• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.252-260
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• 2012

The reduction of radiation dose from x-ray is a main concern in computed tomography (CT) imaging due to the side-effect of the dose on human body. Recently, the various methods for dose reduction have been studied in CT and one of the method is a iterative reconstruction based on total variation (TV) minimization at few-views data. In this paper, we evaluated the image quality between total variation (TV) minimization algorithm and Feldkam-Davis-kress (FDK) algorithm in micro computed tomography (CT). To evaluate the effect of TV minimization algorithm, we produced a cylindrical phantom including contrast media, water, air inserts. We can acquire maximum 400 projection views per rotation of the x-ray tube and detector. 20, 50, 90, 180 projection data were chosen for evaluating the level of image restoration by TV minimization. The phantom and mouse image reconstructed with FDK algorithm at 400 projection data used as a reference image for comparing with TV minimization and FDK algorithm at few-views. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), Universal quality index (UQI) were used as a image evaluation metric. When projection data are not insufficient, our results show that the image quality of reconstructed with TV minimization is similar to reconstructed image with FDK at 400 view. In the cylindrical phantom study, the CNR of TV image was 5.86, FDK image was 5.65 and FDK-reference was 5.98 at 90-views. The CNR of TV image 0.21 higher than FDK image CNR at 90-views. UQI of TV image was 0.99 and FDK image was 0.81 at 90-views. where, the number of projection is 90, the UQI of TV image 0.18 higher than FDK image at 90-views. In the mouse study UQI of TV image was 0.91, FDK was 0.83 at 90-views. the UQI of TV image 0.08 higher than FDK image at 90-views. In cylindrical phantom image and mouse image study, TV minimization algorithm shows the best performance in artifact reduction and preserving edges at few view data. Therefore, TV minimization can potentially be expected to reduce patient dose in clinics.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.102-108
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• 2016

Objectives : The deficit of recognition memory has been found as one of the common neurocognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. In addition, they were reported to fail to enhance the memory about emotional stimuli. Previous studies have shown that bilateral eye movements enhance the memory retrieval. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to investigate the memory enhancement of bilaterally alternating eye movements in schizophrenic patients. Methods : Twenty one patients with schizophrenia participated in this study. The participants learned faces (angry or neutral faces), and then performed a recognition memory task in relation to the faces after bilateral eye movements and central fixation. Recognition accuracy, response bias, and mean response time to hits were compared and analysed. Two-way repeated measure analysis of variance was performed for statistical analysis. Results : There was a significant effect of bilateral eye movements condition in mean response time(F=5.812, p<0.05) and response bias(F=10.366, p<0.01). Statistically significant interaction effects were not observed between eye movement condition and face emotion type. Conclusions : Irrespective of the emotional difference of facial stimuli, recognition memory processing was more enhanced after bilateral eye movements in patients with schizophrenia. Further study will be needed to investigate the underlying neural mechanism of bilateral eye movements-induced memory enhancement in patients with schizophrenia.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in bone density and reduction of time consumed for osteogenesis by $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium and to find out efficacy of $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium by comparing the group prescribed with $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium with the group without $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium prescription. Material and methods: The experimental group of 18 patients with 25 dental implant placement and the control group of 7 patients with 9 dental implant placement were randomly selected from the patients who visited prosthetic department of Dankook University Dental Hospital since July, 2006 (IRB Number ; 20060710). The experimental group was instructed to take $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium for 6 months after the implant surgery while the control group was instructed not to. Both experimental and control group were assigned for measurement using $Osstell^{TM}$ Mentor and $Periotest^{(R)}$ and radiographic examination was performed using specifically manufactured Aluminum Step Wedge. The results were compared and analyzed. Results: 1. According to the $Osstell^{TM}$ Mentor measurement, both the experimental and control group showed increase in values as time elapses and the experimental group showed significantly higher rate of increase (P < .05). 2. According to the $Periotest^{(R)}$ measurement, both the experimental and control group showed decrease in values as time elapses. In addition, greater decrease can be seen in the experimental group but no statistical significance was found. 3. By examining the radiographic images, both the experimental and control group showed tendency of increase in bone density. In addition, greater increase can be seen in the experimental group but no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: Clinically, taking $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium medicine for a long period of time after implant placement is expected for a better prognosis.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.201-208
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• 2010

