• Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.145-154
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to provide basic biometric data on Korean adults through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based measurements of the distances between the apex of sacral hiatus (SH) and the termination of dural sac (DS), and between SH and conus medullaris (CM) because they are critical to the performance of epidural neuroplasty. A total of 200 patients(88 males and 112 females) with back pain, who had no spine fracture, significant spinal deformity, and spondyloisthesis were selected for this study. The subjects were of mean age 54.3 (20~84) years and mean height 161.3 cm (135~187). T2-weighted MRI images were used for correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships between the distances, and variables such as sex and height. In all patients, the mean distance between SH and DS was $62.8{\pm}9.4mm$ and the mean distance between SH and CM was $232.2{\pm}21.8mm$. The minimum distance and the maximum distance between SH and DS were 34.8 mm and 93.9 mm respectively, and the minimum distance and the maximum distance between SH and CM were 155.0 mm and 284.0 mm respectively. In female patients, both the distances between the SH and DS, and between SH and CM were shorter when compared to those of the male patients(p<0.05). Both the distances between SH and DS and between SH and CM showed a significant correlation with height(p<0.01). The results of this study will provide a useful biometric data on the distances between SH and DS and between SH and CM in Korean in ensuring clinical safety and in the development of more effective catheterization techniques for epidural neuroplasty in Korean.

• Korean Journal of Dental Materials
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.171-178
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of number of times dipped in coloring liquid and sintering temperature on the flexural strength of zirconia ceramic. In this study, using a zirconia block having improved transparency, specimens with size of $25mm{\times}2mm{\times}1.5mm$ were fabricated. The zirconia ceramic specimens were divided into three groups according to the number of times dipped in coloring liquid by 0, 2 and 4 times, and dyed in the coloring liquid to give color to each specimen. Then, after sintering them at the final temperature of $1,450^{\circ}C$ and $1,600^{\circ}C$, flexural strength was measured using a universal testing machine (total 6 group, n=10 for each group). Also, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to observe its microstructure, and the data obtained through the experiment were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. The results of the flexural strength analysis show that the highest value was measured $762.3{\pm}42.3MPa$ in EKL2 group, while the lowest value was $516.4{\pm}77.1MPa$ in EKH4 group. According to the results of the two-way ANOVAs, flexural strength was not related with interaction between sintering temperature and number of times dipped in coloring liquid ($R^2=0.737$). However, there were statistically significant differences in flexural strength depending on sintering temperature (P<0.001). The flexural strength of zirconia ceramics having improved transparency was dependent on sintering temperature. The number of times dipped in the coloring liquid did not affect flexural strength of the zirconia ceramic having improved transparency.

• Korean Journal of Dental Materials
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2017

The effect of cooling rate on precipitation hardening of a Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn metal-ceramic alloy during porcelain firing simulation was investigated and the following results were obtained. When the cooling rate was fast (Stage 0), the hardness of the alloy increased at each firing step and the high hardness value was maintained. When the cooling rate was slow (Stage 3), the hardness was the highest at the first stage of the firing, but the final hardness of the alloy after complete firing was lower. The increase in hardness of the specimens cooled at the cooling rate of Stage 0 after each firing step was caused by precipitation hardening. The decrease in hardness of the specimens cooled at the cooling rate of Stage 3 after each firing step was attributed to the coarsening of the spot-like precipitates formed in the matrix and plate-like precipitates. The matrix and the plate-like precipitates were composed of the $Pd_2(Cu,Ga,Zn)$ phase of CsCl-type, and the particle-like structure was composed of the Pd-rich ${\alpha}$-phase of face-centered cubic structure. Through the porcelain firing process, Cu, Ga, and Zn, which were dissolved in Pd-rich ${\alpha}$ particles, precipitated with Pd, resulting in the phase separation of the Pd-rich ${\alpha}$ particles into the Pd-rich ${\alpha}^{\prime}$ particles and ${\beta}^{\prime}$ precipitates composed of $Pd_2(Cu,Ga,Zn)$. These results suggested that the durability of the final prosthesis made of the Pd-Cu-Ga-Zn alloy can be improved when the cooling rate is fast during porcelain firing simulation.

• Journal of The Korean Ophthalmological Society
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.706-711
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• 2017

Purpose: To analyze blinking patterns when watching an ultra-high definition (UHD) television and to compare the results between normal eyes and dry eyes. Methods: A total of 59 participants aged from 13 to 69 years were instructed to watch a colorful and dynamic video on a UHD television for 10 minutes. Before and after watching the UHD television, we measured the best corrected visual acuities, autorefraction, tear-break-up-time, degree of corneal erosion and conjunctival hyperemia via slit lamp biomicroscopy. In addition, questionnaires for the evaluation of eye fatigue and symptoms of a dry eye were completed. The definition of dry eye syndrome was that the tear-break-up-time of one of the eyes was less than 5 seconds, conjunctival injection, or marked corneal erosion. The number of blinks and the duration of blinking were both measured and analyzed at the early and late phases of video-watching. Results: After watching the UHD television in the normal eye group, the tear-break-up-time was significantly decreased (p < 0.001) and the degree of corneal erosion was significantly increased (p = 0.023). However, the subjective symptoms of participants were not aggravated (p = 0.080). There were no significant differences in blinking patterns in the dry eye group. On the other hand, in the normal eye group, the mean blinking time was significantly increased (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Watching an UHD television changes the tear-break-up-time, degree of corneal erosion, and blinking pattern in normal eyes, which may increase the risk of dry eye syndrome.

