• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.96-102
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• 2016

Background: It is widely accepted that cervical interlaminar steroid injection (CIESI) is more effective in treating radicular pain than axial neck pain, but without direct comparison. And the differences of effect after CIESI according to MRI findings are inconsistent. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the therapeutic response of CIESI according to pain sites, durations, MRI findings, and other predictive factors altogether, unlike previous studies, which evaluated them separately. Methods: The medical records of 128 patients who received fluoroscopy guided CIESI were analyzed. We evaluated the therapeutic response (more than a 50% reduction on the visual analog scale [VAS] by their second visit) after CIESI by (1) pain site; neck pain without radicular pain/radicular pain with or without neck pain, (2) pain duration; acute/chronic (more than 6 month), and (3) findings of MRI; herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD)/spinal stenosis, respectively and altogether. Results: Eighty-eight patients (68%) responded to CIESI, and there were no significant differences in demographic data, initial VAS score, or laboratory findings. And there were no significant differences in the response rate relating to pain site, pain duration, or MRI findings, respectively. In additional analysis, acute radicular pain with HIVD patients showed significantly better response than chronic neck pain with spinal stenosis (P = 0.04). Conclusions: We cannot find any sole predictive factor of therapeutic response to the CIESI. But the patients having acute radicular pain with HIVD showed the best response, and those having other chronic neck pain showed the worst response to CIESI.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.567-571
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• 1997

Numbers of chemical agents which have been shown to inhibit either auxin signal transduction pathway or ethylene formation in plant cells were applied to cut flower stems of snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) and their effects on the postharvest gravitropic response were studied. The chemical treatments were done by submerging either the stem base or the top part of cut flower, which involves the gravistimulus-sensitive region, for 1 h at $25^{\circ}C$. When the chemicals were supplied from the cut stem base, the gravitropic upward bending of flower stalks kept horizontally after the treatments with 20 mM CDTA or 10 mM $CoCl_2$ was comparable to that of the untreated control, but o-vanadate showed a certain degree of effectiveness for suppressing the bending response. In contrast, the direct application of those agents to the gravitropically sensitive region of cut flowers in the presence of 0.01% Triton X-100 resulted in a substantial reduction of the gravitropic response. In the case of 20 mM $CoCl_2$ treatment, almost total elimination of gravitropism without any significant deterioration of flower quality was observed. The results indicate the possibility of preparation of a protocol involving $CoCl_2$ and a proper surfactant for commercial use to suppress the gravitropic response of cut flowers during postharvest storage and transportation.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.252-260
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• 2012

The wetlands have eco-sociological values because their functions have proven to be useful to human society. Many countries are working to conserve and protect the wetland ecosystems. However, many wetlands have disappeared or have been fragmented due to a natural and/or anthropogenic disturbance. These isolated wetlands appear to work best in the landscape, as a spatially distributed system. We have analyzed the spatial-social distribution patterns of wetlands in Gyeongsangnam-do Province (GNP). We examined the frequency distribution of wetland sizes, the distances to the nearest wetlands, the shapes of the wetlands, land-use patterns, land owners, and official land values were confirmed as social characteristics for each wetland. A total of 146 wetlands (3,598.85 ha), including 76 riverine wetlands (1,955.60 ha), 49 palustrine wetlands (1,282.28 ha) and 21 mountain wetlands (1,282.28 ha) were identified in GNP. Most wetlands left for use to drainage were small (<2 ha) and located in agricultural areas. However, small and isolated wetlands were clustered, according to the location, indicating that these wetlands can be connected to each other using the linear riverine wetlands and water channels in agricultural areas. This is extremely valuable in maintaining the biodiversity, such that any loss of small wetlands will cause a direct reduction in the connectedness among populations of the remaining species. Due to most wetlands belonging to the nation or businesses, being classified as reservoirs (water storage areas), and consequently, degradation of wetlands will progress due to grand-scale engineering works. Therefore, wetland policy and ecologically sensitive laws and policies should be developed in order to promote the wise-use for wetlands.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.428-446
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• 1997

