• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2015

Purpose: The long-term administration of antibiotics interferes with bacterial culture in the middle ear fluids (MEFs) of young children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The purpose of this study is to determine whether molecular diagnostics can be used for rapid and direct detection of the bacterial pathogen in culture-negative MEFs. Methods: The specificity and sensitivity of both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to the lytA gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae were comparatively tested and then applied for pneumococcal detection in the clinical MEFs. Results: The detection limit of the PCR assay was approximately $10^4$ colony forming units (CFU), whereas that of LAMP was less than 10 CFU for the detection of S. pneumoniae. Both PCR and LAMP did not amplify nucleic acid at over $10^6$ CFU of H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis, both of which were irrelevant bacterial species. Of 22 culture-negative MEFs from children with OME, LAMP positivity was found in twelve MEFs (54.5%, 12/22), only three of which were PCR-positive (25%, 3/12). Our results showed that the ability of LAMP to detect pneumococcal DNA is over four times higher than that of PCR (P<0.01). Conclusions: As a high-resolution tool able to detect nucleic acid levels equivalent to <10 CFU of S. pneumoniae in MEFs without any cross-reaction with other pathogens, lytA -specific LAMP may be applied for diagnosing pneumococcus infection in OME as well as evaluating the impact of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against OME.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2011

Purpose: Early diagnosis and treatment of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is important to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the presence of pyuria, the severity, and underlying genitourinary anomalies in patients with UTI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 293 patients with febrile UTI who were admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital during the period from June, 2007 until January, 2010. We divided the patients into two groups, one with the finding of pyuria at admission, and the other without, and compared the fever duration, white blood cell counts (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral bloods, hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux and admission period. Results: Among the 293 patients with febrile UTI, 189 patients showed findings of pyuria whereas 104 patients did not. Patients with pyuria showed an increment of WBC ($14,694{\pm}485.2$ vs. $11,374{\pm}451.2/uL$, P <0.05) and CRP ($46.9{\pm}3.9$ vs $17.1{\pm}3.6$ mg/L, P <0.05) in peripheral blood sample. The presence of cortical defects (21.7 Vs 5.8%, P <0.05) and vesicoureteral reflux (15.9 Vs 6.7%, P <0.05) was also increased in patients with pyuria compared to patients without pyuria. There were no specific differences in fever duration, admission period, and hydronephrosis. Within the group with pyuria, CRP in peripheral blood sample increased proportionally with the increment of pyuria (P <0.05). Conclusion: In patients with febrile UTI, the increment of WBC in the urine sample can be a helpful predictor for increased CRP in peripheral blood and acute pyelonephritis.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.85-92
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• 1974

Many of studies on the transovarial transmission of occult virus and their activation due to various stresses such as cold or heat treatment, chemical feeding, and nutritional deficiency, etc., in the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. have been made, but any attempts have been not made to control virus diseases by detection of the occult virus-carried moths in the production of silkworm egg of hybrids, because of difficulty to detect occult virus in any stage. Therefore, it may be worth while to disclose whether a sublethal infection of the moths from which active virus are detectable, has the same level of induction rate as that of occult virus activation, thus to apply its results for the reduction of the occurence of virus diseases in silkworm rearing. For these purposes, the following experiment was conducted as one of preliminary steps. In this study, investigations on the generation-to-generation transmission of occult virus and a sublethal infection, and the role of chromosomal gene of the host, Jam 103 and Jam 104 in the Previous generation, and Jam 103 x Jam 103 and Jam 104 f Jam 104 in the next generation were made for the induction of virus diseases due to the transmitted virus. The frequency of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis due to the induction in the F$_1$ generation was markedly higher in the cross-batches, male$\times$female and male$\times$female in which inoculated individuals were used as fem ale parents than in the cross-batches, male$\times$female and male$\times$female in which virus has been not inoculated or inoculated only to male in the previous generation. The tendency of increasing rate was observed in any treatments; such as the inoculations of cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (10$\^$5/, 10$\^$6/ 10$\^$7, and 10$\^$8//ml ill different concentration of inocula) , cold-treatment (5$^{\circ}C$, 12hrs or 24hrs), and formalin-feeding treatment (2％ or 3％). The shape of polyhedra (tetragonal in outline) examined in the F, larvae was identified as that of the inoculated polyhedra with partial application of immunofluorescent techniques. These results suggests that the cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus in B. meri L. are transmitted to the next generation through the egg, apparently in the occult state. And the experimental results of various cross-batches revealed the egg cytoplasm plays an important part i the transmission of the occult virus of the cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus,

