• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.9-14
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study has attempted to evaluate and compare the image evaluation and exposure dose by respectively applying Filtered Back Projection(FBP), the existing test method, and Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction(ASIR) with different values of tube voltage during the Low Dose Computed Tomography(LDCT). Materials and Methods: With the image reconstruction method as basis, Chest Phantom was utilized with the FBP and ASIR set at 10%, 20% respectively, and the change of Tube Voltage (100kVp, 120kVp). For image evaluation, Back ground noise, Signal to Noise ratio(SNR) and Contrast to Noise ratio(CNR) were measured, and, for dose evaluation, CTDIvol and DLP were measured respectively. The statistical analysis was tested with SPSS(ver. 22.0), followed by ANOVA Test conducted after normality test and homogeneity test. (p<0.05). Results: In terms of image evaluation, there was no outstanding difference in Ascending Aorta(AA) SNR and Infraspinatus Muscle(IM) SNR with the different values of ASIR application(p<0.05), but a significant difference with the different amount of tube voltage(p>0.05). Also, there wasn't noticeable change in CNR with ASIR and different amount of Tube Voltage (p<0.05). However, in terms of dose evaluation, CTDIvol and DLP showed contrasting results(p<0.05). In terms of CTDIvol, the measured values with the same tube voltage of 120kVp were 2.6mGy with No-ASIR and 2.17mGy with 20%-ASIR respectively, decreased by 0.43mGy, and the values with 100kVp were 1.61mGy with No-ASIR and 1.34mGy with 20%-ASIR, decreased by 0.27mGy. In terms of DLP, the measured values with 120kVp were $103.21mGy{\cdot}cm$ with No-ASIR and $85.94mGy{\cdot}cm$ with 20%-ASIR, decreased by $17.27mGy{\cdot}cm$(about 16.7%), and the values with 100kVp were $63.84mGy{\cdot}cm$ with No-ASIR and $53.25mGy{\cdot}cm$ with 20%-ASIR, a decrease by $10.62mGy{\cdot}cm$(about 16.7%). Conclusion: At lower tube voltage, the rate of dose significantly decreased, but the negative effects on image evaluation was shown due to the increase of noise. For the future, through the result of the experiment, it is considered that the method above would be recommended for follow-up patients or those who get health checkup as long as there is no interference on the process of diagnosis due to the characteristics of Low Dose examination.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1044-1054
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether a deep learning reconstruction (DLR) method improves the image quality, stent evaluation, and visibility of the valve apparatus in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) when compared with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid iterative reconstruction (IR) methods. Materials and Methods: CCTA images of 51 patients (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 63.9 ± 9.8 years, 36 male) who underwent examination at a single institution were reconstructed using DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods and reviewed. CT attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and stent evaluation, including 10%-90% edge rise slope (ERS) and 10%-90% edge rise distance (ERD), were measured. Quantitative data are summarized as the mean ± SD. The subjective visual scores (1 for worst -5 for best) of the images were obtained for the following: overall image quality, image noise, and appearance of stent, vessel, and aortic and tricuspid valve apparatus (annulus, leaflets, papillary muscles, and chordae tendineae). These parameters were compared between the DLR, FBP, and hybrid IR methods. Results: DLR provided higher Hounsfield unit (HU) values in the aorta and similar attenuation in the fat and muscle compared with FBP and hybrid IR. The image noise in HU was significantly lower in DLR (12.6 ± 2.2) than in hybrid IR (24.2 ± 3.0) and FBP (54.2 ± 9.5) (p < 0.001). The SNR and CNR were significantly higher in the DLR group than in the FBP and hybrid IR groups (p < 0.001). In the coronary stent, the mean value of ERS was significantly higher in DLR (1260.4 ± 242.5 HU/mm) than that of FBP (801.9 ± 170.7 HU/mm) and hybrid IR (641.9 ± 112.0 HU/mm). The mean value of ERD was measured as 0.8 ± 0.1 mm for DLR while it was 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for FBP and 1.1 ± 0.2 mm for hybrid IR. The subjective visual scores were higher in the DLR than in the images reconstructed with FBP and hybrid IR. Conclusion: DLR reconstruction provided better images than FBP and hybrid IR reconstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.29 no.7 s.144
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• pp.918-925
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• 2005

