• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.141-151
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• 1998

Human annexin I is a member of annexin family of calcium dependent phospholipid binding proteins, which have been implicated in various physiological roles including phospholipase A2(PLA2) inhibition, membrane fusion and calcium channel activity. In this work, the structure of N-terminally truncated human annexin I ({{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I) and its interactions with Ca2+, ATP and cAMP were studied at atomic level by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The effect of Ca2+ binding on the structure of {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I was investigated. The addition of Ca2+ to {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I caused some changes in 13C NMR spectra. Carbonyl carbon resonances of some histidines were significantly broadened by Ca2+ binding. However, in the case of methionine, phenylalanine, and tyrosin, small changes could be observed. We found that ATP and cAMP bind {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I, and the binding ratio of ATP to {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I is 1. These results are well consistent with the report that cAMP and ATP interact with annexin I, and affect the calcium channels formed by annexin I. Because {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I is a large protein with 35 kDa molecular weight, site-specific (carbonyl-13C) labeling technique was used to study the interaction sites of {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I with Ca2+. NMR study was focused on the carbonyl carbon resonances of tyrosine, phenylalanine, methionine and histidine residues of {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I because the number of these amino acids is small in the amino acid sequence of {{{{ DELTA }}-annexin I.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.1392-1400
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• 2011

In most digital imaging applications, high-resolution images or videos are usually desired for later image processing and analysis. The image signal obtained from general imaging system occurs image degradation during the process of image acquirement caused by the optics, physical constraints and the atmosphere effects. Super-resolution reconstruction, one of the solution to address this problem, is image reconstruction technique that produces a high-resolution image from several low-resolution frames in video sequences. In this paper, we propose an improved super-resolution method using Projection onto Convex Sets (POCS) method based on Shift & Add (S&A). The image using conventional algorithms is sensitive to noise. To solve this problem, we propose a fusion algorithm of S&A and POCS. Also we solve the problem using BLPF (Butterworth Low-pass Filter) in frequency domain as optical blur. Our method is robust to noise and has sharpness enhancement ability. Experimental results show that the proposed super-resolution method has better resolution enhancement performance than other super-resolution methods.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2006

Objective : Acute vertebral burst fractures warrant extensive fixation and fusion on the spine. Osteoplasty [vertebroplasty with high density resin without vertebral expansion] has been used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. We report our experiences with osteoplasty in acute vertebral burst fractures. Methods : Twenty-eight cases of acute vertebral burst fracture were operated with osteoplasty. Eighteen patients had osteoporosis concurrently. Preoperative MRI was performed in all cases to find fracture level and to evaluate the severity of injury. Preoperative CT revealed burst fracture in the series. The patients with severe ligament injury or spinal canal compromise were excluded from indication. Osteoplasty was performed under local anesthesia and high density polymethylmethacrylate[PMMA] was injected carefully avoiding cement leakage into spinal canal. The procedure was performed unilaterally in 21 cases and bilaterally in 7 cases. The patients were allowed to ambulate right after surgery. Most patients discharged within 5 days and followed up at least 6 months. Results : There were 12 men and 16 women with average age of 45.3[28-82]. Five patients had 2 level fractures and 2 patients had 3 level fractures. The average injection volume was 5.6cc per level Average VAS [Visual Analogue Scale] improved 26mm after surgery. The immediate postoperative X-ray showed 2 cases of filler spillage into spinal canal and 4 cases of leakage into the retroperitoneal space. One patient with intraspinal leakage was underwent the laminectomy to remove the resin. Conclusion : Osteoplasty is a safe and new treatment option in the burst fractures. Osteoplasty with minimally invasive technique reduced the hospital stay and recovery time in vertebral fracture patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 1984

