• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.299-306
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• 2009

Purpose : To compare radiation dose for coronary CT angiography (CTA) obtained with 6 examination protocols such as a retrospectively ECG gated helical scan, a prospectively ECG gated sequential scan, low kVp technique, and cardiac dose modulation technique. Materials and Methods : Coronary CTA was performed by using 6 current clinical protocols to evaluate effective dose and organ dose in primary beam area with anthropomorphic female phantom and glass dosimetric system in 64 channel multi-detector CT. After acquiring topograms of frontal and lateral projection with 80 kVp and 10 mA, main coronary scan was done with 0.35 sec tube rotation time, 40 mm collimation ($0.625\;mm{\times}64\;ea$), small scan field of view (32 cm diameter), 105 mm scan length. Heart beat rate of phantom was maintained 60 bpm in ECG gating. In constant mAs technique 120 kVp, 600 mA was used, and 100 kVp for low kVp technique. In a retrospectively ECG gated helical CT technique 0.22 pitch was used, peak mA (600 mA) was adopted in range of $40{\sim}80%$ of R-R interval and 120mA(80% reduction) in others with cardiac dose modulation. And 210 mAs was used without cardiac dose modulation. In a prospectively ECG gated sequential CT technique data were acquired at 75% R-R interval (middle diastolic phase in cardiac cycle), and 120 msec additional padding of the tube-on time was used. For effective dose calculation region specific conversion factor of dose length product in thorax was used, which was recommended by EUR 16262. Results : The mean effective dose for conventional coronary CTA without cardiac dose modulation in a retrospectively ECG gated helical scan was 17.8 mSv, and mean organ dose of heart was 103.8 mGy. With low kVp and cardiac dose modulation the mean effective dose showed 54.5% reduction, and heart dose showed 52.3% reduction, compared with that of conventional coronary CTA. And at the sequential scan(SnapShot pulse mode) under prospective ECG gating the mean effective dose was 4.9 mSv, this represents an 72.5% reduction compared with that of conventional coronary CTA. And heart dose was 33.8 mGy, this represents 67.4% reduction. In the sequential scan technique under prospective ECG gating with low kVp the mean effective dose was 3.0 mSv, this represents an 83.2% reduction compared with that of conventional coronary CTA. And heart dose was 17.7 mGy, this represents an 82.9% reduction. Conclusion : In coronary CTA at retrospectively ECG gated helical scan, cardiac dose modulation technique using low kVp reduced dose to 50% above compared with the conventional helical scan. And the prospectively ECG gated sequential scan offers substantially reduced dose compared with the traditional retrospectively ECG gated helical scan.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.207-217
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• 2011

In this study the complex formation reactions between uranium(VI) and 2,6-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB) as a model ligand of humic acid were investigated by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). The analysis of the spectrophotometric data, i.e., absorbance changes at the characteristic charge-transfer bands of the U(VI)-DHB complex, indicates that both 1:1 and 1:2 (U(VI):DHB) complexes occur as a result of dual equilibria and their distribution varies in a pH-dependent manner. The stepwise stability constants determined (log $K_1$ and log $K_2$) are $12.4{\pm}0.1$ and $11.4{\pm}0.1$. Further, the TRLFS study shows that DHB plays a role as a fluorescence quencher of U(VI) species. The presence of both a dynamic and static quenching process was identified for all U(VI) species examined, i.e., ${UO_2}^{2+}$, $(UO_2)_2{(OH)_2}^{2+}$, and $(UO_2)_3{(OH)_5}^+$. The fluorescence intensity and lifetimes of each species were measured from the time-resolved spectra at various ligand concentrations, and then analyzed based on Stern-Volmer equations. The static quenching constants (log $K_s$) obtained are $4.2{\pm}0.1$, $4.3{\pm}0.1$, and $4.34{\pm}0.08$ for ${UO_2}^{2+}$, $(UO_2)_2{(OH)_2}^{2+}$, and $(UO_2)_3{(OH)_5}^+$, respectively. The results of Stern-Volmer analysis suggest that both mono- and bi-dentate U(VI)-DHB complexes serve as groundstate complexes inducing static quenching.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.303-318
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• 2014

