• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.227-234
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• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the nutrient solution developed by based on nutrient-water absorption rate of strawberry 'Maehyang' by comparing growth and yield for 8 months with 5 kinds of nutrient solution with different ion composition. Strawberry plants were planted at elevated bed and supplied with five kinds of nutrient solutions (RDA), Yamazaki, PBG, University of Seoul (UOS) and NewUOS from one month onwards. Five types of nutrient solution were supplied to the strawberry plants associated with EC $1.0dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, pH 6.0, $150{\sim}300mL{\cdot}plant^{-1}$ per day. At 60 days after planting, leaf width and leaf petiole of the strawberry plants showed significant differences among nutrient solution types and photosynthesis was higher in RDA and NewUOS nutrient solution and lower in PBG nutrient solution. The EC of the drainage on vegetative growth stage was $0.7{\sim}0.8dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, which is lower than the supplied EC level, and to $1.0-1.2dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$, afterwards. The pH of the drainage was higher in Yamzaki solution as 6.2~6.8, while the pH of the UOS nutrient solution was lower in 5.1~5.2. Nitrate content was most absorbed in vegetative growth stage and after flower clusters development. The potassium uptake was highest at the NewUOS followed by UOS and Yamazaki nutrient solution. At six months after -planting fresh weight and dry weight of shoot and root were higher in UOS and NewUOS nutrient solution than other nutrient solutions, and the dry matter ratio was lower at 43.5% in Yamazaki nutrient solution and 30.6% in NewUOS nutrient solution than other solutions. Length, width, weight, and sugar content of the strawberries harvested from December to February were unaffected by treatment, but yield was higher in NewUOS nutrient solution due to increasing fruit number and average weight. From March to May, number of fruit was higher in Yamazaki nutrient solution. In conclusion, there was no difference in the growth of 'Maehyang' when 5 nutrient solutions were grown under hydroponics. But in order to improve the marketability, the NewUOS nutrient solution is appropriate to use from planting to February and it is suitable to use Yamazaki nutrient solution after March when temperature is high and the amount of fruit set per inflorescence.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.513-521
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• 2019

The purpose of this research is to find out the preference of users on the characteristics of the subway sign blank. In detail, The purpose is to introduce the concept of designing various characteristics of the subway sign blank according to characteristics such as gender and age, etc. The methodology of this study is to investigate the preference of the characteristics of the characteristics of the subway sign blank space and analyze the preference of the whole group and the cluster group. A survey was conducted to investigate preferences. A cluster analysis was conducted to analyze the preferences. And a demographic and conjoint analysis was conducted for whole group and the cluster group. The attributes of the subway sign blank space for preference survey are as follow : top and bottom blank, side blank, border line blank, arrow thickness, 'station name' and 'line number' order. The results of the preference analysis are as follows. The importance of the attributes in the whole group is shown in the order of the border line blank, 'station name' and 'line number' blank, side blank, top and bottom blank, and arrow thickness. The cluster group is composed of 3 groups, 1 cluster is a woman who uses the subway almost every day, three to four times a week, and seems to prefer half the side blank. 2 crowd is the user who thinks that 60 or more subway signs are uncomfortable, and preferring the order of 'station name' + 'line number' order without border. The 3 clusters were men in their 20s and 30s, with a preference for 1/5 border line blank and thin arrow thickness. The conclusion is as follows. First, the characteristics of the subway sign blank must be designed consistently. However, it is necessary to consider various factors according to gender, age, and frequency of subway use for specific regions or routes. Secondly, It has been shown that, depending on the specific area or route, it is possible to design two or more types of design, not one type of standardized marking of the characteristics of the subway sign blank.

• Journal of KIISE:Computer Systems and Theory
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• v.34 no.5_6
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• pp.202-213
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• 2007

A network is an important model widely used in natural and social science as well as engineering. To analyze these networks easily it is necessary that we should layout the features of networks visually. These Graph-Layout researches have been performed recently according to the development of the computer technology. Among them, the Scale-free Network that stands out in these days is widely used in analyzing and understanding the complicated situations in various fields. The Scale-free Network is featured in two points. The first, the number of link(Degree) shows the Power-function distribution. The second, the network has the hub that has multiple links. Consequently, it is important for us to represent the hub visually in Scale-free Network but the existing Graph-layout algorithms only represent clusters for the present. Therefor in this thesis we suggest Graph-layout algorithm that effectively presents the Scale-free network. The Hubity(hub+ity) repulsive force between hubs in suggested algorithm in this thesis is in inverse proportion to the distance, and if the degree of hubs increases in a times the Hubity repulsive force between hubs is ${\alpha}^{\gamma}$ times (${\gamma}$??is a connection line index). Also, if the algorithm has the counter that controls the force in proportion to the total node number and the total link number, The Hubity repulsive force is independent of the scale of a network. The proposed algorithm is compared with Graph-layout algorithm through an experiment. The experimental process is as follows: First of all, make out the hub that exists in the network or not. Check out the connection line index to recognize the existence of hub, and then if the value of connection line index is between 2 and 3, then conclude the Scale-free network that has a hub. And then use the suggested algorithm. In result, We validated that the proposed Graph-layout algorithm showed the Scale-free network more effectively than the existing cluster-centered algorithms[Noack, etc.].

