• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10209-10215
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• 2015

To assess the contribution of tumor necrosis factor $(TNF){\beta}$ +252 polymorphisms to risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we enrolled 150 pairs of sex- and age-matched patients with HCC, patients with cirrhosis alone, and unrelated healthy controls. $TNF{\beta}$ +252 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Multivariate analysis indicated that $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype [odds ratio (OR), 3.64; 95%CI, 1.49-8.91], hepatitis B surface antigen (OR, 16.38; 95%CI, 8.30-32.33), and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) (OR, 39.11; 95%CI, 14.83-103.14) were independent risk factors for HCC. There was an additive interaction between $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HCV infection (synergy index=1.15). Multivariate analysis indicated that factors associated with $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype included cirrhosis with Child-Pugh C (OR, 4.06; 95%CI, 1.34-12.29), thrombocytopenia (OR, 6.55; 95%CI, 1.46-29.43), and higher serum ${\alpha}$-fetoprotein concentration (OR, 2.53; 95%CI, 1.14-5.62). Patients with $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype had poor cumulative survival (p=0.005). Cox proportional hazard model indicated that $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype was a biomarker for poor HCC survival (hazard ratio, 1.70; 95%CI, 1.07-2.69). In conclusion, there are independent and additive effects between $TNF{\beta}$ G/G genotype and chronic HBV/HCV infection on risk for HCC. It is a biomarker for poor HCC survival. Carriage of this genotype correlates with disease severity and advanced hepatic fibrosis, which may contribute to a higher risk and poor survival of HCC. Chronic HBV/HCV infected subjects with this genotype should receive more intensive surveillance for early detection of HCC.

• The KIPS Transactions:PartB
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• v.9B no.2
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• pp.139-146
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• 2002

The robot soccer simulation game is a dynamic multi-agent environment. In this paper we suggest a new reinforcement learning approach to each agent's dynamic positioning in such dynamic environment. Reinforcement learning is the machine learning in which an agent learns from indirect, delayed reward an optimal policy to choose sequences of actions that produce the greatest cumulative reward. Therefore the reinforcement learning is different from supervised learning in the sense that there is no presentation of input-output pairs as training examples. Furthermore, model-free reinforcement learning algorithms like Q-learning do not require defining or learning any models of the surrounding environment. Nevertheless these algorithms can learn the optimal policy if the agent can visit every state-action pair infinitely. However, the biggest problem of monolithic reinforcement learning is that its straightforward applications do not successfully scale up to more complex environments due to the intractable large space of states. In order to address this problem, we suggest Adaptive Mediation-based Modular Q-Learning (AMMQL) as an improvement of the existing Modular Q-Learning (MQL). While simple modular Q-learning combines the results from each learning module in a fixed way, AMMQL combines them in a more flexible way by assigning different weight to each module according to its contribution to rewards. Therefore in addition to resolving the problem of large state space effectively, AMMQL can show higher adaptability to environmental changes than pure MQL. In this paper we use the AMMQL algorithn as a learning method for dynamic positioning of the robot soccer agent, and implement a robot soccer agent system called Cogitoniks.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.25 no.3 s.107
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• pp.145-152
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• 2002