Recently, along with technology development of endoscopic equipment, a stent has been developed for the convenience of operation, shortening of recovery times, and reduction of patient's pain. To this end, optimal factors are simulated for the stent structure and mechanical reaction and verified using finite element analysis. In order to compare to present commercialized product such as Zilver (Cook, Bloomington, Indiana, USA) and S.M.A.R.T (Cordis, Bridgewater Towsnhip, New Jersey, USA), mechanical impact factors were determined through Taguchi factor analysis, and flexibility and expandability of all the products including ours were tested using finite element analysis. Also, important factors were sought that fulfill the optimal condition using central composition method of response surface analysis, and optimal design were carried out based on the important factors. From the centra composition method of Response surface analysis, it is found that importat factors for flexibility is stent thickness (T) and unit area (W) and those for expandability is stent thickness (T). In results, important factors for optimum condition are 0.17 mm for stent thickness (T) and $0.09\;mm^2$ for unit area (W). Determined and verified by finite element analysis in out research institute, a stent was manufactured and tested with the results of better flexibility and expandability in optimal condition compared to other products. Recently, As Finite element analysis stent mechanical property assessment for research much proceed. But time and reduce expenses research rarely stent of optimum coditions. In this research, Important factor as mechanical impact factor stent Taguchi factor analysis arrangement to find flexibility with expansibility as Finite element analysis. Also, Using to Center composition method of Response surface method appropriate optimized condition searching for important factor, these considering had design optimized. Production stent time and reduce expenses was able to do the more coincide with optimum conditions. These kind of things as application plan industry of stent development period of time and reduce expenses etc. be of help to many economic development.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-111
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• 2010

Purpose: There are various beam parameter in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The aim of this study is to investigate how various dose rate affect the parotid in treatment plan of IMRT. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who have undergone IMRT. CT images were scanned 3 mm of thickness in the same condition and the treatment plan was performed by Eclipse (Ver.7.1, Varian, Palo Alto, USA). The parameters for planning used 6 MV energy and 8 beams under the same dose volume constraint. The variation of dose rates were used 300, 400, 500 MU/min. The mean dose of both parotid was accessed from the calculated planning among the 10 patients. The mean dose of parotid was verificated by 2D diode array (Mapcheck from Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, Florida). Also, Total monitor unit (MU) and beam-on time was analysed. Results: According to the dose rate, the mean dose of parotid was increased by 0.8%, 2.0% each, when dose rate was changed from 300 MU/min to 400, 500 MU/min, moreover Total MU was increased by 5.4% and 10.6% each. There was also a dose upward trend in the dose measurement of parotid by 2D diode array. However, beam - on time difference of 1~2 minutes was no signigicant in the dose rate increases. Conclusion: From this study, when the dose rates increase, there was a signigicant increase of Total MU and the parotid dose accordingly, however the shortened treatment time was not significant. Hence, it is considered that there is a significant decrease of late side effect in parotid radiation therapy, if the precise dose rate in IMRT is used.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.91-102
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• 2008

Purpose: To enlarge the efficiency of operation and establish a constituency for development of new radiotherapy treatment through database which is established by arranging and indexing radiotherapy related affairs in well organized manner to have easy access by the user. Materials and Methods: In this study, Access program provided by Microsoft (MS Office Access) was used to operate the data base. The data of radiation oncology was distinguished by a business logs and maintenance expenditure in addition to stock management of accessories with respect to affairs and machinery management. Data for education and research was distinguished by education material for department duties, user manual and related thesis depending upon its property. Registration of data was designed to have input form according to its subject and the information of data was designed to be inspected by making a report. Number of machine failure in addition to its respective repairing hours from machine maintenance expenditure in a period of January 2008 to April 2009 was analyzed with the result of initial system usage and one year after the usage. Results: Radiation oncology database system was accomplished by distinguishing work related and research related criteria. The data are arranged and collected according to its subjects and classes, and can be accessed by searching the required data through referring the descriptions from each criteria. 32.3% of total average time was reduced on analyzing repairing hours by acquiring number of machine failure in addition to its type in a period of January 2008 to April 2009 through machine maintenance expenditure. Conclusion: On distinguishing and indexing present and past data upon its subjective criteria through the database system for radiation oncology, the use of information can be easily accessed to enlarge the efficiency of operation, and in further, can be a constituency for improvement of work process by acquiring various information required for new radiotherapy treatment in real time.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.269-277
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• 2002

Ecological studies on entomopathogenic nematodes are required to increase control efficacy against target insect pests and to obtain basic information for mass production. Thus, effect of temperature and nematode concentration on infectivity and reproduction of Steinernema carpocapsae Pocheon and that of exposure time and soil depth on infectivity were examined using Galleria mellonella larvae. Infectivity and reproduction were examined at five temperatures, 13, 18, 24, 30 and 35$^{\circ}C$ with seven concentrations, 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 infective juveniles (IJs)/larva. Temperature and nematode concentration influenced infectivity and reproduction of S. carpocapsae Pocheon. Although G. mellonella larvae were killed by S. carpocapsae Pocheon at all given temperatures and nematode concentrations, mortality was higher at 24$^{\circ}C$ than other temperatures. Lethal time of G. mellonella by S. carpocapsae Pocheon was shorter with increasing temperature and nematode concentrations. S. carpocapsae Pocheon was not established in G. mellonella at 13 and $35^{\circ}C$. Time for the first emergence from G. mellonella cadaver was longer $18^{\circ}C$ (about 20 days) than 24 and $30^{\circ}C$ (about 5 days). The highest number of progenies was obtained at $24^{\circ}C$ with 80IJs/1arva, i.e., $18.8$\times$10^4$IJs were produced from a larva. In the exposure time assay, G. mellonella death was recorded in 10 minutes when 300 IJs were inoculated per larva. When S. carpocapsae Pocheon was inoculated at the rate of $10^{9}$ IJs/ha to G. mellonella at the depth of 0, 2, 5 and 10 cm of sand columns, 100% mortality and similar sex ratio were observed but number of established IJs in cadaver was decreased with deepening the soil depth. The results indicated that optimum temperature for infectivity and reproduction of S. carpocapsae Pocheon was $24^{\circ}C$ In addition, S. carpocapsae Pocheon was effective to target insects within 5 cm from the soil surface.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.143-151
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• 2022

