• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2010

Purpose : We aimed to investigate the clinical and phylogenetic characteristics of Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infections (E. coli UTI). Methods : We enrolled patients with culture-proven E. coli UTI, who were admitted at the study hospital from September 2008 to August 2009. We investigated clinical data of patients with E. coli UTI and characteristics of isolated E. coli strains. The phylogenetic groups were classified using triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the distribution of nine virulent genes was determined by multiplex PCR. Results : A total of 47 patients have participated in this study. Thirty (63.8%) were under 6 months; eight (17.0%) were between 6-12 months; and nine (19.1%) were over 12 months. We compared two age groups between under 6-month and over 6-month. In the age group under 6-month, higher proportion of male (P =0.002) and group B2 strains (P =0.020) were observed. In contrast, higher proportion of female and group non-B2 strains were observed in age group over 6-month. Frequencies of papC, papGII, papGIII, sfa/foc, hlyC, cnf1, fyuA, iroN and iucC were estimated as 68.1%, 57.4%, 42.6%, 46.8%, 46.8%, 31.9%, 87.2%, 48.9% and 63.8%, respectively. In the comparison of phylogenetic groups, group B2 showed higher distribution of virulent genes, while group D included more strains resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) than other groups. Conclusion : We showed the age group-specific difference in the distribution of sex ratios and phylogenetic groups; more male and group B2 strains in age group under 6-month, while more female and group non-B2 in age group over 6-month. However, further evaluation including larger number of patients will be necessary to confirm above thesis in future molecular epidemiological studies.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.745-751
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• 2015

This study was performed to investigate the quality characteristics such as pH, total acidity, browning index, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), fructose, S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), total polyphenol, and DPPH radical scavenging activity of aged garlic at different aging temperatures and periods. Aging temperature and period had a significant (p<0.05) effect on the quality characteristics of garlic. The pH in aged garlic significantly (p<0.05) decreased with increasing aging temperatures and periods, while the total acidity, browning index, and 5-HMF levels increased. The 5-HMF levels in garlic aged at 60 and $70^{\circ}C$ increased from 0.08~3.30 and from 0.05~106.07 mg/100 g, respectively. The fructose content in garlic aged at $60^{\circ}C$ gradually increased from 0.77 to 14.57%, while that of garlic aged at $70^{\circ}C$ increased from 1.07 to 19.75% until day 30, after which it decreased. The SAC level in raw garlic was 47.09 mg/100 g. The SAC contents of aged garlic differed significantly according to aging temperature and period. The SAC levels in garlic aged at $60^{\circ}C$ and $70^{\circ}C$ were in the range of 15.28~100.5 and 12.41~85.55 mg/100 g, respectively. The total polyphenol contents of garlic aged at $60^{\circ}C$ and $70^{\circ}C$ were 6.01 and 6.67 fold higher, respectively, than those in raw garlic. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of aged garlic also showed a tendency to increase during aging.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.163-171
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the incidence, causative pathogens, risk factors and mortality for early onset sepsis in the first three days in very low birth weight infants. Methods: The medical records of 1,124 very low birth weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center between November 1994 and December 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence, causative pathogens, risk factors, and mortality for early onset sepsis in the first 3 days of life in very low birth weight infants were evaluated. Results: Early onset sepsis, as confirmed by positive blood cultures, was present in 17 of 1,124 infants (1.5%). Sixty-four percent of the isolated pathogens were gram-positive bacteria and 35% of the isolated pathogens were gram-negative bacteria. The dominant pathogens of early onset sepsis included Staphylococcus aureus (23.5%), Esherichia coli (23.5%), and Enterococcus (17.6%). Vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-10.3; P=0.01) was associated with early onset sepsis. The overall mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4-6.5; adjusted P=0.0039) and mortality within 72 hours of life (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.5; 95% CI, 2.2-18.9; adjusted P=0.0005) of infants with early onset sepsis were higher than that of uninfected infants. Conclusion: Early onset sepsis remains an uncommon, but potentially lethal problem among very low birth weight infants. Knowledge of the likely causative organisms and risk factors for early onset sepsis can aid in instituting prompt and appropriate therapy, in order to minimize mortality.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.228-232
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• 2006

