• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.261-268
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• 2004

Osteoporosis is a clinical condition in which the amount of bone tissue is reduced and the likelihood of fracture is increased. It is known that the electrical property of the bone is related to its density, and, in particular, the electrical resistance of the bone decreases as the bone loss increases. This implies that the electrical property of bone may be an useful parameter to diagnose osteoporosis, provided that it can be readily measured. The study attempted to evaluate the electrical conductivity of bone using a technique of electrical impedance tomography (EIT). It nay not be easy in general to get an EIT for the bone due to the big difference (an order of 2) of electrical properties between the bone and the surrounding soft tissue. In the present study, we took an adaptive mesh regeneration technique originally developed for the detection of two phase boundaries and modified it to be able to reconstruct the electrical conductivity inside the boundary provided that the geometry of the boundary was given. Numerical simulation was carried out for a tibia phantom, circular cylindrical phantom (radius of 40 mm) inside of which there is an ellipsoidal homeogenous tibia bone (short and long radius are 17 mm and 15 mm, respectively) surrounded by the soft tissue. The bone was located in the 15 mm above from the center of the circular cross section of the phantom. The electrical conductivity of the soft tissue was set to be 4 mS/cm and varies from 0.01 to 1 ms/cm for the bone. The simulation considered measurement errors in order to look into its effects. The simulated results showed that, if the measurement error was maintained less than 5 %, the reconstructed electrical conductivity of the bone was within 10 % errors. The accuracy increased with the electrical conductivity of the bone, as expected. This indicates that the present technique provides more accurate information for osteoporotic bones. It should be noted that tile simulation is based on a simple two phase image for the bone and the surrounding soft tissue when its anatomical information is provided. Nevertheless, the study indicates the possibility that the EIT technique may be used as a new means to detect the bone loss leading to osteoporotic fractures.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.5937-5942
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• 2012

This study used silicon that is similar to the density of the tissue of the human body to compensate for the uneven areas that are in contact with air in order to reduce susceptible artifacts. The subjects of the study were 16 normal people and the areas of the human body in which there are a lot of uneven areas with complicated structure and a lot of susceptible artifacts were formed since the surface area that comes into contact with the air is large were the areas that were chosen to be examined. A 3.0T superconducting magnetic resonance device was used as the test equipment and SPIR images that are sensitive to magnetic differences were obtained as sagittal planes on a line that extended the metatarsal and the phalanges, including the middle of the longitudinal arc and the 5 distal phalanxes. The method of analysis was to reduce the susceptibility between the tissue and the air to discover the reduction of susceptible artifacts by comparing the SNR and CNR before and after applying silicon. A statistical analysis was utilized for the sample matching T examination. The results of the study revealed that the susceptible artifacts were reduced in the images of the uneven areas that were compensated and applied with silicon. The SNR increased in significant amount in correlation from $3.91{\pm}1.33$ before application to $21.69{\pm}4.52$ after application and the CNR decreased in significant amount in correlation from $28.97{\pm}8.20$ before application to $4.88{\pm}2.14$. In conclusion, this study did not affect the voxel but it was an innovative method of improvement that compensated for the fundamental issue of the difference in susceptibility between the air and the body. The application is simple and the study has great significance in that it proposed a method to reduce susceptible artifacts in a low cost and highly efficient manner.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.76-84
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• 1999

The differentiation between malignancy-related ascites(MRA) and non-malignant ascites (NMA) is important for further diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Although many parameters were investigated, none has provided a complete distinction between MRA and NMA. We investigated several ascitic fluid parameters to determine the differential power, and to differentiate malignant-related from nonmalignant-related ascites with a sequence of sensitive parameters followed by specific parameters. For the present study, 80 patients with ascites were divided into two groups: MRA and NMA, The MRA group was consisted of 27 patients with proven malignancy by image study, biopsy, and follow up: 21 of these patients had peritoneal carcinomatosis, but the remaining 6 showed no evidence of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The NMA group was consisted of 53 patients with no evidence of malignancy: among these patients, one had SLE, and others had liver cirrhosis, The samples of blood and ascites were obtained simultaneously, and then the levels of ascites cholesterol, CEA. protein and LDH, cytology, albumin gradient, ascites/serum concen-tration ratios of LDH(LDH A/S), and ascites/serum concentration ratios of protein(protein A/S) were measured. Applying cut-off limits for determined parameters, we estimated the diagnostic efficacy of each parameter, Among the eight parameters investigated, ascites fluid cholesterol yielded the best sensitive value of 93%(cut-off value 30mg/dl), and cytologic examination and the protein A/S(cut-off value 0.5) showed the most specific value of 100% and 96%, respectively. Based on the above results, the diagnostic sequence with cholesterol as a sensitive parameter followed by the combination of cytologic examination and protein A/S as specific parameters, was tested in 80 patients. This diagnostic sequence identified 81.5% of patients with malignancy, and all patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis were classified as malignancy-related ascites. In spite of many limitations, this proposed diagnostic sequence may permit a cost-effective and simple differentiation of malignancy-related ascites from nonmalignant ascites.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.190-196
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• 1993

