• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2007

Destruction of oral soft and hard tissues and resulting problems seriously affect the life quality of xerostomic patients. Although artificial saliva is the only regimen for xerostomic patients with totally abolished salivary glands, currently available artificial salivas give restricted satisfaction to patients. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the development of ideal artificial saliva through comparing viscosity and wettability between CMC solutions and human saliva. Commercially-available CMC is dissolved in simulated salivary buffer (SSB) and distilled deionized water (DDW). Various properties of human whole saliva, human glandular saliva, and a CMC-based saliva substitutes known as Salivart and Moi-Stir were compared with those of CMC solutions. Viscosity was measured with a cone-and-plate digital viscometer at six different shear rates, while wettability on acrylic resin and Co-Cr alloy was determined by the contact angle. The obtained results were as follows: 1. The viscosity of CMC solutions was proportional to CMC concentration, with 0.5% CMC solution displaying similar viscosity to stimulated whole saliva. Where as a decrease in contact angle was found with increasing CMC concentration. 2. The viscosity of human saliva was found to be inversely proportional to shear rate, a non-Newtonian (pseudoplastic) trait of biological fluids. The mean viscosity values at various shear rates increased as follows: stimulated parotid saliva, stimulated whole saliva, unstimulated whole saliva, stimulated submandibular-sublingual saliva. 3. Contact angles of human saliva on the tested solid phases were inversely correlated with viscosity, namely decreasing in the order stimulated parotid saliva, stimulated whole saliva, unstimulated whole saliva, stimulated submandibular-sublingual saliva. 4. Boiled CMC dissolved in SSB (CMC-SSB) had a lower viscosity than CMC-SSB (P < 0.01 at shear rate of $90s^{-1}$). 5. For human saliva, contact angles on acrylic resin were significantly lower than those on Co-Cr alloy (P < 0.01). 6. Comparing CMC solutions with human saliva, the contact angles between acrylic resin and human saliva solutions were significantly lower than those between acrylic resin and CMC solutions, including Salivart and Moi-Stir (P <0.01). The effectiveness of CMC solutions in terms of their rheological properties was objectively confirmed, indicating a vital role for CMC in the development of effective salivary substitutes.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.3-33
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• 1991

Since the early 1980's, the Korean government has gradually been widening the Korean market to foreign consumer goods. This, combined with the increased purchasing power of the Korean consumers resulting from the continued economic growth of the country, has sparked a spectacular influx of foreign consumer goods into Korea, ranging from BMW's to chopsticks. Import of foreign consumer goods amounted to more than 6 billion dollars in 1989 and is continuing to grow at a rapid rate. The increased import of foreign consumer goods doubtlessly improved the overall welfare of the Korean consumers by providing them with a wider range of options to choose from, by lowering the prices of some of the consumer goods domestically produced, and also by forcing the producers of some Korean goods to face competition with better foreign goods, thus giving them an incentive to raise the quality of their products. However, it is agreed by most economists that this increase in general welfare has been much smaller than what they had expected at the outset. Consumer prices of most imported consumer goods are easily double the import price, and in some cases, more than treble the import prices. Further, there has not been a noticeable drop in the prices of domestically produced consumer goods. Much of the blame has been attributed to the distribution sector of Korea. The objective of this paper is to analyze the imported consumer goods distribution sector of Korea, focusing on the possible sources of the poor performance of that sector, and to make policy suggestions that could potentially increase the welfare. This paper differs from all the previous research by others on this subject in that it analyzes the imported consumer goods distribution sector of Korea as a vertical structure. The distribution sector of an imported consumer good is a vertical structure since it consists of an international market, an import stage, and domestic wholesale and retail markets, in that order vertically. Our study naturally includes the analysis of the vertical restraints as well as the analysis of the industrial organization of each horizontal stage in the vertical structure. Each horizontal component of the imported consumer goods distribution sector is basically a monopolistically competitive market differentiated by characteristics of goods and by the locations and the services of firms. Further, restrictive dealership and resale price maintenance are found to be widely in use. Our main findings are the follwing; First, most consumer goods are imported monopolistically or oligopolistically through restrictive dealership contracts between foreign producers and domestic importers. Such restrictive dealership gives importers market power in the domestic market and explains many of the large discrepancies betwen the consumer prices and the import prices of many goods. Korean anti - trust law does not cover the issues arising from the market power of an importer resulting from a restrictive dealership contract. Second, some major producers of Korean goods are also importers of foreign goods that are substitutes of their products. The import of substitutes by major domestic producers is anti - competitive because it tends to raise the prices of both domestic goods and foreign goods, and also because it reduces the incentive of the domestic producers to raise the quality of their products. Third, wholesalers and retailers widely use resale price maintenance as a price fixing mechanism, and while this is against the anti- trust law, it seldom gets noticed. Fourth, the high level of rents of real estate for commercial use works as an entry barrier to the distribution sector and results in reduced competition by the firms in that sector. Finally, there are information problems. Consumers have inferior information to firms about the quality of a foreign consumer good that they have not tried before. Such information asymmetry often enables firms to raise prices. In addition, information asymmetry between importers frequently delays the import of cheaper substitutes. In order to alleviate the problems indentified above, we suggest the following policy changes. The government should strengthen the anti - trust law and its enforcement to regulate restrictive import contracts, import of competing goods by major domestic producers, and RPM by wholesalers and retailers that is aimed at price fixing. In addition, the government should loosen its tight real estate policy to encourage investment in the distribution sector. Finally, we suggest that the import price revelation policy that has been in use for some items since 1990 be expanded to most imported consumer goods that are introduced for the first time to give consumer better information and be used only for the period of time needed to inform sufficient number of consumers.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.127-132
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• 2009

