• Title/Summary/Keyword: Critical factor

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Transcriptional and Nontranscriptional Regulation of NIS Activity and Radioiodide Transport (NIS 기능의 전사 및 전사외 조절과 방사성옥소 섭취)

  • Jung, Kyung-Ho;Lee, Kyung-Han
    • Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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    • v.41 no.5
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    • pp.343-349
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    • 2007
  • Radioiodide transport has been extensively and successfully used in the evaluation and management of thyroid disease. The molecular characterization of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and cloning of the NIS gene has led to the recent expansion of the use of radioiodide to cancers of the breast and other nonthyroidal tissues exogenously transduced with the NIS gene. More recently, discoveries regarding the functional analysis and regulatory processes of the NIS molecule are opening up exciting opportunities for new research and applications for NIS and radio iodide. The success of NIS based cancer therapy is dependent on achievement of maximal radioiodide transport sufficient to allow delivery of effective radiation doses. This in turn relies on high transcription rates of the NIS gene. However, newer discoveries indicate that nontranscriptional processes that regulate NIS trafficking to cell membrane are also critical determinants of radioiodide uptake. In this review, molecular mechanisms that underlie regulation of NIS transcription and stimuli that augment membrane trafficking and functional activation of NIS molecules will be discussed. A better understanding of how the expression and cell surface targeting of NIS proteins is controlled will hopefully aid in optimizing NIS gene based cancer treatment as well as NIS based reporter-gene imaging strategies.

Factors affecting Pig Farmers' Adoption of the HACCP System

  • Jung, Gu-Hyun;Ahn, Kyeong Ah;Kim, Han-Eul;Jo, Hye Bin;Choe, Young-Chan
    • Agribusiness and Information Management
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    • v.3 no.2
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    • pp.43-62
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    • 2011
  • The goal of this study is to determine, based on survey results, the underlying factors that affect the intention of the farmers who have not adopted the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system for the rearing phase of pig production to adopt this system in the future. The research model for this study was con structed based on strategic contingency theory, the theory of the diffusion of innovation, and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS), this study analyzes the effects of the intensity of competition, the environmental uncertainty, the innovativeness and self-efficacy of the individual farmers, and the impact of the credibility of the Agricultural Technology Service Center (ATSC), which acts as the principal agent of technology dissemination and as a leader of change, on the perceived usefulness of technology and the farmers' intention to adopt the system. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, with regard to the underlying factors affecting the intention to adopt the new system, the intensity of competition within the industry and the institutional credibility of the ATSC were inferred to underlie the perceived usefulness. Second, institutional credibility has a positive impact on the perceived usefulness of the system, and the perceived usefulness, in turn, has a positive impact on the intention to adopt. The perceived ease of use also has a positive impact on the intention to adopt. Because the factor that has the biggest impact on the intention of a farm to adopt is the credibility of the ATSC, it is crucial for extension organizations, such as the ATSC, to make greater efforts to promote the expansion of the HACCP system. Because farmers feel that the implementation of the HACCP system is an instrumental strategy for coping with the high intensity of competition within the industry, they attempt to gain a competitive edge through the production of safe livestock products.

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Change of Fractured Rock Permeability due to Thermo-Mechanical Loading of a Deep Geological Repository for Nuclear Waste - a Study on a Candidate Site in Forsmark, Sweden

