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There have been limited data on the risk of onward transmission from individuals with Omicron variant infections who return to work after a 5-day isolation.To evaluate the risk of transmission from healthcare workers (HCWs) with Omicron variant who returned to work after a 5-day isolation and the viable-virus shedding kinetics.This investigation was performed in a tertiary care hospital, Seoul, South Korea. In a secondary transmission study, we retrospectively reviewed the data of HCWs confirmed as COVID-19 from March 14Of the 248 HCWs who were diagnosed with COVID-19 within 5 days of the return of an infected HCW, 18 (7%) had contact with the returned HCW within 1-5 days after their return. Of these, nine (4%) had an epidemiologic link other than with the returning HCW, and nine (4%) had contact with the returning HCW, without any other epidemiologic link. In the study of the kinetics of virus shedding (N = 32), the median time from symptom onset to negative conversion of viable virus was four days (95% confidence interval: 3-5).Our data suggest that the residual risk of virus transmission after 5 days of isolation following diagnosis or symptom onset is low.

This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the light and radiation fields of a linear accelerator by developing an optical sensor quality assurance (QA) system using a cadmium sulfide (CdS) photodetector cell and a hardware base frame manufactured in-house. The CdS photodetector cell used as the optical sensor has a size of 3.4 × 4.1 mm2, can measure up to 100 lux of light, and has a response time of approximately 20 to 30 ms. To check the alignment of the light field, it was manufactured with a CdS cell optical fiber holder, and the microcontroller board and control module were configured to scan the light field profile. Additionally, for accurate operation of the sensor, it was programmed using the integrated development environment (IDE) sketch. The alignment check of the radiation field was analyzed using the image data measured with electronic portal imaging device (EPID) using the manufactured hardware base frame. An analysis program written in MATLAB was used to evaluate the alignment of the radiation field. For symmetric fields measured using the optical sensor QA system, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) values of crossline (X) and inline (Y) profiles were 100.391 mm and 98.725 mm, respectively, for a field size of 100 × 100 mm2, and 199.093 mm and 198.886 mm, respectively, for a field size of 200 × 200 mm2. The X and Y FWHM values measured by the sensor system for the light fields were within 1 mm of the field size of the visual inspection. In addition, the FWHM value of the asymmetric radiation field measured using the fabricated frame and EPID was measured from the center bearing ball of the field to the bearing ball in each field of the four directions in the EPID image, and when the X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 jaws were opened by 50 mm, FWHM values were 50.120 mm, 50.240 mm, 48.860 mm, and 49.870 mm, respectively. The corresponding values were 99.520 mm, 99.570 mm, 99.010 mm, and 99.880 mm when the jaw fields were opened by 100 mm. The optical sensor system and hardware base frame developed in this study demonstrated the ability to evaluate both light and radiation fields more simply and quantitatively when compared to the conventional QA process. This QA system will provide medical physicists with more reliable QA results than the conventional QA method that uses graph paper and film.

The essential micronutrient zinc plays regulatory roles in immune responses through its ability to affect signaling pathways. In activated monocytes/macrophages, signaling networks mediate metabolic reprogramming in order to meet the demands of participating in immune responses. Despite its known immunoregulatory roles, the effect of zinc on metabolic reprogramming in monocytes/macrophages remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that cytoplasmic bioavailable zinc is essential for regulating IL-1β production in activated human monocytes/macrophages downstream of mTORC1-induced glycolysis. The cytoplasmic zinc level was influenced by extracellular zinc concentration through a zinc-specific importer, Zip8, which was markedly increased in monocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, and even in LPS-stimulated monocytes/macrophages of healthy individuals. Mechanically, phosphorylation of S6 kinase, a substrate of mTORC1, was significantly enhanced by zinc-mediated inhibition of PP2A, an S6 kinase phosphatase. As a result, IL-1β production was increased due to the activation of mTORC1-induced glycolysis. The expression of Zip8 and MT2A, a zinc-inducible gene, and the phosphorylation of S6 kinase by monocytes of RA patients was significantly enhanced compared with those of HCs and Zip8 levels positively correlated with RA clinical parameters, suggesting that Zip8-mediated zinc influx is related to inflammatory conditions. These results provide insight into the role of cytoplasmic bioavailable zinc in the metabolic reprogramming of human monocytes/macrophages which is an essential process for inflammatory responses.One Sentence SummaryCytoplasmic zinc regulates IL-1β production in monocytes/macrophages downstream of mTORC1-S6K-induced glycolysis via zinc-mediated inhibition of PP2A.

Nanopore-based approaches for the sequencing of DNA and RNA molecules are promising technologies with potential applications in clinical genomics. These approaches have generated large numbers of time series objects over the years, however, it remains a challenge to accurately decipher the underlying nucleotide sequence corresponding to a given signal. By using a combination of consensus signal averaging and stream monitoring of variable-length motifs, we outline an online pattern matching framework that can efficiently locate consensus sequences in real world Nanopore datasets. We demonstrate the applicability of our proposed framework across two use-cases: demultiplexing of DNA barcodes and multiple motif site identification in RNA transcripts.

