• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2001

Purpose : The water exchange rate between bulk water and bound water is an important parameter in deciding the efficiency of paramagnetic contrast agents. In this study, we evaluated the water exchange rates of various Gd-chelates using oxygen-17 NMR technique. Material and Methods : The samples (Gd-DTPA, Gd-DTPA-BMA, Gd-DOTA, Gd-EOB-DTPA) were prepared by mixing 5% $^{17}O-enriched$ water (Isotech, USA). The pH of the samples was adjusted to physiological value [pH=7.0] by buffer solution. The variable temperature $^{17}O-NMR$ measurements were performed using Bruker-600 (14.1 T, 81.3 MHz) spectrometer. Bruker VT-1000 temperature control units were used to stabilize the temperature. The $^{17}O$ spin-spin relaxation times (T2) were measured using Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG)I pulse sequence with 24 echo trains. The variable temperature T2 relaxation data were then fitted into Solomon-Bloembergen equations using least square fit algorithm to estimate the water exchange times. Results : From the measured $^{17}O-NMR$ relaxation rates, the determined water exchange rates at 300K are $0.42{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DTPA, $1.99{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DTPA-BMA, $0.27{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-DOTA, and $0.11{\;}{\mu}s$ for Gd-EOB-DTPA. The Gd-DTPA-BMA showed slowest exchange whereas Gd-EOB-DTPA had fastest water exchange rate. In addition, it was found that the water exchange rates (${\tau}_m$) of all samples had exponential temperature dependence with different decay constant. Conclusion : $^{17}O-NMR$ relaxation rate measurements, when combined with variable temperature technique, provide a solid tool for studying water exchange rate, which is very important in investigating the detailed mechanism of relaxation enhancement effect of the paramagnetic contrast agents.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.81-88
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• 2007

The evaluation of soybean germplasm has mainly been carried out by morphological characters at Genetic Resources Division, Rural Development Administration (RDA). However, this information has been limited serving a diverse information for user and effectively managing the soybean germplasm. To resolve this problem, soybean collection conserved at RDA gene bank was profiled using nine soybean SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. Soybean SSR allele was confirmed using genescan and genotyper softwares of automatic sequencer for accurate genotyping of each accession and continuous accumulation of data. SSR profiling of soybean germplasm has been carried out from 2,855 (Satt458) to 4,368 (Satt197) accessions by locus. The number of allele revealed 267 with an average of 29.6 in total accession, and varied from a low of 21 (Satt532 and Satt141) to a high of 58 (Sat_074). Although the number of accessions of wild soybean is less than that of soybean landraces, Korean wild soybean is more variable than other soybean landraces populations in total number of alleles. However, Korean soybean landraces were more variable than Korean wild soybeans in 5 loci. In the allele frequency, wild soybean accessions showed an even distribution in all alleles and higher distribution in low ladder than in high ladder. Also, Korean soybean landraces revealed a high condensed frequency in Satt286 (202 bp, 232 bp), Chinese soybean landraces in Satt197 (171 bp) and Satt458 (173 bp), and Japanese soybean landraces in Sat_074 (244 bp) and Satt458 (170 bp). These SSR profile information will be provided as indications of redundancies or omissions of accessions and can aid in managing soybean collection held at RDA gene bank. The information on diversity analysis could help to enlarge the genetic diversity of materials in breeding program, and could be used to develop a core collection of soybean germplasm.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.81-92
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• 2001

According to analyses of high-resolution seismic profiles (air gun, sparker, and SBP) and a deep-drill core(YSDP 105) in the mid-eastern Yellow Sea, stratigraphic and geoacoustic models have been established and seismo-acoustic modeling has been fulfilled using ray tracing of finite element method. Stratigraphic model reflects seismo-, litho-, and chrono-stratigraphic sequences formed under a significant influence of Quaternary glacio-eustatic sea-level fluctuations. Each sequence consists of terrestrial to very-shallow-marine coarse-grained lowstand systems tract and tidal fine-grained transgressive to highstand systems tract. Based on mean grain-size data (121 samples) of the drill core, bulk density and P-wave velocity of depositional units have been inferred and extrapolated down to a depth of the recovery using the Hamilton's regression equations. As goo-acoustic parameters, the 121 pairs of bulk density and P-wave velocity have been averaged on each unit of the stratigraphic model. As a result of computer ray-tracing simulation of the subsurface strata, we have found that there are complex ray paths and many acoustic-shadow zones owing to the presence of irregular layer boundaries and low-velocity layers.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.98-104
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• 2011

