• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.315-323
• /
• 2009

Purpose : This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the reports on Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in the last 30 years (1980-2006) to investigate the intervals between outbreaks, change in the peak incidence age, and diagnostic methods. We also aimed to validate the proper diagnostic criteria for M. pneumoniae pneumonia. Methods : We reviewed 62 original articles on M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Korean children. We analyzed the annual or seasonal variation, study areas, patient age, journal names, and the date of each report. Further, we checked the methods and criteria used for the diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia. We also confirmed the proper mycoplasma antibody cutoff using the mycoplasma IgM titer as the gold standard. Results : In the last 30 years, epidemic outbreaks of M. pneumoniae pneumonia occurred every 3 years, except in 1993-1994 and 1996-1997. Seasonal variations were also present and were most prevalent in October and November. The number of preschool children, especially those aged 3 years or younger, with M. pneumoniae pneumonia has increased (P<0.05). The mycoplasma antibody titer of 1:640 or greater was appropriate for diagnosing M. pneumoniae pneumonia, with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity of detection. Conclusion : We analyzed the results of studies on M. pneumoniae pneumonia in Korean children during the last 30 years. Infection in younger children is increasing, and further research is required to reveal the major cause of the changing epidemics.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2014.02a
• /
• pp.296-296
• /
• 2014

We investigate experimentally and theoretically the splitting of surface plasmon (SP) resonance peaks under TE- and TM-polarized illumination. The SP structure at infrared wavelength is fabricated with a 2-dimensional square periodic array of circular holes penetrating through Au (gold) film. In brief, the processing steps to fabricate the SP structure are as follows. (i) A standard optical lithography was performed to produce to a periodic array of photoresist (PR) circular cylinders. (ii) After the PR pattern, e-beam evaporation was used to deposit a 50-nm thick layer of Au. (iii) A lift-off processing with acetone to remove the PR layer, leading to final structure (pitch, $p=2.2{\mu}m$; aperture size, $d=1.1{\mu}m$) as shown in Fig. 1(a). The transmission is measured using a Nicolet Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) at the incident angle from $0^{\circ}$ to $36^{\circ}$ with a step of $4^{\circ}$ both in TE and TM polarization. Measured first and second order SP resonances at interface between Au and GaAs exhibit the splitting into two branches under TM-polarized light as shown in Fig. 1(b). However, as the incidence angle under TE polarization is increased, the $1^{st}$ order SP resonance peak blue-shifts slightly while the splitting of $2^{nd}$ order SP resonance peak tends to be larger (not shown here). For the purpose of understanding our experimental results qualitatively, SP resonance peak wavelengths can be calculated from momentum matching condition (black circle depicted in Fig. 2(b)), $k_{sp}=k_{\parallel}{\pm}iG_x{\pm}jG_y$, where $k_{sp}$ is the SP wavevector, $k_{\parallel}$ is the in-plane component of incident light wavevector, i and j are SP coupling order, and G is the grating momentum wavevector. Moreover, for better understanding we performed 3D full field electromagnetic simulations of SP structure using a finite integration technique (CST Microwave Studio). Fig. 1(b) shows an excellent agreement between the experimental, calculated and CST-simulated splitting of SP resonance peaks with various incidence angles under TM-polarized illumination (TE results are not shown here). The simulated z-component electric field (Ez) distribution at incident angle, $4^{\circ}$ and $16^{\circ}$ under TM polarization and at the corresponding SP resonance wavelength is shown in Fig. 1(c). The analysis and comparison of theoretical results with experiment indicates a good agreement of the splitting behavior of the surface plasmon resonance modes at oblique incidence both in TE and TM polarization.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
• /
• v.4 no.3
• /
• pp.118-124
• /
• 2001

