• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1199-1213
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• 1998

Background : The number of immunocompromised hosts has been increasing steadily and a new pulmonary infiltrate in these patients is a potentially lethal condition which needs rapid diagnosis and treatment. In this study we sought to examine the clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, and therapeutic outcomes of pulmonary mycoses presenting as a new pulmonary infiltrate in immunocompromised hosts. Method : All cases presenting as a new pulmonary infiltrate in immunocompromised hosts and confirmed to be pulmonary mycoses by pathologic examination or by positive culture from a sterile site between October of 1996 and April of 1998 were included in the study and their chart and radiologic findings were retrospectively reviewed. Results : In all, 14 cases of pulmonary mycoses from 13 patients(male : female ratio = 8 : 5, median age 47 yr) were found. Twelve cases were diagnosed as aspergillosis while two were diagnosed as mucormycosis. Major risk factors for fungal infections were chemotherapy for hematologic malignancy(10 cases) and organ transplant recipients(4 cases). Three cases were receiving empirical amphotericin B at the time of appearance of new lung infiltrates. Cases in the hematologic malignancy group had more prominent symptoms : fever(9/10), cough(6/10), sputum(5/10), dyspnea(4/10), chest pain(5/10). Patients in the organ transplant group had minimal symptoms(p<0.05). On simple chest films, all of the cases presented as single or multiple nodules(6/14) or consolidations(8/14). High resolution computed tomograph showed peri-lesional ground glass opacities(14/14), pleural effusions(5/14), and cavitary changes(7/14). Definitive diagnostic methods were as follows : 10 cases underwent minithoracotomy, 2 underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, 1 underwent percutaneous needle aspiration and 1 case was diagnosed by culture of abscess fluid. All cases received treatment with amphotericin B with 1 case each being treated with liposomal amphotericin B and itraconazole due to renal toxicity. Lung lesion improved in 12 of 14 patient but 4 patients died before completing therapy. Conclusion : When a new lung infiltrate develops presenting either as a nodule or consolidation in a neutropenic patient with hematologic malignancy or in a transplant recipient, you should always consider pulmonary mycoses as one of the differential diagnosis. By performing aggressive work up and early treatment, we may improve prognosis of these patients.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.593-599
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• 2007

Background: The correlation between levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and the effect of pulmonary resection on the right ventricle of the heart is not yet widely known. This study aims to assess the relationship between the change in hemodynamic values of the right ventricle and increased BNP levels as a compensatory mechanism for right heart failure following pulmonary resection and to evaluate the role of the BNP level as an index of right heart failure after pulmonary resection. Material and Method: In 12 non small cell lung cancer patients that had received a lobectomy or pnemonectomy, the level of NT-proBNP was measured using the immunochemical method (Elecsys $1010^{(R)}$, Roche, Germany) which was compared with hemodynamic variables determined through the use of a Swan-Garz catheter prior to and following the surgery. Echocardiography was performed prior to and following the surgery, to measure changes in right ventricular and left ventricular pressures. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression analysis were conducted using SPSSWIN (version, 11.5). Result: The level of postoperative NT-proBNP (pg/mL) significantly increased for 6 hours, then for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days and 7 days after the surgery (p=0.003, 0.002, 0.002, 0.006, 0.004). Of the hemodynamic variables measured using the Swan-Ganz catheter, the mean pulmonary artery pressure after the surgery when compared with the pressure prior to surgery significantly increased at 0 hours, 6 hours, then 1 day, 2 days, and 3 days after the surgery (p=0.002, 0,002, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008). The right ventricular pressure significantly increased at 0 hours, 6 hours, then 1 day, and 3 days after the surgery (p=0.000, 0.009, 0.044, 0.032). The pulmonary vascular resistance index [pulmonary vascular resistance index=(mean pulmonary artery pressure-mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure)/cardiac output index] significantly increased at 6 hours, then 2 days after the surgery (p=0.008, 0.028). When a regression analysis was conducted for changes in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and NT-proBNP levels after the surgery, significance was evident after 6 hours (r=0.602, p=0.038) and there was no significance thereafter. Echocardiography displayed no significant changes after the surgery. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between changes in the mean pulmonary artery pressure and the NT-proBNP level 6 hours after a pulmonary resection. Therefore, it can be concluded that changes in NT-proBNP level after a pulmonary resection can serve as an index that reflects early hemodynamic changes in the right ventricle after a pulmonary resection.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2007

