• International journal of advanced smart convergence
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2018

Recently, as the demand for limited resources continues to rise and problems of resource depletion rise worldwide, the importance of renewable energy is gradually increasing. In order to solve these problems, various methods such as energy conservation and alternative energy development have been suggested, and biogas, which can utilize the gas produced from biomass as fuel, is also receiving attention as the next generation of innovative renewable energy. New and renewable energy using biogas is an energy production method that is expected to be possible in large scale because it can supply energy with high efficiency in compliance with energy supply method of recycling conventional resources. In order to more efficiently produce and manage these biogas, a biogas plant has emerged. In recent years, a large number of biogas plants have been installed and operated in various locations. Organic wastes corresponding to biogas production resources in a biogas plant exist in a wide variety of types, and each of the incoming raw materials is processed in different processes. Because such a process is required, the case where the biogas plant process is inefficiently operated is continuously occurring, and the economic cost consumed for the operation of the biogas production relative to the generated biogas production is further increased. In order to solve such problems, various attempts such as process analysis and feedback based on the feedstock have been continued but it is a passive method and very limited to operate a medium/large scale biogas plant. In this paper, we propose "CNN-based production yield prediction algorithm for increasing process efficiency of biogas plant" for efficient operation of biogas plant process. Based on CNN-based production yield forecasting, which is one of the deep-leaning technologies, it enables mechanical analysis of the process operation process and provides a solution for optimal process operation due to process-related accumulated data analyzed by the automated process.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

Purpose: Bisphosphonates are drugs used to suppress osteoclastic activity and to treat osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone and bone metastasis. The purpose of this report is to review the literatures on bisphosphonates use that could affect bone healing and cause osteonecrosis of the jaws. Materials and methods: Medline research was carried out to find relevant articles on bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw. Results: Oral administration of bisphosphonates is reported to decrease the risk of adverse bone outcomes. On the contrary, IV bisphosphonates is known to significantly increase the risk. Prevention of the osteonecrosis of the jaw is primary concern before usage. If the adverse bone reaction takes place, proper management and treatments are required to alleviate pain of patients and prevent further progression of necrosis. Conclusion: Case reports of bisphosphonates induced osteonecrosis of the jaw are increasing. Dentists and physicians should be aware of the higher frequency of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients receiving IV bisphosphonates and be prepared to prevent and cope with adverse bone reaction.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.177-188
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• 2017

Background: Radiation-induced pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis are common dose-limiting complications in patients receiving radiotherapy for lung, breast, and lymphoid cancers. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of effective immune cells related to pneumonitis and fibrosis after irradiation. Materials and Methods: After anesthesia, the whole thorax of C57BL/6 mice was irradiated at 14 Gy. The lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected at defined time points post-irradiation for the determination of histological and immunohistochemical analysis and inflammatory cell population infiltrated into the lung. Results and Discussion: Whole thoracic irradiation increased the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), lung weight, and pleural effusions, which started to die from 4 months later. At 4 months after irradiation, the numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes as well as neutrophils were increased dramatically in the lung. Interestingly, the macrophages that were recruited into the lung after irradiation had an enlarged foamy morphology. In addition, the expressions of chemokines (CCL-2, CCL-3, CXCL-10) for the attraction of macrophages and T cells were higher in the lung of irradiated mice. The high expressions of these chemokines were sustained up to 6 months following irradiation. In thoracic irradiated mice, infiltrated macrophages into the lung had the high levels of Mac-3 antigens on their surface and upregulated the hallmarks of alternatively activated macrophages such as arginase-1 and CD206. Furthermore, the levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were higher in a BAL fluid of irradiated mice. Conclusion: All results show that thoracic irradiation induces to infiltrate various inflammation-related immune cells, especially alternatively activated macrophages, through enhancing the expression of chemokines, suggesting that alternatively activated macrophages are most likely important for leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.393-407
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• 2019

