• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.101-112
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• 2004

Chloride($Cl^-$) channels play critical roles in cell homeostasis and its specific functions such as volume regulation, differentiation, secretion, and membrane stabilization. The presence of these channels have been reported in all kinds of cells and even in frog oocytes. These essential role of $Cl^-$­ channels in cell homeostasis possibly play any role in egg homeostasis and in the early stage of development, however, there has been no report about the presence of $Cl^-$­ channel in the mammalian oocyte. This study was performed to elucidate the presence of $Cl^-$­ channels in hamster eggs. When allowing only $Cl^-$­ to pass through the channel of the egg membrane by using impermeant cation such as N-methyl-D-glucamine(NMDG), single channel currents were recorded. These channel currents showed typical long-lasted openings interrupted by rapid flickering. Mean open $time({\tau}o)$ was 43${\pm}$10.14 ms(n=9, at 50 mV). The open probability(Po) was decrease with depolarization. The current-voltage relation showed outward rectification. Outward slop conductance(32${\pm}$5.4 pS, n=22) was steeper than the inward slop conductance(10${\pm}$1.3 pS). Under the condition of symmetrical 140 mM NaCl, single channel currents were reversed at 0 mV(n=4). This reversal potential(Erev) was shifted from 0 mV at 140 mM concentration of internal NaCl(140 mM [Na+]i) to ­9.8${\pm}$0.5 mV(n=4) at 70 mM [Na+]i and 11.5${\pm}$1.9 mV at 280 mM [Na+]i(n=4) respectively, strongly suggesting that these are single $Cl^-$­ channel currents. To examine further whether this channel has pharmacological property of the $Cl^-$­ channel, specific Cl­ channel blockers, IAA-94(Indanyloxyacetic acid-94) and DIDS(4, 4'-diisothiocyan ostillben- 2-2'disulfonic acid) were applied. IAA-94 inhibited the channel current in a dose-dependent manner and revealed a rapid and flickering block. From these electrophysiological and pharmacological resluts, we found the novel $Cl^-$­ channel present in the hamster oocyte membrane. The first identification of $Cl^-$­ channel in the hamster oocyte may give a clue for the further study on the function of $Cl^-$­ channel in the fertilization and cell differentiation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1696-1702
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• 2015

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of body weight growth adjustment methods on genetic parameters of body growth and tissue among three pig breeds. Data collected on 101,820 Landrace, 281,411 Yorkshire, and 78,068 Duroc pigs, born in Korean swine breeder farms since 2000, were analyzed. Records included body weights on test day and amplitude (A)-mode ultrasound carcass measures of backfat thickness (BF), eye muscle area (EMA), and retail cut percentage (RCP). Days to 90 kg body weight (DAYS90), through an adjustment of the age based on the body weight at the test day, were obtained. Ultrasound measures were also pre-adjusted (ABF, EMA, AEMA, ARCP) based on their test day measures. The (co)variance components were obtained with 3 multi-trait animal models using the REMLF90 software package. Model I included DAYS90 and ultrasound traits, whereas model II and III accounted DAYS90 and pre-adjusted ultrasound traits. Fixed factors were sex (sex) and contemporary groups (herd-year-month of birth) for all traits among the models. Additionally, model I and II considered a linear covariate of final weight on the ultrasound measure traits. Heritability ($h^2$) estimates for DAYS90, BF, EMA, and RCP ranged from 0.36 to 0.42, 0.34 to 0.43, 0.20 to 0.22, and 0.39 to 0.45, respectively, among the models. The $h^2$ estimates of DAYS90 from model II and III were also somewhat similar. The $h^2$ for ABF, AEMA, and ARCP were 0.35 to 0.44, 0.20 to 0.25, and 0.41 to 0.46, respectively. Our heritability estimates varied mostly among the breeds. The genetic correlations ($r_G$) were moderately negative between DAYS90 and BF (-0.29 to -0.38), and between DAYS90 and EMA (-0.16 to -0.26). BF had strong $r_G$ with RCP (-0.87 to -0.93). Moderately positive $r_G$ existed between DAYS90 and RCP (0.20 to 0.28) and between EMA and RCP (0.35 to 0.44) among the breeds. For DAYS90, model II and III, its correlations with ABF, AEMA, and ARCP were mostly low or negligible except the $r_G$ between DAYS90 and AEMA from model III (0.27 to 0.30). The $r_G$ between AEMA and ABF and between AEMA and ARCP were moderate but with negative and positive signs, respectively; also reflected influence of pre-adjustments. However, the $r_G$ between BF and RCP remained non-influential to trait pre-adjustments or covariable fits. Therefore, we conclude that ultrasound measures taken at a body weight of about 90 kg as the test final should be adjusted for body weight growth. Our adjustment formulas, particularly those for BF and EMA, should be revised further to accommodate the added variation due to different performance testing endpoints with regard to differential growth in body composition.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.111-115
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• 2002

