• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.35
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• pp.41-51
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• 2023

Purpose: This study compares and analyzes the image quality of 3D-CBCT(Cone Beam Computed-Tomography) and Gated CBCT according to baseline changes during SBRT(Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy) in lung cancer patients to find a useful CBCT method for correcting movement due to breathing Materials and methods : Insert a solid tumor material with a diameter of 3 cm into the QUASAR^TM phantom. 4-Dimentional Computed-Tomography(4DCT) images were taken with a speed of the phantom at period 3 sec and a maximum amplitude of 20 mm. Using the contouring menu of the computerized treatment planning system Eclipse^TM Gross Tumor Volume was outlined on solid tumor material. Set-up the same as when acquiring a 4DCT image using Truebeam STx^TM, breathing patterns with baseline changes of 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm were input into the phantom to obtain 3D-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) and Gated-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) images five times repeatedly. The acquired images were compared with the Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR), Contrast-to-Noise Ratio(CNR), Tumor Volume Length, and Motion Blurring Ratio(MBR) based on the 4DCT image. Results: The average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Spotlight Gated CBCT images were 13.30±0.10%, 7.78±0.16%, 3.55±0.17%, 1.18±0.06%. As a result, Spotlight Gated-CBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Spotligtht 3D-CBCT images. Also, the average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Full Gated CBCT images were 12.80±0.11%, 7.60±0.11%, 3.54±0.16%, 1.18±0.05%. As a result Full GatedCBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Full 3D-CBCT images. Conclusion : Compared to 3D-CBCT images, Gated-CBCT images had better image quality according to the baseline change, and the effect of Motion Blurring Artifacts caused by breathing was small. Therefore, it is considered useful to image guided using Gated-CBCT when a baseline change occurs due to difficulty in regular breathing during SBRT that exposes high doses in a short period of time

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.148-155
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• 2024

This study investigated the ecological characteristics of Odontobutis platycephala at Jaho stream from January to December 2022. The riverbed structure of the species' habitat was rich in cobble and pebble. The water was deep, ranging from 22 to 153 cm, with an average of 64 cm, and the stream velocity was rapid at 0.89 (0.42-1.46) m/sec. The ratio of females to males was 1:1.02, and the total length of collected individuals ranged from 38 to 156 mm. The age according to the total length frequency distribution as of May indicated that the group with a total length of 38-69 mm was one year old, the group with 60-99 mm was two years old, the group with 100-139 mm was three years old, and the group 140-156 mm was four years or older. As a secondary gender characteristic, the genital papilla was cylindrical in females and cone-shaped with a pointed tip in males. Some females with a length ranging from 60 to 69 mm and all females 70 mm or longer were sexually mature. Some males with a length ranging from 70 to 79 mm and all males 80 mm or longer were sexually mature. The spawning season was from May to July, and the water temperature was between 17 ℃ and 28 ℃ during that period. The prosperous spawning season was June (24 ℃). The average number of eggs in the ovaries was 988 (284-2,722) per mature female, and the mature eggs were yellowish and spherical with a mean diameter of 1.46 (1.19-1.71) mm. The correlation between total length and body weight is BW=0.00000006TL^3.12 with the constant a as 0.00000006 and the parameter b as 3.12. The mean condition factor (K) was 1.44 (0.96-2.26), and the slope was negative at -0.0007

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.169-177
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• 2024

This study investigated whether population dynamic analysis based on the height characteristics of Abies nephrolepis was feasible. It was necessary because existing population dynamic analyses based on age and diameter at breast height (DBH) made it difficult to reflect the slow growth characteristics of Abies nephrolepis in harsh environments of high altitudes. The limitations of population dynamics analysis based on the age and DBH distribution of Abies nephrolepis in Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Taebaeksan National Parks, where Abies nephrolepis populations are representative, were verified, and the characteristics of height growth were investigated to comprehensively analyze whether a vertical structure based on height could reveal the population dynamics. The result of this study showed some limitations in understanding the population dynamics of Abies nephrolepis based on age distribution due to practical difficulties in sampling all trees and variations in age distribution within the same community depending on factors such as light conditions. Moreover, it was challenging to differentiate the distribution of DBH classes at fine levels, making it difficult to reflect the rapid growth characteristics of Abies nephrolepis when light conditions become suitable after prolonged stays in smaller DBH classes under shade conditions. However, a comprehensive analysis of the height characteristics of Abies nephrolepis revealed that the density corresponding to the population dynamic characteristics of Abies was high and adequately reflected the predominant tree death at similar height stages, as well as the U-shaped population dynamics at the lower stratum. Moreover, it was possible to identify a transition point in height values under shaded conditions, where the annual growth of Abies nephrolepis individuals in the lower stratum increases significantly, indicating that Abies nephrolepis individuals can escape from competition with other shrubs and undergo vigorous growth only at this height level. Therefore, this study confirmed that a vertical structure based on height can be utilized to understand the population dynamics of Abies nephrolepis in high altitudes, and it is expected that future studies on height characteristics can intuitively reveal the maintenance status of Abies nephrolepis populations in the field.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.899-911
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• 2020

