• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.199-203
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• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic value of serum CYFRA21-1, CEA and hemoglobin levels regarding long-term survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: Age, gender, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), tumor location, tumor length, T stage, N stage and serum hemoglobin, and CYFRA21-1 and CEA levels before concurrent CRT were retrospectively investigated and related to outcome in 113 patients receiving 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin combined with radiotherapy for ESCC. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze prognosis, the log-rank to compare groups, the Cox proportional hazards model for multivariate analysis, and ROC curve analysis for assessment of predictive performance of biologic markers. Results: The median survival time was 20.1 months and the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- year overall survival rates were 66.4%, 43.4%, 31.9% and 15.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that factors associated with prognosis were KPS, tumor length, T-stage, N-stage, hemoglobin, CYFRA21-1 and CEA level. Multivariate analysis showed T-stage, N-stage, hemoglobin, CYFRA21-1 and CEA level were independent predictors of prognosis. By ROC curve, CYFRA21-1 and hemoglobin showed better predictive performance for OS than CEA (AUC= 0.791, 0.704, 0.545; P=0.000, 0.000, 0.409). Conclusions: Of all clinicopathological and molecular factors, T stage, N stage, hemoglobin, CYFRA21-1 and CEA level were independent predictors of prognosis for patients with ESCC treated with concurrent CRT. Among biomarkers, CYFRA21-1 and hemoglobin may have a better predictive potential than CEA for long-term outcomes.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.301-314
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• 2007

The lever-type active multiple tuned mass dampers (LT-AMTMD), consisting of several lever-type active tuned mass dampers (LT-ATMD), is proposed in this paper to attenuate the vibrations of long-span bridges under the excitation directly acting on the structure, rather than through the base. With resorting to the derived analytical-expressions for the dynamic magnification factors of the LT-AMTMD structure system, the performance assessment then is conducted on the LT-AMTMD with the identical stiffness and damping coefficient but unequal mass. Numerical results indicate that the LT-AMTMD with the actuator set at the mass block can provide better effectiveness in reducing the vibrations of long-span bridges compared to the LT-AMTMD with the actuator set at other locations. An appealing feature of the LT-AMTMD with the actuator set at the mass block is that the static stretching of the spring may be freely adjusted in accordance with the practical requirements through changing the location of the support within the viable range while maintaining the same performance (including the same stroke displacement). Likewise, it is shown that the LT-AMTMD with the actuator set at the mass block can further ameliorate the performance of the lever-type multiple tuned mass dampers (LT-MTMD) and has higher effectiveness than a single lever-type active tuned mass damper (LT-ATMD). Therefore, the LT-AMTMD with the actuator set at the mass block may be a better means of suppressing the vibrations of long-span bridges with the consequence of not requiring the large static stretching of the spring and possessing a desirable robustness.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.31
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• pp.6.1-6.10
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• 2016

Objectives This study examined the spatial distribution and the extent of soil contamination by heavy metals resulting from primitive, unconventional informal electronic waste recycling in the Agbogbloshie e-waste processing site (AEPS) in Ghana. Methods A total of 132 samples were collected at 100 m intervals, with a handheld global position system used in taking the location data of the soil sample points. Observing all procedural and quality assurance measures, the samples were analyzed for barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), using X-ray fluorescence. Using environmental risk indices of contamination factor and degree of contamination ($C_{deg}$), we analyzed the individual contribution of each heavy metal contamination and the overall $C_{deg}$. We further used geostatistical techniques of spatial autocorrelation and variability to examine spatial distribution and extent of heavy metal contamination. Results Results from soil analysis showed that heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher than the Canadian Environmental Protection Agency and Dutch environmental standards. In an increasing order, Pb>Cd>Hg>Cu>Zn>Cr>Co>Ba>Ni contributed significantly to the overall $C_{deg}$. Contamination was highest in the main working areas of burning and dismantling sites, indicating the influence of recycling activities. Geostatistical analysis also revealed that heavy metal contamination spreads beyond the main working areas to residential, recreational, farming, and commercial areas. Conclusions Our results show that the studied heavy metals are ubiquitous within AEPS and the significantly high concentration of these metals reflect the contamination factor and $C_{deg}$, indicating soil contamination in AEPS with the nine heavy metals studied.

