• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.239-247
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• 2006

Background: Culture filtrate proteins secreted by mycobacteria are thought to play an important role in inducing protective immunity and to develop new methods for diagnosing tuberculosis. Methods: A culture filtrate protein of M. avium that was strongly reactive with goat antiserum against M. intracellulare was constructed. Its homologous protein (TB-14) in M. tuberculosis was cloned, expressed and purified. The inductions of IFN-${\gamma}$ stimulated with $10{\mu}g$ of TB-14 recombinant protein and $10{\mu}g$ PPD were estimated by using whole bloods from seven PPD (-) subjects, seven PPD (+) healthy volunteers and nine tuberculosis patients. Results: M. avium culture filtrate protein was confirmed as a hypothetical protein that was termed contig 116. A novel 14-kDa recombinant protein (TB-14) of M. tuberculosis was composed of 148 amino acids, including 30 amino acids of the signal peptide, and it showed 78% homology with M. avium. In the PPD (+) healthy volunteers, recombinant TB-14 protein strongly induced the secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$ in whole blood cultures. Conclusion: These results suggest that TB-14 recombinant protein might play an important role in inducing cell-mediated immunity against tuberculosis. Furthermore, TB-14 protein antigen and its antiserum will be available for the development of new diagnostic tools for tuberculosis.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.29 no.2 s.73
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• pp.165-181
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• 1999

Treatment mechanics should be individualized to be suitable for each patient's personal teeth and anatomic environment to get a best treatment result with the least harmful effects to teeth and surrounding tissues. Especially, the change of biomechanical reaction associated with that of the centers of resistance of teeth should be considered when crown-to-root ratio changed due to problematic root resorption and/or periodontal disease during adult orthodontic treatment. At the present study, in order to investigate patterns of initial displacements of anterior teeth under certain orthodontic force when crown-to-root ratio changed in not only normal periodontal condition but also abnormal periodontal and/or teeth condition, the changes of the centers of resistance for maxillary and mandibular 6 anterior teeth as a segment were studied using the laser reflection technique, the lever & pulley force applicator and the photodetector with these quantified variables reducing alveolar bone 2mm by 2mm for each of maxillary 6 anterior teeth until the total amount of 8mm and root 2mm by 2mm for each of mandibular 6 anterior ones until the total amount of 6mm. The results were as follows: 1. Under unreduced condition, the center of resistance during initial displacement of maxillary 6 anterior teeth was located at the point of about $42.4\%$ apically from cemento-enamel junction(CEJ) of the averaged tooth of them and kept shifting to about $76.7\%$ with alveolar bone reduction. 2. The distance from the averaged alveolar crest level of maxillary 6 anterior teeth to the center of resistance for the averaged tooth of them kept decreasing with alveolar bone reduction, but the ratio to length of the averaged root embedded in the alveolar bone was stable at around $33\%$ regardless of that. 3. Under unreduced condition, the center of resistance during initial displacement of mandibular 6 anterior teeth was located at the Point of about $43\%$ apically from CEJ of the averaged tooth of them and this ratio kept increasing to about $54\%$ with root reduction. But the distance from CEJ to the center of resistance decreased from around 5.3mm to around 3.3mm, that is to say, the center of resistance kept shifting toward CEJ with the shortening of root length. 4. A unit reduction of alveolar bone had greater effects on the change of the centers of resistance than that of root did during initial Phase of each reduction. But both of them had similar effects at the middle region of whole length of the averaged root.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2005

Telomeres consisting of (TTAGGG)n tandem repeat DNA sequences and associated proteins are essential for chromosome stability and related with cell senescence, apoptosis and cancer. The telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which act as a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. This study was carried out to identify the distribution of telomeres on mouse chromosomes and also to analyze the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity of mouse embryos at early embryonic stages. Germ cells and early embryos from 1 cell to blastocyst stage were analyzed. The amount of telomeres was analyzed by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization technique(Q-FISH) using a human telomeric DNA probe, and telomerase activity was measured by telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay(TRAP). In results, the telomeres on mouse chromosomes were distributed at the ends of all autosomes and sex chromosomes. Although the quantity of telomeres varied among chromosomes, most of chromosomes had higher amount in q-arm telomeres than in p-arm telomeres. The results of Q-FISH indicated that the relative amount of telomeres of mouse embryos in each embryonic stage was approximately the same except the higher amount in blastocysts. Using TRAP assay on mouse embryos, telomerase activity was detected in all preimplantation stages from mature oocytes to blastocysts. Especially the telomerase activity was significantly increased at the morula and blastocyst stage. In conclusion, there may be a close association between the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity in early embryonic stages, and analysis of telomere quantity and telomerase activity on early development will be helpful for the investigation of embryogenesis and embryonic cell differentiation in mice.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.102-107
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• 2006

