• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2008

Plasminogen activators (PAs) are serine protease that cleave plasminogen to form the active protease plasmin. PA/plasmin system playa role in mammalian fertilization and motility and acrosome reaction of sperm. The present study was undertaken to identify PAs in porcine gametes and investigate a possible role of plasminogen in in vitro fertilization in the pig. When boar spermatozoa were preincubated in a fertilization medium (mTBM) for 0, 2, 4 or 6 h, the activity of tPA-PAI ($110{\sim}117\;kDa$), tPA ($62{\sim}70\;kDa$), and uPA ($34{\sim}38\;kDa$) was observed in the sperm incubation medium and sperm sample. PA activities in the sperm incubation medium significantly (p<0.05) increased according to increasing incubation times, while PA activities in sperm significantly (p<0.05) decreased at the same times. In addition, the rate of acrosome reaction in spermatozoa increased by increasing culture times. When oocytes were separated from porcine cumulus-oocytes complexes at 0, 22 or 44 h of maturation culture, no PA activities were observed in cumulus free-oocyte just after aspiration from follicles. However, the activity of tPA-PAI ($108{\sim}113\;kDa$) and tPA ($75{\sim}83\;kDa$) was observed at 22 h of in vitro culture and significantly (p<0.05) increased as the duration of the culture increased. On the other hand, when porcine oocytes were activated by sperm penetration or calcium ionophore, plasminogen significantly (p<0.05) increased ZP dissolution time (sec) in activated oocytes by sperm penetration. These results suggest that supplementation of plasminogen to fertilization medium may playa positive role in the improvement of in vitro fertilization ability in the pig.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.463-468
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• 2007

Chong Myung Tang is consisted of three medicinal herbs (Acori Graminei Rhizoma, Polygalae Radix and Hoelen cum Radix). It has been used as a medicine for the purpose of learning and memory improvement. In this paper, Chong Myung Tang was screened the biological activities for Alzheimer's disease. The extract (70% ethanol) of Acari Graminei Rhizoma (1 mg/ml) showed that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and amyloid beta ($A{\beta}$) peptide aggregation inhibitory potency are 43.1% and 76.5%, respectively. The extract of Polygalae Radix showed inhibitory activity against $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ peptide aggregation (51.5%). To predict the drug-likeness, oral absorption ability; blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetraion rate, mutagenecity and carcinogenicity; in silico screening was performed against 16 compounds in the three medicinal herbs. According to the results, all compounds have appropriate chemical structures as medicines. The six compounds in Acori Graminei Rhizoma and the five compounds in Hoelen cum Radix showed excellent oral absorption rate and BBB penetration rate. The four compounds in Polygalae Radix showed excellent oral absorption rate, but their BBB penetration was presented low rate. And, the extract of Hoelen cum Radix didn't show AChE and $A{\beta}_{1-42}$ peptide aggregation inhibitory activities in vitro. Therefore, their activity in brain may be other mechanism. According to all of the results, in silico prediction technology is convenient and effective to determine biological active compounds in medicinal herbs.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.5
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• pp.673-686
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• 2023

Determining the properties of pile from cone penetration test (CPT) is costly, and need several in-situ tests. At the present study, two novel hybrid learning models, namely PSO-RF and HHO-RF, which are an amalgamation of random forest (RF) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Harris hawks optimization (HHO) were developed and applied to predict the pile set-up parameter "A" from CPT for the design aim of the projects. To forecast the "A," CPT data along were collected from different sites in Louisiana, where the selected variables as input were plasticity index (PI), undrained shear strength (S_u), and over consolidation ratio (OCR). Results show that both PSO-RF and HHO-RF models have acceptable performance in predicting the set-up parameter "A," with R² larger than 0.9094, representing the admissible correlation between observed and predicted values. HHO-RF has better proficiency than the PSO-RF model, with R² and RMSE equal to 0.9328 and 0.0292 for the training phase and 0.9729 and 0.024 for testing data, respectively. Moreover, PI and OBJ indices are considered, in which the HHO-RF model has lower results which leads to outperforming this hybrid algorithm with respect to PSO-RF for predicting the pile set-up parameter "A," consequently being specified as the proposed model. Therefore, the results demonstrate the ability of the HHO algorithm in determining the optimal value of RF hyperparameters than PSO.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 2001

