor climatological observation data.