Baseflow gives a significant contribution to stream function in the regions where climatic characteristics are seasonally distinct. In this regard, variable baseflow can make it difficult to maintain a stable water supply, as well as causing disruption to the stream ecosystem. Changes in land use can affect both the direct flow and baseflow of a stream, and consequently, most other components of the hydrologic cycle. Baseflow estimation depends on the observed streamflow in gauge watersheds, but accurate predictions of streamflow through modeling can be useful in determining baseflow data for ungauged watersheds. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are to 1) improve predictions of SWAT by applying the alpha factor estimated using RECESS for calibration; 2) estimate baseflow in an ungauged watershed using the WHAT system; and 3) evaluate the effects of changes in land use on baseflow characteristics. These objectives were implemented in the Gapcheon watershed, as an ungauged watershed in South Korea. The results show that the alpha factor estimated using RECESS in SWAT calibration improves the prediction for streamflow, and, in particular, recessions in the baseflow. Also, the changes in land use in the Gapcheon watershed leads to no significant difference in annual baseflow between comparable periods, regardless of precipitation, but does lead to differences in the seasonal characteristics observed for the temporal distribution of baseflow. Therefore, the Guem River, into which the stream from the Gapcheon watershed flows, requires strategic seasonal variability predictions of baseflow due to changes in land use within the region.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.307-327
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• 2008

Geochemical study on the rocks and minerals of the Gyeongju low and intermediate level waste repository was carried out in order to provide geochemical data for the safety assessment and geochemical modeling. Polarized microscopy, X-ray diffraction method, chemical analysis for the major and trace elements, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), and stable isotope analysis were applied. Fracture zones are locally developed with various degrees of alteration in the study area. The study area is mainly composed of granodiorite and diorite and their relation is gradational in the field. However, they could be easily distinguished by their chemical property. The granodiorite showed higher $SiO_2$ content and lower MgO and $Fe_2O_3$ contents than the diorite. Variation trends of the major elements of the granodiorite and diorite were plotted on the same line according to the increase of $SiO_2$ content suggesting that they were differentiated from the same magma. Spatial distribution of the various elements showed that the diorite region had lower $SiO_2,\;Al_2O_3,\;Na_2O\;and\;K_2O$ contents, and higher CaO, $Fe_2O_3$ contents than the granodiorite region. Especially, because the differences in the CaO and $Na_2O$ distribution were most distinct and their trends were reciprocal, the chemical variation of the plagioclase of the granitic rocks was the main parameter of the chemical variation of the host rocks in the study area. Identified fracture-filling minerals from the drill core were montmorillonite, zeolite minerals, chlorite, illite, calcite and pyrite. Especially pyrite and laumontite, which are known as indicating minerals of hydrothermal alteration, were widely distributed in the study area indicating that the study area was affected by mineralization and/or hydrothermal alteration. Sulfur isotope analysis for the pyrite and oxygen-hydrogen stable isotope analysis for the clay minerals indicated that they were originated from the magma. Therefore, it is considered that the fracture-filling minerals from the study area were affected by the hydrothermal solution as well as the simply water-rock interaction.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.217-227
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• 2017

The object of this study is to estimate the net volume transport and the residual flow that changed by space and time at southern part of Yeomha channel, Gyeonggi Bay. The cross-section observation was conducted at the mid-part (Line2) and the southern end (Line1) of Yeomha channel for 13 hours during neap and spring-tides, respectively. The Lagrange flux is calculated as the sum of Eulerian flux and Stokes drift, and the residual flow is calculated by using least square method. It is necessary to unify the spatial area of the observed cross-section and average time during the tidal cycle. In order to unify the cross-sectional area containing such a large vertical tidal variation, it was necessary to convert into sigma coordinate system by horizontally and vertically for every hour. The converted sigma coordinate system is estimated to be 3~5% error when compared with the z-level coordinate system which shows that there is no problem for analyzing the data. As a result, the cross-sectional residual flow shows a southward flow pattern in both spring and neap tides at Line2, and also have characteristic of the spatial residual flow fluctuation: it northwards in the main line direction and southwards at the end of both side of the waterway. It was confirmed that the residual flow characteristics at Line2 were changed by the net pressure due to the sea level difference. The analysis of the net volume transport showed that it tends to southwards at $576m^3s^{-1}$, $67m^3s^{-1}$ in each spring tide and neap tide at Line2. On the other hand, in the control Line1, it has tendency to northwards at $359m^3s^{-1}$ and $248m^3s^{-1}$. Based on the difference between the two observation lines, it is estimated that net volume transport will be out flow about $935m^3s^{-1}$ at spring tide stage and about $315m^3s^{-1}$ at neap tide stage as the intertidal zone between Yeongjong Island and Ganghwa Island. In other words, the difference of pressure gradient and Stokes drift during spring and neap tide is main causes of variation for residual current and net volume transport.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.421-430
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• 2004

