• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.566-576
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• 2016

Inverse synthetic aperture radar(ISAR) image generated from bistatic radar(Bi-ISAR) represents two-dimensional scattering distribution of a target, and the Bi-ISAR can be used for bistatic target identification. However, Bi-ISAR has large variability in scattering mechanisms depending on bistatic configurations and do not represent exact range-Doppler information of a target due to inherent distortion. Thus, an efficient training DB construction is the most important factor in target identification using Bi-ISARs. Recently, a database construction method based on realistic flight scenarios of a target, which provides a reliable identification performance for the monostatic target identification, was applied to target identification using high resolution range profiles(HRRPs) generated from bistatic radar(Bi-HRRPs), to construct efficient training DB under bistatic configurations. Consequently, high identification performance was achieved using only small amount of training Bi-HRRPs, when the target is a considerable distance away from the bistatic radar. Thus, flight scenarios based training DB construction is applied to target identification using Bi-ISARs. Then, the capability and efficiency of the method is analyzed.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.57-77
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• 2001

The Honam region has been recognized as one of the most lagging regions in Korea. Drawing upon some decompositions oi Gross Regional Domestic Product(GRDP) per head and labor productivity, the overall trend of inequalities in Korea has been revealed and the trajectory of the Honam region's economic change has been identified by examining how the region's economic performance changed relative to that of Korea in the 1990s. There are some findings. First of all, Korea is characterized by strong divergence in the development of its region economies, in terms o\ulcorner per capita GRDP, which relies upon productivity differentials rather than differences in employment rates. Second, the Honam region has displayed poor economic performances in terms of GRDP per head except for Jeonnam. Third, the dramatic fall in cumulative population growth relative to the national average has been an important factor in the Jeonnam's overwhelming economic performance measured by per capita GRDP. Fourth, the decline in the relative productivity of the Honam region is mostly explained by falling relative regional productivity growth in construction, transport and manufacturing, although it should be noted that the latter sector has made positive contribution to raising relative regional productivity of Jeonnam. Fifth, overall the shift in employment to service sector, especially to social, personal, public, health, education, other services other than distribution, hotels, catering has tended to support relative regional productivities, along with the positive contribution being made oi agriculture, forestry and fishing to relative regional productivity growth in the Honam region.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.423-444
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• 2013

Tourism in Thoi Son Islet has been the advanced model for rural tourism in the Mekong Delta region since the 1990s. The continuously rising number of tourists, however, has also created problems that affect sustainable rural development. To understand these problems, this research analyzed how rural tourism has been operated through the methodology of a stakeholder network. After investigating the network among key stakeholders (Ho Chi Minh travel agencies (HCMTAs), local travel agencies (LTAs), and local residents, the result showed that in the current model, HCMTAs and LTAs have played the role of connectors, working as hubs to shift tourists (demand) to match local residents (supply), with the networking being dominated by signed contracts (formal networks). The networks between LTAs and local residents are both formal and informal. Inter- and intra-networks among local residents are dominated by informal networks of established working relationships based on networks of family, friends, and neighbors. Moreover, this research has found that there is no cooperating network among LTAs. Among owners of tourist sites was not also found cooperating network. The primary motivating factor for these stakeholders is price competition; this has led to a disproportionately small share of revenue for local stakeholders, with most tourism revenue going to HCMTAs. Additionally, because of the high competition among local stakeholders, this results in local stakeholders having little or no negotiating power when conducting business with HCMTAs. Meanwhile the Tien Giang Tourism Association is inefficient in fostering cooperation among local stakeholders to increase their negotiating power.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.96 no.3
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• pp.325-337
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• 2007

Illegal slash-and-bum fields and slash-and-bum farmers in Korea had increased in spite of Japanese Joseon Government's strong regulations and clearance measures, and land reform after the 1945 Liberation of Korea until 1970s. This study is to inquire into the necessary and sufficient conditions to disappear entirely the matters from 1974 to 1979 that illegal slash-and-bum fields and slash-and-burn farmers continued long in existence until the early 1970s. The findings are as follows; Firstly, the population pressure to agricultural lands that main factor of generation of illegal slash-and-bum fields had decreased rapidly because the rural populations and less income farmers have decreased after 1967. Especially, the decrease of the rural populations had never seen to the 1970s. It is recognised that the social condition for the success in 1970s. Secondly, the continuous economic growth from the early 1960s enabled the Korean government to solve the matter through the sufficient financial investment from the Government. For example, the gross national product (GNP) and the government budget in 1974 increased around 25 times after 1960. It is recognised that the economic condition for the success in 1970s. Finally, it was enabled to remove the concealment from the slash-and-bum farmers and to monitor illegal re-cultivation thoroughly because the development of forest inventory technique using an aerial photograph and the expansion of road facilities. It is recognised that the technical condition for the success in the 1970s.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.1213-1219
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• 2010

