• Korean Journal of Exercise Nutrition
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.65-71
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• 2012

Oxygen is the final acceptor of electron transport from fat and carbohydrate oxidation, which is the rate-limiting factor for cellular ATP production. Under altitude hypoxia condition, energy reliance on anaerobic glycolysis increases to compensate for the shortfall caused by reduced fatty acid oxidation [1]. Therefore, training at altitude is expected to strongly influence the human metabolic system, and has the potential to be designed as a non-pharmacological or recreational intervention regimen for correcting diabetes or related metabolic problems. However, most people cannot accommodate high altitude exposure above 4500 M due to acute mountain sickness (AMS) and insulin resistance corresponding to a increased levels of the stress hormones cortisol and catecholamine [2]. Thus, less stringent conditions were evaluated to determine whether glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity could be improved by moderate altitude exposure (below 4000 M). In 2003, we and another group in Austria reported that short-term moderate altitude exposure plus endurance-related physical activity significantly improves glucose tolerance (not fasting glucose) in humans [3,4], which is associated with the improvement in the whole-body insulin sensitivity [5]. With daily hiking at an altitude of approximately 4000 M, glucose tolerance can still be improved but fasting glucose was slightly elevated. Individuals vary widely in their response to altitude challenge. In particular, the improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity by prolonged altitude hiking activity is not apparent in those individuals with low baseline DHEA-S concentration [6]. In addition, hematopoietic adaptation against altitude hypoxia can also be impaired in individuals with low DHEA-S. In short-lived mammals like rodents, the DHEA-S level is barely detectable since their adrenal cortex does not appear to produce this steroid [7]. In this model, exercise training recovery under prolonged hypoxia exposure (14-15% oxygen, 8 h per day for 6 weeks) can still improve insulin sensitivity, secondary to an effective suppression of adiposity [8]. Genetically obese rats exhibit hyperinsulinemia (sign of insulin resistance) with up-regulated baseline levels of AMP-activated protein kinase and AS160 phosphorylation in skeletal muscle compared to lean rats. After prolonged hypoxia training, this abnormality can be reversed concomitant with an approximately 50% increase in GLUT4 protein expression. Additionally, prolonged moderate hypoxia training results in decreased diffusion distance of muscle fiber (reduced cross-sectional area) without affecting muscle weight. In humans, moderate hypoxia increases postprandial blood distribution towards skeletal muscle during a training recovery. This physiological response plays a role in the redistribution of fuel storage among important energy storage sites and may explain its potent effect on changing body composition. Conclusion: Prolonged moderate altitude hypoxia (rangingfrom 1700 to 2400 M), but not acute high attitude hypoxia (above 4000 M), can effectively improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance for humans and antagonizes the obese phenotype in animals with a genetic defect. In humans, the magnitude of the improvementvaries widely and correlates with baseline plasma DHEA-S levels. Compared to training at sea-level, training at altitude effectively decreases fat mass in parallel with increased muscle mass. This change may be associated with increased perfusion of insulin and fuel towards skeletal muscle that favors muscle competing postprandial fuel in circulation against adipose tissues.

• Implantology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.120-138
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of a series of studies on tissue regeneration conducted in multiple institutions including the Department of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University. Materials and Methods: Studies were performed divided into the following three subjects; 1) Development of three-dimensional nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) scaffold for facilitating drug release and cell adhesion. 2) Synergistic effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) application simultaneously with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on HA scaffolds. 3) The efficacy of silk scaffolds coated with n-HA. Also, all results were analyzed by subjects. Results: Hollow hydroxyapatite spherical granules were found to be a useful tool for the drug release and avidin-biotin binding system for cell attachment. Also, BMMSC simultaneously with PRP applied in an animal bone defect model was seen to be more synergistic than in the control group. But, the efficacy of periodontal ligament cells and dental pulp cells with silk scaffolds could not be confirmed in the initial phase of bone healing. Conclusion: The ideal combination of three elements of tissue engineering-scaffolds, cells and signaling molecules could be substantiated due to further investigations with the potentials and limitations of the suggested list of studies.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.705-720
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• 2024

