• Korean Journal of Materials Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.277-284
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• 2014

Using the spray pyrolysis process, nano-sized cobalt oxide powder with average particle size below 50 nm was prepared from cobalt chloride solution. The influences of the raw material solution on the properties of the powder formed examined. When the concentration of Co was low(20 g/L), the average particle size of the powder formed was roughly 20 nm, and the cohesion between these particles was significantly strong. When the concentration of Co increased to 100 g/L, the droplets nearly failed to exist in circular form and reflected a severely divided form. Furthermore, the average size of the particles formed was roughly 40 nm, and the particles reflected a polygonal form. When the solution was increased to nearly saturation level (Co at 200 g/L), the particle size distribution reflected significant unevenness due to severe droplet division while the surface also reflected significant unevenness. Furthermore, the average size of the particles formed increased significantly to 70 nm. The results of XRD analysis showed that the strength of the peaks reflected very little change when the concentration of Co was increased from 20 g/L to 50 g/L. Alternatively, when the concentration was increased to 100 g/L, the strength of the peaks increased compared to when the concentration was 50 g/L. However, when the concentration was increased to 200 g/L, the strength of the peaks failed to reflect significant change compared to when the concentration was 100 g/L. The specific surface area dramatically decreased by 30 % when the concentration of Co was increased from 20 g/L to 50 g/L. Alternatively, when the concentration of Co the solution increased to 100 g/L, the specific surface area decreased by roughly 15 %. Furthermore, when the concentration of Co was increased to nearly saturation level(200 g/L), the specific surface area decreased by roughly 35%.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.99-124
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• 2006

The purposes of the study are two-folds. First, it analyzes how factors other than price(e.g. delivery service, saving point policies, free gifts) impact total price for various products and different types of stores. Second, it analyzes how to increase market efficiencies through price level, price differences, and the frequency of price changes for different shops, various products and different types of transactions. By analyzing the price level within different types of stores, there found that prices at on-line store were lower than off-line shops. It also found price differences between pure on-line, hybrid, and off-line store. Comparing prices by product size, there found that pure on-line shops have a lower price compared to others. The results showed that on-line store had lower price variation compared to off-line shops. When comparing pure on-line store to hybrid store, hybrid store had lower price variation. In terms of the frequency of price changes, hybrid stores had higher price fluctuations. In terms of total price differences for delivery distances, pure on-line store had great price fluctuation, excluding cosmetic goods. In conclusion, if we consider price level and price fluctuations, on-line store had more efficiencies and was superior in terms of price effectiveness. Hybrid shops, on the other hand, had greater advantages for seasonal goods and dominant products. Therefore, market entry strategies should differ based on order quantity, type of store(pure on-line, hybrid, off-line), product characteristics(seasonality, product life), etc.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.92-100
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• 2006

Radial forearm free flap (RFFF) has been established itself as a versatile and widely used method for reconstruction of the head and neck, although it is still criticized for high mortality of donor site. Delayed wound healing, cosmetic deformity, vascular compromise and potentially reduced wrist function have many plastic surgeons hesitate to adapt it as a first choice in micro-reconstruction. To overcome these drawbacks, some techniques for donor-site repair such as V-Y advancement with full thickness skin graft (FTSG), application of artificial dermis ($Terudermis^{(R)}$) or acellular dermal matrix ($AlloDerm^{(R)}$), and double-opposing rhomboid transposition flap have been reported. Authors performed 4 cases of RFFF in old-aged patients of the head and neck cancer from April 2005 to February 2006. We compared the outcomes of donor site of RFFF which were resurfaced with split thickness skin graft (STSG) only and STSG overlying an $AlloDerm^{(R)}$. Patients were all males ranging from 59 to 74 years old (mean, 67.5). Three of them had tongue cancers, and the other showed hypopharyngeal cancer. All cases were pathologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinomas. We included the deep fascia into the flap, so called subfascially elevated RFFF in three cases, and in the other one, we dissected the RFFF suprafascially leaving the fascia intact. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was resurfaced with STSG only. Among three of subfascially elevated RFFFs, donor-sites were covered with thin STSG only in one case, and STSG overlying $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ in two cases. All RFFFs were survived completely without any complication. The donor site of the suprafascially elevated RFFF was taken well with STSG only. But, the partial graft loss exposing brachioradialis and flexor carpi radialis muscle was unavoidable in all the subfascially elevated RFFFs irregardless of $AlloDerm^{(R)}$ application. Considering that many patients of the head and neck cancer are in old ages, we believe the RFFF is still a useful and versatile choice for resurfacing the head and neck region after cancer ablation. Its reliability and functional characteristics could override its criticism for donor site in old-aged cancer patients.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.408-417
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• 2013

