• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.879-887
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• 2020

Objective: Numerous studies have indicated that the apoptosis and proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) are closely related to the normal growth and development of follicles and ovaries. Previous evidence has suggested that miR-126-3p might get involved in the apoptosis and proliferation of GCs, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit 2 (PIK3R2) gene has been predicted as one target of miR-126-3p. However, the molecular regulation of miR-126-3p on PIK3R2 and the effects of PIK3R2 on porcine GCs apoptosis and proliferation remain virtually unexplored. Methods: In this study, using porcine GCs as a cellular model, luciferase report assay, mutation and deletion were applied to verify the targeting relationship between miR-126-3p and PIK3R2. Annexin-V/PI staining and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay were applied to explore the effect of PIK3R2 on GCs apoptosis and proliferation, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot were applied to explore the regulation of miR-126-3p on PIK3R2 expression. Results: We found that miR-126-3p targeted at PIK3R2 and inhibited its mRNA and protein expression. Knockdown of PIK3R2 significantly inhibited the apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of porcine GCs, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of several key genes of PI3K pathway such as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), insulin receptor (INSR), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), and serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). Conclusion: MiR-126-3p might target and inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of PIK3R2, thereby inhibiting GC apoptosis and promoting GC proliferation by down-regulating several key genes of the PI3K pathway, IGF1R, INSR, PDK1, and AKT1. These findings would provide great insight into further exploring the molecular regulation of miR-126-3p and PIK3R2 on the functions of GCs during the folliculogenesis in female mammals.

• The Journal of Small Business Innovation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.53-68
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• 2016

Motivation and activities for technological learning, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity are driving forces of economic development in Asian countries. In the early stages of technological development, technological learning and entrepreneurship are efficient ways in which to catch up with advanced countries because firms can accumulate skills and knowledge quickly at relatively low risk. In the later stages of technological development, however, innovation and creativity become more important. This study aims to identify a) the factors (learning capabilities) that influence technological learning performance and b) barriers to enhancing innovation capabilities for the creative economy and organizations. The major part of this study is related to learning capabilities in the post-catch-up era. Based on a literature review and observations from Korean experiences, this study proposes a technological learning model composed of various influencing factors on technological learning. Three hypotheses are derived, and data are collected from Korean machine tool manufacturers. Intense interviews with CEOs and R&D directors are conducted using structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis, such as correlation and ANOVA are then carried out. Furthermore, this study addresses how to enhance innovation capabilities to move forward. Innovation enablers and barriers are identified by case studies and policy analysis. The results of the empirical study identify several levels of firms' learning capabilities and activities such as a) stock of technology, b) potential of technical labor, c) explicit technological efforts, d) readiness to learn, e) top management support, f) a formal technological learning system, g) high learning motivation, h) appropriate technology choice, and i) specific goal setting. These learning capabilities determine firms' learning performance, especially in the early stages of development. Furthermore, it is found that the critical factors for successful technological learning vary along the stages of technology development. Throughout the statistical and policy analyses, this study confirms that technological learning can be understood as an intrinsic principle of the technology development process. Firms perform proactive and creative learning in the late stages, while reactive and imitative learning prevails in the early stages. In addition, this study identifies the driving forces or facilitating factors enhancing innovation performance in the post catch-up era. The results of the preliminary case studies and policy analysis show some facilitating factors such as a) the strategic intent of the CEO and corporate culture, b) leadership and change agents, c) design principles and routines, d) ecosystem and collaboration with partners, and e) intensive R&D investment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.366-379
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess airborne particulate matter(PM) pollution and its effect on health of residents living near Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu metropolitan region. Methods: The California Puff(CALPUFF) dispersion model, version 5.8, which can estimate the dispersion direction and range of airborn $PM_{10}$ was used to determine the possible areas affected by $PM_{10}$ pollutants emitted from Ansim briquette fuel complex. The CALPUFF modeling with 200 m grid-cell resolution was performed based on $PM_{10}$ emissions estimated from the amount of coal consumption in the fuel complex for four months in 2012. The Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) fields were processed using CALMET to produce CALPUFF-ready meteorological inputs. Also, the distance from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex to the residence of each environmental pneumoconiosis patient was analyzed. In addition, the affecting region of the pollutants emitted from briquette factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was determined. Results: CALPUFF modeling results showed that the highest concentrations of $PM_{10}$ were found near around the fuel complex. The modeled $PM_{10}$ distributions were characterized by significant decreases in concentration with distance from the complex. Seasonally, the highest concentration of $45{\mu}g/m^3$ was calculated in October which was mostly due to the distinct variation of amount of emission. Additional modeling with the maximum $PM_{10}$ emission of about 88 tons per year in 1986 showed that the highest concentration in October was nearly increased by 8 times than the concentration modeled with emission of 2010. As a result of medical examination and interviews for the residents in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings, 8 environmental pneumoconiosis patients were found. These patients do not have occupational exposure and history. These patients have lived 0.3~1.1 km area in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings. Conclusions: Airborne particles emitted from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex can contribute to significant increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration in residential areas near around the complex. Especially, the residents near fuel complex may exposed to the pollutants emitted from the factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 1999