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.880-884
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• 2001

Rumen microbiology research has undergone several evolutionary steps: the isolation and nutritional characterization of readily cultivated microbes; followed by the cloning and sequence analysis of individual genes relevant to key digestive processes; through to the use of small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) sequences for a cultivation-independent examination of microbial diversity. Our knowledge of rumen microbiology has expanded as a result, but the translation of this information into productive alterations of ruminal function has been rather limited. For instance, the cloning and characterization of cellulase genes in Escherichia coli has yielded some valuable information about this complex enzyme system in ruminal bacteria. SSU rRNA analyses have also confirmed that a considerable amount of the microbial diversity in the rumen is not represented in existing culture collections. However, we still have little idea of whether the key, and potentially rate-limiting, gene products and (or) microbial interactions have been identified. Technologies allowing high throughput nucleotide and protein sequence analysis have led to the emergence of two new fields of investigation, genomics and proteomics. Both disciplines can be further subdivided into functional and comparative lines of investigation. The massive accumulation of microbial DNA and protein sequence data, including complete genome sequences, is revolutionizing the way we examine microbial physiology and diversity. We describe here some examples of our use of genomics- and proteomics-based methods, to analyze the cellulase system of Ruminococcus flavefaciens FD-1 and explore the genome of Ruminococcus albus 8. At Illinois, we are using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) vectors to create libraries containing large (>75 kbases), contiguous segments of DNA from R. flavefaciens FD-1. Considering that every bacterium is not a candidate for whole genome sequencing, BAC libraries offer an attractive, alternative method to perform physical and functional analyses of a bacterium's genome. Our first plan is to use these BAC clones to determine whether or not cellulases and accessory genes in R. flavefaciens exist in clusters of orthologous genes (COGs). Proteomics is also being used to complement the BAC library/DNA sequencing approach. Proteins differentially expressed in response to carbon source are being identified by 2-D SDS-PAGE, followed by in-gel-digests and peptide mass mapping by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry, as well as peptide sequencing by Edman degradation. At Ohio State, we have used a combination of functional proteomics, mutational analysis and differential display RT-PCR to obtain evidence suggesting that in addition to a cellulosome-like mechanism, R. albus 8 possesses other mechanisms for adhesion to plant surfaces. Genome walking on either side of these differentially expressed transcripts has also resulted in two interesting observations: i) a relatively large number of genes with no matches in the current databases and; ii) the identification of genes with a high level of sequence identity to those identified, until now, in the archaebacteria. Genomics and proteomics will also accelerate our understanding of microbial interactions, and allow a greater degree of in situ analyses in the future. The challenge is to utilize genomics and proteomics to improve our fundamental understanding of microbial physiology, diversity and ecology, and overcome constraints to ruminal function.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1149-1154
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• 2014

Background: In Malaysia, data from the Malaysian Health Ministry showed colorectal cancer (CRC) to be the second most common type of cancer in 2007-2009, after breast cancer. The same was apparent after looking at males and females cases separately. In the present study, the Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to describe the distribution of CRC cases in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia, according to socio-demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity and district). Materials and Methods: This retrospective review concerned data for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the years 1995 to 2011 collected from the Wilayah Persekutuan Health Office, taken from the cancer notification form (NCR-2), and patient medical records from the Surgical Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). A total of 146 cases were analyzed. All the data collected were analysed using ArcGIS version 10.0 and SPSS version 19.0. Results: Patients aged 60 to 69 years accounted for the highest proportion of cases (34.2%) and males slightly predominated 76 (52.1%), Chinese had the highest number of registered cases at 108 (74.0%) and staging revealed most cases in the 3rd and 4th stages. Kernel density analysis showed more cases are concentrated up in the northern area of Petaling and Kuala Lumpur subdistricts. Spatial global pattern analysis by average nearest neighbour resulted in nearest neighbour ratio of 0.75, with Z-score of -5.59, p value of <0.01 and the z-score of -5.59. Spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I) showed clustering significant with p<0.01, Z score 3.14 and Moran's Index of 0.007. When mapping clusters with hotspot analysis (Getis-Ord Gi), hot and cold spots were identified. Hot spot areas fell on the northeast side of KL. Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant spatial patterns of cancer incidence in KL. Knowledge about these spatial patterns can provide useful information to policymakers in the planning of screening of CRC in the targeted population and improvement of healthcare facilities to provide better treatment for CRC patients.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.444-454
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• 2013