Restorative procedures can lead to weakening tooth due to reduction and alteration of tooth structure. It is essential to prevent fractures to conserve tooth. The resistance to fracture of the restored tooth may be influenced by many factors, among these are the cavity dimension and the physical properties of the restorative material. The placement of direct composite resin restorations has generally been found to have a strengthening effect on the prepared teeth. It is the purpose of this investigation to study the relationship between the cavity isthmus and the fracture resistance of a tooth in composite resin restorations. In this study, MO cavity was prepared on maxillary first premolar. Three dimensional finite element models were made by serial photographic method and isthmus(1/4, 1/3, 1/2 of intercuspal distance) were varied. Two types of model(B and R model) were developed. B model was assumed perfect bonding between the restoration and cavity wall and R model was left unfilled. A load of 500N was applied vertically at the first node from the lingual slope of the buccal cusp tip. This study analysed the displacement, 1 and 2 direction normal stress and strain with FEM software ABAQUS Version 5.2 and hardware IRIS 4D/310 VGX Work-station. The results were as follows : 1. Displacement of buccal cusp in R model occurred and increased as widening of the cavity, and displacement in B model was little and not influenced by cavity width. 2. There was a significant decrease of stress resulting in increase of fracture resistance in B model when compared with R model. 3. With the increase of the isthmus width, B model showed no change in the stress and strain. In R model, the stress and strain increased both in the area of buccal-pulpal line angle and the buccal side of marginal ridge, therefore the possibility of crack increased. 4. The stress and strain were distributed evenly on the tooth in B model, but in R model, were concentrated on the buccal side of the distal marginal ridge and buccal-pulpal line angle, therefore the possibility of fracture increased.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.19-25
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• 2009

The current study developed light-weighted mixed soil that can solve problems related with soft soil such as ground subsidence, sliding and lateral displacement of ground. By reducing weight of reclaimed soil through mixing phosphogypsum and recycled EPS beads with the weathered granite soil. A series of geotechnical laboratory tests including physical index test, compaction test, CBR test, and direct shear test were performed and engineering properties were reviewed in order to assess applicability of the light-weighted mixed soil for roads and abutment and various back-filling materials at the reclamation area. Based on the laboratory test results, it was found that the maximum dry unit weight of the light-weighted soil ranges $14.32{\sim}15.79kN/m^3$ and the optimum water content ranges 21.91~24.23%, which means there is 11~19.3% weight decrease effect when comparing with general weathered granite soil. Also it was found that the corrected CBR value ranges 10.4~18.4% satisfying the domestic regulations on road subgrade and back-filling material. In addition, as for shear strength parameter, cohesion ranges 10.79~18.64 kPa and internal frictional angle ranges $35.4{\sim}37.2^{\circ}$, which are similar with those of general construction soil and back-filling material used in Korea. So it can be concluded that light-weighted mixed soil with phosphogypsum can be used effectively for soft reclamation ground as actual filling material and back-filling material. From the current study, it was found that light-weighted mixed soil with phosphogypsum has not only weight reduction effect, but also has no special problems in shear strength and bearing capacity. Therefore, it is expected that phosphogypsum can be recycled in bulk as road subgrade and back-filling material at the reclamation area.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.177-181
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• 2012

Dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs) based on $TiO_2$ film photo anode incorporated with different amount of grapheme nanosheet(GNS) are fabricated and their photovoltaic performance are investigated. The $TiO_2$-GNS composite electrode has been prepared by a direct mixing method. The DSSC performance of this composite electrode was measured using N3 dye as a sensitizer. The performance of DSSCs using the $TiO_2$-GNS composite electrodes is dependent on the GNS loading in the electrodes. The results show that the DSSCs incorporating 0.01 wt% GNS in $TiO_2$photo anode demonstrates a maximum power conversion efficiency of 5.73%, 26% higher than that without GNS. The performance improvement is ascribed to increased N3 dye adsorption, the reduction of electron recombination and back transport reaction as well as enhancement of electron transport with the introduction of GNS. The presence of both $TiO_2$(anatase) and GNS has been confirmed by FieldEmission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FE-SEM). The decrease in recombination due to GNS in DSSCs has been investigated by the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2013

We conducted the airborne magnetic and radiometric survey for the characterization of the black shale related and pyrometamorphic uranium deposits distributed in Geumsan area. For the successful characterization of the uranium deposits, the general geological and structural geological features were investigated based on the lithological and linear feature analysis to individual magnetic and radiometric data as the first step. Lithological analysis from the magnetic reduction to the pole and downward continuation map revealed that prominent positive anomalies caused by black and dark gray slate member were clearly recognized as magnetic sources. These results indicate that magnetic survey, even though it is not a direct method for the detection of uranium, can be a useful tool in uranium detection. By the linear feature analysis based on 2nd vertical derivative and curvature map, two linearments corresponded the gray hornfels and black slate member were extracted and in succession, the additional uranium potential zone was inferred. Final discrimination whether uranium-rich or not was confirmed by radiometric and uranium anomaly map. From these analysis, we finally concluded that uranium deposit originated by pyrometamorphic process was confined near the intrusive area only. On the contrary, it was found that black shale related uranium deposit is distributed and extended through out the entire survey area with south-west to north-east direction. In addition, from the linear feature analysis based on radiometric total anomaly map, the typical discontinuous characteristics were recognized in areas where uranium-contained linearments cross the faults. From the above discussion, we concluded that airborne magnetic and radiometric survey are complementary to each other. So it is preferable to carry out simultaneously for the efficient data processing and fruitful interpretation.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.45-57
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• 2006