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate depressive symptom of methamphetamine(MA) dependent subjects and the association between depressive symptom and characteristics of methamphetamine use. Methods : Forty three MA dependent subjects and 40 healthy comparison subjects were recruited in this study. Characteristics of substance use and depressive symptom using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were evaluated. Results : Average BDI score of methamphetamine group is $14.1{\pm}7.7$, which is significantly higher than that of healthy comparison subjects $(7.3{\\pm}5.7)$ (t=4.04, df=65, p<0.001). Given that 38.9% of MA dependent subjects and 22.6% of healthy comparison subjects are attributed to mild to moderate depressed state and 27.8% of MA dependent subjects and 3.2% of healthy comparison subjects to moderate-severe depressed state, depressive symptom is more frequently observed in MA dependent subjects relative to healthy comparison subjects (p=0.001). On covariating as sex, age, alcohol use and smoking, prevalence of depressive symptom is still higher in MA dependent subjects than healthy comparison subjects (OR=300.7, p=0.012). BDI scores of MA dependent subjects are correlated with abstinence period (r=-0.35, n=36, p=0.042) but not with cumulative dose or duration of use (r=-0.08, n=36, p=0.677 : r=-0.08, n=36, p=0.658). Conclusion : Depressive symptom was severe and frequently observed in MA dependent subjects. This study suggested that depressive symptom of MA dependent subjects might be not associated with degree of MA use but decreased by persistent abstinence.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics and Information Engineers
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.253-263
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• 2013

Frequency Scanning Interferometry(FSI) system, one of the most promising optical surface measurement techniques, generally results in superior optical performance comparing with other 3-dimensional measuring methods as its hardware structure is fixed in operation and only the light frequency is scanned in a specific spectral band without vertical scanning of the target surface or the objective lens. FSI system collects a set of images of interference fringe by changing the frequency of light source. After that, it transforms intensity data of acquired image into frequency information, and calculates the height profile of target objects with the help of frequency analysis based on Fast Fourier Transform(FFT). However, it still suffers from optical noise on target surfaces and relatively long processing time due to the number of images acquired in frequency scanning phase. 1) a Polarization-based Frequency Scanning Interferometry(PFSI) is proposed for optical noise robustness. It consists of tunable laser for light source, ${\lambda}/4$ plate in front of reference mirror, ${\lambda}/4$ plate in front of target object, polarizing beam splitter, polarizer in front of image sensor, polarizer in front of the fiber coupled light source, ${\lambda}/2$ plate between PBS and polarizer of the light source. Using the proposed system, we can solve the problem of fringe image with low contrast by using polarization technique. Also, we can control light distribution of object beam and reference beam. 2) the signal processing acceleration method is proposed for PFSI, based on parallel processing architecture, which consists of parallel processing hardware and software such as Graphic Processing Unit(GPU) and Compute Unified Device Architecture(CUDA). As a result, the processing time reaches into tact time level of real-time processing. Finally, the proposed system is evaluated in terms of accuracy and processing speed through a series of experiment and the obtained results show the effectiveness of the proposed system and method.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.242-249
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• 2015

This study examined the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of 70% ethanol extracts and water extracts of Allium hookeri root. We evaluated the effects of water extracts of A. hookeri root on storage of seasoned pork added with water extracts at $4^{\circ}C$ for 21 days in order to evaluate its potential as a functional food material. A. hookeri root water extracts displayed antioxidant activities (total polyphenol content and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities) that were superior to those of 70% ethanol extracts. The 70% ethanol extracts and water extracts of A. hookeri root showed antimicrobial activities against food-borne Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that were about 1/400 times greater than that of vancomycin. Chemical composition analysis was conducted on pork seasoned with sauce containing 5%, 10%, and 15% water extracts. Moisture and crude ash contents significantly decreased as the amount of water extracts increased (P<0.05), and the highest crude protein content was in the 10% group. Acidity of seasoned pork increased proportionally in the early stages of storage, whereas it significantly decreased as the amount of water extracts increased after day 12 (P<0.05). Although the total number of bacteria in seasoned pork continuously increased during storage, growth of bacteria was significantly restricted as level of A. hookeri root water extracts increased (P<0.05). In the sensory evaluation, pork seasoned with 10% A. hookeri root water extracts showed the highest scores for taste, texture, and overall acceptance (P<0.05). In summary, A. hookeri water extracts display antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that can improve quality characteristics of seasoned pork and have potential as natural preservatives to restrict bacteria growth. Regarding the amount of extracts, 10% was determined to be the most appropriate level to minimize changes in seasoned pork during storage and improve sensory quality.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.1406-1413
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• 2016

