• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2001

Objectives : During March-May, 2000, a measles outbreak occurred at Youngduk, Korea. This county is divided into two areas with different historical and socioeconomic background. The outbreak occurred in one of these areas. We conducted a comparative epidemiologic study on the two areas in order to evaluate the factors related to the epidemic. Materials and Methods : We selected two groups, grades 3 and 5 in a primary schools in each area. We investigated outbreak-related factors using parent-questionnaires, the vaccination history from the student's health record and the records concerning the recent measles-outbreak from the local health center. Serologic test on measles-IgG and -IgM antibody was done. Results : The infection rate was 31.5% for the epidemic area and 3.7% for non-the epidemic area according to clinical or serological criteria (p<0.001). No difference was seen in the measles vaccination rate, residence at the time of vaccination or past measles infection history between the two areas. In the epidemic area, the attack rate for the 4-6 year-old MMR booster group(20.5%) was higher than the non-booster group(32.4%), but was not found significantly. Vaccine efficacy was 29.6% in the epidemic area and 87.0% in the non-epidemic area (p<0.001). The IgG level and positive rate were significantly different between the two areas (median 10727 IU/ml, 98.9% in epidemic area; median 346 IU/ml, 85.9% in the non-epidemic area, p<0.001). However, the IgG level and positive rate between the measles-cases and non-cases were not significantly different. Conclusions : This outbreak took place in mostly vaccinated children. These results suggest that a reduction of herd immunity for immunity failure after vaccination may be one of the feasible factors related to the outbreak pattern in the two areas. The results of the IgG level and positive rate suggest that re-establishment of a normal value for IgG level and of a qualitative method for IgG are needed.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.319-332
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• 2004

Due to their high strength to weight ratios and excellent durability, fiber reinforced polymer(FRP) is widely used in construction industries. In this paper, a shape optimum design of FRP bridge decks haying pultruded cellular cross-section is presented. In the problem formulation, an objective function is selected to minimize the volumes. The cross-sectional dimensions and material properties of the deck of FRP bridges are used as the design variables. On the other hand, deflection limits in the design code, material failure criteria, buckling load, minimum height, and stress are selected as the design constraints to enhance the structural performance of FRP decks. In order to efficiently treat the optimization process, the cross-sectional shape of bridge decks is assumed to be a tube shape. The optimization process utilizes an improved Genetic Algorithms incorporating indexing technique. For the structural analysis using a three-dimensional finite element, a commercial package(ABAQUS) is used. Using a computer program coded for this study, an example problem is solved and the results are presented with sensitivity analysis. The bridge consists of a deck width of 12.14m and is supported by five 40m long steel girders spaced at 2.5m. The bridge is designed to carry a standard DB-24 truck loading according to the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges in Korea. Based on the optimum design, viable cross-sectional dimensions for FRP decks, suitable for pultrusion process are proposed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.92-98
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• 2017

Background: Nebulized colistimethate is increasingly used, because there are problems such as renal dysfunction and low distribution within the lungs when colistimethate is administered intravenously. This study was designed to compare and analyze the changes in renal function by of nebulized colistimethate treatment for its safe administration. Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of adult patients above 19 years old, receiving only the nebulized colistimethate at least 4 days in Yonsei university health system from Nov 2014 to Aug 2015. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was determined by using the RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End-stage renal disease) according to serum creatinine (SCr) levels before and after use of nebulized colistimethate. Results: 48 patients were included our study and their SCr increased significantly after nebulized colistimethate treatment ($SCr_0$ vs. $SCr_1$; $0.85{\pm}0.80$ vs. $1.00{\pm}0.82mg/dL$, n=48, p<0.001), but the changes were in normal range according to the standards at Yonsei university health $system^a$. Among 48 patients, 38 patients were in the non-AKI group (79.2%), and 10 patients developed AKI (20.8%). Within the AKI group, 2 patients were in the Injury group (20%) and the other 8 in the Risk group (80%). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in age, dosage and duration of treatment between AKI group and non-AKI group (p>0.05). The study has a significance in that it reviewed the safety of nebulized colistimethate only treatment to national patients, analyzing its nephrotoxicity. It has confirmed that nebulized colistimethate is a safer method than intravenous injection, and requires to establish a guideline for the use of nebulized colistimethate in further studies with broader patient groups. $^a$ : SCr Male 0.68-1.19 mg/dL, Female 0.49-0.91 mg/dL.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.10
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• pp.1417-1425
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• 2014