We evaluated the anti-aging potential and safety of black garlic extract for cosmeceutical ingredient. Black garlic was made by spontaneous fermentation for 40 days at $60{\sim}70^{\circ}C$, 85~95% RH without any additives. The 10% black garlic extract had sweet odor, antioxidant activities and inhibitory activities of skin againg enzymes such as tyrosinase and elastase. The skin safety was performed to evaluate of potential toxicity using the primary irritation test and skin sensitization test. The black garlic extract did not show any adverse reactions such as erythema and edema on intact skin sites at primary irritation test, but on abraded sites, some experimental animals showed very slight erythema. So, the black garlic extract was classified as a practically non-irritating material based on the score 0.23 of primary irritation index. The skin sensitization study was tested by the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) with intradermal injection of 10% black garlic extract. The skin sensitization test showed no skin sensitization. The allergic sensitization depends on tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ (TNF-$\alpha$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The concentration of IL-6 on challenged tissue of treated with black garlic extract was not significantly different with negative control group (saline treated group). Based on this study, the potential for black garlic as a cosmeceutical ingredient was proven.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.382-392
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• 2012

This study evaluated the effects of dietary anticoccidial drugs plus antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on parameters of immunity in commercial broiler chickens. Day-old chicks were raised on used litter from a farm with endemic gangrenous dermatitis to simulate natural pathogen exposure and provided with diets containing decoquinate (DECX) or monensin (COBN) as anticoccidials plus bacitracin methylene disalicylate and roxarsone as AGPs. As a negative control, the chickens were fed with a non-supplemented diet. Immune parameters examined were concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated spleen cell proliferation, intestine intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) and spleen cell subpopulations, and cytokine/chemokine mRNA levels in IELs and spleen cells. ConA-induced proliferation was decreased at 14 d post-hatch in DECX-treated chickens, and increased at 25 and 43 d in COBN-treated animals, compared with untreated controls. In DECX-treated birds, increased percentages of $MHC2^+$ and $CD4^+$ IELS were detected at 14 d, but decreased percentages of these cells were seen at 43 d, compared with untreated controls, while increased $TCR2^+$ IELs were evident at the latter time. Dietary COBN was associated with decreased fractions of $MHC2^+$ and $CD4^+$ IELs and reduced percentages of $MHC2^+$, $BU1^+$, and $TCR1^+$ spleen cells compared with controls. The levels of transcripts for interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-17F, IL-13, CXCLi2, interferon-${\gamma}$ (IFN-${\gamma}$), and transforming growth factor${\beta}$4 were elevated in IELs, and those for IL-13, IL-17D, CXCLi2, and IFN-${\gamma}$ were increased in spleen cells, of DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with untreated controls. By contrast, IL-2 and IL-12 mRNAs in IELs, and IL-4, IL-12, and IL-17F transcripts in spleen cells, were decreased in DECX- and/or COBN-treated chickens compared with controls. These results suggest that DECX or COBN, in combination with bacitracin and roxarsone, modulate the development of the chicken post-hatch immune system.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5199-5203
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• 2015

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) is associated with chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric adenocarcinomas and mucosa associated tissue lymphomas. Cytotoxin associated gene A (CagA) is one of the virulence factors of H.pylori. It is hypothesized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play roles in H.pylori associated disease especially in development of gastric adenocarcinoma. Individuals infected with H.pylori bearing CagA produce more ROS than others. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) is an in vitro marker of DNA damage and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 8OHdG level, H.pylori infection and CagA and alterations of serum 8OHdG level after H.pylori eradication. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted with dyspeptic complaints and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were assessed. H.pylori was determined from histopathology of specimens. Serum 8OHdG levels of three groups (H.pylori negative, H. pylori positive CagA negative and H.pylori positive CagA positive) were compared. Patients with H.pylori infection received eradication therapy. Serum 8OHdG levels pretreatment and posttreatment were also compared. Results: In total, 129 patients (M/F, 57/72) were enrolled in the study. Serum 8OHdG level of H.pylori negative, H. pylori positive CagA negative and H.pylori positive CagA positive groups were significantly different ($5.77{\pm}1.35ng/ml$, $5.43{\pm}1.14ng/ml$ and $7.57{\pm}1.25ng/ml$ respectively, p=0.05). Furthermore, eradication therapy reduced serum 8OHdG level ($6.10{\pm}1.54ng/ml$ vs $5.55{\pm}1.23ng/ml$, p=0.05). Conclusions: Individuals infected with H.pylori bearing CagA strains have the highest serum 8OHdG level and eradication therapy decreases the serum 8OHdG level. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that evaluated the effect of CagA virulence factor on serum 8OHdG level and the effect of eradication therapy on serum 8OHdG levels together. Eradication of CagA bearing H.pylori may prevent gastric adenocarcinoma by decreasing ROS. 8OHdG level may thus be a good marker for prevention from gastric adenocarcinoma.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.12
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• pp.5007-5011
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Jordan and worldwide. Abnormality of DNA methylation is a possible mechanism for the development of cancer. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is involved in DNA methylation. Our aim was to study the association between genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR at two sites (C677T and A1298C) and their haplotypes and the risk of breast cancer among Jordanian females. Materials and Methods: A case-control study involving 150 breast cancer cases and 150 controls was conducted. Controls were age-matched to cases. Polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and sequencing were conducted to determine the genotypes. Results: There was a significant difference in genotype frequency of C677T in the 41-60 year age category [cases: CC (37.4%), CT (49.5%) and TT (13.2%); controls: CC (56.3%), CT (35.6%) and TT (8%), p= 0.04; $OR_{TT\;vs.\;CC}$: 2.5, 95% CI: (0.9-6.9); $OR_{at\;least\;on\;T$: 2.1, 95%CI: (1.2-3.9)]. There was no significant difference in genotype frequency of A1298C between cases and controls [cases: AA (46.6%), AC (41.8%) and CC (11.6%); controls: AA (43%), AC (47.4%) and CC (9.6%); p= 0.6]. There was a significant difference of MTHFR genetic polymorphism haplotypes among breast cancer cases and controls [cases/control: CA: 38.3/45.4%; CC: 28.9/25.2%; TA: 29.2/21; TC: 3.6/8.3; p value= 0.01; $OR_{TA\;vs.\;CA}=1.6$; 95% CI (1.1-2.5); p= 0.02]. Conclusions: Genetic polymorphism of MTHFR C677T may modulate the risk of breast cancer especially in the 41-60 year age group. Additionally, TA haplotype amends the risk of breast cancer. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to validate the role of MTHFR genetic polymorphisms in breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.20
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• pp.9005-9008
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• 2014