Agglomerated torrefied wood fuel was tested for its fuel properties and combustion characteristics. Torrefied wood was produced in a wood roaster, with three species (Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc., Quercus serrata Thumb. Ex Murray, Sinoarundinaria nigra var. henonis honda) that were torrefied at 220 degrees C for 180 s. After being torrefied, these powders were used as agglomerated torrefied wood-powder. Gelatin was used as binder, and linseed oil was spread on one side of each sample. All test samples were ignited and tested for carbon monoxide release and temperature variation. The agglomerated torrefied wood fuel showed 82% less carbon monoxide release in comparison to self-igniting briquettes. In particular, pine showed less CO release and mass loss. Also, pine and bamboo showed higher heat efficiency than the ignition coal. Therefore, using torrefied wood for agglomerated fuel reduced the carbon monoxide release and improved the heating efficiency of the ignition coal.

The effect of filtered torrefied wood powder as a plant growth retardant was evaluated. The filtered extract was manufactured using torrefied wood powder (Quercus serrata Thunb. Ex. Murray) and distilled water. The filtered extracts were used to create four solutions of varying concentration (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20%). Each solution was applied to various seedlings (Amaranthus retroflexus, Plantago asiatica, Echinochloa crus-galli var.) over the course of six days. Additionally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was performed to investigate how plant growth was affected. The results indicated that higher concentrations of filtered extract delayed seed growth more than solutions of lower concentration. Additionally, the GC/MS analysis of the filtered extract of torrefied wood revealed one phenolic compound and two different types of furan compounds. This study investigated the active components of torrefied wood as plant growth regulators.

Background Cytokine genotypes have previously been studied in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation; certain polymorphisms have been implicated in the development of acute rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD). Allograft outcomes determined, in part, by alloimmune responses is mainly mediated by T-cell responses, activated and driven by cytokines. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is one such cytokine, which exerts its biological effects through binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) complex on target cells. In the present study, we investigated whether polymorphisms of the IL-4 and/or IL-4R gene were associated with susceptibility to acute AR and GD after kidney transplantation. Methods We analyzed 2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of IL-4 (rs2243250 and rs2070874) and 3 SNPs of IL-4R (rs1801275, rs2107356, and rs1805010) in 344 kidney transplant recipients. These patients included 62 of whom had developed AR and 215 of whom had GD in 1 year after kidney transplantation. Results The AR group included 62 patients (45 men and 17 women). There was a statistically significant difference in the male-to-female ratio and the use of tacrolimus in the AR group. The GD group included 215 patients. Patients who developed GD were more likely to be older and have an underlying cause of end-stage renal disease that was unknown compared with patients who did not have GD, the cause of which was typically known. Among the SNPs examined, 1 of the SNPs in the IL-4R gene (ie, rs1801275) showed a statistical association with AR (co-dominant model, P = .061; dominant model, P = .019; and log-addictive model, P = .029). In addition, 1 of the IL-4R SNPs (ie, rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD (dominant model, P = .034). No significant difference in the IL-4 genotype was observed between the AR/GD and non-AR/non-GD subjects. Conclusions One IL-4R gene polymorphism (rs1801275) was associated with AR. In addition, a separate IL-4R SNP (rs2107356) was statistically associated with GD after kidney transplantation.

http://dx.doi.org/10.7584/ktappi.2016.48.1.127Journal of Korea TAPPIVol. 48. No. 1, 2016, 127-133pISSN (Print): 0253-3200Printed in Korea • 충남대학교 농업생명과학대학 환경소재공학과(Dept. of Biobased Materials, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea)1 FITI 시험연구원 환경바이오평가팀(Enviroment & Bio assesment team, FITI Testing & Research Institute, Ochang, Cheonwon-gun, Chungbuk, 363-883, Korea)† 교신저자(Corresponding Author): E-mail: lachesis@cnu.ac.kr This study is performed that furniture and interior materials of MDF's (Medium Density Fiberboard) biodegradation properties, and the goal of this study is investigation of pos-sibility of waste-MDF's composting after landfilling. To investigate biodegradation, this study was performed according to KS M ISO 14855-1, and there were two different soil conditions including a compost condition and an activated vermiculite condition as arti-ficial soil. This experiment was tested for 40 days. The measurement of carbon-dioxide generation was processed every 24 hour in 1-2 week, and every 48 hour after 3 week. In the same days, MDF showed 24.4% of biodegradation in compost condition, and 6.2% in activated vermiculite. Also, the reference material of TLC (thin-layer chromatography) grade cellulose showed 26.4%, 11.4% in compost and activated vermiculite respectively. The dilution plate method was performed for biological analysis in the study. This ex-periment was used for investigation of inoculum's (Bacillus licheniformis) activity. As the result of bioassay, compost has more other germs include inoculum than activated ver-miculite in the first week. Especially in the 2nd week, the reference material under the compost condition showed the most germ's activity, and also the biodegradation was the highest. Consequentially, compost condition was able to reduce a performing period of biodegradation testing than activated vermiculite. However, activated vermiculite could be stabilizing errors between repetition.Keywords: Biodegradation, MDF, activated vermiculite, compost, ultimate biodegradation

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are currently discarded using incineration treatment, which is very expensive. Hence, this study was performed to improve the biodegradation of WPCs, such that they could potentially be buried after use, and to estimate their bending strength. A biodegradation test (determining the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions) was performed according to ISO 14855-1. Two groups of specimens were prepared using rice-bran mixture as the bioresource. One group contained rice-bran mixtures of 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.% instead of wood flour contents, and another group contained rice-bran mixtures of 8, 16, and 24 wt.% instead of the talc component. During the 20 days of the biodegradation experiment, the WPC (control) showed 18% biodegradation, and 7.5%-rice-bran-mixture-added specimen showed the highest biodegradation of 32%. Furthermore, the bending strength (MOR) was increased by up to 140% by adding rice-bran mixture as a biodegradable component. Therefore, the rice-bran mixture improved the biodegradation and mechanical properties of WPCs.

