• Applied Microscopy
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2005

Synapses are contact points where one neuron communicates with another. The morphological change of synapses under various physiological or pathological conditions has long been hypothesized to modify their functional properties. 3-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of synapses with serial ultrathin sections has contributed to the understanding of ultrastructural dimensions and compositions of synapses. The 3-D reconstruction procedures, however, require a great amount of expertise as well as include prohibitively timeconsuming processes. Here, we introduce efficient 3-D reconstruction technique using high-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM). Primarily, we established an optimal section thickness and staining condition to observe synaptic structures in detail under HVEM. The result showed that synaptic profiles were preserved at the section thickness of 250 nm without the overlapping of synaptic ultrastructures. An increase in the reaction time of en bloc staining was most efficient to enhance contrast than the extension of postembedding staining or the addition of uranyl acetate during dehydration. Then, 3-D reconstruction of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses in the rat cerebellum was carried out with serial HVEM images and reconstruction software. The images were aligned and the contours of synapses were outlined on each section. 3-D synapses were finally extracted from the section files by grouping all the synaptic contours. The reconstructed synapse model clearly demonstrated the configuration of pre and postsynaptic components. These results suggest that 3-D reconstruction of synapses using HVEM is much efficient and suitable for massive quantitative studies on synaptic connectivity than conventional TEM approach using numerous ultrathin sections.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.793-802
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• 2009

Adsorption properties were estimated for the organic silicon compounds (siloxanes) in an actual landfill gas (LFG) using adsorbents such as coconut activated carbon, coal activated carbon, silica gel, sulfur adsorbent, carbonized sludge, and molecular sieve 13X. Coconut activated carbon showed the highest removal efficiency of more than 95%. The desorption of hexamethyldisiloxane (L2) from the adsorbent, however, resulted in the remarkable concentration variation of the compound in the treated gas. Silica gel, which had high adsorption capacity for L2 in single substance adsorption experiment in the other study, could not remove the component in the actual landfill gas while it adsorbed well octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in the LFG. Therefore the elimination of hexamethyldisiloxane is an important factor to determine the level of total organosilicon compound in pretreated landfill gas. Moreover, the L2 from the actual landfill gas was effectively adsorbed by the serial adsorption test using two columns packed with coconut activated carbon which has the great capacity of siloxanes removal among others. In order to utilize efficiently LFG as a renewable energy, the emission and adsorptive characteristics of the substance to be treated should be considered for the organization, operation, and management of pretreatment process.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.517-527
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• 1994

An attempt was made to isolate a causative viral agents from the fecal specimens of the diseased dogs with the gastroenteritis symptoms. Two coronavirus-like agents were isolated by serial dilution end point method and plaque assay. The isolates were characterized in terms of cytopathology, antigenicity, replication, physicochemical and morphological properties. The results obtained through the experiment were as follows; 1. Among 7 fecal specimens collected from the dogs with enteric disease, 2(28.6%)coronavirus-like agents showing typical cytopathic effects of canine coronavirus were isolated, and designated as CCV D1 and CCV D2, respectively. 2. By the cross-neutralization test and indirect immunofluoresence antibody test, the isolates were antigenically indentified as the standard CCV. The viruses were replicated only in the cytoplasm of A-72 cells. 3. The isolates showed no haemagglutinating activity against the erythrocytes from 11 kinds of animals. 4. The electron microscopic observation for the isolates showed spherical and pleomorphic features, covered with club-shaped projections on the surface. The size of particles was ranged from 70 to 150nm. 5. In one-step growth curve for the isolates in A-72 cells, maximum titers of intracellular vius was $10^{4.6}$ $TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at 46 hrs postinoculation(pi) of CCV Dl and $10^{4.4}$ $TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at 34 hrs pi of CCV D2. The maximum titers of extracellular virus was $10^{5.5}$ $TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at 58 hrs pi of CCV D1 and $10^{5.8}$ $TCID_{50}/0.1ml$ at 46 hrs pi of CCV D2. 6. In physicochemical property test, the isolates were very sensitive to choroform and were found to be RNA virus. The viruses was stable at pH 3.0 for 1 hr and at $22{^{\circ}C}$ for 5 hrs. However, infectivity titers reduced remarkably by treatment with $56{^{\circ}C}$ for 10min.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.36 no.3 s.104
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• pp.311-321
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• 2003

