• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.402-412
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• 2020

Objective: To evaluate the performance of predicting early recurrence using preoperative factors only in comparison with using both pre-/postoperative factors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 549 patients who had undergone curative resection for single hepatcellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan criteria. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify pre-/postoperative high-risk factors of early recurrence after hepatic resection for HCC. Two prediction models for early HCC recurrence determined by stepwise variable selection methods based on Akaike information criterion were built, either based on preoperative factors alone or both pre-/postoperative factors. Area under the curve (AUC) for each receiver operating characteristic curve of the two models was calculated, and the two curves were compared for non-inferiority testing. The predictive models of early HCC recurrence were internally validated by bootstrap resampling method. Results: Multivariable analysis on preoperative factors alone identified aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (OR, 1.632; 95% CI, 1.056-2.522; p = 0.027), tumor size (OR, 1.025; 95% CI, 0.002-1.049; p = 0.031), arterial rim enhancement of the tumor (OR, 2.350; 95% CI, 1.297-4.260; p = 0.005), and presence of nonhypervascular hepatobiliary hypointense nodules (OR, 1.983; 95% CI, 1.049-3.750; p = 0.035) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as significant factors. After adding postoperative histopathologic factors, presence of microvascular invasion (OR, 1.868; 95% CI, 1.155-3.022; p = 0.011) became an additional significant factor, while tumor size became insignificant (p = 0.119). Comparison of the AUCs of the two models showed that the prediction model built on preoperative factors alone was not inferior to that including both pre-/postoperative factors {AUC for preoperative factors only, 0.673 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.623-0.723) vs. AUC after adding postoperative factors, 0.691 (95% CI, 0.639-0.744); p = 0.0013}. Bootstrap resampling method showed that both the models were valid. Conclusion: Risk stratification solely based on preoperative imaging and laboratory factors was not inferior to that based on postoperative histopathologic risk factors in predicting early recurrence after curative resection in within Milan criteria single HCC patients.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.325-332
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• 2008

To characterize the initiation, propagation and termination of Cochlodinium polykrikoides blooms in the southeast coastal waters of Korea, 2007, we have analyzed the data set of phytoplankton composition, physical and chemical water properties, and meterological data. The development of C. polykrikoides bloom in 2007 can be summarized in three steps. The first stage from middle of July to end of August was characterized by an unusually persistent and strong southerly wind. C. polykrikoides blooms established already by the strong wind in the middle of south coastal waters were advected intermittently into the study area. Accordingly, highly variable cell densities of C. polykrikoides were observed. At the second stage a favorable growing conditions for C. polykrikoides was developed, which was directed by changes in wind direction from south to northeast and thus enhanced transportation of offshore waters into inshore (August 8 to 30). C. polykrikoides bloom occurred through typical mechanism and showed high cell density. The last stage was represented by disappearance of C. polykrikoides. Typoon 'Nari' carrying heavy rain brought an unfavorable habitat to C. polykrikoides. Low saline condition formed in coastal water due to typoon effects continuously drove the dominant species to diatoms and flagellates which were prevailing over C. polykrikoides in this circumstances(from the middle of September). These stepwise processes could be the causative mechanism of the extraordinarily persistent C. polykrikoides bloom observed in southeast coastal water of Korea, 2007.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.87-97
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• 2024

Objective : This study aimed to acquire activities of daily living (ADL) skills through activity analysis and forward chaining in children with developmental disabilities. Methods : In this study, the performance of children with developmental disabilities was guided stepwise using a changing criterion design. The intervention was conducted in forward chaining after the therapist analyzed the activities of three tasks (shoes, shorts, and short-sleeved T-shirts) set as the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The performance rate at each stage of the three tasks was used as an independent variable, and COPM performance and satisfaction scores before and after the intervention were set as dependent variables. Results : The task performance rates of children wearing shoes, shorts, and short-sleeved T-shirts improved over time. Even at home, the scores for performance and satisfaction of all three tasks increased. Conclusion : Hopefully, activity analysis and behavioral chaining methods will be used not only for ADL but also for various tasks in children with developmental disabilities who have difficulty acquiring tasks.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.35.1-35.16
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• 2023

