• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.175-181
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• 2022

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory syndrome that affects the host's breathing and respiratory system. The novel disease's first case was reported in 2019 and has created a state of emergency in the whole world and declared a global pandemic within months after the first case. The disease created elements of socioeconomic crisis globally. The emergency has made it imperative for professionals to take the necessary measures to make early diagnoses of the disease. The conventional diagnosis for COVID-19 is through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. However, in a lot of rural societies, these tests are not available or take a lot of time to provide results. Hence, we propose a COVID-19 classification system by means of machine learning and transfer learning models. The proposed approach identifies individuals with COVID-19 and distinguishes them from those who are healthy with the help of Deep Visual Embeddings (DVE). Five state-of-the-art models: VGG-19, ResNet50, Inceptionv3, MobileNetv3, and EfficientNetB7, were used in this study along with five different pooling schemes to perform deep feature extraction. In addition, the features are normalized using standard scaling, and 4-fold cross-validation is used to validate the performance over multiple versions of the validation data. The best results of 88.86% UAR, 88.27% Specificity, 89.44% Sensitivity, 88.62% Accuracy, 89.06% Precision, and 87.52% F1-score were obtained using ResNet-50 with Average Pooling and Logistic regression with class weight as the classifier.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.422-431
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• 2022

Purpose: At the beginning of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, physicians paid close attention to children with chronic diseases to prevent transmission or a severe course of infection. We aimed to measure the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody levels in children with chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases to analyze the risk factors for infection and its interaction with their primary disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases (n=141) and in healthy children (n=48) between January and February 2021. Results: During the pandemic, 10 patients (7%) and 1 child (2%) had confirmed COVID-19 infection (p=0.2). The SARS-CoV-2 antibody test was positive in 36 patients (25.5%) and 11 children (22.9%) (p=0.7). SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity was found in 20.4%, 26.6%, 33.3%, and 33.3% of patients with chronic liver diseases, chronic gastrointestinal tract diseases, cystic fibrosis, and liver transplantation recipients, respectively (p>0.05, patients vs. healthy children). Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity were COVID-19-related symptoms (47.2% vs. 14.2%, p=0.00004) and close contact with SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction-positive patients (69.4% vs. 9%, p<0.00001). The use, number, and type of immunosuppressants and primary diagnosis were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity. The frequency of disease activation/flare was not significant in patients with (8.3%) or without (14.2%) antibody positivity (p=0.35). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases are similar to that in healthy children. Close follow-up is important to understand the long-term effects of past COVID-19 infection in these children.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제56권4호
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• pp.505-511
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• 2023

This study investigated the effect of transglutaminase (TGase) and polysaccharide kappa carrageenan on the texture, chemical, and microbiological qualities of refrigerated unmarketable rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Gel strength increased substantially in TGase-treated samples, and was adding kappa carrageenan resulted in no significant difference. SDS-PAGE results confirmed that the myosin heavy chain band with a molecular weight of 205-250 kDa was weakened in trout meat treated with 1% TGase, which led to cross-linking reactions between proteins. The volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) increased in all samples during storage at 4℃ for 10 days; however, the samples treated with 0.5% and 1% kappa carrageenan had the lowest VBN. The viable cell count increased in all samples treated with TGase and kappa carrageenan; however, an increase in TGase enzyme and kappa carrageenan concentration successfully hindered total bacteria growth. Thus, adding 1% TGase and 1% kappa carrageenan to refrigerated unmarketable rainbow trout formulations can optimize quality characteristics.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.9.1-9.11
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• 2022

Background: Escherichia coli, which causes subclinical or clinical mastitis in cattle, is responsible for transmitting antimicrobial resistance via human consumption of raw milk or raw milk products. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of 183 E. coli from bulk tank milk of five different dairy factories in Korea. Methods: The molecular characteristics of E. coli such as serogroup, virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and integron genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility were tested using the disk diffusion test. Results: In the distribution of phylogenetic groups, group D was the most prevalent (59.6%) and followed by group B1 (25.1%). The most predominant serogroup was O173 (15.3%), and a total of 46 different serotypes were detected. The virulence gene found most often was fimH (73.2%), and stx1, fimH, incC, fyuA, and iutA genes were significantly higher in isolates of phylogenetic group B1 compared to phylogenetic groups A, B2, and D (p < 0.05). Among 64 E. coli isolates that showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, the highest resistance rate was observed for tetracyclines (37.5%). All 18 integron-positive E. coli carried the integron class I (int1) gene, and three different gene cassette arrangements, dfrA12+aadA2 (2 isolates), aac(6')-Ib3+aac(6')-Ib-cr+aadA4 (2 isolates), and dfrA17+aadA5 (1 isolate) were detected. Conclusions: These data suggest that the E. coli from bulk tank milk can be an indicator for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors via cross-contamination.

