• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.71-80
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• 2012

In order to verify exact dose distributions in the state-of-the-art radiation techniques, a newly designed three-dimensional dosimeter and technique has been took strongly into consideration. The main purpose of our study is to verify the optimized parameters of polymer gel as a real volumetric dosimeter in terms of the various study of MRI. We prepared a gel dosimeter by combing 8% of gelatin, 8% of MAA, and 10 mM of THPC. We used a Co-60 gamma-ray teletherapy unit and delivered doses of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 Gy to each polymer gel with a solid phantom. We used a fast spin-echo pulse to acquire the characterized T2 time of MRI. The signal noise ratio (SNR) of the head & neck coil was a relatively lower sensitivity than the body coil; therefore the dose uncertainty of head & neck coil would be lower than body coil's. But the dose uncertainty and resolution of the head & neck coil were superior to the body coil in this study. The TR time between 1,500 ms and 2,000 ms showed no significant difference in the dose resolution, but TR of 1,500 ms showed less dose uncertainty. For the slice thickness of 2.5 mm, less dose uncertainty of TE times was at 4 Gy, as well, it was the lowest result over 4 Gy at TE of 12 ms. The dose uncertainty was not critical up to 6 Gy, but the best dose resolution was obtained at 20 ms up to 8 Gy. The dose resolution shows the lowest value was over 20 ms and was an excellent result in the number of excitation (NEX) of three. The NEX of two was the highest dose resolution. We concluded that the better result of slice thickness versus NEX was related to the NEX increment and thin slice thickness.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.232-238
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• 2013

Purpose : We investigated the possible added value of magnetic resonance imaging (MR) in staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) compared to computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 20 patients (M;F = 14:6; mean age, 53.5 yrs) who diagnosed as MPM by histology and underwent CT and MR at initial evaluation from Jan 1997 to Dec 2012. Two radiologists performed clinical staging by using CT alone or MR alone in consensus. In patients underwent surgery (n = 13), we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CT and MR in terms of staging compared to surgical staging. In all patients, we compared clinical staging of CT only and CT with MR. Results: The diagnostic accuracy for T staging of CT only was 23.1% (3/13) and that of combined CT and MR was 38.5% (5/13), respectively. Among 13 patients underwent surgery, surgical stage was higher than combined CT and MR stage in 5 patients, but lower in 3 patients. CT only and combined CT and MR agreed in 85.0% (17/ 20). In cases of disagree (15.0%, 3/20), combined CT and MR showed higher stage than CT only. Conclusion: Combined CT and MR increases the diagnostic accuracy in staging of MPM compared to CT only and is important in determining the appropriate treatment in patients being considered for surgery.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.83-92
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• 2008

In this study, the antioxidative effects, inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and elastase and components of Fagopyrum esculetum extracts were investigated. Fagopyrum esculetum used for this study is hulls and dehulled seeds. The free radical(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, DPPH) scavenging activities($FSC_{50}$) and reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavenging activities($OSC_{50}$) of extract/fractions from Fagopyrum esculetum were measured. The aglycone($3.5{\pm}0.0{\mu}g/mL$) and ethyl acetate fractions($0.2{\pm}0.1{\mu}g/mL$) of hulls showed the most effective scavenging activities. The protective effects on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the most prominent cellular protective effect(${\tau}_{50},\;771.7{\pm}9.9 min$ at 10 ${\mu}g/mL$). The inhibitory effect of aglycone fraction of hull and dehulled seeds on tyrosinase were examined ($53.6{\pm}0.5{\mu}g/mL,\;35.6{\pm}0.4{\mu}g/mL$, respectively). And The inhibitory effect of aglycone fraction of hull and dehulled seeds on elastase were investigated($3.7{\pm}0.4{\mu}g/mL\;and\;6.0{\pm}0.7{\mu}g/mL$ respectively). But 50% ethanol extract rarely exhibited the inhibitory activity on tyrosinase and elastase. (+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin were contained in ethyl acetate fraction of dehulled seeds. And ethyl acetate fraction of hull contains flavonoids of hyperin, quercetin, rutin and so on. These results indicate that extract/fractions of Fagopyrum esculentum can function as antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Fagopyrum esculentum extract could be used as a new cosmeceutical for whitening and anti-wrinkle products.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.564-572
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• 2013

