• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.422-431
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• 2019

Objective : In an aging society, the number of patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is increasing and there is an emerging need for fusion surgery. However, few studies have compared transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of patients with DS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes between TLIF and LLIF in DS. Methods : We enrolled patients with symptomatic DS at L4-5 who underwent TLIF with open pedicle screw fixation (TLIF group, n=41) or minimally invasive LLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (LLIF group, n=39) and were followed-up for more than one year. Clinical (visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index) and radiological outcomes (spondylolisthesis rate, segmental sagittal angle [SSA], mean disc height [MDH], intervertebral foramen height [FH], cage subsidence, and fusion rate) were assessed. And we assessed the changes in radiological parameters between the postoperative and the last follow-up periods. Results : Preoperative radiological parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. LLIF was significantly superior to TLIF in immediate postoperative radiological results, including reduction of spondylolisthesis rate (3.8% and 7.2%), increase in MDH (13.9 mm and 10.3 mm) and FH (21.9 mm and 19.4 mm), and correction of SSA ($18.9^{\circ}$ and $15.6^{\circ}$) (p<0.01), and the changes were more stable from the postoperative period to the last follow-up (p<0.01). Cage subsidence was observed significantly less in LLIF (n=6) than TLIF (n=21). Fusion rate was not different between the two groups. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly at any time point between the two groups. Complications were not statistically significant. However, TLIF showed chronic mechanical problems with screw loosening in four patients and LLIF showed temporary symptoms associated with the surgical approach, such as psoas and ileus muscle symptoms in three and two cases, respectively. Conclusion : LLIF was more effective than TLIF for spondylolisthesis reduction, likely due to the higher profile cage and ligamentotactic effect. In addition, LLIF showed mechanical stability of the reduction level by using a cage with a larger footprint. Therefore, LLIF should be considered a surgical option before TLIF for patients with unstable DS.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.204-213
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• 2012

The objectives of this research were to estimate nitrogen budgets in agriculture and livestock in 2010, and to evaluate nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emission by a local government. Input-output budgets for nitrogen were categorized into two sections including agriculture and livestock. Fertilizer, deposition, fixation, compost, irrigation, and feed were used as the nitrogen inputs while crop production, crop uptake, denitrification, volatilization, leaching, compost, and ocean disposal were used as the nitrogen outputs. Annual nitrogen input and output for agriculture and livestock were 1,148,848 N ton/yr and 610,380 N ton/yr respectively indicating the decrease of the nitrogen input and output, compared to our previous researches in 2005 and 2008. Total nitrogen input in 16 local government was estimated resulting that $N_2O$ emission was the highest for Jeonnam (2,574 ton/yr) and the lowest for Seoul (7 ton/yr).

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 1974

On a newly reclamed acidic Song-jong soil (soil of a member of fine loamy, mesic family of Hapludults) an experiment was carried out to find out the proper measure of the improvement of soil fertility with soybean as test crop. Results are summarized as follow: 1. Application of compost (1 ton/10a), lime (lime requirement)and fused phosphate (equivalent to 5% of the phosphate fixation coefficient)resulted in the increase of soybean yield by 93.3% over the check plot (N: 6kg/10a, $P_2O_5$: 9kg/10a, $K_2O$: 6kg/10a). The application of fused phosphate at the level of 5% of phosphate fixation coefficient N (6kg/10a) and K(6kg/10a) brought the yield increase by 62.7% over the check plot. However, although the pH of the soil was adjusted to 7.0 by liming, the application of lime with moderate dose of phosphate ($P_2O_5$: 9kg/10a) did not increase the yield of soybean significantly. And the application of fused phosphate at the level of 5% of phosphate fixation coefficient increased the available soil P from 14 ppm to around 100 ppm as tested after harvest. 2. Application of compost (1 ton/10a) increased the organic matter content of soil by 0.8% when tested after harvest. While, the application of rice straw (0.5 ton/10a) did not alter the soil organic matter content. The CEC of the soil tested after havest found incereased significantly by the addition of lime and compost. 3. Plant analysis revealed that the $K_2O/Ca+Mg$ is better correlated with the yield than the absolute concentration of $K_2O$ in plant tissue. Between the concentration of $P_2O_5$ in plant tissue and the yield of soybean, a typical C-curve relationship was observed, indicating that in this particular soil, phosphate was the primary growth liming factor.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.276-284
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• 2019