5-Hydroxytryptamine(5-HT; serotonin) system has been implicated in the modulation of male sexual behaviors and the secretion of reproductive hormones. In human males, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors(SSRIs) are known to improve the major male sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation, through the central nervous system-mediated pathways. As numerous hormone and local factors, 5-HT may have peripheral role in the regulation of male sexual function. The expression of 5-HT receptor subtypes in the target tissue, however, has not been explored yet. The present study was undertaken to test whether the 5-HT receptor subtypes are expressed in the reproductive tissues of male rat, especially in ejaculatory machinery such as seminal vesicle and vas deferens. To do this, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and Southern blot analysis were employed. The transcripts for the 1A, 1B and 2C subtypes of 5-HT receptor were amplified in all the tested tissues. The present study demonstrated the expression of 5-HT receptor in the rat ejaculatory machinery, suggesting that 5-HT may play a pivotal role in the male sexual function via not only central pathway but also peripheral route. Further study on the receptor subtype-specific effect and their harmonized mode of action will be needed to establish the understanding of ejaculation mechanism and drug design.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.263-272
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• 2001

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of four different light curing modes on the marginal leakage of Class V composite resin restoration. Eighty extracted human premolars were used. Wedge-shaped class Y cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of the tooth with high-speed diamond bur without bevel. The cavities were positioned half of the cavity above and half beyond the cemento-enamel junction. The depth, height, and width of the cavity were 2 mm, 3 mm and 2 mm respectively. The specimens were divided into 4 groups of 20 teeth each. All the specimen cavities were treated with Prime & Bond$^{R}$ NT dental adhesive system (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions and cured for 10 seconds except group VI which were cured for 3 seconds. All the cavities were restored with resin composite Spectrum$^{TM}$ TPH A2 (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Germany) in a bulk. Resin composites were light-cured under 4 different modes. A regular intensity group (600 mW/${cm}^2$, group I) was irradiated for 30 s, a low intensity group (300 mW/${cm}^2$, group II) for 60 s and a ultra-high intensity group (1930 mW/${cm}^2$, group IV) for 3 s. A pulse-delay group (group III) was irradiated with 400 mW/${cm}^2$ for 2 s followed by 800 mW/${cm}^2$ for 10 s after 5 minutes delay. The Spectrum$^{TM}$ 800 (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Germany) light-curing units were used for groups I, II and III and Apollo 95E (DMD, U.S.A.) was used for group IV. The composite resin specimens were finished and polished immediately after light curing except group III which were finished and polished during delaying time. Specimens were stored in a physiologic saline solution at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours. After thermocycling (500$\times$, 5-55$^{\circ}C$), all teeth were covered with nail varnish up to 0.5 mm from the margins of the restorations, immersed in 37$^{\circ}C$, 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours, and rinsed with tap water for 24 hours. After embedding in clear resin, the specimens were sectioned with a water-cooled diamond saw (Isomet$^{TM}$, Buehler Co., Lake Bluff, IL, U.S.A.) along the longitudinal axis of the tooth so as to pass the center of the restorations. The cut surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope (SZ-PT Olympus, Japan) at ${\times}$25 magnification, and the images were captured with a CCD camera (GP-KR222, Panasonic, Japan) and stored in a computer with Studio Grabber program. Dye penetration depth at the restoration/dentin and the restoration/enamel interfaces was measured as a rate of the entire depth of the restoration using a software (Scion image, Scion Corp., U.S.A.) The data were analysed statistically using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's method. The results were as follows : 1. Pulse-Delay group did not show any significant difference in dye penetration rate from other groups at enamel and dentin margins (p>0.05) 2. At dentin margin, ultra-high intensity group showed significantly higher dye penetration rate than both regular intensity group and low intensity group (p<0.05). 3. At enamel margin, there were no statistically significant difference among four groups (p>0.05). 4. Dentin margin showed significantly higher dye penetration rate than enamel margin in all groups (p<0.05).

