• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 1998

Since 1989, mass mortality has repeatly occurred in cage-cultured sevenband grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus along the southern coast of Korea in the summer season and usually reached over 80% within a few months. Diseased fish showed the clinical signs of anorexia, dark coloration, loss of eqilibrium, spinal swimming behaviour, vertebral deformity and inflation of swim bladder. Histopathologically, necrosis and/or vacuolation of the nerve cells in the brain and retina were observed. We previously reported that the causative agent was filtrable. The causative agent was not culturable in various fish cells; RTG-2, CHSE-214, BF-2, EPC and FHM. However, electron microscopic observation revealed unenveloped icosahedral viral particles with about 30 nm in diameter in the cytoplasm of nerve cells of the brain. The characteristics of the virus was tested by an artificial infection with the filtrate of the homogenate of diseased fish. The pathogenicity of the virus was retained after treatment with ether or heat ($50^{\circ}C$, 30 min) but partly lost by pH 3 or 11 treatment. These results suggest that the causative agent are similar to the fish nodavirus. In order to compare the causative agent with a fish nodavirus, Striped Jack Nervous Necrosis Virus (SJNNV), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with primers specific to SJNNV. As a result, about 430 by PCR products were detected from the brain and the eye of both naturally and artificially infected sevenband grouper. All these results represent that the mass mortality in the cultured sevenband grouper is caused by the infection of a nodavirus similar to SJNNV and this is the first report of a fish nodavirus from the cultured sevenband grouper in Korea.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.175-190
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• 2006

The term mycoherbicide started in 1970, but its interest heightened due to increase costs of chemical herbicides. A classical biocontrol agent is expected to become a permanent part of its new environment and do no harm to it. Contemporary biological control agent(BCA) must be produced by artificial culture and could be applied like chemical herbicides over weeds. BCA is different from the classical approach in that it released through natural spread. To date 26 species of fungi are used as classical BCA against 26 species of weeds in seven countries. There are a number of examples of pathogens attacking non-target plants. But through risk assessments which include understanding the taxonomy, biology and ecology, the target and non-target species, it will be safe to introduce of exotic pathogens to control weeds. But pathogens have not been successfully used in practice. Many mycoherbicides show potential in laboratories, but are ineffective in the field and not consistent from year to year or field to field. There is also a lack of understanding humidity, dew formation and temperature and their effects on suppression of weeds by plant pathogens. Potential pathogen must be selected as a BCA. Previous studies suggest that these pathogens must (1) produce abundant and durable inoculum in artifical culture, (2) be genetically stable and weed specific and (3) kill weeds in control. A granular preparation of mycoherbicide into sodium alginate is lighter than liquids and less bulky than organic matter. Gel forms have also been used.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.4378-4384
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• 2011

In order to evaluate the anti-oxidative capabilities of Angelica dahurica Radix ethanol extract (ADEE), we analyzed the contents of polyphenol and flavonoid compounds and the electron donating ability from ADEE. For animal experimentation, the test agent was topically applied to the artificial tanning spots which were induced by 1,500 mJ/$cm^2$ of ultraviolet B radiation on the backs of brown guinea pigs weighing approximately 450~500g. The test agent of $30{\mu}{\ell}$ was applied (6areas per group) twice a day, five days a week, for five weeks. On completion of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed under anesthetization, and the artificial tanning spots were obtained by biopsy punch and stained with H&E to observe the histological change in the epidermis and dermis. As a result, the contents of polyphenol and flavonoid compounds in ADEE were 20.7mg/g and 19.5mg/g respectively. As the for electron-donating capability of ADEE, it was observed that ADEE displays a dose-dependent antioxidative capacity of 14.8% and 19.8% at the concentration of 500 and 1000 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ respectively. Tissue staining with H&E revealed that the epidermis of the control group was slightly thicker than that of the other groups. However no inflammation or any other undesirable effect on the skin tissue due to ADEE was observed. These results indicate that ADEE is of value as a natural antioxidant.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.46-55
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• 2000

