• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.464-474
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• 2006

The paleoceanography since 14 ka was reconstructed based on the planktic foraminiferal assemblages of core sediments from the outer shelf of the Korea Strait. Planktic foraminifera in the core sediments can be divided into four assemblages: A, B, C, and D. Assemblage A consists mainly of Globigerinoides ruber group and Globigerinoides conglobatus with low abundance (less than 10%), indicating the tropical-subtropical water mass. Assemblage B is composed of Pulleniatina obliquiloculata and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, the indicator of Kuroshio Current, and shows the aspect of the inflow of the Tsushima Current into the Korea Strait. Assemblage C yields polar-subpolar species, mainly Neogloboquadrina incompta and N. pachyderma. It decreases upward of the core. Assemblage D contains coastal water species such as Globigerina bulloides and G. quinqueloba. It is abundant in the lower to middle region of the core. From the analysis of distributions of each assemblage and the result of age datings in the core, it is suggested that the Korea Strait played a role of channelling the East China Sea and the East Sea after the LGM (ca. 14 ka). During this time, the coastal water, affected by fresh waters originated from the river systems of China and/ or the Korean Peninsula, flourished around the Korea Strait and theses coastal water might entered to the East Sea. Around 8.5 ka, the effect of the Tsushima Current started to strengthen in this region, and the present current system seems to be formed at about $7{\sim}6ka$.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.28 no.1 s.66
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• pp.165-174
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• 1998

The turnover of collagen is controlled by the balance between collagen synthesis and degradation. The production of collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1) and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metallopmteinase-1 (TIMP-1) are one of the substances which regulate this balance. The periodontal ligament fibroblast plays an important role in collagen metabolism during orthodontic treatment and is believed to be an origin of the osteoblast in the alveolar bone. The collagenase secreted by the periodontal ligament fibroblast and the osteoblast initiates the bone resorption by removing the osteoid layer in the alveloar bone. The interleukin-$1{\beta}$ is secreted by the macrophage during orthodontic treatment. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of mechanical stress and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ on the expression of collagenase and TIMP-1 in the periodontal ligament fibroblasts using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining. The periodontal ligament fibroblasts were stitched by placing the $Petriperm dish^{\circledR}$ dish on the top of spheroidal convex watch glass ($5\%$ surface increase) and tented with interleukin-$1{\beta}$ (1.0 ng/ml), or treated with both of them. Treatment with mechanical stress and/or interleukin-$1{\beta}$ resulted in increased collagenase mRNA expression. The mechanical stress treated group (1.61, 1.62, 1.37 fold increase), the interleukin-$1{\beta}$, tented group (1.68, 1.60, 3.78 fold increase), the mechanical stress and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ treated group (1.89, 1.72, 5.48 fold increase) induced increases in collagenase mRNA compared with the control group after 2, 4, 8 hours respectively. But TIMP-1 mRNA expressions at experimental groups were decreased after 2, 4 hours and increased after 8 hours. The mechanical stress treated group (0.16, 0.49 fold decrease and 3.77 fold increase), the interleukin-$1{\beta}$ treated group (0.15,0.44 fold decrease and 4.46 fold increase), the mechanical stress and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ tented group (0.15, 0.69 fold decrease and 4.81 fold increase) induced changes in TIMP-1 mRNA compared with the control group after 2, 4, 8 hours, respectively. Immunohistochemical stain showed that increased collagenase and TIMP-1 staining of the mechanical stress tented group, the interleukin-$1{\beta}$ treated group, and the mechanical stress and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ treated group compared with that of the control group after 8 hours. These findings suggest that mechanical stress and interleukin-$1{\beta}$ regulate expression of collagenase and TIMP-1.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.207-212
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• 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the genotypes and frequencies of Melanocortin 1 Receptor(MC1R) genes in pigs which plays a central role in regulation of eumelanin (black/brown) and phaeomelanin(red/yellow) pigment synthesis within the mammalian melanocytes. Four different breeds of pigs(20 Landrace, 20 Yorkshire, 20 Duroc, and 93 Jeju native black pigs) were used and PCR-RFLP analysis of MC1R gene was also carried out. Two regions of MC1R genes (428bp and 405bp) were amplified using two specific primers (MERL1-EPIG2, EPIG1-EPIG3), respectively and MC1R allele were determined using 2 restriction enzymes (BspHⅠ, AccⅡ). The results of this experiment indicated that MC1R allelic type in Landrace, Large Yorkshire and Duroc were MC1R *2 (Ep), MC1R *2 (Ep), MC1R *4 (e), respectively. However, various allelic types of MC1R genes were detected in Jeju native black pigs. MC1R allelic type of Jeju black pigs was MC1R*2 type as in Meishan and Large black breeds or MC1R*3 type as in Hampshire and Berkshire breeds and the gene frequencies of ED1 and ED2 were 0.554 and 0.446 in average.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitously distributed and play important functions in diverse cellular signaling systems. The proteins are largely classified into three groups, such as typical 2-Cys Prx, atypical 2-Cys Prx, and 1-Cys Prx, that are distinguished by their catalytic mechanisms and number of Cys residues. From the three classes of Prxs, the typical 2-Cys Prx containing the two-conserved Cys residues at its N-terminus and C-terminus catalyzes $H_2O_2$ with the use of thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor. During the catalytic cycle, the N-terminal Cys residue undergoes a peroxide-dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfinic acid at the presence of high concentrations of $H_2O_2$ and a Trx system containing Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH. The sulfinic acid form of 2-Cys Prx is reduced by the action of sulfiredoxin which requires ATP as an energy source. Under the strong oxidative or heat shock stress conditions, 2-Cys Prx in eukaryotes rapidly switches its protein structure from low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight protein structures. In accordance with its structural changes, the protein concomitantly triggers functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone, which can protect its substrate denaturation from external stress. In addition to its N-terminal active site, the C-terminal domain including 'YF-motif' of 2-Cys Prx plays a critical role in the structural changes. Therefore, the C-terminal truncated 2-Cys Prxs are not able to regulate their protein structures and highly resistant to $H_2O_2$-dependent hyperoxidation, suggesting that the reaction is guided by the peroxidatic Cys residue. Based on the results, it may be concluded that the peroxidatic Cys of 2-Cys Prx acts as an '$H_2O_2$-sensor' in the cells. The oxidative stress-dependent regulation of 2-Cys Prx provides a means of defense systems in cells to adapt stress conditions by activating intracellular defense signaling pathways. Particularly, 2-Cys Prxs in plants are localized in chloroplasts with a dynamic protein structure. The protein undergoes conformational changes again oxidative stress. Depending on a redox-potential of the chloroplasts, the plant 2-Cys Prx forms super-molecular weight protein structures, which attach to the thylakoid membranes in a reversible manner.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.136-144
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• 2007