Background In osteoarthritis (OA), the activation of inflammation response involving the interaction of cartilage and synovial hyperplasia may contribute to disease progression. However, inflammatory cells in OA synovial fluid (OASF) have been rarely studied. Objectives To investigate the phenotype of CD14 +cells and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by these cells Methods Immunohistochemistry staining in OA synovium was performed using anti-CD14, anti-CD16 and anti-CD56 antibody. The OASF was obtained through arthrocentesis. Mononuclear cells from OASFs were stained with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, anti-CD14, anti-CD16, anti-TLR4 or anti-TLR2 and analysed using flow cytometry. CD14 +CD16+and CD14+CD16 mononuclar cells in OASF were selected with magnetic microbeads. In the supernatant of these cells culture, the concentration of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, MMP-1,–3 were measured by Luminex. Results In OA synovium, CD14 or CD16 was stained, but CD56 was not expressed. In OASF, there was a substantial number of CD14 +cells (36.6%±25.2%), CD3 +cells (37.4%±12.9%), with a rarity of CD90 +cells (1.7%±1.3%). The proportion of CD14 +cells was increased significantly in recurred synovial fluid, compared with the proportion in initial synovial fluid. Among CD14 +cells in OASF, CD14 +CD16+monocyte subpopulation (21.2%±21.8%) was more abundant than CD14 +CD16− monocyte subpopulation (10.9%±10.0%). TLR4 and TLR2 expressions were higher in CD14 +CD16+cells than in CD14 +CD16− cells. The concentration of IL-8 and MMP-3 was more increased in the supernatant of CD14 +CD16+cells than in that of CD14 +CD16− cells. Conclusions In OASF, the proportion of CD14 +cells was increased in recurred synovial effusion. Compared to CD14 +CD16− monocyte subpopulation, CD14 +CD16+monocyte subpopulation released more cytokine such as IL-8 and MMP-3, and had higher expressions of TLR4 and TLR2. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background The recent studies about gout demonstrated the correlation between gout and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The urate lowering therapy (ULT) ameliorates the outcomes of CVD. The poor adherence with ULT in patients with gout is the main obstacle. It is induced mainly due to a lack of adequate information about the efficacy of ULT. Objectives This study was performed to analyse the effects of the education for patients with gout. Methods 116 patients with gout were enrolled and categorised by two groups, education and non-education. The face to face education was conducted by the specially educated nurse. And all participants in two groups received an leaflet about general information of gout including lifestyle advice, nutrition and drugs of ULT. The patients in non-education group were also educated by nurse on their second visit (after two or three month from first visit). The score of patients’ satisfaction using the visual analogue scale (from 0 to 100 mm) and questionnaire about satisfaction and questionnaire of patients’ knowledge about disease (gout) were assessed. And we analysed patients’ serum uric acid level and drug compliance. Results A total of 116 patients were randomised to education or non-education group equally. Patients’ satisfaction in visual analogue scale was significantly higher in education group (education group: 82.7±21.0 mm, vs. non-education group: 72.8±20.7 mm, p Patients’ satisfaction questionnaire was significantly higher in education group (education group: 3.89±0.5, vs. non-education group: 3.69±0.4, p=0.017). The level of knowledge about gout was higher in education group (education group: 7.4±2.0, vs. non-education group: 6.2±2.3, p=0.004). The serum uric acid level on second visit is decreased after education (baseline: 5.97±1.93 mg/dL, vs. second visit: 5.32±1.35 mg/dL, p=0.001). Besides drug compliance on second visit is improved after education (baseline: 89.6%±16.4%, vs. second visit: 94.3%±9.9%, p=0.018). Conclusions The face to face education for gout improved the patients’ satisfaction, drug adherence and serum uric acid level. The education is very important part in treatment of gout. References [1] Singh JA, Strand V. Gout is associated with more comorbidities, poorer health-related quality of life and higher healthcare utilisation in US veterans. Ann Rheum Dis2008;67:1310–6. [2] Reesi F, Jenkins W, Doherty MPatients with gout adhere to curative treatment if informed appropriately: proof-of-concept observational study. Ann Rheum Dis201372: 826–830. [3] Cho SK, Kim D, Choi J, et al. Impact of Patient Education on the Satisfaction of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Randomized Trial of Nurse-led Versus Medical Docter-led Education. J Rheum DisVol. 23, No. 2, April, 2016. Disclosure of Interest None declared

The bending strength of hybrid wooden-core laminated timber (HWLT), a composite material made from existing cross-laminated timber (CLT) and plywood, was analyzed. Using plywood makes it possible to decrease the bending strength of the starting material. Korea Larch (Larix kaempferi Carr.) was used as plywood because of its popularity in Korea. To analyze HWLT’s bending properties, each component (lamina, plywood) was tested for bending, compression, and tensile strengths. The results showed that the HWLT’s bending strength depended on the plywood’s number of plies. With an increased number of plies, plywood’s bending strength decreased, and also HWLT’s bending strength decreased. Most of the failure showed in-plate shear failure of plywood. This result meant that use of reinforced plywood made it possible to increase HWLT’s bending strength for structural material.

