• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.21-31
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• 2019

Objective: This study was performed to explore the effect of different bracket, archwire, and ligature combinations on resistance to sliding (RS) and rotational control in first-order angulation. Methods: Three types of brackets (multi-level low friction [MLF], self-ligating, and conventional brackets) coupled with four nickel-titanium archwires (0.012, 0.014, 0.016, and 0.018-inch diameter) and two stainless steel ligatures (0.20 and 0.25 mm) were tested in different first-order angulations ($0^{\circ}$, $2^{\circ}$, $4^{\circ}$, $6^{\circ}$, $8^{\circ}$, $10^{\circ}$, $15^{\circ}$, $20^{\circ}$) by using an Instron universal mechanical machine in the dry state at room temperature. RS value was evaluated and compared by one-way ANOVA. Results: Under the same angulation, the RS values showed the following order: conventional brackets > MLF brackets > self-ligating brackets. The RS was the highest for conventional brackets and showed a tendency to increase. The RS for MLF brackets coupled with thinner archwires and ligatures showed a similar tendency as the RS for the self-ligating bracket. In contrast, the RS for MLF brackets coupled with thicker archwires and ligatures increased like that for conventional brackets. MLF brackets showed the greatest range of critical contact angles in first-order angulation. Conclusions: The RS in first-order angulation is influenced by bracket design, archwire, and ligature dimension. In comparison with self-ligating and conventional brackets, MLF brackets could express low friction and rotational control with their greater range of critical contact angles.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.111-123
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• 2010

Backgrounds : Stroke is characterized by loss of brain functions due to a disturbance in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, and classified into hemorrhage and ischemia. Stroke is known to be affected by genetic factors and other diseases such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. However, the distinctive association between stroke and genetic variations has not discovered yet. Objectives : This study investigated the effects of fibrinogen level and genetic variations in FGA (Fibrinogen alpha chain) gene on stroke in Korean stroke patients and controls. Methods : DNA samples from 674 stroke patients diagnosed by Oriental medical hospitals and 267 controls were used in this study. Two common single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) with high minor allele frequency(MAF), rs2070011G/A of promoter region and nonsynonymous rs6050A/G of exon 5 in FGA gene, were targeted for Taqman genotyping. Because the TOAST classification is important to the factors and symptoms of stroke, ischemic patients were further classified into five subtypes using diagnosis and clinical data. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used for clinical data and genetic association, respectively. Haploview v4.1 program was used for linkage disequilibrium(LD), haplotype and haplotype block analysis. Results : The levels of red blood cells and fibrinogen from clinical data were shown to be significant factors for the sub-groups of TOAST classification. No significant associations of stroke, hemorrhage, ischemic and subtypes of TOAST with rs2070011 and rs6050 of FGA gene were found(P > 0.05). However, rs2070011 in promoter region and nonsynonymous rs6050 in exon 5 which produce the amino acid change from threonine to alanine showed a haplotype block and three haplotypes of A-G, G-A, A-A, suggesting that rs2070011 and rs6050 might be co-segregated in generic recombination. Although A-A haplotype of stroke patients showed 64-69% low frequency compared to controls, there was no significant association between stroke and haplotype(P > 0.05). Conclusion : This study showed that there was no significant association between stroke and two SNP of rs2070011G/A and nonsynonymous rs6050A/G in FGA gene. However, these two SNP compose a haplotype block and three haplotypes of A-G, G-A, A-A. This finding suggests that rs2070011 and rs6050 are so close as to be positioned as linkage disequilibrium. Nevertheless, no significant association between haplotypes and stroke was found.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.377-383
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• 2012