Defining the molecular dynamics associated with T cell differentiation enhances our understanding of T cell biology and opens up new possibilities for clinical implications. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of CD5 expression in CD8⁺ T cell differentiation and explored its potential clinical uses. Using PBMCs from 29 healthy donors, we observed a stepwise decrease in CD5 expression as CD8⁺ T cells progressed through the differentiation stages. Interestingly, we found that CD5 expression was initially upregulated in response to T cell receptor stimulation, but diminished as the cells underwent proliferation, potentially explaining the differentiation-associated CD5 downregulation. Based on the proliferation-dependent downregulation of CD5, we hypothesized that relative CD5 expression could serve as a marker to distinguish the heterogeneous CD8⁺ T cell population based on their proliferation history. In support of this, we demonstrated that effector memory CD8⁺ T cells with higher CD5 expression exhibited phenotypic and functional characteristics resembling less differentiated cells compared to those with lower CD5 expression. Furthermore, in the retrospective analysis of PBMCs from 30 non-small cell lung cancer patients, we found that patients with higher CD5 expression in effector memory T cells displayed CD8⁺ T cells with a phenotype closer to the less differentiated cells, leading to favorable clinical outcomes in response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. These findings highlight the dynamics of CD5 expression as an indicator of CD8⁺ T cell differentiation status, and have implications for the development of predictive biomarker for ICI therapy.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1017-1027
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• 2023

Objective: The assessment of cortical integrity following renal injuries with planar Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy depends on measuring relatively decreased cortical uptake (i.e., split renal function [SRF]). We analyzed the additive values of the volumetric and quantitative analyses of the residual cortical integrity using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) compared to the planar scintigraphy. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 47 patients (male:female, 32:15; age, 47 ± 22 years) who had non-operatively managed renal injuries and underwent DMSA planar and SPECT imaging 3-6 months after the index injury. In addition to planar SRF, SPECT SRF, cortical volume, and absolute cortical uptake were measured for the injured kidney and both kidneys together. The correlations of planar SRF with SPECT SRF and those of SRF with volumetric/quantitative parameters obtained with SPECT were analyzed. The association of SPECT parameters with renal function, grades of renal injuries, and the risk of renal failure was also analyzed. Results: SPECT SRF was significantly lower than planar SRF, with particularly higher biases in severe renal injuries. Planar and SPECT SRF (dichotomized with a cutoff of 45%) showed 19%-36% of discrepancies with volumetric and quantitative DMSA indices (when dichotomized as either high or low). Absolute cortical uptake of the injured kidney best correlated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at follow-up (ρ = 0.687, P < 0.001) with significant stepwise decreases by GFR strata (90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Total renal cortical uptake was significantly lower in patients with moderate-to-high risk of renal failure than those with low risk. However, SRF did not reflect GFR decrease below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or the risk of renal failure, regardless of planar or SPECT (count- or volume-based SRF) imaging. Conclusion: Quantitative measurements of renal cortical integrity assessed with DMSA SPECT can provide more clinically relevant and comprehensive information than planar imaging or SRF alone.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.446-454
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• 2022

Objective: To evaluate whether hyperoxia-induced ΔR₁ (hyperO₂ΔR₁) can accurately identify histological infarction in an acute cerebral stroke model. Materials and Methods: In 18 rats, MRI parameters, including hyperO₂ΔR₁, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), cerebral blood flow and volume, and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on PET were measured 2.5, 4.5, and 6.5 hours after a 60-minutes occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. Histological examination of the brain was performed immediately following the imaging studies. MRI and PET images were co-registered with digitized histological images. The ipsilateral hemisphere was divided into histological infarct (histological cell death), non-infarct ischemic (no cell death but ADC decrease), and nonischemic (no cell death or ADC decrease) areas for comparisons of imaging parameters. The levels of hyperO₂ΔR₁ and ADC were measured voxel-wise from the infarct core to the non-ischemic region. The correlation between areas of hyperO₂ΔR₁-derived infarction and histological cell death was evaluated. Results: HyperO₂ΔR₁ increased only in the infarct area (p ≤ 0.046) compared to the other areas. ADC decreased stepwise from non-ischemic to infarct areas (p = 0.002 at all time points). The other parameters did not show consistent differences among the three areas across the three time points. HyperO₂ΔR₁ sharply declined from the core to the border of the infarct areas, whereas there was no change within the non-infarct areas. A hyperO₂ΔR₁ value of 0.04 s^-1 was considered the criterion to identify histological infarction. ADC increased gradually from the infarct core to the periphery, without a pronounced difference at the border between the infarct and non-infarct areas. Areas of hyperO₂ΔR₁ higher than 0.04 s^-1 on MRI were strongly positively correlated with histological cell death (r = 0.862; p < 0.001). Conclusion: HyperO₂ΔR₁ may be used as an accurate and early (2.5 hours after onset) indicator of histological infarction in acute stroke.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.90 no.6
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• pp.551-568
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• 2024

