• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.212-217
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• 2011

Purpose: Since 2005, the Ministry of Health & Welfare has provided financial support to promote palliative care for terminal cancer patients. We analyzed how palliative care facilities used the funding between 2006 and 2010. Methods: Frequency analysis was conducted by the item of expenditure based on fiscal reports of the palliative care facilities. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine a trend over time. Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare expenditure items, the number of provision of financial support and type of palliative care units. Results: About a half of the fund was spent to pay care givers salary, improve facilities and purchase equipment regardless of the year, the number of financial support provided or facility type. By year, the operation cost for palliative care program and the education cost for health care workers have significantly increased in linear regression analysis (P<0.01). However, the amount of financial support for the low income group has decreased over years (P=0.024). This trend was affected by evaluation criteria and weight. Conclusion: The government aid for palliative care units has been used to improve facilities and equipment. Moreover, desirable changes were noted such as a higher portion of expenses for program operation and care giver training to enhance the quality of care. However, the evaluation criteria need to be adjusted to prevent any further decrease in the support provided to the low income group.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.239-247
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• 2014

The (U-Th)/He dating utilizes the production of alpha particles ($^4He$ atoms) during natural radioactive decays of $^{238}U$, $^{235}U$ and $^{232}Th$. (U-Th)/He age can be determined from the abundances of the parent nuclides $^{238}U$, $^{235}U$ and $^{232}Th$ and the radiogenic $^4He$. Because helium is one of the noble gases (non-reactive) with a relatively small radius, it diffuses rapidly in many geological materials, even at low temperatures. Therefore, ingrowth of $^4He$ during radioactive decay competes with diffusive loss at elevated temperatures during the geologic time scale, determining the amount of $^4He$ existing today in natural samples. For example, He diffusion in apatite is known to be very rapid compared to that in most other minerals, causing a significant diffusive loss at ${\sim}80^{\circ}C$ or higher. At ${\sim}40^{\circ}C$, He diffusion in apatite becomes slow enough to preserve most $^4He$ in the sample. Thus, an apatite's (U-Th)/He age represents the timing when the sample passed through the temperature range of $80-40^{\circ}C$. The crustal depth corresponding to this temperature range is called a "partial retention zone." Normal closure temperatures for a typical grain size and cooling rate are ${\sim}60-70^{\circ}C$ for apatite and ${\sim}200^{\circ}C$ for zircon and titanite. Because the apatite He closure temperature is lower than that of most other thermochronometers, it can provide critical constraints on relatively recent or shallow-crustal exhumation histories.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.451-458
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristic factors which have been influenced on nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emissions related to the environment change of nitrogen application level, rainfall and temperature during the soybean cultivation at black volcanic ash soil from 2010 to 2011. During the soybean cultivation, the more amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, $N_2O$ emissions amounts were released much. $N_2O$ emissions with the cultivation time were released much at the first and middle of cultivation with heavy rainfall, but it was released very low until the end of cultivation and drought season. $N_2O$ emissions mainly were influenced by the rainfall and soil water content. The correlation ($r$) with $N_2O$ emissions, soil water, soil temperature and soil EC in 2010 were very significant at $0.4591^{**}$, $0.6312^{**}$ and $0.3691^{**}$ respectively. In 2011, soil water was very significant at $0.4821^{**}$, but soil temperature and soil EC were not significant at 0.1646 and 0.1543 respectively. Also, $NO_3$-N and soil nitrogen ($NO_3-N+NO_4-N$) were very significant at $0.6902^{**}$ and $0.6277^*$ respectively, but $NO_4$-N was not significant at 0.1775. During the soybean cultivation, the average emissions factor of 2 years released by the nitrogen fertilizer application was presumed to be 0.0202 ($N_2O$-N kg $N^{-1}\;kg^{-1}$). This factor was higher about 2.8 and 2 times than the Japan's (0.0073 $N_2O$-N kg $N^{-1}\;kg^{-1}$) value and 2006 IPCC guideline default value (0.0100 $N_2O$-N kg $N^{-1}\;kg^{-1}$) respectively.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.11-16
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• 2008