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the newly designed open-cell type self-expandable nitinol stent (NiTi-stent) for peripheral arteries. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight limbs of 14 minipigs were randomly assigned to the NiTistent group or conventional nitinol stent group. Stents were symmetrically implanted into the iliac arteries of each animal using carotid artery approach and were observed for 1 month (n = 5) and 6 months (n = 9). The angiographic lumen diameter (ALD), late lumen loss, angiographic stenosis, histomorphometric lumen area, neointimal area, and area stenosis were analyzed and compared between the groups. Results Stent migration, stent fracture, or thrombus formation were not observed in either group. At the 1-month follow-up, the neointimal area (p = 0.008) and area stenosis (p = 0.016) were significantly smaller in the NiTi-stent group than in the control group. At the 6-months followup, the NiTi-stent group showed significantly larger ALD (p = 0.014), less late lumen loss (p = 0.019), less angiographic stenosis (p = 0.014), larger lumen area (p = 0.040), and smaller neointimal area and area stenosis (p = 0.004 and p = 0.014, respectively) compared with the control group. Conclusion The NiTi-stent is as safe and effective as the conventional nitinol stent and induces less neointimal hyperplasia in a minipig iliac artery model.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.654-669
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• 2021

Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in predicting the pathological complete response (pCR) and the residual tumor size of breast cancer after neoadjucant chemotherapy (NAC), and to determine the factors affecting the accuarcy. Materials and Methods Eighty-eight breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after NAC at our center between 2010 and 2017 were included in this study. pCR was defined as the absence of invasive cancer on pathological evaluation. The maximum diameter of the residual tumor on post-NAC MRI was compared with the tumor size of the surgical specimen measured pathologically. Statistical analysis was performed to elucidate the factors affecting pCR and the residual tumor size-discrepancy between the MRI and the pathological measurements. Results The pCR rate was 10%. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI and the area under the curve for predicting pCR were 90.91% and 0.8017, respectively. The residual tumor sizes obtained using MRI and pathological measurements showed a strong correlation (r = 0.9, p < 0.001), especially in patients with a single mass lesion (p = 0.047). The size discrepancy between MRI and the pathological measurements was significantly greater in patients with the luminal type (p = 0.023) and multifocal tumors/non-mass enhancement on pre-NAC MRI (p = 0.047). Conclusion MRI is an accurate tool for evaluating pCR and residual tumor size in breast cancer patients who receive NAC. Tumor subtype and initial MRI features affect the accuracy of MRI.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.5
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• pp.1231-1245
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• 2021

Purpose To investigate the usefulness of imaging features for differentiating between small lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Materials and Methods It included 52 female with LCISs (median 45 years, range 32-67 years) and 180 female with ILCs (median 49 years, range 36-75 years), with the longest diameter of ≤ 2 cm, who were evaluated between January 2012 and December 2016. All the female underwent mammography and ultrasonography. Twenty female with LCIS and 150 female with ILC underwent MRI. The clinical and imaging features were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of LCIS. Female with LCIS were also sub-grouped by lesion size and compared with the female with ILC. Results Multivariate analysis showed that younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.100), smaller lesion size (OR = 1.103), oval or round shape (OR = 4.098), parallel orientation (OR = 5.464), and isoechotexture (OR = 3.360) were significant independent factors predictive of LCIS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for distinguishing LCIS from ILC was 0.904 (95% confidence interval, 0.857-0.951). Subgroup analysis showed that benign features were more prevalent in female with smaller LCISs (≤ 1 cm) than in those with ILC. Conclusion Small LCISs tend to demonstrate more benign features than small ILCs. Several imaging features are independently predictive of LCIS.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.195-203
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of surface sealants on the surface roughness of composite resins. Materials and Methods: The study used microfilled composite resin (Metafil CX, Sun Medical Co.) and hybrid composite resin (Aelite^TM LS posterior, Bisco). Sixty specimens (8 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) of each composite resin type were prepared and divided into 3 groups. Each specimen was ground with 600, 1000, and 2000-grit sandpaper. The Surface roughness (Ra) values were measured using a surface roughness tester (SJ-301, Mytutoyo) before and after surface sealant application. Surface sealants, BisCover^TM LV (Bisco), Optiguard^® (Kerr), and Seal-n-Shine^TM (Pulpdent), were applied to the specimens, as instructed and observed by scanning electron microscope (JSM-7500, JEOL) and atomic force microscope (MultiMode IV, Veeco Instruments). Results: Specimens ground with 600-grit sandpaper coated with surface sealants exhibited significantly lower Ra values than the untreated group (P < 0.05). Specimens ground with 1000 and 2000-grit sandpaper showed statistically no difference. There was no significant difference in surface roughness among BisCover^TM LV, Optiguard^®, and Seal-n-Shine^TM. SEM and AFM revealed remarkably decreased microdefects on the surfaces of composite resins after surface sealant application. Conclusion: Surface sealants can influence surface roughness when applied on the rough surface of composite resins but not on highly polished composite resins.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.187-194
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• 2023