The present study deals with static and dynamic behaviors including forced vibrations of an elastic rectangular nano plate on the two-parameter foundation. Firstly, the rectangular plate is assumed to be subjected to uniformly distributed and eccentrically applied concentrated loads. The governing equations of the problem are derived by considering the dynamic response of the plate, employing a series of the Chebyshev polynomials for the displacement function and applying the Galerkin method. Then, effects of the non-essential boundary conditions of the plate, i.e., the boundary conditions related to the shearing forces, the bending moments and the corner forces, are included in the governing equation of motion to compensate for the non-satisfied boundary conditions and increase the accuracy of the Galerkin method. The approximate numerical solution is accomplished using an iterative process due to the non-linearity of the unilateral property of the two-parameter foundation. The plate under static concentrated load is investigated in detail numerically by considering a wide range of parameters of the plate and the foundation stiffnesses. Numerical treatment of the problem in the time domain is carried out by assuming a stepwise variation of the concentrated load and the linear acceleration procedure is employed in the solution of the system of governing differential equations derived from the equation of motion. Time variations of the contact region and those of the displacements of the plate are presented in the figures for various numbers of the two-parameter of the foundation, as well as the classical and nano parameters of the plate particularly focusing on the non-linearity of the problem due to the plate lift-off from the unilateral foundation. The effects of classical and nonlocal parameters and loading are investigated in detail. Definition of the separation between the plate and the two-parameter foundation is presented and applied to the given problem. The effect of the lift-off on the static and dynamic behavior of the rectangular plate is studied in detail by considering various loading conditions. The numerical study shows that the effect of nonlocal parameters on the behavior of the plate becomes significant, when nonlinearity becomes more profound, due to the lift-off of the plate. It is seen that the size effects are significant in static and dynamic analysis of nano-scaled rectangular plates and need to be included in the mechanical analyses. Furthermore, the corner displacement of the plate is affected more significantly from the lift-off, whereas it is less marked in the time variation of the middle displacement of the plate. Several numerical examples are presented to examine the sensibility of various parameters associated with nonlocal parameters of the plate and foundation. Both stiffening and softening nonlocal parameters behavior of the plate are identified in the numerical solutions which show that increasing the foundation stiffness decreases the extent of the contact region, whereas the stiffness of the shear layer increases the contact region and reduces the foundation settlement considerably.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2009

This research examined the effect of ammonia nitrogen loading rate(NVLR) on the anaerobic digestion of slurry-typed swine wastewater. The anaerobic reactor was used an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) process. This UASB reactor was operated at a NVLR of $0.02{\sim}0.96kg{NH_4}^+-N/m^3/day$. The methane content showed the range of 73.3~77.9% during the steady state period. Free ammonia(FA) concentration increased over inhibition level as pH increase from 7.3 to 8.2. However, in consideration of methane content, methane producing bacteria (MPB) inhibition by FA and total ammonia(TA) was not observed. A stepwise increase of the NVLR resulted in a deterioration in the COD removal rate in UASB reactor. The COD removal rate were 60% for NVLR up to $0.55kg{NH_4}^+-N/m^3/day$. As the NVLR increased from 0.09 to $0.96kg{NH_4}^+-N/m^3/day$, the biogas production rate varied from 3.71 to 9.14L/d and the methane conversion rate of the COD varied from 0.32 to $0.20m^3CH_4/kg$ COD removed. Consequently, in considerations of FA concentration, COD removal rate, and $CH_4$ production rate, the UASB reactor must be operated to lower than $0.40kg{NH_4}^+-N/m^3/day$ of NVLR.