Objectives. The purpose of this investigation was to study the correlation between cognitive impairment and activities of daily living(ADL) In the elderly of rural area. Methods. The study population consisted of 210 elderly people aged 65 years and older, living in a district of Kyongju City. The cognitive impairment was measured with the Korean version of mini-mental state examination(MMSE-K) and newly constructed the Korean version of mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE). Bristol activities of dally living scale developed specifically to be used with people with dementia was used to measure ADL Results. The mean scores of both MMSE-K and K-MMSE were significantly different by sex groups and by .age groups, respectively(p<0.05). The mean scores of ADL were significantly different by age groups(p<0.01) not by sex groups. Among the 4 components of ADL(instrumental activities of daily living(IADL), self care, orientation, and mobility), the mean score of the orientation was significantly higher in men(p<0.01); and IADL, orientation and mobility components were significantly different by age groups(p<0.01). ADL correlated well with MMSE-K (r=0.54) and K-MMSE(r=0.52) and showed higher correlation in female (r=0.73, 0.71) than male(r=0.27, 0.29). IADL and orientation showed significant correlation with MMSE-K(r=0.52, 0.62) and K-MMSE(r=0.50, 0.63), respectively(p<0.01). Conclusions. In developing and establishing a care model for people with dementia in the community, both cognitive impairment and the activities of daily living(ADL) need to be considered.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.3-30
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• 2012

In the development process, small and medium-sized enterprises in China have shown their unique features and regularities which are closely related to China's national condition and economic characteristics. But in 2008, because of the global financial crisis which started in the USA, the rate of Chinese export and the rate of economic growth has evidently slowed. Due to shortage of funds, foreign orders fell, increase the value of RMB, lack of talented factors, Chinese SMEs are facing bankruptcy. In this context, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of domestic and international market environment, the government assistance for entering overseas market, entrepreneur characteristics, etc. on the global performance. Based on these, a research model and some hypotheses were set up and tested by the multiple regression analysis with total 317 effective survey data. The results of this paper are as follows. First, a positive effect relation on the financial performance was shown for the companies with high domestic and international market environment in the aspect of market environment. According to such analysis result, it was found that the market environment in which SMEs belong to is a very important factor. Second, in the aspect of government export assistance related to overseas, market development showed a positive effect relation on the both financial and non-financial performance. However, the direct financial assistance showed a positive effect relation only on the non-financial performance. Overall, it was found that the government assistance program on entering overseas market is having significant effects on SMEs, but direct financial assistance have not achieved the desired results. Third, the innovative-ness and progressiveness of entrepreneur showed a positive effect relation on the global market performance. However, the risk-taking of entrepreneur only showed a negative effect relation on the non-financial performance. Overall, it was found that the entrepreneurship of SMEs is an important and influential factor. This is a result implying that the propensity of taking too much risk is not desirable based on the uncertainty of the global environment market. To sum up, this study confirmed that the market environment, the government assistance and entrepreneur characteristics, which are the major prerequisites of global performance, have effects on global performance.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.31 no.5 s.88
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• pp.517-523
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• 2001

