• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 1979

In the first paper of the series the five soil fertility factors were evaluated by means of principal component analysis and varimax method. They are interpreted as representing, 1) skeletal available phosporus status, 2) organnic matter status, 3) salt status 4) base status, and 5) free oxide status. In order to resynthesize such fragmented information for the overall soil fertility evaluation, the method of multiple regression analysis was adopted, using the five factor scores and yield data for Korean paddy soils as independent and dependent variables respectively. As test of linear models with different combinations of independent variables the results of t-test of regression coefficient were revealed that the organic matter status (FII) has no relevance to the yield of paddy and that the free oxides and salt supply has by it self only an insignificant contribution to the yield. The multiple correlation coefficient (R) revealed its multiple regression analysis was as low as 0.43. Introduction of quadratic terms to the linear model bettered the result. Thus multiple correlation coefficient (R) was increased as 0.59. Therefore, a coefficient of determination 0.35 was obtained by a quadratic model with interaction terms among the five fertility constituents. Generally we think that the fertility factor has more contribution to raise the rice yield in paddy and that the failure of yield prediction by fertility factor scores was caused by one of follows; 1) the roughness of the yield inspection, and 2) missextraction of fertility constituents. The second step in this study, assuming that the residuals by multiple regression analysis were due to factors other than soil fertility, we can now proceed to predicting the yield from the field characters with the classified fertility groups by means of Hayashi's theory of quantification No. 1. Such variables as fertility groups (FTYG), water availability (WATER), soil drainage (DRNG), climatic zone (CLIZ), surface soil's stickiness (STCKT), surface soil's dry consistence (DCNST), and surface soil's texture (FTEXT) are taken up as the explanatory variables. The quantification appears reasonable; the well to extremely well in soil drainage, very sticky of surface soil, inefficiency in water availability, coarse texture, and very hard to extremely hard dry consistence in soil are detrimental to the rice yield. The R was as high as 0.90 for the set of variables. But the given explanatory variables in this study were not quite effective in explaining rice yield. The method developed seems to be promising only if properly collected data are available. Conditions that should be satisfied in the yield inspection obtained from common cultivator for the purpose of deriving a prediction equation were put forward.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 1979

The fertility which is the combined factor is one of the important capability determiants of paddy soils. In this study, we aimed at attaining a quantitative evaluation of soil fertility and further establishing an objective fertility classification on the basis of the fertility evaluation. The samples used in this series studies were collected from Korean paddy field. They include deltas, flood plains, coastal plains, valley plains, fans and low terraces. On the basis of correlation analysis, factor analysis was applied to a set of 15 variables. As a result of factor analysis, five mutually independent and clearly definable fertility component factors were extracted from the 15 variables for the whole 90 surface soil samples. The fertility status of each sample soil could be objectively designated by the score of the five factors. As a means of summarizing the information obtained, taxonomic distances between all pairs of the samples were computed from these five factor scores further to be subjected to numerical taxonomy. Seven fertility groups were formulated, each of which was characterized by one or more of the fertility components. As this fertility classification was based on the present state of soil properties, it would be useful in pointing to the proper direction of further fertility amelioration and improvement for each group to enhance potential productivity of Korean paddy fields.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.365-368
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• 2002

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) imposes large amount of medical costs, which are greatly affected by the surgical approach, quality of perioperative care and associated co-morbidities. Recently, off-pump CABG(OPCAB) has been introduced and performed with increasing frequency. To evaluate the efficacy of OPCAB in view of financial impact, we analyzed the costs and medical resources of OPCAB and compared with conventional CABG. Material and Method: From January 1998 to July 1999, 184 patients underwent CABG operation; 111 patients with OPCAB(group I) and 73 patients with conventional CABG(group II). We prospectively collected clinical data including risk factors and retrospectively reviewed the hospital resources. Result: Preoperative parameters including risk factors, postoperative mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay were not different between the two groups, Duration of stay in the intensive care unit(ICU) (51.3 vs 128.3 hours, p<0.01) and ventilator, support time(14.9 vs 56.2 hours, p<0.01) were significantly shorter in the OPCAB group. Total hospital coats were 17,220,000 add 21,250,000(Korean Won) in group I and II, respectively(p<0.01). There were significant differences in operation fee, costs for operative materials, transfusion and diagnostic radiology between two groups. In group I, all the resources except diagnostic radiology were significantly decreased compared with group II. Conclusion: OPCAB has a beneficial effect on hospital charge and resource utilization. Shorter duration of the ICU stay and ventilatory support time may reduce the total hospital costs.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.3-11
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate feasibility of Vertical Multileaf Collimator for determination of irradiation size using Vertical Multileaf Collimator and lead block to determine 4 different irradiation shape in case of Co-60 gamma-ray and 6 MV X-ray. We chose ion chamber, glass dosimeter and EBT chromic film to compare with Vertical Multileaf Collimator results and lead block results. In case of Co-60 gamma-ray and 6 MV X-ray, the central axis point dose normalized at reference field of lead block with ion chamber results for Vertical Multileaf Collimator were estimated higher than lead block about 5.1%, 4.2%. In case of Co-60 gamma-ray, the central axis point dose normalized at reference field of lead block with glass dosimeter results for Vertical Multileaf Collimator were estimated higher than lead block about 2.2%, 7.8%, 7.2%, 4.0% for reference, circle, triangle, cross field, respectively. In case of 6 MV X-ray, the central axis point dose normalized at reference field of lead block with glass dosimeter results for Vertical Multileaf Collimator were estimated higher than lead block about 6.7%, 6.2%, 3.8%, 6.2% for reference, circle, triangle, cross field, respectively. The results of EBT chromic film, Vertical Multileaf Collimator of penumbra size for all irradiation shape was smaller than lead block of those size that 2.0~3.5 mm for Co-60 gamma-ray, 0.5~1.0 mm for 6 MV X-ray. The results from this study, radiation treatment volume that results in shielding block can be minimized. In addition, during radiation treatment for 2, 3-dimensional radiation therapy using a Vertical Multileaf Collimator of this survey can be used to determine variety of irradiation fields.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 2014

