• The Southeast Asian review
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.145-171
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• 2018

Laos' 2017 is a year of political "stagnation" and economic "change". In the political arena, despite the achievements such as the improvement of the corruption perception index (CPI), it is necessary to watch the progress of the reform. Diplomatically, the influence of China is expected to increase further. In particular, since November 2017, Xi Jinping's visit to Laos is expected to strengthen the framework of cooperation between the economic corridor and Lanchang-Mekong Cooperation Meeting. And Laos continued to have friendly relations with other neighboring countries, the ASEAN countries. However, the issue of the Laos-Cambodian border issue following the general election in Cambodia may recur. The economic sector maintained a high growth rate due to capital inflows from the construction of large infrastructures and the favorable tourism industry, but structural problems such as deficits in the fiscal and current account should be resolved. Korea and Laos discussed the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries through the Mekong Senior Officials' Meeting in March 2017 and the Ministerial Meeting of the Korean-Lao Foreign Minister in September 2017. Laos is Korea's eighth ODA aid (grant), and ODA will become an important diplomatic cooperation channel between the two countries in the future. In the economic relationship, the trade sector is on a declining trend, but investment and human exchanges are steadily increasing.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.127-136
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• 1985

To evaluate change of serum $beta_2-microglobulin$ concentration$(s\beta_2-MG)$ and the usefulness of $s\beta_2-MG$ and $s\beta_2-MG/serum$ creatinine concentration(sCr) ratio in various renal diseases, $s\beta_2-MG$ and sCr were measured in 25 normal controls and 90 patients of various renal diseases(16 cases of glomerulonephritis, 12 cases of acute renal failure, 8 cases of chronic renal failure, 24 cases of nephrotic syndrome, 15 cases of tubulointerstitial diseases and 15 cases of lupus nephritis) using $Phadebas^\circledR$ $Beta_2-Micro$ Test kits. The results were as follows; 1) In normal control, the mean value of $s\beta_2-MG$ was $1.65{\pm}0.41mg/l$ and the mean value of $s\beta_2-MG/sCr$ ratio was $0.14{\pm}0.05$. 2) In various renal diseases, the mean value of $s\beta_2-MG$ was $6.74{\pm}5.47mg/l$. The mean value of $s\beta_2-MG/sCr$ ratio was $0.24{\pm}0.11$ and significantly elevated than that of normal control. (p<0.05) 3) The correlation between $s\beta_2-MG$ and sCr in glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease was log $s\beta_2-MG-0.90$ log sCr-0.48 and its correlation coefficient was 0.78(p<0.05). 4) In glomerular disease, the correlation between $s\beta_2-MG$ and sCr was log $s\beta_2-MG-0.89$ log sCr-0.46(r - 0.76) and in tubulointerstitial disease, it was log, $s\beta2-MG-0.95$ log sCr-0.59 (r-0.87). There was no significant difference between the two groups(p<0.05). 5) Among 32 cases of glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease patients, whose sCr was within normal range, 17 cases showed elevated $s\beta_2-MG$. The mean values of $s\beta_2-MG/sCr$ ratio in these patients was $0.30{\pm}0.14$ and significantly elevated than that of normal control(p<0.05). 6) In 15 cases of lupus nephritis, 12 cases showed elevated $s\beta_2-MG$ with normal sCr and 12 cases showed elevated $s\beta_2-MG/sCr$ ratio. With above results, it was found that the $s\beta_2MG$ can be used as an index of glomerular filtration rate as in the case of sCr and that $s\beta_2-MG/sCr$ ratio can be used as a tool in early detection of slightly decreased glomerular filtration rate and in detection of the renal disease of increased $\beta_2-MG$ production.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.138-142
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• 2010

Purpose: PTH (parathyroid hormone) level is a useful index for prediction of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. The fast results are required for an early diagnosis of hypocalcemia. In this study, we evaluated the PTH change according to incubation time, and investigated the usefulness of hypocalcemia diagnosis of PTH results in early incubation time. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 131 patients who had taken the PTH test from July to August in 2009. All experiments were used IRMA method. PTH value were evaluated with the correlation between precision (10 times repeat) and recovery rate and at 0.5, 3, 6 and $18{\pm}2$ (below overnight) hours following incubation time. Data analysis was investigated with relationship of the sensitivity, specificity, PPV (positive predictive value) and accuracy. Results: The correlation was time-dependent with levels reaching $R^2$=0.987 at 0.5 hours, $R^2$=0.993 at 3 hours and $R^2$=0.996 at 6 hours compare to overnight levels. The precision (%CV${\pm}$SD) were $15.92{\pm}15.54$ at 0.5 hours, $6.91{\pm}7.38$ at 3 hours, $4.30{\pm}4.69$ at 6 hours and $4.59{\pm}2.59$ at overnight. The recovery rate (%Mean${\pm}$SD) were $96.8{\pm}5.44$ at 0.5 hours, $102.6{\pm}4.35$ at 3 hours, $100.7{\pm}2.56$ at 6 hours and $102.2{\pm}5.98$ at overnight. When 15 pg/ml of overnight density was set up as criteria, we measured the sensitivity, specificity and PPV, accuracy at 0.5, 3, 6 hours. The sensitivity was shown to 97.5% at all times. The specificity was 96.0% at 0.5 hours, 100% at 3 hours and 92.3% at 6 hours for control, respectively. The PPV was 86.6% at 0.5 hours, 100% at 3 hours and 92.8% at 6 hours. The accuracy was shown to 84.7% at 0.5 hours, 97.5% at 3 hours and 90.6% at 6 hours. These data were accompanied by a corresponding PTH value of overnight incubation time, which significantly correlated with early time results. Conclusion: The values of PTH at 3 hours has favorable the rate of concordance of 94.1% and may be useful for prediction of hypocalcemia, and it responses to overnight incubation PTH values. Therefore, This method may be an attractive alternative to proper treatment to stop symptom revelation by giving a calcium agent to the patient.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.122-144
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• 2023

