• Macromolecular Research
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.704-710
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• 2008

Injectable hydrogels are quite promising materials due to their potential to minimize invasive implantation and this provides versatile fitness irrespective of the damaged regions and facilitates the incorporation of bioactive agents or cells. In situ gel formation through stereocomplex formation is a promising candidate for injectable hydrogels. In this paper, a new series of enantiomeric, four-arm, PEG-PLA block copolymers and their stereocomplexed hydrogels were prepared by bulk ring-opening polymerization of D-lactide and L-lactide, respectively, with stannous octoate as a catalyst. The prepared polymers were characterized by $^1H$ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT IR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermal gravitational analysis (TGA), confirming the tailored structure and chain lengths. The swelling and degradation behavior of the hydrogels formed from a selected copolymer series were observed in different concentrations. The degradation rate decreased with increasing polymer content in the solution. The rheological behavior indicated that the prepared hydrogel underwent in situ gelation and had favorable mechanical strength. In addition, its feasibility as an injectable scaffold was evaluated using a media dependence test for cell culture. A Tris solution was more favorable for in situ gel formation than PBS and DMEM solutions were. These results demonstrated the in situ formation of hydrogel through the construction of a stereocomplex with enantiomeric, 4-arm, PEG-PLA copolymers. Overall, enantiomeric, 4-arm, PEG-PLA copolymers are a new species of stereocomplexed hydrogels that are suitable for further research into injectable hydrogels.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.46-55
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• 2015

Purpose: This study evaluated the mechanical and structural properties of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) blocks processed using a modified extrusion method, and assessed their in vivo effectiveness using a rabbit calvarial defect model. Methods: BCP blocks with three distinct ratios of hydroxyapatite (HA):tricalcium phosphate (TCP) were produced using a modified extrusion method:HA8 (8%:92%), HA48 (48%:52%), and HA80 (80%:20%). The blocks were examined using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and a universal test machine. Four circular defects 8 mm in diameter were made in 12 rabbits. One defect in each animal served as a control, and the other three defects received the BCP blocks. The rabbits were sacrificed at either two weeks (n=6) or eight weeks (n=6) postoperatively. Results: The pore size, porosity, and compressive strength of the three types of bone block were $140-170{\mu}m$, >70%, and 4-9 MPa, respectively. Histologic and histomorphometric observations revealed that the augmented space was well maintained, but limited bone formation was observed around the defect base and defect margins. No significant differences were found in the amount of new bone formation, graft material resorption, or bone infiltration among the three types of BCP block at either of the postoperative healing points. Conclusions: Block bone substitutes with three distinct compositions (i.e., HA:TCP ratios) processed by a modified extrusion method exhibited limited osteoconductive potency, but excellent space-maintaining capability. Further investigations are required to improve the processing method.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.143-153
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• 2006

Temporomandibular joint(TMJ) ankylosis is characterized by the formation of bony or fibrous mass, which replaces the normal articulation. Ankylotic block formation causes reduction of mandibular mobility, particularly hindering mouth opening, due to a mechanical block of the condylar head in its roto-transfatory motion. Surgery in TMJ ankylosis treatment entails complete ankylotic block removal and subsequent arthroplasty, possibly with autologous tissue between articular surfaces or heterologous material to restore the anatomic structure and normal function. Temporalis myofascial flap holds great promise for the reconstruction of various maxillofacial defects. In more recent years, a pedicled temporalis myofascial flap has been advocated in TMJ ankylosis surgery. Advantages of the temporalis myofascial flap in TMJ reconstruction include close proximity to the TMJ, adequate blood supply from the internal maxillary artery, and its attachment to the coronoid process, which provides movement of the flap during function, simulating physiologic action of the disc. This study evaluated 8 patients(11 TMJs) affected by TMJ ankylosis. All patients underwent surgical treatment of the removal of the ankylotic block and subsequent interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofascial flap. Bilateral TMJ ankylosis was observed in 3 patients(6 TMJs), right-sides in 3 patients, left-sided in 2 patients. Epipathogenesis was traumatic in 6 patients(8 TMJs), ankylosing spondylitis in 2 patients(3 TMJs). In 3 patients coronoidotomy was underwent. Average follow-up was 16.8 months after surgery, with a range of 7 to 28 months. No patients underwent additional TMJ procedures after the temporalis myofascial flap. All patients showed a distinctive improvement both in articular functionality and symptoms. We found that temporalis myofascial flap is very valuable in reconstruction of TMJ ankylosis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.50-58
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• 2012

Purpose: This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. Methods: A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral $4{\times}{\times}4{\times}5$ mm (buccolingual width${\times}$mesiodistal width${\times}$depth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. Results: Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. Conclusions: In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.646-655
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• 2007

To achieve targeted drug delivery for chemotherapy, a ligand-mediated nanoparticulate drug carrier was designed, which could identity a specific receptor on the surfaces of tumor cells. Biodegradable poly(ethylene oxide)/poly$({\varepsilon}-caprolactone)$ (PEG/PCL) amphiphilic block copolymers coupled to biotin ligands were synthesized with a variety of PEG/PCL compositions. Block copolymeric nanoparticles harboring the anticancer drug paclitaxel were prepared via micelle formation in aqueous solution. The size of the biotin-conjugated PEG/PCL nanoparticles was determined by light scattering measurements to be 88-118 nm, depending on the molecular weight of the block copolymer, and remained less than 120 nm even after paclitaxel loading. From an in vitro release study, biotin-conjugated PEG/PCL nanoparticles containing paclitaxel evidenced sustained release profiles of the drug with no initial burst effect. The biotin-conjugated PEG/PCL block copolymer itself evidenced no significant adverse effects on cell viability at $0.005-1.0{\mu}g/mL$ of nanoparticle suspension regardless of cell type (normal human fibroblasts and HeLa cells). However, biotin-conjugated PEG/PCL harboring paclitaxel evidenced a much higher cytotoxicity for cancer cells than was observed in the PEG/PCL nanoparticles without the biotin group. These results showed that the biotin-conjugated nanoparticles could improve the selective delivery of paclitaxel into cancer cells via interactions with over-expressed biotin receptors on the surfaces of cancer cells.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.169-177
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• 2008

