• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.95-100
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• 2006

Thirty heads of proven bulls were used to identify the effects of mounting conditions (dummy cow vs. teaser bull) on semen characteristics in Hanwoo. Semen was collected from bulls daily two times with 1 h interval every $3{\sim}6$ days for 6 months. Bulls mounted dummy cow (BDC) had higher both the $1^{st}$ and the $2^{nd}$ sperm concentrations than in bulls mounted teaser bull (BTB), resulting in more total sperm number (p<0.05). The total sperm number in the $1^{st}$ collection was the highest in BDC with collection interval of 5 days. Total sperm number in the $1^{st}\;and\;2^{nd}$ collections tended to be more in the BDC of $4{\sim}5$ years old and BTB of $6{\sim}7$ years old. These results indicate that semen collection using dummy cow has a better effect than teaser bull on semen characteristics.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2009

This study was performed to elucidate the effects of addition of ${\beta}-lactoglobulin$ and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) medium on porcine embryo production. The development rate to the 2 cell ($71.4{\sim}75.6%$) and blastocyst stages ($6.8{\sim}13.3%$) with different BSA concentrations in IVM medium were similar among treatment groups. Blastocyst hatching rate was significantly higher in the control group (0.0mg/ml) than in the group of 1.0mg/ml supplement (20.0% vs. 0.0%; p<0.05). The development rate to the 2 cell ($62.0{\sim}70.6%$) and blastocyst stages ($15.4{\sim}38.5%$) with different ${\beta}-lactoglobulin$ concentrations in IVM medium was similar among treatment groups. The development rate to the blastocyst was significantly higher in the group of 1.0mg/ml(15.3%) than in the group of 0.5mg/ml supplement (7.6%, p<0.05). The development rate to the 2 cell and blastocyst stages following the first addition of ${\beta}-lactoglobulin$ in IVM medium was significantly higher in the control group (77.0% and 18.9%) and was $0{\sim}44\;hr$(77.2% and 16.9%) greater than that observed in other treatment groups (p<0.05). The development rate to the 2 cell stage ($68.1{\sim}74.8%$) and blastocyst stages ($9.2{\sim}12.7%$) with different BSA concentrations in IVC medium was similar among treatment groups. However, blastocyst hatching rate was significantly higher in the group of 3.0mg/ml supplement (30.0%) than in the control group (0.0%; p<0.05). The development rate to the 2 cell stage ($72.9{\sim}78.0%$), blastocyst ($7.1{\sim}14.2%$) and hatching stages ($33.3{\sim}38.1%$) were not different. The development rate to the 2 cell stage ($63.6{\sim}72.5%$), blastocyst ($8.4{\sim}16.1%$) and hatching stages ($18.2{\sim}37.5%$) at the different culture periods were similar among treatment groups. This study suggested that if the addition level and periods of ${\beta}-lactoglobulin$ addition are adjusted, it is possible to replace BSA in the in vitro porcine embryo production.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2015

Purpose: Intracorporeal anastomosis is the most difficult procedure during pure single-incision distal gastrectomy (SIDG) that affects its generalization. We introduced unaided delta-shaped anastomosis (uDelta), a novel anastomosis technique, for gastroduodenostomy after pure SIDG, and compared the results with those of previously reported Roux-en-Y anastomosis (RY). Materials and Methods: Between March 2014 and March 2015, SIDG with D1+ lymph node dissection was performed for early gastric cancer through a 2.5-cm transumbilical incision without any additional port. uDelta was performed by the operator alone, without any intracorporeal assistance. Results: uDelta was performed on 11 patents, and uncut RY was performed on 5-patients without open or multiport conversion. R0 resection was performed in all cases. No significant differences were observed in mean age and body mass index between patients who underwent uDelta or RY. Mean operation times were $214.5{\pm}36.2$ minutes for uDelta and $240.8{\pm}65.9$ minutes for RY, which was not significantly different. Reconstruction time for uDelta was shorter than that for RY, with marginal statistical significance ($26.1{\pm}8.3$ minutes vs. $38.0{\pm}9.1$ minutes, P=0.05). There were no intraoperative transfusions, 30-day mortality, or anastomosis-related complications in either group. Average length of hospital stay was $8.2{\pm}1.9$ days in the uDelta group and $7.2{\pm}0.8$ days in the RY group (P=0.320). Conclusions: After carefully considering indications, uDelta can be a feasible and can be a reproducible reconstruction method after SIDG in early gastric cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2010

