• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.146-153
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• 2011

Purpose : To describe normal anatomy and compare the differences of external genital organs and urethra on MR imaging in pre- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods : A total of 19 pre- and 18 postmenopausal healthy women underwent pelvis MR imaging at 1.5 T. Two radiologists retrospectively scored and compared the image quality of female external genitalia and urethra on axial T2-weighted images (T2WI) and axial fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (FSCE-T1WI) by using Wilcoxon signed ranks test. The radiologists compared the wall thickness or size of external genital organs and urethra on FSCE-T1WI between two groups by using Student t test. Results : Image quality was better with FSCE-T1WI than with T2WI in all subjects (p < 0.05). The vestibular bulb, clitoris and labium minor were more clearly visualized on FSCE-T1WI in premenopausal subjects rather than in postmenopausal subjects (p < 0.05). The urethra had a target-like appearance with three layers in premenopausal and postmenopausal subjects. Postmenopausal subjects were observed to have significantly smaller vaginal wall thickness, urethral wall thickness and vestibular bulb width than premenopausal subjects (p < 0.05). Conclusion : The anatomy and morphologic changes of female external genital organs and urethra were well discernible on FSCE-T1WI.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.239-247
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• 2006

This study was carried out to investigate polymorphism, gene diversity, and geographical relationships of 81 Korean wild (Glycine soja) and 130 cultivated soybeans (G. max) using seven simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 144 alleles were observed in 211 accessions with an average of 20.6. Each SSR loci showed 13 (Satt532) to 41 (Sat_074) multialleles. The range of alleles within the loci was wider in wild soybean than the cultivated soybeans. The average genetic diversity values were 0.88 and 0.69 in wild and cultivated soybeans, respectively. In a scatter diagram of wild and cultivated soybeans based on canonical discriminant analysis, CAN1 accounted for 84.2% while CAN2 did 8.5%. Two species were grouped into three: group I (G. max), group II (G. soja), and group III (complex of G. max and G. soja). The geographical relationships of wild soybean were distinguished into two groups: Gyeonggi for Group I, and Gyeongsang, Jeolla, Gangwon, and Chungcheong for Group II. Those of cultivated soybeans were distinguished into Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and Gyeongsang for Group I, and Jeolla and Chungcheong for Group II. Therefore, the geographical relationships of wild soybeans were well typified based on the ecosystems of the Korean peninsula.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.389-398
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• 2009

Development of expression vectors is important for the basic and applied researches on kimchi LAB (lactic acid bacteria). An expression vector, pSJE6c was constructed by inserting P6C promoter sequence from Lactococcus lactis into pSJE, a shuttle vector for E. coli and Leuconostoc species. To test the efficiency of pSJE6c, aga ($\alpha$-galactosidase) and lacZ ($\beta$-galactosidase) genes were expressed in Lactobacillus brevis 2.14. Compared to the pSJE, expression levels of both genes were increased, indicating P6C promoter was better than indigenous promoters. Enzyme activities of L. brevis cells harboring pSJE6caga (pSJE6c with aga) or pSJE6Z (pSJE6c with lacZ) were 1.5-2 fold higher than those with pSJEaga (pSJE with aga) or pSJEZ (pSJE with lacZ). More RNA transcripts were detected in cells harboring pSJE6c based recombinant plasmid. The results indicated that heterologous gene expressions in kimchi LAB could be improved significantly by use of efficient expression vectors.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.248-257
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• 2009

The inhibitors against Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing (QS) signaling were developed by modifying the molecular structure of the major signal, N-3-hydroxybutanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-OH-$C_4$-HSL). A series of structural derivatives, N-(3-hydroxysulfonyl)-L-homoserine lactones (HSHLs) were synthesized by the solid-phase organic synthesis method. The in vivo QS inhibition by these compounds was measured by a bioassay system using the V. harveyi bioluminescence, and all showed significant inhibitory effects. To analyze the interaction between these compounds and LuxN, a 3-OH-$C_4$-HSL receptor protein of V. harveyi, we tentatively determined the putative signal binding domain of LuxN based on the sequence homology with other acyl-HSL binding proteins, and predicted the partial 3-D structure of the putative signal binding domain of LuxN by using ORCHESTRA program, and further estimated the binding poses and energies (docking scores) of 3-OH-$C_4$-HSL and HSHLs within the domain. In comparison of the result from this modeling study with that of in vivo bioassay, we suggest that the in silica interpretation of the interaction between ligands and their receptor proteins can be a valuable way to develop better competitive inhibitors, especially in the case that the structural information of the protein is limited.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.128-136
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• 2006

