• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.201-215
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• 1993

The health status of workers in a foundry was analyzed in a study which consisted of evaluations of respiratory health together with environmental measurements. The results from environmental measurements showed values exceeding permissible exposure limits. A t-test was done with log transformed and untransformed data to examine the statistical significance for the noncompliance with exposure standards. For the analysis of categorical health outcomes, $\chi$-square test with 2 $\times$ 2 tables and logistic regression analysis were employed. For continuous variables, multiple linear regression was done against assessed risk factors. Pros and cons of different parameters in the compliance (or noncompliance) testing were presented. Respiratory function did not show any relation with occupational exposures, which may be due to the healthy worker effects. Strategies for controlling time dependent covariates were discussed in relation to the healthy worker effect. The scope of statistical analysis in occupational health studies is still limited in Korea without a suitable external comparison group such as credible vital statistics for the whole nation. Internal comparisons between different exposure status often result in unstable estimates of effect, and proportional morbidity study is discussed as an alternative potential research tool.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.101-108
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in ground reaction force (GRF) components among different speeds of running. Method: Twenty men ($age=22.4{\pm}1.6years$, $mass=73.4{\pm}8.4kg$, $height=176.2{\pm}5.6cm$) and twenty women ($age=20.7{\pm}1.2years$, $mass=55.0{\pm}8.2kg$, $height=163.9{\pm}5.3cm$) participated in this study. All participants were asked to run on an instrumented dual belt treadmill (Bertec, USA) at 8, 12, and 16 km/h for 3 min, after warming up. GRF data were collected from 30 strides while they were running. Hypotheses were tested using one-way ANOVA, and level of significance was set at p-value <.05. Results: The time to passive peaks was significantly earlier in women than in men at three different running speeds (p<.05). Further, the impact loading rates were significantly greater in women than in men at three different running speeds (p<.05). Moreover, the propulsive peak at 8 km/h, which is the slowest running speed, was significantly greater in women than in men (p<.05), and the vertical impulse at 16 km/h, which is the fastest running speed, was significantly greater in men than in women (p<.05). The absolute anteroposterior impulse at 8 km/h was significantly greater in women than in men (p<.05). In addition, as the running speed increased, impact peak, active peak, impact loading rate, breaking peak, propulsive peak, and anteroposterior impulse were significantly increased, but vertical impulse was significantly decreased (p<.05). Conclusion: The impact loading rate is greater in women than in men regardless of different running speeds. Therefore, female runners might be exposed to the risk of potential injuries related to the bone and ligament. Moreover, increased running speeds could lead to higher possibility of running injuries.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.42-50
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• 2011

Potential risk of heavy metals to various receptors including humans depends on the bioavailability of the heavy metals in soil. In this study, the heavy metal extraction methods using 0.1N HCl and aqua regia were compared with the Tessier's sequential extraction method to assess whether these two methods can be used to determine the plant-available heavy metal concentrations. The contamination characteristics of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) found in soils collected from 75 sites around the closed Janghang smelter were analyzed by extracting heavy metals using 0.1 N HCl, aqua regia, and the Tessier's sequential extraction method. The portion of metals bioavailable to plants is considered as the sum of the fraction 1 (exchangeable) and the fraction 2 (carbonates binding) of the Tessier's 5-step sequential extraction method, which were determined to be 3.1 ${\pm}$ 3.82, 0.6 ${\pm}$ 0.15, 20.6 ${\pm}$ 18.78, and 7.0 ${\pm}$ 6.48 mg/kg for Cu, Cd, Pb, and As, respectively, in this study. When the extraction using aqua regia and the Tessier's extraction method were compared, the extracted Cu and Pb concentrations did not show significant differences, whereas the extracted Cd and As concentrations showed significant differences. These results indicate that the portion of Cd and As in the fraction 5 of the Tessier's sequential extraction can not be extracted using aqua regia. Using aqua regia, which is the official test method, higher concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb and As were extracted than the sum of the fraction 1 and 2. The results show that only 9, 40, 39 and 10% of Cu, Cd, Pb and As using aqua regia can be uptaken by plants (i.e., plant-available). Using 0.1N HCl, the portion of Cd equivalent to about 66% the fraction 1 could be extracted, while, with Pb, the portion of the fraction 1 and about 90% of the fraction 2 could be extracted. With As, the portion equivalent to the fraction 1, 2 and 79% of the fraction 3 was extracted, while with Cu, the portion equivalent to the fraction 1, 2, 3 and 20% of the fraction 4 was extracted using 0.1N HCl.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.216-220
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• 2010