• 영어영문학
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• 제58권4호
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• pp.723-752
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• 2012

Although his mythic poetry deals with the fall and resurrection of Albion as the origin of humankind, William Blake (1757-1827) simultaneously links it to the professionalization and unification of disciplinary knowledge itself. He particularly takes a great interest in the cross-referential relation of poetry to science. He argues for the communication of poetry and science on equal footing with each other without the former's prioritization over the latter, or vice versa. In his works Vala, or The Four Zoas (1797-1807) and Jerusalem: The Emanation of the Giant Albion (1804-1820), on which I focus in this essay, Blake's primary problematic is to display strong conflicts among different systems of knowledge. I approach this issue in light of the ideological clash of Newtonian thought, Romantic thought, and postmodern thought. In his poetry, Blake thematizes the very clashes of these different thought patterns. From the standpoint of Romantic thought, first of all, Blake problematizes Newtonian Enlightenment. He criticizes abstract universalization both in poetry and science, which Urizen, one of four Zoas, propagates. Protesting against Urizen's Newtonism, Los values "living form." Thus, Blake demonstrates, through this figure, that poetic imagination and scientific organicism are discursively communicative. Blake, however, also questions the network of Romantic science and Romantic poetry so as to suggest what current critics would call postmodern thought. Blakean postmodernism pursues the self-similarity of organic structure in science and poetry. Precisely, Blake sees polypus as a proliferation of organic body; he arranges four Zoas' self-repetitive stories in a non-linear way. Blake aspires for the conflicting coexistence of different thought patterns.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.7-20
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• 2023

Creating a complex balance between dietary composition, circadian rhythm, and the hemostasis control of energy is important for managing diseases. Therefore, we aimed to determine the interaction between cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism and energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in women with central obesity. This cross-sectional study recruited 220 Iranian women aged 18-45 with central obesity. The 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes, and the E-DII score was calculated. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were determined. By polymerase chain response-restricted length polymorphism method, cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 polymorphism was assigned. Participants were categorized into three groups based on the E-DII score, then categorized according to cryptochrome circadian clocks 1 genotypes. The mean and standard deviation of age, BMI, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were 35.61 ± 9.57 years, 30.97 ± 4.16 kg/m², and 4.82 ± 5.16 mg/dL, respectively. The interaction of the CG genotype and E-DII score had a significant association with higher hs-CRP level compared to GG genotype as the reference group (β, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.11-2.27; p value, 0.03). There was a marginally significant association between the interaction of the CC genotype and the E-DII score with higher hs-CRP level compared to the GG genotype as the reference group (β, 0.85; 95% CI, -0.15 to 1.86; p value, 0.05). There is probably positive interaction between CG, CC genotypes of cryptochrome circadian clocks 1, and E-DII score on the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in women with central obesity.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.50-60
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• 2024

Objective: Testicular fat deposition has been reported to affect animal reproduction. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The present study explored whether sperm meiosis and testosterone synthesis contribute to mouse testicular fat deposition-induced reproductive performance. Methods: High fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity CD1 mice (DIO) were used as a testicular fat deposition model. The serum hormone test was performed by agent kit. The quality of sperm was assessed using a Sperm Class Analyzer. Testicular tissue morphology was analyzed by histochemical methods. The expression of spermatocyte marker molecules was monitored by an immuno-fluorescence microscope during meiosis. Analysis of the synthesis of testosterone was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and reagent kit. Results: It was found that there was a significant increase in body weight among DIO mice, however, the food intake showed no difference compared to control mice fed a normal diet (CTR). The number of offspring in DIO mice decreased, but there was no significant difference from the CTR group. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone were lower in DIO mice and their luteinizing hormone levels were similar. The results showed a remarkable decrease in sperm density and motility among DIO mice. We also found that fat accumulation affected the meiosis process, mainly reflected in the cross-exchange of homologous chromosomes. In addition, overweight increased fat deposition in the testis and reduced the expression of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes, thereby affecting the synthesis and secretion of testosterone by testicular Leydig cells. Conclusion: Fat accumulation in the testes causes testicular cell dysfunction, which affects testosterone hormone synthesis and ultimately affects sperm formation.