Saussurea chabyoungsanica was recorded in new species by Lim Hyoung Tak in 1997. In order to understand the entity of new species, we investigated the new distribution sites, vegetation structure and soil environmental factors. Additionally discovered distribution sites of S. chabyoungsanica were Manduckbong, Mt. Sukbyoung, Mt. Duckhang, and Sukgaejae, which were located on ridge of the Taebaek Mountains. Those sites are typical limestone zones of Korea and among them Sukgaejae belongs to lower great limestone area and Manduckbong, Mt. Sukbyoung and Mt. Duckhang belong to upper great limestone area. According to the result of phytosociological study, plant communities of S. chabyoungsanica were classified by 1 Community group, 4 Communities and 2 Subcommunities; Carex humilis var. nana-Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community group in wide sense Quercus mongolica Community group, Lespedeza maximowiczii-Saussurea chabyounsanica Community, Galium kinuta-Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community, Salvia chanryonica-Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community, Zabelia coreana-Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community. Environmental factor analysis of habitat showed that the distribution site of S. chabyoungsanica was ridge of North aspect and displayed pH $7{\sim}8$ typical of limestone. Soil moisture content was high, whereas organic matter content was low. Considering its high occurrence in sites of $1{\sim}10cm$ in soil depth, and of $30{\sim}45%$ in relative light intensity, major distribution sites were outcrops and boundaries between shrubland and forest. After community division by vegetation structure in habitat of S. chabyoungsanica, we investigated characters of soil environment by community. As a result of PCA analysis of soil sample by community, it was possible to divide community by characters of soil environmental factor. The cumulative value of contribution rate represented in second dimension space was 73% and the major factors for that value were soil texture, organic matter content and field capacity.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.159-168
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• 2015

Forty-four surface sediments from Doam Bay were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total metal (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and further chemical partitioning of metals were carried out in some samples. The TOC (0.32~3.10%) and TN (0.03~0.26%) values of the samples were similar to those of other coastal area. The C/N ratios ranged from 7.9 to 11.9 with an average 9.3 which revealed that contribution of terrestrial organic matters was relatively rare. Contents of analysed metals showed a level lower than threshold effects level (TEL) in sediment quality guidelines. Based on the chemical speciation of metals, the lattice fractions were found in the order Cr > Cu > Ni > Zn > Pb > Mn, while Mn and Pb are the ratio of the non-lattice fractions accounted for more than 50%. The average baseline values were obtained relative cumulative frequency curves and linear regression analysis. The respective baseline concentrations for Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn were 11.8, 23.1, 26.8, 76.6, 56.7, 585 mg/kg, respectively. Based on geoaccumulation index ($I_{geo}$) with a baseline values of Mn showed that face the contamination phase from estuarine stations. However, in case of Zn and Pb, although there is no sign of contamination, it could be release from sediment when there is a change in the environment, which is caused from the high ratio of non-lattice fractions.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2002

Saussurea chabyoungsanica was recorded in new species by Lim Hyoung Tak in 1997. In order to understand the entity of new species, we investigated the new distribution sites, vegetation structure and soil environmental factors. Additionally discovered distribution sites of S. chabyoungsanica were Manduckbong, Mt. Sukbyoung, Mt. Duckhang, and Sukgaejae, which were located on ridge of the Taebaek mountains. Those sites are typical limestone zones of Korea and among them Sukgaejae belongs to lower great limestone area and Manduckbong, Mt. Sukbyoung and Mt. Duckhang belong to uper great limestone area. According to the result of phytosociological study, plant communities of S. chabyoungsanica were classified by 1 Community group, 4 Communities and 2 Subcommunities; Carex humilis var. nana - Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community group in wide sense Quercus mongolica Community group, Lespedeza maximowiczii- Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community, Galium kinuta - Saussurea chabyongsanica Community, Saliva chanryonica - Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community, Zabelia coreana - Saussurea chabyoungsanica Community. Environmental factor analysis of habitat showed that the distribution site of S. chabyoungsanica was ridge of North aspect and displayed pH 7∼8 typical of limestone. Soil moisture content was high, whereas organic matter content was low. Considering its high occurrence in sites of 1∼10cm in soil depth, and of 30∼45% in relative light intensity, major distribution sites were outcrops and boundaries between shrubland and forest. After community division by vegetation structure in habitat of S. chabyoungsanica, we investigated characters of soil environment by community. As a result of PCA analysis of soil sample by community, it was possible to divide community by characters of soil environmental factor. The cumulative value of contribution rate represented in second dimension space was 73% and the major factors for that value were soil texture, organic matter content and field capacity.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.225-231
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• 2017