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.649-656
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• 2012

To obtain the basic information for agricultural utilization of germanium (Ge), the growth characteristics and Ge absorption in rice plant were investigated under different Ge concentrations by foliar spray application. The Ge concentrations were treated with 0 (control), 10, 20, 40 and $80mg\;L^{-1}$ in pot (1 5000$^{-1}$ a), respectively. The Ge absorption rate in rice by foliar spray application with $80mg\;L^{-1}$ in pot was higher in the order of leaf (5.75%) > stem (4.52%) > root (<0.01%). By foliar spray application, the Ge content in rice was higher in the order of $80mg\;L^{-1}$ > $40mg\;L^{-1}$ > $20mg\;L^{-1}$ > $10mg\;L^{-1}$. When rice was treated with $80mg\;L^{-1}$ of Ge, the Ge content in rice grain was higher in the order of rice bran ($0.21mg\;pot^{-1}$) $\gg$ brown rice ($0.04mg\;pot^{-1}$) ${\geq}$ polished rice ($0.03mg\;pot^{-1}$). By foliar spray application, the Ge uptake in rice bran was higher than that in other parts. Therefore, optimum Ge concentration by foliar spray application was $80mg\;L^{-1}$ in pot based on the results from the Ge treatments.

• Proceedings of the Technology Innovation Conference
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• 1997.07a
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• pp.222-223
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• 1997

By analyzing the successful innovation case of potato microtuber mass production technology, a representative case of technology-push type creative innovation in an imitation oriented research culture, this paper attempts to figure out conceptual model of creative innovation that is initiated by the public laboratories in catching-up country, Stages of creative innovation can be divided into the internal R&D stage and the external commercialization stage. Success of the internal R&D stage depended on autonomy to secure creative research idea and commitment of individual researchers. Psychological pressure evoked from sportlights of mass media and commitment of sponsor increased the intensity of research efforts of the researcher Recognition of research problem and its significance was intensified by site visits of agricultural fields, and the recognized higher impacts of expected research results and knowledge creation achieved were a fundamental source of self-motivation. In the stage of commercialization stage, various legal, socio-economic, and psychological barriers were confronted. In a catching-up country lacking of experiences of creative innovation, creative innovation process can be regarded as a barrier elimination and cultural revolution process. Among the barriers, psychological refusal of farmers to corn-sized potato seeds was critical, which finally enforced to further researches to enlarge the size of potato seeds. In addition, the researcher has concentrated his research efforts in one specialized research area by getting a series of similar research project funds rather than diversification. It was lucky for him to have a chance to carry out a series of similar researches in one research area during the last 10 years. In getting research funds from government and private companies continuously in one research area, both internal and external promoters played significant roles.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.123-139
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• 1985

