• Title/Summary/Keyword: Quantitative Functions

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Molecular and functional characterization of the adiponectin (AdipoQ) gene in goat skeletal muscle satellite cells

  • Wang, Linjie;Xue, Ke;Wang, Yan;Niu, Lili;Li, Li;Zhong, Tao;Guo, Jiazhong;Feng, Jing;Song, Tianzeng;Zhang, Hongping
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.31 no.8
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    • pp.1088-1097
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    • 2018
  • Objective: It is commonly accepted that adiponectin binds to its two receptors to regulate fatty acid metabolism in adipocytes. To better understand their functions in the regulation of intramuscular adipogenesis in goats, we cloned the three genes (adiponectin [AdipoQ], adiponectin receptor 1 [AdipoR1], and AdipoR2) encoding these proteins and detected their mRNA distribution in different tissues. We also determined the role of AdipoQ in the adipogenic differentiation of goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). Methods: SMSCs were isolated using 1 mg/mL Pronase E from the longissimus dorsi muscles of 3-day-old female Nanjiang brown goats. Adipogenic differentiation was induced in satellite cells by transferring the cells to Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with an isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin cocktail. The pEGFP-N1-AD plasmid was transfected into SMSCs using Lipofectamine 2000. Expression of adiponectin in tissues and SMSCs was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical staining. Results: The three genes were predominantly expressed in adipose and skeletal muscle tissues. According to fluorescence and immunocytochemical analyses, adiponectin protein expression was only observed in the cytoplasm, suggesting that adiponectin is localized to the cytoplasm of goat SMSCs. In SMSCs overexpressing the AdipoQ gene, adiponectin promoted SMSC differentiation into adipocytes and significantly (p<0.05) up-regulated expression of AdipoR2, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty-acid synthase, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, though expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding $protein-{\alpha}$, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ${\gamma}$, and AdipoR1 did not change significantly. Conclusion: Adiponectin induced SMSC differentiation into adipocytes, indicating that adiponectin may promote intramuscular adipogenesis in goat SMSC.

Calmodulin of Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus : Cloning and Expression Analysis

  • Hong, Gyeong-Eun;Kong, Hee Jeong;Nam, Bo-Hye;Kim, Young-Ok;Kim, Woo-Jin;Lee, Sang-Jun;Choi, Tae-Jin
    • Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
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    • v.2 no.4
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    • pp.234-237
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    • 2007
  • Calmodulin (CaM) is a $Ca^{2+}$-binding protein essential for biological functions mediated through $Ca^{2+}$-dependent mechanism. A cDNA clone for CaM was isolated from a cDNA library of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. The CaM cDNA concists of 782 bp and encodes a polypeptide of 149 amino acids with four $Ca^{2+}$-binding motifs EF-hands (EF-I, EF-II, EF-III, and EF-IV). The deduced amino acid sequence of CaM shows 97-100% amino acid sequence identity to other CaM sequences. Semi-quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the CaM transcription was began during early development and the CaM mRNA is expressed highly in brain and intestine, and moderately in kidney, gill, and eye of healthy olive flounder. Taken together, CaM may be necessary for early olive flounder development and that it may have a part in homeostasis.

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Analysis and Examination of Trends in Research on Medical Learning Support Tools: Focus on Problem-based Learning (PBL) and Medical Simulations

  • Yea, Sang-Jun;Jang, Hyun-Chul;Kim, An-Na;Kim, Sang-Kyun;Song, Mi-Young;Han, Chang-Hyun;Kim, Chul
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.60-68
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    • 2012
  • Objectives: By grasping trends in research, technology, and general characteristics of learning support tools, this study was conducted to present a model for research on Korean Medicine (KM) to make use of information technology to support teaching and learning. The purpose is to improve the future clinical competence of medical personnel, which is directly linked to national health. Methods: With papers and patents published up to 2011 as the objects, 438 papers were extracted from "Web of Science" and 313 patents were extracted from the WIPS database (DB). Descriptive analysis and network analysis were conducted on the annual developments, academic journals, and research fields of the papers, patents searched were subjected to quantitative analysis per application year, nation, and technology, and an activity index (AI) was calculated. Results: First, research on medical learning support tools has continued to increase and is active in the fields of computer engineering, education research, and surgery. Second, the largest number of patent applications on medical learning support tools were made in the United States, South Korea, and Japan in this order, and the securement of remediation technology-centered patents, rather than basic/essential patents, seemed possible. Third, when the results of the analysis of research trends were comprehensively analyzed, international research on e-PBL- and medical simulation-centered medical learning support tools was seen to expand continuously to improve the clinical competence of medical personnel, which is directly linked to national health. Conclusions: The KM learning support tool model proposed in the present study is expected to be applicable to computer-based tests at KM schools and to be able to replace certain functions of national KM doctor license examinations once its problem DB, e-PBL, and TKM simulator have been constructed. This learning support tool will undergo a standardization process in the future.

