• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.434-440
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• 2014

We prepared nanoparticles containing insoluble celecoxib by the method of solid dispersions using a spray dryer to improve solubility of celecoxib. We used PVP K30 and Eudragit EPO as water-soluble carriers for the solid dispersion, and poloxamer 407 as a surfactant. Characterization of celecoxib solid dispersion was performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of SEM, DSC and XRD demonstrated that celecoxib is amorphous in solid dispersion. The dissolution rate measured in intestinal juice showed that the method of solid dispersion improved celecoxib solubility as compared with a conventional drug (Celebres$^{(R)}$). In conclusion, solid dispersion formulation prepared by a spray dryer would improve the solubility of celecoxib in oral administration.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.363-367
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• 2016

Objective : To compare the fusion rate of a hydroxyapatite demineralized bone matrix (DBM) with post-laminectomy acquired autograft in lumbar interbody fusion surgery and to evaluate the correlation between fusion rate and clinical outcome. Methods : From January 2013 to April 2014, 98 patients underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM (HA-DBM group) in our institute. Of those patients, 65 received complete CT scans for 12 months postoperatively in order to evaluate fusion status. For comparison with autograft, we selected another 65 patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion surgery with post-laminectomy acquired autograft (Autograft group) during the same period. Both fusion material groups were matched in terms of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and bone mineral density (BMD). To evaluate the clinical outcomes, we analyzed the results of visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results : We reviewed the CT scans of 149 fusion levels in 130 patients (HA-DBM group, 75 levels/65 patients; Autograft group, 74 levels/65 patients). Age, sex, BMI, and BMD were not significantly different between the groups (p=0.528, p=0.848, p=0.527, and p=0.610, respectively). The HA-DBM group showed 39 of 75 fused levels (52%), and the Autograft group showed 46 of 74 fused levels (62.2%). This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.21). In the HA-DBM group, older age and low BMD were significantly associated with non-fusion (61.24 vs. 66.68, p=0.027; -1.63 vs. -2.29, p=0.015, respectively). VAS and ODI showed significant improvement after surgery when fusion was successfully achieved in both groups (p=0.004, p=0.002, HA-DBM group; p=0.012, p=0.03, Autograft group). Conclusion : The fusion rates of the hydroxyapatite DBM and Autograft groups were not significantly different. In addition, clinical outcomes were similar between the groups. However, older age and low BMD are risk factors that might induce non-union after surgery with hydroxyapatite DBM.

• Investigative and Clinical Urology
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.363-370
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the technique and to report early results of transperineal magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography (MRI-US) fusion biopsy. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 patients underwent MRI-US fusion transperineal biopsy. Targeted biopsy via MRI-US fusion imaging was carried out for cancer-suspicious lesions with additional systematic biopsy. Detection rates for overall and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) were evaluated and compared between systematic and targeted biopsy. In addition, further investigation into the detection rate according to prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score was done. Results of repeat biopsies were also evaluated. Results: Overall cancer detection rate was 61.3% (46 patients) and the detection rate for csPCa was 42.7% (32 patients). Overall detection rates for systematic and targeted biopsy were 41.3% and 57.3% (p<0.05), respectively. Detection rates for csPCa were 26.7% and 41.3%, respectively (p<0.05). The cancer detection rates via MRI fusion target biopsy were 30.8% in PI-RADS 3, 62.1% in PI-RADS 4 and 89.4% in PI-RADS 5. Rates of csPCa missed by targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy were 0.0% and 25.0%, respectively. The cancer detection rate in repeat biopsies was 61.1% (11 among 18 patients) in which 55.5% of cancer suspected lesions were located in the anterior portion. Conclusions: Transperineal MRI-US fusion biopsy is useful for improving overall cancer detection rate and especially detection of csPCa. Transperineal MRI-US targeted biopsy show potential benefits to improve cancer detection rate in patients with high PIRADS score, tumor located at the anterior portion and in repeat biopsies.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.562-574
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• 2021

