• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.22 no.9
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• pp.1301-1306
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• 2012

We combined real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR (R/P) assays using a hydrolysis probe to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC)-specific 16S rRNA and its rRNA gene (rDNA). The assay was applied to 28 non-respiratory and 207 respiratory specimens from 218 patients. Total nucleic acids (including RNA and DNA) were extracted from samples, and results were considered positive if the repeat RT-PCR threshold cycle was ${\leq}35$ and the ratio of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR load was ${\geq}1.51$. The results were compared with those from existing methods, including smear, culture, and real-time PCR. Following resolution of the discrepant results between R/P assay and culture, the overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of all samples (including non-respiratory and respiratory specimens) were 98.2%, 97.2%, 91.7%, and 99.4%, respectively, for R/P assay, and 83.9%, 89.9%, 72.3%, and 94.7%, respectively, for real-time PCR. Furthermore, the R/P assay of four patient samples showed a higher ratio before treatment than after several days of treatment. We conclude that the R/P assay is a rapid and accurate method for direct detection of MTBC, which can distinguish viable and nonviable MTBC, and thus may guide patient therapy and public health decisions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.227-232
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• 2002

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by diverse clinical manifestations and autoantibody production, which is known to be strongly influenced by genetic factors. Previous studies have revealed the associations of SLE with HLA class II alleles and antiphospholipid antibody system (anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) and anti-${\beta}_2$ glycoprotein I antibody (anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI)). Therefore, we studied the associations of HLA class II alleles with SLE and antiphospholipid antibody system. Methods: The genotyping for HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were performed in 61 SLE patients and 100 controls by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequence specific oligonucleotide probe method. ELISA tests for aCL and anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI were performed in 39 of the 61 SLE patients. The results were evaluated statistically by Chi-square test. Results: The frequencies of the HLA-$DRB1^*15$ and $DQB1^*06$ in SLE patients were significantly higher than those in controls. HLA-$DRB1^*12$ was significantly lower in SLE patients than controls. Nine of 39 patients were positive for aCL (IgG) and three were positive for aCL (IgM). One of 39 patients were positive for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI (IgG) and none of them positive for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI (IgM). Association of aCL with HLA class II alleles was not observed in our study. Conclusion: According to our results, it was found that HLA-$DRB1^*15$ and $DQB1^*06$ were associated with genetic susceptiblility and $DRB1^*12$ was associated with resistance to SLE in Korean population. No Association of aCL with HLA class II alleles was observed and the positive rate for anti-${\beta}_2$ GPI was very low.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.57-63
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• 2019

S-parameters were used to analyze the effect of the circuit according to the height of the EMI shield layers. Among the S-parameters, S11, S21, S22, and S31 were used as factors for determining the effect on the circuit function. Simulations were performed using shields made of Graphite and Ferrite, and the frequencies were run from 100 MHz to 1 GHz. As the height of the shield was increased, the value of S21 was getting closer to 0 dB. In addition, the SE value was confirmed to improve the shielding performance according to the thickness of the insulating layer only in a specific frequency band. Based on 800um with thickest silicon dioxide thickness, the FG structure averaged -1 dB in narrow frequency bands between 100 MHz and 300 MHz, showing better efficiency than GF with an average of -2 dB. Although GF structures do not show high efficiency, they exhibit average performance of -3 dB in frequency bands between 100 MHz and 1 GHz rather than FG structures that sway over a wide range. In other words, FG and GF structures have trade-off structures. Therefore, it should be noted that the appropriate structure is selected for use.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1151-1158
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• 2012