  • Min, Ki-Bok;Stephansson, Ove
    • Proceedings of the Korean Radioactive Waste Society Conference
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    • 2009.06a
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    • pp.187-187
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    • 2009
  • Opening of fractures induced by shear dilation or normal deformation can be a significant source of fracture permeability change in fractured rock, which is important for the performance assessment of geological repositories for spent nuclear fuel. As the repository generates heat and later cools the fluid-carrying ability of the rocks becomes a dynamic variable during the lifespan of the repository. Heating causes expansion of the rock close to the repository and, at the same time, contraction close to the surface. During the cooling phase of the repository, the opposite takes place. Heating and cooling together with the, virgin stress can induce shear dilation of fractures and deformation zones and change the flow field around the repository. The objectives of this work are to examine the contribution of thermal stress to the shear slip of fracture in mid- and far-field around a KBS-3 type of repository and to investigate the effect of evolution of stress on the rock mass permeability. In the first part of this study, zones of fracture shear slip were examined by conducting a three-dimensional, thermo-mechanical analysis of a spent fuel repository model in the size of 2 km $\times$ 2 km $\times$ 800 m. Stress evolutions of importance for fracture shear slip are: (1) comparatively high horizontal compressive thermal stress at the repository level, (2) generation of vertical tensile thermal stress right above the repository, (3) horizontal tensile stress near the surface, which can induce tensile failure, and generation of shear stresses at the comers of the repository. In the second part of the study, fracture data from Forsmark, Sweden is used to establish fracture network models (DFN). Stress paths obtained from the thermo-mechanical analysis were used as boundary conditions in DFN-DEM (Discrete Element Method) analysis of six DFN models at the repository level. Increases of permeability up to a factor of four were observed during thermal loading history and shear dilation of fractures was not recovered after cooling of the repository. An understanding of the stress path and potential areas of slip induced shear dilation and related permeability changes during the lifetime of a repository for spent nuclear fuel is of utmost importance for analysing long-term safety. The result of this study will assist in identifying critical areas around a repository where fracture shear slip is likely to develop. The presentation also includes a brief introduction to the ongoing site investigation on two candidate sites for geological repository in Sweden.

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Bond Characteristics at the Interface between HMA Surface and RCC Base (아스팔트 표층과 RCC 기층 계면에서의 부착특성 연구)

  • Hong, Ki;Kim, Young Kyu;Bae, Abraham;Lee, Seung Woo
    • International Journal of Highway Engineering
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    • v.19 no.6
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    • pp.37-46
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    • 2017
  • PURPOSES : A composite pavement utilizes both an asphalt surface and a concrete base. Typically, a concrete base layer provides structural capacity, while an asphalt surface layer provides smoothness and riding quality. This pavement type can be used in conjunction with rollercompacted concrete (RCC) pavement as a base layer due to its fast construction, economic efficiency, and structural performance. However, the service life and functionality of composite pavement may be reduced due to interfacial bond failure. Therefore, adequate interfacial bonding between the asphalt surface and the concrete base is essential to achieving monolithic behavior. The purpose of this study is to investigate the bond characteristics at the interface between asphalt (HMA; hot-mixed asphalt) and the RCC base. METHODS : This study was performed to determine the optimal type and application rate of tack coat material for RCC-base composite pavement. In addition, the core size effect, temperature condition, and bonding failure shape were analyzed to investigate the bonding characteristics at the interface between the RCC base and HMA surface. To evaluate the bond strength, a pull-off test was performed using different diameters of specimens such as 50 mm and 100 mm. Tack coat materials such as RSC-4 and BD-Coat were applied in amounts of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, and $1.1l/m^2$ to determine the optimal application rate. In order to evaluate the bond strength characteristics with temperature changes, a pull-off test was carried out at -15, 0, 20, and $40^{\circ}C$. In addition, the bond failure shapes were analyzed using an image analysis program after the pull-off tests were completed. RESULTS : The test results indicated that the optimal application rate of RSC-4 and BD-Coat were $0.8l/m^2$, $0.9l/m^2$, respectively. The core size effect was determined to be negligible because the bond strengths were similar in specimens with diameters of 50 mm and 100 mm. The bond strengths of RSC-4 and BD-Coat were found to decrease significantly when the temperature increased. As a result of the bonding failure shape in low-temperature conditions such as -15, 0, and $20^{\circ}C$, it was found that most of the debonding occurred at the interface between the tack coat and RCC surface. On the other hand, the interface between the HMA and tack coat was weaker than that between the tack coat and RCC at a high temperature of $40^{\circ}C$. CONCLUSIONS : This study suggested an optimal application rate of tack coat materials to apply to RCC-base composite pavement. The bond strengths at high temperatures were significantly lower than the required bond (tensile) strength of 0.4 MPa. It was known that the temperature was a critical factor affecting the bond strength at the interface of the RCC-base composite pavement.