Obesity is an important risk factor that significantly increases mortality and disease rates in the cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and various diseases. So far, the most powerful way to inhibit fat absorption is pancreatic lipase inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effect of the extract of Juniperus rigida. Juniperus rigida extract (JRE) had a inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity ($IC_{50}$=8.63 ${\mu}g$/ml). In in vivo oil-emulsion loading test, this extract also inhibited the intestinal fat absorption. In addition, we measured inhibitory effects of JRE on activity of phosphodiesterase (PDE) and hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) among the important enzymes associated with lipolysis. JRE strongly inhibited PDE activity ($IC_{50}$=4.56 ${\mu}g$/ml), whereas inhibitory effect on HSL activity was very weak compared with orlistat. As a result, JRE inhibited the absorption of fat by inhibiting the activity of pancreatic lipase and induced lipolysis through inhibition of PDE activity. Therefore, we suggest that Juniperus rigida may be a potential therapeutic agent improving obesity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.229-238
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• 2018

Background Nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSMs) are increasingly performed to obtain the best aesthetic and psychological outcomes in breast cancer treatment. However, merely preserving the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) does not guarantee a good outcome. Darkly pigmented NACs and a tendency for poor scarring outcomes are particular challenges when treating Asian patients. Herein, we review the reconstructive outcomes following NSM at Singapore General Hospital. Methods All breasts reconstructed following NSM over an 11-year period from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed. Information was collected from the patients' records on mastectomy indications, operative details, and complications. Patient satisfaction, breast sensation, and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated in 15 patients. Sensation was quantified using the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test. Results A total of 142 NSMs were performed in 133 patients for breast cancer (n=122, 85.9%) or risk reduction (n=20, 14.1%). Of the procedures, 114 (80.2%) were autologous reconstructions, while 27 (19.0%) were reconstructions with implants. Complications occurred in 28 breasts (19.7%), with the most common complication being NAC necrosis, which occurred in 17 breasts (12.0%). Four breasts (2.8%) had total NAC necrosis. The overall mean patient satisfaction score was 3.0 (good). The sensation scores were significantly diminished in the skin envelope, areola, and nipple of breasts that had undergone NSM compared to non-operated breasts (P<0.05). Half of the subset of 15 patients in whom aesthetic outcomes were evaluated had reduced nipple projection. Conclusions Immediate reconstruction after NSM was performed with a low complication rate in this series, predominantly through autologous reconstruction. Patients should be informed of potential drawbacks, including NAC necrosis, reduced nipple projection, and diminished sensation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2011

Background: Cardiovascular complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality following non-cardiac thoracic operations. Recent studies have demonstrated that elevation of N-Terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels can predict cardiac complications following non-cardiac major surgery as well as cardiac surgery. However, there is little information on the correlation between lung resection surgery and NT-proBNP levels. We evaluated the role of NT-proBNP as a potential marker for the risk stratification of cardiac complications following lung resection surgery. Material and Methods: Prospectively collected data of 98 patients, who underwent elective lung resection from August 2007 to February 2008, were analyzed. Postoperative adverse cardiac events were categorized as myocardial injury, ECG evidence of ischemia or arrhythmia, heart failure, or cardiac death. Results: Postoperative cardiac complications were documented in 9 patients (9/98, 9.2%): Atrial fibrillation in 3, ECG-evidenced ischemia in 2 and heart failure in 4. Preoperative median NT-proBNP levels was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative cardiac complications than in the rest (200.2 ng/L versus 45.0 ng/L, p=0.009). NT-proBNP levels predicted adverse cardiac events with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.545~0.988, p=0.01]. A preoperative NT-proBNP value of 160 ng/L was found to be the best cut-off value for detecting postoperative cardiac complication with a positive predictive value of 0.857 and a negative predictive value of 0.978. Other factors related to cardiac complications by univariate analysis were a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, a higher NYHA functional class and a history of hypertension. In multivariate analysis, however, high preoperative NT-proBNP level (>160 ng/L) only remained significant. Conclusion: An elevated preoperative NT-proBNP level is identified as an independent predictor of cardiac complications following lung resection surgery.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.565-574
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• 2018