Developing Bibliometric Indicators for Analysis & Evaluation of National R&D Programs (국가연구개발사업의 과학적 성과분석을 위한 새로운 계량지표 개발에 관한 연구)

  • Heo, Jung-Eun;Kim, Hae-Do;Cho, Young-Don;Cho, Suk-Min;Cho, Soon-Ro
    • Journal of Korea Technology Innovation Society
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    • v.11 no.3
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    • pp.376-399
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    • 2008
  • Science and technology (S&T) is one of the most important elements in a nation's competitiveness. In an effort to strengthen their national competitiveness, all countries are focusing on upgrading the level of eir S&T. With these factors in mind, Korea has increased its support of national research and development (R&D). In recent years, this added support has resulted in an increased interest in the effectiveness of R&D. We have made continuous efforts to enhance the accountability and effectiveness of R&D by strengthening performance evaluation and considering R&D evaluation results during the budget review (appropriation) process. In order to change to a performance based system, we need to develop objective and scientific indicators to measure and evaluate the quality of the research performance of R&D programs. One of the primary research outcomes is publications. The impact factor of publications is widely used to evaluate overall journal quality and the quality of the papers published therein. However, the use of impact factors has been criticised because they can vary greatly when works from different subject areas are compared. In order to overcome this limitation, we have developed three kinds of qualitative indicators, which are functions of the impact factor. Two of these qualitative indicators, Modified Rank Normalized Impact Factor and Ordinal Rank Normalized Impact Factor, are based on order statistics (rank) for all journals from a specific specialty. The third qualitative indicator, Relative Field Impact Factor, uses the average impact factor of all journals within a subject category. We also suggest a quantitative indicator, Percentage of Contribution. In this study, we suggest 4 indicators and use them to evaluate the performance of outcomes from three R&D programs supported by the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology. We also perform a simulation study to verify the effectiveness of the proposed indicators. It can be shown that the proposed Ordinal Rank Normalized Impact Factor is the most reliable and effective indicator for comparing research performance across subject categories. However, we recommend using previous indicators in combination with the proposed indicators in this study for the research evaluation of R&D programs.

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Simulation-Based Stochastic Markup Estimation System $(S^2ME)$ (시뮬레이션을 기반(基盤)으로 하는 영업이윤율(營業利潤率) 추정(推定) 시스템)

  • Yi, Chang-Yong;Kim, Ryul-Hee;Lim, Tae-Kyung;Kim, Wha-Jung;Lee, Dong-Eun
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Building Construction Conference
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    • 2007.11a
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    • pp.109-113
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    • 2007
  • This paper introduces a system, Simulation based Stochastic Markup Estimation System (S2ME), for estimating optimum markup for a project. The system was designed and implemented to better represent the real world system involved in construction bidding. The findings obtained from the analysis of existing assumptions used in the previous quantitative markup estimation methods were incorporated to improve the accuracy and predictability of the S2ME. The existing methods has four categories of assumption as follows; (1) The number of competitors and who is the competitors are known, (2) A typical competitor, who is fictitious, is assumed for easy computation, (3) the ratio of bid price against cost estimate (B/C) is assumed to follow normal distribution, (4) The deterministic output obtained from the probabilistic equation of existing models is assumed to be acceptable. However, these assumptions compromise the accuracy of prediction. In practice, the bidding patterns of the bidders are randomized in competitive bidding. To complement the lack of accuracy contributed by these assumptions, bidding project was randomly selected from the pool of bidding database in the simulation experiment. The probability to win the bid in the competitive bidding was computed using the profile of the competitors appeared in the selected bidding project record. The expected profit and probability to win the bid was calculated by selecting a bidding record randomly in an iteration of the simulation experiment under the assumption that the bidding pattern retained in historical bidding DB manifest revival. The existing computation, which is handled by means of deterministic procedure, were converted into stochastic model using simulation modeling and analysis technique as follows; (1) estimating the probability distribution functions of competitors' B/C which were obtained from historical bidding DB, (2) analyzing the sensitivity against the increment of markup using normal distribution and actual probability distribution estimated by distribution fitting, (3) estimating the maximum expected profit and optimum markup range. In the case study, the best fitted probability distribution function was estimated using the historical bidding DB retaining the competitors' bidding behavior so that the reliability was improved by estimating the output obtained from simulation experiment.

