• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.1132-1141
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate changes in the median nerve, retinaculum, and carpal tunnel on ultrasound after successful endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 37 wrists in 35 patients (5 male, 30 female; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 56.9 ± 6.7 years) with primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). An in-house developed scoring system (0-3) was used to gauge the clinical improvement after ECTR. Ultrasound was performed before ECTR, and at 1, 3, and 12 months post-ECTR. Changes in the median nerve, flexor retinaculum, and carpal tunnel morphology on ultrasound after ECTR were analyzed. Ultrasound parameters for different clinical improvement groups were compared. Results: All patients improved clinically after ECTR. The average clinical improvement score ± SD at 12 months post-ECTR was 2.2 ± 0.7. The median nerve cross-sectional area proximal and distal to the tunnel decreased at all time intervals post-ECTR but remained swollen compared to normal values. Serial changes in the median nerve caliber and retinacular bowing after ECTR were more pronounced at the tunnel outlet than at the tunnel inlet. The flexor retinaculum had reformed in 25 (68%) of 37 wrists after 12 months. Conclusion: Postoperative changes in median nerve and retinaculum parameters were most pronounced at the tunnel outlet. Even in patients with clinical improvement after ECTR, nearly all ultrasound parameters remain abnormal at one year post-ECTR. These ultrasound parameters should not necessarily be relied upon to diagnose persistent CTS after ECTR.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.141-151
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• 2023

Recently, due to the expansion of the logistics industry, demand for logistics automation equipment is increasing. The modern logistics industry is a high-tech industry that combines various technologies. In general, as various technologies are grafted, the complexity of the system increases, and the occurrence rate of defects and failures also increases. As such, it is time for a predictive maintenance model specialized for logistics automation equipment. In this paper, in order to secure the operational safety and reliability of the parcel loading system, a predictive maintenance platform was implemented based on the Naive Bayes-LSTM(Long Short Term Memory) model. The predictive maintenance platform presented in this paper works by collecting data and receiving data based on a RabbitMQ, loading data in an InMemory method using a Redis, and managing snapshot DB in real time. Also, in this paper, as a verification of the Naive Bayes-LSTM predictive maintenance platform, the function of measuring the time for data collection/storage/processing and determining outliers/normal values was confirmed. The predictive maintenance platform can contribute to securing reliability and safety by identifying potential failures and defects that may occur in the operation of the parcel loading system in the future.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1131-1141
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• 2023

Objective: Cortical iron deposition has recently been shown to occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate how cortical gray matter iron, measured using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), differs in the clinical cognitive impairment spectrum. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 73 participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 66.7 ± 7.6 years; 52 females and 21 males) with normal cognition (NC), 158 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 48 patients with AD dementia. The participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging using a three-dimensional multi-dynamic multi-echo sequence on a 3-T scanner. We employed a deep neural network (QSMnet+) and used automatic segmentation software based on FreeSurfer v6.0 to extract anatomical labels and volumes of interest in the cortex. We used analysis of covariance to investigate the differences in susceptibility among the clinical diagnostic groups in each brain region. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to study the association between susceptibility values and cognitive scores including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Among the three groups, the frontal (P < 0.001), temporal (P = 0.004), parietal (P = 0.001), occipital (P < 0.001), and cingulate cortices (P < 0.001) showed a higher mean susceptibility in patients with MCI and AD than in NC subjects. In the combined MCI and AD group, the mean susceptibility in the cingulate cortex (β = -216.21, P = 0.019) and insular cortex (β = -276.65, P = 0.001) were significant independent predictors of MMSE scores after correcting for age, sex, education, regional volume, and APOE4 carrier status. Conclusion: Iron deposition in the cortex, as measured by QSMnet+, was higher in patients with AD and MCI than in NC participants. Iron deposition in the cingulate and insular cortices may be an early imaging marker of cognitive impairment related neurodegeneration.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.976-984
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• 2019

Objective: To establish diagnostic criteria for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in children by using parameters obtained through noninvasive cardiac computed tomography (CCT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively measured parameters from CCT images of children from a single institution in a multiple stepwise process. A total of 208 children with mean age of 10.5 years (range: 4 days-18.9 years) were assessed. The variables were classified into three groups: the great arteries; the ventricular walls; and the bilateral ventricular cavities. The relationship between the parameters obtained from the CCT images and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was tested and adjusted by the children's body size. Reference curves for the pulmonary trunk diameter (PTD) and ratio of diameter of pulmonary trunk to ascending aorta (rPTAo) of children with CCT images of normal hearts, adjusted for height, were plotted. Threshold lines were established on the reference curves. Results: PTD and rPTAo on the CCT images were significantly positively correlated with mPAP (r > 0.85, p < 0.01). Height was the body size parameter most correlated with PTD (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) and rPTAo (r = -0.69, p < 0.01). On the basis of the threshold lines on the reference curves, PTD and rPTAo both showed 88.9% sensitivity for PAH diagnosis, with negative predictive values of 93.3% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusion: PTD and rPTAo measured from CCT images were significantly correlated with mPAP in children. Reference curves and the formula of PTD and rPTAo adjusted for height could be practical for diagnosing PAH in children.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.183-189
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• 2023