Objectives: Phthalates are used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. As phthalate plasticizers are not chemically bound to the PVC, they can leach, migrate or evaporate into indoor air and atmosphere, foodstuffs, other materials, etc. Therefore, humans are exposed through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal exposure over their entire lifetime, including during intrauterine development. In particular, university students have a great number of opportunities to contact products including phthalates during campus life (food packaging, body care products, cosmetic, lotions, aftershave, perfume etc.). The purpose of this study was to examine levels of phthalate exposure as undergraduate students begin to use pharmaceuticals and personal care products including phthalates. Methods: Phthalate metabolites, mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP), mono-2- ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), {(mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP}, and mono-(2-ethlyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP} were examined. 80 urine samples collected from university students were analyzed using LC/MS/MS(API 4000, Applied Bioscience) with on-line enrichment and columnswitching techniques. This study was carried out at Y university located in Gyonggi Province from 2008 to 2011. Results: The detection limit of phthalate metabolites were 0.03 ng/mL for MEP, 0.11 ng/mL for MnBP, 0.08 ng/mL for MiBP, 0.93 ng/mL for MEHP, 0.19 ng/mL for MEOHP and 0.16ng/mL for MEHHP. MnBP showed the highest urinary levels (median: 31.6 ug/L, 24.8 ug/g creatinine (cr)). Concentrations were also high for MEHHP (median: 24.1 ug/L, 19.0 ug/g cr), followed by MEOHP (median: 22.8 ug/L, 17.9 ug/g cr). In individual cases, the maximum level reached up to 348 ug/L, and 291 ug/g cr, respectively. The urinary and creatinine adjusted levels of MEP were lower than those for DBP and DEHP metabolites, but were higher in 95th percentiles. As a result, the mean daily DEP intake value was 2.3 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day, 3.5 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day for DEHP and 4.9 ${\mu}g/kg$ bw/day for DBP. Conclusion: These students' phthalate exposure levels were below the international safe level set by the EU, but higher than the 2012 KFDA survey of the age group from 3 to 18.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.173-179
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• 2017

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat a wide range of neurological disorders (e.g., paralysis and stroke) and skin problems (e.g., atopic dermatitis and eczema) in oriental medicine. This study was designed to investigate whether GEB extract inhibits melanogenesis activity in murine B16F10 melanoma. MATERIALS/METHOD: Murine B16F10 cells were treated with 0-5 mg/mL of GEB extract or $400{\mu}g/mL$ arbutin (a positive control) for 72 h after treatment with/without 200 nM alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (${\alpha}$-MSH) for 24 h. Melanin concentration, tyrosinase activity, mRNA levels, and protein expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (Trp)1, and Trp2 were analyzed in ${\alpha}$-MSH-untreated and ${\alpha}$-MSH-treated B16F10 cells. RESULTS: Treatment with 200 nM ${\alpha}$-MSH induced almost 2-fold melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity along with increased mRNA levels and protein expression of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1 and Trp2. Irrespective of ${\alpha}$-MSH stimulation, GEB extract at doses of 0.5-5 mg/mL inhibited all these markers for skin whitening in a dose-dependent manner. While lower doses (0.5-1 mg/mL) of GEB extract generally had a tendency to decrease melanogenesis, tyrosinase activity, and mRNA levels and protein expression of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1, and Trp2, higher doses (2-5 mg/mL) significantly inhibited all these markers in ${\alpha}$-MSH-treated B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects of the GEB extract at higher concentrations were similar to those of $400{\mu}g/mL$ arbutin, a well-known depigmenting agent. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that GEB displays dose-dependent inhibition of melanin synthesis through the suppression of tyrosinase activity as well as molecular levels of MITF, tyrosinase, Trp1, and Trp2 in murine B16F10 melanoma. Therefore, GEB may be an effective and natural skin-whitening agent for application in the cosmetic industry.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.851-860
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• 2011