The selection of morphologically normal spermatozoa is critical to obtain high breeding performances in boar breeding farms and artificial insemination (AI) centers. Parameters for the selection of semen mainly include total sperm motility, concentration, and morphology. However, these primary parameters are often not reliable for discriminating between normal and abnormal, non-fertilizable spermatozoa. The present study was designed to compare the motion characteristics, fertilization ability using in vitro fertilization (IVF), and acrosome formation of the semen from boars having low (boar number 2012) and normal (boar number 2004 and 2023) breeding performances. The ultimate goal was to identify additional simple and easy criteria for the selection of normal sperm. There was no significant difference between boar 2004 and boar 2023 sperm total motility in computer assisted sperm analysis. However, boar number 2012 semen presented a significantly reduced population of rapid moving spermatozoa and an increased population of slow moving spermatozoa compared to boar numbers 2004 and 2023. Analysis of detailed motion characteristics revealed that sperm from boar number 2012 had significantly reduced motility in progressiveness, average path velocity, straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straightness, and linearity. The assessment of the fertilizing ability by IVF also showed that sperm from boar number 2012 showed a fertility rate of 3.4%, whereas sperm from boar number 2023 had a fertility rate of 75.45%. Interestingly, most of the sperm nuclei were found on the peripheral area of the oocytes, suggesting that the sperm from boar number 2012 lacked penetration ability into the oocyte zonapellucida. The acrosome formation analysis using Pisum sativum agglutinin staining demonstrated that the sperm from boar number 2012 had a defect in acrosome formation. Consequently, primary parameters for selecting semen before AI such as motility are not sufficient to select normal and fertilizable spermatozoa. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the acrosome staining and detailed motion characteristics such as progressiveness, VCL, and VSL should be included in determining semen quality together with primary parameters for successful AI and high breeding performance in the swine industry.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.1133-1143
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to improve project performance analysis indicators for BTL sewer rehabilitation projects. Among the assessment indicators for BTL sewer rehabilitation projects, an infiltration assessment indicator is given a high score of 17.5 points as a single assessment item. This infiltration assessment indicator is assessed focusing on the amount of infiltration, and presently calculated according to 'Nighttime Domestic Flow Evaluation' method. However, this assessment indicator's failure to reflect the geological features of Jeju region is emerging as a problem in the operational stage. Thus, this study intended to compare and analyze the calculation result depending on the assessment indicators and the actual amount of infiltration, centering on Jeju region. To this end, this study analyzed the amount of infiltration in five areas of Jeju Province calculated according to 'Nighttime Domestic Flow Evaluation' method. Also, a complete enumeration survey was carried out about the conditions for actual infiltration occurrence. According to the results of this survey, ground water level is distributed lower than the level of sewer pipes. The results of a sewer pipe function test show there was no infiltration occurrence caused by sewer pipe defect. So, it is concluded that 'Nighttime Domestic Flow Evaluation' method, which is utilized for the current assessment indicator, is not appropriate to apply to Jeju region, and it is thought that there is a need to establish infiltration criteria specialized for Jeju region.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.232-242
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• 2007

Background : The safety and efficacy of trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C (MMC) for surgical treatment in aphakic and pseudophaic eyes were retrospectively evaluated. Materials and Methods : The authors reviewed 51 eyes of 45 patients who had been followed up for at least 6 months after trabeculectomy using MMC for aphakic and pseudophakic eyes. The success rate and complications were analyzed. The success criteria included intraocular pressures of 21 mmHg or less with or without glaucoma medications and no loss of light perception. Surgical failure was defined as a postoperative loss of light perception in patients with preoperative vision better than light perception, additional glaucoma surgery, or phthisis bulbi in patients with preoperative vision of no light perception. Results : The average follow up period was 27.7 months and the intraocular pressure was controlled under 21 mmHg in 36 eyes of 51 (70.6%) after the procedure with or without medication for glaucoma. Using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the cumulative success rate at the 3-, 6-, 12-, 24- and 36-month intervals were 98.0%, 94.1%, 91.9%, 83.4% and 75.5%, respectively. The complications observed were hyphema (4 eyes), serous choroidal detachment (4 eyes), hypotony (3 eyes), and endophthalmitis (1 eye). Conclusion : Trabeculectomy using Mitomycin C for the treatment of aphakic and pseudophaic eyes was safe and effective.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 2014