Purpose: To identify the potential therapeutic role of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced (stage II and stage III) gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC). Materials and methods: Patients with locally advanced gastric SRC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database between 2004 and 2012 were included in our study. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional models were performed, and survival curves were generated to evaluate the prognostic effect of postoperative RT and surgery alone on SRC patients. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to avoid selection bias among the study cohorts. Results: We found that patients with postoperative RT had better probability of survival compared with those who did not receive RT (overall survival [OS], P<0.001; cancer-specific survival [CSS], P<0.001). After PSM, analysis of both overall and CSS showed that patients who underwent postoperative RT had better prognosis than those receiving surgery alone in the matched cohort (OS, P=0.00079; CSS, P=0.0036). Multivariate Cox proportional model indicated that postoperative RT had better effect on prognosis compared with surgery alone with respect to both overall (hazard ratio [HR], 0.716; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.590-0.87; P=0.001) and CSS (HR, 0.713; 95% CI, 0.570-0.890; P=0.003). Conclusions: Postoperative RT had better prognosis compared with surgery alone for both overall and CSS for patients with locally advanced gastric SRC.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.152-165
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• 1998

Background : In this paper patient outcomes research is going to be reviewed and described, to be compared with relevant studies, and to consider the application in Korea. Methods : We compiled and reviewed the articles and materials related to patient outcomes research especially by PORT(Patient Outcomes Research Team) and rearranged them for seeking the main point and comparing with relevant studies. Results : Patient outcomes research emphasizes patient outcomes as well as conventional clinical outcomes. It is prospective study observing effectiveness in real situation instead of efficacy in ideal condition. Patient outcomes research comprises of 6 fields ; literature review and meta-analysis, use of claims data, decision modeling, outcomes assessment, cost of care, dissemination of research findings. SAA(small-area variations analysis), appropriateness study and clinical practice guideline are connected with patient outcomes research. Conclusion : In view of the fact that current medical policy in Korea is shifting its focus from accessibility to the improvement in quality and cost containment, and is stressing patient-based research, patient outcomes research is one direction for which the medicine is accountable and assessable. Considering that the number of patient receiving medical treatment in Korea is higher than the West, patient outcomes research has competitive power as against the West.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.391-397
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• 2011

Purpose: The injection of various materials, including medical fillers and unregulated products, is widespread, potentially causing the development of foreign body granulomas. Should this occur on the nose, the contour deformity and inflammatory signs that result from these granulomas are aesthetically undesirable to patients. The purpose of our study is to share our experiences using different surgical approaches, depending on the affected portion of the nose, to optimize management of this challenging problem and to evaluate patient's satisfaction using our in-house questionnaire along with degree of improvement by two independent plastic surgeons. Methods: We treated 18 patients who underwent surgical excision of nasal foreign body granulomas via a perilesional approach to the lesion (n=12) or by transcolumellar incision (n=6) at our hospital over a period of seven years from March 2003 to October 2010. Nonparametric statistics were used and are presented as medians (25th-75th). Patient satisfaction was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 using an in-house questionnaire. All pre-and post-operative photographs were analyzed by two independent plastic surgeons. Post-operative outcomes were evaluated based on the surgeons' consensus ratings. Results: All patients receiving the transcolumellar approach reported a high level of satisfaction with the results. All but two patients who received the perilesional approach were satisfied with the outcome. No outcomes were rated as no change or worse by the consensus ratings. Conclusion: For the upper two-thirds of the nose, perilesional surgical excision can lead to substantial patient satisfaction with modified contour deformity and infection control. The transcolumellar approach resulted in better outcomes and patient satisfaction for the lower one-third of the nose.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2016