The present survey was undertaken to observe the geographical distibution of matacercaria among the sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, the most important second intermediate host of Metagonimus yokegawai, which were collected during the period from 1983 to 1984 in south-eastern coastal areas of Korea. The results obtained were summarized as follow: 1. A total of 668 sweetfish collected from 70 chins (=streams) in the above coastal arcus was examined for the metacercariae, and 432 (64.7%) among them were infected with metacercariae of M. yokogawai. The mean number of metacercariae in a fish was in the range from 0 to 29,604 and the mean number of the metacercariae in a fish was 640.3. 2. It was observed that the mean infection rate showed 46.45 in Gangweon-Do (=province) . The infection rates varied from stream to stress showing 100% in Namdae stream(Gangnun-city) , Obsib stream (Samchok-gun) and Dongmak, 95.0% in Hosan stream, 90.0% in Gungchin stream, and Namdae stream (Yangyang-fp) ,80.0% in Hwasang stream,50.0% in Daebong stream,45.0% in Yonghwa stream, 30.0% in sangchsn stream and Sachsn stream, 20.0% in Munam stream and Okgyoe stream, 15.0% in Imweon stream, 10.0% in Namchsn stream. And no metacercarial infections in their fish host were found in the areas of Mulchi stream, Sangun stream, Gosamun stream, Jonchon stream and Gagok stream. 3. It was observed that the mean infection rate showed 50.9% in Kyangsangbuk-Do (=province). The infection rates also varied from stream to stream showing 100% in Songchon stream, Osib stream (Yongdok-gun) and Daejong stream,60.0% in Pyanghae stream and Gunmu stream,50.0% in Buhwung stream and stream, 25.0% in Nagok stream, 20.0% in Oangbi stream, 10.0% in Namhodong stream. And no metacercarial infections in their fish host were found in the areas of Namdae stream (Uljinup) and Chaksan stream. 4. It was observed that the mean infection rate showed 67.6% in Kyangsangnam-Do(=province). The infection rates varied from stream to stream showing 100% in Taehwa river, Hwiya river, Inchfn stream, Miryang river, Nam river, Hwagae stream, Koha stream, Sosang stream, and Tongchon stream,90.9% in Yancho stream,90.0% in Hoihwa stream,80.0% in Chindong stream, 66. YoA in Chingyo stream, 40.0% in Hoyam river. And no metacercarial infections in their fish host were found in the areas of Chinjon stream, Sanchan stream and Jukch6n stream. 5. It was observed that the mean infection rate showed 94.6"A in 0h511anam-Do(=province). The infection rates varied from stream to stream showing 100% in DongchEn stream, Isachon stream, Somjin river(GoksEng-gun) , Ssmjin river(Kurye-gun) , S6si stream, Gokchsn stream, Kohung stream, Kwansan stream, Youi stream, stream, Unj6n stream and Apnae stream, 92.3% in Tamjin river, 90.9% in Okkok stream, 84.6% in Songgen stream. And no metacercarial infections in their fish host were found in the area of Ypmgpl stream. 6. On the other hand, the infection rate showed 100% in Inchsn river of Chollabuk Do (=province) (=province) and Kangsn stream of Cheju-Do(=province) .

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.226-232
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• 2009

Background: Blunt chest trauma accounts for 90% of all chest traumas in Europe and the United States and this causes 20% of all trauma-related deaths. The major cause of morbidity and mortality after blunt chest trauma is undetected injuries. For this reason, chest computerized tomography has gained popularity for the evaluation of trauma, but it is expensive and it exposes patients to radiation. This study identified the clinical features associated with the diagnosic information obtained on a CT chest scan, as compared with a standard chest X-ray, for patients who sustained blunt trauma to the chest. This study also evaluated the role of a routine computed tomographic (CT) scan for these patients. The patients who had chest computed tomography done after the initial chest x-ray were analyzed separately for the presence of occult injuries. Material and Method: We studied 100 consecutive patients from November 2006 to July 2007: 74 patients after motor vehicle crashes and 26 patients after a fall from a height >2m. Simultaneous with the initial clinical evaluation, an anteroposterior chest radiograph and a helical chest CT scan were obtained for all the patients. The data extracted from the medical record included the vital signs, the interventions and the type and severity of injury (RTS). Result: Among the 100 cases, 79 patients showed at least more than one pathologic sign on their chest radiograph, and 21 patients had a normal chest radiograph. For 17 of the patients who had a normal chest X ray, the CT scan showed multiple injuries, which were pneumothorax, hemothorax, lung contusion, sternal fracture etc. This represents that a CT scan is statistically superior to a chest radiograph to diagnose the pathologic signs. But on the other hand, as for treatment, only 31 patients were diagnosed by CT scan and they were treated with chest tube insertion ect. 42 patients needed ony conservative management without invasive thoracosurgical treatment such as chest tube insertion or open thoracotomy. 27 patients were treated based on the diagnosis made by the chest radiograph and physical examination. Conclusion: Chest computerized tomography was significantly more effective than routine chest X-ray for detecting lung contusion, pneumothorax and mediastinal hematoma, as well as fractured ribs, scapula and, sternum. Although the occult findings increased, the number of patients who needed treatment was small. Therefore, we suggest making selective use of a CT scan to avoid its overuse in ERs.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.299-307
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• 2011