Analyzing the collapse behavior of thin-walled steel structures holds significant importance in ensuring their safety and longevity. Geometric imperfections present on the surface of metal materials can diminish both the durability and mechanical integrity of steel shells. These imperfections, encompassing local geometric irregularities and deformations such as holes, cavities, notches, and cracks localized in specific regions of the shell surface, play a pivotal role in the assessment. They can induce stress concentration within the structure, thereby influencing its susceptibility to buckling. The intricate relationship between the buckling behavior of these structures and such imperfections is multifaceted, contingent upon a variety of factors. The buckling analysis of thin-walled steel shell structures, similar to other steel structures, commonly involves the determination of crucial material properties, including elastic modulus, shear modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness. An established method involves the emulation of distributed geometric imperfections, utilizing real test specimen data as a basis. This approach allows for the accurate representation and assessment of the diversity and distribution of imperfections encountered in real-world scenarios. Utilizing defect data obtained from actual test samples enhances the model's realism and applicability. The sizes and configurations of these defects are employed as inputs in the modeling process, aiding in the prediction of structural behavior. It's worth noting that there is a dearth of experimental studies addressing the influence of geometric defects on the buckling behavior of cylindrical steel shells. In this particular study, samples featuring geometric imperfections were subjected to experimental buckling tests. These same samples were also modeled using Finite Element Analysis (FEM), with results corroborating the experimental findings. Furthermore, the initial geometrical imperfections were measured using digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. In this way, the response of the test specimens can be estimated accurately by applying the initial imperfections to FE models. After validation of the test results with FEA, a numerical parametric study was conducted to develop more generalized design recommendations for the stainless-steel shell structures with the initial geometric imperfection. While the load-carrying capacity of samples with perfect surfaces was up to 140 kN, the load-carrying capacity of samples with 4 mm defects was around 130 kN. Likewise, while the load carrying capacity of samples with 10 mm defects was around 125 kN, the load carrying capacity of samples with 14 mm defects was measured around 120 kN.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.293-298
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• 2010

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to determine the capability of electrospun silk fibroin as a biomaterial template for bone formation when mixed with nano-hydoxyapatite in vivo. Materials and Methods: Ten New Zealand white rabbits were used for this study and bilateral round shaped defects were formed in the parietal bone (diameter: 8.0 mm). The electrospun silk fibroin was coated by nano-hydroxyapatite and grafted into the right parietal bone (experimental group). The left side (control group) did not receive a graft. The animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks and 12 weeks, humanly. The microcomputerized tomogram (${\mu}CT$) was taken for each specimen. Subsequently, they were undergone decalcification and stained for the histological analysis. Results: The average value of all measured variables was higher in the experimental group than in the control at 6 weeks after the operation. BMC in the experimental group at 6 weeks after operation was $48.94{\pm}19.25$ and that in the control was $26.17{\pm}16.40$ (P = 0.027). BMD in the experimental group at 6 weeks after operation was $324.59{\pm}165.24$ and that in the control was $173.03{\pm}120.30$ (P = 0.044). TMC in the experimental group at 6 weeks after operation was $19.50{\pm}6.00$ and that in the control was $10.52{\pm}6.20$ (P = 0.011). TMD in the experimental group at 6 weeks after operation was $508.88{\pm}297.57$ and that in the control was $273.54{\pm}175.91$ (P = 0.06). Gross image of both groups showed higher calcification area at 12 weeks than them in 6 weeks. The average value of ${\mu}CT$ analysis was higher at 12 weeks than that in 6 weeks in both groups. BMC in the experimental group at 12 weeks after operation was $51.21{\pm}8.81$ and that in the control was $33.47{\pm}11.13$ (P = 0.010). BMD in the experimental group at 12 weeks after operation was $323.39{\pm}21.54$ and that in the control was $197.75{\pm}76.23$ (P = 0.012). TMC in the experimental group at 12 weeks after operation was $21.44{\pm}5.30$ and that in the control was $13.31{\pm}4.17$ (P = 0.008). TMD in the experimental group at 12 weeks after operation was $524.47{\pm}19.37$ and that in the control was $299.60{\pm}136.20$ (P = 0.016). Conclusion: The rabbit calvarial defect could be successfully repaired by electrospun silk nano-fiber combined with nano-hydroxyapatite.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.218-224
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• 2004