Numerical simulation in exploration geophysics provides important insights into subsurface wave propagation phenomena. Although elastic wave simulations take longer to compute than acoustic simulations, an elastic simulator can construct more realistic wavefields including shear components. Therefore, it is suitable for exploration of the responses of elastic bodies. To overcome the long duration of the calculations, we use a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) to accelerate the elastic wave simulation. Because a GPU has many processors and a wide memory bandwidth, we can use it in a parallelised computing architecture. The GPU board used in this study is an NVIDIA Tesla C1060, which has 240 processors and a 102 GB/s memory bandwidth. Despite the availability of a parallel computing architecture (CUDA), developed by NVIDIA, we must optimise the usage of the different types of memory on the GPU device, and the sequence of calculations, to obtain a significant speedup of the computation. In this study, we simulate two- (2D) and threedimensional (3D) elastic wave propagation using the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method on GPUs. In the wave propagation simulation, we adopt the staggered-grid method, which is one of the conventional FD schemes, since this method can achieve sufficient accuracy for use in numerical modelling in geophysics. Our simulator optimises the usage of memory on the GPU device to reduce data access times, and uses faster memory as much as possible. This is a key factor in GPU computing. By using one GPU device and optimising its memory usage, we improved the computation time by more than 14 times in the 2D simulation, and over six times in the 3D simulation, compared with one CPU. Furthermore, by using three GPUs, we succeeded in accelerating the 3D simulation 10 times.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to quantitate regional neurochemical profile of regional normal adult mice brain and assess regional metabolic differences by using ex vivo $^1H$ high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ($^1H$ HR-MAS NMRS). The animals were matched in sex and age. The collected brain tissue included frontal cortex, temporal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. Quantitative 1D spectra were acquired on 40 samples with the CPMG pulse sequence (8 kHz spectral window, TR/TE = 5500/2.2 ms, NEX = 128, scan time: 17 min 20 sec). The mass of brain tissue and $D_2O$+TSP solvent were 8~14 mg and 7~13 mg. A total of 16 metabolites were quantified as follow: Acet, NAA, NAAG, tCr, Cr, tCho, Cho, GPC + PC, mIns, Lac, GABA, Glu, Gln, Tau and Ala. As a results, Acet, Cho, NAA, NAAG and mIns were showed significantly different aspects on frontal cortex, hippocampus, temporal cortex and thalamus respectively. The present study demonstrated that absolute metabolite concentrations were significantly different among four brain regions of adult mice. Our finding might be helpful to investigate brain metabolism of neuro-disease in animal model.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.269-275
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• 2008

Although MR imaging is generally applicable to depict knee joint deterioration it, is sometimes occurred to mis-read and mis-diagnose the common knee joint diseases. In this study, we employed magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) method to improve the diagnosis of the various knee joint diseases. Spin-echo (SE) T2-weighted images (TR/TE 3,400-3,500/90-100 ms) were obtained in seven cases of knee joint deterioration, FSE T2-weighted images (TR/TE 4,500-5,000/100-108 ms) were obtained in seven cases of knee joint deterioration, gradient-echo (GRE) T2-weighted images (TR/TE 9/4.56/$50^{\circ}$ flip angle, NEX 1) were obtained in 3 cases of knee joint deterioration, In six cases of knee joint deterioration, fat suppression was performed using a T2-weighted short T1/tau inverse recovery (STIR) sequence (TR/TE =2,894-3,215 ms/70 ms, NEX 3, ETL 9). Calculation of MTR for individual pixels was performed on registration of unsaturated and saturated images. After processing to make MTR images, the images were displayed in gray color. For improving diagnosis, three-dimensional isotropic volume images, the MR tristimulus color mapping and the MTR map was employed. MTR images showed diagnostic images quality to assess the patients' pathologies. The intensity difference between MTR images and conventional MRI was seen on the color bar. The profile graph on MTR imaging effect showed a quantitative measure of the relative decrease in signal intensity due to the MT pulse. To diagnose the pathologies of the knee joint, the profile graph data was shown on the image as a small cross. The present study indicated that MTR images in the knee joint were feasible. Investigation of physical change on MTR imaging enables to provide us more insight in the physical and technical basis of MTR imaging. MTR images could be useful for rapid assessment of diseases that we examine unambiguous contrast in MT images of knee disorder patients.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2004