Purpose: Reduction by simply assembling bones is recognized as treatment for a zygoma fracture. However, in patients who originally had a protruding zygoma, the fractured parts look like malarplasty after the edema subsides, giving a soft impression which patients notice. Thus, we created symmetry through simultaneous contralateral malar reduction in a unilateral zygoma fracture. Methods: In this study, the patients who had surgery between July, 2008 and December, 2009 with admission were object. In 76 patients with a zygoma fracture, the patients with bilateral zygoma fractures were excluded. Among 48 patients who had a reduction only after a unilateral zygoma fracture, the patients hoping for a reduction of their rough protruding zygoma were analyzed with front cephalometry. The study progressed on 22 patients who had simultaneous contralateral malar reduction in a unilateral zygoma fracture with consent. After fixing the fracture, we did a straight zygoma osteotomy through a 1.5 cm intraoral incision. After that, we created symmetry with a special ruler and fixed the broken zygomatic arch with a screw and plate. We evaluated the facial index and satisfaction with a statistical analysis before and after the surgery. Results: In 22 patients, there was no reoperation except for 1 patient who had a zygoma fracture. None of the patients were treated for infection or hematoma. Two patients complained of paresthesia after the malar reduction operation, but this subsided in 4 months. Most of them were satisfied with the malar reduction, especially the women, and we obtained a better mid facial contour with decreased facial width ($p$ <0.05). Conclusion: Existing zygoma fracture surgery focuses on anatomical reduction. However, we need to have a cosmetic viewpoint in fractures as interests of face contour arise. Thus, contralateral malar reduction got a 4.7 (range 0~5) from patients who had malar reduction surgery in our hospital. Although adjusting to all zygoma fractures has limitations, it can be a new method in zygoma fractures when there are limited indications of protruding zygoma and careful attention is given to patients' high demands.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.351-355
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• 2009

Purpose: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis tends to involve the deep soft tissues and spread caudally to the anterior chest and mediastinum, often resulting in major complications and death. It may rapidly spread into the thorax along fascial planes, and the associated diagnostic delay results in this descending necrotizing mediastinitis. So, aggressive multidisciplinary therapy with surgical drainage is mandatory. We present a very rare case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis with literature review. Methods: A 53 years old male visited our department 7 days after trauma in neck. His premorbid conditions and risk factors of necrotizing fasciitis were concealed hepatoma, trauma history, chronic liver disease, and nutrition deficit. Computed tomographic scans of the head and neck region were performed in this patient : signs of necrotizing fasciitis, were seen in the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, trapezius muscle and strap muscles of the neck. Fluid accumulations involved multiple neck spaces and mediastinum. At the time, he diagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis on his neck and anterior chest. Necrotic wound was excised serially and we treated this with the Vacuum - assisted closure(VAC, Kinetics Concepts International, San Antonio, Texas) system device. After appropriately shaping the sponge and achieving additional 3 pieces drainage tubes in the pockets, continuous negative pressure of 125 mmHg was applied. The VAC therapy was utilized for a period of 12 days. Results: We obtained satisfactory results from wide excision, abscess drainage with the VAC system, and then split thickness skin graft. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: The refined technique using the VAC system can provide a means of simple and effective management for the descending necrotizing mediastinitis, with better cosmetic and functional results. Finally, the VAC system has been adopted as the standard treatment for deep cervical and mediastinal wound infections as a result of the excellent clinical outcome.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.318-321
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• 2009

