• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.362-366
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• 2009

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most often seen type of cardiomyopathy in cats. The cause is unknown but a genetic basis is thought to underlie some cases. Thromboembolism (TE) is a troubling complication in cats with myocardial disease. Two cats referred to Seoul National University Hospital for Animals with the paralysis of bilateral hindlimbs after vomiting. The cats were depressed and the bilateral hindlimbs were cyanotic, cool and painful. Heart murmur sounds were auscultated in both cases. Through radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation, HCM was diagnosed. TE at the distal aortic trifurcation was also visualized on abdominal ultrasonography. Both cats were expired and HCM and saddle thrombus were confirmed by postmortem examination in one cat.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.260-267
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• 2008

The choice of expression vector is very important for industrial production of proteins. Therefore, the systematic mining of promoters over a wider range of genetic resource and/or host is required. We previously reported a novel bidirectional reporting system (pBGR) for the isolation of promoters from metagenome and screened useful promoters that functioned constitutively in E. coli under general culture conditions. Among them, three promoter sequences including each upstream region were amplified by PCR and used to construct new expression vectors. To facilitate subcloning, a multi-cloning site was incorporated into the downstream region of the revere primer sequence. At these sites, GFP, esterase and $\beta$-glucosidase were subcloned and analyzed the constitutive expression ability of new promoter in terms of protein solubility and expression level. As a result, these vectors expressed the proteins constitutively to a level of $2{\sim}3%$ of the total cell protein in soluble fraction (>80 %). This study suggested that excavation of metagenomic promoters for construction of expression vector in a certain strain could provide a way for the development of the expression systems.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.544-551
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• 2008

QUAL2K enhanced QUAL2E and applied in real fields efficiently incorporates denitrification process, sediment-water interaction process, bottom algae and detritus. Also, the CBOD of QUAL2K is divided into two real parts, one is slow CBOD(sCBOD) and another is fast CBOD(fCBOD). The simulation results of QUAL2E and QUAL2K models in Anyang Stream were compared and analyzed in water quality constituents of DO, BOD, Org-N, NH$_3$-N, NO$_3$-N, Org-P, Dis-P and Chl-a respectively. The similar results were shown in Org-N, NH$_3$-N, Org-P and Chl-a both QUAL2K and QUAL2E models. But the different results were revealed in DO, BOD, Dis-P and NO$_3$-N by the influence of new incorporating processes. DO was shown relatively low values in the effect of bottom algae. BOD which is influenced by particulate organic matter was revealed high values. NO$_3$-N was closed to the real values by the two processes of denitrification and sediment-water interaction. To evaluate the running results of QUAL2K and QUAL2E models, a simple statistical analysis was conducted. According to the statistical analysis, QUAL2K represented less relative error and coefficient of variation than QUAL2E in almost all of constituents. It was found that QUAL2K, which simulates the water quality more realistically, can be applied to control and manage the water problems of river or river-run reservoir effectively.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2018

During early pregnancy, before the development of a functioning thyroid gland, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a very sensitive marker of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy. Normal values have been modified during gestation with a downward shift. The fetus is influenced by the TSH supplied by the mother. TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations vary during pregnancy and conventional units can vary between laboratories. A downward shift of the TSH reference range occurs during pregnancy, with a decrease in both the lower and upper limits of maternal TSH, relative to the typical non-pregnant TSH reference range. Each laboratory produces its own reference TSH and FT4 concentrations because there are many different assays that yield different results in pregnancy. Therefore, automated immunoassays used for serum FT4 analysis are still used widely, but the important considerations discussed above must be noted. The use of population-based, trimester-specific reference ranges remains the best way to handle this issue The slight downward shift in the upper reference range of TSH occurring in the latter first trimester (7~12 weeks) of pregnancy, typically not observed prior to 7 weeks. Their use indicates high or low levels in a quantitative manner independent of the reference ranges. These data highlight the importance of calculating population-based pregnancy-specific thyroid parameter reference intervals. A precision medicine initiative in this area will require the collection and analysis of a large number of genetic, biological, psychosocial, and environmental variables in large cohorts of individuals. Large prospective randomized controlled trials will be needed to resolve these controversies.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.681-698
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• 2020