Clinically, it is almost impossible for a physician to distinguish subtle changes of frequency spectrum by using a stethoscope alone especially in the early stage of thrombus formation. Considering that reliability of mechanical valve is paramount because the failure might end up with patient death, early detection of valve thrombus using noninvasive technique is important. Thus the study was designed to provide a tool for early noninvasive detection of valve thrombus by observing shift of frequency spectrum of acoustic signals with computer aid diagnosis system. A thrombus model was constructed on commercialized mechanical valves using polyurethane or silicon. Polyurethane coating was made on the valve surface, and silicon coating on the sewing ring of the valve. To simulate pannus formation, which is fibrous tissue overgrowth obstructing the valve orifice, the degree of silicone coating on the sewing ring varied from 20％, 40％, 60％ of orifice obstruction. In experiment system, acoustic signals from the valve were measured using microphone and amplifier. The microphone was attached to a coupler to remove environmental noise. Acoustic signals were sampled by an AID converter, frequency spectrum was obtained by the algorithm of spectral analysis. To quantitatively distinguish the frequency peak of the normal valve from that of the thrombosed valves, analysis using a neural network was employed. A return map was applied to evaluate continuous monitoring of valve motion cycle. The in-vivo data also obtained from animals with mechanical valves in circulatory devices as well as patients with mechanical valve replacement for 1 year or longer before. Each spectrum wave showed a primary and secondary peak. The secondary peak showed changes according to the thrombus model. In the mock as well as the animal study, both spectral analysis and 3-layer neural network could differentiate the normal valves from thrombosed valves. In the human study, one of 10 patients showed shift of frequency spectrum, however the presence of valve thrombus was yet to be determined. Conclusively, acoustic signal measurement can be of suggestive as a noninvasive diagnostic tool in early detection of mechanical valve thrombosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.347-356
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• 2000

Background : Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are known to have high long-term mortality compared to healthy subjects because of their cardiovascular dysfunction. The observation of hemodynamic changes by obstructive apneas is helpful when attempting to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of the development of cardiovascular dysfunction in those patients. Therefore, we studied the changes in cardiovascular function with an animal model and tried to obtain the basic data for an ideal experimental model (this phrase is unclear), a requirement for a more advanced study. Methods : Sixteen anesthetized dogs with ${\alpha}$-chloralose delete were divided into two groups : 8 dogs of room air breathing group and 8 dogs of oxygen breathing group. We measured $PaO_2$, $PaCO_2$, heart rate, cardiac output, mean femoral artery pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure at specified times during the apnea-breathing cycle before endotracheal tube occlusion (baseline), 25 seconds after endotracheal tube occlusion (apneic period), 10 seconds (early phase of postapneic period, EPA) and 25 seconds (late phase of postapneic period, LPA) after spontaneous breathing. Results : In room air breathing group, the heart rate significantly decreased during the apneic period compared to that at baseline (P<0.01) and increased at EPA and LPA compared to that during the apneic period (P<0.01). But, the heart rate showed no significant changes during apneic and postapneic periods in the oxygen breathing group. Cardiac output tended to decrease during apneic period compared to that at baseline, but was statistically significant. Cardiac output significantly decreased at LP A compared to at baseline (P<0.01). Mean femoral artery pressure was significantly decreased at during apneic period compared to that at baseline (P<0.05). Conclusion : Through this experiment, we were partially able to understand the changes of cardiovascular function indirectly, but delete new experimental animal model displaying physiological mechanism close to natural sleep should be established, and the advanced study in the changes of cardiovascular function and their causes should be continued.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.1
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• pp.76-82
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• 2006

