• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.602-614
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• 2023

Purpose: The balance between synthesis and degradation of proteins plays a critical role in the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been closely associated with skeletal muscle atrophy caused by aging, cancer, and chemotherapy. Polygalacin D is a saponin derivative isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. This study aimed to investigate the effects of polygalacin D on myoblast differentiation and muscle atrophy in association with mitochondrial function in in vitro and in zebrafish models in vivo. Methods: C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in differentiation media containing different concentrations of polygalacin D, followed by the immunostaining of the myotubes with myosin heavy chain (MHC). The mRNA expression of markers related to myogenesis, muscle atrophy, and mitochondrial function was determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Wild type AB^* zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with or without polygalacin D, and immunostained to detect slow and fast types of muscle fibers. The Tg(Xla.Eef1a1:mitoEGFP) zebrafish expressing mitochondria-targeted green fluorescent protein was used to monitor mitochondrial morphology. Results: The exposure of C2C12 myotubes to 0.1 ng/mL of polygalacin D increased the formation of MHC-positive multinucleated myotubes (≥ 8 nuclei) compared with the control. Polygalacin D significantly increased the expression of MHC isoforms (Myh1, Myh2, Myh4, and Myh7) involved in myoblast differentiation while it decreased the expression of atrophic markers including muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)2, and Smad3. In addition, polygalacin D promoted peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (Pgc1α) expression and reduced the level of mitochondrial fission regulators such as dynamin-1-like protein (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission 1 (Fis1). In a zebrafish model of FOLFIRI-induced muscle atrophy, polygalacin D improved not only mitochondrial dysfunction but also slow and fast muscle fiber atrophy. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that polygalacin D promotes myogenesis and alleviates chemotherapy-induced muscle atrophy by improving mitochondrial function. Thus, polygalacin D could be useful as nutrition support to prevent and ameliorate muscle wasting and weakness.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2012

Purpose : During brain MRI scanning, subject's head motion can adversely affect MRI images. To minimize MR image distortion by head movement, we developed an optical tracking system to detect the 3-D movement of subjects. Materials and Methods: The system consisted of 2 CCD cameras, two infrared illuminators, reflective sphere-type markers, and frame grabber with desktop PC. Using calibration which is the procedure to calculate intrinsic/extrinsic parameters of each camera and triangulation, the system was desiged to detect 3-D coordinates of subject's head movement. We evaluated the accuracy of 3-D position of reflective markers on both test board and the real MRI scans. Results: The stereo system computed the 3-D position of markers accurately for the test board and for the subject with glasses with attached optical reflective marker, required to make regular head motion during MRI scanning. This head motion tracking didn't affect the resulting MR images even in the environment varying magnetic gradient and several RF pulses. Conclusion: This system has an advantage to detect subject's head motion in real-time. Using the developed system, MRI operator is able to determine whether he/she should stop or intervene in MRI acquisition to prevent more image distortions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.259-259
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• 2016

