• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 2002

Much of the plastic film house soils in the southern part of the Korean peninsula are managed using a upland-paddy rotation culture system (hereafter, RS) to prevent salt accumulation in soil. However, information on the effects of RS on soil properties and environmental conservation is limited. In order to determine the effects of RS on soil properties, 22 fields under RS and 20 fields under a non-rotation system (hereafter, NRS) in plastic film houses were selected in Chinju, in southern Korea, and the P distribution characteristics were investigated, including the chemical properties. The RS contributed to the removal of water-soluble salts in the surface layer and to the redistribution of organic matter evenly in the soil profile. In the AP horizon, available phosphorus levels were $1,611mg\;kg^{-1}$ in RS and $1,789mg\;kg^{-1}$ in NRS, which markedly exceeds the optimum range for plant cultivation. Total P was lower in RS (average $4,593mg\;kg^{-1}$) than in NRS (average $5,440mg\;kg^{-1}$) and this decrease was taken to be an effect of RS. Inorganic P was the predominant form of P in both systems, followed by organic P and residual P. A soil profile showed that total and inorganic P concentrations decreased with depth in both systems. However, organic P increased withdepth in RS, which was in contrast to that noted in NRS. The increase in organic P with depth in RS implied that organically rather than inorganically derived phosphate moved through the soil. The concentrations of water-soluble P, Ca-P and Al-P were higher in NRS than in RS soil profiles, but the Fe-P concentration was higher in RS than in NRS, which might be affected by the anaerobic conditions found in paddy soils. In both systems, the Al-P form of extractable P predominated in the surface layer, followed by Ca-P, Fe-P and water-soluble P. With increasing depth, the composition rate of Ca-P to extractable P decreased to less than 10% in the 60-70cm depth, as Fe-P dominated at this level. The content of water-soluble P, potentially the main source of eutrophication, was higher in NRS than in RS. These results indicated that the RS used in plastic film houses contributed to the removal of water-soluble salts but only slightly decreased the phosphate concentration.

• Proceedings of the Technology Innovation Conference
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• 1996.12a
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• pp.265-295
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• 1996

This paper investigates empirically the relationship between various business portfolio properties (particularly technological properties) and chaebol′s performance using data on the 50 largest chaebols in Korea. In addition to the traditional indexes to measure diversification such as entropy index we calculated inter-industry technological similarity using R&D expenditure data by industry and 1990 Input-output Table in Korea, and obtained chaebol-level technological relatedness and internal transaction proportion from chaebols′business profile, inter-industry technological similarity and 1990 input-output table. We applied factor analysis on 13 business portfolio property indexes and showed that they could be grouped into 3 dimensions, diversification scope, inter-business relatedness and degree of vertical integration. In this paper, using 50 largest chaebols′financial data (1989-1994), we analyzed empirically the effect of business portfolio properties on ROS (Return On Sales) which is conventional index for firm performance and on TFP(Total Factor Productivity) growth which is a pure measure of firm performance. To utilize the advantage of panel data, FEM(Fixed Effect Model) and REM(Random Effect Model) were used. The empirical result shows that the entropy index as a measurement of inter-business relatedness is not significant but technological relatedness index is significant. OLS estimates on pooled data were considerably different from FEM or REM estimates on panel data. By introducing interaction effect among the three variables for business portfolio properties, we obtained three findings. First, only VI (Vertical integration) has a significant positive correlation with ROS. Second, when using TFP growth as an dependent variable, both TR(Technological Relatedness) and f[ are significant and positively related to the deepened variable. Third, the interaction term between TR and VI is significant and negatively affects TFP growth, meaning that TR and VI are substitutes. These results suggest strategic directions on restructuring business portfolio. As VI is increased, chaebols will get more profit. A higher level of either TR or W will increase TFP growth rate. but increase in both TR and VI will have a negative effect on TFP growth. To summarize, certain business portfolio properties such as VI and TR can be considered "resources" themselves since they can affect profit rate and productivity growth. VI and TR have a synergy effect of change in profit rate and productivity growth. VI increases ROS and productivity growth, while TR increases productivity growth representing a technological synergy effect.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.118-127
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• 2010