• International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.479-497
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• 2016

Many experimental studies have evaluated the in-plane behavior of reinforced concrete frames in order to understand mechanisms that resist progressive collapse. The effects of transverse beams, frames and slabs often are neglected due to their probable complexities. In the present study, an experimental and numerical assessment is performed to investigate the effects of transverse beams on the collapse behavior of reinforced concrete frames. Tests were undertaken on a 3/10-scale reinforced concrete sub-assemblage, consisting of a double-span beam and two end columns within the frame plane connected to a transverse frame at the middle joint. The specimen was placed under a monotonic vertical load to simulate the progressive collapse of the frame. Alternative load paths, mechanism of formation and development of cracks and major resistance mechanisms were compared with a two-dimensional scaled specimen without a transverse beam. The results demonstrate a general enhancement in resistance mechanisms with a considerable emphasis on the flexural capacity of the transverse beam. Additionally, the role of the transverse beam in restraining the rotation of the middle joint was evident, which in turn leads to more ductile behavior. A macro-model was also developed to further investigate progressive collapse in three dimensions. Along with the validated numerical model, a parametric study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the removed column location and beam section details on the progressive collapse behavior.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.256-263
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• 2015

Background: Initial treatment of acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) should not include antibiotics because most AURIs are caused by virus. However, the prescription rate of antibiotics in Korea is higher than in any other countries. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in Korea accelerated the emergence of antibiotics resistance and increased the social and economic burden. The objective of this study was to investigate the factors related to antibiotics use for the AURI among children-adolescents and adults. Methods: This study analyzed the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service-National Patient Sample data which was nationally representative sampling stratified by sex and age. Results: The influencing factors of antibiotics use for AURI are gender, age, types of medical security, primary disease, existence of concomitant disease, treatment seasons, first visit or revisit, indicated specialty, types of medical institution, and location of medical institution. Conclusion: The results showed health policy makers are required to place more efforts to resolve inappropriate antibiotics use. Especially they need to establish a health policy to reduce the gap between areas and specialties and recommend standardized clinical guidelines according to the subgroup code of AURI and the age group of patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.702-708
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• 2014

Background Lower abdominal soft tissue transfer is the standard procedure for breast reconstruction. However, abdominal wall weakness and herniation commonly occur postoperatively at the donor site. To reduce the morbidities of the donor site, the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap was introduced, but inconsistent anatomy of the SIEA has reduced its utility. In the present study, the anatomy of the superficial inferior epigastric vessels in Korean women was determined with regards to breast reconstructive surgery. Methods The vascular anatomies of the SIEA and superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) were evaluated on 32 breast cancer patients receiving free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction after mastectomy. The existence, pulsation, location, external diameter, and depth of the SIEA and SIEV were measured at the lower abdominal incision level. Results SIEA and SIEV were present in 48/64 (75.00%) and 63/64 (98.44%) hemi-abdomens, respectively. Pulsation of the SIEA was found in 44/48 (91.67%) cases. The mean locations of SIEA and SIEV were +5.79 (${\pm}12.87$) mm, and -8.14 (${\pm}15.24$) mm from the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and symphysis pubis, respectively. The mean external diameters of SIEA and SIEV were 1.20 (${\pm}0.39$) mm and 1.37 (${\pm}0.33$) mm, and they were found at a mean depth of 9.75 (${\pm}2.67$) mm and 8.33 (${\pm}2.65$) mm, respectively. Conclusions The SIEA was absent in 25% of Korean women and had a relatively small caliber. Therefore, careful preoperative assessment of the lower abdominal vasculature is required to achieve successful breast reconstruction using SIEA flaps.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.637-647
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• 2010