This study investigated the impact of two distinct MS basal media: one containing FeNaEDTA and the other FeEDDHA, on the growth of five unique gerbera cultivars (Shy Pink, Pink Holic, Breeze, Harmony, Snow Dream). Notably, the response to these media types varied significantly among the cultivars, particularly concerning leaf yellowing and plant growth. 'Shiny Pink' and 'Pink Holic' exhibited leaf yellowing on the FeNaEDTA-containing medium but displayed leaf greening on the FeEDDHA-containing medium. In contrast, 'Snow Dream,' 'Harmony,' and 'Breeze' remained unaffected on both medium types. However, the FeNaEDTA-containing medium promoted higher plant height and petiole length in 'Breeze,' 'Harmony,' and 'Snow Dream' than the FeNaEDTA-containing medium did. A promotive effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plant growth and leaf greening was observed in 'Pink Holic,' particularly on the FeNaEDTA-containing medium, while the addition of AgNPs to the FeEDDHA-containing medium negatively affected plant growth. These results highlight the substantial influence of medium type, specifically the presence of FeNaEDTA or FeEDDHA, on gerbera growth responses, emphasizing the critical role of medium selection in gerbera propagation. Additionally, when contemplating the addition of AgNPs for in vitro gerbera propagation, it is crucial to consider the medium type.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.6
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• pp.579-588
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• 2024

The present paper investigates the curvature ductility of confined reinforced concrete (RC) beams with normal (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC). For the purpose of predicting the curvature ductility factor, an analytical model was developed based on the equilibrium of internal forces of confined concrete and reinforcement. In this context, the curvatures were calculated at first yielding of tension reinforcement and at ultimate when the confined concrete strain reaches the ultimate value. To best simulate the situation of confined RC beams in flexure, a modified version of an ancient confined concrete model was adopted for this study. In order to show the accuracy of the proposed model, an experimental database was collected from the literature. The statistical comparison between experimental and predicted results showed that the proposed model has a good performance. Then, the data generated from the validated theoretical model were used to train the artificial neural network (ANN) prediction model. The R² values for theoretical and experimental results are equal to 0.98 and 0.95, respectively which proves the high performance of the ANN model. Finally, a parametric study was implemented to analyze the effect of different parameters on the curvature ductility factor using theoretical and ANN models. The results are similar to those extracted from experiments, where the concrete strength, the compression reinforcement ratio, the yield strength, and the volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement have a positive effect. In contrast, the ratio and the yield strength of tension reinforcement have a negative effect.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.31-38
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• 2023

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in branched chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKAD). Between 1997, when Korea's MSUD case was first reported, and 2023, 14 cases were reported in the literature. 29% of the cases experienced developmental delay, and 29% expired. The prevalence of MSUD in Korea was estimated to be 1 in 230,000. Of 21 MSUD patients currently being treated at the Korea Genetics Research Center, 19 were detected through newborn screening program, and 2 were diagnosed by the symptoms. 14 MSUD patients had confirmed genetic mutations; 6 (43%) were BCKDHA and 8 (57%) were BCKDHB. In one case, a large deletion was observed. 4 patients had leucine levels above 2,000 (umo/L), and post-dialysis diet therapy was initiated in the newborn period. No patient required further dialysis as diet therapy and regular monitoring proved highly effective. Most MSUD patients were growing normally; weight and height growth were above the 50th percentile in 76% of the cases while BMI values were higher than normal in 71% of cases. Developmental delays were observed only in 2 cases (10%) and anticonvulsant use in 3 cases (14%). With newborn screening available to all Korean infants, early diagnosis and intervention should allow most patients to remain asymptomatic. However, ongoing surveillance, dietary management and continued patient compliance as well as rapid correction of acute metabolic decompensations remain critical to a favorable long-term prognosis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.89-96
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• 2024

Objectives This study is designed to evaluated the safety of peony root extract tablet in healthy male volunteers. Methods 12 healthy male volunteers were recruited, and this study was conducted by a single center. The safety was evaluated by collecting laboratory test and vital signs of volunteers. As the registration process, 12 subjects were assigned by serial number. To evaluate safety, vital signs were checked and blood samples were collected 4 times during the screening period, pre & post-administration (after 8 hours) and post-administration (after 7 days). The difference in variables was summarized by the mean±standard deviation. The normality test was carried out using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. When normality is fulfilled, a paired t-test is applied and the significance level was p<0.05. And the incidence of all adverse effects and serious adverse effects are shown in percentage. Results In the case of vital sign, body temperature (BT) (℃) was 0.06±0.05 ℃ (p=0.008), and there was a statistically significant difference in before and after administration. However, clinical symptoms were not occurred and BT (℃) of all subjects before and after administration showed values within the normal reference value. There was no significant difference from the control group in all other vital signs and laboratory test data. And no side-effects associated to clinical trial drugs were followed. Conclusions The peony root extract tablet was considered to be safe for healthy male volunteers.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.182-190
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• 2005