본 연구는 기존에 제조되었던 교호집성재의 휨강도의 단점을 보완하고 새로운 특성을 가진 교호 집성재 즉, 합판을 코어로 이용한 집성재가 가진 기계적강도의 효과를 알아보기 위해 수행되었다. 집성재와 합판의 구성 방법, 적층 방향에 따라 그 값을 비교하였으며, 그에 따른 휨강도와 탄성계수를 측정하여 분석한 결과, 중심부를 집성판과 합판을 혼합하여 구성한 합판 코어 집성재의 휨강도(MOR) 값이 59.6% 강도가 향상되어 교호집성재구조 대조군보다는 우수하고, 집성재구조 대조군과는 유사한 강도를 나타냈다. 휨탄성계수(MOE)는 합판 코어 집성재의 구조 및 적층 방향성에 상관없이 모두 집성재구조 대조군과 유사한 MOE 값을 나타냈다. 치수 안정성 실험에서는 합판을 코어에 사용한 합판코어 집성재가 합판 사용으로 인하여, 수축·팽창률 모두 집성재와 교호집성재구조 대조군에 비해서 더 안정적인 것으로 나타났다.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) belong to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of proteins. This study was performed to evaluate the association of BMP gene polymorphisms with acute renal allograft rejection (AR) and graft dysfunction (GD) in Koreans.Three hundred thirty-one patients who had kidney transplantation procedures were recruited. Transplantation outcomes were determined in terms of AR and GD criteria. We selected six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): rs1979855 (5' near gene), rs1049007 (Ser87Ser), rs235767 (intron), rs1005464 (intron), rs235768 (Arg190Ser), and rs3178250 (3; untranslated region).Among the six SNPs tested, the rs235767, rs1005464, and rs3178250 SNPs were significantly associated with AR (P .05). The rs1049007 and rs235768 SNPs also showed an association with GD (P .05).In conclusion, these results suggest that the BMP2 gene polymorphism may be related to the development of AR and GD in kidney transplant recipients.

Background The anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are heterogeneous group of necrotizing inflammation of small vessel and the presence of the ANCA. ANCAs are defined according to the target antigens, leukocyte proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Recently, the ANCA specificity could be better for classification of ANCA-associated vasculitides than the clinical diagnosis. A few patients have both MPO- and PR3 ANCA. However, the clinical characteristics of these patients were not known in detail. Objectives To analyze organ involvement of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis according to ANCA type focusing both MPO- and PR3-ANCA (both-ANCA) positive vasculitis Methods The medical records of the patients with positive ANCA and clinical diagnosis or the patients with positive ANCA and vasculitis diagnosis confirmed by biopsy were reviewed at two regional tertiary hospitals. The age at diagnosis, sex, and the organ involvement of kidney, lung, upper airway (nose/sinus/ear), skin, peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract were collected. The clinical variables were analyzed by ANCA type. Results Total 82 patients with positive ANCA and clinical diagnosis or histologic diagnosis of vasculitis were searched. MPO-ANCA positive patients was 63 (76.8%), PR3-ANCA 9 (11.0%), and both MPO- and PR3-ANCA was 10 (12.2%). The age at diagnosis of patients with PR3-ANCA was younger than patients with MPO-ANCA or both-ANCA (PR3-ANCA, 49.6 vs. MPO-ANCA, 66.1 vs. both-ANCA, 62.1, p Conclusions ANCA-associated vasculitis with both MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA has more kidney involvement than ANCA-associated vasculitis with PR3-ANCA and more upper airway involvement than ANCA-associated vasculitis with MPO-ANCA. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Background In case of anti-phospholipid syndrome, anticoagulants are recommended. However, there were no data about recurrence rate for thrombosis in patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies (APS) initially which disappeared later. Objectives We compared recurrence rate of thrombosis between negative conversion group and control group. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with thrombosis such as cerebral infarct, myocardial infarct, deep vein thrombosis, or thrombosis of other vessels at a tertiary medical center from 2000 to October 2016. Of these, 14 patients whose APA status was converted from positive to negative after more than 12 weeks were enrolled as negative conversion group. Forty-six patients without APA were matched with the ratio of 1:3∼1:4 according to age, sex, thrombosis type (arterial or venous) and therapeutic agents as control group. Results There was no difference between negative conversion group and control group in smoking status, presence of diabetes or hypertension, duration from the thrombosis to last visits or to recurrence, the proportion of patients taking glucocorticoids. There was no difference in the overall recurrence of thrombosis between two groups [negative conversion group, 3/14 (21%) vs. control group, 6/46 (13%), p=0.423]. In the negative conversion group, the number of patients diagnosed with SLE was significantly higher than the control group [SLE, 3/14 (21%) vs. 1/46 (2%), p=0.036]. However, thrombosis had recurred in one out of three patients with SLE. Conclusions The cumulative incidence of thrombotic events was not significantly different between negative conversion group and control group. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Wall decay reaction of residual chlorine in reclaimed water was evaluated through experiments using the PVC pipe reactor under the lab test conditions. As a result of evaluating the biofilm formation in the supply pipe of reclaimed water, it was confirmed that there were limitations to prevent reclaimed water supply system from the biofilm formation even though residual chlorine existed in reclaimed water. It was confirmed that biofilm was a dominant factor to increase the wall decay constants. The range of wall decay constants under the lab test conditions was within 0.012–0.20 m/d. It implies that wall decay constants showed great dependence on water temperature, initial chlorine concentration, and pipe diameter. Wall decay constants appeared to increase as water temperature increased. Wall decay constants were higher at lower initial chlorine concentration regardless of water temperature and pipe diameter. Depending on pipe diameter, the increased pipe diameter was led to the decreased wall dec...