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are the major cause of cervical cancer. Hence, HPV genotype detection is a helpful preventive measure to combat cervical cancer. Recently, several HPV detection methods have been developed, each with different sensitivities and specificities. The objective of this study was to compare HPV high risk genotype detection by an electrochemical DNA chip system, a line probe assay (INNO-LiPA) and sequencing of the L1, E1 regions. A total of 361 cervical smears with different cytological findings were subjected to polymerase chain reaction-sequencing and electrochemical DNA chip assessment. Multiple infections were found in 21.9% (79/361) of the specimens, most prevalently in 20-29-year olds while the highest prevalence of HPV infection was found in the 30-39-year age group. The most prevalent genotype was HPV 16 at 28.2% (138/489) followed by HPV 52 at 9.6% (47/489), with the other types occurring at less than 9.0%. The electrochemical DNA chip results were compared with INNO-LiPA and sequencing (E1 and L1 regions) based on random selection of 273 specimens. The results obtained by the three methods were in agreement except for three cases. Direct sequencing detected only one predominant genotype including low risk HPV genotypes. INNO-LiPA identified multiple infections with various specific genotypes including some unclassified-risk genotypes. The electrochemical DNA chip was highly accurate, suitable for detection of single and multiple infections, allowed rapid detection, was less time-consuming and was easier to perform when compared with the other methods. It is concluded that for clinical and epidemiological studies, all genotyping methods are perfectly suitable and provide comparable results.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.95-101
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• 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used in polymer composites as filler materials to enhance various characteristics of the composites because of their remarkable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In this study, we investigate the effects of MWCNTs on the electrical and wear characteristics of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites, and compare the results with the effects of carbon black (CB). The HIPS composites are classified as Bare-HIPS, MWCNT-HIPS composites containing 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt% MWCNTs, and CB-HIPS containing 17 wt% CB. Electrical characteristics are evaluated by measuring the surface resistance using a 4-point probe. Wear characteristics are evaluated using the reciprocating wear test, and a chrome steel ball with a curvature of 6.3 mm is used as the counterpart. The results show that the addition of MWCNTs or CB can improve the electrical and wear characteristics of HIPS composites. In the case of MWCNT-HIPS composites, surface resistance, friction coefficient, and specific wear rate decrease as the concentrations of MWCNTs increase. Moreover, the addition of MWCNTs is more effective in improving the electrical and wear characteristics of HIPS composites compared to the addition of CB. To fabricate the HIPS composite with appropriate electrical and wear characteristics, more than 4 wt% MWCNTs is added to HIPS.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Electromagnetic Engineering and Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.247-255
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• 2018

In this work, glucose solution and sodium chloride solution were distinguished noninvasively using a microwave complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR). Based on the electrical properties of the two solutions measured using a open-ended coaxial probe, a CSRR was designed and fabricated for operation at a specific frequency that facilitates differentiating the two solutions. Furthermore, a polydimethylsiloxane mold was fabricated to concentrate the solution at a region where the electric field of the resonator was strongest, and a laminating film was used to prevent contact between the solution and resonator. Experiments were performed by dropping $50{\mu}L$ of the solution in steps of 100 mg/dL up to a maximum human blood glucose level of 400 mg/dL. Our experiments confirmed that the transmission coefficients ($S_{21}$) of glucose solution and sodium chloride solution exhibit variations of -0.06 dB and 0.14 dB, respectively, per 100 mg/dL concentration change at the resonance frequency. Thus, the opposite trends in the variation of $S_{21}$ with change in the concentration of the two solutions can be used to distinguish between them.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.903-916
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to compare the ear-based rectal temperature measured with a tympanic thermometer with the rectal temperature measured with a glass mercury thermometer in order to test the accuracy of tympanic thermometer and to determine relationship among rectal, axilla, and abdominal temperature in neonates. The samples consisted of thirty four neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and nursery at an university affiliated hospital. The mean age of the subjects was 4.9 days. The ear-based rectal temperatures were taken with a tympanic thermometer in rectal mode (First Temp Genius 3000). Rectal and axilla temperatures were taken with a glass mercury thermometer, Abdominal temperature was continuously monitored with the probe connected to the servo controller of incubator. The results of the study can be summarized as follows : 1. Intrarater comparison : Agreement between the first and the second ear-based rectal temperature was 97% within 0.1$^{\circ}C$. 2. Comparison of ear-based rectal temperature and the rectal temperature from a glass mercury thermometer : ear-based rectal temperature ranged from 36.95$^{\circ}C$d to 37.95$^{\circ}C$, with a mean of 37.58$^{\circ}C$(SD＝0.22$^{\circ}C$). Rectal temperature from a glass mercury thermometer ranged from 36.2$0^{\circ}C$ to 37.2$0^{\circ}C$, with a mean 36.75$^{\circ}C$(SD＝0.29). The mean difference between both temperatures was 0.84$^{\circ}C$. The correlation coefficient between both temperatures was r＝0.77(p＝0.00). 3. Comparison of rectal and axilla temperature : Axilla temperature ranged from 35.8$0^{\circ}C$ to 37.1$0^{\circ}C$, with a mean of 36.55$^{\circ}C$. The mean absolute difference between the rectal and axilla temperature was 0.23$^{\circ}C$. The correlation coefficient between rectal and axilla was r＝0.67. 4. Comparison of axilla and abdominal temperature : Abdominal temperature ranged from 36.2$0^{\circ}C$ to 37.0$0^{\circ}C$, with a mean of 36.58$^{\circ}C$. The mean absolute difference between axilla and abdominal temperature was only -0.03$^{\circ}C$. Findings of this study suggest that ear-based rectal temperature overestimates the actual rectal temperatures in neonates. Therefore, the interchangeble use of both temperatures in clinics seems problematic. The site offset(adjustment value) programmed in rectal mode of the tympanic thermometer needs to be readjusted. Choosing one optimal site for temperature measurement for each patient, and using the specific site consistently would result in more consistent measurements of changes in body temperature, and thus can be more effective in diagnosing fever or hypothermia.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.276-283
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• 2004

