• Journal of IKEEE
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.578-583
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• 2021

This paper describes acceleration tests for reliability of semiconductors. It also describes AEC-Q100, international test standard for reliability of automotive semiconductors. Semiconductors can be used for dozens of years. So acceleration tests are essential to test potential problems over whole period of product where test time is minimized by applying intensive stresses. AEC-Q100 is a typical acceleration test in automotive semiconductors, and it is designed to find various failures in semiconductors and to analyze their causes of occurance. So it finds many problems in design and fabrication as well as it predicts lifetime and reliability of semiconductors. AEC-Q100 consists of 7 test groups such as accelerated environmental stress tests, accelerated lifetime simulation tests, package assembly integrity tests, die fabrication reliability tests, electrical verification tests, defect screening tests, and cavity package integrity tests. It has 4 grades from grade 0 to grade 3 based on operational temperature. AEC-Q101, Q102, Q103, Q104, and Q200 are applied to discrete semiconductors, optoelectronic semiconductors, sensors, multichip modules, and passive components, respectively.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2019

Objective: Sperm cryopreservation has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology, as it offers great potential for the treatment of some types of male infertility. However, cryopreservation may result in changes in membrane lipid composition and acrosome status, as well as reductions in sperm motility and viability. This study aimed to evaluate sperm DNA fragmentation damage caused by conventional freezing using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. Methods: In total, 120 fresh human semen samples were frozen by conventional methods, using SpermFreeze Solution as a cryoprotectant. Routine semen analysis and a Halosperm test (using the Halosperm kit) were performed on each sample before freezing and after thawing. Semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation were compared between these groups. Results: There was a significant decrease in sperm progressive motility, viability, and normal morphology after conventional freezing (32.78%, 79.58%, and 3.87% vs. 16%, 55.99%, and 2.55%, respectively). The sperm head, midpiece, and tail defect rate increased slightly after freezing. Furthermore, the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was significantly higher after thawing than before freezing (19.21% prior to freezing vs. 22.23% after thawing). Significant increases in the DFI after cryopreservation were observed in samples with both normal and abnormal motility and morphology, as well as in those with normal viability. Conclusion: Conventional freezing seems to damage some sperm parameters, in particular causing a reduction in sperm DNA integrity.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.100-113
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• 2021

Purpose: Previous studies have solely focused on fresh extraction sockets, whereas in clinical settings, alveolar sockets are commonly associated with chronic inflammation. Because the extent of tissue destruction varies depending on the origin and the severity of inflammation, infected alveolar sockets may display various configurations of their remaining soft and hard tissues following tooth extraction. The aim of this study was to classify infected alveolar sockets and to provide the appropriate treatment approaches. Methods: A proposed classification of extraction sockets with chronic inflammation was developed based upon the morphology of the bone defect and soft tissue at the time of tooth extraction. The prevalence of each type of the suggested classification was determined retrospectively in a cohort of patients who underwent, between 2011 and 2015, immediate bone grafting procedures (ridge preservation/augmentation) after tooth extractions at Seoul National University Dental Hospital. Results: The extraction sockets were classified into 5 types: type I, type II, type III, type IV (A & B), and type V. In this system, the severity of bone and soft tissue breakdown increases from type I to type V, while the reconstruction potential and treatment predictability decrease according to the same sequence of socket types. The retrospective screening of the included extraction sites revealed that most of the sockets assigned to ridge preservation displayed features of type IV (86.87%). Conclusions: The present article classified different types of commonly observed infected sockets based on diverse levels of ridge destruction. Type IV sockets, featuring an advanced breakdown of alveolar bone, appear to be more frequent than the other socket types.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.241-246
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• 2022

Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem to food safety as well as human healthcare. To avoid this, there are several approaches for a new class of antibiotic agents that target only production of virulence factors such as biofilm without bacterial growth defect. The objective of this study was to investigate the antibiofilm activity of tuberostemonine in Staphylococcus aureus. Tuberostemonine significantly reduced the biofilm formation (26.07-47.02%) in the crystal violet assay whereas there were no effect on S. aureus growth. The dispersion in preformed biofilm was also observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Quantification real-time PCR revealed that the icaA and agrA expression having an important role in biofilm production of S. aureus were strongly affected with tuberostemonine. These results suggest that tuberostemonine has potential for controlling biofilm formation and dispersion by effect on virulence regulation of S. aureus.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.312-324
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• 2022

Purpose: The role of hard-type crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) with particulate bone substitutes in bone regeneration for combined inlay-onlay grafts has not been fully investigated. We aimed to evaluate the effect of hard-type crosslinked HA used with bone substitute in terms of new bone formation and space maintenance. Methods: A 15-mm-diameter round defect was formed in the calvaria of 30 New Zealand White rabbits. All animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: the control group (spontaneous healing without material, n=10), the biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) graft group (BCP, n=10), and the BCP graft with HA group (BCP/HA, n=10). The animals were evaluated 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Half of the animals from each group were sacrificed at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. Samples were evaluated using micro-computed tomography, histology, and histomorphometry. Results: The BCP group showed higher bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV) values than the control and BCP/HA groups at both 4 and 12 weeks. The BCP and BCP/HA groups showed higher bone surface/tissue volume (BS/TV) values than the control group at both 4 and 12 weeks. The BCP group showed higher BS/TV values than the control and BCP/HA groups at both 4 and 12 weeks. No statistically significant difference in newly formed bone was found among the 3 groups at 4 weeks. The BCP group showed significantly higher new bone formation than the BCP/HA group at 12 weeks. Conclusions: Hard-type crosslinked HA did not show a positive effect on new bone formation and space maintenance. The negative effect of hard-type crosslinked HA may be due to the physical properties of HA that impede osteogenic potential.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.178-183
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• 2023

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, of which pathogenesis is caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the amino-terminus of huntingtin gene that resulted in the aggregation of mutant HTT proteins. HD is characterized by progressive motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a microtubule-associated deacetylase, has been shown to induce transport- and release-defect phenotypes in HD models, whilst treatment with HDAC6 inhibitors ameliorates the phenotypic effects of HD by increasing the levels of α-tubulin acetylation, as well as decreasing the accumulation of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) aggregates, suggesting HDAC6 inhibitor as a HD therapeutics. In this study, we employed in vitro neural stem cell (NSC) model and in vivo YAC128 transgenic (TG) mouse model of HD to test the effect of a novel HDAC6 selective inhibitor, CKD-504, developed by Chong Kun Dang (CKD Pharmaceutical Corp., Korea). We found that treatment of CKD-504 increased tubulin acetylation, microtubule stabilization, axonal transport, and the decrease of mutant huntingtin protein in vitro. From in vivo study, we observed CKD-504 improved the pathology of Huntington's disease: alleviated behavioral deficits, increased axonal transport and number of neurons, restored synaptic function in corticostriatal (CS) circuit, reduced mHTT accumulation, inflammation and tau hyperphosphorylation in YAC128 TG mouse model. These novel results highlight CKD-504 as a potential therapeutic strategy in HD.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.507-513
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• 2023

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg. Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg. Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm². Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia. Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.619-628
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• 2023

This study undertook a empirical analysis, delving into the association between the direct construction approach and the construction quality of general construction companies. The research hinged on corporate financial data to elucidate the premise that a reduced emphasis on direct construction approach by general construction companies correlates with a notable prevalence of building defects. Specifically, the analysis engaged with the top 100 construction companies based on their construction capability evaluation in 2022. This appraisal leveraged the Empirical Research Model(ERM) rooted in financial data-sets spanning 2017 to 2021. Findings underscored that as the ratio of direct construction approach diminishes, the incidence of building defects amplifies, signifying a consequential dip in construction quality. Moreover, the research reaffirmed that companies with elevated construction capability evaluations or larger organizational scales tend to register decreased defect rates. This study fortifies, from a theoretical perspective, the legislative imperatives championing direct construction approach, by empirically spotlighting the potential perils of over-reliance on subcontracting.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1095-1103
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• 2020

