• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.1290-1297
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• 2008

To investigate the diversities of Accumulibacter phosphatis and its polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase gene (phaC) in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) sludge, an acetate-fed sequencing batch reactor was operated. Analysis of microbial communities using fluorescence in situ hybridization and 16S rRNA gene clone libraries showed that the population of Accumulibacter phosphatis in the EBPR sludge comprised more than 50% of total bacteria, and was clearly divided into two subgroups with about 97.5% sequence identity of the 16S rRNA genes. PAO phaC primers targeting the phaC genes of Accumulibacter phosphatis were designed and applied to retrieve fragments of putative phaC homologs of Accumulibacter phosphatis from EBPR sludge. PAO phaC primers targeting $G_{1PAO},\;G_{2PAO},\;and\;G_{3PAO}$ groups produced PCR amplicons successfully; the resulting sequences of the phaC gene homologs were diverse, and were distantly related to metagenomic phaC sequences of Accumulibacter phosphatis with 75-98% DNA sequence identities. Degenerate NPAO (non-PAO) phaC primers targeting phaC genes of non-Accumulibacter phosphatis bacteria were also designed and applied to the EBPR sludge. Twenty-four phaC homologs retrieved from NPAO phaC primers were different from the phaC gene homologs derived from Accumulibacter phosphatis, which suggests that the PAO phaC primers were specific for the amplification of phaC gene homologs of Accumulibacter phosphatis, and the putative phaC gene homologs by PAO phaC primers were derived from Accumulibacter phosphatis in the EBPR sludge. Among 24 phaC homologs, a phaC homolog (GINPAO-2), which was dominant in the NPAO phaC clone library, showed the strongest signal in slot hybridization and shared approximately 60% nucleotide identity with the $G_{4PAO}$ group of Accumulibacter phosphatis, which suggests that GINPAO-2 might be derived from Accumulibacter phosphatis. In conclusion, analyses of the 16S rRNA and phaC genes showed that Accumulibacter phosphatis might be phylogenetically and metabolically diverse.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.495-500
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• 2009

Actinide sorption to the geological materials can reduce the mobility and bioavailability of radionuclides released to the environment through the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. Under circumneutral pH conditions, actinide sorption can be enhanced by phosphate anions sorbed on oxide mineral surfaces as indicated by the sorption of trivalent lanthanide ions ($Ln^{3+}$), the chemical analog for trivalent actinide ions ($Ac^{3+}$). In this paper, we examined a ternary sorption system of trivalent europium ions ($Eu^{3+}$) sorbed onto boehmite (${\gamma}$-AlOOH) surfaces pre-sorbed with phosphate anions (${PO_4}^{3-}$), using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. In the Eu-$PO_4$-boehmite ternary sorption system, $EuPO_4$ surface precipitates were formed as implicated by Eu $L_{III}$-edge EXAFS spectroscopy. Phosphorus K-edge EXAFS fingerprinting indicated a bidentate mononuclear surface complex formation of phosphate sorbed on boehmite surfaces as well as $EuPO_4$ surface precipitate formation.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2014