A new formulation of the MNDIF method is introduced to extract highly accurate eigenvalues of concave acoustic cavities. Since the MNDIF method, which was introduced by the author, can be applicable for only convex acoustic cavities, a new approach of dividing a concave cavity into two convex domains and formulating an algebraic eigenvalue problem is proposed in the paper. A system matrix equation, which gives eigenvalues, is obtained from boundary conditions for each domain and the condition of continuity in the interface between the two domains. The validity and accuracy of the proposed method are shown through example studies.

The NDIF method based on a sub-domain technique is introduced to extract highly accurate natural frequencies of arbitrarily shaped plates with the simply-supported boundary condition. The NDIF method, which was developed by the authors for the eigen-mode analysis of arbitrarily shaped plates with various boundary conditions, has the feature that it yields highly accurate natural frequencies thanks to its effective theoretical formulation, compared with other analytical methods or numerical methods(FEM and BEM). However, the NDIF method has the weak point that it can be applicable for only convex plates. It was revealed that the NDIF method offers very inaccurate natural frequencies or no solution for concave cavities. To overcome the weak point, the paper proposes the sub-domain method of dividing a concave plate into several convex domains. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified in various case studies, which indicate that natural frequencies obtained by the proposed method are very accurate compared to the exact method and FEM(ANSYS).

A modified NDIF method using a sub-domain approach is introduced to extract highly accurate eigenvalues of two-dimensional, arbitrarily shaped acoustic cavities. The NDIF method, which was developed by the authors for the eigen-mode analysis of arbitrarily shaped acoustic cavities, has the feature that it yields highly accurate eigenvalues compared with other analytical methods or numerical methods(FEM and BEM). However, the NDIF method has the weak point that it can be applicable for only convex cavities. It was revealed that the solution of the NDIF method is very inaccurate or is not suitable for concave cavities. To overcome the weak point, the paper proposes the sub-domain method of dividing a concave domain into several convex domains. Finally, the validity of the proposed method is verified in two case studies, which indicate that eigenvalues obtained by the proposed method are more accurate compared to the exact method, the NDIF method, or FEM(ANSYS).

An improved NDIF method is introduced to efficiently extract eigenvalues and eigenmodes of two-dimensional, arbitrarily shaped acoustic cavities. The NDIF method, which was developed by the authors for the eigen-mode analysis of arbitrarily shaped acoustic cavities, membranes, and plates, has the feature that it yields highly accurate eigenvalues compared with other analytical methods or numerical methods(FEM and BEM). However, the NDIF method has the weak point that the system matrix of the NDIF method depends on the frequency parameter and, as a result, a final system equation doesn`s take the form of an algebra eigenvalue problem. The system matrix of the improved NDIF method developed in the paper is independent of the frequency parameter and eigenvalues and mode shapes can be efficiently obtained by solving a typical algebraic eigenvalue problem. Finally, the validity and accuracy of the proposed method is verified in two case studies, which indicate that eigenvalues and mode shapes obtained by the proposed method are very accurate compared to the exact method, the NDIF method or FEM(ANSYS).

The ductility-dip cracking (DDC) susceptibility of AISI 316L stainless steel weld metals was examined. Modified flux cored arc welding (FCAW) filler wires were fabricated with various chromium and nickel contents. The solidification mode and delta-ferrite content were determined from the chromium and nickel equivalent ratios (Creq/Nieq). Ductility-dip cracking occurred through a grain boundary sliding mechanism in the reheated region of the weld metal in the ferrite at cell and dendrite boundaries (AF mode), and the primary course of DDC formation was associated with the straight migrated grain boundary (MGB) morphology. No DDC was observed in the tortuous MGB due to the pinning effect of delta-ferrite in the continuous network of vermicular type of ferrite (FA mode)/acicular ferrite and continuous austenite network (F mode) weld metals. The DDC at the triple point or the intersection of the MGB showed a creep-like morphology. Severe localized and thermal plastic deformation was observed through the formation of micro-voids when grain boundary sliding was generated in the ductility-dip temperature range under strong restraint conditions.