Resistivity logging instruments are designed to measure the electrical resistivity of a formation, and this can be directly interpreted to provide a water-saturation profile. However, resistivity logs are sensitive to borehole and shoulder-bed effects, which often result in misinterpretation of the results. These effects are emphasised more in the presence of tool eccentricity. For precise interpretation of short- and long-normal logging measurements in the presence of tool eccentricity, we simulate and analyse eccentricity effects by combining the use of a Fourier series expansion in a new system of coordinates with a 2D goal-oriented high-order self-adaptive hp finite-element refinement strategy, where h denotes the element size and p the polynomial order of approximation within each element. The algorithm automatically performs local mesh refinement to construct an optimal grid for the problem under consideration. In addition, the proper combination of h and p refinements produces highly accurate simulations even in the presence of high electrical resistivity contrasts. Numerical results demonstrate that our algorithm provides highly accurate and reliable simulation results. Eccentricity effects are more noticeable when the borehole is large or resistive, or when the formation is highly conductive.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.259-267
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• 2010

Resistivity logging instruments were designed to measure electrical resistivity of formation, which can be directly interpreted to provide water-saturation profile. Short and long normal logging measurements are made under groundwater level. In some investigation sites, groundwater level reaches to a depth of a few meters. It has come to attention that the proximity of groundwater level might distort short and long normal logging readings, when the measurements are made near groundwater level, owing to the proximity of an insulating air. This study investigates the effects of the proximity of groundwater level (and also the proximity of earth surface) on the normal by simulating normal logging measurements near groundwater level. In the simulation, we consider all the details of real logging situation, i.e., the presence of wellbore, the tool mandrel with current and potential electrodes, and currentreturn and reference-potential electrodes. We also model the air to include the earth’'s surface in the simulation rather than the customary choice of imposing a boundary condition. To obtain apparent resistivity, we compute the voltage, i.e., potential difference between monitoring and reference electrodes. For the simulation, we use a twodimensional, goal-oriented and high-order self-adaptive hp finite element refinement strategy (h denotes the element size and p the polynomial order of approximation within each element) to obtain accurate simulation results. Numerical results indicate that distortion on the normal logging is greater when the reference potential electrode is closer to the borehole and distortions on long normal logging are larger than those on short normal logging.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1025-1034
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• 2002

The herbal extract (YMT_02) is a modified herbal extracts from Yukmijihwang-tang (YMJ) to promote memory-enhancing. The YMJ extracts has been widely used as an anti-aging herbal medicine for hundred years in Asian countries. The purpose of this study is to; 1) quantitatively evaluate the memory-enhancing effect of YMT_02 by behavior task, 2) identify candidate genes responsible for enhancing memory by cDNA microarray and 3) assess the anti-oxidant effect of YMT_02 on PC12 cell. Memory retention abilities are addressed by passive avoidance task with Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rat. Before the training session, the rats are subdivided into four groups and administrated with YMT_02, Ginkgo biloba, Soya lecithin and normal saline for 10 days. The retention test was performed. 24 hours after the training session. The retention time of the YMT_02 group was significantly (p<0.05) delayed (～100%), whereas Ginkgo biloba and Soya lecithin treatment delayed 20% and 10% respectively. The hippocampi of YMT_02 and control group were dissected and mANA was further purified. After synthesizing cDNA using oligo-dT primer, the cDNA were applied to Incyte rat GEMTM 2 cDNA microarray. The microarray results show that prealbumin(transthyretin), phosphotidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, and PEP-19 are expressed abundantly in the YMT_02 treated group. Especially, PEP-19 is a neuron-specific protein, which inhibits apoptotic processes in neuronal cell. On the other hand, transcripts of RAB15, glutamate receptor subunit 2 and CDK108 are abundant in control group. Besides, neuronal genes involved in neuronal death or neurodegeneration such as neuronal-pentraxin and spectrin are abundantly expressed in control group. Additionally, the YMT_02 shows an anti oxidative effect in the PC12 cell. The list of differentially expressed genes may implicate further insight on the action and mechanism behind the memory-enhancing effect of herbal extracts YMT_02, for example, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and neuroprotective effects.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.149-157
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• 2005