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified a number of common variants associated with blood pressure homeostasis and hypertension in population. In the previous study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC4A4 gene have been reported to be associated with hypertension in Han Chinese population. We aimed to confirm whether the genetic variation of SLC4A4 gene influence the susceptibility to blood pressure and hypertension in Korean population. We genotyped variants in or near SLC4A4 in a population-based cohort including 7,551 unrelated Korean from Ansan and Ansung. Here, we performed association analysis to elucidate the possible relations of genetic polymorphisms in SLC4A4 gene with blood pressure traits. By examining genotype data of a total of 7,551 subjects in the Korean Association REsource (KARE) study, we discovered the SLC4A4 gene polymorphisms are associated with blood pressure and hypertension. The common and highest significant polymorphism was rs6846301 (${\beta}$=0.839, additive P=0.032) with systolic blood pressure (SBP), rs6846301 (${\beta}$=0.588, additive P=0.027) with diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rs6846301 (OR=1.23, CI: 1.09~1.40, additive $P=1.2{\times}10^{-3}$) with hypertension. Furthermore, the SNP rs6846301 was consistently associated with both blood pressure and hypertension. Consequently, we found statistically significant SNPs in SLC4A4 gene that are associated with both blood pressure and hypertension traits. In addition, these results suggest that the individuals with the minor alleles of the SNP in the SLC4A4 gene may be more susceptible to the development of hypertension in the Korean population.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.755-760
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to produce resistant starch preparations from acid-modified com starches prepared at various hydrolysis levels (0.5-4.0 hr). Effect of autoclaving cycles on resistant starch (RS) formation was investigated. Molecular weight distribution, pasting and functional properties of acid-modified com starches were determined. For RS formation native and acid-modified starch samples were gelatinized and autoclaved (1 or 2 cycles). While native and acid-modified starches did not contain any RS, the levels increased to 9.0-13.5% as a result of storage at $95^{\circ}C$ after first autoclaving cycle. Second autoclaving cycle together with storage at $95^{\circ}C$ brought final RS contents of the samples incubated at 4 and $95^{\circ}C$ after the first cycle to comparable level. As acid modification level increased, the amount of high molecular weight fractions decreased, resulting in significant decreases in viscosities (p<0.05). The samples produced in this study had low emulsion stability and capacity values.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.119-125
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• 2007

It is widely known that protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are involved in controlling many biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. An $\alpha3\beta4$ subunit combination acts as a major functional acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) in male rat major pelvic ganglion (MPG) neurons, and their activation induces fast inward currents and intracellular calcium increases. Recently it has been reported that the activity of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in some neurons can be negatively regulated by PTKs. However, the exact mechanism of regulation of nAChRs by PTKs is poorly understood. Therefore, we examined the potential role particular in nAChR by PTK using electrophysiology and calcium imaging in male rat MPG neurons. ACh induced inward currents and $(Ca^{2+})_i$ increases in MPG neurons, concomitantly. These responses were inhibited by more than 90% in $Na^+$- or $Ca^{2+}$- free solution. $\alpha$-conotoxin AuIB, a selective $\alpha3\beta4$ nAChR blocket, inhibited ACh-induced inward currents. Genistein (10 $\mu$M), a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor, markedly decreased ACh-induced currents and $Ca^{2+}$ transients, whereas 10 $\mu$M genistin, an inactive analogue, had little effect. Overall these data suggest that the activities of $\alpha3\beta4$ AChRs in MPG neurons are positively regulated by PTK. In conclusion, trosine kinase may be one of the key factors in the regulation of $\alpha3\beta4$ nAChRs in rat MPG neurons, which may play an important roles in the autonomic neuronal function such as synaptic transmission, autonomic reflex, and neuronal plasticity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.378-384
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• 2009

