• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.203-215
• /
• 2006

Field observations on the spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter of the surface sediment were carried out at 15 stations in the central parts of the South Sea of Korea from April 2002 to January 2003. The range of water temperature and salinity in bottom waters, mud content and water content of surface sediment were $8.06{\sim}23.35^{\circ}C,\;29.20{\sim}34.51\;psu,\;71.2{\sim}99.9%$ and $38.7{\sim}68.9%$, respectively. Measured parameters on the surface sediments of ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (CODs), phaeopigment, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) also ranged in $3.9{\sim}l2.5%,\;9.60{\sim}44.05\;mgO_2/g-dry,\;1.58{\sim}29.51\;{\mu}g/g-dry,\;3.12{\sim}13.01\;mgC/g-dry$ and $0.49{\sim}2.00\;mgN/g-dry$, respectively. The spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter demonstrated higher concentrations offshore than at lesions near the coastal line. Higher concentrations occurred in the summer and spring. The results indicated that the origin of organic matter in surface sediments in the central part of the South Sea was autochthonous rather than allocthonous because the organic matter had an average C/N ratio of 6.44 (${\pm}0.51$). However, the composition of autochthonous organic matter was mainly derived from detritus rather than living phytoplankton, which was Indicated by the results of the POC/phaeopigment ratio. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that 73.2% of the variability in the data was described by two factors: 1) an 'environmental factor concerning the accumulation of materials (57.3%)' and 2) 'origin of organic matter and the composition by primary production (15.9%)'. The sedimentary environment in the central part of the South Sea was divided into four regions from the factor score of the PCA by the concentrations of organic matter and the composition ratio of organic matters from phytoplankton in surface sediments.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.73-87
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the empirical results of Analytic Hierarchy Process/Data Envelopment Analysis-Assurance Region(AHP/DEA-AR) by using multiple regression analysis during the period of 2009-2012 with 5 inputs (number of gantry cranes, number of berth, berth length, terminal yard, and mean depth) and 2 outputs (container TEU, and number of direct calling shipping companies). Assurance Region(AR) is the most important tool to measure the efficiency of seaports, because individual seaports are characterized in terms of inputs and outputs. Traditional AHP and multiple regression analysis techniques have been used for measuring the AR. However, few previous studies exist in the field of seaport efficiency measurement. The main empirical results of this study are as follows. First, the efficiency ranking comparison between the two models (AHP/DEA-AR and multiple regression) using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney signed-rank sum test were matched with the average level of 84.5 % and 96.3% respectively. When data for four years are used, the ratios of the significant probability are decreased to 61.4% and 92.5%. The policy implication of this study is that the policy planners of Korean port should introduce AHP/DEA-AR and multiple regression analysis when they measure the seaport efficiency and consider the port investment for enhancing the efficiency of inputs and outputs. The next study will deal with the subjects introducing the Fuzzy method, non-radial DEA, and the mixed analysis between AHP/DEA-AR and multiple regression analysis.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2006

Objective: In the previous study, we complied the differentially expressed genes during early folliculogenesis. Objective of the present study was to identify downstream target genes of transcription factors (TFs) using bioinformatics for selecting the target TFs among the gene lists for further functional analysis. Materials & Methods: By using bioinformatics tools, constituent domains were identified from database searches using Gene Ontology, MGI, and Entrez Gene. Downstream target proteins/genes of each TF were identified from database searches using TF database ($TRANSFAC^{(R)}$ 6.0) and eukaryotic promoter database (EPD). Results: DNA binding and trans-activation domains of all TFs listed previously were identified, and the list of downstream target proteins/genes was obtained from searches of TF database and promoter database. Based on the known function of identified downstream genes and the domains, 3 (HNF4, PPARg, and TBX2) out of 26 TFs were selected for further functional analysis. The genes of wee1-like protein kinase and p21WAF1 (cdk inhibitor) were identified as potential downstream target genes of HNF4 and TBX2, respectively. PPARg, through protein-protein interaction with other protein partners, acts as a transcription regulator of genes of EGFR, p21WAF1, cycD1, p53, and VEGF. Among the selected 3 TFs, further study is in progress for HNF4 and TBX2, since wee1-like protein kinase and cdk inhibitor may involved in regulating maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity during early folliculogenesis. Conclusions: Approach used in the present study, in silico analysis of downstream target genes, was useful for analyzing list of TFs obtained from high-throughput cDNA microarray study. To verify its binding and functions of the selected TFs in early folliculogenesis, EMSA and further relevant characterizations are under investigation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.269-278
• /
• 2002