During bonding procedure of composite resin, the prepared cavity can be contaminated by saliva. In this study, marginal microleakage and shear bond strength of a composite resin to primed enamel and dentin treated with artificial saliva(Taliva$^{(R)}$) were evaluated. For the marginal microleakage test, Class V cavities were prepared in the buccal surfaces of fifty molars. The samples were randomly assigned into 5 groups with 10 samples in each group. Control group was applied with a bonding system (Scotchbond$^{TM}$ Multi-Purpose plus) according to manufacture's directions without saliva contamination. Experimental groups were divided into 4 groups and contaminated with artificial saliva for 30 seconds after priming: Experimental 1 group ; artificial saliva was dried with compressed air only, Experimental 2 group ; artificial saliva was rinsed and dried. Experimental 3 group ; cavities were etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds after rinsing and drying artificial saliva. Experimental 4 group ; cavities were etched with 35% phosphoric acid for 15 seconds and primer was reapplied after rinsing and drying artificial saliva. All the cavities were applied a bonding agent and filled with a composite resin (Z-100$^{TM}$). Specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuschin dye for 24 hours and embedded in transparent acrylic resin and sectioned buccolingually with diamond wheel saw. Four sections were obtained from one specimen. Degree of marginal leakage was scored under stereomicroscope and their scores were averaged from four sections. The data were analyzed by Kruscal-Wallis test and Fisher's LSD. For the shear bond strength test, the buccal or occlusal surfaces of one hundred molar teeth were ground to expose enamel(n=50) or dentin(n=50) using diamond wheel saw and its surface was smoothed with Lapping and Polishing Machine(South Bay Technology Co., U.S.A.). Samples were divided into 5 groups. Treatment of saliva-contaminated enamel and dentin surfaces was same as the marginal microleakage test and composite resin was bonded via a gelatin capsule. All specimens were stored in distilled water for 48 hours. The shear bond strengths were measured by universal testing machine (AGS-1000 4D, Shimaduzu Co., Japan) with a crosshead speed of 5 mm/minute. Failure mode of fracture sites was examined under stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's studentized range test. The results of this study were as follows : 1. Enamel marginal microleakage showed no significant difference among groups. 2. Dentinal marginal microleakages of control, experimental 2 and 4 groups were lower than those of experimental 1 and 3 groups (p<0.05). 3. The shear bond strength to enamel was the highest value in control group (20.03${\pm}$4.47MPa) and the lowest value in experimental 1 group (13.28${\pm}$6.52MPa). There were significant differences between experimental 1 group and other groups (p<0.05). 4. The shear bond strength to dentin was higher in control group (17.87${\pm}$4.02MPa) and experimental 4 group (16.38${\pm}$3.23MPa) than in other groups, its value was low in experimental 1 group (3.95${\pm}$2.51 MPa) and experimental 2 group (6.72${\pm}$2.26MPa)(p<0.05). 5. Failure mode of fractured site on the enamel showed mostly adhesive failures in experimental 1 and 3 groups. 6. Failure mode of fractured site on the dentin did not show adhesive failures in control group, but showed mostly adhesive failure in experimental groups. As a summary of above results, if the primed tooth surface was contaminated with artificial saliva, primer should be reapplied after re-etching it.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.145-153
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• 1993

Retaining a drug in the stomach by some means is sometimes necessary to extend the G1 absorption time of the drug more than 6-8 hrs. Hydrogel has often been examined for its feasibility as a dosage form, so called platform, that could be retained in the stomach due to its excellent swelling properties in the gastric fluid. In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel crosslinked by albumin or acrylated albumin was synthesized in a tablet form and evaluated for its possibility as the platform. The synthesis of the hydrogel was performed by $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}-ray$ irradiation of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (monomer) in the presence of a crosslinking agent: aqueous solution of albumin or acrylated albumin. Synthetic conditions such as radiation dose, dose rate and concentration of crosslinking agent were varied in order to optimize the swelling and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. Degree of swelling of albumin-crosslinked PVP (Al-PVP) was highly dependent on radiation dose, dose rate and albumin concentration: it was decreased as they increased. On the other hand, that of acrylated albumin-crosslinked PVP (Acryl-PVP) was almost independent on them except dose rate: it was decreased as the radiation dose rate increased. The compressive strength of the two hydrogels was decreased as the dose rate increased. Digestion of both PVP in artificial gastric fluid containing pepsin was delayed by the ${\gamma}-ray$ irradiation. In conclusion, Al-PVP and Acry-PVP with diverse swelling and mechanical properties could be obtained by controlling synthetic conditions, mainly the irradiation dose rate.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.249-254
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to characterize the effects of KHG26792 (3-(naphthalen-2-yl(propoxy)methyl)azetidine hydrochloride), a potential skin whitening agent, on melanin synthesis and identify the underlying mechanism of action. Our data showed that KHG26792 significantly reduced melanin synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, KHG26792 downregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis, although tyrosinase was not inhibited directly. KHG26792 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas an ERK pathway inhibitor, PD98059, rescued KHG26792-induced hypopigmentation. These results suggest that KHG26792 decreases melanin production via ERK activation. Moreover, the hypopigmentary effects of KHG26792 were confirmed in a pigmented skin equivalent model using Cervi cornus Colla (deer antler glue), in which the color of the pigmented artificial skin became lighter after treatment with KHG26792. In summary, our findings suggest that KHG26792 is a novel skin whitening agent.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.11
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• pp.1568-1574
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• 2012

