• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.17-31
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• 2021

Post-earthquake fire is a common disaster which causes serious safety issues to infrastructures. This study aims to investigate the residual loading capacities of circular concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns under post-earthquake fire experimentally and numerically. The experimental programme contains two loading steps - pre-damage cyclic loading at room temperature and transient state tests with constant compression loads. Three finite element models are developed and validated against the test results. Upon validation, a total of 48 numerical results were generated in the parametric study to investigate the effects of thickness and strengths of steel tube, axial compression ratio and damage degree on the fire resistance of circular CFST columns. Based on the analysis on experimental and numerical results, the loading mechanism of circular CFST columns is discussed. A design method is proposed for the prediction of fire resistance time under different seismic pre-damage and compression loads. The predictions by the new method is compared with the newly generated experimental and numerical results and is found to be accurate and consistent with the mean value close to the unity and a coefficient of variation around 1%.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.6-19
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• 2023

A systematic review was conducted in compliance with PRISMA statement standards to identify all studies reporting outcomes of laparoscopic resection of benign or malignant lesions located in caudate lobe of liver. Pooled outcome data were calculated using random-effects models. A total of 196 patients from 12 studies were included. Mean operative time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 225 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], 181-269 minutes), 134 mL (95% CI, 85-184 mL), and 7 days (95% CI, 5-9 days), respectively. The pooled risk of need for intraoperative transfusion was 2% (95% CI, 0%-5%). It was 3% (95% CI, 1%-6%) for conversion to open surgery, 6% (95% CI, 0%-19%) for need for intra-abdominal drain, 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) for postoperative mortality, 2% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for biliary leakage, 2% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for intra-abdominal abscess, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for biliary stenosis, 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) for postoperative bleeding, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for pancreatic fistula, 2% (95% CI, 1%-5%) for pulmonary complications, 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for paralytic ileus, and 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) for need for reoperation. Although the available evidence is limited, the findings of the current study might be utilized for hypothesis synthesis in future studies. They can be used to inform surgeons and patients about estimated risks of perioperative complications until a higher level of evidence is available.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.110-119
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• 2024

Background: The Mae Kha Canal is one of Chiang Mai's most important waterways. It supports local agriculture, irrigation, and transportation as well as provides stormwater drainage to prevent floods. Due to the unregulated rapid urbanization of the city and lack of efficient waste and wastewater management systems over the past few decades, the canal has become heavily polluted. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of Mae Kha canal through assessment of the physico-chemical water quality and coliform bacteria. Moreover, benthic macroinvertebrates were samples and assessed using the Biological Monitoring Working Party (BMWP^Thai) and Average Score Per Taxon (ASPT^Thai) as biological indices. Results: The physico-chemical showed low dissolved oxygen levels, high levels of ammonia and phosphates, and elevated levels of biochemical oxygen demand, indicating that the water quality had significantly deteriorated. The canal was found to be heavily polluted, with most sites falling into the polluted to very heavily polluted. Coliform bacteria analysis revealed alarmingly high levels of total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria in the canal. The BMWP^Thai and ASPT^Thai scores indicated poor to very poor water quality. Conclusions: The physico-chemical and coliform bacteria indicated that the water quality of the Mae Kha canal had significantly deteriorated. The biological indices also indicated the poor to very poor water quality. This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive remediation efforts, emphasizing strategic planning, investment, and community engagement to revive the canal's ecological health and water quality.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2024