National reference standards (NRSs) for biologics are established through potency estimation by a multi-center joint study of standard materials used in the approval process for national lot release and quality control of vaccines, blood products, and other biologics. In this study, a stability evaluation was conducted to determine whether the potency of NRSs for six blood products was being maintained at a consistent level in Korea. The present study conducted real-time stability tests via in-vivo/in-vitro bioassay on NRSs for blood coagulation factor VIII concentrate (2nd standard), antithrombin concentrate, prekallikrein activator, anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin, blood coagulation factor IX concentrate, and anti-tetanus human immunoglobulin, as well as a trend analysis using cumulative annual results. The real-time stability test results showed that the mean potency of six NRSs was all within the control limit. In the trend analysis, the potency of NRS for blood coagulation factor VIII concentrate (2nd standard) showed a decreasing trend, while the potency of all other products had been stably maintained. The present study confirmed that the mean potency of NRSs for six blood products had been stably maintained in Korea. The findings of the present study establish a foundation that can ensure the quality of NRSs for biologics in Korea, and it is expected to make a major contribution to the supply of high-quality biologics.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.218-224
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• 2008

This study was conducted to obtain the basic data for using the Artemisia genetic resources as a medicinal crop. 24 taxa including Artemisia capillaris Thunb. were analyzed by principal component analysis of 25 characters and cluster analysis for classification. In Principal components analysis of individuals of taxa using 25 morphological characters of reproductive organ, the first, the second, the third and the fourth components contributed 44.73%, 16.86%, 8.88%, and 7.07% of the variations, respectively. The cumulative contribution from the first to the fourth principal components was 77.56%. In cluster analysis, taxa of Artemisia L. was seperated 3 group by 25 morphological characters of reproductive organ, but it didn't completely coincident with Kitamura classification.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.123-133
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• 1993

Shingal reservoir is a relatively small (211ha) and shallow impoundment, and approximately 25 ha of its sediment is exposed after spring drawdown. At least 14 vascular p13n1 species germinate on the exposed sediment, but Persimria vulgaris Webb et Moq. quickly dominates the vegetation. In order to estimate the role of the vegetation in the dynamics of heavy metal pollutants in the reservoir, Cu concentration of water, fallout particles, exposed sediment, and tissues of p. vulgaris, Ivas analyzed. Cu content in reservoir water decreased from $13.10mg/m^2$ on May 15 (before dralvdown) to $3.08mg/m^2$ in June 1 (after drawdown), mainly due to the loiwering of water level. Average atmospheric deposition of Cu by fallout particles was $10.84 {\mu}g/m^2/day$. Cu content in the surface 15cm of exposed sediment decreased from $5.094g1m^2$ right after drawdown, to $0.530g/m^2$ in 41 days, which is a 89.6% decrease. Therefore up to 99.7% of Cu in the reservoir appears to exist in the sediment. only 0.3% in water If the rate of atmospheric Input by fallout particles is assumed to have been the same since 1958, when the reservoir was completed, cumulative input of Cu during the 38 years would have been $150.35mg/m^2$, which is only 3.0% of Cu content in sediment right after drawdown. Therefore, most of Cu in the Shingal reservoir must have been transported by the Shingal-chun flowing into the reservoir, Standing crop of vegetation on the exposed sediment 41 days after drawdown was $730.67g/m^2$, of which 630.91g/m2 was p. vulgaris alone, and Cu content in P vulgaris at this time was $6.612mg/m^2$. This was only 0.13% of Cu in the exposed sediment, but was 50.5% of Cu in water before drawdown, or 167% of the average annual input of Cu by atmospheric deposition. If other plants were assumed to absorb Cu to the same concentration as p. vulgaris, total amount of Cu absorbed in 41 days by vegetation on the exposed sediment is estimated to be 1913.3 g, which is a considerable contribution to the purification of the reservoir water.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.29-29
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• 1993