We have investigated the intrinsic defects remaining in epitaxial GaSb layers grown on SI-GaAs substrates compared to those in bulk GaSb crystal substrate, which is a basic material of Sb-based strained-layer superlattice infrared photodetectors. From the functional dependence of the band-to-band transition energy of the photomuminescence (PL) spectra observing up to near room-temperature (250 K), the temperature parameters of [$E_o$, $\alpha$, $\beta$] of undoped GaSb crystal are determined by using the Varshni empirical equation describing the temperature variation of the bandgap energy. Additionally to the antisite-Ga ([$Ga_{Sb}$]) with an ionization energy of 29 meV that is well known to a major intrinsic defect in GaSb, epitaxial GaSb layers show a pair of deep states at the emission energy of 732/711 meV that may be related with a complex of two antisite-Ga and antisite-Sb ([$Ga_{Sb}-Sb_{Ga}$]). Based on the analysis of the temperature and the excitation-power dependences of PL, it suggests that excess-Sb substitutes Ga-site by self-diffusion and two anti sites of [$Ga_{Sb}$] and [$Sb_{Ga}$] could form as a complex of [$Ga_{Sb}-Sb_{Ga}$] in GaSb epilayers grown under Sb-rich condition.

• Proceedings of the Technology Innovation Conference
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• 1996.12a
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• pp.265-295
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• 1996

This paper investigates empirically the relationship between various business portfolio properties (particularly technological properties) and chaebol′s performance using data on the 50 largest chaebols in Korea. In addition to the traditional indexes to measure diversification such as entropy index we calculated inter-industry technological similarity using R&D expenditure data by industry and 1990 Input-output Table in Korea, and obtained chaebol-level technological relatedness and internal transaction proportion from chaebols′business profile, inter-industry technological similarity and 1990 input-output table. We applied factor analysis on 13 business portfolio property indexes and showed that they could be grouped into 3 dimensions, diversification scope, inter-business relatedness and degree of vertical integration. In this paper, using 50 largest chaebols′financial data (1989-1994), we analyzed empirically the effect of business portfolio properties on ROS (Return On Sales) which is conventional index for firm performance and on TFP(Total Factor Productivity) growth which is a pure measure of firm performance. To utilize the advantage of panel data, FEM(Fixed Effect Model) and REM(Random Effect Model) were used. The empirical result shows that the entropy index as a measurement of inter-business relatedness is not significant but technological relatedness index is significant. OLS estimates on pooled data were considerably different from FEM or REM estimates on panel data. By introducing interaction effect among the three variables for business portfolio properties, we obtained three findings. First, only VI (Vertical integration) has a significant positive correlation with ROS. Second, when using TFP growth as an dependent variable, both TR(Technological Relatedness) and f[ are significant and positively related to the deepened variable. Third, the interaction term between TR and VI is significant and negatively affects TFP growth, meaning that TR and VI are substitutes. These results suggest strategic directions on restructuring business portfolio. As VI is increased, chaebols will get more profit. A higher level of either TR or W will increase TFP growth rate. but increase in both TR and VI will have a negative effect on TFP growth. To summarize, certain business portfolio properties such as VI and TR can be considered "resources" themselves since they can affect profit rate and productivity growth. VI and TR have a synergy effect of change in profit rate and productivity growth. VI increases ROS and productivity growth, while TR increases productivity growth representing a technological synergy effect.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.41-58
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• 2013