The second inward current $(i_{si})$ was studied by the two microelectrode voltage clamp technique in the sino-atrial node of the rabbit. The slow component $(i_{si,2})$ of the second inward current was sometimes identified and $i_{si}$ behaved as if it were a mixture of two currents. We analysed the $(i_{si,2})$ in relation to membrane potential and frequency of voltage clamp pulses. 1) Membrane was held at -40mV which was usually found to be zero current level. When depolarizing pulses were applied, the slow inward current $(i_{si})$ was activated. 2) It was shown that there are three categories of the $i_{si}$ activation by the low level of depolarizing clamp pulses. Moderately fast inward current with single component was developed in most cases in the presence of tetrodotoxin(TTX). But sometimes there was two separate components of $i_{si}$ activation in the peak level and the time course. Thirdly the only slow component of $i_{si}$ was found in rare cases. 3) The activation of $(i_{si,2})$ was dependent upon membrane potential. The $i_{si}$ shows two separate peaks during clamp depolarizations and higher clamp pulses lead to fusion of the peaks. 4) The $i_{si,2}$ activation showed that it decreased with repetitive clamp pulses and it was more evident in higher frequencies(2Hz)(negative staircase).

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.224-230
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• 2011

Objective : This study aimed to show the possibility of neural canal enlargement and restoration of bony fragments through laminectomy and minimal facetectomy without pediculectomy or an anterior approach, and also to prove the adequacy of posterior stabilization of vertebral deformities after thoracolumbar bursting fracture. Methods : From January 2003 to June 2009, we experienced 45 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. All patients enrolled were presented with either a neural canal compromise of more than 40% with a Benzel-Larson Grade of VI, or more than 30% compromise with less than a Benzel-Larson Grade of V. Most important characteristic of our surgical procedure was repositioning retropulsed bone fragments using custom-designed instruments via laminectomy and minimal facetectomy without removing the fractured bone fragments. Beneath the dural sac, these custom-designed instruments could push the retropulsed bone fragments within the neural canal after the decompression and bone fragment repositioning. Results : The mean kyphotic deformities measured preoperatively and at follow-up within 12 months were 17.7 degrees (${\pm}6.4$ degrees) and 9.6 degrees (${\pm}5.2$ degrees), respectively. The mean midsagittal diameter improved from 8.8 mm (${\pm}2.8$ mm) before surgery to 14.2 mm (${\pm}1.6$ mm) at follow-up. The mean traumatic vertebral body height before surgery was 41.3% (${\pm}12.6%$). At follow-up assessment within 12 months, this score showed a statistically significant increase to 68.3% (${\pm}12.8%$). Neurological improvement occurred in all patients. Conclusion : Though controversy exists in the treatment of severe thoracolumbar burst fracture, we achieved effective radiological and clinical results in the cases of burst fractures causing severe canal compromise and spinal deformity by using this novel custom-designed instruments, via posterior approach alone.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.2303-2309
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• 2007

Expressed protein ligation (EPL) technique, joining recombinantly expressed proteins to polypeptides, has been widely adopted for addressing various biological questions and for drug discovery. However, joining two recombinant proteins together is sometimes difficult when proteins are expressed insoluble and unrefoldable, because ligation-active proteins via intein-fusion are obtainable when they are folded correctly. We overcame this limitation coexpressing target protein with additional methionine aminopeptidase (MAP) which enhances removal of the initiation methionine of recombinantly expressed protein. Our approach demonstrated that two domains of 46 kDa 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, a target of herbicide glyphosate, were successfully joined by native chemical ligation, although its C-terminal domain was expressed as an inclusion body. The intein-fused N-terminal fragment of EPSP synthase (EPSPSN, residues 1-237) was expressed and the ligation-active thioester tagged N-terminal fragment (EPSPSN-thioester) was purified using a chitin affinity chromatography and mercapto-ethanesulphonate (MESNA) as intein thiolysis reagent. Its Cterminal fragment (EPSPSC, residues Met237-238CYS-427), expressed as an inclusion body, was prepared from an additional MAP-expressing strain. Protein ligation was initiated by mixing ~1 mM of EPSPSN-thioester with ~2 mM of EPSPSCCYS (residues 238CYS-427). Also we found that addition of 2% thiophenol increased the ligation efficiency via thiol exchange. The ligation efficiency was ~85%. The ligated full-length EPSP synthase was dissolved in 6 M GdHCl and refolded. Circular dichroism (CD) and enzyme activity assay of the purified protein showed that the ligated enzyme has distinct secondary structure and ~115% specific activity compared to those of wild-type EPSP synthase. This work demonstrates rare example of EPL between two recombinantly expressed proteins and also provides hands-on protein engineering protocol for large proteins.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.85-89
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• 2008