Purpose: electrophilic $^{18}F(T_{1/2}=110\;min)$ radionuclide in the form of $[^{18}F]F_2$ gas is of great significance for labeling radiopharmaceuticals for positron omission tomography (PET). However, its production In high yield and with high specific radioactivity is still a challenge to overcome several problems on targetry. The aim of the present study was to develop a method suitable for the routine production of $[^{18}F]F_2$ for the electrophilic substitution reaction. Materials and Methods: The target was designed water-cooled aluminum target chamber system with a conical bore shape. Production of the elemental fluorine was carried out via the $^{18}O(p,n)^{18}F$ reaction using a two-step irradiation protocol. In the first irradiation, the target filled with highly enriched $^{18}O_2$ was irradiated with protons for $^{18}F$ production, which were adsorbed on the inner surface of target body. In the second irradiation, the mixed gas ($1%[^{19}F]F_2/Ar$) was leaded into the target chamber, fellowing a short irradiation of proton for isotopic exchange between the carrier-fluorine and the radiofluorine absorbed in the target chamber. Optimization of production was performed as the function of irradiation time, the beam current and $^{18}O_2$ loading pressure. Results: Production runs was performed under the following optimum conditions: The 1st irradiation for the nuclear reaction (15.0 bar of 97% enriched $^{18}O_2$, 13.2 MeV protons, 30 ${\mu}A$, 60-90 min irradiation), the recovery of enriched oxygen via cryogenic pumping; The 2nd irradiation for the recovery of absorbed radiofluorine (12.0 bar of 1% $[^{19}F]fluorine/argon$ gas, 13.2 MeV protons, 30 ${\mu}A$, 20-30 min irradiation) the recovery of $[^{18}F]fluorine$ for synthesis. The yield of $[^{18}F]fluorine$ at EOB (end of bombardment) was achieved around $34{\pm}6.0$ GBq (n>10). Conclusion: The production of $^{18}F$ electrophilic agent via $^{18}O(p,n)^{18}F$ reaction was much under investigation. Especially, an aluminum gas target was very advantageous for routine production of $[^{18}F]fluorine$. These results suggest the possibility to use $[^{18}F]F_2$ gas as a electrophilic substitution agent.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.108 no.4
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• pp.592-599
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• 2019

This study aimed to develop an equation for estimating stem volume for Larix kaempferiin South Korea using independent variables, diameter at breast height (DBH), and height as being closely associated with stem volume. Analysis was conducted on the growth performance of 2,840 Larix kaempferi samples across South Korea after felling them and gleaning diameter data according to both stem height and stem analyses. In order to test the fitness of six different stem taper equations, empirical assessment was conducted for fitness index (FI), bias, mean, and absolute deviation (MAD), and coefficient variation (%CV). The two selectedmodels found to be optimal were the following: model one (V=a+bDBH²), established by employing DBH only; and model four (V=a+bDBH²H), established by utilizing DBH and height, respectively. The findings of non-linear regression indicated statistical significance (p < 0.05) in a and b, which were the coefficients for the intercepts and slopes of the models. The FI of the models ranged between 94% and 99%, and the bias was close to zero, while MAD ranged from 0.01 to 0.05, and %CV from 5.97 to 14.43, indicating a high level of fitness. Thus, using the suggested models, the basic information necessary for forest management was obtained, and an estimation of the stem volume was effected without delay soon after effecting DBH and height measurements.

• Korean Journal of Dental Materials
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.151-161
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of shade and thickness of resin-nanoceramic CAD-CAM block (RNB) on the microhardness of dual-cured resin cement, as well as to measure the number of photons transmitted through RNBs of different thicknesses and colors. One dual-cured resin cement was used to prepare resin cement specimens. Resin cement specimens were light-cured for 40 seconds through 3 shades (A1, A2, A3 in HT (high translucency) and LT (low translucency) respectively) and four thicknesses (1, 2, 3, 4 mm) of RNB specimens. Vickers microhardness measurements of resin cement specimens were performed using a Vickers hardness tester. The light transmission of RNB specimens was measured using a spectrometer (SpectroPro-500, Acton Research, Acton, MA, U.S.A.), and the translucency parameter was calculated using the CIEL*a*b* system. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. There was a significant decrease of microhardness of resin cement specimen with an overlay of 4 mm of RNB thickness and A3 shade in comparison to A1 and 1 mm, respectively (p<0.05). The translucency parameter values and light transmission of RNBs tested differed significantly, according to the thicknesses of the specimen (p<0.05). Light transmission is decreased with increase in the thicknesses of RNBs. Shade A1 transmitted more light than darker blocks. A decrease in microhardness of resin cement specimens was observed with increasing thickness and shade (A1 to A3) of RNBs.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2012