반도체 산업 전반에 걸쳐 이루어지고 있는 연구는 소자를 더 작게 만들면서도 구동능력은 우수한 소자를 만들어내는 것이라고 할 수 있다. 따라서 소자의 미세화와 함께 트랜지스터의 구동능력의 향상을 위한 기술개발에 대한 필요성이 점차 커지고 있으며, 고유전(high-k)재료를 트랜지스터의 게이트 절연막으로 이용하는 방법이 개발되고 있다. High-k 재료를 트랜지스터의 게이트 절연막에 적용하면 낮은 전압으로 소자를 구동할 수 있어서 소비전력이 감소하고 소자의 미세화 측면에서도 매우 유리하다. 그러나, 초미세화된 소자를 제작하기 위하여 high-k 절연막의 두께를 줄이게 되면, 전기적 용량(capacitance)은 커지지만 에너지 밴드 오프셋(band-offset)이 기존의 실리콘 산화막(SiO2)보다 작고 또한 열공정에 의해 쉽게 결정화가 이루어지기 때문에 누설전류가 발생하여 소자의 열화를 초래할 수 있다. 따라서, 최근에는 이러한 문제를 해결하기 위하여 게이트 절연막 엔지니어링을 통해서 누설전류를 줄이면서 전기적 용량을 확보할 수 있는 연구가 주목받고 있다. 본 실험에서는 high-k 물질인 Ta2O5와 SiO2를 적층시켜서 누설전류를 줄이면서 동시에 높은 캐패시턴스를 달성할 수 있는 게이트 절연막 엔지니어링에 대한 연구를 진행하였다. 먼저 n-type Si 기판을 표준 RCA 세정한 다음, RF sputter를 사용하여 두께가 Ta2O5/SiO2 = 50/0, 50/5, 50/10, 25/10, 25/5 nm인 적층구조의 게이트 절연막을 형성하였다. 다음으로 Al 게이트 전극을 150 nm의 두께로 증착한 다음, 전기적 특성 개선을 위하여 furnace N2 분위기에서 $400^{\circ}C$로 30분간 후속 열처리를 진행하여 MOS capacitor 소자를 제작하였고, I-V 및 C-V 측정을 통하여 형성된 게이트 절연막의 전기적 특성을 평가하였다. 그 결과, Ta2O5/SiO2 = 50/0, 50/5, 50/10 nm인 게이트 절연막들은 누설전류는 낮지만, 큰 용량을 얻을 수 없었다. 한편, Ta2O5/SiO2 = 25/10, 25/5 nm의 조합에서는 충분한 용량을 확보할 수 있었다. 적층된 게이트 절연막의 유전상수는 25/5 nm, 25/10 nm 각각 8.3, 7.6으로 비슷하였지만, 문턱치 전압(VTH)은 각각 -0.64 V, -0.18 V로 25/10 nm가 0 V에 보다 근접한 값을 나타내었다. 한편, 누설전류는 25/10 nm가 25/5 nm보다 약 20 nA (@5 V) 낮은 것을 확인할 수 있었으며 절연파괴전압(breakdown voltage)도 증가한 것을 확인하였다. 결론적으로 Ta2O5/SiO2 적층 절연막의 두께가 25nm/10nm에서 최적의 특성을 얻을 수 있었으며, 본 실험과 같이 게이트 절연막 엔지니어링을 통하여 효과적으로 누설전류를 줄이고 게이트 용량을 증가시킴으로써 고집적화된 소자의 제작에 유용한 기술로 기대된다.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.311-311
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• 2016

최근 고성능 디스플레이 개발이 요구되면서 기존 비정질 실리콘(a-Si)을 대체할 산화물 반도체에 대한 연구 관심이 급증하고 있다. 여러 종류의 산화물 반도체 중 a-IGZO (amorphous indium-gallium-zinc oxide)가 높은 전계효과 이동도, 저온 공정, 넓은 밴드갭으로 인한 투명성 등의 장점을 가지며 가장 연구가 활발하게 보고되고 있다. 기존에는 SG(단일 게이트) TFT가 주로 제작 되었지만 본 연구에서는 DG(이중 게이트) 구조를 적용하여 고성능의 a-IGZO 기반 박막 트랜지스터(TFT)를 구현하였다. SG mode에서는 하나의 게이트가 채널 전체 영역을 제어하지만, double gate mode에서는 상, 하부 두 개의 게이트가 동시에 채널 영역을 제어하기 때문에 채널층의 형성이 빠르게 이루어지고, 이는 TFT 스위칭 속도를 향상시킨다. 또한, 상호 모듈레이션 효과로 인해 S.S(subthreshold swing)값이 낮아질 뿐만 아니라, 상(TG), 하부 게이트(BG) 절연막의 계면 산란 현상이 줄어들기 때문에 이동도가 향상되고 누설전류 감소 및 안정성이 향상되는 효과를 얻을 수 있다. Dual gate mode로 동작을 시키면, TG(BG)에는 일정한 positive(or negative)전압을 인가하면서 BG(TG)에 전압을 가해주게 된다. 이 때, 소자의 채널층은 depletion(or enhancement) mode로 동작하여 다른 전기적인 특성에는 영향을 미치지 않으면서 문턱 전압을 쉽게 조절 할 수 있는 장점도 있다. 제작된 소자는 p-type bulk silicon 위에 thermal SiO2 산화막이 100 nm 형성된 기판을 사용하였다. 표준 RCA 클리닝을 진행한 후 BG 형성을 위해 150 nm 두께의 ITO를 증착하고, BG 절연막으로 두께의 SiO2를 300 nm 증착하였다. 이 후, 채널층 형성을 위하여 50 nm 두께의 a-IGZO를 증착하였고, 소스/드레인(S/D) 전극은 BG와 동일한 조건으로 ITO 100 nm를 증착하였다. TG 절연막은 BG 절연막과 동일한 조건에서 SiO2를 50 nm 증착하였다. TG는 S/D 증착 조건과 동일한 조건에서, 150 nm 두께로 증착 하였다. 전극 물질과, 절연막 물질은 모두 RF magnetron sputter를 이용하여 증착되었고, 또한 모든 patterning 과정은 표준 photolithography, wet etching, lift-off 공정을 통하여 이루어졌다. 후속 열처리 공정으로 퍼니스에서 질소 가스 분위기, $300^{\circ}C$ 온도에서 30 분 동안 진행하였다. 결과적으로 $9.06cm2/V{\cdot}s$, 255.7 mV/dec, $1.8{\times}106$의 전계효과 이동도, S.S, on-off ratio값을 갖는 SG와 비교하여 double gate mode에서는 $51.3cm2/V{\cdot}s$, 110.7 mV/dec, $3.2{\times}108$의 값을 나타내며 훌륭한 전기적 특성을 보였고, dual gate mode에서는 약 5.22의 coupling ratio를 나타내었다. 따라서 산화물 반도체 a-IGZO TFT의 이중게이트 구조는 우수한 전기적 특성을 나타내며 차세대 디스플레이 시장에서 훌륭한 역할을 할 것으로 기대된다.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.47.1-47.10
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• 2019