The following are the results from the infrared body temperature image test to verify the changes in facial temperature according to call duration with a cellular phone. As for the body temperatures, it appears to be the mean value at the upper central point of phone's battery among 7 different points that are measured, and to be the highest at srernocleido-mastoid and scapular trapezius muscle triangle zone$(34.25^{\circ}C\; and\;34.05^{\circ}C\;each)$. The changes of body temperature according to the time duration shows that the body temperature rises according to the length of phone use because of the heat emitted from the battery. As for the temperature changes according to blocking materials, the one without processing appears to be higher in the mean temperature compared to the others that are processed, NSS(Nano Silver Silk) and NSG(Nano Silver Silk Gold) appear to be the lowest in the temperature to show the best blocking property. As for the temperature changes according to measuring points, it appears to be the highest at P4, P5 with all materials, and one with NSG to be the lowest at Pl, P2, P3, and one with NSS to be the lowest at P3, P4, P5, P6, which is due to the thermal conduction of Au and Ag. And the mean temperature at each point appears to be different according to the materials. Therefore, the study conducted with human participants requires a proper particle size of it which would not penetrate cellular tissues and a proper binder and binding treatment for it, to prevent the physical fatigues and the potential diseases. However, it is highly required for back-up researches to verify various aspects in applying nano silver to textile products.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.92-101
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the current condition of musculoskeletal pain sufferers among fitness center users. The investigation used self-reporting questionnaire with the 797 subjects. On average, the subjects were 30.6 years old, 168.8 cm in height and 65.2 kg in weight. Among them, 423 were male (53.1%) and 374 were female (46.9%). Out of them, 276 suffered from pain, (35.2%). More men felt muscle aches than women (p<.05). In terms of pain, lower back area topped the list with 44.9%, followed by the lower extremities (30.1%), the neck (17.8%) and the upper part of the body (17.8%). Dieters suffered the most from pain (86.2%) while those exercising to build strength suffered the least with 26.8%. There was a significant relationship between the purpose for exercising and the amount of pain suffered (p<.05). By kind of exercise, pain stroke aerobic exercisers disproportionately with 42.4% while it almost steered clear of exercisers for strengthening with 26.9%. There was significant relationship between the kind of exercise and pain suffered (p<.05). The type of suffering differed by body shape. A significantly higher number of overweight people experienced pain than underweight people (p<.05). 32.8% of pain sufferers commented that the pain affects their workout, and on this issue there was no gender difference (p>.05). The pain caused more difficulties in doing activities of daily living for overweight or obese peoples than underweight peoples (p<.05). More than a third of health club and fitness center users are experiencing musculoskeletal pains. Measures such as professional training or information provision is required to prevent injury or disorder caused by improper exercise.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.75-87
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• 2016

Objectives : This study aims to classify and analyze literature related to moire topography, as a diagnostic device of Korean medicine, discuss research trends and major results, and demonstrate the value of moire topography. Methods : To investigate moire topography research trends, Korean keywords that signify 'moire' were searched in a Korean journal search engine. Initially, 2,988 papers were found in the research, and, after classifying them and removing those that are duplicate in other databases, only 37 papers were applicable for the literature review in this study. To analyze research trends, the 37 papers were analyzed based on the publication year, research field, journal, and research type, and, clinical articles were classified based on the diagnosis purpose, subject characteristics, diagnosis method, test method, and test result, for analysis. Results : Moire topography research in South Korea was first conducted in 1995 and most active in 2003, mostly in the field of Korean medicine. In the journal analysis, The Journal of Korea CHUNA Manual Medicine for Spine & Nerves published the highest number of papers, most of which were clinical articles and the rest were literature review. And, in the analysis of clinical papers, based on the diagnosis purpose, muscle somatotype measurement was most common, followed by diagnosis of scoliosis. In terms of subjects, most studies focused on elementary, middle, and high school students, and, in terms of the diagnosis method, other tests were used in most studies. The analysis of moire topography methods showed that most studies measured the shoulder, back, and hip, and the most common measurement method in the studies measured the difference in contour lines on the left and right by designating a central line of the body. In terms of the result, most moire topography brought about significant diagnosis results, and many studies demonstrated its use for musculoskeletal diseases in particular. Conclusions : Moire topography is believed to be highly significant for diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and further research will be needed to support it.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.121-130
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• 2017

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to report the clinical effects of the Graston Technique and Chuna manual therapy, combined with Korean Medical Treatment for fibromyalgia. Methods : We treated a patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia. We used acupuncture, the Graston Technique, Chuna manual therapy, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion and physical therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using the American College of Rheumatology Preliminary Diagnostic Criteria (ACR), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Results : The widespread pain index (WPI) scale score of the ACR decreased from 12 to 9, and the symptom severity scale (SS) score of the ACR decreased from 8 to 6. The FIQ score decreased from 63.69 to 50.15. On the NRS, lower back pain & lower limb pain decreased from 6 to 2; neck pain from 6 to 3; muscle tenderness & morning stiffness from 6 to 4; fatigue from 6 to 3; urticaria from 6 to 2. Conclusion : This case study suggests that the Graston Technique and Chuna manual therapy combined with Korean Medical Treatment may be effective treatments for fibromyalgia. However, further studies are needed.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2006