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of herbal medicine treatment in patients with cold urticaria. Methods : We searched randomized controlled trials(RCTs) reporting the effects of herbal medicine for cold urticaria through domestic and international databases from their inception to September 2023. The results were summarized in tables. We assessed the risk of bias in included RCTs through Cochrane risk of bias tool and the data synthesis was conducted through RevMan version 5.4. Results : A total of 12 RCTs were included in this review and all trials compared herbal medicine alone treatment(treatment group) with western medicine alone treatment(control group). The total effective rate(TER) of treatment group was statistically higher than that of control group(RR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.38 to 1.62, p<0.00001, I²=65%). On the other hand, when comparing except for 1 trial with different evaluation period, the TER of treatment group was statistically higher than that of control group and heterogeneity was very low(RR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.47, p<0.00001, I²=0%). And when comparing 8 trials using the total symptom score(TSS) change index as an indicator of TER, the TER of treatment group was statistically higher than that of control group and heterogeneity was very low(RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.51, p<0.00001, I²=0%). The treatment group showed more statistically significant decrease compared to the control group in TSS(MD: -2.51, 95% CI: -2.63 to -2.40, p<0.00001, I²=99%). The relapse rate of treatment group was statistically lower than that of control group(RR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.40, p<0.00001, I²=0%). Mild adverse events such as sleepiness, dizziness were reported in control group and gastric discomfort was reported in treatment group. In the risk of bias assessment, many cases were evaluated as 'Unclear risk'. Conclusions : This review found that herbal medicine alone treatment could more effective and safe than western medicine alone treatment for cold urticaria. But further well-designed researches are needed because of heterogeneity between trials and the quality of the included trials.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.1308-1314
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• 1999

The effects of modified atmosphere(MA) packaging and coating on the quality of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) were investigated. Whole mushrooms(100 g) were packed with polyvinyl chloride(PVC) film wrap, PD941 and PD961 film bags and were stored in a chamber at $12^{\circ}C$ and 80% RH for 6 days. Gas composition of packages, respiration rate, weight loss, color and maturity index of MA packaged mushrooms were examined. The wrap packaged mushrooms showed different level of internal $CO_2$ concentrations among water washed, chitosan coated and $CaCl_2$ coated subgroups significantly at 5% level. The maximum $CO_2$ concentration of PD941 and PD961 packages for all coated showed $4.1{\sim}4.7%$ and $10.4{\sim}11.7%$, respectively, for the first day. PD961 package showed the lowest $O_2$ concentration compared to other groups. There were no significant respiration rate differences between wrap packed and PD941 packaged. Respiration rate of water washed. chitosan coated and $CaCl_2$ coated in PD961 packaged was 192 mg, 226 mg and 245 mg, respectively. Maturity index of PD961 packaged were not significantly different among the water washed, chitosan and $CaCl_2$ coated packages. Chitosan coating showed a negative effect on color change of mushrooms. The weight loss of 961 packaged was lower $(7.0{\sim}8.0%)$ that those of wrap packaged and PD941 packaged.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.4983-4988
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• 2013