We compared rest perfusion PET with redistribution perfusion SPECT to investigate the concordant rate between PET and SPECT images and analyze the discordant pattern. Materials and Methods: Rest N-13 ammonia and F-18 FDG PET were performed on 18 patients with old myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction whose dipyridamole - 4hr redistribution TI-201 SPECT showed one or more severe fixed defects. Regional perfusion and metabolism were evaluated visually and quantitatively with 5-segment myocardial model. Results: There were high concordant rate in uptake pattern (80/90 segments, 88.9%) and high correlation coefficient on quantitative analysis (R=0.81, p<0.001) between redistribution TI-201 SPECT and N-13 ammonia PET images. Nine of 18 patients had SPECT-PET concordant pattern (Group I). Ten segments (9 in inferior wall, 1 in apex) from the remaining 9 patients showed SPECT-PET discordant pattern with abnormal TI-201 defect and near normal N-13 ammonia uptake (Group II). The diastolic and systolic left ventricular dimensions were significantly increased in Group II compared to those of Group I. When attenuation uncorrected N-13 ammonia PET images were reconstructed in Group II, it resulted in PET images with severe inferior wall defects nearly identical to those seen in redistribution TI-201 SPECT images. Conclusion: Redistribution TI-201 SPECT images showed high concordant rate and correlation with rest N-13 ammonia PET images. Most of discordant segments had fixed thallium defects in inferior wall with nearly normal N-13 ammonia uptake, which may result from severe left ventricular dilatation and attenuation by the left hemidiaphragm and cardiac blood pool.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.50-60
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• 1998

I-123 labelled fatty acids are suitable for investigation of regional myocardial metabolism, so they are on the clinical trial. However, the precise properties of these materials are not characterized yet. We have synthesized phenylpentadecanoic acid and labeled this compound with I-123. The purpose of this study was to examine the stability, biodistribution, metabolism and SPECT imaging of [I-123]15-(p-iodophenyl)pentadecanoic acid(I-123-IPPA) that we made. The stability test of I-123-IPPA in serum of rat, mouse and human showed no free I-123 after 1 hour. In biodistribution study in mice for various time intervals after injection(5, 10, 15, 30, 60 minutes), uptake in myocardium was 14.5%ID/g(5 min), and 1.9%ID/heart(5 min), while uptake in muscles was 2.6%ID/g(5 min). Myocardium to blood ratio and myocardium to lung ratio increased for 5 min after injection and then decreased rapidly. Chromatographic data of rat blood and urine showed that little PPA was found in blood and urine at 15-20 min after injection. The myocardial I-123-IPPA SPECT images of a dog with myocardial infarction showed defects similar to those of Tc-99m-MIBI and F-18-FDG. These data suggest that I-123-IPPA is quite stable in vitro and shows favorable biodistribution in mice. SPECT imaging with I-123-IPPA demonstrated infarct zone as photon defect in dog model of myocardial infarction. I-123-IPPA may be used for the evaluation of fatty acid metabolism in clinical trials in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.59-67
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• 2016

In landscape design by public institutions, although the costs and species of landscape trees stipulated by the Korean Public Procurement Service(PPS) are generally adhered to, the PPS regulations about planting trees with well-developed rootlets are almost entirely neglected. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of buried container modules, which are a new technology and product in landscape production that is able to reduce the defect rate while complying with regulations. To this end, this study measured rootlet density, rootlet development length, rootlet survival rate on excavation, and impairments of tree growth for 3 months after root pruning, and compared these variables for the container modules with those for trees that underwent root pruning in bare ground, and those that were cultivated in a container above ground. The results were as follows: First, the rootlet density was 88% for the trees in container modules, which was very high. Trees that underwent standard root pruning in bare ground had a somewhat lower density of 64%. Meanwhile, the trees that were cultivated in pots above ground died, invalidating measurement. Second, in terms of rootlet development and rootlet survival rate, the trees in container modules showed a mean length of 10.4cm, and 100% survival rate, indicating that there was no rootlet damage caused by excavation. For the trees that only underwent root pruning in bare ground, the mean length was 25.6cm and the rootlet survival rate was only half that of the trees in container modules, at 56%, demonstrating considerable damage. Rootlet development did not occur at all in the trees grown in pots. Third, the trees in container modules and those that underwent root pruning in bare ground did not show any deaths during the root pruning process, or any impairments such as stunted leaf growth. Conversely, the trees grown in pots nearly all died, and severe impairments of tree growth were observed. As shown by the results above, when we evaluated the performance of buried container modules, they showed the most outstanding performance of the three models tested in this study. The container modules prevent defects by stimulating early rooting in environments that with poor conditions for growth, or in trees that are not suited to the summer environment Therefore, it is expected that they would be an optimal means by which to enable compliance with rules such as the regulation presented by the PPS.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.130-137
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• 2007