Objective s: Chromosome aneuploidy is associated with recurrent abortion and congenital anomaly and genetic diseases occur repeatedly in the specific families. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can prevent aneuploidy or genetic disease by selecting normal embryos before implantation and is an alternative to prenatal diagnosis. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of PGD cycles by using FISH or PCR, and to determine the clinical usefulness and values in patients with risk of chromosomal aneuploidy or genetic disease. Materials and Methods: From 1995 to Apr. 2001, a total of 108 PGD cycles in 65 patients with poor reproductive outcome were analyzed. The indications of PGD were translocation (n=49), inversion (n=2), aneuploidy screening (n=7), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n=5) and spinal muscular atrophy (n=2). PGD was applied due to the history of recurrent abortion, previous birth of affected child or risk of aneuploidy related to sex chromosome aneuploidy or old age. Blastomere biopsy was performed in 6$\sim$10 cell stage embryo after IVF with ICSI. In the single blastomere, chromosome aneuploidy was diagnosed by using FISH and PCR was performed for the diagnosis of exon deletion in DMD or SMA. Results: The FISH or PCR amplification was successful in 94.3% of biopsied blastomeres. The rate of transferable balanced emb ryos was 24.0% in the chromosome translocation and inversion, 57.1% for the DMD and SMA, and 28.8% for the aneuploidy screening. Overall hCG positive rate per transfer was 17.8% (18/101) and clinical pregnancy rate was 13.9% (14/101) (11 term pregnancy, 3 abortion, and 4 biochemical pregnancy). The clinical pregnancy rate of translocation and inversion was 12.9% (11/85) and abortion rate was 27.3% (3/11). In the DMD and SMA, the clinical pregnancy rate was 33.3% (3/9) and all delivered at term. The PGD results were confirmed by amniocentesis and were correct. When the embryos developed to compaction or morula, the pregnancy rate was higher (32%) than that of the cases without compaction (7.2%, p<0.01). Conclusions: PGD by using FISH or PCR is useful to get n ormal pregnancy by reducing spontaneous abortion associated with chromosome aneuploidy in the patients with structural chromosome aberration or risk of aneuploidy and can prevent genetic disease prior to implantation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.329-338
• /
• 2010

Objective: This study was carried out to know whether cryopreservation of sibling 2PN zygotes could increase the cumulative delivery rates in the patients who had less than 10 fertilized zygotes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 138 in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles with less than 10 fertilized zygotes during January 2003 to December 2007 in Cheil General Hospital. These cycles were divided into two groups. In Group I (n=86), all fertilized embryos were cultured to transfer on day 3 without cryopreserved embryos at the 2PN stage. In Group II (n=52), among fertilized zygotes, some sibling zygotes were frozen at the 2PN stage, the remainder were cultured to transfer. Clinical outcomes in fresh ET cycles and cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates after subsequent frozen-thawed (FT)-ET cycles were compared. Results: There were no significant differences in female mean age, number of retrieved oocytes and total fertilized embryos between two groups, Number of cultured embryos was significantly lower in Group II ($5.2{\pm}0.5$) than in Group I ($8.4{\pm}0.7$) (p<0.01). Also, number of transferred embryos was significantly lower in Group II ($3.3{\pm}0.6$) compared with Group I ($3.6{\pm}0.6$) (p<0.01). ${\beta}$-hCG positive rates and delivery rates (51.2 vs. 46.2 % and 41.9 vs. 34.6 %, respectively) after fresh ET were slightly higher in Group I than in Group II. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Also, the cumulative delivery rates after subsequent FT-ET cycles were not significantly different between Group I (48.8%) and Group II (50.0%). Conclusion: This study showed that cryopreservation of sibling 2PN zygotes from patients who had less than 10 zygotes in the fresh ET cycles did not increase cumulative delivery outcomes. But, it could provide an alternative choice for patients due to offering more chance for embryo transfers if pregnancy was failed in fresh IVF-ET cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.321-327
• /
• 2010