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.252-258
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• 2001

Purpose : The objectives of this study are to investigate the significance of apoptotic death compared to total cell death after $\gamma-ray$ irradiation in human H&N cancer cell lines and to find out correlation between apoptosis and radiation sensitivity. Materials and method : Head and neck cancer cell lines (PCI-1, PCI-13, and SNU-1066), leukemia cell line (CCRF-CEM), and fibroblast cell line (LM217) as a normal control were used for this study. Cells were irradiated using Cs-137 animal experiment irradiator. Total cell death was measured by clonogenic assay. Annexin-V staining was used to detect the fraction of apoptotic death. Results : Surviving fraction at 2 Gy (SF2) were 0.741, 0.544, 0.313, 0.302, and 0.100 for PCI-1, PCI-13, SNU-1066, CCRF-CEM, and LM217 cell lines, respectively. Apoptosis was detected in all cell lines. Apoptotic index reached peak value at 72 hours after irradiation in head and neck cancer cell lines, and that was at 24 hours in CCRF-CEM and LM217. Total cell death increased exponentially with increasing radiation dose from 0 Gy to 8 Gy, but the change was minimal in apoptotic index. Apoptotic fractions at 2 Gy were $46\%,\;48\%,\;46\%,\;24\%,\;and\;19\%$ and at 6 Gy were $20\%,\;33\%,\;35\%,\;17\%,\;and\;20\%$ for PCI-1, PCI-13, SNU-1066, CCRF-CEM, and LM217, respectively. The radioresistant cell lines showed more higher apoptotic fraction at 2 Gy, but there was not such correlation at 6 Gy. Conclusion : All cell lines used in this study showed apoptosis after irradiation, but time course of apoptosis was different from that of leukemia cell line and normal fibroblast cell line. Reproductive cell death was more important mode of cell death than apoptotic death in all cell lines used in this study. But there was correlation between apoptotic fraction and radiation sensitivity at 2 Gy.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.189-198
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• 2006

Objective: We previously described that Diva is highly expressed in matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes compared to immature germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes in mouse. We report here that the expression of Diva transcript as well as protein is oocyte-specific. To elucidate its physiological role in oocyte, the binding partner(s) of Diva has been identified by using immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by Mass Spectrometry. Methods: NIH/3T3 cells were transiently transfected for 24 h with either empty vector for control or FLAG-tagged mouse Diva construct, and IP was performed with anti-FLAG antibody. The immuno-isolated complexes were resolved by SDS-PAGE on a 12% gel followed by Coomassie Blue staining. For in-gel digestion, 15 bands of interest were excised manually and digested with trypsin. All mass spectra were acquired at a positive reflector mode by a 4700 Proteomics Analyzer (Applied Biosystems, Framingham, MA). Proteins were identified by searching the NCBI nonredundant database using MASCOT Peptide Mass Fingerprint software (Matrixscience, London). Results: Diva-associated complexes were formed in FLAG-tagged mouse Diva-overexpressed NIH/3T3 cells via IP using anti-FLAG-conjugated beads. Among the excised 15 bands, actin and actin-binding proteins such as tropomyosin, tropomodulin 3, and ${\alpha}$-actinin were identified. Binding between Diva and actin or tropomyosin was confirmed by IP followed by Western blot analysis. Both bindings were also detected endogenously in mouse ovaries, indicating that Diva works with actin and tropomyosin. Conclusions: This is the first report that immuno-isolated Diva-associated complexes are related to actin filament of the cytoskeletal system. When we consider the association of Diva with actin and tropomyosin, oocyte-specific Diva may play a role in modulating the cytoskeletal system during oocyte maturation.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.372-379
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• 2007

A high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization (HPLC-ESI) tandem MS was developed for the rapid and simultaneous determination of forbidden medicines in dietary supplements. Thirteen medicinal components such as PDE-5 inhibitors and their analogues, and the newly identified dimethylsildenafil and xanthoanthrafil, were included in this study. After tentative standardization of molecular ions in both polarities using thirteen references on the mass spectrometer, with ESI-continuous infusion via the syringe pump method, the relative intensity of the ions present in the resulting spectra was quantitatively compared. From the results, the ion mode was selected depending on each reference's characteristics. A HPLC method coupled with the ESI mode was developed considering the matrix effect and interference depending on the type of sample. The validation test of the developed method was followed by carrying out precision, accuracy, recovery, sensitivity and linearity, etc. The method showed sufficiently high sensitivity, reproducibility, and specificity, and produced 4 times faster results when compared with the existing HPLC/UV method for the determination of forbidden compounds in dietary supplements.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.119-126
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• 2012