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been applied as a primary biomaterial for temporary soft tissue augmentation and as a carrier for cells and the delivery of growth factors to promote tissue regeneration. Although HA derivatives are the most versatile soft tissue fillers on the market, they are resorbed early, within 3 to 12 months. To overcome their short duration, they can be combined with cells or growth factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stimulating effects of human fibroblasts and basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) on collagen synthesis during soft tissue augmentation by HA hydrogels and to compare these with the effects of a commercial HA derivative (Restylane^®). Methods: The hydrogel group included four conditions. The first condition consisted of hydrogel (H) alone as a negative control, and the other three conditions were bFGF-containing hydrogel (HB), human fibroblast-containing hydrogel (HF), and human fibroblast/bFGF-containing hydrogel (HBF). In the Restylane^® group (HGF), the hydrogel was replaced with Restylane^® (R, RB, RF, RBF). The gels were implanted subdermally into the back of each nude mouse at four separate sites. Twelve nude mice were used for the hydrogel (n = 6) and Restylane^® groups (n = 6). The specimens were harvested 8 weeks after implantation and assessed histomorphometrically, and collagen synthesis was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: The hydrogel group showed good biocompatibility with the surrounding tissues and stimulated the formation of a fibrous matrix. HBF and HF showed significantly higher soft tissue synthesis compared to H (p < 0.05), and human collagen type I was well expressed in HB, HF, and HBF; HBF showed the strongest expression. The Restylane^® filler was surrounded by a fibrous capsule without any soft tissue infiltration from the neighboring tissue, and collagen synthesis within the Restylane^® filler could not be observed, even though no inflammatory reactions were observed. Conclusion: This study revealed that HA-based hydrogel alone or hydrogel combined with fibroblasts and/or bFGF can be effectively used for soft tissue augmentation.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea TC
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• v.44 no.8
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• pp.42-50
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• 2007

This paper presents design methods for dual-frequency(2.4/5.8GHz) active receiving antennas. The proposed active receiving antennas are designed to interconnect the output port of a wideband antenna to the input port of an active device of High Electron Mobility Transistor directly and to receive RF signals of 2.4GHz and 5.2GHz simultaneously where the impedance matching conditions are optimized by adjusting the length of $1/20{\lambda}_0$(@5.8GHz) CPW transmission line in the planar antenna The bandwidth of implemented dual-frequency active receiving antennas is measured in the range of 2.0GHz to 3.1GHz and 5.25GHz to 5.9GHz. Gains are measured of 17.0dB at 2.4GHz and 15.0dB at 5.2GHz. The measured noise figure is 1.5dB at operating frequencies.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.9
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• pp.1007-1011
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• 2008

Purpose : Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common type of seizure. The role of genetic factors in FSs has long been recognized. A positive family history can be elicited in 25-40% of patients with FSs; nonetheless, the genes responsible for FSs in the majority of the population remain unknown. Interleukin-$1{\beta}$ ($IL-1{\beta}$) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that acts as an endogenous pyrogen. Thus, $IL-1{\beta}$ could be involved in the pathophysiology of FSs. Methods : To determine whether or not single nucleotide polymorphisms of the $IL-1{\beta}$ gene are associated with susceptibility to simple FSs, $IL-1{\beta}$ promoter -31 and -511 genotyping was performed by means of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment (PCR-RF) length polymorphism in 40 FS patients (20 sporadic and 20 familial FS patients) and 33 controls. Results : There were no significant differences in the frequencies of -31 C/T and -511 C/T in the $IL-1{\beta}$ promoter gene, between simple FS patients and controls. Conclusion : The frequency of CT/CT increased relatively in familial FS patients. A study examining a larger number of FS patients is needed.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.142-147
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• 2008