Shingal reservoir is a relatively small (211ha) and shallow impoundment, and approximately 25 ha of its sediment is exposed after spring drawdown. At least 14 vascular p13n1 species germinate on the exposed sediment, but Persimria vulgaris Webb et Moq. quickly dominates the vegetation. In order to estimate the role of the vegetation in the dynamics of heavy metal pollutants in the reservoir, Cu concentration of water, fallout particles, exposed sediment, and tissues of p. vulgaris, Ivas analyzed. Cu content in reservoir water decreased from $13.10mg/m^2$ on May 15 (before dralvdown) to $3.08mg/m^2$ in June 1 (after drawdown), mainly due to the loiwering of water level. Average atmospheric deposition of Cu by fallout particles was $10.84 {\mu}g/m^2/day$. Cu content in the surface 15cm of exposed sediment decreased from $5.094g1m^2$ right after drawdown, to $0.530g/m^2$ in 41 days, which is a 89.6% decrease. Therefore up to 99.7% of Cu in the reservoir appears to exist in the sediment. only 0.3% in water If the rate of atmospheric Input by fallout particles is assumed to have been the same since 1958, when the reservoir was completed, cumulative input of Cu during the 38 years would have been $150.35mg/m^2$, which is only 3.0% of Cu content in sediment right after drawdown. Therefore, most of Cu in the Shingal reservoir must have been transported by the Shingal-chun flowing into the reservoir, Standing crop of vegetation on the exposed sediment 41 days after drawdown was $730.67g/m^2$, of which 630.91g/m2 was p. vulgaris alone, and Cu content in P vulgaris at this time was $6.612mg/m^2$. This was only 0.13% of Cu in the exposed sediment, but was 50.5% of Cu in water before drawdown, or 167% of the average annual input of Cu by atmospheric deposition. If other plants were assumed to absorb Cu to the same concentration as p. vulgaris, total amount of Cu absorbed in 41 days by vegetation on the exposed sediment is estimated to be 1913.3 g, which is a considerable contribution to the purification of the reservoir water.

• The Korean Journal of Air & Space Law and Policy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.27-51
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• 2007

The cumulative result of the work by the ICAO Secretariat, the Secretariat Study Group and the Council Special Group on the Modernization of the Rome Convention of 1952 are two draft Conventions, namely: "Draft Convention on Compensation for Damage Caused by Aircraft to Third Parties, in case of Unlawful Interference", and "Draft Convention on Compensation for Damage Caused by Aircraft to Third Parties" The core provisions of the former draft Convention are as follows: The liability of the operator is strict, that is, without the necessity of proof of fault. It would be liable for damage sustained by third parties on condition only that the damage was caused by an aircraft in flight(Article 3). However, such liability is caped based on the weight of the aircraft(Article 4). It is envisaged to create an independent organization called the Supplementary Compensation Mechanism, with the principle purpose to pay compensation to persons suffering damage in the territory of a State Party, and to provide financial support(Article 8). Compensation shall be paid by the SCM to the extent that the total amount of damages exceeds the Article 4 limits(Article 19). The main issues on the farmer draft Convention are relating to breaking away from Montreal Convention 1999, no limits on individual claims but a global limitation on air carrier liability, insurance coverage, cap of operators' strict liability, and Supplementary Compensation Mechanism. The core provisions of the latter draft Convention are as follows: the liability of the operator is strict, up to a certain threshold tentatively set at 250,000 to 500,000 SDRs. Beyond that, the operator is liable for all damages unless it proves that such damage were not due to its negligence or that the damages were solely due to the negligence of another person(Article 3). The provisions relating to the SCM and compensation thereunder do not operate under this Convention, as the operator is potentially for the full amount of damages caused. The main issues on the latter draft Convention are relating to liability limit of operator, and definition of general risks. In conclusion, we urge ICAO to move forward expeditiously on the draft Convention to establish a third party liability and compensation system that can stand ready to protect both third party victims and the aviation industry before another 9/11-scale event occurs.