Vitrification of oocytes has been applied recently fur pigs, but remains elusive. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of vitrification in open pulled straws (OPS) on in vitro survival of porcine oocytes. When immature follicular oocytes frozen-thawed were cultured for in vitro maturation, maturation rates to metaphase-II stage were higher in oocytes with (25%) than without (15%) cumulus cells. After In vitro fertilization of oocytes frozen-thawed, the maturation rates were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in oocytes with (41%) that than without (17%) cumulus cells. However, the penetration rates were higher in oocytes without (19%) that than with (9%) cumulus. In another experiment, porcine oocytes matured in vitro were frozen and thawed for in vitro fertilization. The penetration rates were higher than in oocytes without (35%) that than with (26%) cumulus cells. However, the proportions of oocytes dead after in vitro fertilization were significantly (P<0.05) higher in oocytes with that than without cumulus cells. On the other hand, the rates of penetration and dead oocytes at 6 h after in vitro fertilization were not significant differences between oocytes with and without cumulus cells. However, the proportions of dead oocytes with (18%) and without (16%) cumulus cells were higher than in oocytes of control group (0%). These finding indicated the possible broader application for OPS, as they demonstrated that the maturation and fertilization in vitro by frozen-thawed oocytes may be accompained by cumulus cells and culture periods according to the requirements of the survival ability after freezing of mature and immature oocytes in pigs.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.311-323
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• 1994

This study was conducted to observe seasonal and individual changes in semen characteristics and sperm freezability, and sperm penetration into zona-free hamster eggs in Korean native goats. Buck response and change in semen characteristics to electrical stimulations was evaluated for four seasons throughout 2 years and percentage of motile sperm and normal apical ridge acrosome was investigated after equilibration and thawing for 4 seasons with 5 bucks. Sperm penetration rate was evaluated for 4 bucks. 1. Probe insertion at depth of 7cm and repeated stimulation for 3 sec was more effective(P<0.05) in buck response and semen collection than those of other conditions. 2. Semen characteristics from electrojaculation was signficantly(P<0.005) higher in spring and fall for semen volume, in spring and summer for sperm concentration and in fall for sperm motility than those in other seasons, respectively. However, there were no differences in total sperm among seasons. 3. Buck response to electrical stimulation showed significant difference(P<0.05) among individuals in all 3 seasons except winter. Significant individual difference in semen volume was only in spring and summer, but there was no indivudual difference in sperm concentration and total sperm in all season. 4. Washing of semen before freezing treatment was greatly(P<0.05) beneficial to sperm motility after thawing, no matter whether ejaculates exhibit egg yolk coagulation or not. 5. Sperm motility after glycerol equilibration was significantly(P<0.05) low in summer semen and motility after thawing was greatly(P<0.05) higher in winter semen than in other seasons. Freezability of unwashed sperm was significantly difference among bucks, but a yearly freezability of washed sperm after chilling and thawing were no differences among bucks and percentage of normal apical ridge acrosome were not different among seasons and bucks. 6. There was no significant difference in sperm motility after thawing between egg yolk levels in summer, although 20% level gave more higher motility than 5% level. 7. In summer, 3.2% glycerol and 3-h equilibration gave greatest percentage(P<0.05) of sperm motility and normal apical ridge acrosome after thawing. 8. Sperm penetration rate into zona-free hamster eggs was not different between bucks and seasons. Overall, it is concluded that to obtain maximum sperm output and successive semen freezing by electrojaculation method, buck selection with good response in all season could be basically considered and that seasonal effect on sperm freezability was more greater than that of individual bucks.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.153-161
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• 2003

This study has evaluated effect of the spermatozoa incubation on the glycosidase activity and fertilizing ability in vitro in the pig. To identify sperm glycosidases specific for sugar residues found in the zona pellucida of pig oocytes, the spermatozoa were treated experimentally and assayed for activities of $\alpha$-L-fucosidase, $\alpha$-D-mannosidase, $\beta$-D-galactosidase and N-acetyl-$\beta$-D-glucosaminidase ($\beta$-GlcNAc'ase). The glycosidases activity were higher in spermatozoa incubated for 2h than without incubation. The $\beta$-GlcNAc'ase activity was at least two-fold higher than other glycosidase regardless of spermatozoa incubation. In the same glycosidases, the activity had a tendency to increase as time of spermatozoa incubation was prolonged, but there were no differences in spermatozoa incubated during the various periods (4~24h). The percentages of spermatozoa that reached acrosome reaction were affected by glycosidases in the medium (P<0.05, for mannosidase), and were higher in spermatozoa with that than without incubation. On the other hand, the spermatozoa motility were decreased with incubation periods, but no effects by different glycosidases on the change of sperm motility during the various periods of incubation. In other experiment, the binding and penetration of pig spermatozoa were tested with oocytes matured in vitro in the presence of various glycosidase. The penetration rates were decreased with incubation of spermatozoa when oocytes were inseminated in medium with different glycosidases. These rates were higher in spermatozoa non-incubated than with incubation for 2h (P<0.05 for GlcNAc'ase; P<0.01 for control group). The sperm-zona binding rate in control group were higherthan in medium with glycosidases. In addition, the highest binding rate were obtained in medium with GlcNAc'ase. In all glycosidases, the sperm-zona binding rate in spermatozoa without incubation were higher than incubation for 2h. The significant differences were obtained in spermatozoa treated with $\alpha$-D-mannosidase (P<0.05). These results suggest that $\beta$-GlcNAc'ase is present mainly in the plasma membrane of pig spermatozoa. It was also shown that the glycosidase activity were increased in all glycosidases in spite of low sperm-zona binding rate and penetration rates by spermatozoa incubation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.307-315
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• 2001