High population density in deltaic settings, especially in Asia, tends to increase and causes coastal flood risk because of lower elevations and significant subsidence. Large flood annually causes numerous deaths and huge economic losses. In this paper, an innovative technology of spatial satellite imagery has been used as tool to analyze the socio-economic flood-related damage in Mekong river basin. The relationship between nightlight intensity and flood damages has been determined for the period of 1992-2013 with a spatial resolution of 30 arc sec ($0.0083^{\circ}$), which is nearly one kilometer at the equator. Flow path distance was calculated to identify the distance of each cell to river network and to examine how nightlight intensity correlate to the area close to and far from river network. Statistical analysis results highlight the significant correlation between nocturnal luminosity intensity and flood-related damages in countries along the Mekong river (i.e., Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam). This result reveals that the areas close to the river network correspond to high human distribution and causes huge damage during flooding. The result may provide key information to the region with respect to decisions, attentions, and mitigation strategies.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.431-436
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• 2006

This study was conducted in the summer of 2005 in Shindong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do to assess the quality of drinking water and to evaluate their potential pollutants. Ninety four water samples were collected from three classes of water supplies such as simple piped water, supplied own water and others (Supplied local water). Most residents used simple piped water (72.63%). 31.25% residents thought the water quality was bad and landfill was the main source of pollution that affected water quality. To correspond this perception, water quality was measured according to Drinking Water Quality Standard. The general bacteria, coliforms, and $NO_3-N$ exceeded the standard but the water qualities in these four areas were suitable for Drinking Water Quality Standard. The simple piped water showed low mean concentration of excess rate compared to supplied own piped water except general bacteria. Hardness, pH, and $NO_3-N$ showed significantly higher effects on drinking water quality. To evaluate the effect of effluent from landfill, water quality was measured according to distance and altitude. However, there was no effect of landfill effluent. To find out the effect of rainfall, we compared water quality of the year 2003 with that of 2005. The result showed significant differences in hardness and $NO_3-N$ concentration. This study confirmed that $NO_3-N$, coliforms, and general bacteria are main pollutant of water supply in rural community. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly maintain simple piped water supply, supplement sewer facilities, and educate residents about public health risk associated with drinking water in rural area.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2002

Cryopreservation is commonly used for an efficient utilization of semen, oocytes and embryos but has disadvantage in the survival, development of the post-thawed eggs. The high risk in the survival, development of eggs after thawing is thought to be caused by inappropriate internal regulation of $Ca^{2+}$ and/or formation of intracellular ice crystals. In this experiment, we tested whether the $Ca^{2+}$ current (iCa), a decisive factor to $Ca^{2+}$ entry, was altered in post-thawed oocytes by using whole cell voltage clamp technique. The quality and survival rates of the oocytes derived from both fresh and frozen groups were examined by morphology and FDA-test. Vitrified oocytes (VOs) were incubated for 4 hr after thawing and then donated to this experiment. Ethyleneglycol-ficoll-galactose (EFG) was used as a cryoprotectant for vitrification. The membrane potential was held at -80 mV and step depolarizations of 250 ms were applied from -50 mV to 50 mV in 10 mV increments. The survival rates showed a higher in VOs vitrified with EFG containing $Ca^{2+}$ than in VOs vitrified with EFG under the $Ca^{2+}$-free condition (82.0% vs 14%). In group with/without $Ca^{2+}$, the survival rates were significantly (P<0.01) difference. In the fresh metaphase II oocytes (FOs), current-voltage (I-V) relationship showed that iCa began to activate at -40 mV and reached its maximum at -10 mV. With same voltage pulses, inward currents were elicited in VOs. I-V relationships observed in VOs were similar to those in FOs. Time constants of activation and inactivation of the inward current shown in VOs were not different to those in FOs. This accordance in I-V relations and time constants in FOs with those in VOs indicates that the inward currents in FOs are unaltered by vitrification and thawing. Therefore, vitrification with EFG does not play as a factor to deteriorate $Ca^{2+}$ entry across the membrane of the oocytes.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.288-294
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• 2014

Penicillin and its salts, including the benzatine, procaine, and sodium salts, have been widely used in human and veterinary medicine. Owing to their low toxicity, they currently form the most important group of antibiotics. However, overdose and abuse of these antibiotics may lead to potential risk in human health. Therefore, this study was conducted to validate the analysis method established by the Korea Food Code in 2012 and to monitor the levels of benzylpenicillin residues in products with reference to the maximum residue level (MRL). Of the 232 product samples tested, benzylpenicillin was detected in 11 livestock products and 2 marine products. Benzylpenicillin concentrations were found to be lower than the MRL in 12 products; however, the concentration of benzylpenicillin was found to be greater than the MRL in 1 pork product. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for benzylpenicillin was found to be 0.001-0.002 mg/kg, with an average recovery of 90.4-115.3%. Calibrations showed good linearity of 0.995 over a range of 0.002-0.05 mg/kg.