• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.168-173
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• 2011

Objective: To examine the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages (RM) and to investigate the association between MTHFR genotype variants and alloimmune activation, proportion of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. Methods: A total of 39 patients with a history of two or more unexplained miscarriages were recruited to this study. The controls were women who had a live birth without a history of RM (n=50). The proportion of pbNK cells was measured by flow cytometry. Plasma homocysteine levels and the incidence of the MTHFR variant of the RM and control groups were compared. The proportion of pbNK cells was compared to the MTHFR variants in the RM group. Results: No differences were found between the two groups' mean plasma homocysteine levels ($7.6{\pm}1.5{\mu}mol$/L vs. $7.1{\pm}2.1{\mu}mol$/L) or incidence of the MTHFR genotype variant (CC, 35% vs. 33%; CT, 40% vs. 53%; and TT, 25% vs. 14%). In the RM group, individuals with the TT variant ($7.7{\pm}1.1{\mu}mol$/L) had higher homocysteine levels than those with the CC and CT variants ($7.4{\pm}1.9{\mu}mol$/L and $7.4{\pm}1.2{\mu}mol$/L) and those with the CT variant ($19.2{\pm}8.1%$) had a higher proportion of CD3-/CD56+ pbNK cells than those with the CC and TT variants ($17.7{\pm}6.6%$ and $17.9{\pm}7.0%$), but the results of both comparisons were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: These preliminary results show no difference in plasma homocysteine levels between the RM and control groups or among MTHFR genotype variants in the RM group, which may suggest that the plasma homocysteine level is difficult to use as a predictive marker of RM in the Korean population. A study of a larger number of patients is needed.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.38 no.7
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• pp.672-677
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• 2001

Ca$_{1-x}$Nd$_{2+x}$3/TiO$_3$계에 대하여 소결 온도 변화(120$0^{\circ}C$-140$0^{\circ}C$) 및 Nd$^{3+}$ 의 치환량 (0.15$\leq$x$\leq$0.51)에 따른 마이크로파 유전특성을 조사하였다. 동일 조성의 경우 소결 온도 변화에 따라 Qf(Q=1/tan$\delta$, f=frequency)는 밀도 증가에 의해 다소 증가되었으나, 유전상수(K)는 커다란 변화가 없었다. 소결 온도가 동일한 경우 Qf는 x=0.42 조성까지는 증가하였으나, x=0.51 조성에서는 상대 밀도와 결정립 크기의 감소로 인해 감소하였다. Nd$^{3+}$ 의 치환량이 증가함에 따라 A-자리의 평균 이온 반경의 세제곱에 비례하여 유전상수(K)는 감소하였고, 공진주파수의 온도계수(TCF)는 tolerance factor(t)와 A-자리 결합원자가의 감소로 급격히 감소하였으나, 이차상 TiO$_2$의 영향으로 x=0.3 이상에서는 증가하였다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.670-677
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• 2020

Objective: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a T cell-derived B cell stimulating factor which plays an important role in inflammatory diseases. In this study, the pharmacokinetic properties of LMT-28 including physicochemical property, in vitro liver microsomal stability and an in vivo pharmacokinetic study using BALB/c mice were characterized. Methods: LMT-28 has been synthesized and is being developed as a novel therapeutic IL-6 inhibitor. The physicochemical properties and in vitro pharmacokinetic profiles such as liver microsomal stability and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell permeability assay were examined. For in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, pharmacokinetic parameters using BALB/c mice were calculated. Results: The logarithm of the partition coefficient value (LogP; 3.65) and the apparent permeability coefficient values (P_app; 9.7×10^-6 cm/s) showed that LMT-28 possesses a moderate-high cell permeability property across MDCK cell monolayers. The plasma protein binding rate of LMT-28 was 92.4% and mostly bound to serum albumin. The metabolic half-life (t_1/2) values of LMT-28 were 15.3 min for rat and 21.9 min for human at the concentration 1 μM. The area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve and C_max after oral administration (5 mg/kg) of LMT-28 were 302±209 h·ng/mL and 137±100 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: These data suggest that LMT-28 may have good physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties and may be a novel oral drug candidate as the first synthetic IL-6 inhibitor to ameliorate mammalian inflammation.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.666-677
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• 1994

In comparison with the long and continuous his-tory of research in the general area of stress and coping, theoretical and clinical interest in family stress and adaptation is a recent phenomenon. To understand the phenomena of family behavior, a comprehensive theoretical framework is needed to us provide an adequate background to for research. This study was designed to develop and test a hypothetical model for family stress and adaptation in families with handicapped children. A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of the family stress theory developed by McCubbin etc. The model included six paths. For the purpose of model testing, empirical data was collected from May to August, 1992. The subjects of the study were 190 parents of chidren in five special schools and one private institute in Seoul and Choong Nam. An SPSS P $C^{+}$ and PC-LISREL 7.13 computer programs were used for descriptive and covariance structure analysis. The results of the study are as follows. (1) Family Stress(${\gamma}$$_{3l}$=-.288, T=-4.942) had a direct effect on Family Adaptation. (2) Family Functioning ($\beta$$_{21}$=-.373, T=5.595) had a direct effect on Situational Definition. (3) Family Functioning ($\beta$$_{31}$ =.334, T=5.375) had a direct effect on Family Adaptation. (4) Situational Definition( a2=.270, T=4.285) had a direct effect on Family Adaptation The model was supported by the empirical data. Thus it is suggested that the model could be adequately applied to family nursing care of families with a mentally handicapped child. In particular, the nursing interventions that enhance family functioning and the situational definition would improve family adaptation in families with mentally handicapped children.n.n.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.677-684
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• 2002