To compare the outcomes of low central venous pressure (CVP) to standard CVP during laparoscopic liver resection. The study design was a systematic review following the PRISMA statement standards. The available literature was searched to identify all studies comparing low CVP with standard CVP in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection. The outcomes included intraoperative blood loss (primary outcome), need for blood transfusion, mean arterial pressure, operative time, Pringle time, and total complications. Random-effects modelling was applied for analyses. Type I and type II errors were assessed by trial sequential analysis (TSA). A total of 8 studies including 682 patients were included (low CVP group, 342; standard CVP group, 340). Low CVP reduced intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic liver resection (mean difference [MD], -193.49 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -339.86 to -47.12; p = 0.01). However, low CVP did not have any effect on blood transfusion requirement (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% CI, 0.28-1.03; p = 0.06), mean arterial pressure (MD, -1.55 mm Hg; 95% CI, -3.85-0.75; p = 0.19), Pringle time (MD, -0.99 minutes; 95% CI, -5.82-3.84; p = 0.69), operative time (MD, -16.38 minutes; 95% CI, -36.68-3.39; p = 0.11), or total complications (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 0.97-3.80; p = 0.06). TSA suggested that the meta-analysis for the primary outcome was not subject to type I or II errors. Low CVP may reduce intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic liver resection (moderate certainty); however, this may not translate into shorter operative time, shorter Pringle time, or less need for blood transfusion. Randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes will provide more robust evidence.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.61-66
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare plans prescribed to point A with these prescribed to point H recommended by ABS (American Brachytherapy Society) in high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical carcinoma. Materials and Methods: This study selected 103 patients who received HDR (High Dose Rate) brachytherapy using tandem and ovoids from March 2010 to January 2012. Point A, bladder point, and rectal point conform with Manchester System. Point H conforms with ABS recommendation. Also Sigmoid colon point, and vagina point were established arbitrarily. We examined distance between point A and point H. The percent dose at point A was calculated when 100% dose was prescribed to point H. Additionally, the percent dose at each reference points when dose is prescribed to point H and point A were calculated. Results: The relative dose at point A was lower when point H was located inferior to point A. The relative doses at bladder, rectal, sigmoid colon, and vagina points were higher when point H was located superior to point A, and lower when point H was located inferior to point A. Conclusion: This study found out that as point H got located much superior to point A, the absorbed dose of surrounding normal organs became higher, and as point H got located much inferior to point A, the absorbed dose of surrounding normal organs became lower. This differences dose not seem to affect the treatment. However, we suggest this new point is worth being considered for the treatment of HDR if dose distribution and absorbed dose at normal organs have large differences between prescribed to point A and H.

• ALGAE
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.109-125
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• 2018

Turkish towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus), Pacific dulse (Palmaria mollis, also known as Red ribbon seaweed), and sea lettuce (Ulva spp.) were cultivated in a land-based intensive culture system at the Manchester Research Station, USA from August 2013 to September 2014. Macroalgae were grown in tumble-aerated tanks, harvested bimonthly for seasonal growth calculations, and analyzed for protein, lipid, ash, and amino acid content. Growth rate of all three species exhibited a similar pattern, with the highest specific growth rates occurring during the summer months (Turkish towel: 7.8%, Pacific dulse: 8.2%, and sea lettuce: 6.2%). Growth of all three species was lowest around winter solstice; with negative growth only observed in sea lettuce. On a dry weight basis significant differences in protein content existed between the three species with highest values for sea lettuce ($29.5{\pm}1.4%$). Lipid content varied between species (0.95-2.78%) with significantly higher lipid observed in sea lettuce (0.58-4.82%). No significant differences were detected on a seasonal basis among each species. Essential amino acids accounted for $43{\pm}0.9$ to $47{\pm}1.2%$ of total amino acids with Turkish towel having the highest value. Turkish towel had a significantly higher taurine level ($0.82{\pm}0.27$) than the other macroalgae. The levels of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals were low. The estimated annual product of the three species ranged from 50- to $70-mt\;dry\;weight\;ha^{-1}\;y^{-1}$, significantly higher than conventional crops. Land-based culture of these species can produce year-round harvest, consistent product quality, and low contaminant levels.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.56-61
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• 2017

Purpose: Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is characterized by multiple tumors, including vestibular schwannoma (VS) and others affecting cranial and peripheral nerves. NF2 is caused by mutation of the NF2 gene. The mutation spectrum of NF2 has not been characterized in Korean patients. In the current study, the clinical and genetic characteristics of Korean NF2 patients were analyzed. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five unrelated Korean families were enrolled according to the Manchester criteria. Genetic analysis was performed by direct sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification methods using genomic DNA from peripheral lymphocytes or tumor tissues. Results: All patients had bilateral/unilateral VS and/or other cranial and peripheral nerve tumors. Two patients were familial cases and the other 24 patients were sporadic. Germline NF2 mutations were detected in peripheral lymphocytes from both familial cases, but only in 26.1% of the 23 sporadic families. Somatic mutations were also found in tumor tissues from two of the sporadic families. These somatic mutations were not found in peripheral lymphocytes. A total of 10 different mutations including 2 novel mutations were found in 40.0% of studied families. Five mutations (50.0%) were located in exon 6 of NF2, the FERM domain coding region. Conclusion: Family history was an important factor in identifying germline NF2 mutations. Further study is required to investigate whether exon 6 is a mutation hotspot in Korean NF2 patients and its correlation to phenotypic severity.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.166-172
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• 2019