Objectives: To establish a taxol-resistant cell line of human ovarian carcinoma (A2780/Taxol) and investigate its biological features. Methods: The drug-resistant cell line (A2780/Taxol) was established by continuous stepwise selection with increasing concentrations of Taxol. Cell morphology was assessed by microscopy and growth curves were generated with in vitro and in vivo tumor xenograft models. With rhodamine123 (Rh123) assays, cell cycle distribution and the apoptotic rate were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Drug resistance-related and signal associated proteins, including P-gp, MRPs, caveolin-1, PKC-${\alpha}$, Akt, ERK1/2, were detected by Western blotting. Results: A2780/Taxol cells were established with stable resistance to taxol. The drug resistance index (RI) was 430.7. Cross-resistance to other drugs was also shown, but there was no significant change to radioresistance. Compared with parental cells, A2780/Taxol cells were significantly heteromorphous, with a significant delay in population doubling time and reduced uptake of Rh123 (p<0.01). In vivo, tumor take by A2780 cells was 80%, and tumor volume increased gradually. In contrast, with A2780/Taxol cells in xenograft models there was no tumor development. FCM analysis revealed that A2780/Taxol cells had a higher percentage of G0/G1 and lower S phase, but no changes of G2 phase and the apoptosis rate. Expression of P-gp, MRP1, MRP2, BCRP, LRP, caveolin-1, PKC-${\alpha}$, Phospho-ERK1/2 and Phospho-JNK protein was significantly up-regulated, while Akt and p38 MARK protein expression was not changed in A2780/Taxol cells. Conclusion: The A2780/Taxol cell line is an ideal model to investigate the mechanism of muti-drug resistance related to overexpression of drug-resistance associated proteins and activation of the PKC-${\alpha}/ERK$ (JNK) signaling pathway.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.499-506
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to search available resources for new natural colorants. The extraction efficiency of colorants from black cowpea seed coats and their storage stability were examined according to the various extraction and storage conditions in this study. The results obtained were as follows: the optical density (O.D.) values of the extracted colorants increased with increasing extract time and temperature. Extraction at pH 4 was seen to be the most efficient among the various pH conditions. The color of the extract solutions were seen to change with variation in pH, for example, anthocyanins display color changes from orange-red, to orange, to blue, to greenish-blue at pH 3.0, 4.0-6.0, 7.0 and 9.0-11.0, respectively. The color changes of the extract solutions over various storage periods were determined using UV/Vis spectra these color changes indicate characteristic absorption patterns and a discoloration index which indicates the rate of absorbance (532 nm/454 nm). Methionine addition influenced the storage stability of the colorant solutions and this addition led to better storage stability than non-addition. In paper chromatography of juice extracted colorant, a long stripe was seen on development. Among three colorants obtained via paper chromatography according to development rate, at least two different colorants were mixed indicated by the appearance, or not, of a shoulder at 552 nm depending on the extent of development.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.61-68
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• 2021

This study analyzed the influencing factors for urban redevelopment projects with a relatively long project duration in the context of Seoul's increasing urbanization rate and aging. Among the business areas that have been designated since 2005 and have been approved for the management and disposal plan of the entire Seoul area, 75 business areas have been set as targets. A hedonic price model was used to analyze the project area, economic, and locational characteristics as independent variables with the project duration from designation of zones to approval of management and disposal plans as dependent variables. As a result of the analysis, the smaller the project area, the larger the area occupied per union member, the larger the land price change rate, and the smaller the KOSPI index, the shorter the required period. This study has the distinction of empirically analyzing the effect of characteristic variables considering size and economic and locational characteristics on period. It provides implications that the area of the business area, the number of union members, and economic conditions should be considered when establishing a business area.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.28-41
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• 2022

A road system with CV(Connected Vehicle)s, which is often referred to as a cooperative intelligent transportation system (C-ITS), provides various road information to drivers using an in-vehicle warning system. Road environments with CVs induce drivers to reduce their speed or change lanes to avoid potential risks downstream. Such avoidance maneuvers can be considered to improve driving behaviors from a traffic safety point of view. Thus, empirically evaluating how a given in-vehicle warning information affects driving behaviors, and monitoring of the correlation between them are essential tasks for traffic operators. To quantitatively evaluate the effect of in-vehicle warning information, this study develops a method to calculate compliance rate of drivers where two groups of speed profile before and after road information is provided are compared. In addition, conventional indexes (e.g., jerk and acceleration noise) to measure comfort of passengers are examined. Empirical tests are conducted by using PVD (Probe Vehicle Data) and DTG (Digital Tacho Graph) data to verify the individual effects of warning information based on C-ITS constructed in Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea. The results in this study shows that drivers tend to decelerate their speed as a response to the in-vehicle warning information. Meanwhile, the in-vehicle warning information helps drivers to improve the safety and comport of passengers.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.95 no.3
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• pp.316-322
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• 2006

This study was conducted to examine the changes of seed characteristics and germination properties and to determine the most suitable collection time in Ulmus davidiana var. japonica. Seeds were collected six times with the interval of seven days after April 21, 2005 at Jeong-seon. There were differences in seed characteristics and germination properties among seed collection times. The sizes of seed and fruit increased with the collection time, but seed moisture contents decreased with the collection time after increasing until May 5. The 1,000 seeds weight decreased with the collection time after increasing until May 12. Collection time showed high positive correlations (r=0.790, p<0.01) with seed size and negative correlations (r=-0.919, p<0.01) with moisture contents. Percent germination (PG) presented the highest value in seeds collected at May 5, and decreased with the collection time. Mean germination time(MGT), germination speed(GS), and germination performance index(GPI) also showed the highest values in seeds collected at May 5. PG, MGT, and GS had correlations with other seed characteristics except the 1,000 seed weight. The relative growth rate of height and root collar diameter of seedlings presented the highest values in seedling germinated from seed collected at May 5, and seedlings germinated from seeds collected at May 5 and 12 showed the highest values in chlorophyll contents. Consequently it will be possible to product a number of seedlings when the seeds of U. davidiana var. japonica are collected just before drying morphologically.