This study was carried out to evaluate the toxicity of ethanolic extracts of Morus alba L. branch (ME). In the reverse mutation test, Salmonella Typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1357, and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA were used to estimate the mutagenic potential of ME. Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered ME at levels of 1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg for the single-dose toxicity test and 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg/d for the repeated-dose toxicity test for 28 consecutive days. As expected, reverse mutation was not detected at any concentration of ME, regardless of application of the metabolic activation system with or without S9 mix. In the single-dose toxicity test, ME caused neither significant visible signs of toxicity nor mortality in rats, and $LD_{50}$ was estimated to be over 5,000 mg/kg. In the repeated-dose toxicity test, ME administration at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg for 28 days to male or female rats did not result in mortality. Similarly, no toxicologically significant treatment-related changes in body weight, food intake, or organ weights were noted. Several hematological and biochemical parameters in both genders showed significant differences, but these were within normal ranges. These results support the safe use of ME.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.560-563
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• 2020

Cold plasma has been applied to improve quality of food product; however, studies on its effects on microbial and physicochemical qualities of rice noodles are rarely conducted. In this study, changes in the quality characteristics of rice noodles treated by cold plasma were determined. Cold plasma was generated in a square-shaped plastic container (250 W, 15 kHz, ambient air), and dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatments were applied to rice noodle samples for 0, 10, or 20 min. Rice noodles inoculated with either Bacillus cereus or Escherichia coli O157:H7 were subjected to plasma treatment for 20 min, and the approximate bacterial count reduction were 4.10 and 2.75 log CFU/g, respectively. The Hunter color values of the sample were increased after cold plasma treatment. Peroxide values and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were increased with an increase in cold plasma treatment time. Futhermore, lipid oxidation was enhanced. Although further studies are warranted to evaluate changes in chemical qualities, such as lipid oxidation of rice noodles, induced by cold plasma, the results suggest that cold plasma can improve the microbial and physical qualities of rice noodles.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.121-131
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• 2004

Objectives: This study was conducted to understand the status of influenza vaccination in some rural communities and to apply the results to formulate a counterplan for influenza prevention. Methods: The authors conducted a questionnaire survey from May 26 to May 29, 2003 among the residents in two rural communities: 602 people at the village Gigye-myeon and 965 at the village Cheongsong-gun. For statistical analysis the chi-square test and chi-square for trend method were used. Significance was set a p<0.05. Results: The study group contained 722 (46.1%) males and 845 (53.9%) females. In response to the question 'Influenza vaccination must be taken every year', 845 people (86.0%) replied 'Yes'. In response to the question 'Influenza vaccination can prevent cold', 224 people (20.8%) replied 'No'. The rate of influenza vaccination increased every year from 2000 to 2002 (p<0.05) and was lower for those under sixty-four than for those over sixty-five. In response to the question 'Plan to receive influenza vaccination in 2003', 531 people (52.8%) responded they will have influenza vaccination. Conclusions: Many people had a wrong perception about influenza vaccination. Therefore, their wrong perception must be corrected by a publicity campaign. The rate of influenza vaccination for those from over fifty to under sixty-four should be increased by public policy because they are as susceptible to influenza as those over sixty-five. This study produced meaningful results from the investigation into the status of influenza vaccination for the residents in rural communities and these findings can be utilized in the formulation of future influenza vaccination policy.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.133-145
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• 2004

Objectives: Depression is a major health concern that can be life threatening if not recognized and treated early. However, there is few report on the depressive disorder of Hansen disease patients in Korea. Therefore, the authors executed this study in order to check factors related to a depressive disorder of a Hansen disease patients and compare with factors to reach to a depressive symptoms of ordinary people with studying their life state and the trouble that Hansen disease patients were currently experiencing Method: The authors surveyed depressive symptoms using self-reported questionnaires in 74 Hansen disease patients and 84 controls. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured using Korean Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS) score. Result: Positive rate of depressive disorders among Hansen disease patients was 70.3% and that the referents was 31.0%. There is significant difference positive rate of depressive disorders between Hansen disease group and the referents in the factors such as gender, age, frequency of going out, familial type, and familial income. Depressive disorder of Hansen disease group was associated with sex, familial income. According to the multiple logistic regression, the odds ratios of the Hansen disease group versus referents, gender, familial income, frequency of going out were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Hansen disease patients had statistically significant higher depressive symptom score than the referents. Also, Hansen disease patients who have lower familial income were more likely to have depressive disorders. Therefore, Economical supports and policy are required for the Hansen disease patients.