• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.309-316
• /
• 1995

RF (radio-frequency) probes of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance are one of the important factors and should be designed and built properly depending upon the geometry of the samples and the information. In general there are two kinds of rf probes : one encircles the sample while the other is placed on the surface of the sample. However, in case that the samples on human internal organs have a tube shape, the two kinds of rf probes, as specified above, are usually unsuitable for the internal imaging due to the degradation of signal-to-noise ratios (SNR's). In this case a probe should be positioned as close to the area as possible by putting the probe in the tubelike sample to improve filling factor In the present study inside-out probes have been constructed in the three different shapes such as an anti-solenoidal, a saddle and a dual surface types. RF-field distributions have also been calculated depending upon the geometrical changes of anti-solenoid probes. Moreover, the performance of the inside-out probes has been checked by measuring SNR's of the images acquired. The inside-out probes constructed in this study produced better SWR's and rf-field uniformity in the area close to the probes in comparing with any other commercial probes. There is a high feasibility that the constructed probes in the present study are applicable to the diagnosis of human bodies.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.51-64
• /
• 2013

Objectives : This study is performed to develop the oriental medical rating scale of knee pain and to assess its validity. Methods : 250 knee pain patients completed the previously accepted rating scale of knee pain(VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness), 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance)) and oriental medical rating scale of knee pain which was developed by Hwang et al at 2012, before and after the 6 weeks acupuncture treatment. Comparing these results, we assessed the validity of oriental medical rating scale. Results : Comparing oriental medical rating scale of knee pain before acupuncture treatment with VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance), oriental medical rating scale showed correlation with VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and showed the highest correlation with WOMAC(function). Comparing the change of oriental medical rating scale of knee pain after 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment with the change of VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and 6 minute walk test(number of steps, distance) after 6 weeks, change of oriental medical rating scale showed correlation with the change of VAS, WOMAC(pain, function, stiffness) and showed the highest correlation with the change of WOMAC(function). Through factor analysis of oriental medical rating scale items, 4 factors(pain, swelling, deformation of the knee, thermal sense of the knee), 17 items were extracted. Conclusions : Oriental medical rating scale of knee pain reflected the patient's pain, functional limitation and stiffness well. And oriental medical rating scale reflected the patient's functional improvement after the treatment well.

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.99-105
• /
• 2012

Dyslipidemia, mainly characterized by high triglyceride (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, is an important etiological factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Considering the relationship between childhood obesity and CVD risk, it would be worthwhile to evaluate whether previously identified lipid-related variants in adult subjects are associated with lipid variations in a childhood obesity study (n = 482). In an association analysis for 16 genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based candidate loci, we confirmed significant associations of a genetic predisposition to lipoprotein concentrations in a childhood obesity study. Having two loci (rs10503669 at LPL and rs16940212 at LIPC) that showed the strongest association with blood levels of TG and HDL-C, we calculated a genetic risk score (GRS), representing the sum of the risk alleles. It has been observed that increasing GRS is significantly associated with decreased HDL-C (effect size, $-1.13{\pm}0.07$) compared to single nucleotide polymorphism combinations without two risk variants. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between allelic dosage score and risk allele (rs10503669 at LPL) on high TG levels (effect size, $10.89{\pm}0.84$). These two loci yielded consistent associations in our previous meta-analysis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the genetic architecture of circulating lipid levels (TG and HDL-C) overlap to a large extent in childhood as well as in adulthood. Post-GWAS functional characterization of these variants is further required to elucidate their pathophysiological roles and biological mechanisms.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.22-25
• /
• 2004

