• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2024

This study were conduced experimentally to analyze the heat-generating performance, flexural strength, and microstructure of conductive mortar mixed with micro steel fiber and multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). In the conductive mortar heat-generating performance and flexural strength tests, the mixing concentration of MWCNT was selected as 0.0wt%, 0.5wt%, and 1.0wt% relative to the weight of cement, and micro steel fibers were mixed at 2.0vol% relative to the volume. The performance experiments were conducted with various applied voltages (DC 10V, 30V, 60V) and different electrode spacings (40 mm, 120 mm) as parameters, and the flexural strength was measured at the curing age of 28 days and compared and analyzed with the normal mortar. Furthermore, the surface shape and microstructure of conductive mortar were analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The results showed that the heat-generating performance improved as the mixing concentration of MWCNT and the applied voltage increased, and it further improved as the electrode spacing became narrower. However, even if the mixing concentration of MWCNT was added up to 1.0 wt%, the heat-generating performance was not significantly improved. As a result of the flexural strength test, the average flexural strength of all specimens except the PM specimen and the MWCNT mixed specimens was 4.5 MPa or more, showing high flexural strength due to the incorporation of micro steel fibers. Through FE-SEM image analysis, Through FE-SEM image analysis, it was confirmed that a conductive network was formed between micro steel fibers and MWCNT particles in the cement matrix.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.425-434
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate the potential value of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in predicting the survival of patients with primary tracheal malignant tumors. Materials and Methods: An analysis of FDG PET/CT findings in 37 primary tracheal malignant tumor patients with a median follow-up period of 43.2 months (range, 10.8-143.2 months) was performed. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess the associations between quantitative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT parameters, other clinic-pathological factors, and overall survival (OS). A risk prognosis model was established according to the independent prognostic factors identified on multivariate analysis. A survival curve determined by the Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess whether the prognosis prediction model could effectively stratify patients with different risks factors. Results: The median survival time of the 37 patients with tracheal tumors was 38.0 months, with a 95% confidence interval of 10.8 to 65.2 months. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year survival rate were 54.1%, 43.2%, and 16.2%, respectively. The metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), maximum standardized uptake value, age, pathological type, extension categories, and lymph node stage were included in multivariate analyses. Multivariate analysis showed MTV (p = 0.011), TLG (p = 0.020), pathological type (p = 0.037), and extension categories (p = 0.038) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Additionally, assessment of the survival curve using the Kaplan-Meier method showed that our prognosis prediction model can effectively stratify patients with different risks factors (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can predict the survival of patients with primary tracheal malignant tumors. Patients with an MTV > 5.19, a TLG > 16.94 on PET/CT scans, squamous cell carcinoma, and non-E1 were more likely to have a reduced OS.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 2024

PHC piles demonstrate superior resistance to compression and bending moments, and their factory-based production enhances quality assurance and management processes. Despite these advantages that have resulted in widespread use in civil engineering and construction projects, the design process frequently relies on empirical formulas or N-values to estimate the soil-pile friction, which is crucial for bearing capacity, and this reliance underscores a significant lack of experimental validation. In addition, environmental factors, e.g., the pH levels in groundwater and the effects of seawater, are commonly not considered. Thus, this study investigates the influence of vibrating machine foundations on PHC pile models in consideration of the effects of varying pH conditions. Concrete model piles were subjected to a one-month conditioning period in different pH environments (acidic, neutral, and alkaline) and under the influence of seawater. Subsequent repeated direct shear tests were performed on the pile-soil interface, and the disturbed state concept was employed to derive parameters that effectively quantify the dynamic behavior of this interface. The results revealed a descending order of shear stress in neutral, acidic, and alkaline conditions, with the pH-influenced samples exhibiting a more pronounced reduction in shear stress than those affected by seawater.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2024

In current slope stability analysis techniques, slope stability is evaluated based on the saturated-soil theory. However, soil-water characteristics change frequently depending on the climate. Therefore, because the saturated soil theory has limitations, the application of the unsaturated soil theory is necessary for slope stability. It is also important to evaluate the engineering properties of unsaturated soil because the capillary absorption capacity is reduced due to heavy rain, thereby causing a reduction in slope stability. In this study, soil-water characteristic tests were performed using four samples with different fine contents (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) using granite-weathered soil in domestic production areas. In particular, to consider the previously conducted drying process as well as the evaluation of stability due to heavy rain on the actual slope, a wetting process was conducted, in which the water content was increased. In addition, the van Genuchten (1980) model, which is the most consistent theoretical equation for the experiment, was used with various theoretical equations, and the parameters were analyzed according to the fine content of the granite-weathered soil for the drying and wetting processes.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.53-60
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• 2024

