• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.69-91
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• 1990

A major change in tariff rates was made in January 1989 in Korea. The benchmark tariff rate, which applies to about two thirds of all commodity items, was lowered to 15 percent from 20 percent. In addition, the variation in tariff rates among different types of commodities was reduced. This paper examines the economic impact of the tariff reform using a multisectoral general equilibrium model of the Korean economy which was introduced by Lee and Chang(1988), and by Lee(1988). More specifically, this paper attempts to find the changes in imports, exports, domestic production, consumption, prices, and employment in 31 different sectors of the economy induced by the reform in tariff rates. The policy simulations are made according to three different methods. First, tariff changes in industries are calculated strictly according to the change in legal tariff rates, which tend to over-estimate the size of the tariff reduction given the tariff-drawback system and tariff exemption applied to various import items. Second, tariff changes in industries are obtained by dividing the estimated tariff revenues of each industry by the estimated imports for that industry, which are often called actual tariff rates. According to the first method, the import-weighted average tariff rate is lowered from 15.2% to 10.2%, while the second method changes the average tariff rate from 6.2% to 4.2%. In the third method, the tariff-drawback system is internalized in the model. This paper reports the results of the policy simulation according to all three methods, comparing them with one another. It is argued that the second method yields the most realistic estimate of the changes in macro-economic variables, while the third method is useful in delineating the differences in impact across industries. The findings, according to the second method, show that the tariff reform induces more imports in most sectors. Garments, leather products, and wood products are those industries in which imports increase by more than 5 percent. On the other hand, imports in agricultural, mining and service sectors are least affected. Domestic production increases in all sectors except the following: leather products, non-metalic products, chemicals, paper and paper products, and wood-product industries. The increase in production and employment is largest in export industries, followed by service industries. An impact on macroeconomic variables is also simulated. The tariff reform increases nominal GNP by 0.26 percent, lowers the consumer price index by 0.49 percent, increases employment by 0.24 percent, and worsens the trade balance by 480 million US dollars, through a rise in exports of 540 million US dollars and a rise in imports of 1.02 billion US dollars.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.586-597
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• 1999

Background: Many diagnostic tests have developed to diagnose tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases but the diagnosis of tuberculosis relies largely on radiological findings and acid-fast staining of sputum and/or culture. Recently, new serologic diagnostic methods, which are safe and easy to use have been introduced into Korea. In this study, the usefulness of serologic diagnosis for tuberculosis and the disease pattern induced variation of the test were evaluated. Methods: Serological assay was performed upon 108 patients with two test kits, the ICT tuberculosis and the BioSign$^{TM}$TB, which are based upon a rapid immunochromatographic assay technique, capable of being interpreted within 15 minutes. The case groups consisted of 61 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(36 patients), extrapulmonary tuberculosis(3 patients), or both(22 patients). Control groups consisted of 47 patients with inactive old pulmonary tuberculosis(17 patients), nontuberculous pulmonary disease(16 patients) and nonpulmonary cardiac disease(14 patients). Results : The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of the ICT tuberculosis were 64.3%, 91.5%, 90.0% and 68.3% respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the BioSign$^{TM}$TB were 76.5%, 95.3%, 94.1 % and 78.8% respectively. Differences in sensitivity were not significant between patients with previous history of tuberculosis or patients without prior history of tuberculosis. The ICT tuberculosis test showed higher sensitivity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients(76.5%) than extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients(33.3%). There was no difference in sensitivity between patients with or without cavitary lesion by chest X-ray. Conclusion: Considering high specificity and PPV, serologic diagnosis using a rapid immunochromatographic assay device is another helpful diagnostic method in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, when combined with previous diagnostic methods such as chest X-ray, microbiologic study but it has limitation in terms of confirming the diagnosis for tuberculosis as the only diagnostic method because of relatively low sensitivity and NPV.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.1 s.68
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• pp.38-44
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• 2005

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem worldwide. Although a tremendous amount has been known about HBV, there have been obstacles in the study of HBV due to the narrow host range of HBV limited to humans and primates. In the present study, we investigated the susceptibility to HBV infection of mouse hepatoma cell line, Hepa-1c1c7. In addition, based on that human hepatocytes infected by HBV increase the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-a, the inducibility of TNF-a expression by HBV in the cells was determined. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion was measured by the microparticle enzyme immunoassay and steady state mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative competitive RT-PCR. Transient transfection of Hepa-1c1c7 cells with HBV expression vector resulted in a dose-dependent induction of TNF-a expression. Infection of Hepa-1c1c7 cells with the serum of HBV carrier also increased TNF-a mRNA expression. Both in the transfected and infected cells, HBV mRNA was expressed and significant HBsAg secretion was detected. There was no significant variation in $\beta-actin$ mRNA expression by HBV. These results demonstrate that HBV is infectious to Hepa-lc1c7 in vitro and the viral infection induces TNF-a expression, which suggests that Hepa-lc1c7, a mouse hepatoma cell line, may be a possible model system for analysis of various molecular aspects of HBV infection.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.252-263
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• 2013