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results after reinforcement of the weakened medial joint capsule using Internal Brace (Arthrex) for treating severe hallux valgus. Materials and Methods: This study reviewed 56 cases of 50 patients that were followed-up postoperatively for at least 12 months, from September 2017 until August 2018. An extended distal chevron osteotomy combined with a distal soft-tissue release was performed by a single surgeon to treat severe hallux valgus. Internal Brace was applied in 12 cases (group A) who had weakened medial joint capsules, and capsulorrhaphy was performed in 44 cases (group B), and these two groups were compared postoperatively for the clinical and radiological results. The postoperative complications were also investigated. Results: No significant differences at 1-year follow-up on the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire and the patients' satisfaction scores were found between the two groups (p=0.905 and p=0.668, respectively). For the radiology, the changes of the values between before surgery and at 1-year follow-up according to the group showed no significant differences in the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and the hallux interphalangeal angle (p=0.986, p=0.516, p=0.754, respectively). Recurrence of hallux valgus was reported in two cases in group A, and in three cases in group B. Transfer metatarsalgia occurred in 4 cases in group B. Conclusion: Based on these results, we recommend the capsule reinforcing technique using Internal Brace as a successful operative option for treating a weakened medial capsule in patients with severe hallux valgus.

• Journal of Convergence Society for SMB
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.71-77
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• 2016

In this paper, we analyze the quality of life of children and adolescents with cancer. Separated children and adolescents to treat more than 293 patients myeongreul quit two years to analyze the quality of life. In most previous studies it was to compare the quality of life of the patient to feel the parent to evaluate the quality of life in children and adolescents with cancer. Or It was common practice to evaluate Pediatrics as a group. However, to evaluate a wide range of ages of children and adolescents cancer patients as a basis, there is a problem. Therefore, in the paper according to the degree language understanding and 10 to 12 years old and 13-20 years old classified as two groups. In addition, we use KMMQL-AF questionnaires written in korean. Accurate across the 10 local hospital the experts have described the extraction accompanied by an in-depth interview research surveys for data collection (15.07.2011 - 01.31.2012).

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.468-475
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• 1992

In order to understand more clearly the integration between N-assmilation and C-metabolism in relation to N fertilization, a pot experiment with 5 different level of N fertilization(0, 5, 10, 25, 50 mM NO$_3$$_{[-10]}$ ) was conducted in Manchester, U.K. The peas (Pisum sativum L., cv. Early Onward) were sown in vermiculate (5 cm depth) and cultivated for 6 days under temperature controlled dark room conditions ($25^{\circ}C$). The plants received frequent irrigation with a nutrient solution: it was fertilized every 2 days, 3 times a day at 10h, 13h, 16h respectively. Elevated NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ concentration, the activity levels of NR, NiR, total GS(crude extract), GS$_2$(plastid) in both root and shoot were increased and reached the peak in 5～25 mM, except NiR specific activity which increased its activity continually until 50 mM NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ treatment. Total activities of GS (crude extract) in both root and shoot became higher than those of GS$_2$(Plastid), and the activity ratios of total GS in the crude extract and GS$_2$ in the plastids were 3.0 to 4.3 in root, but 3.2 to 10.6 in shoot. It was concluded that the reductants and A TP from OPPP itself should be enough to achieve the high rate of NR, NiR, GS$_1$, GS$_2$ in plant root and shoot for reduction or assimilation of nitrogen, but these enzyme activities might be inhibited by an excess of NO$_3$$^{[-10]}$ influx over the reduction capacity.