Purpose: The bony mallet finger injury is generally managed by conservative treatments, but operative treatments are needed especially when the fractures involve above 30% of articular surface or distal phalanx is accompanied by subluxation in the volar side. This is the reason they often result in chronic instability, articular subluxation and unsatisfactory cosmetic. In this report, We describe new method using the hook plate as an operative treatment of Mallet finger deformity. Methods: Among 13 patients with Mallet finger deformity who came from February 2006 to February 2008, six patient were included in surgical indication. Under local anesthesia, H or Y type incision was made at the DIP joint area. After the DIP joint extension, the hook plate was put on the fracture line, and one self tapping screw was used for fixation. 2 hole plate which was one of the holes in 1.5 mm diameter was cut in almost half and bended through approximately $100^{\circ}$. Results: In all six cases which applied the hook plate, complications such as loss of reduction or nail deformity were not seen. In only one patient, hook pate was removed due to inflammatory reaction after surgery. At 2 weeks after operation, active motion of DIP joint was performed. The result was satisfactory not only cosmetically but also functionally. At 6 weeks after operation, the range of motion of DIP joint was average $64^{\circ}$. Conclusion: The purpose of the operative treatment for mallet finger deformity using the hook plate is to provide anatomical reduction with rigid fixation and to prevent contracture at the DIP joint. While other operations take 6 weeks, the operation using the hook plate begins an active motion at 2 weeks after operation. Complication rate was low and the method is rather simple. Thus, the operation using the hook plate is recommended as a good alternative method of the mallet finger deformity treatment.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.511-518
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• 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a relevant environment factor to induce cellular senescence and photoaging. Both autophagy- and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1)-dependent pathways are critical cellular processes of not only maintaining normal cellular functions, but also protecting cellular senescence in skin exposed to UV irradiation. In the present studies, we investigated whether modulation of autophagy induction using a novel synthetic SIRT1 activator, heptasodium hexacarboxymethyl dipeptide-12 (named as Aquatide), suppresses the UVB irradiation-induced skin aging. Treatment with Aquatide directly activates SIRT1 and stimulates autophagy induction in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Next, we found that Aquatide-mediated activation of SIRT1 increases autophagy induction via deacetylation of forkhead box class O (FOXO) 1. Finally, UVB irradiation-induced cellular senescence measured by $SA-{\beta}-gal$ staining was significantly decreased in cells treated with Aquatide in parallel to occurring SIRT1 activation-dependent autophagy. Together, Aquatide modulates autophagy through SIRT1 activation, contributing to suppression of skin aging caused by UV irradiation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 1998

Exessive sweating of the palms and soles, is a psychologically and occupationally distressing and sometimes disabling condition. Hyperhidrosis is one of the common abnormalities in autonomic nervous system. There were no specific treatment on hyperhidrosis, so invasive thoracic sympathectomy via axillary thoracotomy or cervical approach had been used. Video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS) is now mostly performed for treating of the palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis. From March 1996 to March 1997, 15 patients with bilateral palmar hyperhidrosis had been treated by the bilateral thoracic sympathectomy(T2, T3, T4) with thoracoscopic resection. The patient were evaluated preoperative and postoperative Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging (DITI) at Kyung-Hee University Hospital. There were no case of the thoracotomy conversion. There were 3 complications ; pulmonary edema in 1 case, Horner's syndrome in 1 case, and gustatory hyperhidrosis in 1 case. More than half of the patients also had compensatory sweating in the lower abdomen, the buttocks, the back and the thighs. In conclusion, most of the patients were satisfied with the postoperative results of the thoracoscopic sympathectomy, including no more palmar and axillary sweating, less pain, better cosmetic appearances, decreased sweating of the face and soles. In addition, intraoperative temperature monitoring of the hands could estimate the successful thoracoscopic sympathectomy and the preoperative and postoperative Digital infrared thermographic imaging(DITI) could especially be the technique for the objective manifestation of the successful results of the thoracoscopic sympathectomy.