Purpose: In a previous study, the transmembrane protein FXYD-3 was suggested as a biomarker for a lower survival rate and reduced radiosensitivity in rectal cancer patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy. The purpose of preoperative irradiation in rectal cancer is to reduce local recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of FXYD-3 as a biomarker for increased risk for local recurrence of rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: FXYD-3 expression was immunohistochemically examined in surgical specimens from a cohort of patients with rectal cancer who developed local recurrence (n = 48). The cohort was compared to a matched control group without recurrence (n = 81). Results: Weak FXYD-3 expression was found in 106/129 (82%) of the rectal tumors and strong expression in 23/129 (18%). There was no difference in the expression of FXYD-3 between the patients with local recurrence and the control group. Furthermore there was no difference in FXYD-3 expression and time to diagnosis of local recurrence between patients who received preoperative radiotherapy and those without. Conclusion: Previous findings indicated that FXYD-3 expression may be used as a marker of decreased sensitivity to radiotherapy or even overall survival. We were unable to confirm this in a cohort of rectal cancer patients who developed local recurrence.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.135-144
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of art therapy to control fatigue in cancer patients during course of radiotherapy and its impact on quality of life (QoL). Materials and Methods: Fifty cancer patients receiving radiotherapy received weekly art therapy sessions using famous painting appreciation. Fatigue and QoL were assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) Scale and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) at baseline before starting radiotherapy, every week for 4 weeks during radiotherapy, and at the end of radiotherapy. Mean changes of scores over time were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) participated in 4 sessions of art therapy. Generalized linear mixed models testing for the effect of time on mean score changes showed no significant changes in scores from baseline for the BFI and FACIT-F. The mean BFI score and FACIT-F total score changed from 3.1 to 2.7 and from 110.7 to 109.2, respectively. Art therapy based on the appreciation of famous paintings led to increases in self-esteem by increasing self-realization and forming social relationships. Conclusion: Fatigue and QoL in cancer patients with art therapy do not deteriorate during a period of radiotherapy. Despite the single-arm small number of participants and pilot design, this study provides a strong initial demonstration that art therapy of appreciation for famous painting is worthy of further study for fatigue and QoL improvement. Further, it can play an important role in routine practice in cancer patients during radiotherapy.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.585-596
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• 2012

PVDF(poly vinylidene fluoride) and P(VDF-TrFE)(poly vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene) are the typical piezoelectric polymers with unique properties. Even they are inferior to conventional piezoelectric ceramics PZT in electromechanical conversion efficiency and interior loss, though they are superior in receiving sensitivity and frequency bandwidth. Their acoustic impedances are relatively close to water or biological tissue and it is easier to make thin film than other piezoelectric materials. Futhermore, the film is so flexible that it is easy to attach on a complex surface. Those properties are suitable for the ultrasound transducers which are useful for medical and biological application, so that various types of polymer transducers have been developed. In this paper, several important considerations for design and fabrication of piezoelectric polymer transducers were described and their effect on the transducer performance were demonstrated through the KLM model analysis. Then, it was briefly reviewed about the structures of the polymer transducers developed for obtaining images as well as the characteristics of the images in several important medical and biological application fields.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.167-171
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• 2013

Biomechanical preparation of root canals with accentuated curvature is challenging. New rotatory systems, such as Reciproc, require a shorter period of time to prepare curved canals, and became a viable alternative for endodontic treatment of teeth with root dilaceration. Thus, this study aimed to report a clinical case of endodontic therapy of root with accentuated dilaceration using Reciproc single-file system. Mandibular right second molar was diagnosed as asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Pulp chamber access was performed, and glide path was created with #10 K-file (Dentsply Maillefer) and PathFile #13, #16 and #19 (Dentsply Maillefer) up to the temporary working length. The working length measured corresponded to 20 mm in the mesio-buccal and mesio-lingual canals, and 22 mm in the distal canal. The R25 file (VDW GmbH) was used in all the canals for instrumentation and final preparation, followed by filling with Reciproc gutta-percha cones (VDW GmbH) and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply Maillefer), using thermal compaction technique. The case has been receiving follow-up for 6 mon and no painful symptomatology or periapical lesions have been found. Despite the difficulties, the treatment could be performed in a shorter period of time than the conventional methods.