• Title/Summary/Keyword: Characterisation

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Crashworthy behaviour of cellular polymer under constant impact energy (동일 충격 에너지 조건하에서 다공질 고분자의 충격거동에 관한 연구)

  • Jeong, Kwang-Young;Cheon, Seong-Sik
    • Composites Research
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    • v.22 no.4
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    • pp.27-32
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    • 2009
  • Characterisation of the stress-strain relationship as well as crashworthiness of cellular polymer was investigated under constant impact energy with different velocities, considering inertia and strain rate effects simultaneously during the impact testing. Quasi-static and impact tests were carried out for two different density (64 $kg/m^3$, 89 $kg/m^3$) cellular polymer specimens. Also, the equations, coupled with the Sherwood-Frost model and the Impulse-Momentum theory, were employed to build the constitutive relation of the cellular polymer. The nominal stress-strain curves obtained from the constitutive relation were compared with results from impact tests and showed to be in good agreement.

Silver Diamine Fluoride Compound for Dental Caries and Its Characterisation Using Microscopic Computed Tomography and Nanoindentation

  • So-Youn An;Myung-Jin Lee;Min-Kyung Kang;Youn-Soo Shim
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
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    • v.23 no.1
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    • pp.60-67
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    • 2023
  • Background: In our study, a silver diamine fluoride (SDF) compound for the treatment of dental caries was synthesized to characterize its remineralization activity upon direct application to deciduous teeth. This study aimed to use microscopic computed tomography (microCT) and nanoindentation to evaluate whether SDF composite application could effectively arrest dental caries in five exfoliated primary molars. Methods: Carious teeth were extracted and visually examined using quantitative photofluorescence devices (Qraycam and QraypenTM). After performing microCT, the SDF composite was applied to the teeth according to the manufacturer's instructions. The researchers exchanged and precipitated the irritant saliva once daily for 1 week. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally through the centers of the mesial and distal surfaces, embedded, polished, and measured using nanoindentation. Thereafter, microCT was repeated. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software. Results: Following SDF composite application, a remineralized layer was observed on microCT images, and the hardness increased when measured using nanoindentation. We found that demineralized enamel presented with an increased number of irregular crystals in the deep carious lesion group compared with those in the shallow carious lesion group, resulting in a rougher surface. Conclusion: The SDF composite may be used for remineralization of early caries and cessation of advanced caries in primary molars.

Characterisation of Phenotypic and Genotypic Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Enterococci from Cheeses in Turkey

  • Kurekci, Cemil;Onen, Sevda Pehlivanlar;Yipel, Mustafa;Aslantas, Ozkan;Gundogdu, Aycan
    • Food Science of Animal Resources
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    • v.36 no.3
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    • pp.352-358
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    • 2016
  • The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of enterococci in cheese samples and to characterize their antimicrobial resistance profiles as well as the associated resistance genes. A total of 139 enterococci were isolated from 99 cheese samples, the isolates were identified as E. faecalis (61.2%), E. faecium (15.1%), E. gallinarum (12.9%), E. durans (5.0%), E. casseliflavis (2.9%) and E. avium (2.9%). The most frequent antimicrobial resistance observed in enterococci isolates was to lincomycin (88.5%), followed by kanamycin (84.2%), gentamycin (low level, 51.1%), rifampin (46.8%) and tetracycline (33.8%). Among the isolates, the frequencies of high level gentamycin and streptomycin resistant enterococci strains were 2.2% and 5.8%, respectively. Apart from the mentioned antibiotics, low levels of resistance to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol were found. Moreover no resistance was observed against penicillin and ampicillin. The antimicrobial resistance genes including tetM, tetL, ermB, cat, aph(3’)-IIIa, ant(6)-Ia and aac(6’)-Ieaph(2”)-Ia were found in enterococci from Turkish cheese samples. In the current study, we provided data for antibiotic resistance and the occurrence of resistance genes among enterococci. Regulatory and quality control programs for milk and other dairy products from farms to retail outlets has to be established and strengthened to monitor trends in antimicrobial resistance among emerging food borne pathogens in Turkey.

