• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.259-269
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• 2022

Objective: Animal-free scaffolds have emerged as a potential foundation for consistent, chemically defined, and low-cost materials. Because of its good potential for high biocompatibility with reproductive tissues and well-characterized scaffold design, we investigated whether polyglycolic acid (PGA) could be used as an animal-free scaffold instead of natural fibrin-agarose, which has been used successfully for three-dimensional human endometrial cell culture. Methods: Isolated primary endometrial cells was cultured on fibrin-agarose and PGA polymers and evaluated various design parameters, such as scaffold porosity and mean fiber diameter. Cytotoxicity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunostaining experiments were conducted to examine cell activity on fabricated scaffolds. Results: The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and SEM results showed that endometrial cells grew and proliferated on both scaffolds. Immunostaining showed cytokeratin and vimentin expression in seeded cells after 7 days of culture. On both scaffolds, an epithelial arrangement of cultured cells was found on the top layer and stromal arrangement matrix on the bottom layer of the scaffolds. Therefore, fibrin-agarose and PGA scaffolds successfully mimicked the human endometrium in a way suitable for in vitro analysis. Conclusion: Both fibrin-agarose and PGA scaffolds could be used to simulate endometrial structures. However, because of environmental and ethical concerns and the low cost of synthetic polymers, we recommend using PGA as a synthetic polymer for scaffolding in research instead of natural biomaterials.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.1435-1444
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• 2023

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate Raman spectroscopy technique as a noninvasive tool to predict meat quality traits on Braford longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle. Methods: Thirty samples of muscle from Braford steers were analyzed by classical meat quality techniques and by Raman spectroscopy with 785 nm laser excitation. Water holding capacity (WHC), intramuscular fat content (IMF), cooking loss (CL), and texture profile analysis recording hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness were determined, along with fiber diameter and sarcomere length by scanning electron microscopy. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis was used to differentiate tender and tough meat groups. Results: Higher values of cohesiveness and CL, together with lower values of WHC, IMF, and shorter sarcomere were obtained for tender meat samples than for the tougher ones. Raman spectra analysis allows tender and tough sample differentiation. The correlation between the quality attributes predicted by Raman and the physical measurements resulted in values of R² = 0.69 for hardness and 0,58 for WBSF. Pearson's correlation coefficient of hardness (r = 0.84) and WBSF (r = 0.79) parameters with the phenylalanine Raman signal at 1,003 cm^-1, suggests that the content of this amino acid could explain the differences between samples. Conclusion: Raman spectroscopy with 785 nm laser excitation is a suitable and accurate technique to identify beef with different quality attributes.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.40-45
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• 2024

In this research, we introduce a novel approach that employs a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) model to predict the permeability of Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs). For training the model, we create an artificial dataset of GDL representative volume elements (RVEs) by extracting morphological characteristics from actual GDL images obtained through X-ray tomography. These morphological attributes involve statistical distributions of porosity, fiber orientation, and diameter. Subsequently, a permeability analysis using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) is conducted on a collection of 10,800 RVEs. The 3D CNN model, trained on this artificial dataset, well predicts the permeability of actual GDLs.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.122-136
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• 2023

Depression is a prevalent global problem since ages, predominately treated with SSRI. Cipralex, is an antidepressant of the SSRIs class used as a remedy for mood, depression and anxiety. Silymarin (SIL), a natural free radical scavenging, has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This hypothesis evaluates, for the first time, the role of cipralex on the structure of the endocrine and exocrine components of the pancreas and assess the beneficial effects of SIL on these changes. Forty-five rats were divided into control, cipralex, and cipralex plus SIL groups. During sacrifice, all rats and pancreases were weighed and the ratio of pancreatic weight (PW) to rat weight (RW) was calculated, blood samples were collected to estimate fasting glucose, insulin and amylase levels, the specimens were prepared for histological, immunohistochemical (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], and anti-insulin antibody), and morphometrical studies. Cipralex group exhibited marked destruction of the pancreatic architecture of the exocrine and endocrine parts, with a dense collagen fiber deposition. Also, there is highly significant decrease (P<0.001) of PW/RT ratio, insulin, and amylase levels, the number and diameter of islets of Langerhans, the number of PCNA positive immunoreactive cells, and the number of insulin positive β-cells. Furthermore, a highly significant increase of glucose level, iNOS, TNF-α, and caspase-3 positive immunoreactive cells in the islets of Langerhans and acinar cells were observed. SIL improves the pancreatic histological architecture, weight loss, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses. Administering SIL is advantageous in managing cipralex induced pancreatic injury via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic qualities.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.106-113
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• 2005