Objective: To evaluate the significance and efficacy of trans-cervical fallopian tube catheterization (TFTC) in diagnosis and optimal treatment modality for tubal blockage. Methods: The retrospective study was performed in those underwent TFTC from January 2005 to December 2009. A total of 342 fallopian tubes in 215 patients which showed tubal blockage in hysterosalpingography (HSG), were subjected to TFTC. Recanalization rate (RR) was compared according to portion of tubal blockage; proximal, isthmic and distal portion and blockage type; tapering, concave, and convex type. Results: In total, RR was 72.5% (248/342 tube). According to the portion of tubal blockage, RR was 83.8% in proximal, 45.6% in isthmic and 100% in distal portion. RR was 92.3% in tapering, 80.2% in concave and 25.5% in convex type, respectively. There were 98 pregnancies in 156 patients after successful recanalization, which shows 62.7% pregnancy rate. Conclusio: TFTC were capable of recanalizing tubal blockage in 248 of 342 tubes in 156 of 215 patients (72.5%). The RR was increased with proximal portion and tapering type tubal blockage.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.213-221
• /
• 2008

Objective: To evaluate predictor of IVF outcomes following single embryo transfer in patients with decreased ovarian reserve. Methods: A retrospective review was performed in 919 IVF cycles with elevated basal serum FSH (${\geq}12\;mIU/mL$), the number of retrieved oocytes ${\geq}4$ and serum $E_2$ concentration on hCG day <500 pg/ml between Jan. 1996 and Dec. 2006. Two hundred thirty five IVF cycles following single embryo transfer were included. Pregnancy rates and live birth rates was evaluated according to maternal age, serum $E_2$ on hCG day, basal FSH level, the number of blastomere on day 3 ET, stimulation protocol, the number of cycles of ET. Statistical analysis was used SPSS 12.0 program. Results: OPU cancellation rates were 25.6% (235 cycles), OPU failure rates were 18.5% (170 cycles), embryo transfer cancellation rates were 14.0% (129 cycles). Pregnancy rates following single embryo transfer was 8.1% (19 cycles) and live birth rates was 4.7% (11 cycles). Pregnancy rates and live birth rates of women under 35 years old was statistically higher than those of women above 35 years old (20% vs. 3.5% (p<0.0001), 12.3% vs. 1.8%, (p=0.002)). There was no difference in basal FSH, serum $E_2$ on hCG day, and the number of blastomere on ET, and stimulation protocol. Cumulative pregnancy rates according to the number of cycles of ET were $1^{st}$ 8.1%, $2^{nd}$ 9.2%, $3^{rd}$ 9.7%, $4^{th}$ 9.0%, and $5^{th}$ 9.5%. Conclusion: Pregnancy rates and live birth rates of IVF-ET cycles following single embryo transfer in patients with decreased ovarian reserve are statistically increased in women under 35 yrs old. There is no difference in cumulative pregnancy rates. These data may be helpful for counseling women with decreased ovarian reserve in attempting IVF with their own eggs or when choosing donor oocytes.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.51-63
• /
• 2013