Purpose : Human bocavirus (HBoV) was recently identified world widely in clinical specimens from infants and children with respiratory tract illness, but the role of HBoV in respiratory tract illnesses is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and the clinical manifestation of HBoV in pediatric patients. Methods : We retrospectively investigated 1,777 throat swab obtained between 2005 and 2006 from pediatric in-patients with acute respiratory tract diseases at the Kwang-ju Christian Hospital. The medical records of patients with positive results were reviewed for demographic and clinical data of HBoV infections. Results : HBoV DNA was found in 84 (4.7%) of the 1,777 hospitalized children and the mean age was 19 months. The most common diagnosis were pneumonia (67.8%), bronchiolitis (35.7%). HBoV infections were found year-round, though most occurred in spring and winter months. Conclusion : HBoV is frequently found in hospitalized infants and children with acute respiratory tract diseases in Korea, but an association of HBoV with a distinct respiratory tract manifestation was not apparent. To clarify the clinical significance of HBoV, further evaluation of various age groups and clinical groups is needed.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.34-40
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• 2008

Purpose : Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity and is considered to be a multifactorial disorder involving a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide, and alterations in the ET-1 system are thought to play a role in triggering the vasoconstriction seen with preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of the 4 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (c.1370T>G, c.137_139delinsA, c.3539+2T>C, and c.5665G>T) of the ET-1 gene in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnancies and to investigate whether these SNPs are associated with preeclampsia in pregnant Korean women. Methods : We analyzed blood samples from 206 preeclamptic and 216 normotensive pregnancies using a commercially available SNapShot kit and an ABI Prism 3100 Genetic analyzer. Results : There were no significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies of the 4 SNPs in the ET-1 gene between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies. The respective frequencies of the 3 haplotypes (TDTG, GDCT, and TICT; >10% haplotype frequency) were 61%, 13% and 13%, respectively, in preeclampsic pregnancies and 62%, 14% and 12%, respectively, in normotensive pregnancies. The frequencies of these haplotypes were similar for both groups. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we did not observe an increase in the risk of preeclampsia for the 4 SNPs of the ET-1 gene under either a recessive or dominant model. Conclusion : This study suggests that the 4 SNPs of the ET-1 gene are not associated with an increased risk for preeclampsia in pregnant Korean women.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.452-455
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• 2006