Objectives : Skin color deformation by cupping has been widely used as a diagnostic parameter in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM). Skin color deformation such as ecchymoses and purpura is induced by local vacuum in a suction cup. Since existing studies have relied on a visual diagnostic method, there is a need to use the quantitative measurement method. Methods : We conducted an analysis of cross-polarization photographic images to assess the changes in skin color deformation. The skin color variation was analyzed using $L^*a^*b^*$ space and the skin erythema index(E.I.). The meridian theory in TKM indicates that the condition of primary internal organs is closely related to the skin color deformation at special acupoints. Before conducting these studies, it is necessary to evaluate whether or not skin color deformation is influenced by muscle condition. Hence, we applied cupping at BL13, BL15, BL18, BL20 and BL23 at Bladder Meridian(BL) and measured blood lactate at every acupoint. Results : We confirmed the high system measurement accuracy, and observed the diverse skin color deformations. Moreover, we confirmed that the $L^*$, $a^*$ and E.I. had not changed after 40 minutes(p>0.05). The distribution of blood lactate levels at each part was observed differently. Blood lactate level and skin color deformation at each part was independent of each other. Conclusions : The negative pressure produced by the suction cup induces a reduction in the volumetric fraction of melanosomes and subsequent reduction in epidermal thickness. The relationship between variations of tissue and skin properties and skin color deformation degree must be investigated prior to considering the relationship between internal organ dysfunction and skin color deformation.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.7-15
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• 2015

CpBV (Cotesia plutellae bracovirus) is a polydnavirus and encodes a cystatin (CpBV-CST1) gene. Its overexpression suppresses insect immunity and alters insect developmental processes. This study aimed to construct a genetically modified (GM) tobacco to further explore the physiological function of the viral cystatin and to apply to control insect pests. To this end, the transgenic tobacco lines were screened in expression of the target gene and assessed in insecticidal activity. A recombinant vector (pBI121-CST) was prepared and used to transform a bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefasciens. The transformed bacteria were used to generate transgenic tobacco lines, which were induced to grow callus and resulted in about 92% of shoot regeneration. The regenerated plants were screened by PCR analysis to confirm the insertion of the target gene in the plant genome. In addition, the expression of the target gene was assessed in the regenerated plants by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the transgenic line plant expressed the target gene about 17 times more than the control tobacco, indicating a stable insertion and expression of the target gene in the transgenic tobacco line. The insecticidal activity was then analyzed using the screened transgenic tobacco lines against the teneral 1st instar larvae of the oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta. Though there was a variation in the insecticidal efficacy among transgenic lines, T9 and T12 lines exhibited more than 95% mortality at 7 days after feeding treatment. These results suggest that CpBV-CST1 is a useful genetic resource to be used to generate GM crop against insect pests.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.645-655
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• 2008

The Cr(VI) concentrations at the shallow aquifer well (MPH-0-1) of the Moonpyung groundwater monitoring station were in the range of 0.5 to 3.1 mg/L exceeding 10 to 62 times the guideline for drinking-water quality, indicating continuous contamination. However, Cr was not detected at the deep bedrock well and the other subsidiary monitoring wells except for MPH-1 and 6. Cross-correlation analyses were conducted for rainfall and groundwater level time series, resulting in the mean time of recharge after precipitation events to be 5.6 days. For rainy season, the water level was raised and the Cr(VI) concentration was several times lower than that during dry season at well MPH-0-1 well. Correlation of the Cr(VI) concentration with the groundwater-level showed that the Cr(VI) reduction was closely related with the groundwater-level rise in the well. However, the groundwater level rise during high water season induced the lateral migration of the Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater at well MPH-4. We enriched and isolated a chromium reducing bacteria, Enterobacter aerogenes, from the Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater in the wells MPH-0-1 and MPH-1. The bacteria may play an important role for immobilizing Cr(VI) in the Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater. Therefore, the migration of the contaminant (Cr(VI) must has been restricted because of the natural attenuation by microbial reduction of Cr(VI) in the groundwater. This research suggests that the bioremediation of the Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater by the indigenous bacteria may be feasible in the Cr(VI) contaminated groundwater.

• 한국해양학회지
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.205-216
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• 1990

This study was carried out to investigate the composition and the distribution of the polychaete community in Kwangyang Bay during 1987-1988, and to deduce causal factors of temporal changes in community by the comparison with the results of 1982 (Choi, 1984). In the present study, the Polychaetes comprised a total of 79 species, and had a mean density of 520 ind. $.$m/SUP -2/. They showed high abundance and species diversity in the main tidal channel and the north channel of Myodo. The most abundant polychaete was Lumbrineris longifolia (28.2%), and followed by Nephtys polybranchia (16.3%) and Stermaspis scutata (8.3%). Comparing the polychaete community in summer of 1987 with that in summer of 1982, Lagis bocki and Chone teres, the most dominant species in 1982, disappeared in 1987, while Lumbrineris longifolia, Nephtys polybranchia, Terebellides horikoshii, and Sternapis scutata experienced above twice increases in densities. the community in the north channel was distinguished from those in other regions by the high abundance of L. bocki in 1982, but was similar to that of the main channel by the disappearance of L. bocki in 1987. The community in the western inner bay was similar to that of the main channel in 1982, but became to be distinguished by the disappearance of l. longifolia and the high densities of S. scutata and Tharyx sp. in 1987. The temporal change in species composition and regional difference might be induced by the combined effects in the changes of hydrologic and sedimentary environments owing to the reclamation on the delta of Seomjing River and the dredging of the north chnnel.L.bocki in the north chnnel vanished after the habitat disturbance by the reclamation and dredging.S.scutata and Tharyxsp.dominated in the western inner bay because of the accumulationfo fine sediments through weakenend durrent flow by the obstruction of a new bank constructed on the delta.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.579-596
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• 1997