• Journal of the Health Care and Life Science
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.207-217
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate COVID-19 Knowledge, Risk Perception, Anxiety and Preventive Behaviors, and to identify the influencing factors on Preventive Behaviors of nursing students. Data were collected using questionnaires from 342 nursing students in Gwangju, November 2021. The collected data was analyzed by descriptive statistics, pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression using IBM SPSS 21.0 program. The total mean scores were as follows: COVID-19 Knowledge, 13.25±1.38; Risk Perception; 4.57±1.34, Anxiety; 44.55±9.66, Preventive Behaviors; 7.66±1.55. Preventive Behaviors was found to have significant positive correlations with COVID-19 Knowledge and Risk Perception). The most influential factors influencing the Preventive Behaviors of nursing students were Experience in education related COVID-19 prevention, Risk Perception, COVID-19 Knowledge. In conclusion, in order to develop the Preventive Behaviors of nursing students, it is necessary to apply a program that improve the COVID-19 prevention education and Knowledge, and to control Risk Perception according to the individual level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.352-367
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• 2002

In order to assess the quality of dietary intake among the elderly, a survey was conducted during Jucy-August, 1999, of 230 subjects who were 65 years or older and who were living in Jeonju City. Results of the analysis of the data are as follows : Regarding Dietery Variety Score (DVS), the average number of food items consumed per person was significantly higher for males (19.6) than for females (17.7). The intake of plant food was higher than animal food for both sexes the proportion of plant versus animal foods consumed by fresh weight was 85 : 15 for males and 89 : 11 for females. Diet Diversity Score (DDS) is determined by how many from five food groups (cereal, meat, dairy, vegetable and fruit) consumed per day while Korean Diet Diversity Score (KDDS) is determined by how many from five different food groups (cereal, meat, vegetable, dairy and oil) consumed per day. The subjects'average DDS and KDDS were 4.0 and 3.5 for males, and 3.7 and 3.2 for females, respectively. Overall, the distribution of DDS was lower than that of KDDS. The average Meal Balance Score (MBS : Apply the KDDS at breakfast, lunch and dinner) was 9.1 for malts and 8.1 for females. Average daily caloric intake for males and females was 1,740 kcal and 1,433 kcal, which was 84.0% and 80.9% of the RDA, respectively. Average daily protein intake for males and females, at 67 g and 49 g (100.7% and 88.3% of the RDA), respectively, was satisfactory. However, intakes of calcium and vitamin A were below 75% of the RDA (calcium : 62.7% for males and 55.3% for females ; vitamin A : 60.7% for males and 53.9% far females). The average proportional contribution of protein/fat/carbohydrate (PFC) to total calorie intake was 15.8 : 15.7 : 68.5 for males and 13.8 : 13.2 : 73.0 for females. Distribution of energy for each meal (breakfast : lunch : afternoon snack : dinner : night snack) was 29.2 : 32.4 : 5.0 : 31.2 : 2.2 among males and 30.5 : 33.5 : 4.5 : 28.6 : 2.91 among females. The Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) was above 1 for protein, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B$_1$, niacin, and vitamin C. However, the INQ of calcium and vitamin A were below 1 among both males and females, and the INQ of vitamin B$_2$was below l among females. The Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR = nutrient intake %RDA) was below 1 for all nutrients, and the NAR of vitamin A were the lowest among 9 nutrients (protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B$_1$, vitamin B$_2$, niacin, vitamin C) for both males and females, with values of 0.52 and 0.42, respectively. The second and third lowest NAR values were for calcium(males: 0.68: females: 0.54) and vitamin B$_2$(males: 0.77: females: 0.67). Values of Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR = sum of 9 NARs/9) for males (0.82) were higher than for females (0.73). These results indicate that the intakes of calcium and vitamin A were severely inadequate. The results of a stepwise multiple regression analysis, where the DVS or MAR were the dependent variables and the DDS, KDDS, and MBS were independent variables, indicated that DDS is a more useful variable than KDDS in determining the quality of meals of the elderly.