• Journal of The Korean Ophthalmological Society
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.144-151
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• 2019

Purpose: Intravitreal aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and dexamethasone are the most widely used drugs in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors and dexamethasone for the treatment of DME. Methods: There were nine previous systematic reviews on this topic; we updated these high-quality reviews. Seven studies were added to two studies following a literature search. Efficacy outcomes were 1) average improvement in visual acuity, 2) proportion of patients who experienced an improvement in vision (an increase in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of ${\geq}15$ in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS]), and 3) proportion of patients who experienced worsening vision (a decrease in BCVA of ${\geq}15$ in the ETDRS). Safety outcomes included systemic adverse events and ocular-related adverse events. Results: The mean difference in the BCVA for ranibizumab versus bevacizumab treatment was 0.16 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.02, 0.34), and that for ranibizumab versus aflibercept was -0.08 (95% CI: -0.26, 0.10). The mean difference in the change of BCVA for aflibercept versus ranibizumab was -0.20 (95% CI: -0.40, -0.01), and that for aflibercept versus bevacizumab was -0.34 (95% CI: -0.53, -0.14). Other efficacy outcomes showed similar trends, and there was no significant difference between treatments. There was also no significant difference in both systemic and ocular adverse events rates between the treatments. Conclusions: In DME patients, the efficacy of aflibercept was found to be higher with respect to BCVA changes compared with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. However, there were no significant difference in terms of visual acuity improvement or visual acuity of more than 15 letters, nor in terms of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (as a safety outcome).

• Journal of The Korean Ophthalmological Society
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.321-326
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• 2017

Purpose To identify the correspondence between the central sensitivity of several visual field (VF) tests and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness in early glaucoma patients with parafoveal scotoma. Methods Fifty-seven eyes from 57 patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy and parafoveal scotoma were analyzed using the standard automated perimetry (SAP) C10-2 test, the SAP C24-2 test, and the frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT) C24-2 test. The correlation between the VF central sensitivity and the GC-IPL thickness from macular scans via optical coherence tomography was analyzed. Results The central sensitivity was $27.51{\pm}5.43dB$, $27.39{\pm}5.05dB$, and $22.09{\pm}5.08dB$ for SAP C24-2, SAP C10-2, and FDT C24-2, respectively. Mean GC-IPL thickness was $70.2{\pm}8.5{\mu}m$. Using regression analysis, the value of log $R^2$ between the logarithmic central sensitivity and GC-IPL thickness was 0.498, and the linear $R^2$ between the antilogarithmic central sensitivity and GC-IPL thickness in SAP C10-2 was 0.486, and both were statistically significant (p < 0.05). This relationship was stronger in early glaucoma patients compared to late glaucoma patients using SAP C10-2. Conclusions The structure-function relationship between GC-IPL thickness and central sensitivity was better with SAP C10-2, especially in early glaucoma patients, compared to other VF modalities.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.117-126
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• 2012

This study carried out on the manufacturing of pidan. The production of pidan can be one of solutions for over-produced eggs and stable egg price. For the alkali-pickling solution for manufacturing of Pidan, the tested concentration of NaOH and NaCl were respectively as 3, 5, 7% and 5, 10, 15, 20%, and examined every 2 days for 14days. According to the results, pH value of alkali-pickling solution was increased by the increment of NaOH concentration and the pickling period, and was decreased by the increment of NaCl concentration. The pH value of egg yolk was increased by the increment of NaOH concentration, but it was not significantly different by the NaCl concentration. By the increment of NaOH and NaCl concentrations, the alkali infiltration in egg yolk and egg white was accelerated. Furthermore, the weight change of the eggs in the alkali-solution has no effects on manufacturing of Pidan. Liquefied albumen showed significant differences by NaOH concentration rather than that of NaCl. There was no liquefied albumen for 14days at 3% of NaOH, but it was found between 11-12days at 5% and 8-10days at 7%, respectively. The pH values of egg white when it was liquefied albumen were between 11.8 and 12.0. Pidan was made by heat treatment after 6-7days dipped in the solution at the concentration of 7%, about 10days at 5%, and 12-14days at 3% of NaOH, respectively. Although, the period of manufacturing of Pidan was saved by the increment of NaOH concentration, liquefied albumen was accelerated and the food preference was decreased by ammonia odor. Therefore, the suitable concentration of NaOH is between 3 and 5%, and that of NaCl is between 5 and 10% due to the effect of salinity by the soaking period. Through this study, optimal pickling solution and dipping time for manufacturing of Pidan was figured out, and also find out that it can save a time about 15days for manufacturing of Pidan.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.105-115
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• 2012

