• Toxicological Research
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.157-163
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• 2015

Nanotechnology has advanced at an extremely rapid pace over the past several years in numerous fields of research. However, the uptake of nanoparticles (NPs) into the body after administration through various routes may pose a risk to human health. In this study, we investigated the potential ocular toxicity of 20-nm, negatively- charged zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in rats using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histopathological assessment. Animals were divided into four groups as control group, ZnO NPs treatment group (500 mg/kg/day), control recovery group, and ZnO NPs treatment and recovery group. Ocular samples were prepared from animals treated for 90 days (10 males and 10 females, respectively) and from recovery animals (5 males and 5 females, respectively) sacrificed at 14 days after final treatment and were compared to age-matched control animals. Micro-CT analyses represented the deposition and distribution of foreign materials in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs, whereas control animals showed no such findings. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and energy dispersive spectrometry showed the intraocular foreign materials as zinc in treated rats, whereas control animals showed no zinc signal. Histopathological examination revealed the retinopathy in the eyes of rats treated with ZnO NPs. Neuronal nuclei expression was decreased in neurons of the ganglion cell layer of animals treated with ZnO NPs compared to the control group. Taken together, treatment with 20-nm, negatively-charged ZnO NPs increased retinopathy, associated with local distribution of them in ocular lesions.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.596-605
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• 2016

In previous years, practice hand grenades were composed of non-degradable plastics and caused environmental pollution. Therefore, this study applied PLA(Polylactic acid) to practice hand grenades that would biodegradable within a short time. High expectations are being placed on PLA as a substitute for plastics because it can decompose to water and carbon dioxide. The aim of this study was to confirm that the PLA material of a practice hand grenade has biodegradability in a pilot-scale composting unit and estimate the applicability for other items. A composting test was progressed according to ISO 16929(2013). The test process was found to be valid. At the end of the composting test (after 12 weeks), the entire content of the test bin with the test sheet was sieved, sorted and analyzed. A disintegration percentage of 99.2% was obtained after 12 weeks of composting. Therefore, the 90% pass level required by ISO 17088(2013), EN 13432(2000), and ASTM D 6400-12 was easily reached. On the other hand, more research will be needed to determine additional applications of PLA material for consumables.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.10
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• pp.15-24
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• 2017

A self-supported temporary excavation method called Inclined Earth Retaining structure (IER) has been developed by improving an existing excavation method. The stability of the IER was proved with both model tests and field tests. Especially, the results of the model tests proved that the lateral displacement of a model retaining wall was significantly reduced in clay. In this study, the applicability of the IER installed in the soft clay ground is estimated by analyzing survey data collected in the construction field. The results of FE analysis show that the lateral displacement of the IER decreased by 70.9% of that of a single row, self-supported retaining wall using the same number of H-piles. Thus, using the IER method in the soft clay ground will increase the stability of the excavated ground with the effect restraining its lateral displacement. Furthermore, using Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) to the upper half embedded depth of front support is recommended as a subsidiary method of reducing the lateral displacement of IER in the soft clay ground based on FE analysis results.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and vaginal brachytherapy (VB) following radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer patients with involved vaginal resection margin (VRM). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients treated with postoperative EBRT and VB for positive VRM FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical cancer between 2003 and 2015. Concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy was administered to all patients. Results: The median whole pelvis EBRT dose was 50.4 Gy (range, 45 to 50.4 Gy). In the VB, the median dose per fraction, number of fractions, and total dose delivered were: 4 Gy (range, 3.0 to 4.0 Gy), 4 fractions (range, 3 to 5 fractions), and 16 Gy (range, 12 to 20 Gy), respectively. At a median follow-up of 46 months (range, 9 to 122 months), local recurrence was observed in 2 patients, and distant metastasis was present in 7 patients. All patients with local recurrence subsequently developed distant metastases. The 5-year local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 89.1%, 65.9%, and 62.9%, respectively. Of the 21 patients, 7 patients (33.3%) reported grade 2 acute toxicity; however, there were no grade 3 or higher acute adverse events. Grade 1-2 late toxicities were observed in 8 patients. Late grade 3 urinary toxicity was reported in 1 patient. Conclusions: Adjuvant EBRT and VB showed excellent local control and low toxicity in cervical cancer patients with positive VRM. Although limited by its retrospective nature, the findings from our study provide evidence supporting the use of additional VB in pathologically involved VRM.