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A Study on the Application Plan of Basic Original Technology in Science & Research Parks : Focus on Science Parks in Korea (과학연구단지의 기초원천 기술 활용방안에 관한 연구 : 지방과학연구단지를 중심으로)

  • Lee, Won Cheul;Choi, Jong-In
    • Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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    • v.9 no.3
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    • pp.63-74
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    • 2014
  • From the 1950s, the science parks were begun the composition as a way for innovation and commercialization in the world around developed countries. Since the 1980s, Korea also starting with quantitative investment in R & D for technology innovation, so far has been a continuous effort. Korea's patent creation level according to these R & D investment is already within the world's top 10, but the fact that the domestic technology trade balance appearing current competitive level compared to the developed technology is very insufficient. This means that the creation of economic value is low as compared with financial commitment. Therefore the plans to ensure the economic value through technology are required. As one of plans to do this for local economy activation through technical advances, constructing regional innovation systems and making science parks have been made. These science parks are required to develop the basic original technology in order to secure new growth engines, but the science parks in Korea are facing difficulties of performing research and development for regional industry advancement and local economy activation. Accordingly, this study attempts to organize the concept of 'science park' is similar but there is difference, and to compare institutions with similar functions based on regional innovation systems theory. In addition, the study is to obtain the application plans of basic original technology in science & research Parks through the model for overcoming weaknesses of Korea's innovation system and enabling organic cross-linking between institutions.

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Determination of Biogenic Amines using an Amperometric Biosensor with a Carbon Nanotube Electrode and Enzyme Reactor (Carbon Nanotube 전극과 효소반응기로 구성된 Amperometric Biosensor를 이용한 Biogenic Amines 검출)

  • Kim, Jong-Won;Jeon, Yeon-Hee;Kim, Mee-Ra
    • Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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    • v.20 no.5
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    • pp.735-742
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    • 2010
  • Biogenic amines are synthesized by microbial decarboxylation for the putrefaction or fermentation of foods containing protein. Although biogenic amines such as histamine, tyramine, and putrescine are required for many physiological functions in humans and animals, consumption of high amounts of biogenic amines can cause toxicological effects, including serious gastrointestinal, cutaneous, hemodynamic, and neurological symptoms. In this study, a novel amperometric biosensor wasdeveloped to detect biogenic amines. The biosensor consisted of a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, an enzyme reactor with immobilized diamine oxidase, an injector, a peristaltic pump and a potentiostat. A working electrode was fabricated with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by coating functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-$NH_2$) and by electrodepositing Prussian blue (PB) to enhance electrical conductivity. A sensor system with PB/MWCNT-$NH_2$/GCE showed linearity in the range of $0.5 {\mu}M{\sim}100 {\mu}M$ hydrogen peroxide with a detection limit of $0.5 {\mu}M$. The responses for tyramine, 2-phenylethylamine, and tryptamine were 95%, 75%, and 70% compared to that of histamine, respectively. These results imply that the biosensor system can be applied to the quantitative measurement of biogenic amines.

A Philosophical Analysis and Design of a New Paradigm of the Rural Policies in Korea (한국 농정(農政)의 철학적 분석과 새로운 패러다임(paradigm)의 설계)