Purpose : To determine the incidence of truncated triangle appearance of anterior horn (AH) to body of medial meniscus (MM) and determine its clinical significance. Materials and Methods: IRB approval was obtained, and informed consent waived for this study. The criteria of "pseudoradial tear" was truncated triangle appearance of the tip of AH to body of MM on one or more coronal images with adjacent fluid signal intensity at the blunted tip. Two musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively evaluated 485 knee MR images independently for the presence and number of sections with "pseudoradial tear" of AH to body of MM using proton density-weighted coronal MR images. Inter-and intraobserver agreement was calculated using kappa coefficients. Medical records were reviewed for arthroscopic correlation. Results: A pseudoradial tear in the AH to body of MM was present in 381 (78.6%) patients. Locations were 112 in AH (29.4%), 143 in AH to body (37.5%), and 126 in body (33.1%). Number of consecutive sections of pseudoradial tear were 1 in 100 (26.2%), 2 in 164 (43.0%), 3 in 94 (24.7%), 4 in 21 (5.5%), and 5 in 2 (0.5%). Interobserver agreement was 0.99 for presence and 0.43 for number of sections of pseudoradial tear. Arthroscopies were performed in 96 patients and none of the pseudoradial tears were proven as true radial tears on arthroscopy. Conclusion: Pseudoradial tears are frequently seen in AH to body of MM on coronal MR images and may be another pitfall that a radiologist needs to be aware of and be able to differentiate from true radial tear.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.153-158
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• 2008

Tissue-specific and temporal regulation of milk protein gene expression is advantageous when creating transgenic animal that produces foreign protein into milk. Gene expression, i.e. protein production, is regulated not only by promoter strength but also mRNA stability. Especially, poly A tail length by polyadenylation affects in vivo and in vitro mRNA stability and translation efficiency of the target gene. In the present study, nucleotide sequence of 3'-UTR was analyzed to evaluate the effects of mRNA stability on the target gene expression. Based on the poly A signal of 3' -untranslated region (UTR), nucleotide sequences of putative cytoplasmic polyadenylation elements (CPEs) and downstream elements (DSEs: U-rich, G-rich, GU-rich) were analyzed and used to construct 15 luciferase reporter vectors. Each vector was transfected to HC11 and porcine mammary gland cell (PMGC) and measured for dual luciferase expression levels after 48 hours of incubation. Luciferase expression was significantly higher in construct #6 (with CPE 2, 3 and DSE 1 of exon 9) and #11 (with CPE 2, 3 and DSE 1, 2 and 3 of exon 9) than construct #1 in the PMGC. These results suggest that expression of target genes in PMGC may be effectively expressed by using the construct #6 and #11 on production of transgenic pig.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.389-398
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• 2010