Purpose: The heel fat pad has a unique structure that is important for its shock absorbing function. Loss of elasticity and change in the thickness of the heel pad have been suggested as cause of heel pain. The present study shows the relationship between the thickness of heel fat pad and age, sex, obesity and plantar heel pain. Materials and Methods: A study of heel pad thickness using plain lateral radiographs, unloaded by body weight, was carried out on 66 patients with plantar heel pain and 326 normal subjects. The population was divided into two or three groups according to their age, sex, body mass index, and the presence of symptom. We evaluated the differences in heel pad thickness between groups, and the relationship between BMI and Sex and Age was also determined, using statistically analytic method by SPSS version 10.1 program. Results: Heel pad thickness was greater in the subject over 40 years old (p<0.001), and in the overweight (p<0.001), and male heel pad was thicker than female (p<0.001). But there was no statistically significant difference for heel pad thickness between normal subject and plantar heel pain group. Conclusion: In this study, we found that there is a relationship between heel pad thickness and age, sex, and obesity. But we could not show that the difference of heel pad thickness is contributing factor to plantar heel pain. Although it could not be proved statistically, we believe that a change of heel pad thickness play a role in the development of heel pain. So we are planning to assess a relationship of heel pad elasticity and thickness and plantar heel pain again with prospective study method on the basis of the results of this study.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.85-91
• /
• 2007

Dlx3 is a homeodomain protein and is known to playa role in development and differentiation of many tissues. Deletion of four base pairs in DLX3 (NT3198) is causally related to tricho-dento-osseous (TDO) syndrome (OMIM # 190320), a genetic disorder manifested by taurodontism, hair abnormalities, and increased bone density in the cranium. Although the observed defects of TDO syndrome involves bone, little is known about the role of Dlx3 in bone remodeling process. In this study, we examined the effect of wild type DLX3 (wtDlx3) expression on osteoclast differentiation and compared it with that of 4-BP DEL DLX3 (TDO mtDlx3). To examine whether Dlx3 is expressed during RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation, RAW264.7 cells were cultured in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL). Dlx3 protein level increased slightly after RANKL treatment for 1 day and peaked when the fusion of prefusion osteoclasts actively progressed. When wtDlx3 and TDO mtDlx3 were overexpressed in RAW264.7 cells, they enhanced RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and the expression of osteoclast differentiation marker genes such as calcitonin receptor, vitronectin receptor and cathepsin K. Since osteoclast differentiation is critically regulated by the balance between RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG), we examined the effect of Dlx3 overexpression on expression of RANKL and OPG in C2C12 cells in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein 2. Overexpression of wtDlx3 enhanced RANKL mRNA expression while slightly suppressed OPG expression. However, TDO mtDlx3 did not exert significant effects. This result suggests that inability of TDO mtDlx3 to regulate expression of RANKL and OPG may contribute to increased bone density in TDO syndrome patients. Taken together, it is suggested that Dlx3 playa role as a positive regulator of osteoclast differentiation via up-regulation of osteoclast differentiation-associated genes in osteoclasts, as well as via increasing the ratio of RANKL to OPG in osteoblastic cells.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.36 no.5
• /
• pp.386-391
• /
• 2010

Introduction: Bone resorption is a unique function of osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are a specialized macrophage polykaryon whose differentiation is regulated principally by macrophage colony-stimulating factors, receptor activator of nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ligand (RANK) ligand, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and interleukins (IL). Reflecting the integrin-mediated signals, osteoclasts develop a specialized cytoskeleton that allows it to establish an isolated micro-environment between itself and the bone, wherein matrix degradation occurs by a process involving proton transport. The levels of IL-1, IL-6, OPG, and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$) expression were evaluated to study the correlations between dental implant teeth and the adjacent teeth. Materials and Methods: The exudate of the gingival crevice acquired from dental implants, adjacent teeth, opposite teeth and contralateral teeth of 24 patients. Results: 1. The levels of IL-1, IL-6, OPG and $PGE_2$ expression in dental implant teeth were higher than those of the contralateral teeth. 2. IL-1 revealed a higher expression level in the adjacent teeth than in dental implant teeth. 3. The dental implant teeth and adjacent teeth did not show a remarkable difference in the level of IL-1 expression. 4. All the other cytokines were strongly expressed in the dental implant compared to the adjacent teeth. Conclusion: These results suggest that there might be close correlation between dental implant teeth and adjacent teeth in terms of the expressions of cytokines that affect the development and regulation of osteoclasts.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.532-536
• /
• 2010