The cone-beam CT (CBCT) which is acquired using on-board imager (OBI) attached to a linear accelerator is widely used for the image guided radiation therapy. In this study, the effect of respiratory motion on the quality of CBCT image was evaluated. A phantom system was constructed in order to simulate respiratory motion. One part of the system is composed of a moving plate and a motor driving component which can control the motional cycle and motional range. The other part is solid water phantom containing a small cubic phantom ($2{\times}2{\times}2cm^3$) surrounded by air which simulate a small tumor volume in the lung air cavity CBCT images of the phantom were acquired in 20 different cases and compared with the image in the static status. The 20 different cases are constituted with 4 different motional ranges (0.7 cm, 1.6 cm, 2.4 cm, 3.1 cm) and 5 different motional cycles (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 sec). The difference of CT number in the coronal image was evaluated as a deformation degree of image quality. The relative average pixel intensity values as a compared CT number of static CBCT image were 71.07% at 0.7 cm motional range, 48.88% at 1.6 cm motional range, 30.60% at 2.4 cm motional range, 17.38% at 3.1 cm motional range The tumor phantom sizes which were defined as the length with different CT number compared with air were increased as the increase of motional range (2.1 cm: no motion, 2.66 cm: 0.7 cm motion, 3.06 cm: 1.6 cm motion, 3.62 cm: 2.4 cm motion, 4.04 cm: 3.1 cm motion). This study shows that respiratory motion in the region of inhomogeneous structures can degrade the image quality of CBCT and it must be considered in the process of setup error correction using CBCT images.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.16 no.3 s.32
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• pp.171-179
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• 1977

Since the outbreak of the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in 1915 caused tremendous losses in rice production, one of the more effective method of prevention of such a disaster could be the establishment of longterm forecasting system, In 1916 the author indicated there was a correlation between sunspot activities and brown planthopper and the white back planthopper outbreaks. However, the examples seem to be too small size to state a definite correlation. The purpose of the present study IS to revi~w the history of the brown planthopper outbreaks, and to establish a more effective forcasting system. The present forcasting methods are based on light trap catches of adults which already migrate into this country from mainland China. The regular cycle of 11.2 years of sunspot activity began in 1710, and was continued to present. To gather more records of brown planthopper, the author checked 'Joseon Wangjo Silrok' and analized the so-called 'Hwang' 'Hwang-chung' and 'Chung' which have multiple meanings, together with 'Samguk Sagi' 'Goryo Sa' and 'Munheon Bigo.' The results obtained by the about from review of these old literature citations revealed that ten species of insect and unknown species were involved: i. e., pine moth (Dendrolimus spectabilis), army worm (Mythimna separata), brown planthopper (Nilarvata lugens), white-back planthopper (Sogatella furcifera), migratory locust (Locutsa migratoria), rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis,), mole cricket (Gryllotalpa africana), rice-plant weevil (Echinocnemus squameus), cut worm (Euxoa segetum), and mulberry pyralid Margaronia pyloalis) The suspected incidence of planthopper in old records expressed by 'Hwang' or 'Chung' revealed a total or 25 out of 37 in 'Samguk sagi,' 21 out of 49 in 'Goryo sa,' 9 of 73 in 'Wanjo-silrog,' and none of 8 in 'Munheon bigo' were planthoppers. Therefore, a total of 36 out of 167 records of insect incidence in the old literature can be possibly attributed to planthoppers. The brown planthopper and white-back planthopper migrate together to Korea every year from mainland China, However, the number of each species are differ by year. In 1975 outbreak the brown planthopper was dominant; and the white-back planthopper prevailed in 1946 and 1977 outbreaks, During the course of this study, the author was able to add a new record of outbreak of planthop per. In 1916 the white-back planthopper outbreak caused serious losses in Chungcheong-namdo and Jeonla-namdo, with losses estimated as high as 160 and 190 thousand seok (23.2 and 27.5 thousand M/T), in Naju and Secheon county, respectively. Since 1912, major outbreaks of brown planthopper or white-back planthopper have been recored 5 times. These occurrences coincide and well matched the period of minimum number of sunspots, With these authenticated records of planthoppers, the author believes there is a close correlation between brown planthopper and white-back planthopper outbreaks in Korea and sunspot activities. Therefore, in years of low number of sunspots, we should watch for and expect outbreaks of these. insects. At this time, it will be necessary to provide all possible prevention measures.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2010