Objectives: This study sought to compare efficiency results between the use of a customized implant (CI) and a reconstruction plate (RP) in mandibular defect reconstruction in an animal model. Materials and Methods: Fifteen rabbits underwent surgery to create a defect in the right side of the mandible and were randomly divided into two groups. For reconstruction of the mandibular defect, the RP group (n=5) received five-hole mini-plates without bone grafting and the CI group (n=10) received fabricated CIs based on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data taken preoperatively. The CI group was further divided into two subgroups depending on the time of CBCT performance preoperatively, as follows: a six-week CI (6WCI) group (n=5) and a one-week CI (1WCI) group (n=5). Daily food intake amount (DFIA) was measured to assess the recovery rate. Radiographic images were acquired to evaluate screw quantity. CBCT and histological examination were performed in the CI subgroup after sacrifice. Results: The 1WCI group showed the highest value in peak average recovery rate and the fastest average recovery rate. In terms of reaching a 50% recovery rate, the 1WCI group required the least number of days as compared with the other groups ($2.6{\pm}1.3days$), while the RP group required the least number of days to reach an 80% recovery rate ($7.8{\pm}2.2days$). The 1WCI group showed the highest percentage of intact screws (94.3%). New bone formation was observed in the CI group during histological examination. Conclusion: Rabbits with mandibular defects treated with CI showed higher and faster recovery rates and more favorable screw status as compared with those treated with a five-hole mini-plate without bone graft.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 1985

Rhizobium japonicum wild type strains isolated from local soybean variety Jangback root nodules with higher nitrogenase activity than R. japonicum 3I1110 or 61A76 was mutangenized by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and UV-irradiation, and screened by effectiveness assay with soybean. One mutant strain JB65 nodulated the roots earlier than the wild type and also expressed higher acetylene-reducing activity in the presence and absence of fixed nitrogen. The selected mutant was compared with SM35 strain and showed greater nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixing activity with local soybean variety Jangback than SM35 strain.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2009

Among various microscopic organisms producing photobiological hydrogen, cyanobacteria have long been recognized as the promising biological agents for hydrogen economy in 21 century. For photobiological production of hydrogen energy, marine unicellular $N_2$-fixing cyanobacteria have been evaluated as an ideal subgroup of Cyanophyceae. To develope the hydrogen production technology using unicellular $N_2$-fixing cyanobacteria, 3 important factors are pre-requisite: 1) isolation of the best strain from marine natural environment, 2) exploration on the strain-specific optimal conditions for the photobiological hydrogen production, and finally 3) application of the molecular genetic tools to improve the natural ability of the strain to produce hydrogen. Here we reviewed the recent research & development to commercialize photobiological hydrogen production technology, and suggest that intensive R&D during next 10-15 years should be imperative for the future Korean initiatives in the field of the photobiological hydrogen production technology using photosynthetic marine unicellular cyanobacterial strains.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.7
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• pp.883-890
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• 2001

Objectives : An in vitro biomechanical study of posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) with threaded cage using two different approaches was performed on eighteen functional spinal units of bovine lumbar spines. The purpose of this study was to compare the segmental stiffnesses among PLIF with one long posterolateral cage, PLIF with one long posterolateral cage and simultaneous facet joint fixation, and PLIF with two posterior cages. Methods : Eighteen bovine lumbar functional spinal units were divided into three groups. All specimens were tested intact and with cage insertion. Group 1(n=12) had a long threaded cage($15{\times}36mm$) inserted posterolaterally and oriented counter anterolaterally on the left side by posterior approach with left unilateral facetectomy. Group 2(n=6) had two regular length cages($15{\times}24mm$) inserted posteriorly with bilateral facetectomy. Six specimens from group 1 were then retested after unilateral facet joint screw fixation in neutral(group 3). Likewise, the other six specimens from group 1 were retested after fixation with a facet joint screw in an extended position(group 4). Nondestructive tests were performed in pure compression, flexion, extension, lateral bending, and torsion. Results : PLIF with a single cage, group 1, had a significantly higher stiffnesses than PLIF with two cages, group 2, in left and right torsion(p<0.05). Group 1 showed higher stiffness values than group 2 in pure compression, flexion, left and right bending but were not significantly different. Group 3 showed a significant increase in stiffness in comparison to group 1 for pure compression, extension, left bending and right torsion(p<0.05). For group 4, the stiffness significantly increased in comparison to group 1 for extension, flexion and right torsion(p<0.05). Although there was no significant difference between groups 3 and 4, group 4 had increased stiffness in extension, flexion, right bending and torsion. Conclusion : Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with a single long threaded cage inserted posterolaterally with unilateral facetectomy enables sufficient decompression while maintaining a majority of the posterior elements. In combination with a facet joint screw fixation, adequate postoperative stability can be achieved. We suggest that posterolateral insertion of a long threaded cage is biomechanically an ideal alternative to PLIF.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2023