[$Ca^{2+}$ Signalling in Endothelial Cells: Role of Ion Channels

  • Nilius, Bernd;Viana, Felix;Kamouchi, Masahiro;Fasolato, Cristina;Eggermont, Jan;Droogmans, Guy
    • The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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    • v.2 no.2
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    • pp.133-145
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    • 1998
  • $Ca^{2+}-signals$ in endothelial cells are determined by release from intracellular stores and entry through the plasma membrane. In this review, the nature of $Ca^{2+}$ entry and mechanisms of its control are reviewed. The following ion channels play a pivotal role in regulation of the driving force for $Ca^{2+}$ entry: an inwardly rectifying $K^+$ channel, identified as Kir2.1, a big-conductance, $Ca^{2+}-activated$ $K^+$ channel (hslo) and at least two $Cl^-$ channels (a volume regulated $Cl^-$ channel, VRAC, and a $Ca^{2+}$ activated $Cl^-$ channel, CaCC). At least two different types of $Ca^{2+}$-entry channels exist: 1. A typical CRAC-like, highly selective $Ca^{2+}$ channel is described. Current density for this $Ca^{2+}$ entry is approximately 0.1pA/pF at 0 mV and thus 10 times smaller than in Jurkat or mast cells. 2. Another entry pathway for $Ca^{2+}$ entry is a more non-selective channel, which might be regulated by intracellular $Ca^{2+}$. Although detected in endothelial cells, the functional role of trp1,3,4 as possible channel proteins is unclear. Expression of trp3 in macrovascular endothelial cells from bovine pulmonary artery induced non-selective cation channels which are probably not store operated or failed to induce any current. Several features as well as a characterisation of $Ca^{2+}$-oscillations in endothelial cells is also presented.

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In silico characterisation, homology modelling and structure-based functional annotation of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) Hsp70 and Hsc70 proteins

  • Tran, Ngoc Tuan;Jakovlic, Ivan;Wang, Wei-Min
    • Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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    • v.57 no.12
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    • pp.44.1-44.9
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    • 2015
  • Background: Heat shock proteins play an important role in protection from stress stimuli and metabolic insults in almost all organisms. Methods: In this study, computational tools were used to deeply analyse the physicochemical characteristics and, using homology modelling, reliably predict the tertiary structure of the blunt snout bream (Ma-) Hsp70 and Hsc70 proteins. Derived three-dimensional models were then used to predict the function of the proteins. Results: Previously published predictions regarding the protein length, molecular weight, theoretical isoelectric point and total number of positive and negative residues were corroborated. Among the new findings are: the extinction coefficient (33725/33350 and 35090/34840 - Ma-Hsp70/ Ma-Hsc70, respectively), instability index (33.68/35.56 - both stable), aliphatic index (83.44/80.23 - both very stable), half-life estimates (both relatively stable), grand average of hydropathicity (-0.431/-0.473 - both hydrophilic) and amino acid composition (alanine-lysine-glycine/glycine-lysine-aspartic acid were the most abundant, no disulphide bonds, the N-terminal of both proteins was methionine). Homology modelling was performed by SWISS-MODEL program and the proposed model was evaluated as highly reliable based on PROCHECK's Ramachandran plot, ERRAT, PROVE, Verify 3D, ProQ and ProSA analyses. Conclusions: The research revealed a high structural similarity to Hsp70 and Hsc70 proteins from several taxonomically distant animal species, corroborating a remarkably high level of evolutionary conservation among the members of this protein family. Functional annotation based on structural similarity provides a reliable additional indirect evidence for a high level of functional conservation of these two genes/proteins in blunt snout bream, but it is not sensitive enough to functionally distinguish the two isoforms.