The application of Nd:YAG laser and irrigants to the root surface can change its surface configurations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nd:YAG laser and irrigants on the apical seal of obturated canals. In this study, 66 single rooted teeth were randomly assigned to 4 group of 14 teeth each. 8 teeth were served us positive and negative controls. The teeth were divided into 6 groups as follows. Group A: Nd:YAG laser, 5% NaOCl + Rc-prep Group B: Nd:YAG laser, Saline Group C: 5% NaOCl + Rc-prep Group D: Saline Group E: Positive control Group F: Negative control 66 teeth were instrumented using Maillefer ProFile$^{\circledR}$ (Orifice Shapers, .04 taper, .06 taper Dentsply, Switzerland). Two of each group were selected at random, and the canal wall surfaces were examined under a SEM. 12 teeth of each group were obturated using by lateral condensation technique. Specimens were immersed in india ink for 7days, decalcified by 10% nitric acid, dehydrated by 75. 80. 85, 90, 95 and 100% alcohol in order cleared by methyl salicylate and then measured of dye penetration with stereomicroscope($\times$15 magnification) and Image Pro plus. The data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA test and Duncan's Multiple Range test. The results were as follows : 1. The mean leakage was 0.128$\pm$0.376 for group A, 0.237$\pm$0.325 for group B, 0.397$\pm$0.468 for group C, 0.586$\pm$0.402 for group D, and there were statistically significant differences between group A and group D, group B and group D. (p<0.05). 2. Group A had better sealing ability than Group C, but there was statistically no significant differences. (p>0.05). 3. Group B had better sealing ability than Group D and there was statistically significant difference. (p<0.05). 4 Group A had better sealing ability than Group B, but there was statistically no significant difference. (p>0.05). 5. Group C had better sealing ability than Group D, but there was statistically no significant difference. (p>0.05). 6. As a result of observation under SEM, Smear layers were removed in Group A, B. but Smear layers were partially removed and smear plugs were remained in Group C, Smear layers were not removed in Group D. To be specially, Melting of smear layer were showed in Group C. 7. These results suggests that the laser has a potential in reducing the apical microleakage of obturated canals.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.335-343
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• 2010

Objectives: To compared the effect of different levels of moisture of root canal on the sealing ability after filling with four different types of sealer. Materials and Methods: Single-rooted teeth (n = 90) instrumented to and apical size of 0.06 / 45 were randomly assigned to 12 experimental groups (n = 7 per group), positive/negative control groups (n = 3 per group). The teeth of the experimental groups (a. DRY; b. PAPER POINT DRY; c. WET) were obturated with sealer (Group 1-3: Sealapex; Group 4-6: AH plus; Group 7-9: Tubuli-seal; Group 10-12: EndoRez) and warm vertical compaction method. After 7 days in $37^{\circ}C$, 100% humidity, the coronal-to-apical microleakage was evaluated quantitatively using a glucose leakage model. The leaked glucose concentration was measured with spectrophotometer at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days. Data were recorded ad mmol/L and statistically analysed with the two-way ANOVA and Duncan test (p = 0.05). Results: Throughout the experimental period Tubuli-seal/WET (Group 9) showed the highest mean cumulative glucose penetration (178.75 mmol/L), whereas AH plus/DRY (Group 4) had the least (20.78 mmol/L). Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that the moisture condition of root canals at the time of obturation and the type of sealer that was used had a significant effect on leakage and sealing ability. Thus drying procedure according to sealer types is a critical step and should not be missed in endodontic treatment.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.30.1-30.8
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• 2019