Background: Modifications of the medialized design of Grammont-type reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) using a bony increased offset (BIO-RSA) has shown better clinical results and fewer complications. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical results, complications, and radiological outcomes between patients undergoing standard RSA and BIO-RSA. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 42 RSA procedures (22 standard RSA and 20 BIO-RSA). With a minimum of 1 year of follow-up, range of motion (ROM), Constant shoulder score (CSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and subjective shoulder score (SSS) were compared. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan were examined for scapular notching, glenoid and humeral fixation, and graft healing. Results: At a mean follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 12-48 months), a significant difference was found for active-internal rotation (P=0.038) and for passive-external rotation (P=0.013), with better results in BIO-RSA. No other differences were found in ROM, CSS (P=0.884), VAS score, and SSS. Graft healing and viability were verified in all patients with CT scan (n=34). The notching rate was 28% in the standard RSA group and 33% in the BIO-RSA group, but the standard RSA had more severe notching (grade 2) than BIO-RSA (P=0.039). No other significative differences were found in glenoid and humeral fixation. Conclusions: Bone-graft lateralization is associated with better internal and external rotation and with less severe scapular notching compared to the standard RSA. Integration of the bone graft occurs effectively, with no relevant changes observed on radiographic evaluation. Level of evidence: III.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2017

Purpose: Bone grafting is often necessary to maintain a reduction and prevent delayed collapse of reduced fracture in a treatment of severely displaced comminuted intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Herein, we analyzed the usefulness and necessary conditions to perform tricortical-allobone grafting in open reduction of calcaneal fracture via the Ollier approach. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 57 intra-articular calcaneal fractures that underwent an operation via the Ollier approach between April 2009 and April 2015. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=17) included those with tricortical-allobone grafts underneath the posterior facet fragment, and group 2 (n=40) included cases without a bone graft. We measured the $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle, Gissane angle, height, and width of the calcaneus at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiograph. We measured the sagittal rotational angle of the posterior facet fragment of preoperative computed tomography to analyze the effect and necessary conditions for bone grafting. We also reviewed the clinical results by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), and any complications. Results: According to the Sanders classification, there were 3 type-II fractures, 12 type-III fractures, and 2 type-IV fractures in Group 1; whereas in Group 2, there were 26 type-II fractures, 13 type-III fractures, and 1 type-IV fracture (p=0.002). Regarding the preoperative radiologic parameters, there were significant differences in the $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle (p=0.006), Gissane angle (p=0.043), and rotational angle of the posterior facet fragment (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in the preoperative calcaneal height and width, as well as postoperative radiologic parameters. There was no significant clinical difference between the two groups (p=0.546). Conclusion: We suggest that a tricortical-allobone graft may be useful in open reduction and screw fixation via the Ollier approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture with a bony defect after reduction of collapsed posterior facet fragment. This graft can contribute to the stable reduction via a small approach, even without a plate.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.201-208
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• 2013

Copper (II) and Nickel (II) mimic complexes of enzyme carbonic anhydrase were evaluated under ambient condition for carbon dioxide capture and conversion process. The synthesized complexes were characterized by ATR-FTIR and UV-DR spectroscopy. It was found that all the complexes have biomimetic activity towards $CO_2$ using para-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) hydrolysis as the model reaction. Interestingly, the proper geometry obtained by the restricted orientation of tripodal N atoms in Cu (II) complex of 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl) pyridine showed the highest activity (1.14 au) compared to others. The $CO_2$ bio-mineralization to $CaCO_3$ was carried out via in-vitro crystallization approach. Results indicate that the biomimetic complexes have a role in determining $CaCO_3$ morphology. The present observations establish a qualitative insight for the design of improved small-molecule catalysts for carbon capture.