• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.12
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• pp.481-486
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• 2012

Purpose: Precocious puberty is defined as breast development before the age of 8 years in girls. The present study aimed to reveal the diagnosis of Korean girls referred for precocious puberty and to compare the constitutional and endocrinological features among diagnosis groups. Methods: The present study used a retrospective chart review of 988 Korean girls who had visited a pediatric endocrinology clinic from 2006 to 2010 for the evaluation of precocious puberty. Study groups comprised fast puberty, true precocious puberty (PP), pseudo PP, premature thelarche, and control. We determined the height standard deviation score (HSDS), weight standard deviation score (WSDS), and body mass index standard deviation score (BMISDS) of each group using the published 2007 Korean growth charts. Hormone tests were performed at our outpatient clinic. Results: The PP groups comprised fast puberty (67%), premature thelarche (17%), true PP (15%), and pseudo PP (1%). Advanced bone age and levels of estradiol, basal luteinizing hormone (LH), and peak LH after gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation testing were significantly high in the fast puberty and true PP groups compared with the control group. HSDS, WSDS, and BMISDS were significantly higher in the true PP group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The frequent causes of PP were found to be fast puberty, true PP, and premature thelarche. Furthermore, BMISDS were significantly elevated in the true PP group. Therefore, we emphasize the need for regular follow-up of girls who are heavier or taller than others in the same age group.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2001

To assess the oil-containment effectiveness of tandem oil fences placed in currents, the movement of oil droplets in the fore and aft region of the fences is investigated by experimental and numerical methods. The effect of the flexibility of the fence skirt of single fence on the fence effectiveness is also investigated. Laboratory experiment is conducted to trace the path of a spherical solid particle of equivalent density to an oil droplet which was released in a uniform stream ahead of a model oil fence. Depending upon the releasing position and the flow condition there, it was observed that the particle floated up to the free surface, collided with the fence, or escaped below the fence. By analyzing the droplet trajectories, a numerical method is developed to predict the region ahead of the fore fence where an oil droplet initiating its motion eventually escapes beneath the fence. The effect of the relative sizes of the drafts of the fore and aft fences, the fence separation, and the bottom depth of the sea bed on the effectiveness of tandem fences is investigated using the numerically obtained trajectories of oil droplets.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.556-565
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• 2017

Background: Recent studies have revealed that the properties Traditional Chinese Medicine is mostly associated with are substance and energy metabolism. Our study aimed to compare the effect of red ginseng (RG) (warm property) and ginseng leaves (GL; cold property) on the substance and energy metabolism of rats with hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: Rats were administered propylthiouracil intraperitoneally for 20 d to cause hypothyroidism. The reference group was orally administered Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparaia [FZ (Fuzi in Chinese)], while both the RG and GL groups were orally administrated crude drugs. The rectal, tail, toe, and axilla temperature of the rats were assayed every 3 d. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heat production, and energy expenditure were measured via TSE phenoMaster/LabMaster animal monitoring system. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, $Na^+-K^+$-ATPase, fumarase, pyruvic acid and cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate were determined. Results: The lower levels of triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone and the higher level of thyroid stimulating hormone revealed the successful establishment of a hypothyroidism model. Oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heat production, and energy expenditure in the FZ and RG groups were obviously increased. The activity of $Na^+-K^+$-ATPase and fumarase in the FZ and RG groups was significantly increased. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate/cyclic guanosine monophosphate level in the FZ and RG groups was increased, while the GL group showed the opposite. Conclusion: Our research provides a new way to explore the efficiency of Chinese medicine on the basis of the relationship between drug property and effects on substance and energy metabolism.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.55-60
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• 2017

Purpose: Stiffness in the first metatarsophalangeal joint after surgery for hallux valgus has been reported. The goal of this study was to test the efficacy of releasing plantar aponeurosis for improving the range of extension in the first metatarsophalangeal joint that was limited after hallux valgus surgery. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients (1 man, 12 women [17 feet]; median age, 54.4 years; range, 44~69 years) with limited first metatarsophalangeal joint extension after hallux valgus surgery, who underwent an additional procedure of plantar aponeurosis release between March 2015 and August 2015, were included. Subsequently, the passive range of extension in the first metatarsophalangeal joint was evaluated via knee extension and flexion positions. Hallux valgus angle, inter-metatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, and talo-first metatarsal angle were measured on weightbearing dorsoplantar and lateral radiographs of the foot preoperatively. Results: The mean range of extension for the first metatarsophalangeal joint improved significantly, from $2.5^{\circ}$ to $40.9^{\circ}$ in the knee extension position (p<0.00). The mean extension range for the first metatarsophalangeal joint also improved, from $18.2^{\circ}$ to $43.2^{\circ}$ in the knee flexion position (p<0.00). In all patients, congruence of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was recovered. Conclusion: Plantar aponeurosis release is an effective additional procedure for improving the extension range of the first metatarsophalangeal joint after hallux valgus surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.332-342
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• 2019