This in vitro study examined the effect of surface defects on cutting blades on the extent of the cyclic fatigue fracture of HEROShaper Ni-Ti rotary files using fractographic analysis of the fractured surfaces. A total of 45 HEROShaper (MicroMega) Ni-Ti rotary flies with a #30/.04 taper were divided into three groups of 15 each. Group 1 contained new HEROShapers without any surface defects. Group 2 contained HEROShapers with manufacturing defects such as metal rollover and machining marks. Croup 3 contained HEROShapers that had been clinically used for the canal preparation of 4-6 molars A fatigue-testing device was designed to allow cyclic tension and compressive stress on the tip of the instrument whilst maintaining similar conditions to those experienced in a clinic. The level of fatigue fracture time was measured using a computer connected the system. Statistical analysis was performed using a Tukey's test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for fractographic analysis of the fractured surfaces. The fatigue fracture time between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 1 and 3 was significantly different (p<0.05) but there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (p>0.05). A low magnification SEM views show brittle fracture as the main initial failure mode At higher magnification, the brittle fracture region showed clusters of fatigue striations and a large number of secondary cracks. These fractures typically led to a central region of catastrophic ductile failure. Qualitatively, the ductile fracture region was characterized by the formation of microvoids and dimpling. The fractured surfaces of the HEROShapers in groups 2 and 3 were always associated with pre-existing surface defects. Typically, the fractured surface in the brittle fracture region showed evidence of cleavage (transgranular) facets across the grains, as well as intergranular facets along the grain boundaries. These results show that surface defects on cutting blades of Ni-Ti rotary files might be the preferred sites for the origin of fatigue fracture under experimental conditions. Furthermore this work demonstrates the utility of fractography in evaluating the failure of Ni-Ti rotary flies.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.43-65
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• 2010

Facing a complex environment driven by a decade, many companies are adopting new strategic frameworks such as Customer Relationship Management system to achieve sustainable profitability as well as overcome serious competition for survival. In many business areas, CRM system advanced a great deal in a matter of continuous compensating the defect and overall integration. However, pharmaceutical companies in Korea were slow to accept them for usesince they still have a tendency of holding fast to traditional way of sales and marketing based on individual networks of sales representatives. In the circumstance, this article tried to empirically address current status of CRM system as well as the effects of the system on the performance of pharmaceutical companies by applying BSC method's four perspectives, from financial, customer, learning and growth and internal process. Survey by e-mail and post to employers and employees who were working in pharma firms were undergone for the purpose. Total 113 cases among collected 140 ones were used for the statistical analysis by SPSS ver. 15 package. Reliability, Factor analysis, regression were done. This study revealed that CRM system had a significant effect on improving financial and non-financial performance of pharmaceutical companies as expected. Proposed regression model fits well and among them, CRM marketing information system shed the light on substantial impact on companies' outcome given profitability, growth and investment. Useful analytical information by CRM marketing information system appears to enable pharmaceutical firms to set up effective marketing and sales strategies, these result in favorable financial performance by enhancing values for stakeholderseventually, not to mention short-term profit and/or mid-term potential to growth. CRM system depicted its influence on not only financial performance, but also non-financial fruit of pharmaceutical companies. Further analysis for each component showed that CRM marketing information system were able to demonstrate statistically significant effect on the performance like the result of financial outcome. CRM system is believed to provide the companies with efficient way of customers managing by valuable standardized business process prompt coping with specific customers' needs. It consequently induces customer satisfaction and retentionto improve performance for long period. That is, there is a virtuous circle for creating value as the cornerstone for sustainable growth. However, the research failed to put forward to evidence to support hypothesis regarding favorable influence of CRM sales representative's records assessment system and CRM customer analysis system on the management performance. The analysis is regarded to reflect the lack of understanding of sales people and respondents between actual work duties and far-sighted goal in strategic analysis framework. Ordinary salesmen seem to dedicate short-term goal for the purpose of meeting sales target, receiving incentive bonus in a manner-of-fact style, as such, they tend to avail themselves of personal network and sales and promotional expense rather than CRM system. The study finding proposed a link between CRM information system and performance. It empirically indicated that pharmaceutical companies had been implementing CRM system as an effective strategic business framework in order for more balanced achievements based on the grounded understanding of both CRM system and integrated performance. It suggests a positive impact of supportive CRM system on firm performance, especially for pharmaceutical industry through the initial empirical evidence. Also, it brings out unmet needs for more practical system design, improvement of employees' awareness, increase of system utilization in the field. On the basis of the insight from this exploratory study, confirmatory research by more appropriate measurement tool and increased sample size should be further examined.