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of three single aqueous herbal extracts(Trichosanthes Semen, Gardeniae Fructus, and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), traditionally used for treating various gynecological diseases including mastitis in Korea, against Staphylococcus aureus and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-activated Raw 264.7 cells. Methods: Anti-bacterial activities of three single aqueous herbal extracts against S. aureus were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the cell viability, $PGE_2$, NO, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 productions of LPS activated Raw 264.7 cells. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were compared with lincomycin and piroxicam, respectively in the present study. Results: MIC of three single aqueous herbal extracts against S. aureus were detected as over 25, $4.063{\pm}2.096$ and $1.641{\pm}0.972$ mg/ml, respectively. MIC of lincomycin was detected as $0.469{\pm}0.297{\mu}g/ml$ at same conditions. In addition, $ED_{50}$ against LPS-induced cell viabilities and cytokine releases of three single aqueous herbal extracts were as follows - cell viability: 7.635, 13.761, 6.986 mg/ml, NO production : 4.808, 22.015, 2.949 mg/ml, $PGE_2$ production : 3.040, 4.312, 0.821 mg/ml, TNF-${\alpha}$ production : 9.563, 54.931, 1.240 mg/ml, IL-$1{\beta}$ production : 1.362, 1.801, 0.534 mg/ml, IL-6 production : 0.371, 0.797, 0.202 mg/ml, respectively. $ED_{50}$ of piroxicam against LPS-induced cell viabilities, NO, $PGE_2$, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6 were detected as 35.179, 6.552, 1.162, 7.273, 7.101 and 5.044 ${\mu}g/ml$, respectively at same conditions. Conclusions: The results of the study showed anti-bacterial effects against S. aureus in the order of Gardeniae Fructus and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix aqueous extracts, except for Trichosanthes Semen. They also showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells in the order of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Trichosanthes Semen, and Gardeniae Fructus aqueous extracts. These three herbs are expected to be great substitutes to reduce side-effect of lincomycin and piroxicam, if the amount of those three single aqueous herbal extracts is adjusted appropriately.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.293-301
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• 2011

Purpose: We have previously reported that tetra-cell adhesion molecule (T-CAM) markedly enhanced the differentiation of osteoblast-like cells grown on anorganic bone mineral (ABM). T-CAM comprises recombinant peptides containing the Arg- Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence in the tenth type III domain, Pro-His-Ser-Arg-Asn (PHSRN) sequence in the ninth type III domain of fibronectin (FN), and the Glu-Pro-Asp-Ilu-Met (EPDIM) and Tyr-His (YH) sequence in the fourth fas-1 domain of ${\beta}$ig-h3. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the cellular activity of osteoblast-like cells and the new bone formation on ABM coated with T-CAM, while comparing the results with those of synthetic cell binding peptide (PepGen P-15). Methods: To analyze the cell viability, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed, andto analyze gene expression, northernblot was performed. Mineral nodule formations were evaluated using alizarin red stain. The new bone formations of each group were evaluated using histologic observation and histomorphometrc analysis. Results: Expression of alkaline phosphatase mRNA was similar in all groups on days 10 and 20. The highest expression of osteopontin mRNA was observed in the group cultured with ABM/P-15, followed by those with ABM/T-CAM and ABM on days 20 and 30. Little difference was seen in the level of expression of collagen type I mRNA on the ABM, ABM/T-CAM, and ABM/P-15 cultured on day 20. There were similar growth and proliferation patterns for the ABM/T-CAM and ABM/P-15. The halo of red stain consistent with $Ca^{2+}$ deposition was wider and denser around ABM/T-CAM and ABM/P-15 particles than around the ABM particles. The ABM/T-CAM group seemed to have bone forming bioactivity similar to that of ABM/P-15. A complete bony bridge was seen in two thirds of the defects in the ABM/T-CAM and ABM/P-15 groups. Conclusions: ABM/T-CAM, which seemed to have bone forming bioactivity similar to ABM/P-15, was considered to serve as effective tissue-engineered bone graft material.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.365-384
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• 2012

Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that are highly productive in the presence of basic renewable natural sources (light, $CO_2$, water and nutrients). They can synthesize lipids, carbohydrates and proteins in a small number of days. Subsequently, these carbon-captured products can be processed into both biofuels and valuable co-products. Additionally, microalgae would be an ideal feedstock for replacing land-based food crops with cellular products as high energy density transportation fuels. These microscopic organisms could contribute a significant amount of renewable energy on a global scale. In Korea, microalgae biofuel research was common in the early 1990s. The research activities were unfortunately stopped due to limited governmental funds and low petroleum prices. Interest in algal biofuels in Korea has been growing recently due to an increased concern over oil prices, energy security, greenhouse gas emissions, and the potential for other biofuel feedstock to compete for limited agricultural resources. The high productivity of microalgae suggests that much of the Korean transportation fuel requirements can be met by biofuels at a production cost competitive with the increasing cost of petroleum seen in early 2008. At this time, the development of microlalgal biomass production technology remains in its infancy. This study reviewed microalgae culture systems and biomass production, harvesting, oil extraction, conversion, and technoeconomical bottlenecks. Many technical and economic barriers to using microalgal biofuels need to be overcome before mass production of microalgal-derived fuel substitutes is possible. However, serious efforts to overcome these barriers could become a large-scale commercial reality. Overall, this study provides a brief overview of the past few decades of global microalgal research.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.131-177
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• 2006

This paper examines a simultaneous determination of corporate control mechanisms, and its effects on firm performance. The corporate control mechanisms considered include the following; insider shareholding, institutional shareholding, the board of directors, dividend policy, and capital structure. This paper applies a simultaneous equation methodology and investigates the interdependence among the corporate control mechanisms. In the first part, the paper finds that firm-level variations of control mechanisms are large across time although average variations are relatively small. These variations are related to one another, which is confirmed by Granger causality test based on dynamic panel autoregression model. More specifically insider shareholding, institutional shareholding and outside director ratio cause each other. With regard to interdependence among the control mechanisms, 2SLS(two stage least squares) regression results show that insider shareholding and institutional shareholding are substitutes while institutional shareholding acts as complements to the ratio of outside members in the board of directors. Then in the second part, the paper examines the relationship between firm performance and corporate governance. Firm performance, measured by Tobin's Q, has a positive association with leverage ratio while that has a negative relation to outside director ratio. This suggests that there may be a room for reforming corporate governance in Korea. Specifically it is necessary to enhance the independence of the outside directors.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.367-373
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• 2009

Purpose: Following tooth extraction caused by severe periodontitis, alveolar ridge dimension lose their original volume. To reduce the alveolar ridge dimension, the ridge preservation technique has been introduced and tested in many clinical studies with membrane alone or membrane plus graft, achieving reduced ridge loss compared to extraction only. The aim of the present clinical study was to compare the post-extraction dimensional changes in the membrane exposure group to non-exposure group during healing period following ridge preservation technique. Methods: Ridge preservation was performed in 44 extraction sites. After extraction, deproteinized bovine bone mineral coated with synthetic oligopeptide (Ossgen-$X15^{(R)}$) or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (Bio-$Oss^{(R)}$) was implanted into the socket. A collagen membrane (Bio-$Gide^{(R)}$) was trimmed to cover the socket completely and applied to the entrance of the socket. Four clinical parameters were compared between baseline and 6 months. Results: During healing period, membrane exposure was observed at 19 sites. At the re-entry, hard newly formed tissue were observed at the ridge preservation site. The grafted socket sites were well preserved in their volume dimension. In both groups, horizontal ridge width was reduced and vertical height was increased. There were not statistically significant differences in horizontal (-1.32 mm vs -1.00 mm) and vertical ridge change (2.24 mm vs 2.37 mm at buccal crest, 1.36 mm vs. 1.53 mm at lingual crest) between two groups. Conclusions: The ridge preservation approach after tooth extraction effectively prevented resorption of hard tissue ridge in spite of membrane exposure during healing period.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2013

The cement industry brought very severe environment problems with massive carbon dioxide during its production. To solve this problem, attempts on Alkali-Activated Slag (AAS) concrete that perfectly substitutes industrial by-products such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) for cement are being actively made. AAS concrete is possible to have high strength development at room temperature, however, it is difficult to ensure the working time due to the fast setting time and the loss of workabillity because of the alkali reaction. In this study, the early age properties of alkali activated slag mortar are investigated to obtain the fundamental data for AAS concrete application to structural members. The water-binder ratio (W/B) was fixed at 0.35 and sodium hydroxide and waterglass as alkali activator was used. The compressive strength, the flow and the ultrasonic pulse velocity were measured according to the type of superplasticisers, which were naphthalene(N), lignin(L), melamine(M) and PC(P), up to a maximum of 2 percent by the mass of GGBFS. The results showed that adding melamine type of superplasticizer improved the fluidity of AAS mortar without decreasing the compressive strength, while naphthalene and polycarbonate type of superplasticizer had little effect on the fluidity of AAS mortar.