• Journal of The Korean Ophthalmological Society
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• v.59 no.12
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• pp.1195-1200
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• 2018

Purpose: To report a case of anterior segment ischemia after superior and inferior rectus muscle surgery in a patient with superior rectus muscle enlargement. This is the first report in the Republic of Korea of anterior segment ischemia after two rectus muscles surgery. Case summary: An 80-year-old male was referred to our clinic with a 3 years history of diplopia. The patient had 30 prism diopters right eye hypertropia in the primary position and downgaze limitation. The orbital computed tomography scan revealed enlargement of the right superior rectus muscle. He underwent right superior rectus recession and inferior rectus resection. On postoperative day 2, slit lamp examination revealed diffuse corneal edema, Descemet's membrane folding, an aqueous flare and a dilated pupil. Treatment with 45 mg oral steroid was initiated, and 1% prednisolone acetate and 0.5% Levofloxacin eye drops were administered. At postoperative 1 month, the patient was orthophoric in the primary position, and there was no corneal edema, pupil abnormality or aqueous flare. Conclusions: Base on the present case, the possibility of anterior segment ischemia should be considered after even two muscles surgery, and older patients with vertical muscle surgery should be considered more carefully.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.117-148
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• 2024

This study attempted to examine the ambiguity of work from the legal, social perspective, and actual performance differences in domestic nursing work compared to foreign countries. We compared the historical background of nurses' expanded work through overseas situations, compare and analyze the legal basis for nurses' qualifications and work in each country, and what changes they have undergone to clarify their work. Through this, we would like to consider the current status of the absence of a legal basis for professional work of domestic nurses and seek a direction for the development of domestic medical care. This study applied the case study method as one of the comparative institutional research methods. Among OECD countries, developed countries such as the United States, Australia, and Japan were selected and compared among developed countries that are solving medical gaps using nurses. In the United States, Australia, Japan, and Korea, nurses' professional work has been created by changes in the medical environment due to an aging society, chronic diseases, and lack of doctors. We looked at the start of their professional work, the establishment of legal grounds, the timing of qualification recognition, the development of the credential system and scope of work. Foreign countries have legal grounds for their roles and tasks, but domestic countries are before legislation. The country still has not narrowed the gap between the position of the legislative and judicial branches and actual work, and the current status of the domestic healthcare system has been measured through overseas development cases.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.355-367
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• 2020

One hundred representative species of fungi in Korea were selected and their Korean names were proposed to increase interest in fungi among Korean people. This task was performed under the supervision of the Committee of Mycological Terms, under the Korean Society of Mycology. First, the committee established the criteria for selecting 100 representative species of fungi in Korea and then selected the candidate fungal species accordingly. To ensure the uniformity and stability of Korean fungal names, the principle of naming fungi in Korean was established, and the candidate Korean fungal names were presented accordingly. Finally, the candidate Korean fungal names were posted online to collect opinions of the members of the Korean Society of Mycology. The candidate Korean names of the plant pathogenic fungi and mushrooms were reviewed by the Korean Society of Plant Pathology and the Korean Society of Mushroom Science, respectively. After their opinions were considered, the Korean names for 100 representative fungi in Korea were finally determined. The 100 fungi comprised 41 common molds and yeasts, 28 plant pathogenic fungi, and 31 mushrooms.

