• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.423-430
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• 2013

Recently, the personal identification technologies using vein pattern of back of the hand, palm, and finger have been developed actively because it has the advantage that the vein blood vessel in the body is impossible to damage, make a replication and forge. However, it is difficult to extract clearly the vein region from captured vein images through common image prcessing based region segmentation method, because of the light scattering and non-uniform internal tissue by skin layer and inside layer skeleton, etc. Especially, it takes a long time for processing time and makes a discontinuity of blood vessel just in a image because it has non-uniform illumination due to use a locally different adaptive threshold for the binarization of acquired finger-vein image. To solve this problem, we propose illumination normalization based fast method for extracting the finger-vein region. The proposed method has advantages compared to the previous methods as follows. Firstly, for remove a non-uniform illumination of the captured vein image, we obtain a illumination component of the captured vein image by using a low-pass filter. Secondly, by extracting the finger-vein path using one time binarization of a single threshold selection, we were able to reduce the processing time. Through experimental results, we confirmed that the accuracy of extracting the finger-vein region was increased and the processing time was shortened than prior methods.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.38-48
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• 2010

Objectives: Moxa treatment has outstanding effects that are frequently facilitated in a clinical setting, and it is also known to have positive effects for immunity and relief of pain through various studies. Currently, moxa treatment has become diversified in many ways. One of the moxa treatment techniques that was frequently used during the Joseon Dynasty was Woogakgubeop (牛角灸法, horn-shaped moxa treatment). This articles aims to disclose the fact that the Woogakgubeop is the technique applicable to the origin of the Large moxa treatments of today. Also, the writings of Woogakgubeop recorded in the royal medical documentations, such as the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty, the Seungjeonwonilgi (The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat) and others, are analyzed and the characteristics of the Woogakgubeop are cleared through it. Methods: From the royal medical documents, the Chronicles of the Royal Families of the Joseon Dynasty and the Seungjeonwonilgi, articles related Woogakgubeop were extracted and analyzed. Records of each document were facilitated for the DB search. In addition to these two documents, the records of written literature were surveyed as well. The written literature are appropriate to express the experiences of intellectuals at the time. Results and Conclusions: 1. Considering that Woogakgubeop is a single therapy, there exists relatively many records in addition to the specialized medical documents, and through them, it is known that Woogakgubeop was a widely known therapy in the middle to later parts of Joseon in general. 2. Woogakgubeop is a method that addresses problems contained within the existing moxa treatment techniques. By enlarging the size of the mugwort wick, it strengthens the heat energy of the moxa treatment to reduce the frequency of applying moxa treatment. When undertaking the method to empty the wick inside the mugwort, the pain of a fever patient will be reduced and burn damage to the skin is minimized. 3. Wind-cold type weakness and other general moxa treatment techniques have been used for various symptoms detailed, including chest pain, tinnitus, carbuncle, cellulites, cold sense of leg, colic, diarrhea and other illnesses. In addition, it may generate strong fever, and was used to implement the Yeonjebeop (煉臍法). 4. Woogakgubeop is applicable to the origin of Large moxa treatment of today and it provides important bibliographic base thereof.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.374-382
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• 2009

Steam generator(SG) tube, as a barrier isolating primary to the secondary coolant system of nuclear power plants(NPP), must maintain the structural integrity far the public safety and its efficient power generation capacity. And SG tubes bearing defects must be timely detected and taken repair measures if needed. For the accomplishment of these objectives, SG tubes have been periodically examined by eddy current testing(ECT) on the basis of administrative notices and intensified SG management program(SGMP). Stress corrosion cracking(SCC) on the SG tubes is not easily detected and even missed since it has lower signal amplitude and other disturbing factors against its detection. However once SCC is developed, that can cause detrimental affects to the SG tubes due to its rapid propagation rate. Accordingly SCC is categorized as prime damage mechanism challenging the soundness of the SG tubes. In this study, reproduced EDM notch specimens are examined for the detectability and quantitative characterization of the axial ODSCC by +PT MRPC probe, containing pancake, +PT and shielded pancake coils apart in a single plane around the circumference. The results of this study are assumed to be applicable fur providing key information of engineering evaluation of SCC and improvement of confidence level of ECT on SG tubes.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.285-294
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• 2020