Purpose : The aim of this study was to predict radiation dose at 1 meter with BMI(body mass index) in thyroid cancer patients treated with radio-iodine and provide the efficient guideline in the management of patients. Methods : 140 patients from thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer were enrolled. All subjects under went 150 mCi radio-iodine therapy and performed whole body scan 1 week later. BMI(weight divided by square of height) was calculated to evaluate the amount of fatty tissue indirectly. The radiation dose at 1 meter was measured initially and on 2nd days. the relation of values with BMI were analyzed statically. As for the method of statistical analysis, using Med calc Version 9,2,2,0 Program. Results : (1) The initial effective dose was inversely correlated with the BMI. Significance level was 0.0004. (2) We obtained the following formula from the data of initial effective dose and BMI: Y = -30.91X + 350.4(${\mu}Sv/h$)(Y: initial radiation dose, x: Group). (3) After 21.55 hours, than radiation dose was less than those recommended by ICRP or NRC in 53% of the population. Conclusion : Using BMI, the initial radiation dose and 2nd days dose can be predicted in thyroid cancer patients before radio-iodine therapy. It may be used for predicting the time of discharge and control the isolation room. We were able to predict the radiation exposure after discharge using this calculated value.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.544-550
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristic factors which have been influenced on nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emissions related to the environment change of nitrogen application level, rainfall and temperature during the potato cultivation at black volcanic ash soil from 2010 to 2011. During the potato cultivation, the more amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied, $N_2O$ emissions amounts were released much. $N_2O$ emissions with the cultivation time were released much at the first and middle of cultivation with heavy rainfall, but it was released very low until the end of cultivation and drought season. $N_2O$ emissions mainly were influenced by the rainfall and soil water content. The correlation (r) with $N_2O$ emissions, soil wate, soil temperature in 2010 were very significant at $0.6251^{**}$ and $0.6082^{**}$ respectively, but soil EC was not significant to 0.10824. In 2011, soil temperature was very significant at $0.4879^{**}$, but soil water and soil EC were not significant at 0.0468 and 0.0400 respectively. Also, $NH_4$-N was very significant at $0.7476^{**}$, but $NO_3$-N and soil nitrogen ($NO_3-N+NH_4-N$) were not significant at 0.0843 and 0.1797, respectively. During the potato cultivation period, the average emissions factor of 2 years released by the nitrogen fertilizer application was presumed to be 0.0040 ($N_2O-N\;kg\;N^{-1}\;kg^{-1}$). This factor was lower about 2.5 times than the IPCC guideline default value (0.0100 $N_2O-N\;kg\;N^{-1}\;kg^{-1}$).

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2005

Synapses are contact points where one neuron communicates with another. The morphological change of synapses under various physiological or pathological conditions has long been hypothesized to modify their functional properties. 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of synapses with serial ultrathin sections has contributed to the understanding of ultrastructural dimensions and compositions of synapses. The 3-D reconstruction procedures, however, require a great amount of expertise as well as include prohibitively timeconsuming processes. Here, we introduce efficient 3-D reconstruction technique using high-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM). Primarily, we established an optimal section thickness and staining condition to observe synaptic structures in detail under HVEM. The result showed that synaptic profiles were preserved at the section thickness of 250 nm without the overlapping of synaptic ultrastructures. An increase in the reaction time of en bloc staining was most efficient to enhance contrast than the extension of postembedding staining or the addition of uranyl acetate during dehydration. Then, 3-D reconstruction of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses in the rat cerebellum was carried out with serial HVEM images and reconstruction software. The images were aligned and the contours of synapses were outlined on each section. 3-D synapses were finally extracted from the section files by grouping all the synaptic contours. The reconstructed synapse model clearly demonstrated the configuration of pre and postsynaptic components. These results suggest that 3-D reconstruction of synapses using HVEM is much efficient and suitable for massive quantitative studies on synaptic connectivity than conventional TEM approach using numerous ultrathin sections.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.244-249
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• 2011

This in vitro study compared the remineralization of incipient interproximal caries in the presence of three glass ionomer cements(highly-filled glass ionomer cement, resin-modified glass ionomer cement, compomer) and a resin composite(control). Thirty-two extracted premolars were selected based upon the lack of any visible demineralization. The teeth were coated in a transparent acid resistant nail varnish leaving $3{\times}3$ mm square. The teeth were subjected to the demineralizing buffer for 3 days and quantitative light-induced fluorescence(QLF) images of the subjects were taken. Proximal restoration was simulated by placing tooth specimens and the various glass ionomer cements in closed containers with artificial saliva at $37^{\circ}C$ and pH 7.0 with constant circulation. Further QLF images were subsequently taken at 30, 60, and 90 days. The changes of mineral loss(${\Delta}Q$) were evaluated by QLF and the change of ${\Delta}Q$(${\Delta}{\Delta}Q$) were compared between groups in order to evaluate the effects of remineralization. All data were analyzed using ANOVA and the post-HOC Dunnett C multiple comparison test at p<0.05. While ${\Delta}Q$(changes of mineral loss) increased for all treatments, the increases for three glass ionomer groups were significantly higher than that for the resin group at first month period. As time went on, the amount of ${\Delta}{\Delta}Q$ decreased.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.113-127
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• 2012