Screening was performed to isolate cellulose-producing microorganisms from the Korean traditional fermented persimmon vinegar. The resulting strain, KJ $145^{T}$, was then taxonomically investigated by phenotypic characterization, particularly chemotaxonomic, and by phylogenetic inference based on a 16S rDNA sequence analysis including other related taxa. Strain KJ $145^{T}$ was found to grow rapidly and form pale white colonies with smooth to rough surfaces on a GYC agar. Strain KJ $145^T$ also produced acetate from ethanol, and was tolerable to 10% ethanol in SM medium. In a static culture, a thick cellulose pellicle was produced, and in GYC broth, the strain grew at temperatures ranging from 28 to $40^\circ{C}$ with an optimum pH of 4.0. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain KJ $145^T$ was 61.9 mol%, and the predominant ubiquinone was Q 10 as the major quinone and Q9 as the minor quinone. The major cellular fatty acids were $C_{16:0}$ and the sum in feature 7 ($C_{18:1}$ w9c, w12t and/or w7c). A 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe specific for strain KJ $145^T$was constructed, and the phylogenetic position of the new species was derived from a 16S rDNA-based tree. When comparing the 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences, strain KJ $145^T$ was found to be most closely related to G. hansenii LMG $1527^T$ (99.2%), although KJ $145^T$ was still distinct from G. hansenii LMG $l527^T$ and G. xylinus LMG $1515^T$ in certain phenotypic characteristics. Therefore, on the basis of 16S rDNA sequences and taxonomic characteristics, it is proposed that strain KJ $145^T$ should be placed in the genus Gluconacetobacter as a new species, Gluconacetobacter persimmonis sp. nov., under the type-strain KJ $145^T$ (=KCTC =$10175BP^T$=KCCM=$10354^T$).

• Journal of Korean Society of Transportation
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• v.24 no.2 s.88
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• pp.19-30
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• 2006

This study deals with the optimized detector location considering the traffic characteristics in National Highway. Although there ave many construction works for ITS in National Highway, there is not specific criteria for detector location which can effect the accuracy of traffic information. This study. therefore. aims to Provide the optimized detector location criteria which can represent the traffic characteristics of National Highway. It collects traffic factors of study area by GPS Probe-car and defector, and Presents the optimized detector location by the correlation analysis between spot-speed and link-travel-time. The main results of this study are as followings ; First, the correlation between the spot-speed and link-travel-time Presents the opposite bell shape of the graph (U-type owe) which is increased it?on the upstream then, declined through some unspecified Point of the link. Second, the optimized detector location usually distributes around midstream of link, even though it does not have a consistency. Third, therefore, the optimized detector location generally should be located between $55{\sim}60%$ of total link length. Forth. high level of vertical slope is one of the most important factors of detector location, so it should be excluded for determination of optimized detector location. Finally, expecting that the results of this study would improve the accuracy of travel time estimation and forecasting.

• Korean Journal of Plant Tissue Culture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.163-169
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• 1999

This study was conducted to produce herbicide resistant plants by transferring phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT) gene into Populus alba $\times$ Populus glandulosa No .3 using Agrobacterium tumefaciens MP 90/PAT. Leaf segments from in vitro grown shoots of hybrid poplar No. 3 were soaked in a AB medium containing Agrobacterium tumefaciens MP 90/PAT for 10 min and cocultivated for 2 days on MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.2mg/L kinetin (CIM). Putative transformed calli could be selected after cocultivation of leaf segments on CIM supplemented with 50mg/L kanamycin and 500mg/L cefotaxime for 3 weeks. The selected calli were cultured on CIM supplemented with 50 mg/L kanamycin and 500 mg/L cefotaxime for 5~8 weeks before transfer to WPM containing 1.0mg/L zeatin, 0.1mg/L BAP, 50 mg/L kanamycin and 500mg/L cefotaxime for shoot regeneration. Shoots were regenerated from the callus after 4 week cultivation, and the regenerants were grown on the same medium for 7~l0 weeks. The plants rooted on 1/2 WPM containing 0.2 mg/L IBA and 50 mg/L kanamycin. To confirm the gene insertion into plants, GUS activity was detected by histochemical assay in the transformed plants. Finally, the presence of both NPT II and PAT genes from the transgenic plants were confirmed by PCR amplification with the gene specific primers and subsequent PCR-Southern blot with DIG-labeled PAT gene probe. After acclimatization in pots for 4 weeks, the plants were sprayed by 3 mL/L of Basta to test resistance to the herbicide. The transgenic plants remained green, whereas all the control plants died after one week.