The Importance of Weathered Crude Oil as a Source of Hydrocarbonoclastic Microorganisms in Contaminated Seawater

  • Sheppard, Petra J.;Simons, Keryn L.;Kadali, Krishna K.;Patil, Sayali S.;Ball, Andrew S.
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • v.22 no.9
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    • pp.1185-1192
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    • 2012
  • This study investigated the hydrocarbonoclastic microbial community present on weathered crude oil and their ability to degrade weathered oil in seawater obtained from the Gulf St. Vincent (SA, Australia). Examination of the native seawater communities capable of utilizing hydrocarbon as the sole carbon source identified a maximum recovery of just $6.6{\times}10^1\;CFU/ml$, with these values dramatically increased in the weathered oil, reaching $4.1{\times}10^4\;CFU/ml$. The weathered oil (dominated by > $C_{30}$ fractions; $750,000{\pm}150,000mg/l$) was subject to an 8 week laboratory-based degradation microcosm study. By day 56, the natural inoculums degraded the soluble hydrocarbons (initial concentrations $3,400{\pm}700mg/l$ and $1,700{\pm}340mg/l$ for the control and seawater, respectively) to below detectable levels, and biodegradation of the residual oil reached 62% ($254,000{\pm}40,000mg/l$) and 66% ($285,000{\pm}45,000mg/l$) in the control and seawater sources, respectively. In addition, the residual oil gas chromatogram profiles changed with the presence of short and intermediate hydrocarbon chains. 16S rDNA DGGE sequence analysis revealed species affiliated with the genera Roseobacter, Alteromonas, Yeosuana aromativorans, and Pseudomonas, renowned oil-degrading organisms previously thought to be associated with the environment where the oil contaminated rather than also being present in the contaminating oil. This study highlights the importance of microbiological techniques for isolation and characterisation, coupled with molecular techniques for identification, in understanding the role and function of native oil communities.

A Study on Qualitative Landscape Character Assessment for Rural Areas and Its Environmental Policy Implementation (정성적 농촌경관평가 기법과 정책 활용 - 영국의 경관특성평가제도 사례분석을 통한 시사점 도출 -)

  • Lee, Sang-Woo;Kim, Sang-Bum;Chon, Jin-Hyung;Kim, Su-yeon;An, Kyung-Jin
    • Journal of Korean Society of Rural Planning
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.19-28
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    • 2017
  • While the significance and need of landscape assessment for rural area has been recognised, an appropriate method has not been established due to the lack of statutory ground and policy status in Korea. For that reason, current studies have been limited to dominantly amenity field survey in specific rural areas and stayed in academic. In particular, the majority of research on rural landscape amenity or character assessment methodologies so far has been attempted with quantitative processes. Such quantitative methods produced sometimes, heavily overlapped, conflicted, and not much meaningful characterisation and classification. Moreover, such results could not only have been reflected to policy implementation but provide vision for rural areas. Therefore, this study offers new facets for landscape character assessment methods through the lens of practitioners' qualitative survey methods and moreover, seek a policy implementation of newly developed methodologies. In order to carry out such analysis, the study employed a case study of England's Landscape Character Assessment and survey location was Gateshead Council, Northeast of England. The study suggests meaningful qualitative landscape character assessment method and review of its policy implementation.

Titanium dioxide by spray deposition for buried contact silicon solar cells fabrication (전극함몰형 실리콘 태양전지의 제작시 스프레이 방법에 의한 타이타늄 옥사이드층의 적용에 관한 연구)

  • A.U. Ebong;S.H. Lee
    • Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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    • v.6 no.2
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    • pp.263-274
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    • 1996
  • Titanium dioxide ($TiO_{2}$) film has been widely used as anti-reflection coating for solar cells but not as masking oxide for metallisation and diffusion of impurities. In this paper we have investigated the properties of $TiO_{2}$ for possible incorporation into solar cell processing sequence. Thus the use of a spray deposition system to form the $TiO_{2}$ film and the characterisation of this film to ascertain its suitability to solar cell processing. The spray-on $TiO_{2}$ film was found to be resistant to all the chemicals used in conjunction with solar cell processing. The high temperature anealing (in oxygen ambient) of the spray-on $TiO_{2}$ film resulted in an increased refractive index, which indicated the growth of an underlying thin film of $SiO_{2}$ film for the passivation of silicon surface which would reduce the recombination activities of the fabricated device. Most importantly, the successful incorporation of the $TiO{2}$ film will lead to the reduction of the many high temperature processing steps of solar cell to only one.

