• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.403-408
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• 2012

Gelatin/Ag nanoparticle (AgNP) biocomposite was synthesized using the solution plasma process (SPP) that has been recently introduced as an effective method for synthesis of nanoparticles. In this study, gelatin/AgNP biocomposite was synthesized using various concentrations of Ag precursor ($AgNO_3$) and gelatin in the range of 1-5 mM and 1-3% (w/w), respectively, without using any chemical reducing agent. Physical properties of the gelatin/AgNP biocomposites were analyzed using EDS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The results indicated that spherical AgNPs with approximately 12~20 nm in diameter were synthesized successfully in the gelatin matrix by SPP. As the concentration of gelatin was increased (3%, w/w), disperse stability of AgNP was improved and micro-pores of gelatin became smaller and denser in the 3D scaffold. Bactericidal activity of the AgNPs was examined against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by measuring zone of growth inhibition and decrease in colony forming unit (CFU). CFUs of S. aureus and E. coli were decreased approximately to 56% and 0%, respectively, by the gelatin/AgNP biocomposite, Ag5G3.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.445-458
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of a new Single step system with different curing mode composites, and to evaluate the effect of the intermediate resins which have different hydrophilicity on bonding ability by means of the micro shear bond testing and TEM examination for the adhesive interface. The adhesive used in this study was an experimental single step system (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg IL). Experimental groups were produced by using six kinds of intermediate resin having different hydrophilicity that was hydrophilic, hydrophobic and most hydrophobic resin and as filled or not after applying adhesive. Each experimental group was further divided into two subgroups whether the adhesive was light cured or not. Dual cured composite (Bis Core, Bisco Ltd., Schaumburg, IL) was placed on the adhesive layer as light cure or self cure mode. The results or bond strength were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA and multiple comparisons are made using Tukey's test at ${\alpha}\;<\;0.05$ level. The results of this study were as follows ; 1. The application of intermediate resin did not increase the bond strength for light cured composite. 2. The bond strength of an experimental adhesive with self cured composite was significantly increased by the application of intermediate resin layer. 3. The bond strength of adhesive was irrespective of the cure or not of itself before intermediate resin layer applied. 4. As applied hydrophilic resin layer was, the initial bond strength was higher than both hydrophobic and most hydrophobic one used but there was no significance. Using a single step adhesive with dual/self cured composite, the incompatibility between both of them should be solved by the application of intermediate hydrophobic resin to reduce the adhesive permeability. However, Single step adhesive can be used in the light cured composite restoration without any decrease of the initial bond strength.

• Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.170-178
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• 2015

In this study, we carry out a study on how to improve performance of vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) through promoting reaction rate of rate determining vanadium reaction ($[VO]^{2+}/[VO_2]^+$). In order to do that, three different carbons like Vulcan (XC-72), CMK3 and MSU-F-C are adopted as the catalysts, while their catalytic activity and reaction reversibility are evaluated using half-cell tests. Their topological images are also measured by TEM. For estimation of the VRFB performance, multiple charge-discharge curves of VRFBs including the catalysts are measured by single cell tests. As a result of that, MSU-F-C shows relatively excellent catalytic activity and reaction reversibility as well as large surface area compared to those of Vulcan (XC-72) and CMK3. Also, in terms of the performance of VRFBs including the catalysts, VRFB including MSU-F-C indicates (i) low charging/discharging overpotentials and low internal resistance, (ii) high charge/discharge capacities and (iii) high energy efficiency. These VRFB performance data are well agreed with results on catalytic activity and reaction reversibility. The reason that MSU-F-C induces superior VRFB performances is attributed to (i) its large surface area and (ii) its hydrophilic surface functional groups that mainly consist of hydroxyl bonds that are supposed to play active surface site role for facilitaing $[VO]^{2+}/[VO_2]^+$ redox reaction. Based on the above results, it is found that adoption of MSU-F-C as catalyst for VRFB results in improvement in VRFB performance by promoting the languid $[VO]^{2+}/[VO_2]^+$ redox reaction.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.77-86
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• 1998