Background: Procalcitonin is a well known marker in infection that plays a role in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections in screening. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin in differentiating between 2009 H1N1 influenza pneumonia and community acquired pneumonia of bacterial origin, or mixed bacterial origin and 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed over the 6-month winter period during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Ninety-six patient-subjects were enrolled, all of whom had been diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia in emergency department during the study period. On admission, laboratory studies were performed, which included 2009 H1N1 influenza real-time polymerase chain reaction of nasal secretions and procalcitonin on serum; the laboratory values were compared between the study groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed on the resulting data. Results: Compared to those with bacterial or mixed infections (n=62) and bacterial pneumonia with confirmed organisms (n=30), patients with 2009 H1N1 pneumonia (n=34) were significantly more likely to have low procalcitonin levels (p=0.008, 0.001). Using cutoff of value >0.3 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin for detection of patients with confirmed bacterial pneumonia were 76.2% and 60.6%, respectively. A significant difference in procalcitonin was found between 2009 H1N1 pneumonia and pneumonia caused by mixed influenza viral and bacterial infections (0.15 [0.05~0.84] vs. 10.3 [0.05~22.87] ng/mL, p=0.045). Conclusion: Serum procalcitonin measurement may assist in the discrimination between pneumonia of bacterial and of 2009 H1N1 influenza origin. High values of procalcitonin suggest that bacterial infection or mixed infection of bacteria and 2009 H1N1 influenza is more likely.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.20-28
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• 2012

The lumbar multifidus muscle, which can be separated into deep fascicles (DM) and superficial fascicles (SM), is important for lumbar segmental stability. However, no previous studies have investigated the effect of lumbar stabilization exercises on the thickness of DM and SM. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess DM thickness after three different lumbar segmental stabilization exercises. In total, 30 healthy male participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three exercise groups: hollowing in the quadruped position (H-Quad), contralateral arm and leg lift (CALL), and bilateral arm and leg lift (BALL). Each lumbar segmental stabilization exercise was conducted over 4 weeks. Ultrasonography was used to compare the DM and SM thickness before and after the 4 weeks of exercise. A mixed-model analysis of variance using Scheffe's post-hoc test was used for statistical analysis. The results showed a significant effect for the measurement time (before vs. after 4 weeks of exercise) in the DM (F=31.26, p<.05) and SM (F=4.56, p<.05). At the end of the 4 weeks, the DM thickness had increased significantly in the H-Quad exercise group, and the SM thickness had increased significantly in the CALL and BALL exercise groups. Also in the BALL exercise group, the SM thickness was greater compared with that in the H-Quad exercise group. These findings suggest that the thickness of the DM and SM were increased by different types of lumbar segmental stability exercise after 4 weeks.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 1986

Electrical conductivities of NiO-$Y_2O_3$ systems containing 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 mol% NiO have been measured in the temperature range of 400 to 1100$^{\circ}$C at $PO_2$'s of 1 ${\times}10^{-5}$ to 2 ${\times}10^{-1}$ atm. Plots of $log\sigma$ vs 1/T at constant $PO_2$'s are found to be linear with an inflection at temperature around 650$^{\circ}$C. The slopes are steeper in the high temperature region above 650$^{\circ}$C than in the low temperature region below 650$^{\circ}$C. The average activation energies are 41.8kcal/mol in the high temperature region and 12.5kcal/mol in the low temperature region. $PO_2$'s dependence value, 1/n, is 1/5.1~1/5.4 in the high temperature region and 1/5.9~1/6.2 in the low temperature region. The NiO-$Y_2O_3$ systems are found to be an electronic p-type semiconductor. The predominant defects in the systems are believed to be triply ionized yttrium vacancy in the high temperature region and doubly ionized oxygen interstitial in the low temperature region. Ionic contribution to the total conductivity is found from ${\sigma}^{\propto}PO_2$ in the temperatures below 650$^{\circ}$C.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.10
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• pp.388-392
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• 2012

Purpose: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within LIN28B have been reported to be related to the timing of pubertal growth. However, no study has investigated the frequency of genetic markers in girls with precocious puberty (PP) or early puberty (EP). This study aimed to determine the frequency of putative genetic markers in girls with PP or EP. Methods: Genomic DNAs were obtained from 77 and 109 girls that fulfilled the criteria for PP and EP, respectively. The controls in this study were 144 healthy volunteers between 20 and 30 years of age. The haplotypes were reconstructed using 11 SNPs of LIN28B, and haplotype association analysis was performed. The haplotype frequencies were compared. Differences in the clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed according to the haplotype dosage. Results: Eleven SNPs in LIN28B were all located in a block that was in linkage disequilibrium. The haplotype could be reconstructed using 2 representative SNPs, rs4946651 and rs369065. The AC haplotype was less frequently observed in the PP group than in the controls (0.069 vs. 0.144, P=0.010). The trend that girls with non-AC haplotypes tended to have earlier puberty onset (P=0.037) was illustrated even in the EP+PP patient group by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that non-AC haplotypes of LIN28B had a significant association with PP in girls.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.179-188
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• 2012