We surveyed physico-chemical properties of bottom water and sediment to evaluate the influence of sediment on the eutrophication in the downstream of Nagdong River from 1998 to 2000. From May to August, DO concentration of bottom waters dropped below 5 mg $O_2/l$ and $NH_4\;^+$ and $PO_4\;^{3-}$ concentrations significantly increased in the bottom waters, resulting in the great differences between surface and bottom waters. Fluxes across water-sediment interface would be substantially active in this period. The serial orders of the water fertility or eutrophication were Joman River > Sonagdong River > Nagdong River. The organic nutrient contents of sediment increased toward the lower parts of the river system. Organic contents of the sediment would be under the influence of water pollution and exhibited a negative correlation with sediment bulk-density or particle size. The concentrations of exchangeable inorganic nutrients of sediment were greater than those of pore waters, and $PO_4\;^{3-}$, $NH_4\;^+$ and $SiO_2$ increased along the sediment depth. $PO_4\;^{3-}$ and $NO_3\;^-$ concentrations of the pore water were less than the overlying waters, while NH4+ and $SiO_2$ concentrations showed opposite trends. Exchangeable nutrients of sediment could be the repository for t]me nutrient exchange in the water-sediment interface.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.257-262
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• 2011

Purpose: In neurofibromatosis patients, complete surgical excision of the mass is almost impossible and surgical treatment usually consists of multiple serial excisions that only result in a debulking effect. Remnant tumor mass has a gravitational effect on facial soft tissues that leads to sagging of skin and soft tissue, and eventually, facial disfigurement and asymmetry. The purpose of our surgical method is to perform soft tissue lifting with longer lasting effect with less surgical risk of damaging facial nerve and vessels. With external fixation using K-wire or surgical screw, the procedure only called for a short incision length and had additional adhesive properties that enabled anchoring of soft tissue in a lifted position for a longer postoperative period. Methods: A total of 5 neurofibromatosis patients (NF-1) visited our clinic for mass reduction and face lifting. The age of patients ranged from 13 to 42 (mean 28.8 years), and most patients had a long history of multiple excisions in the past. Face lifting was performed in 2 different areas, the periorbital area in 3 patients, and the midface in 2 patients. The materials used in fixation of retaining ligament were K-wire (n=3) and titanium screw (n=2). Results: Follow up period was from 5 month to 3 years and 1 month (mean=2 years and 1 month). All patients conveyed satisfaction with the results and no major complications were reported. The lifting effect lasted for as long as 3 years, and there were no complaints of relapse of soft tissue depression or sagging within the operated area. 1 patient (M/13) needed secondary k-wire insertion and additional mass excision in 1 year and 10 months postoperatively due to tumor growth. In two patients with K-wire fixation, mild dimpling and tenderness were observed in the follow up period, but in about 2 months postoperatively, dimpling was relieved and there was no need for removal of fixating material. Conclusion: Surgical lifting in neurofibromatosis patients can be challenging, for mass excision cannot be done completely and gravitational effect by residual mass can be persistent. External fixation of the retaining ligament in patients with neurofibromatosis can give satisfactory results-for incision length is relatively shorter, and the lifting effect can last longer compared to other various face lifting techniques.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.104 no.3
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• pp.476-487
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• 2015

This study was conducted to analyze the potential of Baekdu-daegan Mountain System (BDMS) in the Republic of Korea for World Heritage inscription and undertook preliminary global comparative analysis. UNEP WCMC global datasets, World Heritage global gap analyses and thematic studies conducted by IUCN were reviewed to see if the BDMS could have been identified within these as a priority area for World Heritage. With respect to potential Outstanding Universal Value this study found that the case for BDMS was weak. The BDMS lies within biogeographic regions which are already represented on the World Heritage List and at a global scale its natural values do not stand out. It was emphasized that a more fine scale analysis of the values should be undertaken. The BDMS stands out at a global scale in terms of the degree of contiguity between protected areas along its length and the legal and institutional frameworks established in the Republic of Korea. The BDMS has potential for a trans-national and serial properties along the full length of the BDMS, if two Koreas agree to work together.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.291-316
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• 1993

Restorative procedures can lead to tooth fracture due to the relatively small amount of the remaining tooth structure. It is essential to prevent fractures by having a clear concept of the designs for cavity preparations. Among the several parameters in cavity designs, profound understanding of isthmus width factor would facilitate selection of the appropriate cavity preparation for a specific clinical situation. In this study, MO amalgam cavity were prepared on maxillary first premolar and filled with amalgam. Three dimensional, model with 1365 8-node brick elements was made by serial photographic method. In this model, isthmus was varied in width at 1/4, 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 of intercuspal width and material properties were given for three element groups, i.e., enamel, dentin and amalgam. A load of 500 N was applied vertically on amalgam and enamel. In case of enamel loading, 2 model (with and without amalgam) was compared to consider the possibility of play at the interface between tooth material and amalgam. These models were analyzed with three dimensional finite element method. The results were as follows: 1. The stress was concentrated on the facio-pulpal line angle and distal marginal ridge of the cavity. 2. With the increase of the isthmus width, the stress spread around the facio-pulpal line angle and the area of stress concentration moved toward the proximal box. 3. In case of narrow isthmus width, the initiation point of crack would be in the area of isthmus corner of the cavity, and with the increase of the isthmus width, it would move toward the proximal box and at the same time the possibility of crack increase at the distal marginal ridge. 4. The direction of crack progressed outward and downward from the facio-pulpal line angle, and with the increase of the isthmus width, it approximated vertical direction. At the marginal ridge, it occurred in vertical direction. 5. It would be favorable to make the isthmus width narrower than a third of the intercuspal width, and to cover the cusp if isthmus width were wider than half of the intercuspal width. 6. It is necessary to apply the possibility of play to the finite element analysis.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.428-446
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• 1997