Titanium miniscrews we being used increasingly as an anchorage for tooth movement, because they ate easy to place and to remove, increase the number of sites available, give minimum strain to patients regarding surgical procedures, and offer uneventful healing alter removal. The use of titanium miniscrews as an orthodontic anchorage has been reported in clinical case reports, but clinicians have experienced screw loosening when using such screws.' To our knowledge, there are no published reports evaluating the stability of miniscrews. Information about the length of miniscrews used in relation to the location is of some importance, as stability will vary depending on bone duality The purpose of this study was to evaluate a variety of Lengths of miniscrews (dimeter: 2mm) which were inserted in maxilla or mandible and to demonstrate in a dog model which miniscrew provides fundamental stability in the jaws. 10 mm long miniscrews in the maxilla and 8mm long: miniscrews in the mandible showed no clinical mobility and retained their position throughout an 8 weeks force (200g) application. The mucosal condition around the screws was healthy in cases in which miniserews were inserted in the alveolar bone between the roots and the head of the screws emerged into the attached gingiva. When the force application was terminated, radiographic analysis revealed neither rent resorption not periodontal pathology around the miniscrews that remained stable during the entire treatment period. This study suggests that if titanium miniscrews with adequate length are properly used depending on the location, they provide sufficient stability for orthodontic anchorage.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.28 no.1 s.66
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• pp.17-27
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• 1998

Study on growth change of dental arch is considered to both an important data in orthodontic diagonsis and treatment planning as well as analysis of treatment results , also, arch form is important in anthropology and dentistry, even more so in prosthodontics and orthodontics. In the field of orthodontics, studies on the functional aspect of upper and lower teeth and maintenance of stability of dentition and occlusion were carried out from the early days. Some of the early studies include explanation of growth change in dental arch from measuring directly fom human stroll, and afterwards, cephalometrics x-rays were introduced; accordingly, studies using cephalometric measurement and linear measurements of study models were often performed. By this method, arch width, arch depth and perimeters were measured, and growth change or dental arch was studied. The subject ror this study were sn children(boys and girls or ages from 3 yens to 12 years from Kang-won district and Seoul, who has no history of orthodontic treatment and who show healthy status and normal growth and development. Cephalometric x-ray, panoramic x-ray, and study model were taken for each subject consecutively for 2 years, and the subjects are still followed up. 400 pairs of study models from the past two years were used in this study; mesio-distal diameater of each tooth, intercanine width, intermolar width, canine depth, molar depth and arch perimeters were measured. Afterwards, mean value and each standard deviation of each age group and each gender were obtained, and representation graph were drawn. The following conclusion were obtained. 1. Intercanine width showed gradual increase until the age of 10-years and after that, showed no increase. 2. Intermolar width in upper arch showed gradual increase : intermolar width in lower arch showed no significant chang, and after the age of 9-years, showed increase. 3. Cainine arch depth showed relatively rapid increase after the age of 6-years, and this pattern was more obvious in lower arch. 4. Molar arch depth increased gradually in both archs and it decrease after the age of 10-years : this phenomenon was more prominent in the lower arch. 5. Arch perimeter showed gradual inerease and convert to plateau at the age of 10-years, after that, it decreased. this pattern was more prominent in lower arch.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.25 no.1 s.48
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• pp.73-85
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• 1995

Multi-Vertical Loop Arch Wire(MVLAW) is a kind of appliance for uprighting the mesially inclined posterior teeth axes simultaneously. In this study MVLAW was classified as 3 types by modifing the vertical loop design and named type A, B and C. Each MVLAW was fabricated from .017'x.025' TMA wire and preactivated at the distal end of the open vertical loop with 10 degree tip-back bend(type B has an electric welding stop at the distal end of each loop and type C has no electric welding stop). Type A MVLAW was preactivated at the apex of each open vertical loop with 10 degree tip-back bend(the electric welding stop of type A is positionod at the mesial side of each loop). The aim of the present study was to identify when and which MVLAW is more effective to correct the buccal segment axes simultaneously. The Photoelastic overview of the upper and lower right quadrant showed that stress concentrations were observed in its photoelastic model. The obtained results were as follows : 1. Higher level compression can be seen clearly at the distal curvature of the lower 1st and 2nd molar when A type MVLAW was applied without short class m elastic, but mild compression cannot be seen at the distal curvature of lower anterior teeth using the class m elastic. 2. Higher concentration was presented at the mesial curvature from the lower 1st premolar to the 2nd molar than the anterior teeth when B type MVLAW without short class III elastic was applied, but using the short class III elastic, higher concentration of compression was presented in the anterior teeth area. 3. Areas of higher compression and tension were not observed at the mesial and distal curvature of the entire 1ower teeth except lower central and lateral incisors in C type MVLAW without short class III elastic, but using the short class III elastic, higher concentration was seen at the mesial curvature of the lower 1st premolar and 1ower anterior teeth.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.30 no.2 s.79
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• pp.127-142
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• 2000

