• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10107-10114
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• 2015

MicroRNA-27a is highly expressed in cancers and has been identified as an oncogenic microRNA. A genetic variant in pre-miR-27a (rs895819) with a transition of A to G has been demonstrated to be associated with cancer risk; however, the results of these studies remain conflicting rather than conclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation. Through searching PubMed or other databases up to March 2014 using the following MeSH terms and keywords, "miR-27a", "polymorphism" and "cancer", seventeen case-control studies were identified in this meta-analysis, including 7,813 cases and 9,602. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate the association strength between rs895819 and the susceptibility of cancer. The results of the overall meta-analysis did not suggest any association between rs895819 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility, and this remained in Asians as a subgroup. In Caucasians, however, the rs895819 was associated with a reduced cancer risk in heterozygous (OR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.75-0.93) and dominant models (OR, 0.84; 95%CI, 0.76-0.93), and the [G] allele of rs895819 showed a protective effect (OR, 0.90, 95%CI, 0.84-0.97). Further studies showed a significant association between the [G] allele of rs895819 and decreased risk of breast cancer (0.91; 95%CI, 0.85-0.98), and stratified analyses indicated a protective effect of the [G] allele in Caucasians (OR, 0.89; 95%CI, 0.82-0.98), younger breast cancer cases (OR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.79-0.96), and in the group of unilateral breast cancer patients (OR, 0.90; 95%CI, 0.83-0.97). These findings suggest an association between pre-miR-27a polymorphism rs895819 and cancer risk in Caucasians. The protective effect of rs895819 [G] allele in younger breast cancer and in the group of unilateral breast cancer patients await further confirmation since the included studies in this meta-analysis were limited.

• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.5 no.12
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• pp.653-662
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• 2016

This paper describes a test case generation algorithm for Simulink/Stateflow models based on the Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm that has been successfully applied to path finding. An important factor influencing the performance of the RRT algorithm is the metric used for calculating the distance between the nodes in the RRT space. Since a test case for a Simulink/Stateflow (SL/SF) model is an input sequence to check a specific condition (called a test target in this paper) at a specific status of the model, it is necessary to drive the model to the status before checking the condition. A status maps to a node of the RRT. It is usually necessary to check various conditions at a specific status. For example, when the specific status represents an SL/SF model state from which multiple transitions are made, we must check multiple conditions to measure the transition coverage. We propose a unique distance calculation metric, based on the observation that the test targets are gathered around some specific status such as an SL/SF state, named key nodes in this paper. The proposed metric increases the probability that an RRT is extended from key nodes by imposing penalties to non-key nodes. A test case generation algorithm utilizing the proposed metric is proposed. Three models of Electrical Control Units (ECUs) embedded in a commercial vehicle are used for the performance evaluation. The performances are evaluated in terms of penalties and compared with those of the algorithm using a typical RRT algorithm.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 1992

Very recently, the cultural pattern of paddy rice in Korea was transitted in a short period, and resulted as earlier in season and more in fertillizer application among others. Specially the weed emergence in paddy fields was drastically increased as affected by change of cultural pattern into early planting and into direct seeding methods. Of course, the direct-seeding in row seeding induced more weeds than in broad-cast direct -seeding. By maintaining the water level with saturation of the paddy surface induced more weeds, relatively more annual weeds than by deep in water level, respectively. Relatively more annuals in number of species and in emerged quantity comparing with perennials was caused by the shifting of cultural methods from transplanting to direct seeding. The severe weed competition damages were mainly resulted due to the shading by taller plant heights of weeds than crop during the whole growing seasons. Conclusively, accepting of direct seeding methods in paddy rice culture in Korea, the present bases for weed control methods ought to be naturally and effectively improved to meet the newly made weed problems.

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.197-220
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• 1999

Family, Self or State as a Desired Source of Support for the Elderly As Korean society has undergone rapid socioeconomic transformation and reached the final stage of its demographic transition, the central emphasis of population policies in Korea has shifted from fertility and population control to aging issues. Recently, it has been advocated that the Korean government should provide more intensive public services to supplement self-care and family caregiving, heightening the need to know more about the norms and expectations of old-age support and how they will change. Using the Survey of the Living Status of the Korean Elderly in 1994, this study investigates the extent to which the Korean elderly themselves view family, self, or the state as desired sources of support. The multinomial log it model analysis reveals that the elderly without a son are less likely to emphasize the traditional view of family, while economically and physically better off elderly are more likely to favor the view of self-support. However, the idea that the emphasis on the 'state responsibility' may be found among those elderly who are in need of financial help and in poor health is not supported. The implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.581-590
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• 2000