The in vitro cytoprotective and anti-oxidative effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, a major active compound from bear's gall were investigated in mouse brain microglia. In the present study, we wished to scrutinize the potential role of UDCA as an anti-neurodegenerative agent in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. This concept was supported by the multiple preliminary studies in which UDCA has an anti-inflammatory effect in microglial cells. In the study, we found that $7.5\;{\mu}g/mL$ UDCA was effective in the protection of cells from $H_2O_2$ damage, a reactive oxygen, and the resuIt was coincided with the anti-apoptotic effect in DAPI staining. Moreover, the metal-catalyzed oxidation study showed that UDCA has antioxidant effect as much as ascorbic acid at $50{\sim}100\;{\mu}g/mL$. In conclusion, these study results suggested that neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease probably caused by over-expressed beta amyloid peptide in elderly people can be controled by UDCA through an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effect. The evidences showed in the study may be references for more in-depth in vivo and clinical studies for a candidate of anti-neurodegenerative therapy in the near future.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.142-149
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• 2014

This study has compared carbon storages, annual carbon uptakes and annual soil respiration by planting type in Dujeong park, Cheonan city. Four plantations were selected in Dujeong park: Pinus densiflora plantation, Quercus acutissima community, Quercus acutissima-Robinia pseudoacacia plantation, and Robinia pseudoacacia plantation. We investigated each plantations from February 2012 to March 2013. Carbon storage and annual carbon uptake in each plantations were calculated with allometric method (Lee, 2003), and soil respiration was measured by using LI-6400 (LI-COR). Carbon storages in Pinus densiflora plantation, Quercus acutissima community, Quercus acutissima-Robinia pseudoacacia plantation, and Robinia pseudoacacia plantation were $17.36tonCha^{-1}$, $88.63tonCha^{-1}$, $115.38tonCha^{-1}$ and 4$9.88tonCha^{-1}$, and annual carbon uptakes were $1.04tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, $2.12tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, $6.47tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and $3.67tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, respectively. Average annual carbon uptakes per tree of Pinus densiflora plantation, Quercus acutissima community and Robinia pseudoacacia plantation were $1.81kgC{\cdot}treeyr^{-1}$, $17.86kgC{\cdot}treeyr^{-1}$ and $9.14kgC{\cdot}treeyr^{-1}$ and Quercus acutissima was the greatest. The amounts of carbon released from soil respiration in the same four plantations were $2.20{\mu}molCO_2m^{-2}s^{-1}$, $1.90{\mu}molCO_2m^{-2}s^{-1}$, $2.47{\mu}molCO_2m^{-2}s^{-1}$ and $2.51{\mu}molCO_2m^{-2}s^{-1}$, and annual soil respiration were estimated $6.66tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, $5.33tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, $7.20tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and $7.25tonCha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, respectively. In this study area, Quercus acutissima-Robinia pseudoacacia plantation has a significant contribution to the role of carbon sink. However, the contribution of Pinus densiflora plantation was evaluated less. The results of this study can be used as the necessary data for tree planting and management in urban park.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-27
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• 2011