This study was carried out to obtain the basic data for selecting the cultivatable bioenergy crops through application of solidified sewage sludge in reclaimed lands. The experimental plots consisted of the mixing with solidified sewage sludge plot (SS50), the covering with solidified sewage sludge plot (SS100), and the original reclaimed land plot (ORL) on reclaimed land for the intended landfill in Sudokwon Landfill Site Management Corporation (SLC). The growth of energy crops (Geodae-Uksae 1, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and Phragmites australis) were investigated from May to October, 2010 in each experimental plot. The soil from ORL showed higher salinity with high contents of exchangeable $Na^+$ cation than that of SS50 and SS100. Soil properties on reclaimed land used in this study must be improved by increasing the buffering capacity of saline with the treatment of solidified sewage sludge due to the fact that the contents of organic matter (OM) in both of SS50 and SS100 were higher than that of the ORL. Thus the growth of energy crops cultivated in the solidified sewage sludge plots were better than in ORL. Geodae-Uksae 1 which showed an excellent adaptability on reclaimed land treated with the solidified sewage sludge has considerably higher biomass than those of other energy crops (M. sacchariflorus and P. australis). This study suggested that Geodae-Uksae 1 is the most suitable biomass feedstock crop for bioenergy productions, and the solidified sewage sludge may be possible to utilize as a soil cover materials for cultivation of bioenergy crops in reclaimed land.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.87-97
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• 2018

The cesium (Cs) removal from the contaminated water system has been considered to be difficult because the cesium likes to exist as soluble phases such as ion and complexes than the solid in water system. Many researches have focused on developing the breakthrough adsorbent to increase the cesium removal efficiency in water. In this study, the laboratory scale experiments were performed to investigate the feasibility of the adsorption process using the bamboo charcoal for the Cs contaminated water system. The Cs removal efficiency of the bamboo charcoal were measured and the optimal adsorption conditions were determined by the adsorption batch experiments. Total 5 types of commercialized bamboo charcoals in Korea were used to identify their surface properties from SEM-EDS and XRD analyses and 3 types of bamboo charcoals having large specific surface areas were used for the adsorption batch experiment. The batch experiments to calculate the Cs removal efficiency were performed at conditions of various Cs concentration (0.01 - 10 mg/L), pH (3 - 11), temperature ($5-30^{\circ}C$), and adsorption time (10 - 120 min.). Experimental results were fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm curve and their adsorption constants were determined to understand the adsorption properties of bamboo charcoal for Cs contaminated water system. From results of SEM-EDS analyses, the surfaces of bamboo charcoal particles were composed of typical fiber structures having various pores and dense lamella structures in supporting major adsorption spaces for Cs. From results of adsorption batch experiments, the Cs-133 removal efficiency of C type bamboo charcoal was the highest among those of 3 bamboo charcoal types and it was higher than 75 % (maximum of 82 %) even when the initial Cs concentration in water was lower than 1.0 mg/L, suggesting that the adsorption process using the bamboo charcoal has a great potential to remove Cs from the genuine Cs contaminated water, of which Cs concentration is low (< 1.0 mg/L) in general. The high Cs removal efficiency of bamboo charcoal was maintained in a relatively wide range of temperatures and pHs, supporting that the usage of the bamboo charcoal is feasible for various types of water. Experimental results were similar to the Langmuir adsorption model and the maximum amount of Cs adsorption (qm:mg/g) was 63.4 mg/g, which was higher than those of commercialized adsorbents used in previous studies. The surface coverage (${\theta}$) of bamboo charcoal was also maintained in low when the Cs concentration in water was < 1.0 mg/L, investigating that the Cs contaminated water can be remediated up with a small amount of bamboo charcoal.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.188-194
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• 2007

The relationships between pine mushroom emergence and meteorological factors were analyzed with three years (from 2003 to 2005) of measurement data at Yangyang site, in order to evaluate the effect of micrometeorological environment on pine mushroom production. fine mushroom was daily monitored and collected in the survey area during the its producing period (approximately one month). Pine mushroom production was highest in 2005 with the meteorological conditions of high temperature and frequent rainfalls in October. The production was lowest in 2004 due to dry conditions from mid September to late October, The meterological factors related to humidity (i.e., relative humidity, soil water content, and precipitation) were better correlated than those related to temperature (i.e., air and soil temperature, soil heat flux and solar radiation) with pine mushroom production. However, all of the correlation coefficients were statistically insignificant with values ranging from 0.15 to 0.46. Such poor correlations may be attributed to various other environmental conditions (e.g., topography, soil, vegetation, other fungi, the relationship between pine mushroom and pine forest) affecting pine mushroom production. We found that a mycelium requires a stimulation of low temperature (of three-day moving average) below $19.5^{\circ}C$, in order to farm a mushroom primordium which grows to pine mushroom after 16 days from the stimulation. We also found that the pine mushroom production ended when the soil temperature (of three-day moving average) fell below $14.0^{\circ}C$.