The development of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) provided a useful tool for investigating Korean ginseng genetic diversity. In this study, 18 polymorphic markers (7 RAPD and 11 EST-SSR) selected to assess the genetic diversity in 31 ginseng accessions (11 Korean ginseng cultivars and 20 breeding lines). In RAPD analysis, a total of 53 unique polymorphic bands were obtained from ginseng accessions and number of amplicons ranged from 4 to 11 with a mean of 7.5 bands. Pair-wise genetic similarity coefficient (Nei) among all pairs of ginseng accessions varied from 0.01 to 0.32, with a mean of 0.11. On the basis of the resulting data, the 31 ginseng accessions were grouped into six clusters. As a result of EST-SSR analysis, 11 EST-SSR markers detected polymorphisms among the 31 ginseng accessions and revealed 49 alleles with a mean of 4.45 alleles per primer. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.06 to 0.31, with an average of 0.198. The 31 ginseng accessions were classified into five groups by cluster analysis based on Nei's genetic distances. Consequently, the results of ginseng-specific RAPD and EST-SSR markers may prove useful for the evaluation of genetic diversity and discrimination of Korean ginseng cultivars and breeding lines.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2012.05a
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• pp.68.1-68.1
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• 2012

The best part of graphene is - charge-carriers in it are mass less particles which move in near relativistic speeds. Comparing to other materials, electrons in graphene travel much faster - at speeds of $10^8cm/s$. A graphene sheet is pure enough to ensure that electrons can travel a fair distance before colliding. Electronic devices few nanometers long that would be able to transmit charge at breath taking speeds for a fraction of power compared to present day CMOS transistors. Many researches try to check a possibility to make it a perfect replacement for silicon based devices. Graphene has shown high potential to be used as interconnects in the field of high frequency electrical devices. With all those advantages of graphene, we demonstrate characteristics of electrical and optical properties of graphene such as the effect of graphene geometry on the microwave properties using the measurements of S-parameter in range of 500 MHz - 40 GHz at room temperature condition. We confirm that impedance and resistance decrease with increasing the number of graphene layer and w/L ratio. This result shows proper geometry of graphene to be used as high frequency interconnects. This study also presents the optical properties of graphene oxide (GO), which were deposited in different substrate, or influenced by oxygen plasma, were confirmed using different characterization techniques. 4-6 layers of the polycrystalline GO layers, which were confirmed by High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron diffraction analysis, were shown short range order of crystallization by the substrate as well as interlayer effect with an increase in interplanar spacing, which can be attributed to the presence of oxygen functional groups on its layers. X-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of the $sp^2$ and $sp^3$ hybridization due to the disordered crystal structures of the carbon atoms results from oxidation, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and XPS analysis shows the changes in oxygen functional groups with nature of substrate. Moreover, the photoluminescent (PL) peak emission wavelength varies with substrate and the broad energy level distribution produces excitation dependent PL emission in a broad wavelength ranging from 400 to 650 nm. The structural and optical properties of oxygen plasma treated GO films for possible optoelectronic applications were also investigated using various characterization techniques. HRTEM and electron diffraction analysis confirmed that the oxygen plasma treatment results short range order crystallization in GO films with an increase in interplanar spacing, which can be attributed to the presence of oxygen functional groups. In addition, Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of the $sp^2$ and $sp^3$ hybridization due to the disordered crystal structures of the carbon atoms results from oxidation and XPS analysis shows that epoxy pairs convert to more stable C=O and O-C=O groups with oxygen plasma treatment. The broad energy level distribution resulting from the broad size distribution of the $sp^2$ clusters produces excitation dependent PL emission in a broad wavelength range from 400 to 650 nm. Our results suggest that substrate influenced, or oxygen treatment GO has higher potential for future optoelectronic devices by its various optical properties and visible PL emission.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.591-600
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• 2006