Age-related changes in the lens capsule and epithelium of cataractous patients, ranging from 20 to 7o years old, were studied by means or LM, immunohistochemistry, and TEM. The lens capsule was divided into four zones; the anterior, subanterior, middle, and basal zone. The van Gieson staining reaction for collagen was prominent at the anterior and subanterior parts of the lens capsule. The reaction was more decreased in the elder group than the younger group. The collagen type IV reaction was prominent at the anterior zone of the lens capsule and around the cell. The reaction was more decreased in the elder group than the younger group. 3. The Periodic Acid Shiff-Alcian Blue reaction for mucopolysaccharide was prominent at the anterior zone of the lens capsule. The reaction was more decreased in the elder group than the younger group. The Apoptotic reaction was prominent at the nucleus of the lens epithelial cell. In the elder the cataractous group, the number of the apoptotic cells was more decreased. The electron microscopic change of lens epithelial cells were characterized by the increase of lateral fold and the cytoplasm with various vacuoles and Golgi complex. In the basal part, lens epithelial cell protruded toward the lens capsule in the 20-year-old group. The basal part of the 40-year-old group was flattened and covered with the cytoplasmic processes of adjacent cells. In the 60-year-old group, the mass of rough filaments separated lens capsule and the basal part of the lens epithelial cell. The electron microscopic change of the middle part of lens capsule was characterized by the aggregation of electron dense materials in the 40-year-old group, and the appearance of filamentous materials and the decrease of electron dense granules in the 60-year-old group.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.931-935
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• 2012

In this study, we fabricate and investigate low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with a ceramic substrate/porous metal/ceramic/porous metal structure. To realize low-temperature operation in solid oxide fuel cells, the membrane should be fabricated to have a thickness of the order of a few hundreds nanometers to minimize IR loss. Yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BYZ), a proton conductor, was used as the electrolyte. We deposited a 350-nm-thick Pt (anode) layer on a porous substrate by sputter deposition. We also deposited a 1-${\mu}m$-thick BYZ layer on the Pt anode using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Finally, we deposited a 200-nm-thick Pt (cathode) layer on the BYZ electrolyte by sputter deposition. The open circuit voltage (OCV) is 0.806 V, and the maximum power density is 11.9 mW/$cm^2$ at $350^{\circ}C$. Even though a fully dense electrolyte is deposited via PLD, a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image reveals many voids and defects.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.89-99
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• 1998

This study was carried out to investigate the morphological changes of gonadotropes in pituitary gland and spermatogenic cells in testis, obtained from 150 of 3-year-old immature and mature male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the reproductive cycles from March to February in the following year. In the maturation cycle of the pituitary gonadotropes of cultured rainbow trout, three periods can be distinguished i.e. a period of resting(March-August), a period of full spermatogenesis (September-November), and a period of breeding (December-February). The ultrastructures of the gonadotropes largely parallel the cyclical changes in the tests. The seminiferous tubules contain all spermatogenetic stages and sperm cells in a period of early maturation. At first, the size of the nucleus and cytoplasm decrease gradually at every stages from spermatogonia to spermatids. In the secondary spermatocytes, the small mitochondria are located over the outer cytoplam. In spermatids, the cytoplasmic masses move toward the posterior part of the nucleus. In spermatids, the two large mitochondria are located over the cytoplasm. In spermatids, the cytoplasmic masses move towark the posterior part of the nucleus. In spermatids, the two large mitochondria are located over the cytoplasm and begin to elongate. In spermatozoa, the surface of the nucleus devreases in volume. Examination by TEM shows that the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane are slightlywrinkled and closely adhered to the nucleus of spermatozoa. Two oval mitochondria are quite separated and the flagellum is inserted into the base of the spermatozoa head.The axoneme in this fish has the typical pattern such as nine peripheral doublets and a central doublet(9+2). there are remarkable individual differences in the size and morphology of spermatozoa head as observed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.130-137
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• 1992

The Graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile(AN) and styrene(ST) onto chloroprene rubber(CR) were carried out with benzoyl peroxide(BPO) as an initiator. The synthesized graft copolymer(ACS) was separated from polymeric mixture by the extraction with ethyl acetate and n-hexane, acetone and methanol, dimethylformamide(DMF) and methanol mixed solvent systems. The graft copolymer obtained, acrylonitrile-chloroprene-styrene(ACS) was identified by IR spectrophotometer. The effect of mole ratio of styrene to acrylonitrile, reaction time and temperature, initiator concentration, CR content and solvents on graft copolymerization were examined. It was observed that the grafting efficiency increased with [ST]/[AN] mole ratio and reaction time. The grafting efficiency increased with increasing initiator concentration and CR content. The maximum grafting efficiency was obtained when the mole ratio of [ST]/[AN] was 1.5 and reaction was made at 40hrs, and $70^{\circ}C$ using chloroform/toluene mixed solvent. The thermal properties, light resistance and flammability of ACS were compared with those of ABS and AES. It was found that flame retardancy of related polymers increased in the order ACS>ABS>AES. The thermal stability of ACS was greatly improved when compared with ABS or AES. Morphology of ACS was also investigated by using a transmisson electron microscope(TEM).

