• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2004

Purpose : Children with nephrotic syndrome(NS) are under high risk for metabolic bone disease(MBD) as a complication of long-term glucocorticoid therapy. We prospectively evaluated the effect of oral bisphosphonate(alendronate) therapy in children with NS, which has proven efficacy in adult patients with glucocorticoid induced MBD. Methods : Among 58 children with NS, aged 5 to 8 years and haying a disease duration of more than 2 years, 30(51.7%) were enrolled to meet the selection criteria, less than -1.0 Z-scores of lumbar spine bone mineral density(BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). These 30 children were divided into three groups and each were assigned to receive alendronate, calcitriol, and no-medication, respectively for one year. Lumbar spine BMD was followed up every 6 months and the biochemical indexes were measured before and 1 year after the treatment. There were no significant difference among groups with respect to the average age, the initial BMD, and the cumulative steroid doses. Analysis of the treatment efficacy was done by the % change of BMD and by the changes in Z-scores of lumbar spine BMD. Results : Mean age and disease duration of patients at the initial lumbar spine BMD evaluation was $7.4{\pm}1.7$ years and $2.2{\pm}1.2$ years, respectively. Twenty-three of 30 children(76%) had osteopenia, and seven(23%) had osteoporosis. There was no difference in the biochemical values among the groups, before and 1 year after the treatment(P<0.05). Twenty two children(73.3%) with frequent relapsing or steroid dependant NS had more frequent MBD, compared to the 8 children(26.6%) with infrequent relapsing NS. The one year % changes of BMD were 8.56 in alendronate group, 5.79 in calcitriol group, and 1.9 in no-medication group. The changes in Z-score of lumbar spine BMD increased in the alendronate group and the calcitriol group, but not in the no-medication group. One year % changes of BMD were different among groups(P=0.0002). Significant differences were found between the alendronate and the no-medication group, and between the calcitriol and the no-medication group(P<0.05). There was no difference between the alendronate and the calcitriol group. No serious adverse effect was observed in the alendronate group. Conclusion : Children with NS receiving high dose steroids are under the high risk of BMD and should undergo regular BMD evaluation. Z-score of lumbar spine BMD was a useful parameter in diagnosing low bone mass in children. Alendronate weekly oral therapy was effective and relatively safe in increasing the lumbar spine BMD in children with NS having steroid induced MBD.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.97-107
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• 2010

The objectives of this study is to figure out the unknown image processing methods of commercial CR system. We have implemented the processing curve of each Look up table(LUT) in REGIUS 150 CR system by using virtual digital test pattern method. The characteristic of Dry Imager was measured also. First of all, we have generated the virtual digital test pattern file with binary file editor. This file was used as an input data of CR system (REGIUS 150 CR system, KONICA MINOLTA). The DICOM files which were automatically generated output files by the CR system, were used to figure out the processing curves of each LUT modes (THX, ST, STM, LUM, BONE, LIN). The gradation curves of Dry Imager were also measured to figure out the characteristics of hard copy image. According to the results of each parameters, we identified the characteristics of image processing parameter in CR system. The processing curves which were measured by this proposed method showed the characteristics of CR system. And we found the linearity of Dry Imager in the middle area of processing curves. With these results, we found that the relationships between the curves and each parameters. The G value is related to the slope and the S value is related to the shift in x-axis of processing curves. In conclusion, the image processing method of the each commercial CR systems are different, and they are concealed. This proposed method which uses virtual digital test pattern can measure the characteristics of parameters for the image processing patterns in the CR system. We expect that the proposed method is useful to analogize the image processing means not only for this CR system, but also for the other commercial CR systems.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2014