Purpose: A mismatched size in the post and post space is a common problem during post-fixation. Since this discordance affects the bonding strength of the fiber-reinforced composite resin post (FRC Post), a corresponding luting agent is required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bonding strength of the FRC post according to the fitness of the fiber post and the type of luting agent. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular premolar were endodontic-treated and assigned to two groups according to their prepared post space: Fitting (F) and Mismatching (M). These groups were further classified into three subgroups according to their luting agent: RelyX Unicem (ReX), Luxacore dual (Lux), and Duolink (Duo). A push-out test was performed to measure the push-out bond strengths. The fractured surfaces of each cross-section were then examined, and the fracture modes were classified. Results: In the ReX and Duo subgroups, the F group had a higher mean bond strength; however, the Lux subgroup had no significant difference between the F and M groups. In the analysis of the failure modes, the ReX subgroup had only adhesive failures between the cement and dentin. Conclusion: The result of this study showed that the bond strength of an FRC post was influenced by the type of luting agent and the mismatch between the diameter of the prepared post space and that of the post.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.69 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2024

This experiment was conducted at the affiliated farm of the Suncheon University from 2022 to 2023 to investigate the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of soybeans based on the treatment method of Methyl Sulfony Methane (MSM) for the establishment of stable production practices. In the initial investigation of growth characteristics in 2022, an increasing trend in characteristics such as plant height, stem thickness, and branching index was observed as the treatment concentration increased from 50% to 200%. Yield components also followed the same trend, with the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 200% treatment showing the highest yield at 355 kg·10a^-1, with the highest number of pods. In the subsequent study to determine the optimal concentration exceeding 200% in 2023, growth characteristics showed a trend of 400% > 200% > 800%. The basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment exhibited the longest plant height (106.7 cm) and the most branches (6). In terms of seed quality, this treatment also had the highest proportion (66.9%) of seeds with a diameter over 6.7 mm. Additionally, in yield components such as pods, seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight, the basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% treatment showed the highest values, resulting in a maximum yield of 374 kg·10a^-1, representing a 23.4% increase compared to the control. Therefore, for the optimal production of high-quality soybeans, it is recommended to apply the treatment of basal fertilization + top dressing 3 times at 400% concentration, with top dressing occurring at 30-day intervals before harvest.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2024

This study was performed to determine the effects of Four seedling age classes ageon the characteristics of growth and nutrient uptake in Chamaecyparis obtusa container seedlings. Seedlings (1-1, 2-0, 2-1, and 2-2 seedlings) of C. obtusa grown in containers were harvested to measure specific leaf area, height (H)/root collar diameter (D) ratio, dry mass of aboveground (T)/root dry mass (R) ratio, and seedling quality index of seedlings. The specific leaf area was highest in 1-0 seedlings (30.48 cm² g^-1), whereas it decreased (from 28.62 cm² g^-1 to 23.59 cm² g^-1) with increasing seedling age. The H/D ratio increased with increasing seedling age (from 4.41 in 1-0 seedlings to 8.35 in 2-2 seedlings). The T/R ratio decreased as the seedling age increased (from 4.29 in the 1-0 seedling to 2.13 in the 2-1 seedling). The seedling quality index increased with increasing seedling age (from 0.10 for the 1-0 seedling to 3.06 for the 2-2 seedling). The carbon concentrations of seedling components (leaf, branches, stem, and roots) did not differ significantly with seedling age, whereas the nitrogen concentration of seedling components was the lowest in 2-1 seedlings, as no fertilizer was applied to discourage excessive growth of the seedlings. Phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium concentrations in 2-1 seedling components were not affected by the lack of fertilizer application. These results can be applied to determine the optimum morphological characteristics and nutrient management by seedling age in container- grown C. obtusa.