The paper addresses contribution to the modeling and optimization of major machinability parameters (cutting force, surface roughness, and tool wear) in finish dry hard turning (FDHT) for machinability evaluation of hardened AISI grade die steel D₃ with PVD-TiN coated (Al₂O₃-TiCN) mixed ceramic tool insert. The turning trials are performed based on Taguchi's L₁₈ orthogonal array design of experiments for the development of regression model as well as adequate model prediction by considering tool approach angle, nose radius, cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut as major machining parameters. The models or correlations are developed by employing multiple regression analysis (MRA). In addition, statistical technique (response surface methodology) followed by computational approaches (genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization) have been employed for multiple response optimization. Thereafter, the effectiveness of proposed three (RSM, GA, PSO) optimization techniques are evaluated by confirmation test and subsequently the best optimization results have been used for estimation of energy consumption which includes savings of carbon footprint towards green machining and for tool life estimation followed by cost analysis to justify the economic feasibility of PVD-TiN coated Al₂O₃+TiCN mixed ceramic tool in FDHT operation. Finally, estimation of energy savings, economic analysis, and sustainability assessment are performed by employing carbon footprint analysis, Gilbert approach, and Pugh matrix, respectively. Novelty aspects, the present work: (i) contributes to practical industrial application of finish hard turning for the shaft and die makers to select the optimum cutting conditions in a range of hardness of 45-60 HRC, (ii) demonstrates the replacement of expensive, time-consuming conventional cylindrical grinding process and proposes the alternative of costlier CBN tool by utilizing ceramic tool in hard turning processes considering technological, economical and ecological aspects, which are helpful and efficient from industrial point of view, (iii) provides environment friendliness, cleaner production for machining of hardened steels, (iv) helps to improve the desirable machinability characteristics, and (v) serves as a knowledge for the development of a common language for sustainable manufacturing in both research field and industrial practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2961-2966
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• 2012

Extremely low frequency electro magnetic fields (EMFs) have been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. An increased number of chromosomal alterations in peripheral lymphocytes are correlated with elevated incidence of cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess occupationally induced chromosomal damage in EMF workers exposed to low levels of radiation. We used conventional metaphase chromosome aberration (CA) analysis and the micronucleus (MN) assay as biological indicators of non ionizing radiation exposure. In the present study totally 70 subjects were selected including 50 exposed and 20 controls. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants and the study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the approval of the local ethical committee. A higher degree of CA and MN was observed in exposed subjects compared to controls, the frequency of CA being significantly enhanced with long years of exposure (P<0.05). Moreover increase in CA and MN with age was noted in both exposed subjects and controls, but was significantly greater in the former. The results of this study demonstrated that a significant induction of cytogenetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of workers occupationally exposed to EMFs in electric transformer and distribution stations. In conclusion, our findings suggest that EMFs possess genotoxic capability, as measured by CA and MN assays; CA analysis appeared more sensitive than other cytogenetic end-points. It can be concluded that chronic occupational exposure to EMFs may lead to an increased risk of genetic damage among electrical workers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1119-1123
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• 2014

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are extremely complex disease types and it is likely that chromosomal instability is involved in the genetic mechanisms of its genesis. However, there is little information regarding the background levels of chromosome instability in these patients. In this pilot study, we examined spontaneous chromosome instability in short-term lymphocyte cultures (72 hours) from 72 study subjects - 36 newly diagnosed HNC squamous cell carcinoma patients and 36 healthy ethnic controls. We estimated chromosome instability (CIN) using chromosomal aberration (CA) analysis and nuclear level anomalies using the Cytokinesis Block Micronucleus Cytome Assay (CBMN Cyt Assay). The proliferation rates in cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were assessed by calculating the Cytokinesis Block Proliferation Index (CBPI). Our results showed a significantly higher mean level of spontaneous chromosome type aberrations (CSAs), chromatid type aberration (CTAs) dicentric chromosomes (DIC) and chromosome aneuploidy (CANE UP) in patients (CSAs, $0.0294{\pm}0.0038$; CTAs, $0.0925{\pm}0.0060$; DICs, $0.0213{\pm}0.0003$; and CANE UPs, $0.0308{\pm}0.0035$) compared to controls (CSAs, $0.0005{\pm}0.0003$; CTAs, $0.0058{\pm}0.0015$; DICs, $0.0005{\pm}0.0003$; and CANEUPs, $0.0052{\pm}0.0013$) where p<0.001l. Similarly, spontaneous nuclear anomalies showed significantly higher mean level of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear buds (NBUDs) among cases (MNi, $0.01867{\pm}0.00108$; NPBs, $0.0156{\pm}0.00234$; NBUDs, $0.00658{\pm}0.00068$) compared with controls (MNi, $0.00027{\pm}0.00009$; NPBs, $0.00002{\pm}0.00002$; NBUDs, $0.00011{\pm}0.00007$).The evaluation of CBPI supported genomic instability in the peripheral blood lymphocytes showing a significantly lower proliferation rate in HNC patients ($1.525{\pm}0.005552$) compared to healthy subjects ($1.686{\pm}0.009520$) (p<0.0001). In conclusion, our preliminary results showed that visible spontaneous genomic instability and low rate proliferation in the cultured peripheral lymphocytes of solid tumors could be biomarkers to predict malignancy in early stages.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2005

