• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2016

Purpose: To develop a technique for quantifying the $^{13}C$-metabolites by performing frequency-selective hyperpolarized $^{13}C$ magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in vitro which combines simple spectrally-selective excitation with spectrally interleaved acquisition. Methods: Numerical simulations were performed with varying noise level and $K_p$ values to compare the quantification accuracies of the proposed and the conventional methods. For in vitro experiments, a spectrally-selective excitation scheme was enabled by narrow-band radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulse implemented into a free-induction decay chemical shift imaging (FIDCSI) sequence. Experiments with LDH / NADH enzyme mixture were performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed acquisition method. Also, a modified two-site exchange model was formulated for metabolism kinetics quantification with the proposed method. Results: From the simulation results, significant increase of the lactate peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) was observed. Also, the quantified $K_p$ value from the dynamic curves were more accurate in the case of the proposed acquisition method compared to the conventional non-selective excitation scheme. In vitro experiment results were in good agreement with the simulation results, also displaying increased PSNR for lactate. Fitting results using the modified two-site exchange model also showed expected results in agreement with the simulations. Conclusion: A method for accurate quantification of hyperpolarized pyruvate and the downstream product focused on in vitro experiment was described. By using a narrow-band RF excitation pulse with alternating acquisition, different resonances were selectively excited with a different flip angle for increased PSNR while the hyperpolarized magnetization of the substrate can be minimally perturbed with a low flip angle. Baseline signals from neighboring resonances can be effectively suppressed to accurately quantify the metabolism kinetics.

• Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.551-579
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• 2012

This case study aims to explore how RDA PLA model affects the agri-SMEs' empowerment. As an agri-business management renovation program from main workshop it was conducted on March to December 2011 with agri-SMEs and extension officials nationwide by RDA. Especially, as a packaged action learning process in the model used participatory action research. This study collected data with participants observation, interviews, situational analysis and systematic review of discourse in qualitative method. For the validity and identifying empirical results, this study used statistic analysis as a mixed method. Further including various pedagogic methods and business coaching skills, this model was conducted from workshop in RDA, in turn, on-farm business coaching as follow-up, CoPs' activities, and local ATCs extension services by each actors. The dynamic process and effects of each process led some change for farmers' innovative knowledge, skills, attitude, practice and aspiration on their farm business. RDA PLA model development based on the previous practices and research, which provided a configurated picture in the holistic action learning process. In statistic research, this study focused on 279 farmers as respondents who had participated in the program. It shows that their income and benefits increased from their renovative practices on farm business. Following the sampling group, it was surveyed by four indicators - products, customer, quality and cost. The level of contribution of education on economic impact 15% is quoted from previous paper. Even in some limitations of public sector, RDA PLA model actively suggests the paradigm shift of agricultural HRD and development of alternative extension-service system.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.2358-2368
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• 2011

Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations, employing the B3LYP method and the LANL2DZ, 6-31G$^*$(LANL2DZ for Tc), 6-31G$^*$(cc-pVDZ-pp for Tc) and DGDZVP basis sets, have been performed to investigate the electronic structures and absorption spectra of the technetium-99m-labeled methylenediphosphonate ($^{99m}Tc$-MDP) complex of the simplest diphosphonate ligand. The bonding situations and natural bond orbital compositions were studied by the Mulliken population analysis (MPA) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The results indicate that the ${\sigma}$ and ${\pi}$ contributions to the Tc-O bonds are strongly polarized towards the oxygen atoms and the ionic contribution to the Tc-O bonding is larger than the covalent contribution. The electronic transitions investigated by TDDFT calculations and molecular orbital analyses show that the origin of all absorption bands is ascribed to the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) character. The solvent effect on the electronic structures and absorption spectra has also been studied by performing DFT and TDDFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G$^*$(cc-pVDZ-pp for Tc) level with the integral equation formalism polarized continuum model (IEFPCM) in different media. It is found that the absorption spectra display blue shift in different extents with the increase of solvent polarity.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.163-171
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• 2004

The flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae) has been used as anti-inflammatory drug in the folk medicine recipe and been proved its anti-inflammatory effect in the oriental medicine. However, the action mechanism of Lonicera japonica that exhibits anti-inflammatory effects has not been determined. Since nitric oxide (NO) is one of the major inflammatory parameter, we studied the effect of aqueous extracts of Lonicera japonica (AELJ) on NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. NO and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) level were significantly reduced in LPS-stimulated macrophages by AELJ compared to those without Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) indicated that AELJ blocked the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), which was considered to be a potential transcription factor for the iNOS expression. AELJ also blocked the phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (IkB-${\alpha}$). Furthermore, IkB kinase alpha (IKK${\alpha}$), which is known to phosphorylate serine residues of IkB directly, is inhibited by AELJ in vivo and in vitro. These results suggest that AELJ could exert its anti-inflammatory actions by suppressing the synthesis of NO through inhibition of NF-kB activity.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.396-412
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• 2014