Background Acute rejection (AR) after kidney transplantation resulting from alloimmune responses has a negative effect on graft survival. AR is mainly caused by T-cell immune responses activated by cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-2, -4, and -7. Many reports have shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these cytokines can affect the occurrence of AR. IL-3, which is secreted by activated T cells, can mediate AR. Our study sought to investigate the association between SNPs of the IL3 gene and the occurrence of an AR episode (ARE). Methods We analyzed 3 SNPs of IL3 (rs181781, rs2073506, and rs40401) among 330 renal recipients, 60 of whom had developed an ARE. SNPs of the IL3 gene, including 1 exonic SNP (rs40401) and 2 regulatory thought to be promoter SNPs (rs181781 and rs2073506). Results The genotypes of 60 ARE subjects and the 270 patients without AR demonstrated a significant relationship between genotype frequencies and the SNPs. The occurrence of an ARE was associated with rs181781 (P = .041, dominant model), rs2073506 (P = .009, codominant 1 model; P = .003, dominant model), and rs40401 (P = .014, recessive model). Among haplotypes, AAT showed a significant association with ARE. (P = .0033). Conclusion Our results suggest that IL3 gene polymorphisms were associated with this event.

This study was carried out to manufacture very thin natural elm veneer overlaid charcoal board for enhancing aesthetic value of charcoal board for the indoor application, and to use the advantageous properties of the charcoal as a building material for solving the sick house problem. The thin elm veneer had 26.9% opening ratio. The experiment results showed that the spreading area and the nonvolatile content of adhesive did not affect the gas adsoprtion of fancy veneer overlaid charcoal board. The natural thin elm veneer overlaid charcoal board enhanced not only the aesthetic beauty but also showed the same gas adsorption by the charcoal board.

Data from a comparative slaughter experiment with two hundreds of Korean native (Hanwoo) beef steers were utilized to determine net energy and protein requirements for growth (NEg and NPg). Eight randomly selected steers were used in the initial slaughter group of 6 month of age and the remaining steers allocated to treatments within two groups. The restricted groups were fed 1.2 to 1.5% concentrate per kg body weight (BW) in the growing period (6～12 month of age), 1.7 to 1.8% concentrate per kg BW in the early fattening period (13～18 month of age), and concentrate feed ad libitum in the late fattening period (19～30 month of age). Ad libitum groups were fed concentrate ad libitum through the whole period. Rice straw was offered ad libitum for 24 month of two feeding systems. The steers were slaughtered when animals reached every 2 month from 8 to 30 month of age. For all body composition determinations, whole empty body components were weighed, taken each proportional subsample was ground for chemical analysis. Equations developed with the pooled data to predicted NEg and NPg were similar to the equations of Japanese Feeding Standard for Beef Cattle (2000). First equations were developed to predicted NEg; NEg = 0.05332×LBW0.75×DG for restricted treatment and NEg = 0.04912×LBW0.75×DG for ad libitum treatment. Second equations were developed to predicted NPg; NPg = DG × (224.7－0.251×LBW) for restricted treatment and NPg=DG×(210.1－0.214×LBW) for ad libitum treatment.

Twenty four Holstein steers fed commercial concentrates with rice straw (T1), mixed grass hay (T2), or wet brewer's grains based TMR ad libitum (T3) were used to investigate the effects of roughage feeding type during the growing and early-fattening periods on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics. Growth performance and feed efficiency were investigated during the feeding trial conducted from 6 to 23 mo of age, and carcass characteristics were investigated after slaughter. Body weight at slaughter and daily gains were 751 to 802 kg (mean 782 kg) and 1.064 to 1.159 kg/d (mean 1.122 kg/d), respectively, showing that those for T2 were highest followed by T3. Compared with T1, the daily gain for T2 was improved by 8.9%. The TDN intakes per kg gain were 6.87, 7.17 and 7.15 kg for T1, T3 and T2, respectively, indicating that feed efficiency for T2 was improved (approx. 5%) compared with T1. The feeding treatments did not change dressing percentage (mean 60.8%), back fat thickness (6.68 mm) and rib-eye area (84.0 cm 2 ). Neither meat quality characteristics nor physicochemical properties were significantly different among the treatments. However, economic analysis accounting for 882.8, 991.7 and 943.8 thousand won per head for T1, T2 and T3, respectively, indicated that T2 and T3 increased (7~12%) total net income compared with T1. Therefore, it may be concluded that high quality meat of Holstein steers can be produced if they are fattened until 23 mo of age and that feeding mixed grass hay as roughage or TMR containing mainly wet brewer's grains during the growing and early-fattening periods can improve growth performance compared with feeding rice straw. (Key words : Holstein steers, Roughage feeding type, Growing period, Meat quantity, Meat quality)

Ninety Hanwoo steers (initial BW = 167.2±13.4 kg) were used to determine the effect of energy concentrations in concentrates and slaughter age on performance, carcass characteristics. Steers were allotted by BW to one of eighteen pens. Eighteen pens were randomly allotted to a low (70-70-71-72% for the growing, the early, the middle or the late fattening periods), medium (70-71-72-73%) or high (70-72- 73-74%) TDN level of concentrates. Five steers for each treatment of energy level were slaughtered every one month from 26 month of age to 31 month of age. Concentrates was fed restrictedly to achieve a predicted gain of 0.7~0.9 kg from growing stage to middle fattening stage. All steers were fed orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hay as roughage during the growing period, fed rice straw gradually substituted for orchard grass hay during the early fattening period, and fed rice straw only thereafter. Overall body weight and feed intake were not affected by TDN levels of concentrates. Average daily gain for all treatments was higher than 0.9 kg/d during the 19~21 month of age and decrease thereafter, but sustained above 0.7 kg/d. Mean concentrates intake for all treatments was 1.0~1.3% of live BW during the growing period and 1.5% during the early fattening. Thereafter, it decreased up to 1.4% during the middle fattening and 1.0% during late fattening period. Delay of slaughter end point resulted in a gradual increase of rib-eye area, back fat thickness and marbling score, especially after slaughter age of 29 month there was significant increases (P