Background: Advancements in the field of microvascular surgery and the widespread adoption of microvascular surgical techniques have made the use of osteocutaneous fibula free flaps the standard of care in the surgical management of segmental mandibular defects. Although the literature possesses abundant evidence to support the effectiveness of fibula free flaps as a reconstructive method, there are relatively few studies reporting on outcomes as objectively measured by videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS). The purpose of this study is to explore the potential correlation between early postoperative VFSS and the long-term swallowing outcomes in patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 36 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibular free flaps between 2009 and 2012. Demographics, clinical variables, VFSS data, and diet information were retrieved. Penetration and aspiration findings on VFSS, long-term oral feeding ability, and the need for gastrostomy tube were statistical endpoints correlated with postoperative clinical outcomes. Results: Thirty-six patients were reviewed (15 females and 21 males) with a mean age of 54 years (7-81). Seventeen cases were treated for malignancy. The size of the bony defect ranged from 3 to 15 cm (mean = 9 cm). The cutaneous paddle, a surrogate for soft tissue defect, ranged from 10 to 125 ㎠ (mean = 52 ㎠). A gastrostomy tube was present in patients preoperatively (n = 8), and postoperatively (n = 14). Seventeen patients had neoadjuvant exposure to radiation. Postoperative VFSS showed penetration in 13 cases (36%) and aspiration in seven (19%). Overall, 29 patients (80.6%) achieved unrestricted diet, and this was statistically correlated with age (p = 0.037), radiation therapy (p = 0.002), and preoperative gastrostomy tube (p = 0.03). The presence of penetration or aspiration on VFSS was a strong predictor for long-term unrestricted oral diet (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Early postoperative VFSS is an excellent predictor for long-term swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with osteocutaneous fibula free flaps.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2017.06a
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• pp.321-321
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• 2017

Water availability in rainfed lowlands (RFL) is strongly affected by climate change. In RFL, rice plants are exposed to soil moisture fluctuations (SMF) but rarely to simple progressive drought as widely believed. Typical RFL field is characterized by a about 5-cm thick high bulk density hardpan layer underneath the cultivated layer at about 20 cm depth that impedes deep root development. Root system has the ability to develop in response to changes in SMF, known as phenotypic plasticity. We hypothesized that genotypes that can adapt to RFL have root plasticity. The roots can sharply respond to re-wetting after drought period and thus penetrate the hardpan layer when the hardpan is wet and so becomes relatively soft, and thus access water under the hardpan. This study aimed to identify CSSLs derived from a cross between Sasanishiki and Habataki which adapted to such RFL conditions. We used 39 CSSLs together with the parent Sasanishiki, which were grown in hydroponics and pot under transient soil moisture stresses (drought and then rewatering), and compared with continuously well-watered (WW) (control) up to 14 days after sowing (DAS), and 20 DAS, respectively. Based on the results of hydroponics and pot experiments, we selected a few lines, which were grown in the soil-filled rootbox with artificial hardpan layer and without artificial hardpan. For the rootbox without artificial hardpan, plants were grown under WW and transient soil moisture stresses for 49 DAS. While the rootbox with artificial hardpan, the plants were grown under WW (control) and SMF (WW up to 21 DAS, 1st drought (22-36 DAS), rewatering (37-44 DAS), and followed by 2nd drought (45-58 DAS)). Among the 39 CSSLs, only CSSL439 (SL39) consistently showed significantly higher shoot dry weight (SDW) than Sasanishiki under transient soil moisture stress conditions as well as SMF conditions in all the experiments. Furthermore, under WW, SL39 consistently showed no significant differences from Sasanishiki in shoot and root growth in most of traits examined. SL39 showed significantly greater total root length (TRL) than Sasanishiki under transient soil moisture stress, which is considered as phenotypic plasticity in response to rewatering after drought period. Such plastic root development was the key trait that effectively contributed to root elongation and branching during the rewatering period and consequently enhanced the root to penetrate hardpan layer when the soil penetration resistance at hardpan layer reduced. In addition, using the rootbox with artificial hardpan layer ($1.7g\;cm^{-3}$, heavily compacted), SL39 showed greater root system development than Sasanishiki under SMF, which was expressed in its significantly higher TRL, total nodal RL, and total lateral RL at hardpan layer as well as at below the hardpan layer. These results prove that SL39 has plasticity that enables its root systems to penetrate hardpan layer in response to rewatering. Under SMF, such root plasticity contributed to its higher gs and Pn.