Restorative procedures can lead to weakening tooth due to reduction and alteration of tooth structure. It is essential to prevent fractures to conserve tooth. The resistance to fracture of the restored tooth may be influenced by many factors, among these are the cavity dimension and the physical properties of the restorative material. The placement of direct composite resin restorations has generally been found to have a strengthening effect on the prepared teeth. It is the purpose of this investigation to study the relationship between the cavity isthmus and the fracture resistance of a tooth in composite resin restorations. In this study, MO cavity was prepared on maxillary first premolar. Three dimensional finite element models were made by serial photographic method and isthmus(1/4, 1/3, 1/2 of intercuspal distance) were varied. Two types of model(B and R model) were developed. B model was assumed perfect bonding between the restoration and cavity wall and R model was left unfilled. A load of 500N was applied vertically at the first node from the lingual slope of the buccal cusp tip. This study analysed the displacement, 1 and 2 direction normal stress and strain with FEM software ABAQUS Version 5.2 and hardware IRIS 4D/310 VGX Work-station. The results were as follows : 1. Displacement of buccal cusp in R model occurred and increased as widening of the cavity, and displacement in B model was little and not influenced by cavity width. 2. There was a significant decrease of stress resulting in increase of fracture resistance in B model when compared with R model. 3. With the increase of the isthmus width, B model showed no change in the stress and strain. In R model, the stress and strain increased both in the area of buccal-pulpal line angle and the buccal side of marginal ridge, therefore the possibility of crack increased. 4. The stress and strain were distributed evenly on the tooth in B model, but in R model, were concentrated on the buccal side of the distal marginal ridge and buccal-pulpal line angle, therefore the possibility of fracture increased.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.997-1006
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• 2018

As shown during the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (A(H1N1)pdm09) outbreak, egg-based influenza vaccine production technology is insufficient to meet global demands during an influenza pandemic. Therefore, there is a need to adapt cell culture-derived vaccine technology using suspended cell lines for more rapid and larger-scale vaccine production. In this study, we attempted to generate a high-growth influenza vaccine strain in MDCK cells using an A/Puerto/8/1934 (H1N1) vaccine seed strain. Following 48 serial passages with four rounds of virus plaque purification in MDCK cells, we were able to select several MDCK-adapted plaques that could grow over $10^8PFU/ml$. Genetic characterization revealed that these viruses mainly had amino acid substitutions in internal genes and exhibited higher polymerase activities. By using a series of Rg viruses, we demonstrated the essential residues of each gene and identified a set of high-growth strains in MDCK cells ($PB1_{D153N}$, $M1_{A137T}$, and $NS1_{N176S}$). In addition, we confirmed that in the context of the high-growth A/PR/8/34 backbone, A/California/7/2009 (H1N1), A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2), and A/environment/Korea/deltaW150/2006 (H5N1) also showed significantly enhanced growth properties (more than $10^7PFU/ml$) in both attached- and suspended-MDCK cells compared with each representative virus and the original PR8 vaccine strain. Taken together, this study demonstrates the feasibility of a cell culture-derived approach to produce seed viruses for influenza vaccines that are cheap and can be grown promptly and vigorously as a substitute for egg-based vaccines. Thus, our results suggest that MDCK cell-based vaccine production is a feasible option for producing large-scale vaccines in case of pandemic outbreaks.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.477-486
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• 1998

In this paper, we implemented the urine analysis system capable of measuring a qualitative and semi-quantitative and assay using strip. The analysis algorithm of urine analysis was adopted a fuzzy logic-based classifiers that was robust to external error factors such as temperature and electric power noises. The spectroscopic properties of 9 pads In a strip were studied to developing the urine analysis system was designed for robustnesss and stability. The urine analysis system was consisted of hardware and software. The hardware of the urine analysis system was based on one-chip microprocessor, and Its peripherals which composed of optic modulo, tray control, preamplifier, communication with PC, thermal printer and operating status indicator. The software of the urine analysis system was composed of system program and classification program. The system program did duty fort system control, data acquisition and data analysis. The classification program was composed of fuzzy inference engine and membership function generator. The membership function generator made triangular membership functions by statical method for quality control. Resulted data was transferred through serial cable to PC. The transferred data was arranged and saved be data acquisition program coded by C+ + language. The precision of urine analysis system and the stability of fuzzy classifier were evaluated by testing the standard urine samples. Experimental results showed a good stability states and a exact classification.