To develop a aceclofenac soft capsule, four preparations with various solubilizers were prepared and their dissolution test was carried out. Among four preparations tested, a preparation with ethanolamine was selected as a formula of aceclofenac soft capsule (Clanza $S^{TM}$), since it showed the fastεst dissolution rate. Bioequivalence of aceclofenac tablet, $Airtal^{TM}$ (Dae-Woong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and aceclofenac soft capsule, Clanza $S^{TM}$ (Korea United Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) was evaluated according to the guideline of KA Fourteen normal male volunteers (age 20 - 25 years old) were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After oral administration of one tablet or capsule containing 100 mg of aceclofenac, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentration of aceclofenac in plasma was determined with an HPLC method under UV detector The pharmacokinetic parameters ($C_{max}$ and $AUC_t$) were calculated and ANOVA was utilized for the statistical analysis of parameters using logarithmetically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ between Aral tablet and Clanza soft capsule were 2.89%, 0.18% and 43.0%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(15) (e.g. log(0.81) -log(1.23) ad log(0.89) -log(1.4)) fo $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively. Thus, the criteria of the KFDA guidelines for the equivalence was satisfied, indicating that Clanza $S^{TM}$ soft capsule is bioequivalent to$Airtal^{TM}$ tablet.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.13-24
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• 2014

We established the first complete ice core processing method and analytical procedures for fundamental proxies, using a 40.2 m long ice core drilled on the Mt. Tsambagarav glacier in the Mongolian Altai mountains in July 2008. The whole core was first divided into two sub ice core sections and the measurements of the visual stratigraphy and electrical conductivity were performed on the surface of these sub core sections. A continuous sequence of samples was then prepared for chemical analyses (stable isotope ratios of oxygen ($^{18}O/^{16}O$) and hydrogen ($^2H/^1H$), soluble ions and trace elements). A total of 29 insoluble dust layers were identified from the measurement of visual stratigraphy. The electrical conductivity measurement (ECM) shows 11 peaks with the current more than 0.8 ${\mu}A$ Comparing the profiles of $SO_4{^{2-}}$ and $Cl^-$ concentrations to correlate with known volcanic eruptions, the first two ECM peaks appear to be linked to the eruptions (January and June 2007) of Kliuchevskoi volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia, which supports the reliability of our ECM data. Finally, the composition of stable isotopes (${\delta}^{18}O$ and ${\delta}D$) shows a well-defined seasonal variation, suggesting that various chemical proxies may have been well preserved in the successive ice layers of Tsambagarav ice core. Our ice core processing method and analytical procedures for fundamental proxies are expected to be used for paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental studies from polar and alpine ice cores.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.179-185
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• 2005

Acebrophylline is a compound produced by salifying ambroxol with theophylline-7 -acetic acid. After acebrophylline administration, the salt splits into these two components which feature a peculiar pharmacokinetic behavior, an adequate ambroxol and a low theophylline-7-acetic acid serum levels. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two acebrophylline capsules, Surfolase (Hyundai Pharm. lnd. Co., Ltd.) and Burophil (Kuhnil Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of ambroxol from the two acebrophylline formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with various dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty eight healthy male subjects, $23.25{\pm}1.43$ years in age and $64.82{\pm}6.77$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After two capsules containing 100 mg as acebrophylline were orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of ambroxol in serum were determined using HPLC with electrochemical detector (ECD). The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. In addition, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug Surfolase, were -1.64, -3.33 and -0.92% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 $(e.g., \;log\;0.93{\sim}log\;1.05\;and\;log\;0.88{\sim}log\;1.05$ for $AUC_t$, and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Burophil capsule was bioequivalent to Surfolase capsule.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.209-215
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• 2006

Zaltoprofen, (2-(10,11-dihydro-10-oxodibenzo[b,f]thiepin-2-yl)propionic acid) is an NSAID with powerful anti-inflammatory effects as well as an analgesic action on inflammatory pain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two zaltoprofen tablets, $Soleton^{\circledR}$ (CJ Corp.) and SCD Zaltoprofen (Samchundang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The release of zaltoprofen from the two zatoprofen formulations in vitro was tested using KP Vlll Apparatus ll method with various dissolution media. Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.2{\pm}2.26$ years in age and$64.7{\pm}8.08$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After a single tablet containing 80 mg as zaltoprofen was orally administered, blood samples were taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of zaltoprofen in serum were determined using HPLC with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar in all tested dissolution media. The pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ were calculated, and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the reference drug, $Soleton^{\circledR}$ were 6.33, 5.91 and 17.7% for $AUC_t$, $C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log 0.8 to log 1.25 (e.g.,log $1.01{\sim}1og\;1.11$ and log $0.928{\sim}1og\;1.18$ for $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$, respectively). Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating SCD Zaltoprofen tablet was bioequivalent to $Soleton^{\circledR}$ tablet.