This study was conducted for developing the stability parameter in uncontrolled landfill by using a biomolecular investigation on the microbial community growing through leachate plume. Landfill J(which is in Cheonan) and landfill T(which is in Wonju) were chosen for this study among a total of 244 closed uncontrolled landfills. It addressed the genetic diversity of the microbial community in the leachate by 165 rDNA gene cloning using PCR and compared quantitative analysis of denitrifiers and methanotrophs with the conventional water quality parameters. From the BLAST search, genes of 47.6% in landfill J, and 32.5% in landfill T, respectively, showed more than 97% of the similarity where Proteobacteria phylum was most significantly observed. It showed that the numbers of denitrification genes, i.e. nirS gene and cnorB gene in the J site are 7 and 4 times higher than those in T site, which is well reflecting from a difference of site closure showing 7 and 13 years after being closed, respectively. In addition, the quantitative analysis on methane formation gene showed that J1 spot immediately bordering with the sources has the greatest number of methane formation bacteria, and it was decreased rapidly according to distribute toward the outer boundary of landfill. The comparative investigation between the number of genes, i.e. nirS gene, cnorB gene and MCR gene, md the conventional monitoring parameters, i.e. TOC, $NH_3-N,\;NO_3-N,\;NO_2-N,\;Cl^-$, alkalinity, addressed that more than 99% of the correlation was observed except for the $NO_3-N$. It was concluded that biomolecular investigation was well consistent with the conventional monitoring parameters to interpret their influences and stability made by leachate plume formed in downgradient around the uncontrolled sites.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.43-52
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• 2002

This study was performed to provide the basic data for preservation and improvement of genetic resources according to finding genetic construction obtained from analysis of genetic characteristics of $\beta$-casein gene in Korean Native goat and Saanen using the PCR-RFLP. This study confirmed the amplified products of 481bp fragments obtained from the amplification of $\beta$-casein loci by PCR. The $\beta$-casein AB genotype showed 481, 284 and 197bp, and $\beta$-casein BB genotype showed 284 and 197bp fragments in Korean Native goat and Saanen. The frequencies of $\beta$-casein genotype in Korean Native goat were 6.25 and 93.75% for AA and AB and the frequencies of $\beta$-casein genotype in Saanen were 57.14 and 42.86% for AA and AB types. The frequencies of $\beta$-casein A and B alleles were 0.031 and 0.969 in Korean Native goat and the frequencies of $\beta$-casein A and B alleles are 0.286 and 0.714 in Saanen, respectively. The nucleotide sequence of $\beta$-casein gene of Korean Native goat was 97.71% higher homology with 11 nucleotide sequences difference of that of goat reported in GeneBank (M90556). Therefore, this study of molecular genetic characteristics by the analysis of genetic polymorphism and sequencing for $\beta$-casein gene should be used as basic and applying data for preservation and improvement of genetic resources in Korean Native goat breeding.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.98-107
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• 2004

Proper finishing/polishing of dental restorations are critical clinical procedures that enhance both esthetics and longevity of restored teeth. This study was to compare the effects of immediate and delayed finishing/polishing procedures on the surface roughness and surface hardness of tooth-colored restoratives including two microfilled composite resins, such as Filtek A110 and Silux Plus, two hybrid composite resins, such as Revolution formular2 and Palfique Estelite. A total of 48 specimens were made for each material. The first 16 specimens served as the control group and the remaining 32 specimens were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group was stored in distilled water at $37^{\circ}C$ for 1 week after light polymerization against the Mylar sheet. The first experimental group was finished/polished immediately after light polymerization and stored for 1 week in distilled water at $37^{\circ}C$, whereas the while the second group was finished/polished 1 week after light polymerization and stored in distilled water at $37^{\circ}C$. The results were as follows: 1. The smoothest surface was produced by Mylar sheet and finishing/polishing procedure increased the surface roughness. However, the surface roughness of composite resins were not influenced by the finishing/polishing timing. 2. There were significant differences about surface roughness between Revolution formular 2 and Silux Plus, regarding immediate finishing/polishing, and between Palfique Estelite and Silux Plus regarding delayed finishing/polishing(p<0.05). 3. The sequence of the surface hardness was ascending order by Revolution formular 2, Silux Plus, Filtek A110 and Palfique Estelite. However there were no significant differences about hardness among the control group and two finishing/polishing timing groups. 4. The effects of finishing/polishing time on surface roughness and hardness appeared to be material-dependent.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.2 s.44
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• pp.49-59
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• 2006