  • Kim, Sun-Yo
    • Journal of Agricultural Extension & Community Development
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.17-41
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    • 1996
  • In the situation of rapid industrialization based on the lopsided development of economy since 1960, Korean rural society has faced a crisis of disruption. As a result, the civilian government has tried a few actions to change the circumstance. However, it is said that the coral polices were not satisfactory. Those who were concerned with the rural problems of these days argue that it is necessary to adopt new policies and further to change the policymakers` philosophies concerning the matter. The arguments are certainly based on the beliefs that the sound policies come from the sound philosophies. This study aims to analyze the existing rural polices and their policymakers` philosophies and to design of a new paradigm. For the purpose, this study was set there specific objectives: First, to overview the moor points of Quantitative Utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham and the Social Justice Theory of John Rawls, the contrasting frameworks of the moral philosophies; Second, to trace the major or trade of the rural policies since 1960s in Korea; Third, to analyze the policymakers` philosophies reflected on the rural policies; Fourth, to design a new paradigm of the rural policies. This study mainly adopted descriptive method based on the various source of government and non-government statistics, white papers and other researches. The major findings of this study may be summarized as follows: 1. The historical epochs of the rural policies in Korea was divided into the periods: (1) An organizational and institutional establishment for self-reliance of main crops and the New Village Movement $(1969{\sim}70)$; (2) An initiation of `open-door` policies to the foreign farm products $(1970{\sim}80)$; (3) Completion of the UR meetings and the recommendations of the Rural and Fishery Development Commission (1980-present). 2. It was found that the philosophical foundations of coral policies were directly reflected from the utilitarianism of the national development. Under the philosophy it was the modem sector of economy that was to spearhead the national development, and the rural sector was situated to the peripheral position and hardly in the spot-light. Therefore, it may be said that the present situation of the rural society was largely rooted in the model of economic development. 3. As a new direction of the coral policies, many studies were focussing on the NTC (non-trade concerns) functions of agriculture for the present and future society. The researchers argue that the cost of protecting and supporting agriculture and rural society may be higher than that of the burden which the nation should be bear in the case of failure of agriculture. Although it tray be true, however, it should be noted that the argument is another type of utilitarianism which prevailed in the past. As a philosophy of rural policies, utilitarianism is straight forward and persuasive, however, it has also limitations in terms of relativism in broad sense or social justice in specific manna. 4. This study suggests to set the philosophical foundations of rural policies on the basis of Rawl`s Theory of Justice mentioned earlier. It emphasizes the inviolability of social justice which was neglected for the national benefits timing the period of development dictatorship in 1960s and 1970s. The principles of social justice for coral people were identified as twofold; (1) The principle of the t equal liberty; (2) (a) Difference principle, (b) The principle of fair equality of opportunity.

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Overexpression of MicroRNA-31 as a Promising Biomarker for Prognosis and Metastasis in Human Colorectal Cancer (MicroRNA-31 과발현을 이용한 대장암의 예후예측 및 전이예측 바이오마커 발굴)

  • Hur, Keun
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.26 no.6
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    • pp.705-710
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    • 2016
  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although several diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been available, CRC remains difficult to complete cure because of insufficient understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that strongly regulate gene expression via transcriptional and translational control mechanisms. Many crucial cellular pathways are frequently disrupted in cancer development process due to dysregulation of several miRNAs. Mir-31 functions as an oncogene that modulate expression of multiple cancer related genes. Thus, we aimed to demonstrate clinical relevance of miR-31 in human CRC. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of miR-31 expression was performed in 175 CRC tissues and 16 normal colonic mucosa (NM). Next, we investigated clinical significances of miR-31 expression in various clinicopathologic features in CRC patients cohort. Mir-31 was significantly up-regulated in CRC tissues compared to NM. In CRC tissues, miR-31 expression level was significantly elevated in a stage-dependent manner, which was associated with poor survival in patients with CRC. High miR-31 levels in CRC tissues significantly correlated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR]=2.4) as well as distant metastasis (odds ratio [OR]=2.3). In conclusion, we identified clinical significance of miR-31 expression in CRC. High miR-31 expression may be clinically able to use as a biomarker for CRC prognosis and predicting metastasis.

Identification and analysis of microRNAs in Candida albicans (Candida albicans의 마이크로RNA 동정과 분석)

  • Cho, Jin-Hyun;Lee, Heon-Jin
    • Journal of Life Science
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    • v.27 no.12
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    • pp.1494-1499
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    • 2017
  • Oral infection due to Candida albicans is a widely recognized and frequent cause of superficial infections of the oral mucosa (oral candidiasis). Although oral candidiasis is not a life-threatening fungemia, it can cause severe problems in individuals under certain conditions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding, small RNA molecules, which regulate the expression of other genes by inhibiting the translation of target mRNAs. The present study was designed to identify miRNAs in C. albicans and determine their possible roles in this organism. miRNA-sized small RNAs (msRNAs) were cloned in C. albicans by deep sequencing, and their secondary structures were analyzed. All the cloned msRNAs satisfied conditions required to qualify them as miRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that two of the most highly expressed C. albicans msRNAs, Ca-363 and Ca-2019, were located in the 3' untranslated region of the corticosteroid-binding protein 1 (CBP1) gene in a reverse orientation. miRNA mimics were transformed into C. albicans to investigate their RNA-inhibitory functions. RNA oligonucleotide-transformed C. albicans was then observed by fluorescent microscopy. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that these msRNAs did not inhibit CBP1 gene expression 4 hr and 8 hr after ectopic miRNA transformation. These results suggest that msRNAs in C. albicans possess an miRNA-triggered RNA interference gene-silencing function, which is distinct from that exhibited by other eukaryotic systems.