• Journal of the Korea Computer Graphics Society
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2000

Traditionally, three dimension model s have been used for building virtual worlds, and a data structure called the "scene graph" is often employed to organize these 3D objects in the virtual space. On the other hand, image-based rendering has recently been suggested as a probable alternative VR platform for its photo-realism, however, due to limited interactivity. it has only been used for simple navigation systems. To combine the merits of these two approaches to object/scene representations, this paper proposes for a scene graph structure in which both 3D models and various image-based scenes/objects can be defined. traversed, and rendered together. In fact, as suggested by Shade et al. [1]. these different representations can be used as different LOD's for a given object. For in stance, an object might be rendered using a 3D model at close range, a billboard at an intermediate range. and as part of an environment map at far range. The ultimate objective of this mixed platform is to breath more interactivity into the image based rendered VE's by employing 3D models as well. There are several technical challenges in devising such a platform : designing scene graph nodes for various types of image based techniques, establishing criteria for LOD/representation selection. handling their transition s. implementing appropriate interaction schemes. and correctly rendering the overall scene. Currently, we have extended the scene graph structure of the Sense8's WorldToolKit. to accommodate new node types for environment maps. billboards, moving textures and sprites, "Tour-into-the-Picture" structure, and view interpolated objects. As for choosing the right LOD level, the usual viewing distance and image space criteria are used, however, the switching between the image and 3D model occurs at a distance from the user where the user starts to perceive the object's internal depth. Also. during interaction, regardless of the viewing distance. a 3D representation would be used, if it exists. Finally. we carried out experiments to verify the theoretical derivation of the switching rule and obtained positive results.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.225-232
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• 2021

This study sought to investigate the distribution, antimicrobial resistance rate, and bacterial co-infection frequency of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in a single center in Incheon, South Korea. A total of 8,258 specimens submitted for tuberculosis (TB)/NTM real-time PCR tests during the years 2015 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 296 specimens (3.6%) were NTM positive, and the positivity increased from 2.5% (30/1,209) in 2015 to 3.8% (66/1,740) in 2020. Of 296 NTM specimens, 54.7% (162/296) were identified as the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) followed by the Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) 20.9% (62/296), M. fortuitum 6.4% (19/296) and M. flavescens 3.4% (10/296). Of the NTM-positive specimens, 76.7% (227/296) were tested for drug resistance. The results showed multidrug-resistant NTM in 40.1% (91/227) and extensively drug-resistant NTM in 59.9% (136/227) of these specimens. Of the 145 isolates taken for bacterial culture, bacteria/fungi co-infection with NTM accounted for 43.4% (63/145), in which the most common bacterial species was Klebsiella pneumonia (23.8%, 15/63). This study is the first report on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance of NTM in Incheon. As the proportion of NTM infections increases, active treatment and thorough infection control are required for effective management.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.145-154
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• 2022

Due to abnormal weather conditions caused by climate change, natural disasters and damages are gradually increasing around the world. Global climate change as accompanied by warming is projected to exert adverse impact on production of potato, which is known as cool season crop. Even though, role of potato as a food security crop is expected to increase in the future, the climate change impacts on potato and adaption strategies are not sufficiently established. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the damage pattern of potatoes due to high temperature treatment and to evaluate the response of cultivars. T he high temperature treatment (35~38℃) induced heat stress by sealing the plastic house in midsummer (July), and the quantity and quality characteristics of potatoes were compared with the control group. T otal yield, marketable yield (>80 g) and the number of tubers per plants decreased when heat treatment was performed, and statistical significance was evident. In the heat treatment, 'Jayoung' cultivar suffered a high heat damage with an 84% reduction in yield of >80 g compared to the control group. However, in Jopung cultivar, the decrease was relatively small at 26%. Tuber physiological disturbances (Secondary growth, Tuber cracking, Malformation) tended to increase in the heat stress. Under heat conditions, the tubers were elongated overall, which means that the marketability of potatoes was lowered. T he tuber firmness and dry matter content tended to decrease significantly in the heat-treated group. T herefore, the yield and quality of tubers were damaged when growing potatoes in heat conditions. T he cultivar with high heat adaptability was 'Jopung'. T his result can be used as basic data for potato growers and breeding of heat-resistant cultivars.