Objective : In order to establish the role of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) in large intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), we analyzed clinical characteristics, radiological features, and radiosurgical outcomes. Methods : Between March 1992 and March 2005, 28 of 33 patients with large AVMs (> $10\;cm^3$ in nidus-volume) who were treated with GKS underwent single session radiosurgery (RS), and the other 5 patients underwent staged volumetric RS. Retrospectively collected data were available in 23 cases. We analyzed treatment outcomes in each subdivided groups and according to the AVM sizes. We compared the estimated volume, defined as primarily estimated nidus volume using MR images, with real target volume after excluding draining veins and feeding arteries embedded into the nidus. Results : Regarding those patients who underwent single session RS, 44.4% (8/18) had complete obliteration; regarding staged volumetric RS, the obliteration rate was 40% (2/5). The complete obliteration rate was 60% (6/10) in the smaller nidus group ($10-15\;cm^3$ size), and 25% (2/8) in the larger nidus group (over $15\;cm^3$ size). One case of cerebral edema and two cases (8.7%) of hemorrhage were seen during the latent period. The mean real target volume for 18 single sessions of RS was $17.1\;cm^3$ ($10.1-38.4\;cm^3$), in contrast with the mean estimated volume of $20.9\;cm^3$ ($12.0-45.0\;cm^3$). Conclusion : The radiosurgical treatment outcomes of large AVMs are generally poor. However, we presume that the recent development in planning software and imaging devices aid more accurate measurement of the nidus volume, therefore improving the treatment outcome.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.111-124
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• 2012

Feeding trial was conducted with 80 Hanwoo steers (7.5 months of age, 204.4 kg body weight) for 680 days from growing period to late fattening period to examine the feeding value of whole crop barley silage TMR (BS-TMR) and whole crop rye silage TMR (RS-TMR) on body gain, feed cost, slaughter characteristics and quality characteristics of $longissimus$ $dorsi$ muscle. Dietary treatments were conventional separate feeding of concentrate and rice straw (control), feeding BS TMR up to middle fattening period and same diet as for control during late fattening period (BS-TMR I), feeding BS-TMR for whole experimental period (BS-TMR II), feeding RS TMR up to middle fattening period and same diet as for control during late fattening period (RS-TMR I) and RS TMR for whole experimental period (RS-TMR II). Sixteen castrated calves were assigned to each treatment (4 pens, 4 heads per pen). Pens in each treatment were randomly distributed. Feeding both BS silage TMR and RS silage TMR slightly increased body gain of Hanwoo steers at the stages of growing and early fattening, and increased (P<0.0001) at middle fattening compared to feeding control diet while control diet tended to increase body gain at late fattening stage compared to feeding BS-TMR I, BS-TMR II and RS-TMR I diets. Total body gain was slightly increased in Hanwoo steers fed both I and II for BS and RS TMR compared to that in control diet. Feed cost per kg gain per head was relatively low in the Hanwoo steers fed silage TMRs to that fed control diet. Carcass weight, back fat thickness and $longissimus$ $dorsi$ area of Hanwoo steers tended to increase but lowered (P<0.047) yield index by feeding silage TMRs. Feeding BS TMR slightly decreased marbling score but no difference was found in the number of head over grade 1 between diets. Control diet tended to improve yield grade compared to silage TMRs. Chemical composition, water holding capacity, drip loss, cooking loss and pH, color and fatty acid composition of $longissimus$ $dorsi$ were not affected by experimental diets and feeding duration of silage TMRs. Shear force, however, was increased (P<0.046) by silage TMRs without difference between them compared to control diet. Based on the results of the current study, BS TMR and RS TMR could improve body gain and reduce feed cost without deteriorating meat quality compared to separate feeding of concentrate and rice straw. Overall feeding value was similar between BS TMR and RS TMR.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.293-298
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• 2011

Objective : The extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell adhesion molecules play crucial roles in angiogenesis, apoptosis, thrombosis, and inflammation, and also contribute to the pathogenesis of stroke. Integrin, alpha 6 (ITGA6) is a member of ECM adhesion receptors. We investigated whether two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs11895564, Ala380Thr; rs2293649, Asp694Asp) of ITGA6 were associated with the development and clinical phenotypes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke (IS). Methods : We enrolled 199 stroke (78 ICH and 121 IS) and 291 control subjects. Stroke patients were divided into subgroups according to the scores of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Survey (NIHSS, <6 and ${\geq}6$) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI, <60 and ${\geq}60$). SNPStats, SNPAnalyzer, and Helixtree programs were used to calculate odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and p values. Multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze genetic data. Results : A missense SNP rs11895564 was associated with the development of ICH (p=0.026 in codominant2, p=0.013 in recessive, p=0.02 in log-additive models; p=0.041 in allele distributions). The A allele frequency of rs11895564 was higher in the ICH group (13.5%) than in the control group (8.1%). In the clinical phenotypes, rs11895564 and rs2293649 showed significant associations in the MBI scores of IS (p=0.014 in codominant1 model; p=0.02 in allele distributions) and NIHSS scores of ICH (p=0.017 in codominant2, p=0.035 in recessive, p=0.035 in log-additive models), respectively. Conclusion : These results suggest that ITGA6 may be associated with the development and clinical phenotypes of stroke in Korean population.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.411-423
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• 2011