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of three strains of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) supplemented to diets on egg production, egg quality, egg yolk cholesterol levels, the profile of cecal microflora, and tibia characteristics in laying hens. One hundred sixty 76-week-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates per group (10 birds per replicate). Birds in the control group were fed a corn-soybean meal based diet. The remaining three treated groups were fed the control diet containing either 0.05% B. subtilis Ch3 (T1), 0.05% B. subtilis Ch3 + B. subtilis W1 (T2) or 0.05% B. subtilis commercial product (T3) for 6 weeks, respectively. There were no differences in feed intake, egg weight, egg production and egg mass among the groups. The dietary supplementation of B. subtilis improved eggshell strength and Haugh units compared to those of control (P<0.05). The activities of GOT and GPT in serum were not also affected by the dietary treatments. The population of total microbes and lactic acid bacteria in cecum were significantly increased by the dietary B. subtilis (P<0.05), but not the coliforms. The cholesterol concentration in egg yolk and serum in the treated groups were significantly decreased compared to those of control (P<0.05). Also, The levels of phospholipids in serum were significantly decreased compared to those of control (P<0.05). The supplementation of three strains of B. subtilis to diets significantly increased the contents of tibia ash compared to that of control (P<0.05). Thus, this study showed significant improvements in egg quality, such as eggshell strength and Haugh unit, by dietary B. subtilis strains. The B. subtilis strains added to the diets modulated the profiles of cecal microflora, reflecting beneficial effects in laying hens.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.205-208
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• 2007

Purpose : Vascular endothelial cell damage and alteration of a fibrinolytic system was suggested to play a role in the development of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease (KD). D-dimer is one of the markers of endothelial damage and fibrinolysis. We evaluated the clinical usefulness of D-dimer to differentiate KD from other febrile diseases and predict coronary artery abnormalities in KD. Methods : Sixty eight patients diagnosed as KD and twenty eight patients presented with acute febrile illnesses other than KD from September 2005 to July 2006 were included. Blood levels of D-dimer and various inflammatory markers were measured before treatment and the clinical course of KD was followed. Serial echocardiography was performed at the onset of disease and thereafter at a monthly interval for at least 2 months. Results : KD patients showed a higher D-dimer level than febrile controls, but the difference was not significant ($1.21{\pm}0.77{\mu}g/mL$ vs $0.92{\pm}0.71{\mu}g/mL$, P=0.083). Neither was the difference between KD patients who had coronary artery abnormalities and those who had not ($1.49{\pm}0.98{\mu}g/mL$ vs $1.15{\pm}0.71{\mu}g/mL$, P=0.169). D-dimer was significantly correlated with other inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in both KD patients and febrile controls. Conclusion : D-dimer was not specific for KD. But it may be useful as an inflammatory marker to assess the severity of KD.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 1991

The inhibitory effects of GS354 and GS389 on cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ level ($[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$; measured with fura-2 fluorescence) and muscle tension in vascular smooth muscle of rat thoracic aorta were investigated. Both GS354 and GS389 inhibited the contractions induced by high $K^+$ or by norepinephrine. The vasodilator effect of GS354 was accompanied by a decrease in $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$. The inhibitory effect on high $K^+-stimulated$ $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ was antagonized by a $Ca^{2+}$ channel activator, Bay K8644. However, the inhibitory effect on muscle tension was not antagonized by Bay K8644. These results suggest that GS354 inhibits $Ca^{2+}$ channels to decrease $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ and also decreases $Ca^{2+}$ sensitivity of contractile elements. The inhibitory effects of GS389 was accompanied by the increase in tissue fluorescence. This increment was not due to fura-2 fluorescence but to endogeneous pyridine nucleotides, suggesting that GS389 has an effect to inhibit mitochondrial function. Because of this interference, effects of GS389 on $[Ca^{2+}]_{1}$ was obscured. However, since sequential addition of Bay K8644 in the presence of GS389 further increased the fluorescence but not muscle tension, this compound seems to have the effects to inhibit $Ca^{2+}$ channels and to decrease $Ca^{2+}$ sensitivity of contractile elements.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.309-318
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• 2004

Acute toxicity test and chronic toxicity test were conducted with killifish (Oryzias latipes, Medaka) to evaluate toxicity effect of pesticides. Acute toxicity test was investigated mortality in 48 hours and 96 hours after treatment, chronic toxicity test was examined with the early life stage of 30 days after hatching be started embryos of Medaka. The test substances were two pesticides, Carbosulfan and Phenthoate, applied to the paddy rice plant and well-known to the high fish toxicity. As the result of acute toxicity test, median concentration $(LC_{50})$ at 96 hours in Medata was Carbosulfan 0.102 mg/L and Phenthoate 0.167 mg/L, and Fish early life stage toxicity test was conducted on basis of the result of acute toxicity test and concluded from the investigation of hatching success, period of hatching, survival post hatching, length and weight of surviving fishes and abnormal fish. The results of early life stage toxicity test were represented by no observed effect concentration (NOEC), lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) and maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC). NOEC was Carbosulfan 0.0067ppm and Phenthoate 0.011ppm, LOEC of PCP-Na, Carbosulfan and Phenthoate were 0.017ppm and 0.029ppm, MATC of Carbosulfan and Phenthoate were 0.011ppm and 0.018ppm. These studies will be expected to supply more varied chronic toxicity effects at lower concentration than acute toxicity test. Therefore, evaluation data will be more realistic and the risk assessment of pesticide will be leveled up.