S. W. Kang*, Y. K. Oh*, K. H. Kim*, C. W. Choi* and Y. S. Son**National Livestock Research Institute, R.D.A.*,College of Life & Environmental Sciences, Korea University**ABSTRACTPresent study was conducted to investigate the optimal feeding levels for producing the high qualitymeat on the basis of the information deriving from the comparison of the growth performance and carcasscharacteristics among breeds(Holstein vs F1, Holstein ♀×Hanwoo ), sex♂ (steer vs heifer) and interactionbetween breed and sex. Thirty two animals on 4 treatments(i.e. eight head each) were used for 540 daysfrom seven to 24 months of age.The results obtained are summarized as follows; the range of average daily gains was 0.733 to 1.018,0.994 to 1.255, 0.947 to 1.259 and 0.736 to 0.824kg for the growing, the early-fattening, the mid-fattening and the finishing periods, respectively. The range of average daily gains for the entire period was0.882 to 1.061kg. The gains were higher for Holstein(7.3%) and the steers(10.5%) than F1 and theheifers, respectively. Concentrates and total digestible nutrients intakes per kg gain were higher for Holsteinand the heifers than F1 and the steers, respectively. These findings may indicate that feed utilization ishigher for Holstein than F1, and higher for the steers than the heifers.In carcass characteristics, back fat thickness was thicker for Holstein than F1, and rib-eye area wassmaller for Holstein than F1. The rib-eye area per kg carcass weight was larger for F1 and the heifersthan Holstein and the steers, respectively. Meat color was better for Holstein than F1, but the sexdistinction did not show any differences. In physicochemical properties of longissimus dorsi, shear force,cooking loss, water holding capacity and the panel test scores of juiciness, tenderness and flavor for F1and the heifers were better than those for Holstein and the steers, respectively.According to the above results, we may conclude that F1 and heifers rather than Holstein and steers arerecommended for high quality meat production. In steers and heifers of Holstein and F1, the optimalfeeding levels may be 1.9% of apparent body weight for concentrates and 25% of concentrates intake forrice straw.(Keywords : Holstein, F1, Steers, Heifers, Growth, Carcass Characteristics)Corresponding author:S. W. Kang, National Livestock Research Institute, R. D. A., Omokchun-dong, Kwonsun-gu, Suwon-Si, Kyeongki-do, 441-350, Korea. Tel:031-290-1641, Fax:031-290-1660,E-mail:swkang@rda.go.kr.

The objectives of this work was to investigate the effects of feeding type of concentrates during growing pe- riod and slaughter age on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics in growing-fattening Holstein steers. Treatments were two concentrates feeding types(ad libitum or restricted 1.9 % of BW) and three slaughter ages(at 19, 22 or 25 mo). Body weight at slaughter was numerically higher(approx. 8.3 %) for the restricted than the ad libitum feeding groups. TDN intake rate was higher(8.4 %) for the restricted than the ad libitum feeding groups. One mo slaughter delay increased TDN intake by 4%. Despite the lack of significances, higher back fat thickness and rib-eye area appeared in the restricted feeding or the late slaughter groups compared with the ad libitum feed- ing or the early slaughter groups. Marbling score(mean 2.46) numerically increased when the steers were re- strictively fed concentrates compared with the ad libitum feeding groups. In addition, significant increases in the marbling score were associated with the slaughter age delay. In economic analysis, increases in total in- come were associated with the restricted feeding and the slaughter age delay. Whereas the highest monthly in- come appeared in the restricted feeding-and-slaughter at 22 mo group. In conclusion, the optimal feeding system may be 1) the restricted concentrates feeding(1.9 % of BW) during growing period and 2) the late slaughter age(22 ~ 25 mo of age) in growing-fattening Holstein steers fed rice straw.

The effects of concentrate to roughage ratios on duration and frequencies of rumination and chewing in Hanwoo steers were determined. Five Hanwoo steers fitted with rumen fistula were used to evaluate the effects of concentrate to rice straw ratio on eating and ruminating behavior. Experimental diets were formulated with different concentrate to rice straw ratios(50 : 50, 60: 40, 70: 30, 80: 20, 90: 10). When level of roughage feed was increased by 10, 20, 30, 40 to 50% of total dry matter of the diet, total chewing time was increased linearly from 286.99, 321.09, 390.29, 406.63 to 423.30 min/d, which was mainly due to increased ruminating time from 204.91 to 342.80 min/day. However, the level of roughage did not affect eating time. The number of chews per day for rumination and number of chews per rumination were significantly decreased(p