Microbiological calcium carbonate precipitation (MCCP) has been investigated for its ability to improve the durability of cement mortar. However, very few strains have been applied to crack remediation and strengthening of cementitious materials. In this study, we report the biodeposition of Bacillus subtilis 168 and its ability to enhance the durability of cement material. B. subtilis 168 was applied to the surface of cement specimens. The results showed a new layer of deposited organic-inorganic composites on the surface of the cement paste. In addition, the water permeability of the cement paste treated with B. subtilis 168 was lower than that of non-treated specimens. Furthermore, artificial cracks in the cement paste were completely remediated by the biodeposition of B. subtilis 168. The compressive strength of cement mortar treated with B. subtilis 168 increased by about 19.5% when compared with samples completed with only B4 medium. Taken together, these findings suggest that the biodeposition of B. subtilis 168 could be used as a sealing and coating agent to improve the strength and water resistance of concrete. This is the first paper to report the application of Bacillus subtilis 168 for its ability to improve the durability of cement mortar through calcium carbonate precipitation.

• Mycobiology
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.206-209
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• 2014

In this study, we identified the causative agent of stem-end rot in potatoes that were grown in Gangwon alpine areas of Korea in 2013. The disease symptoms included appearance of slightly sunken circular lesion with corky rot on the potato surface at the stem-end portion. The fungal species isolated from the infected potatoes were grown on potato dextrose agar and produced white aerial mycelia with dark violet pigments. The conidiophores were branched and monophialidic. The microconidia had ellipsoidal to cylindrical shapes and ranged from $2.6{\sim}11.4{\times}1.9{\sim}3.5{\mu}m$ in size. The macroconidia ranged from $12.7{\sim}24.7{\times}2.7{\sim}3.6{\mu}m$ in size and had slightly curved or fusiform shape with 2 to 5 septate. Chlamydospores ranged from $6.1{\sim}8.1{\times}5.7{\sim}8.3{\mu}m$ in size and were present singly or in pairs. The causal agent of potato stem-end rot was identified as Fusarium oxysporum by morphological characterization and by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1 and ITS4) regions of rRNA. Artificial inoculation of the pathogen resulted in development of disease symptoms and the re-isolated pathogen showed characteristics of F. oxysporum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that potato stem-end rot is caused by F. oxysporum in Korea.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.79-90
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• 2016

Recently, many researchers have paid attention to the improved generation of AI agent in the area of game industry. Monte-Carlo Tree Search(MCTS) is one of the algorithms to search an optimal solution through random search with perfect information, and it is suitable for the purpose of calculating an approximate value to the solution of an equation which cannot be expressed explicitly. Games in Trading Card Game(TCG) genre such as the heartstone has imperfect information because the cards and play of an opponent are not predictable. In this study, MCTS is suggested in imperfect information card games so as to generate AI agents. In addition, the practicality of MCTS algorithm is verified by applying to heartstone game which is currently used.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.211-216
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• 2007

Swollen and painful extremities have been treated with herbal baths in attempts to alleviate the symptoms. A popular herbal bath used in China, contains a component called 'bone-penetrating herb' which is believed to facilitate the penetration of herbal substances across the skin to the swollen site, so swollen site, so that pain and swelling will be improved. A search from the Chinese pharmacopedia revealed that 22 different herbs have been traditionally used as 'bone-penetrating herb'. Five of these herbs were available in market and were chosen for experimental studies. Standard diffusion experiments were done to identify the most effective herb among the five, in the penetration facilitation. Glechoma longituba at a concentration of 20% was found to give the best results in the facilitation of Bromophenol blue diffusion across artificial and biological membranes. When compared with one commonly used diffusion facilitator, viz. azone, azone was found to be more effective than glechoma longituba. The encouraging observations support future studies on the basic science behind the use of herbal components as topical agents to treat pain and swelling.