This study was conducted to reclassify Donggui series based on the second edition of Soil Taxonomy and to discuss the formation of Donggui series in Jeju Island. Morphological properties of typifying pedon of Donggui series were investigated and physico-chemical properties were analyzed according to Soil survey laboratory methods manual. The typifying pedon has very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam A horizon (0~17 cm), gravelly very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam BA horizon (17~42 cm), gravelly very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silty clay loam Bt1 horizon (43~80 cm), brown (7.5YR 4/6) silty clay Bt2 horizon (80~105 cm), and brown (10YR 5/4) silty clay Bt3 horizon (105~150 cm). It is developed in lava plain and are derived from basalt and pyroclastic materials. The typifying pedon contains 1.3~2.1% oxalate extractable (Al + 1/2 Fe), less than 85% phosphate retention, and higher bulk density than 0.90 $Mg/m^3$. That can not be classified as Andisol. But it has an argillic horizon from a depth of 22 to 150 cm and a base saturation (sum of cations) of less than 35% at 125 cm below the upper boundary of the argillic horizon. That can be classified as Ultisol, not as Andisol and Inceptisol. It has udic soil moisture regime, and can be classified as Udalf. Also that meets the requirements of Typic Hapludalf. It has 18-35% clay at the particle-size control section, and have thermic soil temperature regime. Therefore Donggui series can be classified as fine loamy, mixed, thermic family of Typic Hapludalfs, not as fine silty, mixed, thermic family of Dystric Eutrudepts.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.336-346
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• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the vegetation structure of 34 plots for inspection(plot unit: $100m^2$)of evergreen broad-leaved forest in Dongbaekdongsan(Mt.), Jeju-do, Korea. In accordance with the results of TWINSPAN and mean importance percentage analysis, the target forest was aged $28{\sim}52$, and classified into seven community types in total: Ilex rotunda community, Castanopsis sieboldii community, Castanopsis sieboldii-Quercus glauca community, Quercus glauca-Castanopsis sieboldii community, Quercus glauca community, Quercus glauca-Camellia japonica community, and Quercus glauca-Styrax japonica community. According to the results of importance percentage analysis and DBH class distribution of major woody species, the vegetational aspects showed that the dominant species were Castanopsis sieboldii and Quercus glauca in the canopy layer and Camellia japonica in the subordinate layer. Ilex rotunda and Quercus glauca-Styrax japonica community were damaged vegetation in the canopy layer. According to the index of Shannon's diversity in the six communities including the dominant species - Quercus glauca and Castanopsis sieboldii, their species diversity degree was $0.8745{\sim}1.3018$ and that of Ilex rotunda community was the lowest 0.7619. Camellia japonica, Eurya japonica, Ilex rotunda, Trachelospermum asiaticum var. intermedium, Ardisia crenata appeared in all the seven communities. In addition, Litsea coreana and Cinnamomum japonicum as well as Neolitsea serica presumed as climax species in the warm temperate climate also appeared and the constancy ratio of Cinnamomum japonicum was more than 80%. As a result, the target forest in Dongbaekdongsan(Mt.) was mainly compose of Castanopsis sieboldii and Quercus glauca in the canopy layer as a mixed vegetational pattern, and Cameliia japonica was dominant in the subordinate layer. Continuous monitoring was required, since Camellia japonica was strong in the subordinate layer in contrast to the weakness of Litsea coreana and Neolitsea serica reported as the species of climax stage in the forest with Evergreen Broad-leaved Vegetation at a viewpoint of successional direction.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.619-627
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• 2004

Background : Corticosteroids in combination with cytotoxic drugs are the mainstays of therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there has been no regimen showing any survival benefit. The aim of this study was to describe a short-term clinical experience on interferon gamma-1b (IFN-${\gamma}1b$) therapy for IPF, as an antifibrotic agent. Methods : Medical records of 27 patients who were treated with IFN-${\gamma}1b$ (2 million IU, 3 times a week, subcutaneous injection) were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment response was assessed using ATS/ERS criteria in 17 patients who received IFN-${\gamma}1b$ for more than 6 months. In addition, we compared the efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ therapy with that of cyclophosphamide${\pm}$prednisolone therapy (n=26). Results : The median age of IFN-${\gamma}$ treated group (M:F=19:8) was 59 years (44-74 years). Compared to the patients who showed a stable response at 6 months (n=12), the deteriorated group (n=5) had worse baseline lung function (FVC, $55.4{\pm}11.3%$ vs. $70.7{\pm}10.9%$, p=0.019; DLco, $50.3{\pm}7.3%$ vs. $76.9{\pm}19.6%$, p=0.014). Lower baseline $PaO_2$ on room air breathing was observed in the deteriorated group ($68.6{\pm}7.8mmHg$ vs. $91.4{\pm}6.6mmHg$ p=0.001). Subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}1b$ did not show better efficacy than prednisolone. Five patients discontinued IFN-${\gamma}$ because of severe side effects. ARDS developed in one patient, who eventually died. Conclusion : The administration of IFN-${\gamma}1b$ is not desirable for patients diagnosed with IPF with poor lung function. Long-term and large-scaled clinical studies are needed for its efficacy in IPF.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.8
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• pp.889-895
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• 2015