A kiwifruit cultivar 'Hayward' has been grown in Jeju Island where the current climate is suitable for growth and development of this crop. Prediction of the geographical shift in the phenology can help the kiwifruits growers to adapt to the local climate change in the future. Two phenology models (i.e., chill-day and DVS) were parameterized to estimate flowering date of kiwifruits 'Hayward' based on the data collected from field plots and chamber experiments in the southern coastal and island locations in South Korea. Spatio-temporally independent datasets were used to evaluate performance of the two models in predicting flowering date of 'Hayward'. Chill-day model showed better performance than DVS model (2.5 vs. 4.0 days in RMSE). Daily temperature data interpolated at a higher spatial resolution over Jeju Island were used to predict flowering dates of 'Hayward' in 2021-2100 under the A1B scenario. According to the model calculation under the future climate condition, the flowering of kiwifruits shall accelerate and the area with poor flowering might increase due to the warmer winter induced insufficient chilling. Optimal land area for growing 'Hayward' could increase for a while in the near future (2021-2030), whereas such areas could decrease to one half of the current areas by 2100. The geographic locations suitable for 'Hayward' cultivation would migrate from the current coastal area to the elevated mountain area by 250 m.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.607-622
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• 2004

Recently epidemiologic studies have indicated that the patients with periodontitis may have increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular events, and have suggested the important roles of blood cytokines and acute reactant proteins in the systemic infection and inflammatory response. Periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) may share the common risk factors and the genetic mechanism associated with interleukin(IL)-1A, B and RA genotype may be involved in the production of IL-1. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between angiographically defined CHD and periodontitis as chronic Gram-negative bacterial infection and to determine whether the IL-1 gene polymorphism is associated in both diseases. Patients under the age of 60 who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Subjects were classified as positive CHD (+CHD, n=37) with coronary artery stenosis more than 50% in at least one of major epicardial arteries, and negative CHD (-CHD, n=30) without significant stenosis. After recording the number of missing teeth, periodontal disease severity was measured by means of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone loss around all remaining teeth. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from the 4 deepest periodontal pockets and assessed for cytokine ($IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-1ra, tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$, and prostaglandin $E_2$). Additionally, blood CHD markers, lipid profile, and blood cytokines were analyzed. IL-1 gene cluster genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and enzyme restriction using genomic DNA from buccal swab, and allele 2 frequencies of IL-1A(+4845), IL-1B(+3954), IL-B(-511), and IL-1RA(intron 2) were compared between groups. Even though there was no significant difference in the periodontal parameters between 2 groups, GCF level of $PGE_2$ was significantly higher in the +CHD group(p<0.05). Correlation analysis showed the positive relationship among PD, CAL and coronary artery stenosis(%) and blood $PGE_2$. There was also significant positive relationship between the periodontal parameters (PI, PD, CAL) and the blood CHD markers (leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and lactic dehyrogenase). IL-1 gene genotyping showed that IL-1A(+3954) allele 2 frequency was significantly higher in the +CHD group compared with the -CHD group (15% vs. 3.3%, OR 5.118,p=0.043). These results suggested that periodontal inflammation is related to systemic blood cytokine and CHD markers, and contributes to cardiovascular disease via systemic inflammatory reaction. IL-1 gene polymorphism might have an influence on periodontal and coronary heart diseases in Korean patients.

• Particle and aerosol research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.19-30
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• 2020

The organic carbon in the ambient particulate matter (PM) is divided into primary organic carbon (POC) and secondary organic carbon (SOC) by their formation way. To regulate PM effectively, the estimation of the amount of POC and SOC separately is one of important consideration. Since SOC cannot be measured directly, previous studies have evaluated determination of SOC by the EC tracer method. The EC tracer method is a method of estimating the SOC value from calculating the POC by determining (OC/EC)pri which is the ratio of the measured values of OC and EC from the primary combustion source. In this study, three different ways were applied to OC and EC concentrations in PM_2.5 measured at Seoul for determining (OC/EC)pri: 1) the minimum value of OC/EC ratio during the measurement period; 2) regression analysis of OC vs. EC to select the lower 5-20% OC/EC ratio; 3) determining the OC/EC ratio which has lowest correlation coefficient value (R²) between EC and SOC which is reported as minimum R squared method (MRS). Each (OC/EC)pri ratio of three ways are 0.35, 1.22, and 1.77, respectively from the 1 hourly data. We compared the (OC/EC)pri ratio from 1hourly data with 24 hourly data and revealed that (OC/EC)pri estimated from 24 hourly data had twice larger than 1hourly data due to the low time resolution of sampling. We finally confirmed that the most appropriate value of (OC/EC)pri is that calculated by a regression analysis of 1 hourly data and estimated SOC amounts at PM_2.5 of the Seoul atmosphere.