Background: Gastric cancer is the second leading course of cancer death worldwide and H. pylori infection is an important risk factor for gastric cancer development. This study was design to evaluate the clinical, pathological features, survival rate and prevalence of H. pylori infection in gastric cancer in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Clinical information, histological features, endoscopic findings and H. pylori status were collected from gastric cancer patients from Thammasat university hospital during June 1996-December 2011. H. pylori infection was assessed by histological evaluation, rapid urease test and serological test. Clinical information, endoscopic findings and histopathology of all patients were recorded and compared between patients with active or non-active H. pylori infection. Results: A total of 100 gastric cancer patients (55 men and 45 women with mean age of $55{\pm}16.8years$) were enrolled in this study. Common presenting symptoms were dyspepsia (74%), weight loss (66%), anemia (63%) and anorexia (38%). Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 98 days. Overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 83% and active H. pylori infection was 40%. 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 43% and 0%. There was no significant difference between active H. pylori infection in different locations (proximal vs non-proximal: 47.1% vs 48.5%; P-value = 0.9, OR=0.9; 95%CI=0.3-3.1) and histology of gastric cancer (diffuse type vs intestinal type: 47.4% vs 50%; P-value = 0.8, OR=0.9, 95%CI=0.3-2.7). However, linitis plastica was significantly more common in non-active than active H. pylori infection (27.9% vs 0%; P-value<0.0001, OR=13.3, 95%CI=3.2-64.5). Moreover, gastric cancer stage 4 was higher in non-active than active H. pylori infection (93% vs 50%, P-value<0.001). Conclusions: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in Thai gastric cancer patients was high but active infection was low. Most gastric cancer patients presented in advance stage and had a grave prognosis. Screening for gastric cancer in high risk individuals might be an appropriate tool for early detection and improve the treatment outcome for this particular disease in Thailand.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.20
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• pp.8893-8900
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• 2014

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been shown to be closely associated with tumor development, progression, and carcinogenesis. However, their clinical implications for gastric cancer remain elusive. To investigate the hypothesis that genome-wide alternations of miRNAs differentiate gastric cancer tissues from those matched adjacent non-tumor tissues (ANTTs), miRNA arrays were employed to examine miRNA expression profiles for the 5-pair discovery stage, and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) was applied to validate candidate miRNAs for 48-pair validation stage. Furthermore, the relationship between altered miRNA and clinicopathological features and prognosis of gastric cancer was explored. Among a total of 1,146 miRNAs analyzed, 16 miRNAs were found to be significantly different expressed in tissues from gastric cancer compared to ANTTs (p<0.05). qRT-PCR further confirmed the variation in expression of miR-193b and miR-196a in the validation stage. Down-expression of miR-193b was significantly correlated with Lauren type, differentiation, UICC stage, invasion, and metastasis of gastric cancer (p<0.05), while over-expression of miR-196a was significantly associated with poor differentiation (p=0.022). Moreover, binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the UICC stage was a significant risk factor for down-expression of miR-193b (adjusted OR=8.69; 95%CI=1.06-56.91; p=0.043). Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that patients with a high fold-change of down-regulated miR-193b had a significantly shorter survival time (n=19; median survival=29 months) compared to patients with a low fold-change of down-regulated miR-193b (n=29; median survival=54 months) (p=0.001). Overall survival time of patients with a low fold-change of up-regulated miR-196a (n=27; median survival=52 months) was significantly longer than that of patients with a high fold-change of up-regulated miR-196a (n=21; median survival=46 months) (p=0.003). Hence, miR-193b and miR-196a may be applied as novel and promising prognostic markers in gastric cancer.