Objective : This study was undertaker to determine if Juglandis Semen herbal acupuncture (JSA) exerts protective effect against alterations in membrane transport function in rabbits with mercury-induced acute renal failure. Methods : Nephrotoxicity was induced by subcutaneous administration of Hg(a single dose of 10mg/kg) and JSA was performed at both sides of Shenshu($(BL_{23})$, Sinsu) for 7 days. Results: The administration of Hg at a subcutaneous single dose of 10 mg/kg caused a reduction in GFR to 12% of the basal value and an increase in fractional $Na^+$ excretion to 8.9-fold, indicating generation of acute renal failure. When JSA were given for 7 days prior to Hg administration, such changes were significantly attenuated. The fractional excretion of glucose and phosphate was increased to approximately 102- and 35-fold, respectively, in rabbits treated with Hg alone. The increase in rabbits treated with Hg following ISA are significantly lower than that in animals treated with Hg alone. Uptakes of glucose and phosphate in purified isolated brush-border membrane and $Na^+-K^+-ATPase$ activity in microsomal fraction were inhibited in rabbits treated with Hg alone, suggesting that impairment in proximal reabsorption of glucose and phosphate is resulted from a direct damage of membrane transport carriers and disruption of the normal $Na^+$ gradient. Such changes were prevented by JSA. Conclusion These results indicate that the administration of Hg causes impairment in reabsorption of solutes in the proximal tubule via the generation of reactive oxygen species. JSA provides the protection against the Hg-induced impairment in proximal reabsorption, and its effect may be resulted from its antioxidant action.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.171-187
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• 2007

Objectives : This study was performed to determine if Orostachys japonicus A. Berger herbal acupuncture (OjB) provides the protective effect against the loss of cell viability and DNA damage induced by oxidant in renal proximal tubular cells. Methods : The cell viability was evaluated by a MTT reduction assay and DNA damage was estimated by measuring double stranded DNA breaks in opossum kidney (OK) cells, an established proximal tubular cell line. Lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), a product of lipid peroxidation. Results : H2O2 increased the loss of cell viability in a time-dependent manner, which were prevented by 0.1% OjB. The protective effect of OjB was dose-dependent over concentration range of 0.05-0.5%. H2O2 caused ATP depletion and DNA damage, which were prevented by OjB and the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase. The loss of cell viability by H2O2 was not affected by the antioxidant DPPD, but lipid peroxidation by the oxidant was completely inhibited by DPPD. Generation of superoxide and H2O2 in neutrophils activated by phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate was inhibited by OjB in a dose-dependent manner. OjB inhibited generation of H2O2 in OK cells treated with antimycin A and exerted a direct H2O2 scavenging effect. Exposure of OK cells to 1 mM tBHP caused a significant depletion of glutathione which was prevented by OjB. OjB accelerated the recovery in cells cultured for 20 hr in normal medium without oxidant following oxidative stress. Conclusions : These results suggest that OjB exerts the protective effect against oxidant-induced cell injury and its protective effect was resulted from radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.29-45
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• 1999

This study reviewed theories on entrepreneurial local governance and inquired the changing regional policy in Chonnam region. The region became exposure as the direct investment unit of global capital by globalization of capital, the inter-regional competition and the relative reduction of the role and function of nation state. Therefore local government have the relative autonomy and the region is effected as the chosen space by capital according to the free movement of capital. It has been argued that there has been a reorientation of urban governance away from the local provision of welfare and services to a more outward-orientated stance designed to foster and encourage local growth and economic development. These profound changes in the way that cities operate have seen the public sector taking over characteristics once distinctive to the private sector leading many commentators to term such modes of governance as entrepreneurial. In Chonnam region, many local governments are introducing entrepreneurial policies for regional development. It appears as place marketing strategy to attract capital and tourists. This strategy is very important to used identity or culture of region in order to make the attractive region. The entrepreneurial characteristics and strategies appear as image unification of region, commodity development of natural or cultural resource, event and business projects. From this point of view, the entrepreneurial policy that is based upon regional growth can cause the problem of social justice like distributional distortion and inequality.