In this paper, we proposed the detection algorithm of microcalcification based on region growing method with contrast and edge sharpness in digital X-ray mammographic images. We extracted the local maximum pixel and watershed regions by using watershed algorithm. Then, we used the mean slope between local maximum and neighborhood pixels to extract microcalcification candidate pixels among local maximum pixels. During increasing threshold value to grow microcalcification region, at the maximum threshold value of the contrast and edge sharpness, the microcalcification area is decided. The regions of which area of grown candidate microcalfication region is larger than that of watershed region are excluded from microcalcifications. We showed the diagnosis algorithm can be used to aid diagnostic-radiologist in the early detection breast cancer.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Hwangto, Illite, and any other disease resistant materials as dietary supplements on the growth performance and immunity for growing period with 30 Hanwoo male calves weaned 75days in age. Feeding trial was conducted with 6 treatments(five heads/treatment), which were T1(Control), T2(Control + 2% Hwangto), T3(Control + 2% Illite), T4(Control + 0.04% Oligosacharides), T5(Control + 2% Charcoal powder) and T6(Control + 0.1% Chromium picolinate) for 120 days from three to seven months in age. The results obtained are summarized as follows; During the experimental period, average daily gains were 0.82 to 0.92kg, and were high in the order of T3, T6, T4, T5, T2 and T1. Especially the growth rate of calves for growing period was higher in Illite, chromium-picolinate and oligo- sacharides feeding groups than in any other groups. Average daily intakes and intake ratio to body weight of concentrates for 120days were 3.91 to 4.15kg(average 4.03kg) and 3.10 to 3.31% (average 3.21%), respectively. TDN intakes per kilogram gains were 3.20 to 3.57kg(average 3.35kg) and were smaller in the order of T5, T3, T6, T4, T2 and T1, respectively. Density of IgG in serum of calves measured by the IgG SDID Kit was 10.2 to 11.6mg/, and especially increase rate of IgG for experimental period was high in T3 and T5 by 6.9 and 2.8%, respectively. But incidence of disease was not found to be different by treatments. According to the above results it may be concluded that Illite is a sort of clay minerals increased the growth rate, feed efficiency and immunity of early weaned calves for growing period, but was not in unprocessed Hwangto.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of Red clay(Hwangto) as feed additives with 26 Hanwoo steers at two regions for 540 days from six to 24 months of age on feed efficiency, meat quantity and meat quality. Feeding trial 1 was conducted with two treatment groups by five heads/treatment which were T1(Control) and T2(Control+ad libitum Hwangto) at National Livestock Research Institute. Feeding trial 2 was conducted with four treatment groups by four heads/treatment which were T1(Control), T2(Control+2% Hwangto), T3(Control+5% Hwangto) and T4(Control+ad libitum Hwangto) at a private Hanwoo breeding farm. In feeding trial 1, average daily gains by growing, fattening, finishing and over-all periods were 0.572, 0.866, 0.869 and 0.769kg in T1, and 0.537, 0.904, 0.857 and 0.766kg in T2, respectively. Average daily gain for growing and finishing period was high in T1 but in T2 for fattening period, which were not statistically significant. Also concentrates and TDN intakes per kg gains were not statistically significant by treatments. In carcass characteristic, dressed carcass and red meat percentage were high in T1 but in T2 for retailed cut percentage without significant difference. The yield index and shear force was 69 and 70, 4.4 and 6.1 kg/ in T1 and T2, respectively. In palatability traits, the panel test scores of juiciness, tenderness and flavor were 4.08 and 4.64, 3.42 and 3.96, 4.58 and 4.80 in T1 and T2, respectively. which showed a tendency to improvement in Hwangto feeding groups. In feeding trial 2, the range of average daily gains were 0.656(T6) to 0.772(T3), 0.937(T6) to 1.009(T5), 0.592(T3) to 0.675kg(T6) in growing, fattening and finishing period, respectively. Although it was high in T3, T5 and T6 at growing, fattening and finishing period, respectively, it was not significantly different by treatments. The ranges of concentrates and TDN intakes per kg gains were 8.71 to 9.50(average 9.05) and 7.52 to 7.64kg(average 7.55kg), they all were lower in Hwangto feeding groups than in control about 4.5 to 8.3% and 1.2 to 1.6%, respectively. In carcass characteristics, back-fat thickness, loin eye muscle area and yield index were not difference by treatments, but marbling scores were high in T5 and T6 than in percent. Summarizing above results, it may be concluded that the use of unprocessed Hwangto as feed additives for growing-fattening steers seems to improve meat quality but not red meat quantity and feed efficiency, and may be required to feed ad libitum during the finishing period.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of domestic clay minerals on feed efficiency, meat quantity, meat quality and economic traits in 24 head of Hanwoo steers(166.1kg in body weight) for 540 days from six to 24 months in age. Feeding trial was conducted with 4 treatment(six heads/treatment) which were T1(Control), T2(Control+Kaolinite), T3(Control+Bentonite), T4(Control+Illite). The results obtained are summarized as follows; The range of average daily gains were 0.682 to 0.713, 0.669 to 0.714, 0.690 to 0.840 and 0.699 to 0.756kg in growing, fattening, finishing and over-all period, respectively, and the gains were high in T1 for growing and fattening period but in clay mineral groups for finishing and over-all period, especially it was high in Illite and Bentonite groups. Concentrates and TDN intakes per unit of kg gains were lower in clay mineral groups than in control and was lower especially in Bentonite groups. In carcass characteristics, dressed carcass and fresh meat and retailed cut percent were not apparently difference by treatments, and yield index was 69.3, 68.9, 68.8 and 68.6 in T3, T2, T4 and T1, respectively. Marbling scores were 5.1, 4.6, 4.4 and 3.3 in T3, T2, T4 and T1, respectively, and the range of shear force by treatment was from 3.51 to 6.02kg/cm2. and were improved with significant difference(P