This study investigated the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) over a two-decade period on public roads, focusing on the electromagnetic characteristics of the pavement dielectrics and attenuation. From the results, a typical range of characteristic value, influencing factors, and a correction method were suggested. The typical dielectrics of asphalt pavements were 4-7, as measured by an air-coupled 1 GHz GPR antenna. The dielectrics of concrete pavements were very large in the early age, but were drastically reduced with ageing. Ten years on, collection was in the range of 6-12. The dielectrics were proportional to the relative humidity (R.H.) of the atmosphere. The effects were reduced to one eighth with an overlay. Attenuation generally increased with thickness of the road layer, and also increased where there was damage. The GPR results could also vary depending on the weather conditions as well as on the characteristics of the GPR equipment, even at the same frequency. Therefore, GPR surveys should be performed on road surfaces without debris on a single, fine day. The reliability of the GPR analysis could be improved by cores and equipment calibration with other non-destructive test surveys.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.525-535
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• 2020

This study aims to evaluate the economic value of the heat wave watch/warning (HW/W) forecast provided by the KMA (Korea Meteorological Administration) for the public sector. Local govermenments of Korea currently use the HW/W forecasts as a major input variable to determine the preparative requisite level for reducing potential damage by extreme heat events. To assess the value of the HW/W, which is not a marketable commodity, a decision-making model taking into account the cost and loss was established. The 'cost' variable was defined as the heat wave countermeasures budget for Seoul and Busan in 2016, and the 'loss' variable was set as the amount of health insurance claims for those 65 and older obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Using this model, the value of the HW/W in 2016 was calculated as KRW 4,133M and KRW1,090M for Seoul and Busan, respectively. In addition, if the KMA reduces the False Alarm of the HW/W by a single instance, the value will be increased by KRW 76.6M and KRW 16.8M for the two cities. The results of this study are useful in quantitatively estimation of the value of the HW/W forthe public sector.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.906-913
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• 1998

This study an analyzes the effects of the P/S ratio of dietary lipids and antioxidant vitamin supplements on serum lipids level and fatty acid profile, the degree of lipid peroxidation, and the antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver of rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz($\alpha$) anthracene(DMBA). P/S ratio of dietary lipids was made into 0.5, 1 and 2 by mixing palm oil, soybean oil, sesame oil and perilla oil at 10%(w/w) fat level and n-6/n-3 ratio was fixed to 4. Antioxidant vitamin of $\alpha$-tocopherol or $\beta$-carotene was supplemented in addition to vitamin mixture which was given at 1 % of the standard diet. female Sprague-Dawley strain rats, about 60 days old, were divided into three groups(LP : low P/S ratio(0.5), MP : medium P/S ratio (1.0), HP , high P/S ratio(2.0)) and each group was sub-divided into three groups(S ; standard, T ; tocopherol supplemented, C : carotene supplemented): Two weeks after feeding experimental diets, all groups were treated with a single dose of DMBA(2mg/100g BW) by gastric intubation and fed experimental diet for 9 week. The results were as follows ; 1) Serum total cholesterol(TC) level was not significantly influenced by diet but tended to be lower in HP groups compared to LP and MP groups. Triglyceride level was the highest in LP groups and the lowest in $\alpha$-tocopherol supplemented groups. 2) Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) level, representing lipid peroxidation in hepatic microsome, tended to be increased as the unsaturation of dietary lipids increases. $\alpha$-Tocopherol supplement significantly decreased TBARS level. 3) The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione peroxidase(GSHPx) in hepatic cytosol showed the tendency to be high with increasing P/S ratio of dietary lipids. SOD activity was not significantly influenced by antioxidant vitamin, but GSHPx activity was significantly increased in $\alpha$-tocopherol supplemented groups. In summary, high polyunsaturated fat diet was effective on reducing the serum level of total cholesterol and triglyceride, while it increased unsaturation and peroxidizability of serum fatty acid. With increasing P/S ratio of dietary lipids, lipid peroxidation was increased in the liver and antioxidant enzyme system was induced to inhibit lipid peroxidation against oxidative damage. $\alpha$-Tocopherol supplement was effective in lowering lipid peoxidation, but $\beta$-carotene supplement did not exhibit antioxidant effect. (Korean J Nutrition 31(5) 906~913, 1998)

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.3-17
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• 2017