Typical water quality (WQ) parameters defined in the governing equation of the WQ model are the pollutant loads from atmosphere and watersheds, pollutant release rates from sediment, diffusion coefficient and reaction coefficient etc. The direct measurement of these parameters is very difficult as well as requires high cost. In this study, the pollutant budget equation including these parameters was used to construct the linear simultaneous equations. Based on these equations, the inverse problems were constructed and WQ parameter estimation method minimizing the sum of squared errors between the computed and observed amounts of the mass changes was suggested. WQ parameters, i.e., the atmospheric pollutant loads, sediment release rates, diffusion coefficients and reaction coefficient, were estimated using .this method by utilizing the vertical concentration profile data which has been observed in Cheonsu Bay and Ulsan Port. Values of the estimated parameters show a large temporal variation. However, this technique is persuasive in that the RHS (root mean square) error was less than $5.0\%$ of the observed value ranges and the agreement index was greater than 0.95.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.137-145
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• 2012

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is the most important etiologic agent of aggressive periodontitis and can interact with endothelial cells. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are chemokines, playing important roles in periodontal pathogenesis. In our current study, the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans on the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were investigated. A. actinomycetemcomitans strongly induced the gene expression and protein release of both MCP-1 and IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dead A. actinomycetemcomitans cells were as effective as live bacteria in this induction. Treatment of HUVEC with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of endocytosis, did not affect the mRNA up-regulation of MCP-1 and IL-8 by A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinases, substantially inhibited the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas pharmacological inhibition of each of three members of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family had little effect. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that A. actinomycetemcomitans induces a biphasic activation (early at 1-2 h and late at 8-16 h) of nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) and an early brief activation (0.5-2 h) of activator protein-1 (AP-1). Activation of canonical NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway ($I{\kappa}B$ kinase activation and $I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$ degradation) was also demonstrated in these experiments. Although lipopolysaccharide from A. actinomycetemcomitans also induced NF-${\kappa}B$ activation, this activation profile over time differed from that of live A. actinomycetemcomitans. These results suggest that the expression of MCP-1 and IL-8 is potently increased by A. actinomycetemcomitans in endothelial cells, and that the viability of A. actinomycetemcomitans and bacterial internalization are not required for this effect, whereas the activation of protein tyrosine kinase(s), NF-${\kappa}B$, and AP-1 appears to play important roles. The secretion of high levels of MCP-1 and IL-8 resulting from interactions of A. actinomycetemcomitans with endothelial cells may thus contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.340-346
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• 2010

Buffaloes usually maintain higher body condition and do not produce milk at the cost of their own body reserves under tropical conditions. The mobilization of body reserves for fulfilling the demands of lactation has been extensively studied in dairy cows while limited work is available on this aspect in dairy buffaloes. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine variations in milk fatty acid profiles with body condition in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. A total of 24 Nili-Ravi buffaloes within 60 days after parturition, were selected from a private dairy farm in the district of Peshawar. All animals consumed the same diet during the experimental period. A total of 576 raw milk samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The study continued up to 6 months during 2008. Body condition score (BCS), milk yield and composition were recorded once a week. Means for milk fatty acid profile were compared for various levels of BCS. The mean milk yield and fat content were 9.28 kg/d and 5.36%, respectively. The total saturated fatty acids (SFA) were 64.22 g/100 g and the unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were 35.79 g/100 g. Of the SFA the highest amount was recorded for $C_{16:0}$, followed by $C_{18:0}$, and $C_{14:0}$. The total sum of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (HCFA, $C_{12:0}$, $C_{14:0}$ and $C_{16:0}$) was 43.33 g/100 g. The concentrations of UFA were greater for moderate BCS followed by poor and highest BCS while SFA showed the opposite trend. The correlation analysis showed that milk yield was negatively affected by BCS and milk fat positively affected, though non-significantly. The present study suggests that Nili-Ravi dairy buffaloes produce similar milk to dairy cows regarding availability of cardioprotective fatty acids, with the highest concentration of $C_{18:1\;cis-9}$. Two HCFA ($C_{12:0}$ and $C_{14:0}$) were associated with higher body condition. Buffaloes with moderate body condition yielded milk containing healthier fatty acids.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.209-231
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• 1999