The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)-based modeling systems have been widely used to simulate soil erosion studies. However the GIS-based USLE modeling systems have limitation in gully erosion evaluation which is one of the most important factor in soil erosion estimation. In this study, the integrated soil erosion evaluation system using with Sediment Assessment Tool for Effective Erosion Control (SATEEC) system, nLS and Unit Stream Power-based Erosion/Deposition (USPED) model was developed to simulate gully erosion. Gully head location using nLS model, USPED for gully erosion, and the SATEEC estimated sheet and rill erosion were evaluated and combined together with the integrated soil erosion evaluation system. This system was applied to the Haean-myeon watershed, annual average sediment-yield considering sheet, rill and gully erosion was simulated as 101,933 ton/year at the study watershed. if the integrated soil erosion evaluation system is calibrated and validated with the measured data, this system could be efficiently used in developing site-specific soil erosion best management system to reduce soil erosion and muddy water inflow into the receiving waterbody.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.406-411
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• 2006

Objective : The authors have developed a procedure, termed posterior microscopic lesionectomy, that creates a minimal laminotomy site according to the location of the shifted disc using the $METRx^{TM}$ system in the lumbar spine. This study compared the usefulness and surgical outcomes of this procedure with those of traditional standard lumbar discectomy. Methods : From June 2003 to June 2004, Twenty-two patients with one-level radiculopathy due to lumbar disc herniation underwent posterior microscopic lesionectomy with the assistance of an operating microscope and the $METRx^{TM}$ tubular retractor. Surgical results of the new procedure were compared to those of 39 patients who underwent traditional lumbar discectomy from April 2003 to September 2004. All patients were evaluated for pain score, clinical assessment according to the VAS, and Roland-Morris scores pre-operatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Results : Mean blood loss, operation time, and admission date showed significant improvements for microscopic lesionectomy compared to traditional lumbar discectomy [P < 0.001]. Also, both measures of short-term functional improvement, the Visual Analogue Scale[VAS] and Roland-Morris[RM] scores, were statistically better for microscopic lesionectomy than for traditional discectomy [P < 0.001]. Conclusion : Posterior microscopic lesionectomy can be performed more safely and provide greater benefit than traditional discectomy. The procedure is associated with less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker rehabilitation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.17-21
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• 2015

Recently, As people's interest in the health of teeth is increased in the medical field changed into aging society, the number of times for the radiological diagnosis is increased. It can be said that the radiation exposure dose of Korean population is increased. It is also growing concern about radiation exposure. Therefore, the basic data for the dental panoramic X-ray system, its investigation and measuring the radiation dose is needed. In this study, we used ALOKA PDM-117 dosimeter and estimated a two-dimensional dose distribution of the dental panoramic X-ray system (VATEC Pax-400). Dose evaluation about the distribution is confirmed from the point of radiation exposure of a patient. Dose distribution of the dental panoramic X-ray system irradiated chin and the facial region to high dose as well as the parts of teeth. It was founded that the eye lens which are sensitive to radiation are exposed to unnecessary radiation, considering the effect of scattered radiation. The results of this study will be used more accurate dose assessment in a variety of object size and location of measuring dose.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.592-600
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• 2006

Purpose: Numerous materials, both autologous and nonautologous, have been used for augmentation of sunken areas, but they have their own limitations. The purpose of this study is to determine the histologic response and volume change of the xenogenic collagen-based scaffold($Terudermis^{(R)}$) to the transfer into a subcutaneous soft tissue location in vivo rabbit model. Methods: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were used. Three $1.2{\times}1.2cm$ sized subcutaneous pockets were created on the dorsal surface of each ear. $1{\times}1cm$ sized collagen matrix($Terudermis^{(R)}$) and autologous dermal graft were implanted into each pocket. Full thickness of ear was harvested in 3 days, 1, 2, 4 weeks, 3, 6 months after implantation. Results: Histological analysis of implants demonstrated progressive neovascularization, fibroblast infilteration, neocollagen bundle synthesis and organization, and few foreign body reaction. The thickness of the collagen matrix in 3 days after the operation was 87.69% of the thickness of the collagen matrix in wet state. Then it decreased to 30.17% in 6 months after the operation. The rate of decrease was similar at all points at the same time compared with autologous dermal graft. Conclusion: Our experimental study suggests that $Terudermis^{(R)}$ could be a safe material as an implant for permanent augmentation in subcutaneous tissue. However the choice of graft for augmentation should be remained to the clinical situations.