• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.5917-5935
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• 2012

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic human hepatitis infection and as such is an important global health problem. The virus was discovered in the USA in 1989 and it is now known that three to four million people are infected every year, WHO estimating that 3 percent of the 7 billion people worldwide being chronically infected. Humans are the natural hosts of HCV and this virus can eventually lead to permanent liver damage and carcinoma. HCV is a member of the Flaviviridae family and Hepacivirus genus. The diameter of the virus is about 50-60 nm and the virion contains a single-stranded positive RNA approximately 10,000 nucleotides in length and consisting of one ORF which is encapsulated by an external lipid envelope and icosahedral capsid. HCV is a heterogeneous virus, classified into 6 genotypes and more than 50 subtypes. Because of the genome variability, nucleotide sequences of genotypes differ by approximately 31-34%, and by 20-23% among subtypes. Quasi-species of mixed virus populations provide a survival advantage for the virus to create multiple variant genomes and a high rate of generation of variants to allow rapid selection of mutants for new environmental conditions. Direct contact with infected blood and blood products, sexual relationships and availability of injectable drugs have had remarkable effects on HCV epidemiology. Hundreds of thousands of people die each year from hepatitis and liver cancer caused by HCV virus infection. Approximately 80% of patients with acute hepatitis C progress into a chronic disease state leading to serious hepatic disorders, 10-20% of which develop chronic liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The incubation period of HCV is 6-8 weeks and the infection is often asymptomatic so it is very hard to detect at early stages, making early treatment very difficult. Therefore, hepatitis C is called a "silent disease". Neutralizing antibodies are produced against several HCV proteins during infection but the virus mutates to escape from antibodies. Some patients with chronic hepatitis C may have some symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and pain. Autoimmune and immunecomplex-mediated diseases have also been reported with chronic HCV infection.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.259-266
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• 2006

A dual-channel glass coil sampling technique was used to measure hourly formaldehyde concentration in the ambient air. The dual-channel coil sampling assembly consists of three parts; an all-pyrex 28-turn coil made of 0.2-cm internal diameter glass tubing for gas-liquid contact and scrubbing of soluble gases, an inlet section upstream of the coil for introducing sample air and scrubbing solution, and a widened glass section downstream of the coil for gas-liquid separation. The scrubbing solution used was a dilute aqueous DNPH (dinitrophenylhydrazine) solution. Hourly concentration of formaldehyde was determined at a Gwangju semi-urban site during two intensive studies between September and October using the dual channel glass-coil/DNPH sampling technique and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis. The mean concentration was 1.7($0.4{\sim}4.7$) and 3.0($0.5{\sim}19.1$) ppbv for the September and October intensives, respectively, which are considerably low, compared to those measured in polluted urban areas around the world including several urban areas of Korea. The diurnal variation showed significant increase of formaldehyde in the daytime suggesting the dominance of formation of formaldehyde due to photochemical oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons. An increase in the formaldehyde sometimes in the night might be due to an increase in primary source, i.e. traffic emissions. It was also found that rapid increase in formaldehyde levels from 3.0 to 19.1 ppbv in the afternoon on October 20 was due to plumes from burning of agricultural wastes such as rice straw and stubble. It is expected from the measurement data that the constructed dual-channel glass coil sampling system can be utilized for measuring atmospheric concentration of the formaldehyde with high time resolution.

• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.5 no.7
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• pp.775-780
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• 1995

Thin films of titanium nitride are formed using the tetrakis-dimethyl-amino-titanium (TDMAT(Ti[N($CH_3$)$_2$]$_4$)) under various conditions. The formation of TiN films has been obtained from the thermal decomposition of the Ti-precursor and the gas phase reaction between TDMAT and ammonia(NH$_3$). The resistivity of the MOCVD film can be attributed to their impurity. Especially the curve fitting graph of XPS data is revealed that main impurities in the films as carbon and oxygen make various interstitial compounds which has influenced physical and electrical properties of the film. In the contact hole with the aspect ratio of 3:1 and the diameter of 0.5${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$, the SEM morphology shows that the step coverage is more decreased in the films formed y flowing ammonia additionally than the films formed by pyrolysis of TDMAT and the phenomenon is probably related with the activation energy.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.67-72
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• 2006