• 한국동물생명공학회지
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.194-200
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• 2024

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase-2 (NTRK2), are well known for their roles in the central nervous and animal reproductive systems. Several studies have observed the extensive expression of BDNF and NTRK2 in non-neuronal tissues, especially reproductive organs. However, most of these studies focused on ovarian development and regulation; thus, scientific research on BDNF and NTRK2 in males is required to determine their roles in the male reproductive system. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate BDNF and NTRK2 expression in bovine testes. Methods: Testes were collected from six Hanwoo bulls (6-8 months old). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of BDNF and NTRK2 in the testes. Western blot analysis was performed to verify the cross-reactivity of BDNF and NTRK2 antibodies with bovine testicular tissues. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to determine BDNF and NTRK2 protein expression in the testes. Results: RT-PCR analysis revealed BDNF and NTRK2 mRNA expression in bovine testes. In Western blotting, BDNF and NTRK2 protein bands were observed at 32 and 45 kDa, respectively. Immunofluorescence demonstrated BDNF expression in the nuclei of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells as well as in the cytoplasm of Leydig cells. NTRK2 was exclusively expressed in Sertoli cells. These results suggest that BDNF plays a potential role in spermatogenesis via BDNF and NTRK2 signaling in bovine testes, a finding supported by previous results in different animal species. Conclusions: The expression patterns of BDNF and NTRK2 indicate their functional importance in the bovine reproductive system.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.30-37
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• 1996

연구배경: 본 연구는 결핵의 조기검출을 위하여, PCR을 이용하는데 있어서의 중요한 문제점의 하나인 임상검체로부터 결핵균을 분리 방법을 개선하여, 교차오염의 가능성을 최소화하고 PCR에 의한 결핵균의 DNA검출을 보다 쉽고 안전하게 실시하여 대량의 검체를 처리해야하는 일상 임상검사법으로 정착시키고자 하는데 그 목적이 있다. 방법: 다양한 방법으로 DNA를 검출하여 동일한 방법으로 PCR을 수행하여 이차 PCR 산물의 전기영동 결과를 AFB도말 및 배양검사 결과와 함께 비교하여 감수성, 특이성, 양성예측도 및 음성예측도의 항목으로 비교분석하였다. 실험 1은 Proteinase K 처리후 phenol로 추출하는 방법과 Chelex 100 이온교환 수지를 이용한 InstaGene법을 100예에서 비교하였으며, 실험 2에서는 Microwave 처리후 원침 상청액을 직접 시용하는 방법과 Chelex 100 이온교환 수지를 이용한 InstaGene 법을 98예에서 비교하였다. 결과: 세 DNA 분리법으로 실시한 PCR결과에서 모두 특이성과 양성예측도가 매우 낮았다. 실험 1에서 Proteinase K 법에 의한 경우 보다 Insta Gene을 이용한 경우에 약 20% 높은 감수성과 10%~20% 높은 음성예측도를 보이고 있으며, 특이성은 2%~8% 낮고, 양성예측도는 2.5%~4% 높은 것으로 나타났다. 실험 2에서는 Microwave법과 Insta Gene을 이용한 경우에 거의 비슷한 결과를 보였다. 결론: 결핵진단시 PCR을 위한 객담검체에서의 DNA 분리시에 Microwave법과 $InstaGene^{TM}$ DNA분리 kit가 매우 효율적이며, 특히 InstaGene법이 교차오염의 가능성이 거의 없고, 처리 시간이 짧으며, 조작이 매우 간단하며 매우 경제적인 것으로 나타났다. 다만 특이성을 더욱 높일 수 있도록 연구가 추가되어야 할 것이며 일반 인구집단에서 충분한 임상검체를 대상으로 연구가 추가되면 InstaGene법의 유용성이 더욱 확실히 검증 될 것으로 사료된다.

• 한국가스학회지
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.92-102
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• 2017

피셔-트롭쉬 합성반응은 CO와 H2의 혼합가스로 이루어진 합성가스를 부가가치가 높은 탄화수소 제품으로 변환시킨다. 본 논문에서는 저온 피셔-트롭쉬 합성반응과 단일, 다중 마이크로채널 반응기에 패킹시킨 촉매를 기반으로 강화된 반응조건의 열전달을 고려하여 전산유체역학 기반의 시뮬레이션을 진행하고 분석하였다. 단일채널모델을 통하여 CO 전환률이 ~65% 이상, $C_{5+}$ 선택도가 ~74% 이상을 달성하면서도 Co 기반의 super-active 촉매를 통해 GHSV를 $30000hr^{-1}$을 달성할 수 있음을 보였다. 다중 마이크로채널 반응기모델에서는 열전달 시뮬레이션을 동시에 해석하여, 3가지의 다른 반응기구조에 대해서, 직교류 wall boiling 냉매를 사용시 ${\Delta}T_{max}$가 23 K였으며 평행유동 subcooled 냉매와 평행유동 wall boiling 냉매의 경우 각각 15 K와 13 K의 ${\Delta}T_{max}$를 보였다. 반응기 전체적으로 498 - 521 K에서 온도제어가 가능했으며 계산된 사슬성장 가능성은 저온 피셔-트롭쉬 합성에 적합한 것으로 보인다.