Alterations in the cellular genome affecting the expression or function of genes controlling cell growth and differentiation are considered to be the main cause of cancer. Over 30 oncogenes can be activated by insertional mutagenesis, single point mutations, chromosomal translocations and gene amplification. The ras oncogenes have been detected in $15{\sim}20%$ of human tumors that include some of the most common forms of human neoplasia and are known to acquire their transforming properties by single point mutations in two domains of their coding sequences, most commonly in codons 12 and 61. The ras gene family consists of three functional genes, N-ras, K-ras and H-ras which encode highly similar proteins of 188 or 189 amino acid residues generically known as P21. ras proteins have been shown to bind GTP and GTP, and possess intrinsic GTPase activity. Experimental study was performed to observe the mutational change of the ras gene family and apply the results to the clinical activity. 36 Golden Syrian Hamster each weighing $60{\sim}80g$ were used and painted with 0.5% DMBA by 3 times weekly on the right buccal cheek(experimental side) for 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks. Left buccal cheek (control side) was treated with mineral oil as the same manner of the right side. The hamsters were sacrificed on the 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 & 16 weeks. Normal and tumor tissues from paraffin block were completely dissected by microdissection and DNA from both tissue were isolated by proteinase K/phenol/chloroform extraction. Segments of the K-ras and H-ras gene were amplified by PCR using the oligonucleotide primers corresponding to the homologous region (codon 12 and 61) of the hamster gene, and then confirmational change of ras genes was observed by SSCP and autosequencing analysis. The results were as follows : 1. Malignant lesion could be found in the experimental side from the experimental six weeks. 2. One hamster among six showed point mutation of the H-ras codon 12($G{\rightarrow}A$ transition) at the experimental 10 and 14 weeks. 3. One of six at 6 weeks, two of six at 8 weeks and one of six at 12 weeks revealed the confirmational change of the H-ras codon 61($A{\rightarrow}T$ transversion). 4. The incidence of point mutation of H-ras codon 12 and 61 were 5.5%(2 of 36) and 11%(4 of 36) respectively. 5. Point mutation of the K-ras could not be seen during the whole experimental period. Form the above results, these findings strongly support the concept that H-ras oncogenes may have the influence of the DMBA induced carcinoma of hamster buccal pouch.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2009

In this study, we performed growth of InGaN/GaN multi quantum well (MQW) structures on semi-polar (1-10]) GaN facet on 8-degree off oriented stripe patterned (100) Si substratcs by MOVPE. The structural and optical properties of the InGaN/GaN multi quantum well (MQW) structures grown on (1-101) GaN stripe depend on $NH_3$ flow rate, TMI flow rate and growth temperature are characterized by cathodoluminescence (CL) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With the decrease of $NH_3$ flow rate, the threading dislocation of (1-101) GaN is considerably reduced. We could control the transition wavelength of InGaN/GaN MQW structures from 391.5 nm to 541.2 nm depend on the growth conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.11-14
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• 2012

The AlGaN layer has direct wide bandgaps ranging from 3.4 to 6.2 eV. Nowadays, it is becoming more important to fabricate optical devices in an UV region for the many applications. The high quality AlGaN layer is necessary to establish the UV optical devices. However, the growth of AlGaN layer on GaN layer is difficult due to the lattice mismatch and difference thermal expansion coefficient between GaN layer and AlGaN layer. In this paper, we attempted to grow the LED structure on GaN template by mixed-source HVPE method with multi-sliding boat system. We tried to find the optical and lattice transition of active layer by control the Al content in mixed-source. For the growth of epi layer, the HCl and $NH_3$ gas were flowed over the mixed-source and the carrier gas was $N_2$. The temperature of source zone and growth zone was stabled at 900 and $1090^{\circ}C$, respectively. After the growth, we performed the x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electro luminescence (EL) measurement.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.37 no.12
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• pp.873-880
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• 2014