Purpose : By using the micro-imaging unit modified from NMR spectrometer, the high resolution MRI protocols of finer than 100 micron in 5 minutes, is sought for mouse, which plays a central role in animal studies Materials and Methods : C57BL/6 mouse, lighter than 50 gram, is used for the experiments. The superconducting magnet is vertical type with 89 mm inner diameter at 4.9 Tesla. The diameter of rf-coil is 30 mm. Mostly used techniques are the fast spin echo and the gradient echo pulse sequence. Results : For 2D images, proton density and T2 weighted images are obtained and their optimum experimental variables were sought. Minute structure of mouse brain can be recognized and 3D brain image is also obtained additionally. 3D image will be useful particularly for the dynamic contrast study using various contrast agents. Conclusion : Like the case of human and other small animals, the high resolution of mouse brain is enough to recognize the minute structure of it. Recently, similar studies are reported domestically, but it seems only a beginning stage. Due to easiness of breeding/control, mouse MRI study will soon play a vital part in brain study.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.72-77
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• 2013

Purpose: Whole-body PET using radiopharmaceutical is one of the imaging study methods for physiological changes of body. High specificity of the PET-CT examination is used to detect an early stages of cancer and metastatic cancer by imaging a physiological changes. During the imaging process, PET image has been characterized by a relatively low image quality due to its low sensitivity and the acquisition of random and scatter coincidences as well as patients figure. Therefore, the image quality as the changes of the acquisition times of patient weight was evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who presented to our hospital were enrolled. They were divided to normal, overweight, and obese group using BMI index, respectively. The patients with a liver disease and diabetes were excluded. $^{18}F-FDG$ was administered to the patients as 5.2 MBq per kg. After an hour from an injection, image acquisition was obtained as List mode in a part of liver in 1 bed. SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of each groups acquisition times were confirmed from the calculated radiation counts and random fractions. The statistical significance of three groups was confirmed through one-way ANOVA test. On the basis of the counts of 2 minutes on normal group, the SNR of overweight group and obese group were compared. Results: The SNR were increased with loger aquisition time in 3 groups. In the condition of same acquisition time, the SNR had a statistical significance (P<0.05). The SNR were decreased to the normal, overweight, and obese, respectively. Liver activity had no significance difference on each group and RF had the significance differences (P<0.05). On the basis of the counts of 2 minutes on normal group, there were no statistical significance in a three minute acquisitions of overweight group and two minute acquisitions of obese group (P=0.150). Conclusion: In this study, the administrated amount of radiation dose did not adjust as the change of the patients weight. Increasing the acquisition time when the administration of the same amount of dose was able to get a good result of SNR. When the Based 2 minute on normal group, if overweight and obese case the increased acquisition time of 3 minute was able to obtain a similar SNR. On the basis of the normal group, the acquisition times of overweight and obese group were increased to 3 minutes per bed and the SNR were similar to the normal group.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.99-110
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• 2001

A gem-quality yttria-stabilized zirconium oxide crystals were synthesized by the skull-melting method, using the RF electrical apparatus. Principal raw materials used were $ZrO_2$and 25 wt.% $Y_2O_3$as stabilizer and 0.03~0.05 wt.% $Nd_2O_3$decolorizing agent were added to it. The single crystals were approximately 20$\times$63 mm in size with chemical composition $Zr_{0.73}$ $Y_{0.27}$ $O_{1.87}$ . The crystals are isotropic with no appreciable anisotropism under a polarizing microscope. Their refractive indices are in the range of 2.15~2.18, specific gravity 5.85, Mohs' hardness 8~8.5, and reflectivity 13.47%. The zirconia crystals were confirmed to have cubic structure with Face-centered lattice(Z=4), space group Fm3m ($CaF_2$-type structure) and unit cell parameters are a=5.157 $\AA$. The optimal growing conditions for yttria-stabilized zirconia are 50 kW, 2.94 MHz in power and to use a crucible with 105 mm $\times$ 135 mm in size. When the lowering speed of the crucible was set 16mm/hr gave the best yield, 42%. Since the refractive index(2.15~2.18) of cubic zirconia is smaller than that of diamond, the angle between crown and pavilion should be fashioned to make it smaller than $40.5^{\circ}$ to show the maximum brilliancy and fire.