This study was carried out to develop a novel hydroponic medium far fruit vegetable crops by using waste synthetic fibers. In physical analysis of the synthetic fiber medium (SFM), the bulk density and percent solid phase were lower, while the porosity and water content were greater in comparison with the rockwool slab. The SFM had pH of 6.5 and EC of $0.03dS{\cdot}m^{-1}$ both of which are similar to those of the rockwool slab. The CEC of 0.39me/100mL of the SFM was lower than compared with 3.29me/100mL of the rockwool slab. However, concentrations K, Ca, Mg and Na were slightly higher in the SFM than those in the rockwool slab. The 'Momotaro' tomato crop in the SFM gave comparable plant height, stem diameter, days to first flowering, fruit weight and percent marketable yield as the rockwool slab. In the SFM and in the rockwool slab, mean fiuit weight were 182g and 181g, percent marketable yield were $93.8\%$ and $92.0\%$, respectively. The marketable yield per 10a in the SFM was 12,799 kg, which was $97\%$ of that in the rockwool slab. Growth parameters such as leaf length and width, leaf number, stem diameter and chlorophyll content of an exportable cucumber crop grown in the SFM and the rockwool slab were not different. Fruit weight was greater in the rockwool slab, while percent marketable yield was greater in the SFM. The marketable fruit yield per 10a of 5,062kg in the SFM was $2\%$ greater than that in the rockwool slab. $NO_3$ concentration in nutrient solution during the crop cultivation was higher in the SFM than in the rockwool slab, while concentrations $NH_4$, K, Ca, Mg and $SO_4$ were not different between the two media.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.561-578
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• 1999

The goal of periodontal therapy is the periodontal regeneration by the removal of microorganisms and their toxic products from the periodontally diseased root surface. To achieve periodontal regeneration, root conditioning as an adjunct to root planing has been done. There are low pH etchants such as citric acid, tetracycline-HCl, and EDTA solution which is a neutral chelating agent. The purpose of present study was to examine the effect of root conditioning by citric acid, tetracycline HCl, and EDTA. Total 35 root specimens(6${\times}$3${\times}$2mm) were prepared from the periodontally diseased teeth, scaled and root planed. The specimens were treated with normal saline for 1 minute, saturated citric acid(pH 1) for 3 minutes, 50mg/ml tetracycline-HCl(pH 2) for 5 minutes, 15% EDTA(pH 7) for 5 minutes using rubbing technique. The specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy at 1000, and 3000 magnification. On the microphotographs taken at 1000 magnification, the numbers of opened and patent dentinal tubules per unit area(10,640${\mu}m^2$) were counted. And the diameters of opened dentinal tubules per unit are (10,640${\mu}m^2$) were measured. The differences of number and diameter among all groups were statistically analyzed by Kruskal Wallis Test. The results were as follows; 1. In the specimens applied with normal saline(control group), the root surface was finely cracked, and was covered by irregular smear layer. Neither exposed dentinal tubules nor any patent dentinal tubules could be seen. 2. In the specimens applied with saturated citric acid(experimental 1 group), the globular collagen fibers were exposed around the peritubular space, and many dentinal tubules were revealed. 3. In the specimens applied with tetracycline-HCl(experimental 2 group), the process-like collagen fibers were exposed around the peritubular space, and some dentinal tubules were revealed. 4. In the specimens applied with 15% EDTA(experimental 3 group), the root surface was covered by the collagenous fibrillar network, and many dentinal tubules were revealed. 5. The numbers of opened and patent dentinal tubules were significantly more in exp. 1 group and exp. 3 group than in exp. 2 group(P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between exp. 1 group and exp. 3 group. In control group, the number of opened and patent dentinal tubules could not be counted because any dentinal tubules couldn't be seen. 6 . The diameter of opened dentinal tubules was significantly smaller in exp. 1 group and exp. 3 group than in exp. 2 group(P<0.05). But there was no significant difference between exp. 1 group and exp. 3 group. In control group, the diameter of opened dentinal tubules could not be measured because any dentinal tubules couldn't be seen. The results demonstrate that root conditioning with citric acid, tetracycline- HCl, and EDTA is more effective in periodontal healing than only root planing, and 15% EDTA solution can replace low pH etching agents such as citric acid, tetracycline-HCl for root conditioning.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.215-221
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• 2022