We investigated the quality characteristics of brewing brown rice vinegar through a traditional static fermentation process. Accordingly, we decided to compare the physicochemical characteristics of brewing vinegar at different temperatures and filtration methods. In four to five weeks' time, the acetic acid fermentation exhibited the highest titratable acidity and then it eventually decreased. The titratable acidity was affected by the filtration method. It was revealed that the titratable acidity was higher in the forced filtration than the traditional filtration method. Various organic acids were detected in order to initialize the fermentation stage and as the fermentation progressed, only the acetic acid could be detected. The total free amino acid content was higher at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ than at $20^{\circ}C$. Moreover, the free amino acid content was dependent on the acetate content during the acetic fermentation process. The main bioactive substance of the ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid content was more than twice at a fermentation temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ compared to the fermentation temperature of $20^{\circ}C$. Furthermore, the total amino acid and essential amino acid content at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ was excellent. The quality of the brown rice vinegar via forced filtration method at a temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ was the most excellent. Based on these results, the fermentation temperature and the use of nuruks (fermenting agent) affected the quality of the brown rice vinegar, and an appropriate method to consider its purpose is required.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.11 no.10
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• pp.507-516
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to identify physical activity levels of the basic livelihood security recipients elderly women, to investigate relation between cardiovascular disease risk factors and sacrcopenia based on the levels, and to develop physical activity programs for healthy life of the elderly. The subjects of this study were 134 old females with $71{\pm}6.67$ years old who used senior centers in K-gu. The authors used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for investigating the physical activity levels of the elderly, measuring their physical activity levels for seven days on average and classifying them into two groups, the Low Physical Activity (n=77) and the Moderate Physical Activity (n=57) groups based on the levels. Blood pressure, waist measurement, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, Glucose, and atherogenic index (AI) were measured as the cardiovascular disease risk factors; percent body fat, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, total muscle mass, and skeletal muscle index were measured as factors related to sarcopenia. Independent samples t-Test was conducted to analyze differences on the two groups based on the physical activity levels, with ${\alpha}=.05$ the as significance level. According to the results, HDL (p=.017) were higher and AI (p=.007) was lower; percent body fat (p=.008) was lower, and ASM (p=.000), total muscle mass (p=.000), and SMI (p=.001) were higher. In conclusion, moderate intensity physical activities rather than low intensity ones may have positive effects on the cardiovascular disease risk factors and sarcopenia levels, and participation in regular physical activities with at least moderate intensity by various methods may be needed for prevention of illness and healthy life of the elderly.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.53-66
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• 2003

Objectives: To investigate the state of medical care around health sub-centers, public health doctors' participation and opinion in the process of district public health programs. Methods: The study included 1,036 public health doctors who worked at health sub-center all over the country. The data were collected for Feb, 2002 using self-administered questionnaire by mail. Results: One or two doctors were working at health sub-center and 33.5% of health sub-centers was located in the region of the separation of prescription and dispensing. There were another medical facilities in 45.9% of the administrative district(eup or myon) where health sub-centers were located. The count of medical utilization went down to 14.8${\pm}$14.8 per a day in Nov, 2001 from 18.0${\pm}$15.6 in May, 2000, and the decline was much more in the region of the separation of prescription and dispensing. Among public health programs in health sub-centers, public health doctors participated mostly in preliminary medical examination for vaccination and least in health education. They participated in implementation rather than planning or evaluation of health program. Over a half of public health doctors were found to be positive that health programs implemented in their health sub-centers would promote the level of health in community people and they were willing to participate in district public health program if community people were in need. Conclusions: Recently health sub-centers are required to turn into health promotion facilities rather than medical practice facilities. Health program in health sub-centers will be advanced in both quality and quantity by turning the role of public health doctors who have provided medical services mainly into managing health program. Persistent education about managing health program and the policy to motivate participation in health program should be provided for public health doctors.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.101-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine arterial stiffness levels as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and to identify the association between arterial stiffness and inflammatory markers, in healthy adults over 50 years old. Methods: The study population consisted of 4617 persons over the age of 50 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study, which was conducted in 2007 and 2008. Arterial stiffness was measured using baPWV. A multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between conventional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers, including white blood cell (WBC) counts, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). Results: After adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors including sex, age, smoking status, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, hypertension or diabetic medication, total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and alanine aminotransferase, baPWV was significantly associated with WBC counts (${\beta}$=0.158, p<0.0001), hs-CRP (${\beta}$=0.244, p=0.026), and GGT (${\beta}$=0.003, p<0.0001). Conclusion: This study shows that arterial stiffness correlates with inflammatory markers. Arterial stiffness may be used as a composite risk factor to identify persons with higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, arterial stiffness may be a marker for future cardiovascular disease and a target for prevention.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.83-89
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• 2010