Orb-web spiders can be considered as an effective bio-indicative animal to monitor the ecological air pollution of certain habitat since they have limited shifting ability during their life spans. In this study we revealed the fine structural characteristics of booklung in the orb-web spider Nephila clavata, and its bio-indicative significance in the monitoring environmental asbestos exposure. The high resolution scanning electron microscopy results suggest that the cuticular spikes near the atrium could be act as an effective filtering structure for dust materials. Furthermore, inner cuticular spikes which protruded across the air sacs, have the functions not only sustaining appropriate respiratory volume of each air sac but also help to enhance respiratory capacity by maximizing the gross surface area for gas exchange. Interestingly, in spite of short exposure, the asbestose fibrils were effectively captured on the surface of the atrial cuticular spikes. Furthermore, histologic damages were observed due to penetration of asbestos fibrils through air sacs and fixed on the hemolymph space. In addition, although accumulated mass of hemocytes were observed near the fibrils, there were no asbestos bodies or coagulated hemocytes were found on the surface of the fibrils, This could be mainly due to the short exposure period towards asbestos. Briefly, these results indicate the spider's booklung could be valuable tool in the detection ecological air pollutants.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.399-422
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to investigate a fragment of possibility of pulpotomy with the Nd-YAG laser by the observation of pulpal healing process and the fine structural changes of the fibroblasts of the remaining pulpal tissues. Class V cavities on !55 teeth from 4 adult dogs were prepared and the pulp chambers were opened with a sterilized round bur. In the control group(19 teeth), the exposed coronal pulps were excised by a sharp excarvator. After bleeding was controlled with the sterilized cotton pellets, calcium hydroxide powder was applied on the remaining pulpal tissues and the cavities were sealed with Z.O.E. In the experimental group 1 : the pulpotomy with laser-calcium hydroxide powder application group(l9 teeth), the exposed coronal pulps were excised by Nd-YAG laser(10 watts power, 2 psi water, 20 psi air) for 2 or 3 seconds and calcium hydroxide powder was applied on the remaining pulpal tissues and the cavities were sealed with Z.O.E. In the experimental group 2 : the pulpotomy with laser-no calcium hydroxide powder application group(17 teeth), after amputating the coronal pulps with Nd-YAG laser as the experimental group 1, the remaining pulpal tissues were covered with stenilized aluminum foil and the cavities were filled with Z.O.E. The animals were sacrificed at the intervals of 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. All the teeth were rouutinely processed and the remaining pulpal tissues were observed by the light microscope and electron microscope. The results were as follows : 1. In light microscopic findings, there was no significant difference of the inflammatory response in the remaining pulpal tissues between the control group and the experimental groups. In both of the experimental group 1 : pulpotomy with laser-calcium hydroxide powder application group and the control group, the dentin bridges were observed after 2 weeks and the structure of the dentin bridge was almost same. In the experimental group 2 : pulpotomy with laser-no calcium hydroxide powder application group, the fibrous layers instead of dentin bridge were observed on the superficial portion of the remaining pulpal tissues after 2 weeks and they were consisted with densely crowded active fibroblasts. 2. In the electronmicroscopic findings, the active fibroblasts in the experimental groups were more frequently observed than in the control group at 1 week. But active fibroblasts were found with same frequency after 2 weeks in all of the control group and the experimental groups. 3. General distortions of the cell such as loss of the cell membrane, vaculoization of the cell etc. were observed at the suberficial layer of the remaining pulpal tissues and the carbonization was found in the dentinal wall in 1 week of the experimental groups. 4. In the experimental group 2 : pulpotomy with laser-no calcium hydroxide powder application group, the activity and the density of the fibroblasts in the fibrous layer were more than those in the deep portion of the remaining pulpal tissues after 2 weeks. 5. In the control group, bacteria such as cocci and bacilli were observed frequently, but in the experimntal groups, they could not be observed.

• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2013

YoungDo bridge is the first suspension bridge in Busan which experienced several times repair and reinforcement after completion in 1934. The bridge is under demolition for extension and restoration work since 2011. The purpose of this research is to establish data base about modern concrete. The mix design of the concrete is like that cement : fine aggregate : coarse aggregate = 1 : 2 : 4 or 1 : 3 : 6 by the parts. The compressive strength is in the ranges from 50 to 55 MPa and the elastic modulus is in the ranges from 25 to 35 GPa. From the fact that the deviation is less than 10 %, considerably high quality control was conducted in those days. The carbonation depth is 5.92 cm at the bridge post and 14.3 cm at the machine room. That is why ocean environment keeps the high humidity. The diffusion coefficient of chloride ion through the pores in concrete is 1.052e-12 $m^2/s$ from the regression analysis using the experiment data. The water cement ration is estimated at approximately 35 % in case if the concrete using ordinary Portland cement.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.spc
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• pp.74-82
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• 2014

A perennial plant species of Ranunculaceae, Pulsatilla tongkangensis is a very rare species only found in limestone vegetation of South Korea. It is not only rare but also has great value as a horticultural resource, thus resulting in serious problems of overexploitation and habitat disturbance. For the conservation of the rare species and its development as a resource, the study was conducted with the following three aims: first, to investigate any new geographical distribution of the species; second, to identify the site condition and vegetation structure of its habitat; and third, to compare the ecology of P. tongkangensis in other microhabitats such as rock, slope and ridge area. A new distribution was found in limestone vegetation at Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. It was, therefore, confirmed that the distribution of P. tongkangensis exactly coincides with the area of distribution of limestone, indicating a possibility that the species might be a calcicole. 87% of the microhabitats found in rocks. Compared to P. tongkangensis, at ridges or slopes, number of P. tongkangensis plants were few in rocks. It is possibly due to the lack of microhabitats that could settle in rocky areas. Once established on rocks, however, plants grew large enough to flower with higher number of leaves and flowers per plant, resulting in higher flowering rate on rocky areas. Cracks in/between rocks are likely to be safe places for the plants with favorable light conditions, abundant fine particles to root down and reduced competition for resources. Yet, further research is necessary in terms of determining whether the species is indeed a calcicole, whether other limiting factors work in its establishment stage, and genetic diversity exists in the population.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.47-52
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• 2008