This study have been carried out to find out the mechnical effect of Multiloop Edgewise Arch Wire(MEAW) making use of the finite element method. The tip back bend of MEAW taken in this analysis is $5^{\circ},\;10{\circ}\;and\;15{\circ}$. In addition, Class II or up & down elastic is applied to find out stress distribution and their values in PDL. A adult male of normal occlusion was selected to create the models of teeth and PDL. And the model of MEAW was also created using commercial finite element code (ANSYS version 5.2). The MEAW is forcibly engaged with a class II or up & down elastic, to determine the initial stress generated in PDL. Comparing the compressive and tensile stress at each reference-planes, following results are obtained. 1. When a MEAW of $5^{\circ},\;10{\circ}\;15{\circ}$ tip back bend was engaged with Class II or up & down elastic, the distribution of compressive, tensile stress in entire PDL is similar in each case. 2. The values of compressive and tensile stress in PDL is higher in $15{\circ}$ tip back bend case than in $10{\circ}\;or\;15{\circ}$ tip back bend case. 3. In the distal PDL of 1st and 2nd molar, compressive stress appears. The compressive area is more wide and its values is higher in PDL of 2nd molar than those in 1st molar. The compressive area and its values become more wide and higher according to the increase of the tip back bend. 4. The values of compressive stress are comparatively smaIIer in PDL of molars than those in premolars. 5. Comparing class II and up & down elastic case, tensile stress values in anterior teeth PDL are smaller md their distribution is more wide in up & down elastic case than class If elastic case. On another hand, there is no difference in distribution and stress values in PDL of posterior teeth between two cases. 6. Comparing the tensile area in PDL of anterior teeth, tensile stress values are maximum in PDL of canine.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.199-206
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• 2003

Because the MIRD phantom, the representative mathematical phantom was developed for the calculation of internal radiation dose, and simulated by the simplified mathematical equations for rapid computation, the appropriateness of application to external dose calculation and the closeness to real human body should be justified. This study was intended to modify the MIRD phantom according to the comparison of the organ absorbed doses in the two phantoms exposed to monoenergetic broad parallel photon beams of the energy between 0.05 MeV and 10 MeV. The organ absorbed doses of the MIRD phantom and the Zubal yokel phantom were calculated for AP and PA geometries by MCNP4C, general-purpose Monte Carlo code. The MIRD phantom received higher doses than the Zubal phantom for both AP and PA geometries. Effective dose in PA geometry for 0.05 MeV photon beams showed the difference up to 50%. Anatomical axial views of the two phantoms revealed the thinner trunk thickness of the MIRD phantom than that of the Zubal phantom. To find out the optimal thickness of trunk, the difference of effective doses for 0.5 MeV photon beams for various trunk thickness of the MIRD phantom from 20 cm to 36 cm were compared. The optimal thunk thickness, 24 cm and 28 cm for AP and PA geometries, respectively, showed the minimum difference of effective doses between the two phantoms. The trunk model of the MIRD phantom was modified and the organ doses were recalculated using the modified MIRD phantom. The differences of effective dose for AP and PA geometries reduced to 7.3% and the overestimation of organ doses decreased, too. Because MIRD-type phantoms are easier to be adopted in Monte Carlo calculations and to standardize, the modifications of the MIRD phantom allow us to hold the advantage of MIRD-type phantoms over a voxel phantom and alleviate the anatomical difference and consequent disagreement in dose calculation.