Endothelial dysfunction is an initial step in atherosclerosis. B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) are important contributing factors to vascular homeostasis. Deficiencies in these B vitamins induce cardiovascular diseases by altering vascular homeostasis. Folate plays important roles in nitric oxide homeostasis in the endothelium. To determine the dose-dependent effect of dietary folate on atherosclerosis, we studied aortic relaxation and hepatic C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in C57BL/6 mice. In this study, a total of 54 male C57BL/6, 8-wk old mice were split into 2 dietary groups (control and Western style diet). Each diet group was divided into 3 subgroups according to dietary folate dosage (0.2, 2, and 8 mg/kg). After 18 months, the relaxation response seen in aortic rings from mice fed 0.2 or 2 mg folate/kg in both diet groups. However, the aortic relaxation response was not seen and no differences were observed in mice fed 8mg folate/kg in either diet group (p<0.05). Hepatic CRP levels at all folate dosages (0.2, 2, 8 mg folate/kg) were higher in the groups fed a Western style diet than in mice fed a control diet (p=0.035). CRP levels were lower in mice fed 0.2 mg folate/kg than in mice fed 2 or 8 mg folate/kg in both diet groups (p<0.05). These results indicate that in C57BL/6 mice 0.2 mg folate/kg may be enough to prevent atherosclerosis by inducing the relaxation responses of the aorta and by reducing levels of hepatic CRP, regardless of dietary style.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.761-769
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• 2011

Daily minimum temperature and freezing data of the Seoul weather station ($37^{\circ}$34'N, $126^{\circ}$57'E, Songwol-dong Jongno-gu Seoul, hereinafter Songwol) and freezing data of the Han River station ($37^{\circ}$30'N, $126^{\circ}$57'E, hereinafter Han River) were used to study the long-term variation of the freezing climate for Seoul, Korea, for the period of 100 years from 1907 to 2006. 'Freezing' of Songwol is defined that the water in outdoor fields is frozen, and 'freezing' of the Han River located 6 km away from Songwol is defined as the region 100 meters upstream of the second and fourth piers in the south end of the Han River Bridge is fully frozen. The mean first freezing date for Songwol was October 28, and one for Han River was December 28; these showed a late tendency, with the rate of 0.78 days $decade^{-1}$ and 3.47 days $decade^{-1}$, respectively. The mean annual freezing days was 159.06 days for Songwol and 50.33 days for Han River; each showed a $decade^{-1}$shorter tendency, with rates of 2.01 days $decade^{-1}$ and 5.24 days $decade^{-1}$, respectively. All the seven no-freezing years (1960, 1971, 1972, 1978, 1988, 1991, and 2006) for Han River came after 1950. The mean daily minimum temperatures of the first freezing dates for Songwol and Han River were $0.55^{\circ}C$ and $-12.22^{\circ}C$. The first freezing occurred after 6.43 days for Songwol and after 8.94 days for Han River with daily minimum temperature below $0^{\circ}C$. The annual minimum temperatures of Songwol and Han River exhibited positive correlations with the first freezing date and negative correlations with freezing days. The result shows that the freezing climate change is relevant to temperature change and is a part of overall climate change. By conducting additional studies with various methods and wider region, we will be able to monitor the freezing climate.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.83-94
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to offer basic data about prototype conservation of the Orijangnim, natural monument No. 404. For this study, March to August 2010, was a literature surveys and field research, and based on this, the Delphi survey of local residents and experts meeting were diagnosed with forest back ground, spatial extent, in the form of forests, flora and vegetation of the surrounding area, so examined closely the original form. Range of the Orijangnim was presumed from Jacheon middle school entrance($N36^{\circ}05^{\prime}59.9^{{\prime}{\prime}}/E128^{\circ}54^{\prime}32.9^{{\prime}{\prime}}$) to Odong of Hwabukmyeon village entrance($N36^{\circ}05^{\prime}31.0^{{\prime}{\prime}}/E128^{\circ}54^{\prime}32.5^{{\prime}{\prime}}$). The Orijangnim in the original form of the existing forest surrounding the village along gohyeon river going back a long S-shaped about 2km is considered. The investigated vascular plants consist of total 198 taxa : 2 forms, 20 varieties, 179 species, 152 Genera, 72 Families. Most of the 60 kinds of large land plants lots of whole plants accounted for 33.3%. A main vegetation of the Orijangnim have been distributed 473 objects of 21 species, and evergreen conifers is 19% to 92 objects, on the other hand, deciduous broadleaf tree is 79% to 373 objects, so the Orijangnim can be maxed forest that deciduous broadleaf tree is dominant. When consider the composition purpose of forest, environment of location, tree size, surrounding flora and vegetation, because an original vegetation of Orijangnim is suggested Zelkova serrata, Salix glandulosa, Celtis sinensis Pers., Quercus variabilis, Quercus acutissima , Sophora japonica L., Cornus walteri Wanger. we must restore around such species of tree. Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loudon, Chaenomeles sinensis, Prunus yedoensis Matsum., Ginkgo biloba , Pinus thunbergii Parl., Populus tomentiglandulosa T. Lee is considered to have been planted in the last.