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영어, 독일어 그리고 한국어의 강화사 (INTENSIFIERS) -머리에 묶이지 않은 용법 (NON-HEAD-BOUND-USE)을 중심으로

  • 최규련
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society for Language and Information Conference
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    • 2001.06a
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    • pp.199-225
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    • 2001
  • The main goal of this paper is to investigate and compare English, German and Korean non-head-bound-intensifiers such as English ‘x-self’, German ‘selbst’, and Korean ‘susulo, casin’. That is, this paper is mainly concerned with the semantic domain where the respective contributions of the expressions in question overlap. The phenomenon under discussion with the label “intensifiers” is regarded as universal, which provides the ground of the comparative/contrastive or semi-cross-linguistic study of this paper. Not only the semantic concept of intensification by these expressions but also the combination of grammatical features or syntactic behaviours thereof seem to have highly invariant common denominators among the wide varieties of languages, even if they come from apparently different language families. In comparing English, German and Korean intensifiers, this paper is interested in the more general features of the expressions in question rather than some language-specific idiocyncracies. Intensifiers work similarly not only in English and German, but also in Korean. Each of three languages under investigation provides some sort of a safegard against confusing instances and misleading judgements on the issues under discussion. Morphologically, however, English expressions in question agree with their rele-vant NP in number, gender and person. Whereas German and Korean counterparts do not have such specific morphological properties. Intensifiers in their non-head-bound-use are subject-oriented, just as in their head-bound use. Non-head-bound-intensifiers differ from head-bound-intensifiers mostly in their syntactic behaviours or distributional properties, whereas they share the semantic domain “intensification” regarding relevant subject-NP. They introduce an ordering and distinguish center and periphery, and ‘self-involvement (directness of involvement)’seems a additional possible characterisation of the relevant dimension of these intensifiers in common. An assertion of identity also can be reg

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Conservation of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa's smallholder areas: turning threats into opportunities - A review

  • Nyamushamba, G.B.;Mapiye, C.;Tada, O.;Halimani, T.E.;Muchenje, V.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.30 no.5
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    • pp.603-621
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    • 2017
  • The current review focuses on characterization and conservation efforts vital for the development of breeding programmes for indigenous beef cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa. Indigenous African cattle breeds were identified and characterized using information from refereed journals, conference papers and research reports. Results of this current review reviewed that smallholder beef cattle production in Southern Africa is extensive and dominated by indigenous beef cattle strains adaptable to the local environment. The breeds include Nguni, Mashona, Tuli, Malawi Zebu, Bovino de Tete, Angoni, Landim, Barotse, Twsana and Ankole. These breeds have important functions ranging from provision of food and income to socio-economic, cultural and ecological roles. They also have adaptive traits ranging from drought tolerant, resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases, heat tolerance and resistance to trypanosomosis. Stakeholders in the conservation of beef cattle were also identified and they included farmers, national government, research institutes and universities as well as breeding companies and societies in Southern Africa. Research efforts made to evaluate threats and opportunities of indigenous beef cattle production systems, assess the contribution of indigenous cattle to household food security and income, genetically and phenotypically characterize and conserve indigenous breeds, and develop breeding programs for smallholder beef production are highlighted. Although smallholder beef cattle production in the smallholder farming systems contributes substantially to household food security and income, their productivity is hindered by several constraints that include high prevalence of diseases and parasites, limited feed availability and poor marketing. The majority of the African cattle populations remain largely uncharacterized although most of the indigenous cattle breeds have been identified.