State of problem: Cement-retained implant-supported prostheses are routinely used in dentistry. The use of high strength cements has become more popular with the increasing confidence in the stability of the implant-abutment screw connection and the high survival rates of osseointegrated implants. No clinical data on retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM. To evaluate retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM system bonded to short titanium abutment with four different cements and compare retentive strength of metal copings with sandblasting or without sandblasting before cementation. Forty titanium abutment blocks were fabricated and divided into 4 groups of 10 samples each. Forty metal copings with occlusal hole to allow for retention testing were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. The four cements were Fujicem(Fuji, Japan), Maxcem Elite(Kerr, USA), Panavia F2.0(Kurarary, Japan) and Superbond C&B(Sunmedical, Japan). The copings were cemented on the titanium abutment according to manufacture's recommendation. All samples were stored for 24h at 37oC in 100% humidity and tested for retention using universal testing machine(Instron) at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min. Force at retentive failure was recorded in Newton. The mode of failure was also recorded. Means and standard deviations of loads at failure were analyzed using ANOVA and Paired t-test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Panavia F2.0 provided significantly higher retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(P<0.05). Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The mode of failure was cement remaining principally on metal copings. Within the limitation of this study, Panavia F2.0 showed significantly stronger retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(p<0.05). The Ranking order of the cements to retain the copings was Panavia F2.0, Fujicem = Maxcem Elite. Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The retentive strength of metal copings on implant abutment were influenced by surface roughness and type of cements.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.47-70
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• 1985

This study was presented of the 1,872 cases of infertile couples who visited and examined at the sterility clinic of Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital from Sept., 1980 to Dec., 1983. Age, duration of infertility, past medical history, and other general factors were analyzed, and the factors responsible for infertility were classified and discussed. Mode of treatment, outcome of pregnancy, pregnancy rate responsible for each factor were also presented. The results were as follows: 1) The infertility was primary in 1,128, or 60.3% and secondary in 744, or 39.7%. 2) The age between 26 and 30 years of age comprised about one half of the total patients. 3) The duration of infertility between 1 and 4 years comprised about three quarters of the total patients, and the mean duration was 3.8 years. 4) The most common medical history in primary infertility was tuberculous disease, and that in secondary infertility was history of previous laparotomy. 5) About two thirds of antecedent pregnancies were abortion. 6) The major etiologic factor of infertility were male factor in 12.3%, tubal factor in 38.8%, ovulatory failure in 25.4%, uterine factor in 8.8%, cervical factor in 5.2%, peritoneal factor in 9.5%, and no demonstrable cause in 11.3%. 7) The types of male factor were azoospermia in 61.6%, oligospermia in 25.8%, low motility in 11.6%, and other abnormality in 1.0%. 8) The types of ovulatory failure were ovarian failure in 7.4%, hypothalamo-pituitary failure in 8.1 %, hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction (including Polycystic ovarian syndrome) in 30.2%, and hyperprolactinemia in 22.4%. 9) The types of uterine factor were endometrial tuberculosis in 27.5%, uterine synechia in 33.8%, uterine anomaly in 19.7%, myoma and polyp in 9.1 %, and luteal phase defect in 9.9%. 10) The types of peritoneal factor were pelvic adhesion in 80.9% and endometriosis in 19.6%. 11) Surgeries were done in 408 patients, and they were salpingolysis, lysis of extraadnexal adhesion, salpingostomy, fimbrioplasty, ovarian wedge resection for polycystic ovarian disease, tubo-tubal anastomosis, and tubo-uterine implantation in orders. 12) 243 pregnancies were achieved during the infertility work-up, of which livebirth was 46.5%, ectopic pregnancy was 7.4%, spontaneous abortion was 7.8%, and on-going pregnancy or lost to follow-up was 36.2%. 13) Pregnancy rates in various factors were male factor in 18.7%, ovulatory factor in 31.7%, tubal factor in 24.2%, uterine factor in 34.6%, cervical factor in 19.0%, peritoneal factor in 29.0%, combined factors in 10.5%, and unexplained infertility in 37.1%. Pregnancy rate in whole patients was 25.2%.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2000

To predict the absorption behavior of carbon dioxide on membrane contactor, an aqueous potassium carbonate solution as an absorbent. The reversible reactions of carbon dioxide with chemicals were considered, and the physicochemical properties of reaction rate constants, equilibrium constants, solubilities and diffusion coefficients were used as a function of concentration of carbon dioxide and the temperature. A non-wetted mode was also used as an operating condition of the membrane contactor. In these operation conditions, the effect of the following system parameters were studied : the concentration of potassium carbonate, the velocity of the absorbent and the pressure of the mixture gas. The absorption behavior of carbon dioxide caused by a facilitated transport was observed as the increment of the concentration of the absorbent. The absorption rate of carbon dioxide was increased as the absorbent velocity was increased. Furthermore, it was found that the pressure if the mixture gas and the reuse number of absorbent affect severely the absorption rate of carbon dioxide. The absorption behavior was successfully predicted by the computer simulation using the system parameters which are important for design and operation of the membrane contactor.