Hidden caries is a subtype of the occlusal pit and fissure caries type and is defined as a dentinal caries lesion near the occlusal surface of the tooth seen on a radiograph. In visual examination, the occlusal enamel is seen intact or is minimally perforated. Covert caries, Occlult caries or Fluoride syndrome are used as synonym. The percentage of occlusal dentin lesions that are clinically undetected ranges from 1.4-50%. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in the development of hidden caries. But it is thought that extensive use of topical fluoride or the special bacteriological profile has been a major factor. This case report is about detection and treatment of hidden caries of two children who visited the department of pediatric dentistry, Yonsei University Dental Hospital. The color of caries dentin found in hidden caries lesion is lighter than cavity forming caries, which makes it more difficult to detect caries by visual examination. Therefore diagnosis of hidden caries is often accomplished after clinical sign is recognized by patients. The use of advanced caries detection aids such as Diagnodent.. with periodic radiographic examination is seemed to be helpful for early detection of hidden caries.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.9-24
• /
• 1993

The time-dependent radioecological model applicable to Korean environment has been developed in order to assess the radiological consequences following the short-term deposition of radionuclides in an accident of nuclear power plant. Time-dependent radioactivity concentrations in foodstuffs can be estimated by the model called 'KORFOOD' as well as time-dependent and time-integrated ingestion doses. Three kinds of critical radionuclides and thirteen kinds of foodstuffs were considered in this model. Dynamic variation of radioactivities were simulated by considering several effects such as deposition, weathering and washout, resuspension, root uptake, translocation, leaching, senescence, intake and excretion of soil by animals, intake and excretion of feedstuffs by animals, etc. The input data to the KORFOOD are the time of the year when the deposition occurs, the kinds of radionuclides and foodstuffs for estimation. The time-dependent specific activities in rice and the ingestion doses due to the consumption of all considered foodstuffs were calculated with deposition time using agricultural data-base in Kori region. In order to validate results of KORFOOD, the calculated results were compared with those by a leading German model, ECOSYS-87. The comparison of results shows good agreements within a factor of ten.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.63-78
• /
• 2013

Purposes of this study were to explore the process of experience that science teachers go through when participating in peer coaching meetings to improve teaching ability and to find out factors that affect each process of experience. The data were collected through recording of peer coaching meetings, videotapes of science class, and interviews. All the data were analyzed after transcription. The results of the study showed that even though Teacher K broke the ice and formed consensus among the peers by developing Content Representation (CoRe) at the beginning of the meetings, he became self-defensive rather than receptive of peers' opinions on the recorded class at the discussion session. But as the peer coaching went on, he realized that peer coaching was not about evaluation but rather on improving his teaching ability. In turn, he was able to look at his teaching in a more objective point of view and accepted suggestions from peer coaching discussion. The self-reflection of Teacher K acted as the key factor in the efforts to improve his teaching ability. He sought the concrete alternatives through the class analysis with fellow teachers and showed major changes in his teaching practice from the language habits, pronunciation, and speed of his speech to the interaction with students and class design. However, there was little change in knowledge of curriculum and assessment due to his strong orientation to improve students' grades as an academic high school teacher. Likewise, it was found that while peer coaching exert a strong influence on instructional methods and strategies of Teacher K, his strong orientation to improve students' grades hinders a balanced development of subcomponents of PCK.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.70 no.2
• /
• pp.132-138
• /
• 2011

Background: Maspin (mammary serine protease inhibitor) is a member of the serpin superfamily. A few studies have examined the role of maspin in tumor suppression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its role in the development and progression of NSCLC still remains controversial. We evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of maspin in order to elucidate its clinical significance in NSCLC. Methods: We analyzed 145 patients with pathologically confirmed NSCLC, including 66 cases of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 79 cases of adenocarcinomas (ADCs). We performed a immuno-histochemical stain with maspin and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) using tissue microarray blocks. Results: There were 108 men and 37 women in the study population. The mean age of patients in the study was 63.7 years (range, 40.0~82.0; median, 65.0). The proportion of maspin expression was significantly higher in SCCs (52/66, 78.8%; p<0.01) than in ADCs (17/79, 21.5%; p<0.01). Maspin expression was not associated with PCNA (p=0.828), lymph node involvement (p=0.483), or tumor stage (p=0.216), but showed correlation with well-to-moderate tumor differentiation (p=0.012). There was no observed correlation between maspin expression and survival with NSCLC (p=0.218). Conclusion: The present study suggests that maspin expression was significantly higher in SCCs than in ADCs and was associated with low histological grade. However, maspin expression was not an independent factor to predict a prognosis in NSCLC.