Objective : This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gel versus DBM gel with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods : This study was designed as a prospective, multi-center, double-blind method, randomized study. All randomized subjects underwent TLIF with DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group (40 patients) as an experimental group or DBM gel group (36 patients) as a control group. Post-operative observations were performed at 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The spinal fusion rate on computed tomography scans and X-rays films, Visual analog scale pain scores, Oswestry disability index and SF-36 quality of life (QOL) scores were used for the efficacy evaluation. The incidence rate of adverse device effects (ADEs) and serious adverse device effects (SADEs) were used for safety evaluation. Results : The spinal fusion rate at 12 weeks for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group was higher with 73.68% compared to 58.82% for the DBM gel group. The 24 and 48 weeks were 72.22% and 82.86% for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group and 78.79% and 78.13%, respectively, for the DBM gel group. However, there were no significant differences between two groups in the spinal fusion rate at 12, 24, and 48 weeks post-treatment (p=0.1817, p=0.5272, p=0.6247). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of ADEs (p=0.3836). For ADEs in the experimental group, 'Pyrexia' (5.00%) was the most common ADE, followed by 'Hypesthesia', 'Paresthesia', 'Transient peripheral paralysis', 'Spondylitis' and 'Insomnia' (2.50%, respectively). ADEs reported in control group included 'Pyrexia', 'Chest discomfort', 'Pain', 'Osteoarthritis', 'Nephropathy toxic', 'Neurogenic bladder', 'Liver function analyses' and 'Urticaria' (2.86%, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of SADEs (p=0.6594). For SADE in the experimental group, ''Pyrexia' and 'Spondylitis' were 2.50%. SADE reported in the control group included 'Chest discomfort', 'Osteoarthritis' and 'Neurogenic bladder'. All SADEs described above were resolved after medical treatment. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that the spinal fusion rates of DBM gel group and DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group were not significantly different. But, this study provides knowledge regarding the earlier postoperative effect of rhBMP-2 containing DBM gel and also supports the idea that the longer term follow-up results are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.641-645
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• 1995

This study was conducted to develop a method for production of nuclear transplant bovine embryos using in vitro-matured (IVM) oocytes and to examine the effect of different conditions of electrofusion on fusion rate and developmental capacity of donor nucleus transplanted to enucleated oocytes. Eight- to sixteen-cell embryos derived from oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro used as donor blastomeres and IVM oocytes were used as recipient oocytes. Oocytes were enucleated immediately after 23-24 h IVM and then reconstituted with a donor blastomere in two different micromanipulation media. Fusion rate and subsequent development of the reconstituted oocytes was compared under the different electric stimuli and recipient oocyte ages. Success rate of enucleation was significantly higher in TCM-199 medium containing FCS than in DPBS. The high fusion rate(75-94%) and development (6.4-14.8%) to morulae and blastocyst (M + B) were obtained from 0.6-0.75 kV/cm DC voltage, although total cleavage was not different among the electric pulses. Most optimal condition of electric stimulation for fusion and development was 1 DC voltage of 0.75 kV/cm, in which 80.5% of oocytes were fused, 80.0% and 31.7% of which was cleaved and developed to M + B, respectively. No M + B was obtained from 1.2 kV/cm DC voltage regardless of pulse frequency. Recipint oocyte age at electrofusion greatly affected the cleavage and subsequent development to M + B, showing high rate at 40-41 h oocyte maturation. These results suggest that a suitable condition of electrofusion for donor nuclei derived from IVF may be 1-2 DC pulses of 0.7 kV/cm for $70{\mu}sec$ and that processing of a transplanted nucleus in IVM oocytes may be affected by maturation age of recipient oocytes.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2008

To overcome the solubility of poorly water-soluble drug, the formation of solid dispersion using a spray-dryer with polymeric material, that can potentially enhance the dissolution rate extend of drug absorption was considered in this study. $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 as carrier for solid dispersion is acrylate copolymer that soluble in acidic buffer solutions (below pH 5.0). It was used to increase dissolution of atorvastatin calcium as a water-insoluble drug in acidic environments. In this study, a spray-dryer was used to prepare solid dispersion of atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 for purpose of improving the solubility of drug. Atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 were dissolved in ethanol and spray-dryed. DSC and XRD were used to analyze the crystallinity of the sample. It was found that atorvastatin calcium is amorphous in the $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100 solid dispersion. FT-IR was used to analyze the salt formation by interaction between atorvastatin calcium and $Eudragit^{(R)}$ E100. Comparative dissolution study exhibited better dissolution characteristics than the commercial drug ($Lipitor^{(R)}$) as control. The dissolution rate of atorvastatin calcium was markedly increased in solid dispersion system in simulated gastric juice (pH 1.2). This study proposed that this solid dispersion system improved the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble atorvastatin calcium.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.16-20
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• 1988