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was prepared in a cylindrical reactor by the nozzle spouting method. The reactor was filled with $CO_2$ and $Ca(OH)_2$ suspensions were circulated through a nozzle to prepare PCC. This method has several advantages such as provision of large contact area between suspension and $CO_2$ and production of large number of nuclei in short time. By changing suspension concentrations, suspension temperature, flow rates of $CO_2$ and nozzle sizes, PCC from homogeneously dispersed $0.1{\mu}m$ to heterogeneous $0.3{\mu}m$ can be obtained. According to XRD analyses, most PCC formed was calcite with small amount of aragonite depending on the reaction conditions. Usually, the reaction proceeded at high pH and electric conductivities initially. Then, pH and electric conductivities decreased rapidly to the saturation condition. Results indicated that the specific conditions (temperature: $25^{\circ}C$, suspension concentration: 0.5 wt%, $CO_2$ flow rate: 1 L/min, nozzle size: 0.4 mm) were required to prepare uniform particle size (particle diameter: $0.1{\mu}m$) of PCC.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.587-598
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• 2005

Statement of problem: Ceramic restorations should be made of porcelain layers of different opacity, shade, and thickness in order to provide a natural appearance. Lithium disilicate glass-ceramic system has superior color reproducibility, because it uses the ceramic ingot which is similar to teeth shade and uses the staining technique and layering technique. However, staining technique has a fault of discoloration. Also, porcelain is divided core and dentin layer, it is not enough to study about the influence of porcelain layer thickness and shade on the shade of ceramic restorations. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of porcelain layer thickness and color on the final shade of ceramic restorations. Materials and method: The CIE $L^*a^*b^*$(CIELAB) values of 72 assembled specimens, each consisting of 3 discs (enamel porcelain 0.2 mm/dentin porcelain -1.2, 0.9, 0.7, 0.5 or 0.3 mm/ceramic core -0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 or 1.2 mm, diameter is 1.0 mm) were evaluated with a spectrophotometer (Model Chromaview 300, Spectron Tech Co, Korea) for the shade A1, A2, A3 and A4. Distilled water (refractive index: 1.7) was used to attain optical contact between the layers. White, white gray, and white brown backgrounds were used to assess the influence of the background on the final shade. And the mean color difference value$({\Delta}E)$ was calculated. Results and conclusion: The results obtained from this study were as follows. 1. There was a significant correlation between the thickness ratio of the ceramic core/dentin porcelain system and $L^*,\;a^*\;and\;b^*$ values when the total thickness of specimen combination was smaller than 1.4 mm(P<0.05). 2. The specimen which the ceramic core thickness was more than 0.7 mm had the best masking effect against background colors. 3. The mean color difference value$({\Delta}E)$ is smaller than 2 $({\Delta}E<2)$ when the ceramic core thickness was larger than 0.7 mm and the total thickness of specimen was more than 1.4 mm.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.673-682
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• 2006

Recent study shows that implant design has a great impact on initial stability in bone. The ITI $TE^{(R)}$ implant, designed originally for immediate placement has a tapered/ cylindrical form which fits the anatomical shape of the natural alvelous or tooth root. The increased diameter at the collar region coupled with more threads lead to more bone contact and enhanced stability. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical use and the efficacy of recently introduced ITI TE implant with a new macro-design. The following results are compiled from 139 patients who received ITl TE implant surgery at the periodontal department. of Yonsei University Hospital between July 2002 and September 2005. 1. 139 patients received 173 ITl $TE^{(R)}$ implants in their maxilla and mandible (Mx 82, Mn 91). Posterior area accounted for 84% of the whole implant surgery, 2. In the distribution of bone quality, type III(41,0%) was the most, followed by type IV(41,0%) and type II (27.7%). As for the bone quantity, type B(43.9%) was the most, followed by type C(42.2%), type D(12.2%) and type A(1.7%). 3. 125 implants(83.9%) were treated by single crown, which accounted for the majority. 4, The total implant survival rate was 100% after a mean follow-up period of 21.2 months. This preliminary data with ITl $TE^{(R)}$ implant showed excellent survival rate although the majority of implants evaluated in this study were placed in the posterior region of the jaw and compromised sites.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.611-620
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• 2007