We have investigated the expression patterns of candidates for growth stage specifically expressed genes. The expression patterns of the EPV20, aldolase A, Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) and Adipocyte Differentiation Related Protein (ADRP) were examined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and northern blot analysis in skeletal muscle tissues of Hanwoo, especially in the longissimus dorsi at various growth stages. The EPV20 mRNA was expressed in longissimus dorsi tissue of Hanwoo, but there was no difference of expression levels during growth stages. Though the aldolase A gene was reported to be muscle-specific and regulated at developmental stages, the expression levels of aldolase A mRNA in the longissimus dorsi tissues showed little differences at various growth stages. The expression levels of TCTP which was reported as growth-related protein regulated at translation step were gradually increased during growth of Hanwoo. The expression levels of ADRP mRNA were rapidly increased at 24-month-old longissimus dorsi tissue of Hanwoo, and decreased at 30-month-old. Our data suggest that the ADRP gene show as growth-stage dependent expression and is related to fat deposition within muscular tissue.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Heat Treatment
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.220-227
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• 2001

The static creep behaviors of dispersion strengthened copper GlidCop were investigated over the temperature range of $650{\sim}690^{\circ}C$ (0.7Tm) and the stress range of 40~55 MPa (4.077~5.61 $kg/mm^2$). The stress exponents for the static creep deformation of this alloy was 8.42, 9.01, 9.25, 9.66 at the temperature of 690, 677, 663, and $650^{\circ}C$, respectively. The stress exponent, (n) increased with decreasing the temperature and became dose to 10. The apparent activation energy for the static creep deformation, (Q) was 374.79, 368.06, 361.83, and 357.61 kg/mole for the stress of 40, 45, 50, and 55 MPa, respectively. The activation energy (Q) decreased with increasing the stress and was higher than that of self diffusion of Cu in the dispersion strengthened copper. In results, it can be concluded that the static creep deformation for dispersion strengthened copper was controlled by the dislocation climb over the ranges of the experimental conditions. Larson-Miller parameter (P) for the crept specimens for dispersion strengthened copper under the static creep conditions was obtained as P=(T+460)(logtr+23). The failure plane observed for SEM slightly showed up transgranular at that experimental range, however, universally it was dominated by characteristic of the intergranular fracture.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.677-685
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• 2006

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate whether exogenous thyroxine($T_4$) treatment to alcohol-fed dams would ameliorate the detrimental effects of alcohol on the postnatal development of neuropeptide-Y(NPY)-containing neurons of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the offspring. Methods : Time-pregnant rats were divided into three groups. An alcohol-fed group A received 35 calories of liquid alcohol diet daily from gestation day 6; control group B was fed a liquid diet in which dextrin replaced alcohol isocalorically; and alcohol＋$T_4$ group C received 35 calories of liquid alcohol diet and exogenous thyroxine subcutaneously. The features of the growth and maturation of rat brain tissue were observed at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 postnatal days via immunohistochemistry. Results : Group C showed prominent NPY immunoreactivity in the cerebral cortex compared to group A and B at P7. In group C, NPY-containing neurons were widely distributed in the all layers of cerebral cortex after P14. Also, numerical decreases of NPY-containing neuron were not found according to increasing age in group C. A decrease of NPY-containing neurons, however, was clearly observed in group A compared to group C at P28. In the hippocampus, similar patterns appeared in groups B and C after P7. Especially, in groups B and C, NPY-containing fibers formed plexus in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at P14. Conclusion : These results suggest that the increase of NPY synthesis caused by maternal administration of exogenous thyroxine may convalesce fetal alcohol effects, one of the effects of the dysthyroid state following maternal alcohol abuse.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.347-360
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• 2000