In our previous study, miRNA-183, a miRNA in the miR-96-182-183 cluster, was significantly over-expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In the present study, we explored the oncogenic roles of miR-183 in ESCC by gain and loss of function analysis in an esophageal cancer cell line (EC9706). Genome-wide mRNA micro-array was applied to determine the genes that were regulated directly or indirectly by miR-183. 3'UTR luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR, and Western blot were conducted to verify the target gene of miR-183. Cell culture results showed that miR-183 inhibited apoptosis (p < 0.05), enhanced cell proliferation (p < 0.05), and accelerated G1/S transition (p < 0.05). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of miR-183 on apoptosis was rescued when miR-183 was suppressed via miR-183 inhibitor (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), which was predicted as the target gene of miR-183 by microarray profiling and bioinformatics predictions, decreased when miR-183 was over-expressed. The 3'UTR luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-183 directly regulated PDCD4 by binding to sequences in the 3'UTR of PDCD4. Pearson correlation analysis further confirmed the significant negative correlation between miR-183 and PDCD4 in both cell lines and in ESCC patients. Our data suggest that miR-183 might play an oncogenic role in ESCC by regulating PDCD4 expression.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2006

'Meyer' zoysiagrass(Zoysia japonica Steud.) is a popular turfgrass species used for transition zone golf course fairways and tees in mfd U.S.A golf courses because it is generally winter hardy while providing an excellent playing surface with minimal chemical and irrigation inputs. However, its functionality declines easily in many of the shaded areas of these courses. Reduced irradiance causes excessive shoot elongation, reduced tillering, and weak plants that are poorly suited to tolerate or recover from traffic and devoting. Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) effectively reduces gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis and subsequent shoot cell elongation. This study was initiated to evaluate TE effect on shoot elongation and stand persistence under two levels of shade in 'Meyer' zoysiagrass. A mature stand of 'Meyer' was treated with all combinations of three levels of shade(0%, 79%, and 92%) and three levels of monthly TE [0, 48 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i(0.5x) and 96 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i(1x)]. In full sun, the TE at 48 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i reduced clipping yield by 18% over a four-week period and, whereas the TE at 96 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i by 30% to 38%. Monthly application of TE at the 96 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i increased 'Meyer' tiller density in full sun and under 79% shade. Both rates of TE consistently reduced shoot growth under shade relative to the shaded control. Only the monthly applications of the TE at 96 $g{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ a.i consistently delayed loss of quality under 79% shade. Our results indicate TE can be an effective management practice to increase 'Meyer' zoysiagrass persistence in shaded environments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.404-413
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• 2008

Major objectives were to evaluate effects of three schemes of bST-supplementation of Holstein cows (142.8 mg/14 d, POSILAC) during the prepartum and/or postpartum periods through 63 d (${\pm}3d$) of lactation. Measures evaluated the potential of treatments to improve body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), provoke changes in plasma concentrations of somatotropin (ST) and IGF-I, and improve milk yield, milk composition (percentages of protein and fat, and somatic cell counts), and several calving variables. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement of treatments (TRT) to give four groups (I = no bST, n = 26; II = bST postpartum, n = 25; III = bST prepartum, n = 27; IV = bST prepartum and postpartum, n = 25). During the prepartum period, cows in groups I and II were not supplemented but those in groups III and IV were supplemented every 2-wk beginning 21 d before expected calving date through calving. During the first 63 DIM only cows in groups II and IV were supplemented with bST. From 64 DIM through the end of lactation cows in all groups were supplemented with the full lactation dose of bST (500 mg/14 d). The BW and BCS were recorded weekly throughout the prepartum and postpartum periods and every 2-wk beyond 70 DIM. Blood samples were collected 3-times a week for analyses of ST and IGF-I. Milk yields were recorded daily though 150 DIM. Prepartum supplementation of bST did not affect BW or BCS, but mean concentrations of ST were increased 12.2% and were 15.5% greater at calving. Overall, mean concentration of IGF-I was not affected by treatment but concentrations were greater at 1 and 2 wk before calving in bST-supplemented cows. During the first 63 DIM the BW and BCS were not affected by treatment. Significant effects of bST-supplementation were detected on concentrations of ST, IGF-I and on milk yield compared to non-supplemented cows in group I. Postpartum concentrations of ST were greater in bST-supplemented cows (TRT II and IV; +41.9 and 54.6%). However, concentrations of IGF-I were greater only in cows in group IV (+25.9%) during the postpartum period. Overall, the three bST-supplemented groups had greater actual milk yield than the control group (I) during the first 63 and 150 DIM. The actual milk yields during 63 and 150 DIM were 6.5 and 4.6 kg/d greater for cows in group IV than cows in group I and the 305-d ME milk yield also was 15.6% greater. No adverse effects of TRT were observed on calf birth weight, colostrum immunoglobulins, ease of calving or other measures evaluated.