The detailed proximate, fatty/amino acid, mineral composition, texture, color, chemical and taste compounds of six oysters (four kinds of cultured oysters and two kinds of wild oysters) in Korea were investigated. Length and weight of the shell removed cultured and wild oysters were 4.7~5.1 and 3.0~4.2 cm, and 5.9~9.1 and 2.6~5.5 g, respectively. The proximate compositions were not significantly different between cultured and wild oysters. Amino nitrogen and volatile basic nitrogen content of these ones were 232.8~258.2 and 160.5~213.9 mg/100 g, 9.5~12.0 and 7.8~9.5 mg/100 g, respectively. As a texture characteristic of muscle, shearing force were 95~114 and 105~132 g. Amounts of total amino acids of cultured and wild oysters were 9,004~10,198 and 8,165~8,942 mg/100 g, respectively. Major amino acids and inorganic ions were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline, alanine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine, arginine and K, Na, Ca, Fe, S, P, Zn. Major fatty acids of these ones were 16:0, 18:0, 16:1n-9, 18:1n-9, 22:1n-9, 16:4n-3, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3, and there was little difference between the two groups. Amounts of free amino acids of cultured and wild oysters extracts were 1,444~1,620 and 1,017~1,277 mg/100 g, respectively, and major ones were taurine, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, tryptophan, ornithine and lysine. There is a little difference in glycine, tryptophan, ornithine and arginine contents, but TMAO and TMA contents were low in amount, and were not significantly different between the two groups.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of probiotic from pine needle microbes on growth performance, blood characteristics, carcass traits and economy of pigs. One hundred eighty pigs (L${\times}$Y${\times}$D, average body weight=75 kg) were grouped and housed with 15 animals per pen for 3 replications per each treatment. The ingredients and pine needle microbes mixed and fermented on anaerobic condition for 10 days to make the fermented diet. The basal diet was substituted with 0 (CON), 3 (T1), 5 (T2) and 10% (T3) of fermented diet, the pigs were fed for 42 days and slaughtered at the end of the trial to measure the carcass traits. Crude protein concentration of fermented diet on 10 day was higher (p<0.05) than that of on 0 day, while crude fiber concentration and pH were lower (p<0.05). The supplementation of fermented diet did not affect on growth performance and feed intake. Hemoglobin concentration of whole blood in T3 was higher (p<0.05) than that of CON, and hematocrit concentrations in CON and T1 were higher (p<0.05) than that of T2 and T3. The concentration of platelet was higher (p<0.05) in T1 than in T2 and T3. The CON had higher (p<0.05) total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations than the treatments, whereas lower (p<0.05) HDL-cholesterol concentration. Carcass weight and dressing in T1 and T3 were higher (p<0.05) than those of CON and T2. The backfat thickness was higher (p<0.05) in CON and T2 than in T3. The carcass grade and economy improved by supplementation of fermented diet compare to CON. In conclusion, the supplementation of fermented diet using probiotics from pine needle microbes could improve health and meat quality and reduce the feed cost of pigs.

• Laboratory Medicine Online
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2017

Background: We evaluated a sensitive and quantitative method utilizing fragment analysis of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), simultaneously measuring mutant allele burden and length, and verified the analytical performance. Methods: The number and allelic burden of FLT3-ITD mutations was determined by fragment analysis. Serial mixtures of mutant and wild-type plasmid DNA were used to calculate the limit of detection of fragment analysis, conventional PCR, and Sanger sequencing. Specificity was evaluated using DNA samples derived from 50 normal donors. Results of fragment analysis were compared to those of conventional PCR, using 481 AML specimens. Results: Defined mixtures were consistently and accurately identified by fragment analysis at a 5% relative concentration of mutant to wild-type, and at 10% and 20% ratios by conventional PCR and direct sequencing, respectively. No false positivity was identified. Among 481 AML specimens, 40.1% (193/481) had FLT3-ITD mutations. The mutant allele burden (1.7-94.1%; median, 28.2%) and repeated length of the mutation (14-153 bp; median, 49 bp) were variable. The concordance rate between fragment analysis and conventional PCR was 97.7% (470/481). Fragment analysis was more sensitive than conventional PCR and detected 11 additional cases: seven had mutations below 10%, three cases represented conventional PCR failure, and one case showed false negativity because of short ITD length (14 bp). Conclusions: The new fragment analysis method proved to be sensitive and reliable for the detection and monitoring of FLT3-ITD in patients with AML. This could be used to simultaneously assess ITD mutant allele burden and length.