From the end of 1st quarter of 2012, Korean mandatory firms had started releasing financial reports conforming to the K-IFRS(Korean adopted International Financial Reporting Standards). Major characteristics of IFRS, such as 'principles based' features, consolidated reporting, 'fair value' measurement, increased pressure for non-financial disclosures have resulted in brief and various disclosure practices regarding the main body of each statements and vast amount of note description requirements. Meanwhile, a host of previous studies on IFRS disclosures have incorporated regulatory and/or 'compete information' perspectives, mainly focusing on suggesting further enforcement of strengthened requirements and providing guidelines for specific treatments. Thus, as an extension of prior findings and suggestions this study had explored to conduct an integrative approach embracing views of the reporting entities and the users of financial information. In spite of all the state-driven efforts for faithful representation and comparability of corporate financial reports, an overhaul of disclosure practices of fiscal year 2010 and 2011 had revealed numerous cases of insufficiency and discordance in terms of mandatory norms and market expectations. As to the causes of such shortcomings, this study identified several factors from the corporate side and the users of the information; some inherent aspects of IFRS, industry/corporate-specific context, expenditures related to internalizing IFRS system, reduced time frame for presentation. lack of clarity and details to meet the quality of information - understandability, comparability etc. - commonly requested by the user group. In order to improve current disclosure practices, dual approach had been suggested; Firstly, to encourage and facilitate implementation, (1) further segmentation and differentiation of mandates among companies, (2) redefining the scope and depth of note descriptions, (3) diversification and coordination of reporting periods, (4) providing support for equipping disclosure systems and granting incentives for best practices had been discussed. Secondly, as for the hard measures, (5) regularizing active involvement of corporate and user group delegations in the establishment and amendment process of K-IFRS (6) enforcing detailed and standardized disclosure on reporting entities had been recommended.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-121
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• 1994

In order to investigate the effects of ginseng extract on the acid production and bacterial growth in the skim milk medium, ginseng extract was added to skim milk medium for 0.3 to 2.4% and the medium was fermented by Str. thermophilus, L. bulgaricus and mixed strain with both bacteria. The acidity and bacterial number were examined by incubation time. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The acidity of medium without ginseng extract after 12 hours incubation by Str. thermophilus was 11.1% and that by L. bulgaricus was 1.01%, whereas that of medium with ginseng extract was 1.08~0.61% for Str. thermophilus and 0.99~0.49% for L. bulgaricus. Therefore, acid production was inhibited by ginseng extract. 2. The number of bacteria in the medium without ginseng extract after 12 hours incubation was $5.2{\times}10^8/m{\ell}$ for Str. thermophilus and $3.2{\times}10^8/m{\ell}$ for L. bulgancus, whereas that in the medium with ginseng extract was $3.6{\times}10^8/m{\ell}{\sim}1.3{\times}10^8/m{\ell}$ for Str. thermophilus and $2.9{\times}10^8/m{\ell}$ and $1.4{\times}10^8/m{\ell}$ for L bulgancus. Therefore, the number of bacteria was decreased by the amount of ginseng extract increased. 3. However, when skim milk medium was fermented by mixed strains, ginseng extract was not affected on the acid production and bacterial number. On the contrary, in some case, the number of bacteria was increased by addition of ginseng extract.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.93-100
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• 2004

The content of nutrients such as organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accumulated on soil layers in Quercus mongolica forest of Mt. Songnisan National Park located at central part of Korea was measured, and then the decomposition constants and decay times of the nutrients were also calculated by the negative coefficience model(O1son,1963). The quantities of organic carton of L-layer, F-layer, H-layer and $A_1$-layer of the forest stand were 231.25 g $m^{-2}$, 291.50 g $m^{-2}$,166.91 g$m^{-2}$ and 174.51 g $m^{-2}$, respectively. The content of organic carbon and nitrogen contained in L-layer and F-layer showed large quantity than those of other layers. The large amount of phosphorus and potassium was observed at the B-layer and $A_1$-layer. On the other hand, the decomposition constants(k) of soil organic matter were as follows : organic carbon (k = 0.3657), nitrogen (k = 0.3319), phosphorus (k = 0.2050), and potassium (k = 0.0934) and the decay times needed to 99% decomposition of nutrients in soil organic matter were as follows: that is, organic carton, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was 13.94 years, 15.18 years, 24.79 years, and 55.11 years, respectively. By the application of Turbo Pascal Program on the inflowed and outflowed nutrients to the forest stand,87.67% (714.84 g $m^{-2}$) of organic carbon inflowed was decomposed and 81.62% (1,594.62 g $m^{-2}$) of organic carbon accumulated was decomposed. And 84.98% of nitrogen inflowed was decomposed and 70.26% of nitrogen accumulated was also decayed.50.00% of phosphorus input and 40.31% of potassium input were decomposed, and 38.40% of phosphoyus and 33.03% of potassium accumulated were also decayed, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that Quercus mongolica forest surveyed in the present study is maintaining in steady state because input and output amounts of nutrients is shown a similar pattern.