Even though titanium(Ti) and its alloys are the most used dental implant materials, there are some problems that Ti wears easily and interferes normal osteogenesis due to the metal ions. Ti coated with bioactive ceramics such as hydroxyapatite has also such problems as the exfoliation or resorption of the coated layer, Recent studies on implant materials have been proceeding to improve physical properties of the implant substrate and biocompatibility of the implant surfaces. The purpose of the present study was to examine the physical property and bone tissue compatibility of bioinert nitrides ion plated Ti, Button type specimens(14mm in diameter, 2.32rrun in height) for the abrasion test and cytotoxicity test and thread type implants(3.75mm in diameter, 6mm in length) for the animal experiments were made from Ti(grade 2) and 316LVM stainless steel. Ti specimens were ion plated with TiN, ZrN by the low temperature arc vapor deposition, and the depth profile of the TiN/Ti, ZrN/Ti ion plated surface was examined by Auger Electron Spectroscopy. Three kind of button type specimens .of TiN/Ti, ZrN/Ti and Ti were used for abrasion test, and HEPAlClC7 cells and CCD cells were cultivated for 4 days with the specimens for cytotoxicity test. Thread type implants of TiN/Ti, ZrN/Ti, Ti, 316LVM were implanted on the femur of 6 adult dogs weighing 10kg-13kg. Two dogs were sacrified for histological examination after 45 days and 90 days, and four dogs were sacrified for the removal torque test of the implant') after 90 days. The removal torque force was measured by Autograph (Shimadzu Co., AGS-1000D series, Japan). Abrasion resistance of TiN/Ti was the highest, and that of ZrN/Ti and Ti were followed. The bioinert nitride ion plated Ti had much better abrasion resistance, compared with Ti, In the cytotoxicity test, the number of both cells were increased in all specimens, and there were no significant difference in cytotoxic reaction among all groups (p>0.1), In histological examination, 316LVM showed the soft tissue engagement in interface between the implant and bone, but the other materials after 45 days noted immature new bone formation in the medullary portion along the implant surface, and those after 90 days showed implant support by new bone formation in both the cortical and the medullary portion, The removal torque force of Tilv/Ti showed significantly higher than that of Ti(p(O,05). The difference in removal torque force between TiN/Ti and ZrN/Ti was not significant(p>0.05), and that of 316LVM was lowest among all groups(p<0.05). These results suggest that bioinert nitrides ion plated Ti can resolve the existing problems of Ti and bioactive ceramics, and it may be clinically applicable to human.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.55-63
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• 2007

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a nitrosamine compound that can induce a variety of liver lesions including hepatic carcinoma, forming DNA-carcinogen adducts. In the present study, microarray analyses were performed with Affymetrix Murine Genome 430A Array in order to identify the gene-expression profiles for DEN and to provide valuable information for the evaluation of potential hepatotoxicity. C57BL/6NCrj mice were orally administered once with DEN at doses of 0, 3, 7 and 20 mg/kg. Liver from each animal was removed 2, 4, 8 and 24 hrs after the administration. The histopathological analysis and serum biochemical analysis showed no significant difference in DEN-treated groups compared to control group. Conversely, the principal component analysis (PCA) profiles demonstrated that a specific normal gene expression profile in control groups differed clearly from the expression profiles of DEN-treated groups. Within groups, a little variance was found between individuals. Student's t-test on the results obtained from triplicate hybridizations was performed to identify those genes with statistically significant changes in the expression. Statistical analysis revealed that 11 genes were significantly downregulated and 28 genes were upregulated in all three animals after 2 h treatment at 20 mg/kg. The upregulated group included genes encoding Gdf15, JunD1, and Mdm2, while the genes including Sox6, Shmt2, and SIc6a6 were largely down regulated. Hierarchical clustering of gene expression also allowed the identification of functionally related clusters that encode proteins related to metabolism, and MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, this study suggests that match with a toxicant signature can assign a putative mechanism of action to the test compound if is established a database containing response patterns to various toxic compounds.