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate whether quantitative dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) parameters offer an incremental risk stratification benefit over the CT ventricular diameter ratio in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) by using propensity score analysis. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 480 patients with acute PE who underwent CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) or DECT pulmonary angiography (DE CT-PA). This propensity-matched study population included 240 patients with acute PE each in the CTPA and DECT groups. Altogether, 260 (54.1%) patients were men, and the mean age was 64.9 years (64.9 ± 13.5 years). The primary endpoint was all-cause death within 30 days. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify associations between CT parameters and outcomes and to identify potential predictors. Concordance (C) statistics were used to compare the prognoses between the two groups. Results: In both CTPA and DECT groups, right to left ventricle diameter ratio ≥ 1 was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death within 30 days (hazard ratio: 3.707, p < 0.001 and 5.573, p < 0.001, respectively). However, C-statistics showed no statistically significant difference between the CTPA and DECT groups for predicting death within 30 days (C-statistics: 0.759 vs. 0.819, p = 0.117). Conclusion: Quantitative measurement of lung perfusion defect volume by DECT had no added benefit over CT ventricular diameter ratio for predicting all-cause death within 30 days.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.189-199
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• 2006

Purpose of study: Partial thickness skin graft is the golden standard regimen for full-thickness skin defect caused by burn or trauma. However, in case of extensive burns of more than 50% of total body surface area, the donor site is not sufficient to cover all defects. As a second choice, allograft, xenograft and synthetic materials have been used to treat skin defect. Among them the amniotic membrane(AM) was used as a biological dressing for centuries because of its potential for wound healing. In this study, quantification of EGF in AM and effect of AM-collagen complex on full thickness skin defects was examined. Materials & Methods: The concentration of EGF in fresh, deep frozen and freeze-dried AM was evaluated by ELISA. EGF-R immunostaining was performed in freeze-dried AM. SD rats weighing 250${\sim}$300g was used for wound healing experiment. Three full thickness skin defects(28mm diameter) were made on dorsal surface of SD rat. The control group was covered by Vaselin gauze and AM-collagen complex and $Terudermis^{(R)}$. was grafted in two other defects. Healing area, Cinamon's score were evaluated before biopsy. Grafted sites were retrieved at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after operation. H & E and Factor VIII immunohistochemical stain was performed to evaluate the microscopic adhesion and structural integrity and microvessel formation. Results: 1. EGF concentration of fresh, deep frozen and freeze-dried AM showed similar level and EGF-R was stained in epithelial layer of freeze-dried AM. 2. At 4 weeks after grafting, the healing area of AM-collagen and Terudermis group was 99.29${\pm}$0.71% and 99.19${\pm}$0.77 of original size. However, that of control group was 24.88${\pm}$2.90. 3. The Cinamon's score of AM-Collagen and $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group at 4 weeks was 15.6${\pm}$1.26 and 14.6${\pm}$3.13 and that of control group was 3.7${\pm}$0.95. Significant difference was observed among control and experimental groups(p<0.05). 4. Histologic examination revealed that AM protected leukocyte infiltration and epithelial migration was nearly completed at 4 weeks. $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group showed mild neutrophil infiltration until 2 weeks and completion of epithelization at 4 weeks. Control group showed massive leukocyte infiltration until 4 weeks. 5. Microvessels were increased sharply at 1 week and control group at 1 and 4 week showed significant differences with $Terudermis^{(R)}$. group of same interval(p<0.05) but no differences were found with AM group(p<0.05). Conclusion: EGF and EGF-R were well preserved in freeze-dried AM. AM attached to collagen acted as excellent biologic dressing which had similar effect with $Terudermis^{(R)}$. AM showed anti-inflammatory action and healing was completed at 4 weeks after full-thickness skin defect.