Purpose：The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC) has increased due to the widespread use of high resolution ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. However, the clinical and biologic behaviors of PTMC is debatable. The aim of this study was to describe clinicopathologic features of PTMC and to suggest whether tumor size(5mm) might prove the useful parameter for determining the surgical strategy in PTMC. Material and Methods：From Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2005, 1355 of 2678 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma were identified as having PTMC, based on tumor size${\leq}$10mm(50.6%). Among patients with PTMC, we further separated tumors<5mm(minute group：group M) from those 5 to 10mm(tiny group：group T). We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and the TNM stagings between two groups. Results：There were 114(8.4%) men and 1241(91.6%) women with a median age of 47 years(range；13-79). During a mean follow-up of 47.3(range；22-93), 13 patients(1.0%) developed locoregional recurrences and 3 patients(0.2%) showed distant metastases at initial presentation. Statistical analysis revealed that the presence of extracapsular invasion(p<0.0001), invasion to adjacent structure(p<0.0001), multifocality(p<0.0001), central lymph node metastasis(p<0.0001), and lateral lymph node metastasis(p<0.0001) were all significantly higher in tiny group(tumor${\geq}$5mm). Furthermore, minute group demonstrated a significantly lower tumor stage(AJCC TNM classification) compared with tiny group(p<0.0001). Conclusion：Patients with PTMC have a favorable treatment outcomes, although the distinction needs to be made with reference to the clinicopathologic behaviors. It would be reasonable to consider that tumor size(5mm) would be useful parameter for the treatment strategy of PTMC.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Hazard Mitigation
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2009

The results of a recent case study for material characterizations and structural evaluation to design asphalt overlay thickness of William P Hobby airport in Houston, Texas are presented herein. The existing runway 12R-30L of Hobby airport consisted of thick asphalt overlay over Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) and the localized surface shoving as evident in the closure of surface groove has been observed recently. Using the field cored asphalt concrete mixtures, measurements of percent air voids, asphalt content and aggregate gradation were conducted to find out the causations of surface shoving and groove closure. The FAA layered elastic program, LEDFAA was utilized to evaluate pavement structural conditions for new asphalt overlay. Two different composition assumptions for existing pavement were made to evaluate the pavement as followings: 1) APC, Asphalt Concrete Overlay over PCC pavement and 2) AC, Asphalt Concrete pavement. Based on laboratory testing results, a ratio of percent passing #200 to asphalt content ranged 1.1 to 2.2, which is considered a high ratio and a tendency of tender mix design was observed. Thus, the localized surface shoving and groove closure of the runway 12R-30L could be attributed to the use of excessive fine contents and tender mix design. Based on the structural evaluation results, it was ascertained that the analysis assuming the pavement structure as AC pavement gives more realistic structural life when the asphalt overlay is thicker enough compared to PCC layer because the existing PCC pavement under asphalt overlay acts more like a high quality base material.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2012

Electric arc furnace slag is made in ironworks during steel refining, it is been increasing chemical and physical resistibility using ageing method of unstable state of melting steel slag for using concrete's fine aggregates. Which is been changing stable molecular structure of aggregates, it restrains moving of ion and molecule. In Korea, KS F 4571 has been prepared for using the electric arc furnace oxidizing slag to concrete aggregates(EFS). In this study, Electric arc furnace oxidizing slag is used in the PRCC(Polymer Rapid setting Cement Concrete) which is applied a bridge pavement of rehabilitation, largely. The results showed that the increment of compressive strength development by 10- 20%. The flexural strength of EFS-Con increased greatly as the electric arc furnace oxidizing slag changed. The compressive strength and flexural strength developed enough for opening the overlayed EFS-Con to the traffic after 4 hours of EFS-Con placement. The permeability of EFS-Con was evaluated as negligible due to its very low charge passed. Thus, EFS-Con could be used at repairing or overlaying the concrete at fast-track job sites.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.257-264
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• 2007

In order to obtain a fine picture, a camera has many convenient functions. Its representative functions are Auto Focus(AF), Auto White Balance(AWB) and Auto Exposure(AE). In this paper, we present the new algorithm of Auto Exposure control system, one of its useful functions The proposed algorithm of Auto Exposure control system is based on IIR Filter with Variable Time Constant. First, in order to establish the standards of exposure control, we compare change of the picture luminance with luminance of an object in the Zone system. Second, we make an ideal characteristic graph of luminance by using the results. Finally, we can find the value of the right exposure by comparing an ideal characteristic graph of the luminance with the value of the current expose of a scene. We can find an appropriate exposure as comparing the ideal characteristic graph of the luminance with current exposure of a scene. In order to find a suitable exposure state, we make use of IIR Filter instead of a conventional method using micro-controller. In this paper, the proposed system has therefore simple structure, we use it for compact image sensor module used in the handheld device.