Objectives : The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Hwangryunhaedok-tang (HHT) and Gungangbuja-tang (GBT) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse model of inflammation. HHT and GBT are one of the representative prescriptions of cold drug and one of the representative prescriptions of hot drug, respectively. For experimental evaluation of their efficacy, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of HHT and GBT on LPS-induced inflammation and the mechanisms of their action. Methods : ICR mice were given a HHT (50, 500 mg/kg), GBT (100, 1000 mg/kg) extract orally on three consecutive days. On the third day, they were administered LPS intraperitoneally (35 mg/kg), 1 h after the last sample administration. Blood and liver samples were taken 6 h after the LPS challenge. Cytokine expression and inflammation-related protein factor analyses were performed by Western blotting. Results : Oral administration of HHT significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon (IFN)-${\gamma}$ in the serum. While GBT inhibited an increase of IL-6, IFN-${\gamma}$ was not affected. Immunoblot analysis showed that LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}b$ activation was inhibited by GBT, meanwhile HHT only inhibited NF-${\kappa}b$ expression at high does (500 mg/kg). In addition, HHT and GBT inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2, Jnk and p38 MAPKs. GBT also significantly inhibited i-Nos and Cox-2 expression, and HHT inhibited only i-Nos expression. Conclusions : Both of HHT and GBT showed anti-inflammatory effects against LPS-induced endotoxemia. However, HHT significantly decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, such as IL-6 and IFN-${\gamma}$ more than GBT, while GBT significantly inhibited inflammatory proteins, including NF-${\kappa}b$, MAP Kinases, i-Nos and Cox-2, more than HHT. These results suggest that HHT and GBT regulate the different mechanisms of action and pathways, presumably by regulating cytokine levels (IL-6, IFN-${\gamma}$), NF-${\kappa}b$ activation, and several pro-inflammatory gene expression, although both of HHT and GBT have anti-inflammatory effects.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 1988

In this experiment, interactions between light and other factors such as chilling, alternating temperature, moisture, content, oxygen, and seed coat which affect germination of Oenothera lamarckiana Ser. seed were investigated to study the physiological effects of light on the germination. Light induced the initial stage of seed germination before radical protrusion by affecting embryo rather than seed coat even under anaerobic condition or low water potential (-18 bars). This light effect on germinability of seed was suppressed by blue light irradiation and the effect was increased with increment of blue light intensity and irradiation time. However, the blue light effect was reversible. Chilling, alternating temperature, softening of seed coat and light showed promotive interaction in the induction of seed germination. Irradiation of filtered light (monochrome), however, reduced chilling effect on germination. Hydrogen-ion concentration and gibberellic acid treatment had no effect on light or dark germination.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.435-443
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• 2012

This study investigated soil carbon storage and microbial activities influenced by different management practices in rice paddies and pastures. Soils under a single-crop farming of rice (CON) and rice-Italian ryegrass rotation farming (IRG) were compared in Jangheung, Jeollanam-do, Seocheon and Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do. Soils from pastures were analyzed to investigate the effect of duration period (P1, P2, P3) in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do and Seosan, Chungcheongnam-do. In rice paddy, total and particulate carbon (PC) concentrations in the IRG soils were significantly higher than those in the CON soils both in Jangheung and Seocheon where the IRG has been established for three years, whereas carbon concentrations were not significantly different in Cheonan where IRG planting history is only one year. In rice paddy soils, PC was suggested as an early indicator to monitor changes in soil carbon storage followed by adopting different management practices. In pasture, total and PC concentrations increased with duration period especially in the 0-5 cm soils. Contrary to the rice paddy soils, the magnitude of change in PC concentration is not as great as that in total carbon concentration, implying that there is a need to develop a new early indicator other than PC using different fractionation scheme. The soil carbon storage in pasture also increased with years since establishment and the increasing rate was significantly greater in the early stage (0-5 yrs) than the later one (> 5 yrs). Microbial activities measured from fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis analysis were significantly lower in the IRG soils than CON soils, whereas no difference was observed in the pastures of different ages. This shows that FDA activity is not a sensitive indicator to differentiate soil qualities influenced by management practices if it is used by itself.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.17-32
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• 1984

There are numerous reports on the relative risk of pelvic inflammatory disease among the users versus the nonusers of intrauterine device. Reported relative risk varied from no difference between the two groups to 3-9 fold increase in the users. In an attempt to define this relative risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and related microorganisms ,pelvic organ observation and bacteriological study were done through laparoscopy. Specimens for microbiologic culture were obtained simultaneously from the fallopian tubes via laparoscopy and from the endocervix via regular pelvic examination method. The study population was consisted of 30 I.U.D.users and 35 J.U.D.nonusers who visited the Yonsei University Severance Hospital and the Sung-Ga Hospital for laparoscopic sterilization. The results obtained were as follows: 1. There was no difference in age distribution, economic status and numbers of parity and abortion between I.U.D. users and I.U.D. nonusers. 2. The pelvic inflammatory findings were noted on laparoscopy in 2 cases of I.U.D. users, with an incidence of 6.6%. And no pelvic inflammatory finding was noted in any of the nonusers,but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.005). 3. All the bacteriologic culture of the specimens from the fallopian tubes of both groups yielded negative results. 4. The bacteriologic culture of the spec imens f rom the endocervix revealed more frequent isolation of possible pathogen such as Hem ophilus ,alpha-Streptococcus ,Corynebacteria, Bacteroides in the I.U.D.users than in the nonusers.But,this difference was also not statistically significant (p>0.005).