The prognosis of chronic hepatitis C is very variable. In some, the disease is progressive and cirrhosis can develop from chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus(HCV) may act as a trigger towards hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Interferon has been used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in abroad, 16 patients with chronic C liver disease were treated with ${\alpha}$-interferon (alfa-2b; "Intron A" Schering Corp. Kenilworth. NJ). All patients were given ${\alpha}$-interferon in subcutaneous doses of 3 million units three times weekly for 1 to 9 months. During therapy, CBC and ALT levels were checked weakly to monthly. After therapy, patients were followed for 1 to 8 months. Among 16 patients treated with ${\alpha}$-interferon, progressive decrease of ALT levels was observed in 14(87.5%). In 11 patients(68.8%), ALT levels fell into the normal range during therapy, and in 9 of 11, within one month after therapy, 6 months after the completion of therapy in 4 of 9 patients(44.4%) whose ALT levels were in the normal range, ${\alpha}$-interferon seems to have effect in controlling disease activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. But the changes in the usage of ${\alpha}$-interferon, dose and duration, long term follow up and more convenient and simple tests for HCV detection are recommended for the better effect and the exact evaluation on the effect of ${\alpha}$-interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 2003

Purpose : This study was performed to know the clinical profile and effectiveness of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with solitary juvenile polyp. Methods : This study included 19 children, aged 1.8 to 11.4 years, who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy and histologically proven solitary juvenile polyps between March 1998 and August 2002. We analyzed their detailed history, clinical manifestations, colonoscopic examination, method of anesthesia and results of colonoscopic polypectomy. Results : The mean age of the 19 cases was $4.7{\pm}2.8year$. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.1. Hematochezia, the main indication of colonoscopy, was present in all cases. Combined symptoms were mucoid stool or diarrhea(42%), abdominal pain(26%), constipation(11%) and anal fissure(11%). Anemia(Hb <10 g/dL) in four cases recovered spontaneously after polypectomy. Complications associated with premedication, sedation and colonoscopy itself did not occur. Bleeding developed in two cases(11%) after polypectomy. One of them was controlled with hemoclipping. The main site of polyps was the rectosigmoid colon in 15 cases(79%). The size of the polyps ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm. The interval between the onset of symptoms and polypectomy was from 0.1 to 42 months. Conclusion : Juvenile polyps are a common cause of benign, chronic and recurrent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic method. So earlier colonoscopy might avoid uneffective treatment and prevent untoward problems such as fear of parents and anemia.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the preliminarily result of the radiologic disappearance of the calcific material, regardless of the size, type or location, on one-time ultrasonographic (US) assisted needling for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Materials and Methods: From March to August 2011, 46 patients (47 shoulders) with symptomatic calcific tendinitis were treated by one-time US assisted needling. Initially, a diagnostic US was performed with patient to determine the locations, numbers and sizes of calcific deposits. After 1% lidocaine local anesthesia, the calcific material was punctured with an 18-gauge needle under US monitoring. If no calcific material was aspirated after 2 or 3 additional attempts, the deposits was performed multiple puncture to achieve decompression. And then all patients were performed subacromial corticosteroid injection. All patients were followed up 4 weeks after procedure. To assess the radiologic disappearance after one-time US assisted needling, simple radiographs of the treated shoulder were performed and size, dense, and morphology of the calcific deposits were compared with those in baseline radiographs. For clinical evaluations, visual analogue scale for pain and function (PVAS and FVAS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were assessed. Results: There were 11 male and 35 female patients with the mean age of 53.8 years (28-71). The morphology of the calcific deposits were 31 type A and 16 type B by French Arthroscopic Society classification and mean size was $2.9{\pm}6.7$ mm before the procedure. At 4 weeks after the index procedure, the radiographic unchanged group was included in 10 cases and changed group was 37 cases. No intergroup difference for the clinical results after the procedure was evident, but group FAS classification before the procedure was significantly different (p=0.011). Conclusion: At 4 weeks after one-time US assisted needling for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder, the radiographic size- or dense-changed cases were showed in 79%, regardless of the size, type or location of the calcific material. But the radiographic nearly or complete disappearance were showed in only 21%.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2000