There are various crop diseases in green houses that are caused by the cultural environments, especially high temperature and moisture. To solve the forementioned problems, farmers are overusing agricultural chemicals, causing other damages by the chemical residue. In this study, antagonistic bacteria as biological control agents were isolated to produce the environmentally-friendly crops for use in green houses. Eighteen species of antagonistic bacteria were totally isolated from the soil and plants in the Perilla fields, and AK-17 showed the highest activity among the isolates. According to the results of anti-fungal spectrum against several pathogens by AK-17, the antagonism effect of the isolates was remarkable against grey mold rot by Botrytis cinerea, sclerotinia rot by Sclerotnia sclerotiorum, and stem rot by Rhizoctonia solini. To evaluate the biological control effects of the isolates against the major diseases of Perilla, studies were carried out to evaluate the preventive and the curative effects of the diseases throughout the pot experiments. According to the forementioned experiments, the preventive and the curative effects by the isolates against sclerotinia rot were respectively showed as 55% and 92%. For the grey mold rot, those were 40% and 78%, respectively. As to the evaluation of the growth-promoting effect by AK-17, the length and the biomass of the tested plants were increased to 120% and to 164%, respectively. For the leaf numbers and area were respectively increased to 120% and 220%. Furthermore, AK-17 was identified as Burkhoderia sp. according to the results of physiological properties and genetic methods.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.205-209
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• 2008

Recently, Sun et al (2008) reported that the IL6R polymorphism is associated with schizophrenia. Therefore, to detect the association between polymorphisms of interleukin 31 receptor A (IL31RA) and schizophrenia, we genotyped 9 SNPs [rs9292101 (intron 1), rs1009639 (exon 2, Pr043Pro), rs2161582 (intron 2), rs68761890 (intron 5), rs16884629 (intron 6), rs11956465 (intron 12), rs12153724 (intron 12), and rs16884641 (intron 14)] using the Golden Gate assay on Illumina BeadStation 500 GX. Two hundred eighteen patients with schizophrenia and 379 normal subjects were recruited. Patients with schizophrenia were diagnosed according to DSM-IV, and control subjects without history of psychiatric disorders were selected. We used SNPStats, Haploview, HapAnalyzer, SNPAnalyzer, and Helixtree programs for the evaluation of genetic data. Of nine polymorphisms, three SNPs (rs9292101, rs1009639, and rs11956465) were associated with schizophrenia. The rs9292101 and rs11956465 showed significant associations with the risk of schizophrenia in the codominant [rs9292101, odds ratio (OR)=0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.58${\sim}$0.95, p=0.017] and recessive (rs11956465, OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42${\sim}$0.96, p=0.034) models, respectively. The rs1009639 also was statistically related to schizophrenia in both codominant (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.60${\sim}$0.97, p=0.025) and dominant (OR=0.66, 95% CI=0.44${\sim}$0.98, p=0.035) models. Two linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks were made. In the analysis of haplotypes, a haplotype (GCT) in block 1 and a haplotype (CCACAG) in block 2 showed significant associations between schizophrenia and control groups (haplotype GCT, frequency=0.509, chi square=4.199, p=0.040; haplotype CCACAG, frequency=0.289, chi square=5.691, p=0.017). The results suggest that IL31RA may be associated with risk of schizophrenia in Korean population.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 1997

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains water-soluble substances that inhibit the germination of Echinochloa crus-galli. This study investigated the allelopathic potential of rice in which rice had been grown with E. crus-galli in the field. Extracts of forty-seven rice varieties were screened for allelopathic potential in the laboratory. Double distilled water was used as a control. Based on the germination percentage, the varieties may be classified in the following order of decreasing inhibition : Namweon(36%) and Gyehwa(38%) hulls extracts and Sambaeg(43%) and Seoan(46%) leaves extracts. In the comparison of allelopathic activity test between leaves and hulls extracts, hulls extracts contain more allelopathic toxic substances. In the effect of concentration treatment on the six levels of extract solutions(3, 6, 12, 25, 50, 100%, v/v) germination percentage was significantly inhibited as the extract concentration increased. The highest concentration(100%) caused the greatest reduction in E. crus-galli. Allelopathic potential effects were significantly different among the various varieties and between '94 and '95 year extracts. The results indicate that there are genetic differences among varieties for allelopathic potentiality on E. crus-galli. Allelopathic potential in the ecological aspects can be decided through variety selection.