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common and painful complication of acute herpes zoster. In some cases, it is refractory to medical treatment. Preventing its occurrence is an important issue. We hypothesized that applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of herpes zoster could reduce PHN incidence by attenuating central sensitization and minimizing nerve damage and the anti-inflammatory effects of local anesthetics and steroids. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of using nerve blocks to prevent PHN. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and KoreaMed databases without language restrictions on April, 30 2014. We included all randomized controlled trials performed within 3 weeks after the onset of herpes zoster in order to compare nerve blocks vs active placebo and standard therapy. Results: Nine trials were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Nerve blocks reduced the duration of herpes zoster-related pain and PHN incidence of at 3, 6, and 12 months after final intervention. Stellate ganglion block and single epidural injection did not achieve positive outcomes, but administering paravertebral blockage and continuous/repeated epidural blocks reduced PHN incidence at 3 months. None of the included trials reported clinically meaningful serious adverse events. Conclusions: Applying nerve blocks during the acute phase of the herpes zoster shortens the duration of zoster-related pain, and somatic blocks (including paravertebral and repeated/continuous epidural blocks) are recommended to prevent PHN. In future studies, consensus-based PHN definitions, clinical cutoff points that define successful treatment outcomes and standardized outcome-assessment tools will be needed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.2125-2134
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• 2015

IrrE is a highly conserved global regulator in the Deinococcus genus and contributes to survival from high doses of UV radiation, ionizing radiation, and desiccation. Drad-IrrE and Dgob-IrrE from Deinococcus radiodurans and Deinococcus gobiensis I-0 each share 66% sequence identity. However, Dgob-IrrE showed a stronger protection phenotype against UV radiation than Drad-IrrE in the D. radiodurans irrE-deletion mutant (ΔirrE), which may be due to amino acid residues differences around the DNA-binding HTH domain. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to generate a Drad-IrrE A184S single mutant, which has been characterized and compared with the ΔirrE mutant complemented strain with Drad-irrE, designated ΔirrE-E. The effects of the A184S mutation following UV radiation and mitomycin C (MMC) shock were determined. The A184S mutant displayed significantly increased resistance to UV radiation and MMC shock. The corresponding A184 site in Dgob-IrrE was inversely mutated, generating the S131A mutant, which exhibited a loss of resistance against UV radiation, MMC shock, and desiccation. qPCR analysis revealed that critical genes in the DNA repair system, such as recA, pprA, uvrA, and ddrB, were remarkably induced after UV radiation and MMC shock in the ΔirrE-IE and A184S mutants. These data suggested that A184S improves the ability against UV radiation and MMC shock, providing new insights into the modification of IrrE. We speculated that the serine residue may determine the efficiency of DNA binding, leading to the increased expression of IrrE-dependent genes important for protection against DNA damage.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2017

Cimicifuge dahurica (C. dahurica), Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) and Phellodendri amurense (P. amurense) extracts has an detoxification effect and Magnol obovata bark (M. obovata) extracts has an antibacterial effect in oriental medicine. This study investigated the possibility of the extract mixture as a functional cosmetic ingredient by mixing C. dahurica, C. chinensis, P. amurense and M. obovata extracts. MTT assay was carried out for toxicity test and DPPH/ABTS experiments for antioxidant effects of the extract mixture. Results show that the extract mixture was safer and antioxidant effects in a dose-dependent manner than single extract of the mixture. The mixture effectively inhibited NO (nitric oxide) production, which indicate good efficacy for anti-inflammation. The mixture also protected UVB-induced cell damage and increased type 1 pro-collagen synthesis in fibroblast. In addition, it's treatment inhibited the melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity by lowering expression of MITF, tyrosinase and TRPs in B16F10 melanoma cell. These results suggest that medicinal herbal extract mixture may be useful as a functional ingredient for anti-aging and skin whitening cosmetic formula.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.400-404
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• 2006

This study demonstrates the anti-arthritic effect of topical application of ketoprofen gel containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in adjuvant arthritis therapy. Adjuvant arthritis was induced by a single injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Mature female Sprague-Dawley rats were designated to 3 groups such as control group, K10 group (ketoprofen 10 mg/rat), and NK10 group (ketoprofen 10 mg/rat containing NMP). The anti-arthritic activity of ketoprofen containing NMP was tested not only as to its capability to suppress the inflammatory edema, but also bone damage (X-ray score and regional bone uptake) of the hind paw in arthritis-induced rats. These results showed a higher efficacy of ketoprofen containing NMP than ketoprofen treatment in the adjuvant-induced arthritis. Ketoprofen containing NMP has good intrinsic characteristics for formulation in an efficacious anti-inflammatory topical application.