To assess the effect of environmental factors on the sustainability of cultured production shellfish, we investigated the habitat characteristics of tidal flat (Namhae-po in Taean). We measured the physiochemical parameters (temperature, salanity, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrients) and the geochemical characteristics (chemical oxygen demand, ignition loss, C/N ratio and C/S ratio). Surface sediments were collected from several site of tidal flat to examine the geochemical characteristics of both the benthic environment and heavy metal pollution. The grain size for research area of tidal flat were similar at the ratio of silt and clay in comparison with the other site of it. The C/N ratio was more than 5.0, reflecting the range arising from the mix of marine organism and organic matter. The C/S ratio (about 2.8) showed that survey area had anoxic or sub-anoxic bottom conditions. The enrichment factor (Ef) and index of accumulation rate (Igeo) of the metals showed that those research areas can be classified as heavily polluted, heavily to moderately polluted, or more or less unpolluted, respectively. Adult surf clam (Mactra veneriformis) density was highest at St. 2 (middle part of the Namhae-po), on the other hand, surf clam spat density was highest at St. 3 (lower part of the Namhae-po). Heavy rain, terrigenous suspended clay with fresh water from neighboring agricultural land, and severe high air temperature during summer could be thought as detrimental causes of spat and adult mortality in Namhae-po tidal flat. We suggested that the growth of shellfish in the tidal flat was effected by the various environmental conditions, so an improvement in the cultured method was needed.

• Proceedings of the Turfgrass Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2011.02a
• /
• pp.5-8
• /
• 2011

This research was conducted to determine the effect of capillary rise interruption layer on the sand based growing media when growing Kentucky bluegrass under soil reclamation and saline water irrigation. Rootzone profile consists of three layers as top soil of 30 cm, 20 cm of capillary interruption layer and 10 cm of reclaimed paddy soil. Rootzone profile was packed in column pots. The top soil was a mixture of sand dredged up from Lake Bhunam Tae Ahn, Korea and peat at the ratio of 95:5 by volume. Bottom part of column was covered with plastic net and the pots were soaked into 5 cm depth saline water reservoir with salinity $3-5dsm^{-1}$. Kentucky bluegrass was installed by sod and irrigated using $2dSm^{-1}$ saline water(5.7mm $day^{-1}$)in 3days interval. The results showed that the largest accumulation of salt in the spring with ECe of $5.4dSm^{-1}$ and SAR34.0 in rootzone with out capillary rise interruption layer and ECe of $4.6dSm^{-1}$ and SAR8.24 at rootzone using gravel as capillary rise interruption layer material. Kentucky bluegrass grown in growing media with gravel as capillary rise interruption layer resulted in the average visual quality rate of 8.1and clipping dry weight of $24.8gm^{-2}$, while Kentucky bluegrass grown in the growing media with out capillary rise interruption layer showed the visual quality rate of 7.9 and clipping dry weight of $34g.m^{-2}$. Capillary rise interruption layer of gravel and coarses and enhanced the visual quality by 4.1and 4.0%, root length by 50 and 38%, and root dryweight by 35and 17% of Kentucky bluegrass, and reduced the accumulation of Na by 16% and 25%, ECe by 7% and 13% in the rootzone.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.185-196
• /
• 2008

This Study was conducted to evaluate the effect of liquid fertilizer containing medium of on growth of shoot and root in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. cv. Pennlixs). According to application method of liquid fertilizer, the experiment plot was designed as follows; NF : non-fertilizer; CF : compound fertilizer(21-17-17) only; T500, T300, T100 : compound fertilizer +liquid fertilizer solution diluted 500, 300, 100 folds, respective; L500 : only liquid fertilizer solution which contained the medium of Lactobacillus confusa and Pichia anomala diluted 500 folds. The every treatments was arranged by a completely randomized complete block designs with three replications. The order of turf qualities like leaf color index and chlorophyll content in treatments showed T500 T300 T100 $\geq$ CF > NF. In treatment applied with compound fertilizer, the dry weight of shoot increased by about 13% in T500, T300 and T100 than CF, and that of root about 25% in just T300. Dry weight of shoot and root increased by 88% and 44% in L500 than NF, respectively. As compared with CF, T/R ratio in T500, T300 and T100 increased by 20%, 11% and 21%, respectively and root length 7%, 8% and 3%. In comparison with NF, T/R ratio and root length in L500 increased by 39% and 74%. These results suggested that the application of liquid fertilizer containing medium of Lactobacillus confusa and Pichia anomala induced the development of turf quality and growth by promoting root growth in creeping bentgrass.