Purpose: This study assessed the impact of self-reported periodontal health on the oral health-related quality of life among elderly Koreans. Methods: Four hundred twenty one elderly Koreans in Seoul and suburban areas were selected with a cluster (institution) sampling method, and were requested to take oral examinations and finish questionnaires on the Oral Health Impact Profile-14(OHIP-14). and self-reported periodontal health status, such as periodontal symptoms, self-rated periodontal health and periodontal treatment need. As the dependent variable, OHIP-14 showed a positive skewed distribution (skewness: 1.17), we transformed to square-root form to apply parametric analyses. Bivariate analysis by t-test and ANOVA, and multivariate analysis with the two-level regression model accounting clusters were implemented. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 74.6 years and 66.5% were women. Fourteen items of OHIP-14 were summarized to one factor explaining 78.6% of total variance and produced the Chronbach alpha coefficient of 0.92. Results from the multivariate model, adjusting for age, sex, type of institutions, ability to pay, and number of teeth present, showed significantly lower OHIP-14 with reporting less than 3 periodontal symptoms (p(O.OOO1), rating their own periodontal health as above average level (p=O.0144), and thinking they don't need any periodontal treatments in the near future (p=O.0148), than their counterparts. The intraclass-corrrelation estimated by the final model was 0.028. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant association between self-reported periodontal health status and the oral health-related quality of life.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.32-48
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• 2024

Background: Longitudinal connectivity in river systems strongly affects biological components related to ecosystem functioning, thereby playing an important role in shaping local biodiversity and ecosystem health. Environmental DNA (eDNA)-based metabarcoding has an advantage of enabling to sensitively diagnose the presence/absence of species, becoming an efficient/effective approach for studying the community structure of ecosystems. However, little attention has been paid to eDNA-based biomonitoring for river systems, particularly for assessing the river longitudinal connectivity. In this study, by using eDNA we analyzed and compared species diversity and composition among artificial barriers to assess the longitudinal connectivity of the fish community along down-, mid- and upstream in the Hotancheon from the Geum River basin. Moreover, we investigated temporal variation in eDNA fish community structure and species diversity according to season. Results: The results of species detected between eDNA and conventional surveys revealed higher sensitivity for eDNA and 61% of species (23/38) detected in both methods. The results showed that eDNA-based fish community structure differs from down-, mid- and upstream, and species diversity decreased from down to upstream regardless of season. We found that there was generally higher species diversity at the study sites in spring (a total number of species across the sites [n] = 29) than in autumn (n = 27). Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and heatmap analyses further suggest that there was a tendency for community clusters to form in the down-, mid- and upstream, and seasonal variation in the community structure also existed for the sites. Dominant species in the Hotancheon was Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (26.07%) regardless of season, and subdominant species was Nipponocypris koreanus (16.50%) in spring and Odontobutis platycephala (15.73%) in autumn. Artificial barriers appeared to negatively affect the connectivity of some fish species of high mobility. Conclusions: This study attempts to establish a biological monitoring system by highlighting the versatility and power of eDNA metabarcoding in monitoring native fish community and further evaluating the longitudinal connectivity of river ecosystems. The results of this study suggest that eDNA can be applied to identify fish community structure and species diversity in river systems, although some shortcomings remain still need to be resolved.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.369-378
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• 2018

Purpose: Obesity is associated with a dysregulation of metabolic balance and is regarded as a low grade chronic inflammation. Western-style diet and physical inactivity are leading causes of obesity. This study examined the profiles of forty plasma cytokines and chemokines at the same time in the early stages of high-fat diet-induced obesity using a mouse model. Methods: A total of 30 male CD1 mice, 12 ~ 14 weeks of age, were enrolled. The mice were fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity. The plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations were measured using a hexokinase colorimetric assay kit and a serum triglyceride determination kit, respectively. The relative levels of multiple cytokines and chemokines in the plasma were determined using a mouse cytokine array kit. Results: The mice exhibited significant weight gain after 6 weeks of a high-fat diet. The genital fat depot was enlarged along with an increase in the number and the mean size of white adipocytes as early as 4 weeks after a high-fat diet. In addition, the plasma glucose and triglyceride levels increased significantly after 4 weeks of a high-fat diet. Cytokine array analysis revealed a remarkable increase in the expression of both CXCL12 and CXCL13, whereas the proinflammatory cytokines remained low after 4 weeks of a high-fat diet. Conclusion: A significant increase in plasma levels of CXCL12 and CXCL13 was observed after 4 weeks of a high-fat diet, which might induce the migration of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and monocytes from the blood to expanding adipose tissue or fat associated lymphoid clusters, playing a key role in adipose tissue remodeling and local immunity during the early stages of high-fat diet-induced obesity.