We investigated the growth of cucumber plants, the uptake and use of mineral nutrients, such as $NO_3$-N, $NH_4$-N, $K^+$, $Ca^{+}^{+}$, $Mg^{+}^{+}$ and $Na^+$, absorbed from media solution, and the synthesis and distribution of soluble sugars under nutrient-deficient condition. Difference in plant growth revealed after 20 days of treatment. Nitrate uptake in nutrient-deficient condition was significantly reduced compared with nutrient-normal treatment, and its distribution was primarily in petioles, stem, roots and less in leaves. In contrast, ammonium content was markedly predominated in fast growing organs, and it was significantly different in growing leaves, expanded leaves, and roots under similar growth conditions. $K^+$, lack by deficient nutrient condition, was found in growing leaves. The $Ca^{+}^{+}$ content did not show significant difference between treatments and a substantial portion of $Ca^{+}^{+}$ remained in petioles. The $Mg^{+}^{+}$ content was significantly higher in the leaves of nutrient-normal condition compared with nutrient-deficient condition while significantly lower in stem and roots. The behavior of $Na^+$ in plant was similar to $K^+$ although its content was relatively little. The highest $CO_2$ assimilation was observed in fully expanded leaves of nutrient-normal condition, which was 1.7 times higher compared with nutrient-deficient condition. The instantaneous water use efficiency (A/E) and the A/gsratio, which is an index of leaf intrinsic water use efficiency for individual leaves, was 1.2 and 1.1 times higher, respectively. The total soluble sugar (TSS) contents were highest in leaves followed by petioles, stems and roots, and in younger leaves. The growing leaves contained about 7,200 mg $kg^{-1}$ of TSS in nutrient-normal condition whereas the TSS contents in nutrient-deficient condition were not significantly different between leaves. The $Mg^{+}^{+}$ and $NH_4$- N were positively correlated with the TSS whereas $NO_3$ - N was negatively correlated.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.213-220
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• 2014

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high n-3 or n-6 diet on free fatty acid profile and meat quality traits of pork loin. The 20 heads of commercial $Landrace{\times}Yorkshire{\times}Duroc(LYD)$ crossbreed pigs ($90.9{\pm}2.4BWkg$) were divided into four groups by added fat and oils, such as 5% tallow (Control), 5% linseed oil (T1), 5% safflower oil (T2), and mixture of linseed oil (2.5%) + safflower oil (2.5%) (T3), then reared 4 weeks. Pork loins were taken after slaughter, then sliced in 2 cm thickness and put in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bag for analysis. T1 showed significantly high concentration of linolenic acid ($2.35{\pm}0.21%$) (p<0.05). The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was significantly high in T1 ($36.05{\pm}1.18%$), C ($22.60{\pm}2.11%$) and T2 ($47.80{\pm}1.29%$), respectively (p<0.05). However, the ratio of n-6:n-3 was significantly low in T1 ($11.57{\pm}0.90$) than that of T2 ($37.56{\pm}12.51$) (p<0.05). There was no signigicant difference in lightness, redness, pH, water holding capacity and cooking loss between treatments (p>0.05). However, the yellowness of T2 was significantly higher than others (p<0.05). From those results, it was considered that feeding high n-3 and n-6 fatty acid diet to pig enables modify fatty acid profile of pork without any side effect on meat quality.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.474-480
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• 1995

Background: In spite of initial intensive and long-term chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis, many problems remain in the treatment of the residual lesion. The role of surgical intervention for pulmonary tuberculosis is getting rid of such residual lesion of pulmonary tuberculosis to support the healing process and to induce bacteriologically negative conversion in the end. Method: We experienced 30 cases of pulmonary resection for pulmonary tuberculosis from Aug. 1994 through Apr. 1995 in National Masan Tuberculosis Hospital. We conducted retrospective study to analyze several variables for the cases. Results: 1) The ratio between male and female was 4:1(male 24, female 6) and the age of peak incidence was in 3rd and 4th decades. 2) Indications for pulmonary resection in the radiographic findings were cavitary lesions of 19 cases(63.3%), destroyed one side of 8 cases(26.7%) and destroyed one lobe of 3 cases(10%). 3) 16 of 20 cases with unilateral lesions and all of 10 cases with bilateral lesions on chest X-ray films showed AFB positive on preoperative sputum smears. 14 cases(87.5%) of unilateral lesions and 9 cases(90%) of bilateral ones were converted into AFB negative postoperatively. Negative conversion rates of pneumonectomy and lobectomy cases were 100% and 85.7%, respectively. 4) Preoperative combined disease was 3 cases(10%) of DM and postoperative complications were 2 cases(6.7%) of dead space and no death. Conclusion: Chemotherapy only has some limitation in treatment of all tuberculosis. So, surgical intervention for pulmonary tuberculosis is an effective method as partner of chemotherapy.