The purpose of this study lies in finding out the effect that variation of pain and body deflection posture has an influence on the static spinal stabilization after having performed spinal stabilization exercise making degenerative disc disease patients an object over 8 weeks using $CENTAUR^{(R)}$, 3-D spinal stabilization training implement. Subjects : 61 of DDD patients were made as an object of this study (mean age: 45.46 years, SD: ${\pm}12.78$, range: 16-68), their average height was 161.87cm, average weight 60.70kg, 12 males and 49 females were involved. Methods: 8 various investigations were performed and varied values were compared with reinvestigation done after having exercised 8 weeks using 3-D $CENTAUR^{(R)}$. We used VAS(Visual Analog Scale) in order to see the variation of pain intensity, MOS(Modified Oswestry Scale) in order to see activities of daily life. Results VAS was lessened from 7.50 to 2.71, limitation of routine life(MOS) from 20.26 to 9.32, there were remarkable differences statistically(p<0.05). As a result of muscular investigation for static spinal stabilization by 8 variations of body deflection, muscular strength were all increased and there were remarkable differences statistically(p<0.05). Conclusions : It has been turned out that pain and limitation of daily life was lessened as a result of making 61 of degenerative disc disease patients exercised 8 weeks using $CENTAUR^{(R)}$, 3-D spinal stabilization training implement, deep muscular power was increased. Thus it has been turned out that 3-D lumbar stabilization exercise has an effect on the spinal muscles strengthening and alleviation of their pain for degenerative disc disease.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.11
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• pp.1630-1636
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• 2013

An investigation was carried out to assess the carcass characteristics and meat quality aspects of immunocastrated male pigs of medium genetic potential for lean meat deposition in carcass (53 to 55%). When the crossbred Large White x Landrace pigs (n = 45) were 70 days old, they were distributed in a totally randomized design in three treatments (castrated males, females and immunocastrated males) with three replicates of five animals. The pigs were slaughtered when they were 140 days old. Carcass temperature and pH were recorded twice, at 45 min and 24 h after slaughter. The carcasses were evaluated for hot and cold carcass yield, commercial cuts yield, length and depth, back fat thickness, loin eye area and lean meat percentage. The Longissimus dorsi muscle was extracted for analysis of color ($L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$), exudate loss, cooking loss and centesimal and sensorial analysis of the meat. There were no significant differences for the evaluated parameters between castrated males, immunocastrated males and females, except for backfat thickness between the 7th and 8th thoracic vertebra and the point P2 (lower for immunocastrated males) and carcass temperature at 45 min post slaughter (higher in immunocastrated males), however, this did not interfer with the rate of pH decrease post mortem and the meat quality. The results from this research did not indicate a benefit of immunocastration on carcass characteristics of pigs of medium genetic potential for lean meat deposition in carcass, when compared to surgical castration.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.118-128
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• 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on healing of impaired wound and alteration of mast cells in experimental diabetic rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups : incision (control), diabetes+incision (diabetes) and diabetes + incision + electrical stimulation (D/ES). Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (60 mg/kg, one time) and 20 mm length incision wounds were created on the back after shaving hair. The electrical stimulation rats were treated with a current intensity of 30~50 V at 120 pps and $140{\mu}s$ for 10 days from 3 days after STZ injection. The lesion and adjacent skin tissues were fixed with 10% buffered formalin, embedded with paraffin. For wound healing analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius red staining were performed. Mast cells (MC) were stained with toluidine blue (pH 0.5) and quantified at ${\times}200$ using a light microscope. The density of keratinocyte proliferation and microvessels in skin tissues were analyzed using a computerized image analysis system on sections immunostained with proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA), respectively. The results showed that the wound healing rate, collagen density and neoepidermis thickness, density of PCNA-positive cells and density of ${\alpha}$-SMA-positive vessels were significantly higher in D/ES rats than in diabetic rats. The density of MCs and degranulated MCs in D/ES rats were also significantly higher than those in diabetic rats. These findings suggest that the electrical stimulation may promote the tissue repair process by accelerating collagen production, keratinocyte proliferation and angiogenesis in the diabetic rats, and MCs are required for wound healing of skin in rats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.848-854
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• 2010

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for the carcass price and carcass traits contributing to carcass grading and to investigate the influence of each carcass trait on the carcass price using multiple regression and path analyses. Data for carcass traits and carcass prices were collected from March 2003 to January 2009 on steers of Korean cattle raised at private farms. The analytical mixed animal model, including slaughter house-year-month combination, linear and quadratic slaughter age as fixed effects and random animal and residual effects, was used to estimate genetic parameters. The effects of carcass traits on the carcass price were evaluated by applying multiple regression analyses. Heritability estimates of carcass traits were $0.20{\pm}0.08$ for carcass weight (CWT), $0.33{\pm}0.10$ for back fat thickness (BFT), $0.07{\pm}0.05$ for eye-muscle area (EMA) and $0.25{\pm}0.10$ for marbling score (MS), and those of carcass prices were $0.21{\pm}0.10$ for auction price per 1 kg of carcass weight (AP) and $0.13{\pm}0.07$ for total price (CP). Genetic correlation coefficients of AP with CWT and MS were $-0.35{\pm}0.29$ and $0.99{\pm}0.04$, respectively, and those of CP with CWT and MS were $0.59{\pm}0.22$ and $0.39{\pm}0.29$ respectively. If an appropriate adjustment for temporal economic value is available, the moderate heritability estimates of AP and CP might suggest their potential use as the breeding objectives for improving the gross incomes of beef cattle farms. The large genetic correlation estimates of carcass price variables with CWT and MS implied that simultaneous selection for both CWT and MS would be also useful in enhancing income.