This study was carried out to investigate quantitative characteristics of the cooling effect in a single-span arch greenhouse with roll-up side vents depending on operation of circulation and exhaust fans during ventilation, in order to suggest a practical strategy regarding installation or operation of forced ventilation systems. The examination was conducted under 3 different ventilation conditions (side vents only, side vents + circulation fans, and side vents + circulation fans + exhaust fans). In each condition, variations of internal and external air temperatures and exogenous environmental factors were recorded during ventilation, and the cooling effects were investigated by comparing the normalized temperature difference (NTD) of each ventilation condition. In the morning time (11:00-12:00), a temporary peak in the temperature difference was observed at the beginning of ventilation regardless of ventilation methods. The time taken to the maximum NTD was decreased from 340 s to 110s, and the NTD was dropped from 1.158 to 1.037 as the more forced ventilation systems were operated. The more operations caused the passing time over specific NTD values reduced by 60% as the time was reduced from 1,030 s to 550 s at NTD = 0.8, 1,610 s to 915 s at NTD = 0.6, and 2,315 s to 1,360 s at NTD = 0.4. The temporary peak in NTD was not observed in the afternoon time (14:00-15:00) but it was dropped as quickly as the ventilation started. Also the more operations resulted in the passing time over specific NTD values reduced by 70% as the time was reduced from 560 s to 345 s at NTD = 0.8, from 825 s to 540 s at NTD = 0.6, and from 1,145 s to 810 s at NTD = 0.4. Conclusively, the intervention of the forced ventilation system is recommended in the morning time or in high thermal conditions to achieve more effective and economical ventilation.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.711-715
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• 2005

Purpose : With the recent improved survival of extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI), enteral feeding has become a major issue. This study investigates the effects of early enteral feeding in ELBWI on their morbidity, duration of hospitalization, and mortality. Methods : ELBWI admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Samsung Medical Center from November 1994 to April 2004 who survived more than 14 days were enrolled. ELBWI were divided into two groups : an early feeding group(EF), in which enteral feeding was started within 3 days after birth; and a late feeding group(LF), in which enteral feeding was started beyond 3 days after birth. 80 ELBWI came under EF, and 131 ELBWI under LF. Results : Birth weight and gestational age did not differ between the two groups. In EF, the time to achieve full enteral feeding and the duration of parenteral nutrition were significantly shorter than in LF. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was significantly lower in EF, but the incidences of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and cholestasis were not different between the two groups. There was no difference in the survival rate between the two groups, but the duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in EF. Conclusion : Early enteral feeding in ELBWI did not increase the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis, but rather decreased the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and shortened the duration of hospitalization.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.309-314
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• 1999

In order to produce high concentration of sodium gluconate, optimization of the fermentation conditions, such as glucose concentration, inoculum size, dissolved oxygen concentration and glucose feeding method, was examined. When the glucose concentration was maintained in the range of 30∼50 g/L during the batch fermentation, glucose conversion yield and productivity were 92.2% and 6.0 g/L/hr, respectively. In the case of the low concentration below 30 g/L, the yield decreased by about 25%. As the inoculum size increased above 20%(w/v), lag phase was shortened but the productivity decreased. The dissolved oxygen level of 60∼70% was shown to be the threshold point for 75% of increase in the productivity of sodium gluconate. Finally, optimal glucose feeding rate was determined using various feeding methods such as exponential feeding, feeding based on the average glucose consumption rate and was determined using various feeding methods such as exponential feeding, feeding based on the average glucose consumption rate and on the oxygen uptake rate and etc. Our result shows that glucose feeding, based on the oxygen uptake rate is a very simple, efficient and robust method, especially when oxygen is consumed as a substrate for the bioconversion. Using the above glucose feeding strategy under the optimized condition, 255 g/L of sodium gluconate concentration, 12 g/L/hr of productivity and 95% of glucose conversion yield were achieved with A. niger ACM53.