Purpose : The diagnosis of the causes of residual pain after ankle fractures and the treatment is not simple. The authors analyzed the clinical results of the patients with residual pain after ankle fracture fur whom ankle arthroscopy was undertaken, for the purpose of evaluating the efficacy of arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods : From January 1997 to June 1998, ankle arthroscopy was done for the seventeen patients suffering from residual ankle pain and limitation of motion after ankle fracture. Their symptoms were not improved despite conservative treatment. There were sixteen men and one woman, and their mean age was 37.4 years. Result : Radiological examination revealed loose bodies in two patients, and osteophytes at the anterior rim of the tibia in fourteen patients. By the classification of osteoarthritic change, three ankles were assigned to grade 0, eight to grade I, six to grade II, and none to grade III. On arthroscopic examination, soft tissue impingement was found In thirteen cases, loose bodies in five cases, and osteochondral lesions in four cases. For arthroscopic treatments, removal of soft tissue, abrasion of osteophytes, cartilage shaving and removal of loose bodies were done. Clinical results were evaluated using Evanski and Waugh score. Preoperative overall score of 58.7 points jumped to 74.6 points after the operation, and in fourteen patients$(82\%)$ the symptoms were improved. Conclusion : Ankle arthroscopy is considered to be a very useful diagnostic and treatment method fer the patients with residual complaints after ankle fracture.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.392-402
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the self-directed learning contents of Earth science area in the basic course of the 7th grade. For this purpose, we applied the 'Cyber Home Study Content Quality Control Tool' presented in 'Elementary Secondary Education e-Learning Quality Management Guidelines (Ver.2.0)' of Korea Education & Research Information Service (2008). The results of contents analysis are as follow: First, it was presented that the study guide introduced the contents which should be studied for one class, properly. And it was not analyzed that the diagnosis assesment was not completed in the initiative study; Second, it was possible to study choosing the contents fitting the learner's level of learning in the main study, it was comprised of about 15 minutes. Third, it was performed without feedback for incorrect answers in the learning assessment, just the number of wrong questions. And the learning arrangement present the important contents learned in that class, summarizing and arranging again. The results of content evaluation are as follows: First, a big difference was not showed against the needs analysis, instructional design, interaction in each class. And the evaluation of the ethics was not included a word or sentence not suitable. The evaluation of copyright, it was analyzed that Work within the content display in compliance with international copyright Second, the evaluation of instructional design presented mainly the description of a simple picture based, the visible resources like flash card were poor. And in the evaluation of Supporting System, it was presented that the contents were installed so that it was freely available for learners. But it was analyzed that there was no memo-function learners were able to jot down something during the studying contents. And in the evaluation for evaluation, the clear valuation basis about the described content was not presented. So there were slightly differences for each class. Third, in the evaluation and analysis for learning content, it was presented that there were some big differences for each class because it was not composed of the latest information, not corrected and complementary.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.442-458
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• 2004

This study was conducted to develop a plan for a large-scale implementation of the Girl Friendly Science Program based on the results of analysis and investigation of its current pilot implementation, Girl Friendly Science Program materials, which was first developed in 1999 with the support from Ministry of Gender Equality, consist of 1) five theme-based units that are specifically targeted individual students' unique ability, aptitude, and career choice, and 2) differentiated learning materials for 7th through 10th grade female students. All the materials are available at the homepage (http://tes.or.kr/gfsp.cgi) of 'Teachers for Exciting Science(the organization of science teachers in Seoul area)'. Since the materials are well organized by topic and grade level and presented in both Korean word process document and html format, anyone can easily access to the materials for their own instructional use. Ever since its launch the number of visitors to the homepage has been constantly increasing. The evaluation results of the current pilot implementation of the materials that targeted individual students' ability and aptitude showed that it scored high in terms of its alignment to the original purpose, content, level, and effectiveness to implement in classrooms. However, its evaluation scores were low in terms of the convenience for teachers to guide the materials, and its organization and operation. The results also showed a significant change in students' perception of science, and students' positive experiences of science through various interdisciplinary activities. On the other hand, the evaluation of students' experiences with the materials showed that students' assessment about an activity was largely depending on a success or failure of their experiences. Overall, students' evaluation of activities scores were low for simple activities such as cutting off or pasting papers. According to students' achievement test results, differences between pre and post test scores in the Affective Domain was statistically significant (p<0.05), but not in Inquiry Domain. Based on teachers observations, numerous schools where have run this program reported that students' abilities to cooperate, discuss, observe and reason with evidences were improved. In order to implement this program in a larger scale, it is critical to have a strong support of teachers and induce them to change their teaching strategy through building a community of teachers and developing ongoing teacher professional development programs. Finally, there still remain strong needs to develop more programs, and actively discover and train more domestic woman scientists and engineers and collaborate with them to develop more educational materials for girls in all ages.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.693-703
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• 2001

Background : Smoking is the most important and consistent determinant of the development and progression of COPD(Ed Note : Define COPD). The fact that cigarette smokers develop a different type of COPD, chronic bronchitis and emphysema, with different clinical and pathological aspects, suggests that the development of COPD has a relationship with other smoking-associated factors beyond just a simple smoking history. The aim of this was to analyze the smoking habits and history of patients with COPD and to evaluate the development of different types of COPD according to patient's smoking habits. Method : To evaluate the differences in the smoking patterns of patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pulmonary function test was conducted, and the smoking history and patterns was obtained through a smoking history questionnaire by a direct personal interview from 333 male cigarette smokers diagnosed with COPD, in the Yeungnam university medical center(190 patients diagnosed with chronic bronchitis, 143 patients diagnosed with emphysema). Result : The patients with emphysema smoked earlier and had a higher smoking history(ie, more packyears, more total amounts of smoked cigarette, and more deep inhalation and longer duration of plain cigarette exposure) than those with chronic bronchitis. The depth of inhalation was also significantly higher in the emphysema patients after taking into account age, cumulative cigarette consumption and the type of cigarette smoked. Conclusion : Emphysema was more associated with the increasing degree of inhalation as assessed by the depth of inhalation. A high alveolar smoke exposure may be a significant risk factor for the development of emphysema.