Compressive strength in concrete has many affecting parameters and varies with exposure conditions. Although the concrete has same mix proportions, its properties are different with exposure conditions, and sea-environment can be classified into three groups such as tidal, atmospheric, and sea submerged region particularly. In this study, compressive strength was evaluated on 7-year-cured concrete and the results from previous equations (KDS, ACI, CEB, and JSCE) were compared with them. Furthermore the strength and carbonation progress were evaluated on concrete cured for 7 years exposed to three different sea environment. Three levels of w/c (water to cement) ratio (0.37, 0.42, and 0.47) and three different exposure conditions (tidal, atmospheric, and submerged) were considered. The results from wet-cured condition are all higher than those from the previously proposed equations, and the results from different sea exposure conditions (tidal, atmospheric, and submerged region) were lower than those from wet-cured condition. A reduction of strength was evaluated with increasing w/c ratio and the minimum strength was evaluated in the sea-submerged conditions. Several experimental constants applicable to the previous equations were obtained from regression analysis since the strength change with w/c ratios were not considered in those equations. Regarding carbonation depth with different exposure conditions, higher carbonation depth clearly was observed with increasing w/c ratios, and evaluated in the order of atmospheric, submerged, and tidal region. Considerable carbonation depth was observed in submerged and tidal region due to sulfate ion and dissloved carbon dioxide as well.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2023

Objective: Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN)2A/B homozygous deletion is a key molecular marker of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant astrocytomas in the 2021 World Health Organization. We aimed to investigate whether qualitative and quantitative MRI parameters can predict CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion status in IDH-mutant astrocytomas. Materials and Methods: Preoperative MRI data of 88 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 42.0 ± 11.9 years; 40 females and 48 males) with IDH-mutant astrocytomas (76 without and 12 with CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion) from two institutions were included. A qualitative imaging assessment was performed. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), 5th percentile of ADC, mean normalized cerebral blood volume (nCBV), and 95th percentile of nCBV were assessed via automatic tumor segmentation. Logistic regression was performed to determine the factors associated with CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in all 88 patients and a subgroup of 47 patients with histological grades 3 and 4. The discrimination performance of the logistic regression models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: In multivariable analysis of all patients, infiltrative pattern (odds ratio [OR] = 4.25, p = 0.034), maximal diameter (OR = 1.07, p = 0.013), and 95th percentile of nCBV (OR = 1.34, p = 0.049) were independent predictors of CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion. The AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the corresponding model were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.91), 90.4%, 83.3%, and 75.0%, respectively. On multivariable analysis of the subgroup with histological grades 3 and 4, infiltrative pattern (OR = 10.39, p = 0.012) and 95th percentile of nCBV (OR = 1.24, p = 0.047) were independent predictors of CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion, with an AUC accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the corresponding model of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.60-0.88), 87.8%, 80.0%, and 58.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The presence of an infiltrative pattern, larger maximal diameter, and higher 95th percentile of the nCBV may be useful MRI biomarkers for CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in IDH-mutant astrocytomas.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.274-283
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• 2024

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties (nutrient composition, pH, water content and activity, sorption properties) and mechanical properties (compression force and energy) of granulated feed mixtures with various inclusion levels of crude fibre concentrates ARBOCEL and VITACEL for broiler chickens, i.e. +0.0% (control group - group C), +0.3%, +0.8%, +1.0%, +1.2%. Methods: The feed mixtures were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (nutrient composition by near-infrared spectroscopy, pH with the use a CP-401 pH meter with an IJ-44C glass electrode, water content was determined with the drying method and activity was determined with the Aqua Lab Series 3, sorption properties was determined with the static method) and mechanical properties (compression force and energy with the use TA-HD plus texture analyzer). The Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model applied in the study correctly described the sorption properties of the analyzed feed mixtures in terms of water activity. Results: The fibre concentrate type affected the specific surface area of the adsorbent and equilibrium water content in the GAB monolayer (p≤0.05) (significantly statistical). The type and dose of the fibre concentrate influenced the dimensionless C and k parameters of the GAB model related to the properties of the monolayer and multilayers, respectively (p≤0.05). They also affected the pH value of the analyzed feed mixtures (p≤0.05). In addition, crude fibre type influenced water activity (p≤0.05) as well as compression energy (J) and compression force (N) (p≤0.001) (highly significantly statistical) of the feed mixtures. Conclusion: The physicochemical analyses of feed mixtures with various inclusion levels (0.3%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%) of crude fiber concentrates ARBOCEL or VITACEL demonstrated that both crude fiber types may be used in the feed industry as a feedstuff material to produce starter type mixtures for broiler chickens.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.63-82
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• 2024