Purpose: There are differences between Standard Uptake Value (SUV) of CT attenuation corrected PET and that of $^{137}Cs$. Since various causes lead to difference of SUV, it is important to know what is the cause of these difference. Since only the X-ray CT and $^{137}Cs$ transmission data are used for the attenuation correction, in Philips GEMINI PET/CT scanner, proper transformation of these data into usable attenuation coefficients for 511 keV photon has to be ascertained. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy in the CT measurement and compare the CT and $^{137}Cs$-based attenuation correction in this scanner. Methods: For all the experiments, CT was set to 40 keV (120 kVp) and 50 mAs. To evaluate the accuracy of the CT measurement, CT performance phantom was scanned and Hounsfield units (HU) for those regions were compared to the true values. For the comparison of CT and $^{137}Cs$-based attenuation corrections, transmission scans of the elliptical lung-spine-body phantom and electron density CT phantom composed of various components, such as water, bone, brain and adipose, were performed using CT and $^{137}Cs$. Transformed attenuation coefficients from these data were compared to each other and true 511 keV attenuation coefficient acquired using $^{68}Ge$ and ECAT EXACT 47 scanner. In addition, CT and $^{137}Cs$-derived attenuation coefficients and SUV values for $^{18}F$-FDG measured from the regions with normal and pathological uptake in patients' data were also compared. Results: HU of all the regions in CT performance phantom measured using GEMINI PET/CT were equivalent to the known true values. CT based attenuation coefficients were lower than those of $^{68}Ge$ about 10% in bony region of NEMA ECT phantom. Attenuation coefficients derived from $^{137}Cs$ data was slightly higher than those from CT data also in the images of electron density CT phantom and patients' body with electron density. However, the SUV values in attenuation corrected images using $^{137}Cs$ were lower than images corrected using CT. Percent difference between SUV values was about 15%. Conclusion: Although the HU measured using this scanner was accurate, accuracy in the conversion from CT data into the 511 keV attenuation coefficients was limited in the bony region. Discrepancy in the transformed attenuation coefficients and SUV values between CT and $^{137}Cs$-based data shown in this study suggests that further optimization of various parameters in data acquisition and processing would be necessary for this scanner.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 1990

The recovery of mulberry from a late frost (April 24 to 27) was investigated for four varieties : Kaeryangppong, Cheongilppong, and Jamsang 21 in Cheongju area, Chungbuk Province. 1. Unfavourable meteorlogical conditions for recovery of mulberry followed the early late frost : lower than normal temperatures in mid-April, less sunshine in early and mid-Jay, lower temperatures and early and less precipitation in late-May, and less precipitation than normal in early June. 2. Jamsang 21 grew to the 2-3 leaf stage first, at which time Kaeryangppong and Jamsang 22 were at the 1-2 leaf stage, and Cheongilppong was at the swallow-bill shape-1 leaf stage. 3. The first leaf stage occurred on May 12, 15 days after the frost and, 19 days later in an average year. The difference lasted until the harvesting season, the 6 leaf stage. 4. Young shoot length was 50-58% of that in 1989. Kaeryangppong was the shortest at 50% and the Jamsang 21 highest at 58% of 1989 values. 5. Leaf number was 52-67% that in 1989. Kaeryangppong was the lowest at 52% and the Jamsang 21 highest at 67% of 1989 values. 6. Young shoot and leaf weight was 44-63%, and leaf weight 39-61%, compared to 1989. Kaeryangppong and Cheongilppong were the lowest, Jamsang 21 and Jamsang 22 were the highest, compared to 1989 data. 7. Young shoot length was 50-58% compared with 1989. Kaeryangppong was the lowest as 50%, the highest Jamsang 21 as 58%. 8. Number of leaf was 52-67% compared with 1989. Kearyangppong was the lowest as 52%, the highest Jamsang 21 as 67%. 9. Young shoot and leaf wight was 44-63%, and leaf weight was 39-61% compared with 1989. Kaeryangppong was the lowest, lowest, Jamsang 21 was the highest, Cheongilppong was similar with Kaeryangppong and Jamsang 22 was similar with Jamsang 21. 10. Rate of young shoot and leaf weight to total weight decreased from 75% in 1989 to 55-61% in 1990. Rate of laef weight to young shoot decreased from 72-82% to 67-71%, showed 5-10% decrease. 11. Leaf yield decreased highly in Jamsang 22 as 57% compared with 1989. Kearyangppong 61%, Jamsang 21 64%, Cheonglppong 72%. Leaf yield was 827kg/10g in Kaeryangppong, 1, 000-1, 050kg/10a in the other varieties.