Purpose: Unicoronal synostosis is the craniofacial anomaly caused by premature fusion of unilateral coronal suture. Ipsilateral flattening of the frontal and parietal bones, temporal retrusion with elevation and recession of the supraorbital rim are main clinical features. Compensatory contralateral frontal bossing and deviation of the nasal root and/or chin can also occur. There is a controversy about techniques for surgical correction, however, bilateral approach technique is more effective for correction of deformity. Methods: A 4-year-old patient with unicoronal synostosis had undergone unilateral suturectomy at 28-month-old but fronto-facial deformity had remained and aggravated as she grew older. She had both fronto-facial and endocranial asymmetry. We performed coronal cranial approach and fully exposed affected cranium including supraorbital rim. Anterior 2/3 calvarial reconstruction with bilateral frontal bone osteotomy and fronto-orbital bandeau advancement was performed. Results: Fronto-facial symmetry including fronto-orbital contour, nasal devation was improved. Endocranial twisting was also improved from $158^{\circ}$ to $162^{\circ}$ in CSO(crista gallisella turcica-opisthion) degree. There was no postoperative complications and no need for revision, and facial asymmetry improved at the period of 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Bilateral approach with fronto-orbital bandeau remodeling in surgery of unicoronal synostosis looked superior to unilateral approach in achieving better symmetry and preventing recurrence of asymmetry. Remodeling surgery should be tried in patients even at an older age to correct fronto-facial asymmetry.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.465-472
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• 2008

Fabrication of nanostructured materials and synthesis of nanomaterials have intensively studied to realize electronic devices for nanotechnology. By using nanoporous alumina mask, nanostructured material can be fabricated in the form of uniform array. The size and the density of the nanostructured materials can be controllable by changing the pore diameter and the density of the alumina mask. This method is possible low cost and on large scale process, and feasible to contribute the fusion technology consisting of information technology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Therefore, these techniques provide alternative approaches for development of new electronic applications. In this paper, the fabrication technique and its applications of nanoporous alumina mask are described and nanostructured materials such as quantum dots, nanoholes, and nanorods are introduced.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.159-164
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• 2016

A wireless communication system is required to be implemented with the low power circuits because it uses a battery having a limited energy. Therefore, the current mode circuit has been studied because it consumes constant power regardless of the frequency change. However, the clock-feedthrough problem is happened by leak of stored energy in memory operation. In this paper, we suggest the current memory circuit to minimize the clock-feedthrough problem and introduce a technique for ultra low power operation by inducing dynamic voltage scaling. The current memory circuit was designed with BSIM3 model of $0.35{\mu}m$ process and was operated in the near-threshold region. From the simulation result, the clock-feedthrough could be minimized when designing the memory MOS Width of $2{\mu}m$, the switch MOS Width of $0.3{\mu}m$ and dummy MOS Width of $13{\mu}m$ in 1MHz switching operation. The power consumption was calculated with $3.7{\mu}W$ at the supply voltage of 1.2 V, near-threshold voltage.

• Proceedings of the KSME Conference
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.180-185
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• 2001

In the life assessment for plant structural component, the research on deterioration of toughness and material properties occurred in weldments has been considered as very important problems. In general, the microstructures composed in weldments are hugely classified with weld metal(W.M), fusion line(F.L), heat affected zone(HAZ), and base metal(B.M). It has been reported that the creep characteristics on weldments having variable microstructures could be unpredictably changed. Furthermore, it is also known that HAZ adjacent to F.L exhibits the decreased creep strength compared to those in base or weld metals, and promotes the occurrence of Type III and Type IV cracking due to the growth of grains and the coarsening carbides precipitated in ferritic matrix by welding and PWHT processes. However, the lots of works reported up to date on creep damage in power plant components have been mostly conducted on B.M and the creep properties on a localized microstructures in weldments have not as yet been throughly investigated. In this paper, for various microstructures such as coarse grain HAZ(CGHAZ), W.M and B.M in X20CrMoV121 steel weldment, the small punch-creep(SP-Creep) test using miniaturized specimen(t=0.5mm, 0.25mm) is performed to investigate a possibility for creep characteristics evaluation.