This study was conducted to quantify soil $CO_2$ efflux using the continuous measurement method and to examine the applicability of an automatic continuous measurement system in a Korean deciduous broad-leaved forest. Soil respiration rate (Rs) was assessed through continuous measurements during the 2004-2005 full growing seasons using an automatic opening/closing chamber system in sections of a Gwangneung temperate deciduous forest, Korea. The study site was an old-growth natural mixed deciduous forest approximately 80 years old. For each full growth season, the annual Rs, which had a gap that was filled with data using an exponential function derived from soil temperature (Ts) at 5-cm depth, and Rs values collected in each season were 2,738.1 g $CO_2$ $m^{-2}y^{-1}$ in 2004 and 3,355.1 g $CO_2$ $m^{-2}y^{-1}$ in 2005. However, the diurnal variation in Rs showed stronger correlations with Ts (r = 0.91, P < 0.001 in 2004, r = 0.87, P < 0.001 in 2005) and air temperature (Ta) (r = 0.84, P < 0.001 in 2004, r = 0.79, P < 0.001 in 2005) than with deep Ts during the spring season. However, the temperature functions derived from the Ts at various depths of 0, -2, -5, -10, and -20 cm revealed that the correlation coefficient decreased with increasing soil depth in the spring season, whereas it increased in the summer. Rs showed a weak correlation with precipitation (r = 0.25, P < 0.01) and soil water content (r = 0.28, P < 0.05). Additionally, the diurnal change in Rs revealed a higher correlation with Ta than that of Ts. The $Q_{10}$ values from spring to winter were calculated from each season's dataset and were 3.2, 1.5, 7.4, and 2.7 in 2004 and 6.0, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.6 in 2005; thus, showing high fluctuation within each season. The applicability of an automatic continuous system was demonstrated for collecting a high resolution soil $CO_2$ efflux dataset under various environmental conditions.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.49-54
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• 2018

With increasing satellite-based RS(Remotely Sensed) techniques, RS soil moisture footprints have been providing for various purposes at the spatio-temporal scales in hydrology, agriculture, etc. However, their coarse resolutions still limit the applicability of RS soil moisture to field regions. To overcome these drawbacks, the LDA(Landsat-based Downscaling Algorithm) was developed to downscale RS soil moisture footprints from the coarse- to finer-scales. LDA estimates Landsat-based soil moisture($30m{\times}30m$) values in a spatial domain, and then the weighting values based on the Landsat-based soil moisture estimates were derived at the finer-scale. Then, the coarse-scale RS soil moisture footprints can be downscaled based on the derived weighting values. The LW21(Little Washita) site in Oklahoma(USA) was selected to validate the LDA scheme. In-situ soil moisture data measured at the multiple sampling locations that can reprent the airborne sensing ESTAR(Electronically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer, $800m{\times}800m$) scale were available at the LW21 site. LDA downscaled the ESTAR soil moisture products, and the downscaled values were validated with the in-situ measurements. The soil moisture values downscaled from ESTAR were identified well with the in-situ measurements, although uncertainties exist. Furthermore, the SMAP(Soil Moisture Active & Passive, $9km{\times}9km$) soil moisture products were downscaled by the LDA. Although the validation works have limitations at the SMAP scale, the downscaled soil moisture values can represent the land surface condition. Thus, the LDA scheme can downscale RS soil moisture products with easy application and be helpful for efficient water management plans in hydrology, agriculture, environment, etc. at field regions.