The Langmuir adsorption isotherm of the over-potentially deposited hydrogen (OPD H) for the cathodic $H_2$ evolution reaction (HER) at the $poly-Au|0.5M\;H_2SO_4$ aqueous electrolyte interface has been studied using cyclic voltammetric and ac impedance techniques. The behavior of the phase shift $(0^{\circ}\leq{-\phi}\leq90^{\circ})$ for the optimum intermediate frequency corresponds well to that of the fractional surface coverage $(1\geq{\theta}\geq0)$ at the interface. The phase-shift profile $({-\phi}\;vs.\;E)$ for the optimum intermediate frequency, i.e., the phase-shift method, can be used as a new method to estimate the Langmuir adsorption isotherm $(\theta\;vs.\;E)$ of the OPD H for the cathodic HER at the interface. At the poly-$Au|0.5M\;H_2SO_4$ electrolyte interface, the equilibrium constant (K) and standard free energy $({\Delta}G_{ads})$ of the OPD H are $2.3\times10^{-6}\;and\;32.2\;kJ\;mol^{-1}$, respectively.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.380-384
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Autologous vessels remain the gold standard for vascular grafts in microanastomoses. However, they are sometimes unavailable and have a limited long - term patency. Synthetic vessels have high success rates in large - diameter reconstructions but failed when used as small - diameter grafts due to graft occlusion. It has been proved that endothelial cell seeding improves prosthesis performance and long - term patency. Among polyurethane, PET and ePTFE, polyurethane has the best affinity to endothelial cells and mechanical properties closest to human vessels. We examined the ability of endothelial cells to attach to a polyurethane graft manufactured by the electrospinning method. Methods: Endothelial cells, which were cultured from porcine internal jugular veins, were attached to polyurethane grafts with an internal diameter of 3 mm. The same cells were attached to allogeneic decellularized porcine internal carotid artery grafts as controls. Both of the 10 mm - long grafts were exposed to endothelial cells in a well for 1 hour. Each well contained $2{\times}10^5$ endothelial cells. The graft materials were rotated through 90 degrees every 15 minutes in order to minimize the effect of gravity. The extent of cell attachment was examined with the MTT assay. Results: The MTT assay showed good incorporation of endothelial cells into both grafts. For the evaluation of affinity, the number of attached cells was counted at 10 fields of microscopic examination with ${\times}40$ magnification. Endothelial cells adhered more to polyurethane grafts (mean, $127.4{\pm}6.2cells$) compared to porcine artery grafts (mean $45.8{\pm}5.1cells$)(p<0.05,Mann - Whitney test). Conclusion: In this study, we attached porcine endothelial cells to polyurethane grafts, manufactured by electrospinning. The grafts exhibited a better affinity to endothelial cells than allogeneic decellularized porcine internal carotid artery grafts. It is suggested that the time required for endothelial cells to attach to decellulized artery grafts may be longer than that which is required for attachment to polyurethane grafts.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.26 no.5
• /
• pp.445-449
• /
• 2009

For human organ transplantations, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution (HTKS) and University of Wisconsin solution (UWS) have been shown to engender similar outcomes as gold standard cold preservation solutions ($4^{\circ}C$). To select the effective preservation solution for cold storage of kidney xenografts in miniature pig, which could be a potential source animal of bio-organs, this study compared early histopathological outcomes of cold preservation injury using HTKS and UWS. Twelve miniature pigs weighing 25.6 to 34.7 kg were divided into two groups (n = 6 per group), UWS group and HTKS group. The kidneys in each group were harvested, cold flushed, and preserved for 0, 24, 48, and 72 hrs at $4^{\circ}C$ with UWS or HTKS, respectively. Histolopathological examinations were assessed on kidney biopsy specimens, taken after each cold storage. The degree of renal injury was scored using 5 different criteria (pyknotic nuclei, disruption of cytoplasm, detachment of epithelium, loss of microvilli, tubular necrosis and loss of glomerular tufts) of the cellular components of the tissue. The degree of kidney damage was increased with prolonged cold ischemia time. UWS and HTKS have at least similar efficacy in kidney preservation within 24 hrs cold preservation time. However, in HTKS group cold-induced injury started to be observed more than in UWS group after 48 hrs of cold storage. In conclusion, UWS and HTKS were equally effective for cold preservation of miniature pig kidney in early preservation times; however, UWS may be more effective at longer preservation times as compared to HTKS.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.42 no.2
• /
• pp.117-122
• /
• 2009

Objectives : We tried to evaluate the agreement of the Charlson comorbidity index values(CCI) obtained from different sources(medical records and National Health Insurance claims data) for gastric cancer patients. We also attempted to assess the prognostic value of these data for predicting 1-year mortality and length of the hospital stay(length of stay). Methods : Medical records of 284 gastric cancer patients were reviewed, and their National Health Insurance claims data and death certificates were also investigated. To evaluate agreement, the kappa coefficient was tested. Multiple logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to evaluate and compare the prognostic power for predicting 1 year mortality and length of stay. Results : The CCI values for each comorbid condition obtained from 2 different data sources appeared to poorly agree(kappa: 0.00-0.59). It was appeared that the CCI values based on both sources were not valid prognostic indicators of 1-year mortality. Only medical record-based CCI was a valid prognostic indicator of length of stay, even after adjustment of covariables($\beta$ = 0.112, 95% CI = [0.017-1.267]). Conclusions : There was a discrepancy between the data sources with regard to the value of CCI both for the prognostic power and its direction. Therefore, assuming that medical records are the gold standard for the source for CCI measurement, claims data is not an appropriate source for determining the CCI, at least for gastric cancer.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.25 no.1 s.37
• /
• pp.26-33
• /
• 1992

The carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes. The typical symptoms are pain, numbness and paresthesia in the median nerve territory of the hand. Recently, it is widely recognized that occupational factor is regarded as the important cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical study is performed in the 42 female workers who is repetitively working at packing department in a rayon manufacturing factory from November 1991 till March 1992. The study included a questionnaire, physical examinations, and the neurophysiological test. The summary of the results obtained was as follows : 1. Among 42 packing workers, 9 workers(21.4%) were diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome by electromyography. The affected side was bilateral in 4 workers(9.5%), right in 4 workers(9.5%), and left in one worker(2.4%). 2. Among 42 subjects, 28 workers(66.7%) complained the clinical symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome, 11 workers(26.2%) showed positive Phalen sign, and 7 workers(16.7%) showed positive Tinel sign. 3. Researchers regard electromyographic finding as the gold standard for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The sensitivity and specificity of the clinical symptoms to diagnose the carpal tunnel syndrome were 0.89, 0.39 respectively. If the carpal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by the combination of the positive findings of the symptoms and the physical examinations, either Tinel or Phalen sign, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.76 respectively. Considering above results, though this small number of workers is not adequate for epidemiologic conclusions, carpal tunnel syndrome seems to be an important occupational disorder among packing workers in a rayon manufacturing factory.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.329-336
• /
• 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of low-dose CT (LDCT) for emphysema compared with high-resolution CT (HRCT). Measurements of radiation dose and noise were repeated 3 times in same exposure condition which was similar with obtaining HRCT and LDCT images. We analysed reading results of 146 subjects. Six images per participants selected for emphysema grading. Emphysema was graded for all 6 zones on the left and right sides of the lungs by the consensus reading of two chest radiologists using a 4-point scale. Between the HRCT and LDCT images, diagnostic differences and agreements for emphysema were analyzed by McNemar's and unweighted kappa tests, and radiation doses and noise by a Mann-Whitney U-test, using the SPSS 19.0 program. Radiation dose from HRCT was significantly higher than that of LDCT, but the noise was significantly lower in HRCT than in LDCT. Diagnostic agreement for emphysema between HRCT and LDCT images was excellent (k-value=0.88). Emphysema grading scores were not significantly different between HRCT and LDCT images for all six lung zones. Emphysema grading scores from LDCT images were significantly correlated with increased scores on HRCT images (r=0.599, p < 0.001). Considering the tradeoff between radiation dose and image noise, LDCT could be used as the gold standard method instead of HRCT for emphysema detection and grading.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.305-310
• /
• 2014

Ascidian soft tunic syndrome (AsSTS) caused by Azumiobodo hoyamushi (A. hoyamushi) is a serious aquaculture problem that results in mass mortality of ascidians. Accordingly, the early and accurate detection of A. hoyamushi would contribute substantially to disease management and prevention of transmission. Recently, the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method was adopted for clinical diagnosis of a range of infectious diseases. Here, the authors describe a rapid and efficient LAMP-based method targeting the 18S rDNA gene for detection of A. hoyamushi using ascidian DNA for the diagnosis of AsSTS. A. hoyamushi LAMP assay amplified the DNA of 0.01 parasites per reaction and detected A. hoyamushi in 10 ng of ascidian DNA. To validate A. hoyamushi 18S rDNA LAMP assays, AsSTS-suspected and non-diseased ascidians were examined by microscopy, PCR, and by using the LAMP assay. When PCR was used as a gold standard, the LAMP assay showed good agreement in terms of sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). In the present study, a LAMP assay based on directly heat-treated samples was found to be as efficient as DNA extraction using a commercial kit for detecting A. hoyamushi. Taken together, this study shows the devised A. hoyamushi LAMP assay could be used to diagnose AsSTS in a straightforward, sensitive, and specific manner, that it could be used for forecasting, surveillance, and quarantine of AsSTS.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
• /
• v.30 no.5
• /
• pp.64-69
• /
• 2012

Sn-Bi eutectic alloy has been widely used as one of the key solder materials for step soldering at low temperature. The Sn-58Bi solder paste containing chloride flux was adopted to compare with that using the chloride-free flux. The paste was applied on the electroless nickel-immersion gold (ENIG) surface finish by stencil printing, and the reflow process was then performed at $170^{\circ}C$ for 10 min. After reflow, the solder joints were aged at $125^{\circ}C$ for 100, 200, 300, 500 and 1000 h in an oven. The interfacial microstructures were obtained by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the composition of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) was analyzed using energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Two different IMC layers, consisting of $Ni_3Sn_4$ and relatively very thin Sn-Bi-Ni-Au were formed at the solder/surface finish interface, and their thickness increased with increasing aging time. The wettability of solder joints was investigated by wetting balance test. The mechanical property of each aging solder joint was evaluated by the ball shear test in accordance with JEDEC standard (JESD22-B117A). The results show that the highest shear force was measured when the aging time was 100 h, and the fracture mode changed from ductile fracture to brittle fracture with increasing aging time. On the other hand, the chloride flux in the solder paste did not affect the shear force and fracture mode of the solder joints.