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.195-204
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• 2008

This study was intended to identify the effectiveness of Lithospermum erythrorhizon in the UVB-irradiated mouse skin. The C57BL mice were divided into three groups; the control group, the UVB irradiated group(UVB group), and the group treated with Lithospermum erythrorhizon extracts after UVB irradiation(UVB+Le group). 10 mouses were collected and sacrificed at 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs, 120 hrs, and 168 hrs, respectively. In the result, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was decreased the UVB+Le group than UVB groups by time. At the 168 hrs group was significantly lower(p<0.05). In the result, the melanin value was decreased in the UVB+Le group than UVB group, but meaningless(p>0.05). In the result of erythema index, the UVB+Le group was meaningfully lower at 24 hrs, 48 hrs, and 72 hrs group than UVB group(p<0.05). In the result of scanning electron micrograph observation, the UVB+Le group was allevited swelling than UVB group at the 24 hrs, formation of the scab at the 48 hrs, regular plate shap at the 72 hrs, new keratin observated at the 120 hrs partially, and fine fiber covered epidermis surface at the 168 hrs. In the result of transmission electron micrograph observation, the UVB+Le group was facilitation of increased lamellar bodies and reformation lamellar bodies than UVB group at the all groups. Almost all the structures were recovered at the 160 hrs group. In conclusion, Lithospermum erythrorhizon extracts may recovery on the UVB-irradiated mouse skin.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.51-61
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• 2008

This simulation study examined the effect of data acquisition error including the data type of TEM image, and incident beam intensity of the tilt series on 3D tomograms. Simulation was performed with the 3D head phantom model of Kak and Slaney, and the slightly modified 3D head phantom model with enhanced difference in absorption coefficients. Reconstructed tomogram for the original head phantom model using 8-bit gray-scale image was distorted with extremely high level of noise, while an acceptable result was obtained for the modified model. The results for the original model using wrong formulation for the transmitted beam intensity was proved to be incorrect. The high level of noise along the z direction was found in case of the modified model. On the other hand, the wrong value of incident beam intensity in both models gave distorted results. In order to reconstruct an artifacts-free 3D structure from the projections with invisible features in electron tomography, the 16-bit projection images should be used with the correct incident beam intensity which is applied to Beer's law.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.40.1-40.14
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• 2016

Background: Due to the paucity of oceanic resources utilized in the preparation of diets for cultured fish, commercial feed producers have been trying to replace fishmeal (FM) using alternative protein sources such as vegetable protein meals (VMs). One of the main drawbacks of using VMs in fish feed is related to the presence of a variety of anti-nutritional factors, which could trigger an inflammation process in the distal intestine. This reduces the capacity of the enterocytes to absorb nutrients leading to reduced fish growth performances. Methods: We evaluated the mitigating effects of butyrate and taurine used as feed additives on the morphological abnormalities caused by a soybean meal (SBM)-based diet in the distal intestine of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). We used three experimental diets, containing the same low percentage of FM and high percentage of SBM; two diets were supplemented with either 0.2% sodium butyrate or taurine. Histological changes in the intestine of fish were determined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Infiltration of $CD45^+$ leucocytes in the lamina propria and in the submucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also quantified by One-Step Taqman$^{(R)}$ real-time RT-PCR the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of a panel of genes involved in the intestinal mucosa inflammatory response such as $TNF{\alpha}$ (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and interleukins: IL-8, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-10, and IL-6. Results: Fish that received for 2 months the diet with 30% soy protein (16.7% SBM and 12.8% full-fat soy) developed an inflammation in the distal intestine, as confirmed by histological and immunohistochemistry data. The expression of target genes in the intestine was deeply influenced by the type of fish diet. Fish fed with taurine-supplemented diet displayed the lowest number of mRNA copies of IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-8, and IL-10 genes in comparison to fish fed with control or butyrate-supplemented diets. Dietary butyrate caused an upregulation of the $TNF{\alpha}$ gene transcription. Among the quantified interleukins, IL-6 was the only one to be not influenced by the diet. Conclusions: Histological and gene expression data suggest that butyrate and taurine could have a role in normalizing the intestinal abnormalities caused by the SBM, but the underling mechanisms of action seem different.