Objective : Saengkankunbi-tang (SKT) is used as a traditional Korean herbal formula for treatment of liver diseases. We investigated the hepatoprotective effects of SKT plus Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKE) against arachidonic acid (AA) + iron-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-mediated acute liver damage in mice. Methods : The cyto-protective effects of SKT + EKE were determined by MTT assay, western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. In mice, blood biochemistry and western blot were assessed in CCl₄-induced acute hepatic damage. The animal groups included vehicle-treated control, CCl₄, SKT (200 mg/kg/day), EKE (100 mg/kg/day), SKT (200 mg/kg/day) + EKE (100 mg/kg/day) and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day). Results : In HepG2 cells, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly suppressed cytotoxicity induced by AA + iron and reduced the expression of proteins related to apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment with SKT + EKE significantly prevented the increase in H₂O₂ production, GSH depletion, and lower mitochondrial membrane potential induced by AA + iron. In CCl₄-induced liver damage mice, the administration of SKT + EKE prevented the liver damage by inhibition of hepatocyte damage and expression of apoptosis proteins in liver. More importantly, in vitro and in vivo assay, SKT + EKE showed significant effect compare with SKT alone or EKE alone in all parameters. Conclusions : These results indicated that SKT + EKE could protect against oxidative stress-induced liver damage, and SKT + EKE is more effective than SKT alone or EKE alone.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.21-27
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• 2024

In this study, the corrosion density of tendon was evaluated with changing chloride and hydroxide ions. To simulate an accelerated corrosive environment, wet sand was used instead of concrete, and the tests were conducted considering three levels of chloride concentration (0.0, 0.125, and 0.250mol/l ) and three [Cl^-]/[OH^-] ratios (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9). The corrosion density was measured to 5.13 µA/cm² at 0.0mol/l and increased with the chloride concentration. Additionally, no significant differences were observed over 0.125mol/l of chloride concentration. When [OH^-] increased with a given chloride concentration (0.125mol/l), the corrosion density decreased linearly, showing effective control of corrosion density even at high chloride concentrations. Notably, the measured corrosion amounts were lower than those under of 0.0mol/l condition. Furthermore corrosion density and influencing parameters were normalized with the maximum and minimum results, and the relation between them was analyzed.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.447-458
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• 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of Building Information Modeling(BIM) software, specifically SketchUp and Revit, in reducing errors during quantity take-off(QTO) for complex building elements. While 3D modeling offers advantages, existing software may not fully account for manufacturing discrepancies, such as variations in concrete cover thickness and reinforcing bar radius. To address this limitation, this research proposes a BIM-based QTO method for high-insulation wall panels with intricate details. The method utilizes a BIM family library, focusing on key parameters like concrete cover thickness and inner radius of shear reinforcement. A case study compared the cross-sectional details of a wall panel modeled in Revit with the actual manufactured specimen. The analysis revealed a 12% reduction in modeled concrete cover thickness and a 1.27 times larger modeled inner radius of the shear bar compared to the real-world values. The proposed method incorporates these manufacturing variations into the Revit model of the high-insulation wall panel. Software like Navisworks facilitates the identification and correction of any material interferences arising from these adjustments. Furthermore, the method employs a unit wall concept(1m²) to account for the volume of various materials, including insulation and splice sleeves at joints. This allows for the identification of a similar existing family within the BIM library(e.g., "Double RC wall with embedded insulation") that reflects the actual material quantities used in the wall panel. By incorporating these manufacturing-induced variations, the proposed method offers a more accurate QTO process for complex high-insulation wall panels. The "Double RC wall with embedded insulation" family within the Revit program serves as a valuable tool for material quantity estimation in such scenarios.