A modified Lee-Carter model based on the projection of the skewness of the mortality (왜도 예측을 이용한 Lee-Carter모형의 사망률 예측)

  • Lee, Hangsuck;Baek, Changryong;Kim, Jihyeon
    • The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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    • v.29 no.1
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    • pp.41-59
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    • 2016
  • There have been continuous improvements in human life expectancy. Life expectancy is as a key factor in an aging population and can wreak severe damage on the financial integrity of pension providers. Hence, the projection of the accurate future mortality is a critical point to prevent possible losses to pension providers. However, improvements in future mortality would be overestimated by a typical mortality projection method using the Lee-Carter model since it underestimates the mortality index ${\kappa}_t$. This paper suggests a mortality projection based on the projection of the skewness of the mortality versus the typical mortality projection of the Lee-Carter model based on the projection of the mortality index, ${\kappa}_t$. The paper shows how to indirectly estimate future t trend with the skewness of the mortality and compares the results under each estimation method of the mortality index, ${\kappa}_t$. The analysis of the results shows that mortality projection based on the skewness presents less improved mortality at an elderly ages than the original projection.

Analytical Study of Net Section Fracture in Special Concentrically Braced Frames (중심가새골조의 순단면 파단에 관한 해석적 연구)

  • Yoo, Jung Han
    • Journal of Korean Society of Steel Construction
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    • v.21 no.1
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    • pp.63-70
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    • 2009
  • Failure modes result in fracture or tearing, which may cause deterioration of resistance and reduction of inelastic deformation capacity. The potential failure modes for Special Concentrically Braced Frames (SCBFs) include fracture or tearing of the brace, net section fracture of the brace or gusset plate, fracture of the gusset plate welds, shear fracture of the bolts, block shear, excessive bolt bearing deformation, and buckling of the gusset plate. HSS tubular braces are commonly used in SCBFs, and net section fracture of the tubular brace may also occur through the brace net section at the end of the slot cut into the tube to slip over the gusset plate. This failure mode is categorized as a tension failure mode, and may cause dramatic loss of resistance and brittle behavior. Net section reinforcement is required according to AISC design specifications (AISC 2001). In this paper, the need to reinforce the net section area was discussed. Initially, the results of the net section fracture tests done by the University of California in Berkeley were presented with the modeling of these tests using FE models. To investigate the possibility of net section fracture in an actual frame, the slot end hole model was adapted to the frame FE model, and alternate near-fault histories were applied with tension-dominated cycles, since previous analyses showed that loading history was the most critical factor in net section fracture. The need for this reinforcement (cover plate) and the tension-dominated near-fault history were investigated.

Mobile Source Emissions Estimates for Intra-zonal Travel Using Space Syntax Analysis (공간 구문론을 이용한 존내 자동차 배출량 추정 모형)

  • LEE, Kyu Jin;CHOI, Keechoo
    • Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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    • v.34 no.2
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    • pp.107-122
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    • 2016
  • This study aims to develop a framework to estimate mobile source emissions with the macroscopic travel demand model including enhanced estimates of intra-zonal travel emissions using Space Syntax analysis. It is acknowledged that "the land-use and transportation interaction model explains the influence of urban structure on accessibility and mobility pattern". Based upon this theory, the estimation model of intra-zonal travel emissions is presented with the models of total travel distance, total travel demand, and average travel speed of intra-zonal trips. Thess statistical models include several spatial indices derived from the Space Syntax analysis. It explains that urban spatial structure is a critical factor for intra-zonal travel emissions, which is lower in compact zone with smaller portion of land area, lower sprawl indicator, and more grid-type of road network. Also the suggested framework is applied in the evaluation of the effectiveness of bicycle lane project in Suwon, Korea. The estimated emissions including intra-zonal travel is as double as the results only with inter-zonal demands, which shows better performance of the suggested framework for more realistic outcomes. This framework is applicable to the estimation of mobile source emissions in nation-wide and the assessment of transportation-environment policies in regional level.

Spermidine Protects against Oxidative Stress in Inflammation Models Using Macrophages and Zebrafish

  • Jeong, Jin-Woo;Cha, Hee-Jae;Han, Min Ho;Hwang, Su Jung;Lee, Dae-Sung;Yoo, Jong Su;Choi, Il-Whan;Kim, Suhkmann;Kim, Heui-Soo;Kim, Gi-Young;Hong, Su Hyun;Park, Cheol;Lee, Hyo-Jong;Choi, Yung Hyun
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.146-156
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    • 2018
  • Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound that has recently emerged with anti-aging properties and suppresses inflammation and oxidation. However, its mechanisms of action on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the potential of spermidine for reducing pro-inflammatory and oxidative effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and zebrafish was explored. Our data indicate that spermidine significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and cytokines including tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages without any significant cytotoxicity. The protective effects of spermidine accompanied by a marked suppression in their regulatory gene expression at the transcription levels. Spermidine also attenuated the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 subunit and reduced LPS-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, spermidine prevented the LPS-induced NO production and ROS accumulation in zebrafish larvae and was found to be associated with a diminished recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Although more work is needed to fully understand the critical role of spermidine on the inhibition of inflammation-associated migration of immune cells, our findings clearly demonstrate that spermidine may be a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of inflammatory and oxidative disorders.