A simulation study was carried out to delineate potential effects of the lake-induced climate change on crop productivity around Lake Imha which was formed after a multi-purpose dam construction in Andong, Korea. Twenty seven cropping zones were identified within the 30 km by 25 km study area. Five automated weather stations were installed within the study area and operated for five years after the lake formation. A geostatistical method was used to calculate the monthly climatological normals of daily maximum and minimum temperature, solar radiation and precipitation for each cropping zone before and after the dam construction. Daily weather data sets for 30 years were generated for each cropping zone from the monthly normals data representing "No lake" and "After lake" climatic scenarios, respectively. They were fed into crop models (ORYZA1 for rice, SOYGRO for soybean, CERES-maize for corn) to simulate the yield potential of each cropping zone. Calculated daily maximum temperature was higher after the dam construction for the period of October through March and lower for the remaining months except June and July. Decrease in daily minimum temperature was predicted for the period of April through August. Monthly total radiation was predicted to decrease after the lake formation in all the months except February, June, and September and the largest drop was found in winter. But there was no consistent pattern in precipitation change. According to the model calculation, the number of cropping zones which showed a decreased yield potential was 2 for soybean and 6 for corn out of 27 zones with a 10 to 17% yield drop. Little change in yield potential was found at most cropping zones in the case of paddy rice, but interannual variation was predicted to increase after the lake formation. the lake formation.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.568-573
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the analgesic effects on the oral cavity in dogs which are treated with xylazine and electroacupuncture (EA). Furthermore, this study aims to find out its effects on glucose (GLU), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) variation values, vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) and pain responses to the noxious stimuli. Eight healthy dogs were randomly assigned to receive either xylazine or EA. Xylazine group dogs with weight of 3.6${\pm}$1.0 kg received 1.5 mg/kg of xylazine intramuscularly. EA group dogs with weight of 3.9${\pm}$1.0 kg received 1 volt (10-15 hz) for 5 minutes, and then 1-9 Volts (25-30 hz) for 60 minutes totally. The acupoints used were LI-3 (San Jian), LI-4 (He Gu) and ST-7 (Xia Guan). All dogs were examined before and 10, 25, 40, 55 and 120 minutes after administration of xylazine or EA. The mean rectal temperatures of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 25, 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean heart rates of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 10, 25, 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean respiratory rates of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 55 and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean GLU concentration of the EA group were significantly lower than those of xylazine group after 55 and 120 minutes (p < 0.05). The sum of mean pain scores (SMPS) of the EA group were significantly higher than those of xylazine group after 10, 25 40 and 55 minutes (p < 0.05). In this study, the pain control of the EA group was shown to be better than that of the xylazine group. Also, there do not appear to be any negative physiologic effects associated with acupuncture-induced surgical analgesia. So, it was considered that these acupoints of EA analgesia might be useful for minor oral surgery in weak patients.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.1200-1206
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• 2015

The major target for drug discovery, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) is involved in many physiological activities and related to various diseases and disorders. Among experimental techniques relating to the GPCR drug discovery process, various cell-based screening methods are influenced by cell conditions used in the overall process. Recently, the utilization of frozen cells is suggested in terms of reducing data variation and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate various conditions in cell freezing such as temperature conditions and storage terms. The stable cell lines for calcium sensing receptor and urotensin receptor were established followed by storing cultured cells at $-80^{\circ}C$ up to 4 weeks. To compare with cell stored at liquid nitrogen, agonist and antagonist responses were recorded based on the luminescence detection by the calcium induced photoprotein activation. Cell signals were reduced as the storage period was increased without the changes in $EC_{50}$ and $IC_{50}$ values $EC_{50}:3.46{\pm}1.36mM$, $IC_{50}:0.49{\pm}0.15{\mu}M$). In case of cells stored in liquid nitrogen, cell responses were decreased comparing to those in live cells, however changes by storage periods and significant variations of $EC_{50}/IC_{50}$ values were not detected. The decrease of cell signals in various frozen cells may be due to the increase of cell damages. From these results, the best way for a long-term cryopreservation is the use of liquid nitrogen condition, and for the purpose of short-term storage within a month, $-80^{\circ}C$ storage condition can be possible to adopt. As a conclusion, the active implementation of frozen cells may contribute to decrease variations of experimental data during the initial cell-based screening process.