This study clarifies the deformation history of Precambrian metamorphic rocks of Sobaegsan Massif (Wonnam Formation, Pyeonghae granite gneiss, Hada leucogranite gneiss) in Giseong-myeon area, Uljin-gun, Korea. It is based on the geometric and kinematic features and the developing sequence of multi-deformed rock structures. It also reviews the extension of Yecheon Shear Zone and the relative occurrence time of each deformation phase from previous researches. It suggests that the geological structure was formed at least through five phases of deformation after formation of their gneissosity or schistosity. (1) The first phase of deformation took placed under compression of ENE-WSW direction, forming NNW trending regional foliation and very tight isoclinal fold. The general trend of gneissosity or schistosity is inferred to be ENE before the first phase of deformation, being rearranged into NNW by the isoclinal folding. (2) The second phase of deformation formed ENE trending regional foliation and tight, isoclinal, rootless intrafolial folds under compression of NNW-SSE direction [occurrence time: after deposition (Permian age) of Dongsugok Formation, Pyeongan Croup, Janggunbong area]. (3) The third phase of deformation occurred by dextral ductile shearing on the regional foliation, forming stretching lineation of ENE trend and S-C mylonitic structure (after intrusion of Hesozoic homblende granite, Sangunmyeon area-before intrusion of Mesozoic Chunyang granite, Janggunbong area). (4) The fourth phase occurred under (E)NE-(W)SW compression, forming (N)NW trending open fold. (5) The fifth phase took place under N-S compression, forming NNE and NNW trending conjugate strike-slip faults, E-W trending thrust-slip faults, and drag folds related to these fault movements. The deformed structures of fourth and fifth phases result from tectonic movement associated with the developing of the Gyeongsang Basin in Cretaceous age, and it partially rearranged the general ENE trend of the regional foliation in the study area. It also suggests that the Yecheon Shear Zone of E-W trending extends into this area but the ductile shear deformation is weakly developed.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.39 no.1 s.176
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• pp.9-25
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• 2006

Baekun gold-silver deposit is an epithermal quartz vein that is filling the fault zone within Triassic or Jurassic foliated granodiorite. Mineralization is associated with fault-breccia zones and can be divided into two stages. Stage I which can be subdivided early and late depositional stages is main ore mineralization and stage II is barren. Early stage I is associated with wallrock alteration and the formation of sulfides such as arsenopyrite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, marcasite, chalcopyrite, stannite, galena. Late stage I is characterized by Au-Ag mineralization such as electrum, Ag-bearing tetrahedrite, stephanite, boulangerite, pyrargrite, argentite, schirmerite, native silver, Ag-Te-Sn-S system, Ag-Cu-S system, pyrite, chalcopyrite and galena. Fluid inclusion data indicate that homogenization temperatures and salinity of stage I range from $171.6^{\circ}C\;to\;360.8^{\circ}C\;and\;from\;0.5\;to\;10.2\;wt.\%\;eq.$ NaCl, respectively. It suggest that ore forming fluids were cooled and diluted with the mixing of meteoric water. Also, Temperature (early stage I: $236\~>380^{\circ}C,\;$ late stage $I: <197\~272^{\circ}C$) and sulfur fugacity (early stage $I:\;10^{-7.8}$ a atm., late stage I: $10^{-14.2}\~10^{-l6}atm$.) deduced mineral assemblages from stage 1 decrease with paragenetic sequence. Sulfur ($2.4\~6.1\%_{\circ}$(early stage $I=3.4\~5.3\%_{\circ},\;late\;stage\;I=2.4\~6.1\%_{\circ}$)), oxygen ($4.5\~8.8\%_{\circ}$(quartz: early stage $I=6.3\~8.8\%_{\circ}$, late stage $I=4.5\~5.6\%_{\circ}$)), hydrogen ($-96\~-70\%_{\circ}$ (quartz: early stage $I=-96\~-70\%_{\circ},\;late\;stage\;f=-78\~-74\%_{\circ},\;calcite:\;late\;stage\;I=-87\~-76\%_{\circ}$)) and carbon ($-6.8\~-4.6\%_{\circ}$ (calcite: late stage I)) isotope compositions indicated that hydrothermal fluids may be magmaticorigin with some degree of mixing of another meteoric water for paragenetic time.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.108-113
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• 2009

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a plasma lipoprotein in mammals and plays an important role in the transport and metabolism of lipids such as phospholipids and triglycerides. Therefore, the APOE gene could be a candidate gene controlling lipid metabolism in beef cattle. This study was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the APOE gene and to investigate the effects of SNP genotype on the carcass traits such as meat quantity and quality in Korean cattle. For PCR amplification, pooled DNA made from unrelated 60 individuals was prepared and primer pairs were designed based on the cDNA sequence of exon 4 region of the bovine APOE gene. A SNP was identified at position 2034 (T/C substitution) of the exon 4 region in the APOE gene. PCR-RFLP procedure with restriction enzyme ACC I was developed for determining the SNP genotype for each of a total of 309 animals with pedigree information and performance records through the national progeny testing program. The frequencies of the genotypes TT, TC and CC were 10.9, 46.9 and 42.2%. Gene frequencies were 0.344 for T allele and 0.656 for C allele. The g.2034T>C SNP genotype showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on dressing percentage and meat color, respectively. Animals with the TT genotype showed higher dressing percentage than those with the CC genotype, and TT genotype had desirable meat color compared with CC genotype. These results suggest that the g.2034T>C SNP genotype of the APOE gene may be useful as a DNA marker for meat quantity index and dressing percentage in Korean cattle.