Purpose: I-131 scan using High Energy (HE) collimator is generally used. While, Medium Energy (ME) collimator is not suggested to use in result of an excessive septal penetration effects, it is used to improve the sensitivities of count rate on lower dose of I-131. This research aims to evaluate I-131 SPECT/CT image quality using by HE and ME collimator and also find out the possibility of ME collimator clinical application. Materials and Methods: ME and HE collimator are substituted as Siemens symbia T16 SPECT/CT, using I-131 point source and NEMA NU-2 IQ phantom. Single Energy Window (SEW) and Triple Energy Windows (TEW) are applied for image acquisition and images with CTAC and Scatter correction application or not, applied different number of iteration and sub set are reconstructed by IR method, flash 3D. By analysis of acquired image, the comparison on sensitivities, contrast, noise and aspect ratio of two collimators are able to be evaluated. Results: ME Collimator is ahead of HE collimator in terms of sensitivity (ME collimator: 188.18 cps/MBq, HE collimator: 46.31 cps/MBq). For contrast, reconstruction image used by HE collimator with TEW, 16 subset 8 iteration applied CTAC is shown the highest contrast (TCQI=190.64). In same condition, ME collimator has lower contrast than HE collimator (TCQI=66.05). The lowest aspect ratio for ME collimator and HE collimator are 1.065 with SEW, CTAC (+) and 1.024 with TEW, CTAC (+) respectively. Conclusion: Selecting a proper collimator is important factor for image quality. This research finding tells that HE collimator, which is generally used for I-131 scan emitted high energy ${\gamma}$-ray is the most recommendable collimator for image quality. However, ME collimator is also applicable in condition of lower dose, lower sensitive if utilizing energy window, matrix size, IR parameter, CTAC and scatter correction appropriately.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.111-118
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• 2006

The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the positive menial stress, eustress, on autonomic nervous system(ANS) and human health. For this, we analyzed heart rate variability(HRV) parameters, the most promising markers of ANS function to assess the changes of emotional and physiological states of human body. We measured HRV Signal of World Cup group(281 male subjects: $29.8{\pm}5.6yr$., 187 female subjects: $29.0{\pm}5.4yr$.) in two stadiums at least an hour before the game during '2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan' event. We also measured control group's(331 male subjects: $30.9{\pm}4.7 yr$., 344 female subjects: $30.2{\pm}5.2 yr$.) in the health promotion centers in two university hospitals at least a month before and after the world cup event period. Considering physiological differences between males and females, the data analysis was applied to 'male group' and 'female group' separately. As a result, some tendency was observed that is different from what we have known as the stress reaction. In general, all parameter values except that of mean heart rate tend to decrease under stressed condition. However, under eustressed condition, both heart rate and standard deviation of the Normal to Normal intervals(SDNN) were higher then those of normal condition(p<0.05). Especially, in case of female group, contrary to distressed condition, every frequency-domain powers showed tile higher value(p<0.05, p<0.001). Considering that decrease of HRV indicates the loss of one's health, the increase of SDNN and frequency parameters means that homeostasis control mechanism of ANS is functioning positively. Accordingly, induction of eustress from international sports event may affect positively to the people's health.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.2 s.116
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• pp.198-208
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• 2006

This research was to apply a multi-metric approach, so called the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) as a tool for biological evaluations of water environments, to a wadable stream. For the study, we surveyed 5 sampling locations in Kap Stream during August 2004 ${\sim}$ September 2005. We also compared the biological data with long-term water quality data, obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Korea and physical habitat conditions based on the Quantitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). We used ten metric systems for the IBI model to evaluate biological stream health. Overall IBI values in Kap Stream averaged 24 (range: 20${\sim}$30, n=5), indicating a "fair ${\sim}$ poor" conditions according to the modified criteria of Karr (1981) and US EPA(1993). Exclusive of 4th survey, average IBI values at the upstream reach (S1 ${\sim}$ S3)and downstream reach (S4 ${\sim}$ S5) were 20 and 24, respectively. However, in 4th survey the averages were 21 and 20 in the upstream and downstream reaches, respectively. This difference was larger in the upstream than in the downstream because of physical condition disturbed during summer monsoon. Values of the QHEI varied from 75(fair condition) to 148 (good condition) and values of QHEI in the S3 were significantly (P=0.001, n=5) lower than other sites. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) were greater by 3 ${\sim}$ 8 fold in the downstream than in the upstream reach. We believe that present IBI approach applied in this study may be used as a key tool to set up specific goals for restoration of Kap Stream.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.236-244
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• 2001