Characteristic of Auto Ignition Temperature due to the Mixture Ratio of Ethylene Glycol and Water (Ethylene Glycol과 물의 혼합비에 따른 자연발화온도 특성)

  • Kim, Jung-Hun;Choi, Jae-Wook
    • Fire Science and Engineering
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.24-30
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    • 2016
  • Autoignition characteristic is an important factor of all combustible substances, and a critical determinant in assessing the effectiveness of fire hazard prevention. This study investigated the autoignition characteristic of mixtures of Ethylene Glycol and water using an ASTM D2155 type ignition temperature measuring apparatus. It was possible to get the minimum temperature as $434^{\circ}C$ from 100% Ethylene Glycol within range of $75{\sim}160{\mu}l$. A volume of $100{\sim}125{\mu}l$ of a mixed sample of Ethylene Glycol and water (80 : 20) was ignited at the same temperature ($434^{\circ}C$). Also it was possible to get the auto ignition temperature as $437^{\circ}C$ from a mixed sample of Ethylene Glycol and water (60 : 40) within range of $120{\sim}160{\mu}l$. The instantaneous ignition temperatures determined for $125{\mu}l$ of each of the three samples were $579^{\circ}C$, $595^{\circ}C$ and $611^{\circ}C$, respectively. Both auto ignition temperatures and instantaneous ignition temperatures were increased through the addition of water to the samples.

Optimum Design of Jaenggi(Korean plow) Bottoms to Improve the Tillage Performance(I) -The Geometrical Characteristics of the Jaenggi Bottoms- (경운성능(耕耘性能) 향상(向上)을 위한 쟁기 이체(犂體)의 적정(適正) 설계(設計)에 관(關)한 연구(硏究) -쟁기 이체곡면(犂體曲面)의 기하학적(幾何學的) 특성(特性)-)

  • Chung, C.J.;Han, M.B.
    • Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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    • v.12 no.3
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    • pp.30-41
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    • 1987
  • The geometrical shape of a plow bottom may be the most important factor affecting the performance of a plow for a given soil and operating conditions. There are various designs of the Jaenggi (Korean plow) available commercially, which may be different from each other and from the plow (Western plow) in respect to the shape and performance. This study was intended to investigate the geometrical characteristics of Jaenggi. The coordinate digitizer equipped with 3 potentiometers was designed and manufactured for measurement of the shape of curved plane of moldboard and share. The digitizer was connected to a microcomputer having the data acquisition system. This device was used to analyze the plow bottoms of 5 differently-made Jaenggis and one cylindrical plow. The results of the study are summarized as follows: 1. It was possible to measure easily and quickly the curved plane of plow bottom and to plot the view on three major plans using the coordinate digitizer electrically connected to a microcomputer system. 2. The shape of five Jaenggi bottoms analyzed could be characterized by the cutting angle having the range of $33-42^{\circ}$, the maximum share-lift angle of $41-50^{\circ}$, and the setting angle of moldboard wing of $46-70^{\circ}$. The most critical difference of the shape factors between the Jaenggi and the plow was found in the maximum share-lift angle, the former was more than twice as much as the latter. 3. The analysis of the shape of Jaenggi bottoms showed that the share projections on 3 major plans had a varied triangle, which was quite different from that of plow bottom. Especially, it was analyzed that the shape of furrow slice for the Jaenggi had a skewed rectangle, leaving a considerable height of the ridge at the furrow bottom. 4. The dihedral angle was similar range of $30-85^{\circ}$ for the all bodies investigated, but the directional angle was somewhat different from each other. The difference in directional angle was $5^{\circ}$ for the plow, $20^{\circ}$ for the Jaenggi A and $30^{\circ}$ for the Jaenggi B. 5. Area of the spherical representation region was 0.0328 for the plow, 0.1194 for the Jaenggi A and 0.1716 for the Jaenggi B. This may indicate that the plow came close to a working surface and the Jaenggi A and the Jaenggi B departed from a working surface to a somewhat greater extent.

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