Background : The objective of this study was to understand sleep-related problems, and to determine whether the sleep questionnaires is a clinically useful method in patients who need polysomnography. Methods : Subjects were patients who performed polysomnography and who asked to answer a sleep questionnaires at the Sleep Disorders Clinic of St. Paul's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea. Baseline characteristics, past medical illness, behaviors during sleep-wake cycle, snoring, sleep-disordered breathing and symptoms of daytime sleepiness were analyzed to compare with data of polysomnography. Results : The study population included 1081 patients(849 men, 232 female), and their mean age was $44.2{\pm}12.8years$. Among these patients, 38.9% had an apnea-hypopnea index(AHI)<5, 27.9% had $5{\leq}AHI<20$, 13.2% had $20{\leq}AHI<40$, and 20.0% had $40{\leq}AHI$. The main problems for visiting our clinic were snoring(91.7%), sleep apnea(74.5%), excessive daytime sleepiness(8.0%), insomnia(4.3%), bruxism(1.1%) and attention deficit(0.5%). The mean value of frequency of interruptions of sleep was 1.6 and the most common reason was urination(46.3%). Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS) had a weak correlation with AHI(r=0.209, p<0.01). When we performed analysis of sleep questionnaires, there were significant differences in the mean values of AHI according to the severity of symptoms including snoring, daytime sleepiness, taking a nap and arousal state after wake(p<0.05). Conclusion : On the basis of statistical analysis of sleep questionnaires, the severity of subjective symptoms such as ESS, snoring, daytime sleepiness and arousal state after wake correlated with the AHI significantly. Therefore the sleep questionnaires can be useful instruments for prediction of the severity of sleep disorder, especially sleep-disordered breathing.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.411-415
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• 2010

Anisakis simplex is one of the parasitic nematodes, and has a complex life cycle in crustaceans, fish, squid or whale. When people eat under-processed or raw fish, it causes anisakidosis and also plays a critical role in inducing serious allergic reactions in humans. However, no web-based database on A. simplex at the level of DNA or protein has been so far reported. In this context, we constructed a web-based database for Anisakis research. To build up the web-based database for Anisakis research, we proceeded with the following measures: First, sequences of order Ascaridida were downloaded and translated into the multifasta format which was stored as database for stand-alone BLAST. Second, all of the nucleotide and EST sequences were clustered and assembled. And EST sequences were translated into amino acid sequences for Nuclear Localization Signal prediction. In addition, we added the vector, E. coli, and repeat sequences into the database to confirm a potential contamination. The web-based database gave us several advantages. Only data that agrees with the nucleotide sequences directly related with the order Ascaridida can be found and retrieved when searching BLAST. It is also very convenient to confirm contamination when making the cDNA or genomic library from Anisakis. Furthermore, BLAST results on the Anisakis sequence information can be quickly accessed. Taken together, the Web-based database on A. simplex will be valuable in developing species specific PCR markers and in studying SNP in A. simplex-related researches in the future.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.153-163
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• 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the fitness of Tetranychus kanzawai Kishida on different host plants: young and old leaves of the mandarin orange 'shiranuhi' ((Citrus unshiu × C. sinensis) × C. reticulata), Japanese violet (Viola japonica Langsd.) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The development and oviposition experiments were conducted at constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30℃) and a life table parameters were estimated. T. kanzawai could complete it's development on 'shiranuhi' young leaves, japanese violet and kidney bean, while all died during the immature period on 'shiranuhi' old leaves. The total developmental period of T. kanzawai feeding on 'shiranuhi' young leaves was 17.4, 13.4 and 10.2 days at each temperature, respectively, which was longer than 16.1, 9.5 and 7.0 days of kidney bean. The female longevity of T. kanzawai on young leaves of 'shiranuhi' were 19.1, 15.0 and 12.3 days at each temperature, respectively, and there was no significant difference from 22.1, 14.1 and 10.9 days investigated from kidney bean. The fecundity was 18.1, 23.9 and 17.8 eggs per female, which was less than them of japanese violet and kidney bean at each temperature, respectively. As a result of estimating the life table parameters based on the experimental data, intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) were significantly different from each other, and appeared in the following order: kidney (0.1542, 0.2563 and 0.3251), japanese violet (0.1087, 0.2007 and 0.2673) and 'shiranuhi' young leaves (0.0868, 0.1002 and 0.1217) at each temperature, respectively. Finally, the management strategy against T. kanzawai in citrus orchards was discussed based on the results.