Objectives: Socket grafting is vital to prevent bone resorption after tooth extraction. Several techniques to prevent resorption have been described, and various bone graft substitutes have been developed and used with varying success. We conducted this pilot study to evaluate the performance of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) derived from chicken eggshells in socket preservation. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, single center, outcome assessor-blinded evaluation of 23 sockets (11 patients) grafted with nHA and covered with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane as a barrier. Bone width and radiographic bone density were measured using digital radiographs at 1, 12, and 24 weeks post-procedure. Postoperative histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography (CT) evaluation were performed. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: All patients had uneventful wound healing without graft material displacement or leaching despite partial exposure of the grafted socket. Tissue re-epithelialized with thick gingival biotype (>3 mm). Width of the bone was maintained and radiographic density increased significantly with a trabecular pattern (73.91% of sockets) within 12 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis showed 56.52% Grade 3 bone formation and micro-CT analysis revealed newly formed bone with interconnecting trabeculae. Conclusion: Use of a PRF membrane with nHA resulted in good bone regeneration in sockets. Use of a PRF membrane prevents periosteal-releasing incisions for primary closure, thereby facilitating the preservation of keratinized mucosa and gingival architecture. This technique, which uses eggshell-derived nHA and PRF membrane from the patient's own blood, is innovative and is free of disease transfer risks. nHA is a promising economic bone graft substitute for bone regeneration and reconstruction because of the abundant availability of eggshell waste as a raw material.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.433-437
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• 2007

A constant desire has been to fabricate nanopatterns for biochip and the Ultraviolet-nano imprint lithography (UV-NIL) is promising technology especially compared with thermal type in view of cost effectiveness. By using this method, nano-scale to micro-scale structures also called nanopore structures can be fabricated on large scale gold plate at normal conditions such as room temperature or low pressure which is not possible in thermal type lithography. One of the most important methods in fabricating biochips, immobilizing, was processed successfully by using this technology. That means immobilizing proteins only on the nanopore structures based on gold, not on hardened resin by UV is now possible by utilizing this method. So this selective nano-patterning process of protein can be useful method fabricating nanoscale protein chip.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.376-382
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• 2011

Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a cytoprotective and homeostatic molecule with important signaling capabilities in physiological and pathophysiological situations. CO protects cells/tissues from damage by free radicals or oxidative stress. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) is a highly inducible enzyme that is regulated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway, which is central to efficient detoxification of reactive metabolites and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Methods: We generated NQO1 promoter construct. HepG2 cells were treated with CO Releasing Molecules-2 (CORM-2) or CO gas and the gene expressions were measured by RT-PCR, immunoblot, and luciferase assays. Results: CO induced expression of NQO1 in human hepatocarcinoma cell lines by activation of Nrf2. Exposure of HepG2 cells to CO resulted in significant induction of NQO1 in dose- and time-dependent manners. Analysis of the NQO1 promoter indicated that an antioxidant responsible element (ARE)-containing region was critical for the CO-induced Nrf2-dependent increase of NQO1 gene expression in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CO-induced Nrf2 increases the expression of NQO1 which is well known to detoxify reactive metabolites and ROS.

• Journal of Information Processing Systems
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.680-693
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• 2018

Nowadays, third-party applications form an important part of the mobile environment, and social networking applications in particular can leave a variety of user footprints compared to other applications. Digital forensics of mobile third-party applications can provide important evidence to forensics investigators. However, most mobile operating systems are now updated on a frequent basis, and developers are constantly releasing new versions of them. For these reasons, forensic investigators experience difficulties in finding the locations and meanings of data during digital investigations. Therefore, this paper presents scenario-based methods of forensic analysis for a specific third-party social networking service application on a specific mobile device. When applied to certain third-party applications, digital forensics can provide forensic investigators with useful data for the investigation process. The main purpose of the forensic analysis proposed in the present paper is to determine whether the general use of third-party applications leaves data in the mobile internal storage of mobile devices and whether such data are meaningful for forensic purposes.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Technology of Plasticity Conference
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• 2005.09a
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• pp.35-40
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• 2005

The demand for small and high-capacity optical data storage devices has rapidly increased. The areal density of optical disk is increased using higher numerical aperture objective lens and shorter wavelength source. A wafer-scale stacked micro objective lens with a numerical aperture of 0.85 and a focal length of 0.467mm for the 405nm blue- violet laser was designed and fabricated. A diffractive optical element (DOE) was used to compensate the spherical aberration of the objective lens. Among the various fabrication methods for micro DOE, the UV-replication process is more suitable for mass-production. In this study, an 8-stepped DOE pattern as a master was fabricated by photolithography and reactive ion etching process. A flexible mold was fabricated for improving the releasing properties and shape accuracy in UV-molding process. In the replication process, the effects of exposing time and applied pressure on the replication quality were analyzed. Finally, the shapes of master, mold and molded pattern were measured by optical scanning profiler. The deviation between the master and the molded DOE was less than 0.1um. The efficiency of the molded DOE was measured by DOE efficiency measurement system which consists of laser source, sample holder, aperture and optical power meter, and the measured value was $84.5\%$.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.244-251
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• 2017

Background: The application of crop rotation systems may reduce the occurrence of soil-borne diseases by releasing allelochemicals and by subsequent microbial decomposition. Methods and Results: For reduction of ginseng root rot by the crop rotation system, after harvesting 6-year-old ginseng, fresh ginseng was grown along with continuous cultivation of sweet potato, peanut, and bellflower. Growth of 2-year-old ginseng was significantly inhibited in the continuous cultivation than in the first cultivation. Sweet potato, peanut and bellflower cultivations assisted in obtaining normal yields of ginseng in the first year after the harvest of 6-year-old ginseng. Salt concentration, potassium and sodium contents were gradually decreased, and, organic matter was gradually increased through cirp rotation. Phosphate, calcium and magnesium contents were not altered. The density of the root rot fungus was gradually decreased by the increase in crop rotation; however it was decreased distinctly in the first year compared to the second and third year. The severity of root rot disease tended to decrease gradually by the increase of crop rotation. Conclusions: Short-term crop rotation for three years promoted the growth of ginseng, however root rot infection was not inhibited significantly, although it was somewhat effective in lowering the density of the root rot pathogen.