In an attempt to cope with widespread, dynamic, and accelerating changes in both internal and external business environments, companies often utilize information technologies such as SCM(Supply Chain Management). To date, SCM research has mainly focused on the effects of dynamic factors on SCM success and emphasized adoption strategies and critical success factors. Consequently, the effects of more static factors such as interdependency between SCM partners have been largely ignored. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the effects of both dynamic and static factors on SCM performance by controlling for information quality and partnership quality. The five factors examined in this study include innovative ness, mutual dependency, quality of information, partnership quality, and SCM performance. All factors were examined from the perspective of part suppliers, except the mutual dependency which was examined from two aspects: supplier's dependency on customer and customer's dependency on supplier. Data was collected through five hundred survey questionnaires distributed to the part supplier companies that have implemented SCM systems for at least one year. As a result, a total of 170 valid responses were obtained. A structural equation research model was fitted using SAS 9.1.3 and SMART-PLS 2.0. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. First, innovativeness positively affected SCM information quality. SCM partnership quality, and ultimately SCM performance. The path coefficient between innovativeness and information quality was 0.387, with a t-value of 3.528. Innovativeness also had a positively direct effect on partnership quality. The path coefficient was 0.351 with a t-value of 3.366. The total effect of innovativeness on partnership quality was significant, although its indirect effect on partnership quality by altering information quality was negligible. The total indirect effect of innovativeness on SCM performance by affecting information quality and partnership quality was significant with a p-value of 0.014. Innovativeness played an important role in determining SCM performance. Second, mutual dependency showed no significant effect on SCM information quality. This result contradicts the earlier assertion that the more dependent two companies are, the more accurate and timely the information they exchange ought to be. This study showed that this may not be the case; a partner may provide information of poor quality even when it is strongly dependent on the other. Mutual dependency showed significant effect on partnership quality. However, when the mutual dependency perceived by suppliers was divided into two parts, one being a supplier's dependency on its customer company and the other being a customer's dependency on the supplier, the latter showed a significant impact on the perceived SCM partnership quality. This result indicates that a customer company can hardly improve the partnership quality perceived by suppliers by making them more dependent. It improves only when the suppliers perceive that their partners, typically having more bargaining power, are more dependent on them. The overall effect of mutual dependency of any kind on SCM performance, however, was not significant. Although mutual dependency has been mentioned as an important static factor influencing almost every aspect of cooperation on a supply chain, its influences may not be as significant as it was initially perceived to be. Third, the correlation between information quality and partnership quality was 0.448 with a p-value of less than 0.001. Information quality had a path coefficient of 0.256 to partnership quality with a t-value of 2.940. The quality of information exchanged between partners may have an impact on their partnership quality. Fourth, information quality also had a significant impact on SCM performance with a path coefficient of 0.325 with a t-value of 3.611. In this study, SCM performance was divided into four categories: product quality, cost saving, service quality, and order fulfillment. Information quality has Significant impacts on product quality, cost saving and service quality, but not on order fulfillment. Fifth, partnership quality, as expected, had a significant impact on SCM performance. The path coefficient was 0.403 with a t-value of 3.539. Partnership quality, like information quality, had positive impacts on product quality, cost saving and service quality, but showed no impact on order fulfillment. It seemed that order fulfillment is the hardest category of performance that SCM can satisfy. One major limitation of this study is that it surveyed only the suppliers. To better understand the dual aspects of SCM, it is important to survey both suppliers and the assemblers, especially in pairs. This research, to our best knowledge, was the first attempt to study the level of dependency between the two groups by measuring the dual aspects of SCM and studying mutual dependency from the categories of suppliers and assemblers each.. In the future, a more comprehensive and precise measurement of SCM characteristics needs to be achieved by examining from both the supplier's and assembler's perspectives.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.19 no.4 s.50
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• pp.265-275
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• 2006

It is in its infancy to use bacteria as a novel biotechnology for leaching precious and heavy metals from raw materials. The objective of this study was to investigate biogeochemical processes of iron leaching from magnetite reduction by iron-reducing bacteria isolated from intertidal flat sediments, southwestern part of Korea. Microbial leaching experiments were performed using commercial magnetite, Aldrich magnetite, in well-defined mediums with and without bacteria. Water soluble Fe production was determined by ICP analysis of bioleached samples in comparison to uninoculated controls, and the resulting precipitated solids were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The extent of iron leaching from magnetite in the aerobic conditions (Fe = 107 ppm) was higher than that in the anaerobic environments (Fe = 94 ppm). In the anaerobic conditions, Fe(III) in commercial magnetite was also reduced to Fe(II), but no secondary mineral phases were observed. Amorphous iron oxides formed in the medium under aerobic conditions where there was sufficient supply of oxygen from the atmosphere. SEM observation suggests that the reduction process involves dissolution-precipitation mechanisms as opposed to solid state conversion of magnetite to amorphous iron oxides. The ability of bacteria to leach soluble iron and precipitate amorphous iron oxides from crystalline magnetite could have significant implications for biogeochemical processes in sediments where Fe(III) in magnetite plays an important role in the largest pool of electron acceptor as well as the tool as a novel biotechnology for leaching precious and heavy metals from raw materials.