Background: As a reform plan of health care system, Accountable Care Organization (ACO) has became an object of attention in the United States after Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was enacted. ACO is a group of various health care providers and provide coordinated care to its assigned beneficiaries. If ACOs improve the quality level and reduce the cost of care, they can get financial incentives. Under the discussion for a quite long time and demonstration projects, ACO has been established. We aimed to analysis and discuss the history, policy mechanism, contents, status and outcomes of ACO. Also, we intended to suggest political implication Korean health care system with regard to ACO. Methods: We searched the articles related ACO in PubMed and selected several available papers about ACO. Total 56 studies were reviewed and categorized three parts; demonstration projects for formation of ACO, policy mechanism and agenda, empirical results of ACO performance. Results: As a result, establishment of ACO was successful partly in the US. It seems to be due to various project and pilot test for verification in the long time. The empirical effect of ACO was also identified in a few study but it needs more evidences to judge its positive effect. Conclusion: In Korea, there are arguments for the application of ACO. However it is difficult to implement a ACO by different political conditions between Korean and US. Nevertheless ACO proposed us the necessity of paradigm shift in our health policy and could be significant to national policy orientation in the future.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. Methods: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. Results: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2017

PURPOSES : The main purpose of this study is to develop a high elastic modulus and low-shrinkage roller-compacted concrete base (RCCB) in order to prevent fatigue cracking and reflective cracking in the asphalt surface layer of composite pavement. Using a rigid base material with low shrinkage can be a solution to this problem. Moreover, a strong rigid base with high elastic modulus is able to shift the location of critical tensile strain from the bottom of the asphalt layer to the bottom of the rigid base layer, which can prevent fatigue cracking in the asphalt layer. METHODS : Sensitivity analysis of composite pavement via numerical methods is implemented to determine an appropriate range of elastic modulus of the rigid base that would eliminate fatigue cracking. Various asphalt thicknesses and elastic moduli of the rigid base are used in the analysis to study their respective influences on fatigue cracking. Low-shrinkage RCC mixture, as determined via laboratory testing with various amounts of a CSA expansion agent (0%, 7%, and 10%), is found to achieve an appropriate low-shrinkage level. Shrinkage of RCC is measured according to KS F 2424. RESULTS : This study shows that composite pavements comprising asphalt thicknesses of (h1) 2 in. with E2 > 19 GPa, 4 in. with E2 > 15 GPa, and 6 in. with E2 > 11 GPa are able to eliminate tensile strain in the asphalt layer, which is the cause of fatigue cracking in this layer. Shrinkage test results demonstrate that a 10% CSA RCC mixture can reduce shrinkage by 84% and 93% as compared to conventional RCC and PCC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS : According to the results of numerical analyses using various design inputs, composite pavements are shown to be able to eliminate fatigue cracking in composite pavement. Additionally, an RCC mixture with 10% CSA admixture is able to reduce or eliminate reflective cracking in asphalt surfaces as a result of the significant shrinkage reduction in the RCC base. Thus, this low-shrinkage base material can be used as an alternative solution to distresses in composite pavement.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.48
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• pp.7-41
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• 2002

This paper analyses the proposals contained in the British Government Green Paper, A New Contract for Welfare: Partnership in Pensions for low paid workers and the potential of the new rules to guarantee a decent income in old age. The UK pension system is a partnership between the State(providing the basic state pension and the SERPS), employers(providing occupational pension scheme) and private pension providers(providing personal pensions). Although the system needs to change, this partnership remains the right foundation. However, the pension Green Paper proposes substantial changes to second tier pension provision in the UK. In particular, the Government plans to replace the SERPS with a new State Second Pension. According to the Green Paper, this will result in "dramatically better pension provision for those earning less than ${\pounds}9,000$ a year" and through increased payments to private pension schemes, will also provide "extra help to those on middle incomes(${\pounds}9,000-{\pounds}18,500$ a year). Therefore, it discusses the general principles inherent in the design of the British pension system and analyses the balance of these principles is represented in the Green Paper. The paper then examines how the Government's proposals protect individuals from a means-tested old age. This paper finds that the Green paper's proposals add up to reinventing a new two-stage basic pension. However, two key features of a such a basic pension package are missing- an 'adequate' level of payment and comprehensive entitlement. Because of these missing principles we argue that the Green Paper's proposals incorporate for the low paid. The income from the basic pension and the secondary pension which is so near the means-tested minimum that little is gained in retirement from a lifetime of work and contribution. Indeed, the shift away from collective provision and the emphasis on individual responsibility will reinforce this inequality, so that many poor will continue to experience poverty in later life.

• KOMUNHWA
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• no.56
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• pp.59-91
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• 2000

The iron culture have been studied mainly about the initial aspect and the growth of polity grossly on the level of the south Korea or the Yeungnam province. But the iron culture is necessary to study by diachronic and regional approach about the artifact

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.26 no.7
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• pp.627-635
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• 2015

We propose a dual-layer differential equal-gain codebook design methodology for LTE-Advanced(LTE-A), IEEE802.ac, and radar system having multiple transmit and receive antennas, and make computer simulations to evaluate its link-level performaces. M-ary phase shift keying constellation is used as its codeword elements to utilize low-cost power amplifiers at mobile stations. Especially, the proposed codebook can meet radar systems requirement for the high-powered equal-gain transmission property. Due to the temporal correlation of the adjacent channel, the proposed differential codebook can quantize only the differential information of the channel instead of the whole channel subspace, which virtually increase the codebook size to realize more accurate quantization of the channel. The proposed codebook has the same properties of LTE codebook that is, constant modulus, complexity reduction, and nested property. Computer simulations show that the proposed codebook performs better than the conventional 8-ary codebooks with the same amount of feedback information.