Objective : Infectious spinal disease is regarded as an infection by a specific organism that affects the vertebral body, intervertebral disc and adjacent perivertebral soft tissue. Its incidence seems to be increasing as a result of larger proportion of the older patients with chronic debilitating disease, the rise of intravenous drug abuser, and the increase in spinal procedure and surgery. In Korea, studies assessing infectious spinal disease are rare and have not been addressed in recent times. The objectives of this study are to describe the epidemiology of all kind of spinal infectious disease and their clinical and microbiological characteristics as well as to assess the diagnostic methodology and the parameters related to the outcomes. Methods : A retrospective study was performed in all infectious spinal disease cases presenting from January 2005 to April 2010 to three tertiary teaching hospitals within a city of 1.5 million in Korea. Patient demographics, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes were assessed. Risk factors entailed the presence of diabetes, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis, immunosuppressants, remote infection, underlying malignancy and previous spinal surgery or procedure. We comparatively analyzed the results between the groups of pyogenic and tuberculous spinal infection. SPSS version 14 statistical software was used to perform the analyses of the data. The threshold for statistical significance was established at p<0.05. Results : Ninety-two cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Overall, patients of tuberculous spinal infection (TSI) and pyogenic spinal infection (PSI) entailed 20 (21.7%) and 72 (78.3%) cases, respectively. A previous spinal surgery or procedure was the most commonly noted risk factor (39.1%), followed by diabetes (15.2%). The occurrence of both pyogenic and tuberculous spondylitis was predominant in the lumbar spine. Discs are more easily invaded in PSI. At initial presentation, white cell blood count and C-reactive protein levels were higher in PSI compared to TSI (p<0.05). Etiological agents were identified in 53.3%, and the most effective method for identification of etiological agents was tissue culture (50.0%). Staphyococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated infective agent associated with pyogenic spondylitis, followed by E. coli. Surgical treatment was performed in 31.5% of pyogenic spondylitis and in 35.0% of tuberculous spondylitis cases. Conclusion : Many previous studies in Korea usually reported that tuberculous spondylitis is the predominant infection. However, in our study, the number of pyogenic infection was 3 times greater than that of tuberculous spinal disease. Etiological agents were identified in a half of all infectious spinal disease. For better outcomes, we should try to identify the causative microorganism before antibiotic therapy and make every effort to improve the result of culture and biopsy.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.299-307
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• 1995

The goal of cell stem cell technology is to produce a viable and genetically normal animal. To achieve this goal various laboratories have followed 2 different pathways beginning with either the culture of 1) single or pooled ICMs grown with or without a feeder layer or 2) single or pooled 16-20 cell stage embryos grown with a feeder layer. Also, thus far embryonic cell cultures or lines have been established by several methods including loose suspension culture for short-term cultures and more commonly murine or bovine fibroblast feeder layers for long-term culture. Pluripotent lines have been derived from 16-cell through blastocyst inner cell mass stages. The efficiency of establishing cell lines and cell proliferation apper to be affected by the number of cells or embryos starting the line. Most attempts to produce offspring from long term STO cell feeder layer cultured ICM or morulae derived ES cells have resulted in pregnancy failure in the first trimester when ES cells were used in cuclear transfer or have failed to retain ES cells in the progeny produced by chimerization. The exception is 1 chimeric fetus from use of morula ES cells in the chimerization with early embryonic cells. There is much to be learned yet about ES cell culture requirements for maintenance of totipotency. If bovine ES cell lines loose imprinting pattern and totipotency with long-term culture and passage as suggested for mouse ES cells, we may be limited to the use of short-term cultures for multiplication of embryos and efficient production of transgenic animals. No bovine ES cell system has yet met all of the criteria indicated for a totipotent ES cell line.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.41 no.7
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• pp.629-634
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• 2017

In the case of the UHP (Ultra high performance) tire that the demand has increased rapidly, compared with the commonly used tire, severe deformation has been observed because of the low aspect ratio. When repeated deformations are applied to the sidewall rubber, accumulated fatigue damage may cause fatigue failure. Thus, the evaluation of the durability of the tire sidewall rubber has become a very important issue to prevent accidents that occur while the vehicle is running. However, the research and design criteria for the durability performance of the tire sidewall rubber hardly exist. In this study, we suggest a lifetime prediction formula using strain energy density obtained by performing tensile tests and fatigue tests on two different kinds of the tire sidewall compounds. Additionally, the applicability of our findings for low fuel consumption tires was reviewed by converting the fatigue life of the sidewall rubber into the expected mileage of the tire.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.13-22
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• 2007

This study was carried out to scrutinize possibility of manufacturing pitch pine (Pinus rigida) glued laminated timber in order to add values of pitch pine trees. Also, it was investigated to improve bending performance of pitch pine glulam. Pitch pine was imported as one of major plantation species in Korean peninsula. Machine stress rated grades of pitch pine lumber mostly ranged between E7 and E9. which grades were more or less inferior to producing high quality glulam. However, the adhesive properties between pitch pine and pitch pine, and between pitch pine and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi Carr.), such as shear bond strength, wood failure rate and de-lamination rate of bonded layer submerged in cold and boiling water, were higher than Korean Standard criteria. These properties are essential for manufacturing glulam with single species or multiple species. The modulus of rupture (MOR) of pitch pine glulam exceeded the criterion of Korean Standard for glulam strength grade but modulus of elasticity (MOE) was lower than the criterion. On the other hand, the bending performances (MOR and MOE) were improved 20 percent by mixing with Japanese larch laminar. It is effective to arrange higher quality Japanese larch laminar at the outer layer of glulam for improving bending performances. In conclusion, it is possible to use low quality pitch pine as laminar of structural glulam for adding values of pitch pine.