Bone remodeling results from the combined process of bone resorption and new bone formation which is regulated in part by some of the polypeptide growth factors such as platelet derived growth factor(PDGF), which has been known to be an important local regulator of bone cell activity and participate in normal bone remodeling. This process includes strictly regulated gene expression of several bone matrix proteins such as type I collagen and osteopontin, a 44 kDa phosphorylated glycoprotein, which has important roles in bone formation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effecs of PDGF-BB on the mRNA expression of bone matrix protein, type I collagen and osteopontin, in MC3T3- E1 cell culture. Cells were seeded at $5{\times}10^5$ cells in 10 ml of minimum essential medium alpha(${\alpha}-MEM$) containig 10% fetal bovine serum, 10 mM beta glycerophosphate. 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml PDGF-BB were added to the cells for the day 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and cultured for 24 hours. Type I collagen cDNA, Hf677, and osteopontin cDNA were used as probes for northern blot analysis. Total cellular RNA was purified at indicated day and northern blot analysis was performed. The results were as follows : Type I collagen mRNA expressions were higher at the day 3 and 7, and lower in the day 14, 21 in the control groups. In the experimental groups, mRNA expressions were increased when 0.1 ng/ml PDGF-BB were added on the day 3, 7, 21, and decreased in dose-dependent manner on the day 14, decreased at all added dose on the day 28. Osteopontin mRNA expressions were highest in the day 21 groups and lowest in the day 14 groups in the control groups. Interesting results were shown in the day 14 and 21 groups. We found that osteopontin mRNA level was increased in dose dependent manner in the day 14 groups, and decreased dose dependent manner in the day 21 groups. In conclusion, PDGF-BB may have various control effects on type I mRNA expression in the growth and differentiation process of MC3T3-E1 cells and may have contrary regulatory effects on osteopontin mRNA expression. For examples, when the baseline level of osteopontin mRNA was low, as in the day 14, PDGF-BB up-regulated osteopontin mRNA expression in dose dependent manner, and when the baseline level was high as in the day 21, PDGF-BB down-regulated dose dependent manner. Thus, it may be useful for clinical application in periodontal regeneration procedure if further study were performed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.635-643
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• 2002

Background : The Aim of this study was to compare the recovery of mycobacteria from sputum samples of pulmonary tuberculosis patients using the MB/BacT rapid culture system(Organon Teknika, USA) with that obtained using Lowenstein-Jensen solid medium. Methods : The two culture systems were compared using sputum samples of 99 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Culture media were incubated at $35-37^{\circ}C$ for six weeks in the MB/BacT system and for 12 weeks in Lowenstein-Jensen solid medium. Solid media were examined macroscopically once a week, and the MB/BacT system positive vials were unloaded from the machine as soon as possible after positive signal from the connected computer was detected Confirmation of growth for mycobacteria was done by Ziehl-Neelson stained smears. Isolates were identified to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis from mycobacterium other than tuberculosis(MOTT) by phenotypic and molecular methods. Results : Of the sputum samples of the 99 patients, 58 samples were smear positive and 41 in negative smear. Mycobacteria were recovered from 67(67.7%) samples by using both culture systems. The yield with MB/BacT was higher than that with Lowenstein-Jensen [67(67.7%) vs. 52(52.5%), p<0.001]. Moreover, 15(15.2%) samples were positive only in the MB/BacT, whereas none of samples was positive only in Lowenstein-Jensen. In smear-positive and smear-negative samples, the recovery rate with MB/BacT was also higher than that with Lowenstein-Jensen [sputum-positive; 56/58(96.6%) vs. 46/58(79.3%), p=0.005, sputum-negative; 6/41(14.6%) vs. 5/41(12.2%), p<0.001]. The mean times to detection of Mycobacteria were 13.3 and 27.2 days with MB/BacT and Lowenstein-Jensen respectively(p<0.001). Conclusion : This results indicate that the the MB/BacT is more efficient and faster than Lowenstein-Jensen for the recovery of mycobacteria.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.179-190
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• 2012

This study was performed to obtain a heat saving effect and enhance the efficiency of a greenhouse by using a hot water piping in order to minimize the operating costs of a greenhouse as oil prices continue to rise. This method also reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by snowdrifts in regions with heavy snowfall. In general, the experimental plot was $2.0{\sim}6.0^{\circ}C$ higher than the control plot. When the skylight felt was opened, the minimum temperature was in the range of $3.0{\sim}12.0^{\circ}C$. Therefore, we judged that damage caused by snowdrifts may be prevented partly by active heating. The temperature difference inside of the greenhouse by height was insignificant. The maximum heating load of the greenhouse according to crop was respectively about $37,000kcal{\cdot}h^{-1}$ and $41,700kcal{\cdot}h^{-1}$. During the experiment, the heat value of each designed temperature in the range of the minimum ambient temperature $-11.9{\sim}4.0^{\circ}C$ was about 95,000~322,000 kcal and it was in the range of $6,050{\sim}20,900kcal{\cdot}h^{-1}$. If it is compared with the maximum heating load, it can be shown that about 15~56% of the heating energy can be supplied. The total heat value and the amount of power consumption were 2,629,025 kcal and 677.3 kWh respectively during the experiment. If it is heated with diesel, a fossil fuel, the consumption during the experiment was 291 L and the cost was 331,700won. Total cost of using electric power was about 24,400 won and it is shown that it is about 7.5% of the cost of diesel consumption. Also, if the total amount of power consumption is converted into energy, it is approximately 582,200 kcal and the energy was just about 22% of the total heat value.