Statement of problem: Second-generation indirect composite resins have been improved flexural strength, compressive strength, hydrolytic degradation resistance, wear resistance compared to first-generation indirect composite resins, but there are still some problems as hydrolysis and low wear resistance. Some manufacturers claim that wear resistance of their materials has been improved, but little independent study has been published on wear properties of these materials and the properties specified in the advertising materials are largely derived from in-house or contracted testing. Purpose: This study was to evaluate the wear of indirect composite resins (SR Adore, Sinfony, Tescera ATL) and gold alloy against the human enamel. Material and method: Extracted human incisors and premolars were sectioned to $2{\times}2{\times}2mm$ cube and embedded in the clear resin and formed conical shaped antagonist to fit the jig of pin-on-disk tribometer. Total 20 antagonists were stored in distilled water. Five disk samples, 24mm in diameter and 1.5mm thick, were made for each of three groups of indirect composite resins and gold alloy group, and polished to #2,000 SiC paper on auto-polishing machine. Disk specimens were tested for wear against enamel antagonists. Wear test were conducted in distilled water using a pin-on-disk tribometer under condition (sliding speed 200rpm contact load 24N, sliding distance 160m). The wear of the enamel was determined by weighing the enamel antagonist before and after test, and the weight was converted to volumes by average density. The wear tracks were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and surface profilometer to elucidate the wear mechanisms. Statistical analysis of the enamel wear volume, wear track depth and wear tract width of disk specimens were accomplished with one-way ANOVA and the means were compared for significant differences with Scheffe's test. Results: 1. The enamel wear was most in gold alloy, but there were no statistically significant differences among all the groups (P>.05). 2. In indirect composite resin groups, the group to make the most shallow depth of wear tract was Sinfony, followed by Tescera ATL, SR Adoro (P<.05). Gold alloy was shallower than Sinfony, but there was no statistically significant difference between Sinfony and gold alloy (P>.05). 3. The width of wear tract of SR Adore was larger than the other groups (P<.05), and there were no statistically significant differences among the other groups (P>.05). 4. SEM analysis revealed that Sinfony and gold alloy showed less wear scars after test, Tescera ATL showed more wear scars and SR Adore showed the most. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, Sinfony and gold alloy showed the least wear rates and showed similar wear patterns.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.291-299
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• 2005

Objectives : It is well known that cigarette smoking is harzardous to the osseointegration of dental implant, due to the impaired wound healing accompanied by reduced alveolar bone density. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoke on the implant osseointegration by the time factor consideration. Materials and methods : Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats (8 weeks, weighting 200 to 250g) were used in this study. In the experimental group, 13 rats were exposed to cigarette smoke, 8 minutes per day during 6 weeks, and 12 rats in the control group were not exposed at any time. RBM (Resorbed blasting media) surfaced implant (diameter 3.3mm, length 5.0mm, AVANA Co., Korea) was placed in the right femur of each rat. Each implant with surrounding bone was prepared with microtome (cutting band 0.2mm$^{(R)}$, EXAKT Co., Germany) after 1 day, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks and stained with toluidine blue (1%). Another clinical investigation of each implant was also done at each evaluation time. Results : Clinical investigation around implant fixture showed that there were no significant differences between the control and experimental group. Microscopic observation around implant fixture showed that there were significant differences between the control and experimental group at the initial stage after implant fixture installation. Experimental group showed a decreased bone to implant contact within 4 weeks compared to control group, but showed similar characteristics after 4 weeks. Conclusion : Smoking inhalation effect on the dental implant showed the impaired wound healing by vasoconstriction and decreased intramedullary blood flow at initial stage of osseointegration. This experimental results can be clinically useful to the implant surgery of smoking patients.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.660-666
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Er:YAG laser against the intraoral acid producing bacterium of S. mutans. Bacterial pellet containing S. mutans KCTC 3065 was irradiated by Er:YAG laser having a $650\;{\mu}m$ diameter beam by non-contact mode. Irradiated parameters were 50mJ, 10Hz and exposure time were 1s, 3s, 5s, 7s, 9s respectively. We obtained the following results of relative growth rate and acid-producing ability of S. mutans by culturing for 48hrs. 1. The growth rate of S. mutans was decreased in the group of laser irradiation compared to the control group(P<0.01). 2. The growth rate at laser irradiation group of 7s, 9s irradiation time was decreased significantly compared to the laser irradiation group of 1s, 3s, 5s irradiation time, until 12 hours(P<0.05). After 24 hours, all groups of laser irradiation were not found to be statistically different in each other. 3. The acid-producing ability of S. mutans was inhibited for a certain duration by irradiation of laser. In summary, the growth rate and acid producing ability of S. mutans decreased according to laser irradiation. This effect was directly related to the amount of irradiation time. These results suggested that Er:YAG laser had an growth inhibition effect on S. mutans.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.1721-1725
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• 2010

This paper reports the fabrication of geometry-controlled carbon microneedles by a backside exposure method and pyrolysis. The SU-8 microneedles are a polymer precursor in a carbonization process, which geometries such as base diameter, spacing, and aspect ratio can be controlled in a photolithography step. Using this fabrication method, highly reproducible carbon microneedles, which have high aspect ratios of more than 10 and very sharp nanotips, can be realized. The quartz surface with carbon microneedles becomes very hydrophilic and its wettability is adjusted by carrying out the silane treatment. In the carbon microneedle array ($3\;{\mu}m{\times}3\;{\mu}m$), the contact angle is extremly enhanced (${\sim}180^{\circ}$); this will be advantageous in developing low-drag microfluidics and labs-on-a-chip as well as in other bio-applications.