Auxotrophic mutants were obtained by UV-irradiation to mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum. Induction rate of auxotrophs was 5.78%. Interspecific fusion products of protoplasts were obtained by polyethylene glycol induced fusion of protoplasts from auxotrophic mutants of Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma applanatum. Fusion products were selected by means of the comparison with the mycelial growth rate and colony morphology. Fusion products were confirmed by mycelial morphology and esterase isozyme pattern. Some segregants were observed and fusion product produced fruit bodies.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.105-113
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• 1995

This study was conducted to examine the efficiency of enucleation and blastomere isolation from recipient oocytes and donor embryos, respectively and to determine the effect of oocyte age and electric voltage on the fusion rate and in vitro development of the fused oocytes in rabbit nuclear transplantation. Immature oocytes collected from ovarian follicles were matured in vivo for 12 h in TCM-199 containing FCS and hormones and in vivo matured oocytes were collected 17 to 18 h post-HCG. The fresh and frozen donor embryos of 8- to 16-cell stage were collected from the oviduct of superovulated does. The proportion of successfully enucleated oocytes was greatly lower in in vitro matured oocytes (42.3%) than that (62.7%) in in vivo matured oocytes The level of cytochalasin B for in vivo matured oocytes did not affect the efficiency of enuleation, but 7.5 $\mu$g /mL cytochalasin B for in vitro matured oocytes showed a high enucleation rate significantly. The isolation efficiency of a single blastomere nucleus did not differ between 8- and 16-cell stage embryos. The percentage of single blastomeres isolated from 16-cell stage fresh embryos after 0.5% pronase treatment was greatly higher at 16-min treatment (94.4%) than at 8-min(78. 1%) and the blastomeres(61.5%) isolated from frozen-thawed embryos after 16-min pronase were significantly fewer than those of fresh embryos. The age of recipient oocytes affected nuclear fusion rate. The reconstituted oocytes fused at 24-h age showed slightly higher fusion rate (77.8%) than those (65.0%)fused at 18-h age. The fusion rate of in vitro and in vivo matured oocytes inserted with fresh blastomere did not differ among electric voltages, but the cleavage rate and development to morula-blastocysts of in vitro matured oocytes was more higher under 0.6 kV/cm than under 0.8 to 1.2 kV/cm, while the cleavage rate and development of in vivo matured oocytes was higher under 0.8 to 1.0 kV/cm than under 1.2 kV/cm. The fusion and cleavage rate fol1owing insertion with frozen-thawed blastomere was not different between the in vitro and in vivo matured oocytes and was similar to those from fresh blastomere insertion.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.465-470
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• 2013

Dempster-Shafer Evidence Theory is available for multi-sensor data fusion. Basic Probability Assignment is essential for multi-sensor data fusion using Dempster-Shafer Theory. In this paper, we proposed a novel method of BPA calculation with signal assessment. We took notice of the signal that reported from the sensor mote at the time slot. We assessed the variation rate of the reported signal from the terminal. The trend of variation implies significant component of the context. We calculated the variation rate of signal for reveal the relation of the variation and the context. We could reach context inference with BPA that calculated with the variation rate of signal.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.429-436
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• 2001

The effect of welding condition on the microstructures of the weld metal in A7N01 welded by $CO_2$ laser was investigated. The number of ripples was increased with decreasing power and increasing welding speed. In the bead without ripple lines, the subgrain microstructures distribution from the fusion line toward the center of the bead were in the order of cellular, dendritic and equiaxed dendrite. However, in the bead with ripple lines, cellular and dendritic were formed between the fusion boundary and the ripple line. Inaddition, those structures were also observed between the ripple line. Equiaxed dendrites were formed only at the center line region. Cellular and dendritics formed near the ripple line were larger than those formed near the fusion boundary. The cooling rates estimated by the dendrite arm spacing were in the range of 200 to 1150oC/s. Cooling rate was increased with decreasing the power and increasing the welding speed. Mg and Zn segregated at the boundaries of cellulars and dendritics, Mg was segregated more than Zn. The segregation of Mg and Zn decreased with increasing cooling rate. Hardness of the weld metal was lower than that of the base metal in all welding conditions and increased as the cooling rate increased.