This paper reports a facile synthesis of new water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based amphiphilic block copolymers showing pH sensitive phase transition behaviors. The copolymers were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methacrylamide type of monomers carrying a sulfonamide group using a PEO-based macroinitiator and a Cu(I)Br/$Me_6TREN$ catalytic system in aqueous media. The resulting polymers were characterized by a combination of $^1H$-NMR, size exclusion chromatography, and UV/Visible spectrophotometeric analysis. The micellization of the block copolymers as a drug-loading mechanism in aqueous media using fluorescein salt was examined as a function of pH. The stable micelle formation and its loading efficacy suggest that the block copolymers can be used as precursors for drug-nanocontainers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.326-332
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• 1978

There appears some conduction defects frequently after total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot. Common defect is right bundle branch block due to surgical intervention. We experienced complete A-V block which occured 3 months later after total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot in a 8 year old boy. The patient was completely free of any A-V block after the operation for 3 months, and sudden onset of A-V block with coupled premature ventricular contractions resulted him in shock state during the attack of severe bronchopneumonia for 4 days prior to the second visit. Emergency implantation of Cordis demand type temporary pacemaker was necessary to control the complete heart block with bradyarrhythmia and frequent ventricular fibrillation. Permanent cardiac pacemaker was implanted two weeks later as indicated with Cordis Stanicor lambda demand pacemaker, and the patient was discharged uneventfully on the 8th post implantation day with the heart rate of 72/min. Another 3 months after the implantation, the patient was transported to this hospital as dead on arrival after an accidental fall from a 2 meter height, and all possible cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 60 minutes at the emergency room in vain. Autopsy was done to find out the cause of sudden death and the etiology of complete heart block. Microscopic focal infarctions with scar formation were noted along the course of conduction system in the interventricular septum, which might be the main cause of complete heart block during the attack of severe bronchopneumonia complicated with acute bacterial endocarditis. The tip of the pacemaker wire was slipped from the granulation scar at the apex of the right ventricular cavity, and this might be the direct cause of pacing failure and death.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.659-662
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• 2008

A new and useful poly(ethylene oxide)-based pH-sensitive block copolymer is introduced. Poly(ethylene oxide-b-N-phenylmaleimide) was first synthesized by anionic polymerization of N-phenylmaleimide (N-PMI) using mixed alkali metal polymeric alkoxide by sequential monomer addition method in the mixture of benzene/THF/DMSO (10/5/3, v/v/v) at room temperature. Reductive deimidation of the resulting block copolymer was performed using hydrazine monohydrate leading to the formation of the corresponding pH-sensitive poly(ethylene oxide-b-maleic acid).

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.479-482
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• 1992

Several poly(alkyl methacrylate-b-t-butyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers were synthesized by group transfer polymerization. The molecular weight of poly(t-butyl methacrylate) segments and the composition of the resulting block copolymers were controlled by the monomer feed ratios and mole ratios of monomer to initiator. The poly(t-butyl methacrylate) block was quantitatively hydrolyzed to poly(methacrylic acid) block by refluxing with a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid in dioxane at $100^{\circ}C$ for 12 hrs. The thermogravimetric analysis of poly(alkyl methacrylate-b-t-butyl methacrylate) exhibited the lose of isobutylene and subsequent anhydride formation in the range of $205-300^{\circ}C$.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.215-227
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• 1980

The rock units of Goesan area in the Ogcheon metamor phic terrain established on the basis of field criteria should be redefined into following sequence. Based on shear senses in secondary small structures which are usually observable in the investigated area, the stratigraphy can be lithologically divided into the lower pelite, pebbly mudstone, upper pelite, quartzite and psammite unit in ascending order. This conclusion is in discordance with a previous opinion; Munjuri formation and Guryongsan formation may be equivalent to upper pelite unit, Iwonri formation and Hwanggangri formation to pebbly mudstone. From this, it may be inferred that isoclinal overturned folds repeatly occur in the area. The uranium bearing coaly thin layers in upper pelite unit have relatively broad exposures in Deogpyeongri block of Goesan area along culmination zone in the central part of the investigated area. It is believed that structural feature in the block recognized complexly refolded synform plunging to southwest. Mineralogical and radiometric studies were made on 135 representative samples from the Ogcheon Group of Korea. The mineralogy of all black slate samples is qualitatively similar but quantitatively ·different. The uranium distribution in the studied area show approximately log normal. Uranium in the black slates of the Ogcheon Group was deposited together under same physico-chemical environmental conditions. The chemical and geological factors that controlled the abundance of organic carbon and iron oxides also controlled the uranium content. The relationship of the major components to uranium can be expressed by the following regression equation: $Log(U\times10^4+1)$= 1.70999-0.00367(quartz)0.00512(micas)-0.00930 (other silicates)+0.01911 (iron oxides)-0.03389(other opaques)+0.02062(organic carbon).