Background : Most current research using prognostic scoring systems in critically ill patients have focused on prediction using the first intensive care unit (ICU) day data or daily updated data. Usually the mean ICU length of stay in Korea is longer than in the western world. Consequently, a more cost-effective and practical prognostic parameter is required. The principal aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the seventh day(7th day : the average mean ICU length of stay) APACHE III score in a medical intensive care unit. Methods : 241 medical ICU patients from July 1997 to April 1998 were enrolled. The 1st and 7th scores were measured by using the APACHE III scoring system and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the $1^{st}$ and $7^{th}$ APACHE III scores and the mortality risk. Results : 1 )The mean length of stay in the ICU was $10.3{\pm}13.8$ days. 2)The mean $1^{st}$ and $7^{th}$ day APACHE III scores were $59.7{\pm}30.9$ and $37.9{\pm}27.7$. 3) The mean $1^{st}$ day APACHE III score was significantly lower in survivors than in non- survivors($49.9{\pm}23.8$ vs $86.3{\pm}32.3$, P<0.0001). 4)The mean $7^{th}$ day APACHE III score was significantly lower in survivors than in non- survivors($30.1{\pm}18.5$ vs $80.1{\pm}30.4$, P<0.0001). 5)The odds ratios among the $1^{st}$ and $7^{th}$ day APACHE III scores and the mortality rate were 1.0507 and 1.0779 respectively. Conclusion : These results suggest that the seventh day APACHE III score is as useful in predicting the outcome as is such like the first day APACHE III score. Therefore, in comparison to the daily APACHE III score, measuring the $1^{st}$ and $7^{th}$ day APACHE III scores are also useful for predicting the prognosis of critically ill patients in terms of cost-effectiveness. It is suggested that the $7^{th}$ day APACHE III score is useful for predicting the clinical outcome.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.27 no.12C
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• pp.1288-1298
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• 2002

To implement elliptic curve cryptosystem in GF(2$\^$m/) at high speed, a fast divider is required. Although bit-parallel architecture is well suited for high speed division operations, elliptic curve cryptosystem requires large m(at least 163) to support a sufficient security. In other words, since the bit-parallel architecture has an area complexity of 0(m$\^$m/), it is not suited for this application. In this paper, we propose a new serial-in serial-out systolic array for computing division operations in GF(2$\^$m/) using the standard basis representation. Based on a modified version of tile binary extended greatest common divisor algorithm, we obtain a new data dependence graph and design an efficient bit-serial systolic divider. The proposed divider has 0(m) time complexity and 0(m) area complexity. If input data come in continuously, the proposed divider can produce division results at a rate of one per m clock cycles, after an initial delay of 5m-2 cycles. Analysis shows that the proposed divider provides a significant reduction in both chip area and computational delay time compared to previously proposed systolic dividers with the same I/O format. Since the proposed divider can perform division operations at high speed with the reduced chip area, it is well suited for division circuit of elliptic curve cryptosystem. Furthermore, since the proposed architecture does not restrict the choice of irreducible polynomial, and has a unidirectional data flow and regularity, it provides a high flexibility and scalability with respect to the field size m.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.99-106
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• 2007

This study was focused on understanding the agricultural non-point sources pollution in 72 rural catchments of Nakdong river watershed from 2001 to 2005 every two year. Also. Pearson correlations between water quality and basin characteristic were computed. Water quality of this study watershed was better in 2003 than any other period. The water quality of upstream was recorded from 0.040 to 0.510 dS/m in EC, from 3.55 to 22.60 mg/L in DO, from 0.32 to 16.64 mg/L in T-N, from 0.00 to 12.21 mg/L in $NO_3-N$, from 0.000 to 0.860 mg/L in T-P, and from 0.000 to 0.640 mg/L in $PO_4-P$. A the downstream, EC was measured from 0.030 to 0.520 dS/m, DO from 4.13 to 18.36 mg/L, T-N from 0.38 to 26.88 mg/L, $NO_3-N$ from 0.10 to 20.12 mg/L, T-P from 0.002 to 0.820 mg/L, $PO_4-P$ from 0.002 to 0.690 mg/L. But there was no difference between upstream and downstream for the water quality. Based on the correlation analysis between water quality and land use, correlation between BOD and residential was the highest positive correlation of 0.541 (p<0.01), and correlation between $PO_4-P$ and forest was the highest negative correlation of -0.451 (p<0.01). Also, T-N, $NO_3-N$, and pH were not correlated with all basin characteristics and basin was not correlated with all water quality parameter. According to the correlation residential was causative of growing worst for water quality, and forest was causative of improving for water quality.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.165-180
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• 2015