This study was carried out to investigate the growth characteristics, yield and chemical compositions of rye according to mixing ratio of chemical fertilize r(CF) and liquid swine manure (LSM) in paddy field cultivation. The experimental design was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The manure fertilizer ratio of five treatments were CF 100% + LSM 0% (C), CF 70% + LSM 30% (T1), CF 50% + LSM 50% (T2), CF 30% + LSM 70% (T3), and CF 0% + LSM 100% (T4) of rye. At this time, the application of liquid swine manure was based solely on nitrogen. Plant length did not show significant differences among treatments. Ear length, leaf length and leaf width were the longest in C, T3, and T2, respectively (p<0.05). The stem diameter showed in the order of T4 > T3 > T2 > T1 > C, which was thicker as the LSM application rate increased (p<0.05). Fresh, dry matter and total digestible nutrient (TDN) yield were the highest in T4 (p<0.05), whereas the lowest in C treatment. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude fiber content were did not show significant difference among treatments. However, compared to C, crude fat and crude ash were significantly higher in T2 and T3, respectively (p<0.05). Total mineral content decreased significantly as the LSM application rate increased (p<0.05). Total free sugar showed high in T3 and T4 with a high LSM ratio, but showed significantly lower in chemical fertilizer treatment (C) and low LSM treatment (T1) (p<0.05). The analysis of all the above results suggests that the application of LSM is very effective, considering the dry matter yield and the contents of free sugar. In addition, LSM may be possible to grow rye without chemical fertilizer.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2020

Iron oxide nanoparticles were microencapsulated using fibroin, a protein polymer of silk fiber, for theragnostic applications. The content of iron oxide was determined to be 4.28% by thermogravimetric analysis and 5.11% by magnetometer. A suspension of murine fibroblast 3T3 cells grown in medium supplemented with iron oxide-microcapsules turned clear in response to the magnetic force and the cells aggregated to the magnet direction. Neodymium magnets placed on the top of the culture dish, and attracted cells to the center of the culture surface. The cells collected on the culture surface aggregated to form a rough spheroid of 2 mm in a diameter after 72 h. In the outer layer of the cell aggregate, cells were relatively large and gathered together to form a dense tissue, but the central part was observed to undergo cell death due to the mass transfer restriction. In the outer layer, iron oxide-microcapsules were lined up like chains in the direction of magnetic force. Using microCT, it was demonstrated that the iron oxides inside the cell aggregate were not evenly distributed but biased to the magnetic direction.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.441-448
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• 2016

Heavy metal removal study is conducted from synthetic waste water by reduction and oxidation(redox) reaction of Cu-Zn metal alloy and adsorption reaction of aluminium silicate. Heavy metal whose ionization tendency is smaller than zinc are reducted in an aqueous solution, and the concentration of ionized zinc is reduced by adsorption reaction. The average diameter of metal alloy micro fiber is about $200{\mu}m$, and the surface area is wide enough to get equilibrium in a single cycle treatment. A single cycle treatment of redox reaction of Cu-Zn metal alloy, could remove 100.0 % of Cr(III), 98.0 % of Hg, 92.0 % of Sn and 91.4 % of Cu respectively. An ionization tendency of chromium is very close to zinc, but removal efficiency of chromium by redox reaction is significant. This result shows that trivalent chromium ion is expected to generate hydroxide precipitation with $OH^-$ ion generated by redox reaction. Zinc ion generated by redox reaction is readily removed by adsorption reaction of aluminium silicate in a single cycle treatment. Other heavy metal components which are not perfectly removed by redox reaction also showed very high removal efficiency of 98.0 % or more by adsorption reaction. Aluminium ion is not increased by adsorption reaction of aluminium silicate. That means heavy metal ion removal mechanism by adsorption reaction is turned out to be not an ion exchange reaction, but an adsorption reaction.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.106-112
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• 2016

In this study, circular concrete column specimens confined by carbon sheet tube with different winding angles and different number of carbon sheet plies(3T, 5T and 7T) were tested to propose design equations and a strength reduction factor. Specimens were designed by 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height with $90^{\circ}{\pm}0^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}{\pm}30^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}{\pm}45^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}{\pm}60^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}{\pm}75^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}{\pm}90^{\circ}$ carbon fiber angles. A 10,000 kN UTM was used for compressive strength test of specimens by displacement control method with 0.01 mm/sec velocity. Estimation equations of compressive strength and ultimate strain of circular concrete column specimens confined by carbon sheet tube using a regression analysis and a strength reduction factor to apply ultimate strength design method of concrete were proposed. The strength reduction factor(${\phi}$) of circular concrete columns confined by carbon sheet tube was estimated as 0.64 by the Monte Carlo Analysis Method. Manufacture and construction process have to be perfectly managed by construction managers because the structural capacities of carbon tubes were depends on construction abilities of manufacturing operators.