Jurassic granite from Geochang was analysed with respect to the characteristics of the rock cleavage. The phases of distribution of microcracks were well evidenced from the enlarged photomicrographs(${\times}6.7$) of the thin section. In this study, the length - cumulative frequency diagrams were used for expressing the distribution characteristics of microcrack. The diagrams for the six directions were arranged in the magnitude of density(${\rho}$). These diagrams show an order of H2 < H1 < G2 < G1 < R2 < R1 from the related chart. Among six diagrams, the diagram for hardway 2(H2) occupies the lowermost region on the left. On the contrary, the diagram for rift 1(R1) occupies the uppermost region on the right. Curve patterns of the two diagrams change from uniform to exponential distribution type in accordance with the increased density. The overall distribution characteristics of the diagrams were well evidenced from the magnitude of the exponent(${\lambda}$) and length of line oa related to the exponential straight line. The magnitude of exponent governing the values of slope(${\theta}$) is inversely proportional to the values of microcrack parameters such as number(N), length(L) and density. On the contrary, length of line oa is directly proportional to the values of the above three parameters. Above microcrack parameters related to the order of arrangement of diagrams show an order of hardway(H1 + H2) < grain(G1 + G2) < rift(R1 + R2). The distribution characteristics of progressive variation are found among the six diagrams. The order of arrangement of the diagrams indicates a relative magnitude of the rock cleavage. Meanwhile, the parameters such as slope, exponent, density and length of line oa were arranged in an order of H2 < H1 < G2 < G1 < R2 < R1. The variation curves of a smooth quadratic function are shown from the related chart. From the correlation chart between density and the above parameters, a common regularity following power-law correlation function was derived. Finally, the analysis for the rock cleavage was conducted through the combination between the diagram and microcrack parameter. This type of combination contribute to the progressivity in evaluation for the rock cleavage.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2014

Purpose : To derive the most appropriate factors by considering the effects of the major factors when applied to the optimization algorithm, thereby aiding the effective designing of a ideal treatment plan. Materials and Methods : The eclipse treatment planning system(Eclipse 10.0, Varian, USA) was used in this study. The PBC (Pencil Beam Convolution) algorithm was used for dose calculation, and the DVO (Dose Volume Optimizer 10.0.28) Optimization algorithm was used for intensity modulated radiation therapy. The experimental group consists of patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy for the head and neck cancer and dose prescription to two planned target volume was 2.2 Gy and 2.0 Gy simultaneously. Treatment plan was done with inverse dose calculation methods utilizing 6 MV beam and 7 fields. The optimal algorithm parameter of the established plan was selected based on volume dose-priority(Constrain), dose fluence smooth value and the impact of the treatment plan was analyzed according to the variation of each factors. Volume dose-priority determines the reference conditions and the optimization process was carried out under the condition using same ratio, but different absolute values. We evaluated the surrounding normal organs of treatment volume according to the changing conditions of the absolute values of the volume dose-priority. Dose fluence smooth value was applied by simply changing the reference conditions (absolute value) and by changing the related volume dose-priority. The treatment plan was evaluated using Conformal Index, Paddick's Conformal Index, Homogeneity Index and the average dose of each organs. Results : When the volume dose-priority values were directly proportioned by changing the absolute values, the CI values were found to be different. However PCI was $1.299{\pm}0.006$ and HI was $1.095{\pm}0.004$ while D5%/D95% was $1.090{\pm}1.011$. The impact on the prescribed dose were similar. The average dose of parotid gland decreased to 67.4, 50.3, 51.2, 47.1 Gy when the absolute values of the volume dose-priority increased by 40,60,70,90. When the dose smooth strength from each treatment plan was increased, PCI value increased to $1.338{\pm}0.006$. Conclusion : The optimization algorithm was more influenced by the ratio of each condition than the absolute value of volume dose-priority. If the same ratio was maintained, similar treatment plan was established even if the absolute values were different. Volume dose-priority of the treatment volume should be more than 50% of the normal organ volume dose-priority in order to achieve a successful treatment plan. Dose fluence smooth value should increase or decrease proportional to the volume dose-priority. Volume dose-priority is not enough to satisfy the conditions when the absolute value are applied solely.