• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.194-210
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• 2022

Human milk contains a number of nutritional and bioactive molecules including microorganisms that constitute the so-called "Human Milk Microbiota (HMM)". Recent studies have shown that not only bacterial but also viral, fungal, and archaeal components are present in the HMM. Previous research has established, a "core" microbiome, consisting of Firmicutes (i.e., Streptococcus, Staphylococcus), Proteobacteria (i.e., Serratia, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Sphingomonas, Bradyrhizobium), and Actinobacteria (i.e., Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium). This review aims to summarize the main characteristics of HMM and the role it plays in shaping a child's health. We reviewed the most recent literature on the topic (2019-2021), using the PubMed database. The main sources of HMM origin were identified as the retrograde flow and the entero-mammary pathway. Several factors can influence its composition, such as maternal body mass index and diet, use of antibiotics, time and type of delivery, and mode of breastfeeding. The COVID-19 pandemic, by altering the mother-infant dyad and modifying many of our previous habits, has emerged as a new risk factor for the modification of HMM. HMM is an important contributor to gastrointestinal colonization in children and therefore, it is fundamental to avoid any form of perturbation in the HMM that can alter the microbial equilibrium, especially in the first 100 days of life. Microbial dysbiosis can be a trigger point for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis, especially in preterm infants, and for onset of chronic diseases, such as asthma and obesity, later in life.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.225-232
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• 2022

Fine dust threatens human health in various forms, depending on the particle size, such as by causing respiratory, cardiovascular, and brain diseases, after entering the body via the lungs. The aim of this study was to correlate fine dust exposure with changes in brain blood flow in Sprague Dawley rats by using micro-positron emission tomography and elucidate the possibility of developing cerebrovascular diseases caused by fine dust. The subjects were exposured to an average fine dust (particulate matter 2.5) of 206.2 ± 7.74 to ten rats four times a day, twice a day for 90 min. Before the experiment, they were maintained at NPO to the maximize the intake of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxy glucose(¹⁸F-FDG) and minimize changes in the ¹⁸F-FDG biomass depending on the ambient environment and body temperature of the rats. PET images were acquired in the list mode 40 min after injecting ¹⁸F-FDG 44.4 MBq into the rats tail vein using a micro-PET scanner pre and post exposure to fine dust. We found that the whole brain level of ¹⁸F-FDG standardized uptake value in rats averaged 5.21 ± 0.52 g/mL pre and 4.22 ± 0.48 g/mL post exposure to fine dust, resulting in a statistically significant difference. Fine dust was able to alter brain activity after entering the body via the lungs in various forms depending on the particle size.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 2023

Clinical ultrasound (US) is a widely used imaging modality with various clinical applications. However, capturing a large field of view often requires specialized transducers which have limitations for specific clinical scenarios. Panoramic imaging offers an alternative approach by sequentially aligning image sections acquired from freehand sweeps using a standard transducer. To reconstruct a 3D volume from these 2D sections, an external device can be employed to track the transducer's motion accurately. However, the presence of optical or electrical interferences in a clinical setting often leads to incorrect measurements from such sensors. In this paper, we propose a deep learning (DL) framework that enables the prediction of scan trajectories using only US data, eliminating the need for an external tracking device. Our approach incorporates diverse data types, including correlation volume, optical flow, B-mode images, and rawer data (IQ data). We develop a DL network capable of effectively handling these data types and introduce an attention technique to emphasize crucial local areas for precise trajectory prediction. Through extensive experimentation, we demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method over other DL-based approaches in terms of long trajectory prediction performance. Our findings highlight the potential of employing DL techniques for trajectory estimation in clinical ultrasound, offering a promising alternative for panoramic imaging.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.54 no.11
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• pp.4134-4145
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• 2022

The collimator is one of the high-heat-flux components used to avoid a series of vacuum and thermal problems. In this paper, the heat load distribution throughout the collimator is first calculated through experimental data, and a transient thermodynamic simulation analysis of the original model is carried out. The error of the pipe outlet temperature between the simulated and experimental values is 1.632%, indicating that the simulation result is reliable. Second, the model is optimized to improve the heat transfer performance of the collimator, including the contact mode between the pipe and the flange, the pipe material and the addition of a twisted tape in the pipe. It is concluded that the convective heat transfer coefficient of the optimized model is increased by 15.381% and the maximum wall temperature is reduced by 16.415%; thus, the heat transfer capacity of the optimized model is effectively improved. Third, to adapt the long-pulse steady-state operation of the experimental advanced superconducting Tokamak (EAST) in the future, steady-state simulations of the original and optimized collimators are carried out. The results show that the maximum temperature of the optimized model is reduced by 37.864% compared with that of the original model. The optimized model was changed as little as possible to obtain a better heat exchange structure on the premise of ensuring the consumption of the same mass flow rate of water so that the collimator can adapt to operational environments with higher heat fluxes and long pulses in the future. These research methods also provide a reference for the future design of components under high-energy and long-pulse operational conditions.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.417-424
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop the psychology-based naturalistic competency curriculum so that forest-related experts could fully play the role of a mediator between nature(forest) and human(visitors). The curriculum was designed in three parts: a pleasant life, a wise life, and a meaningful life. Contents were focused on recognizing and naming one's senses and emotions in nature, discovering nature-related memories and Naturalistic Intelligence, experiencing the flow in nature and activating the Default Mode Network. The curriculum supplemented by expert's advice was implemented as job training for forest-related experts, and the curriculum was finally revised by examining the understanding and utilization of the participants. As a result, the curriculum in three areas of emotion, cognition, and practice was completed. It is expected that this curriculum will be upgraded through evaluation in the future so that forest-related experts can provide more qualitative service by strengthening their naturalistic competency.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.5A
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• pp.503-510
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• 2009

Latex modified concrete (LMC) is a successful polymer-portland cement concretes, which have been developed and used for many years, in overlaying bridge decks and resurfacing industrial floors. The excellent bond strength to substrate, easy application and high resistance to impact, abrasion, wear, aggressive chemicals and freeze-thaw deterioration have made this material used widely. The objective of this study was to determine experimentally the load-deflection response and ultimate strength of reinforced RC beams. The cracking patterns and the mode of failure were observed. Because of excellent bond strength and repairing effects, the RC beams repaired by LMC at compression or tension zone showed over 100% recovery from damaged structures. The RC beams overlaid by LMC showed significant improvement at load carrying capacity as overlay thickness increases. However, the beams repaired of tension zone without shear stirrups almost showed no strengthen effect, and indicated an interfacial failures. The interfacial behavior was estimated by numerical method adopting the concept of shear flow.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2024

In general, EEG signal analysis has been the subject of several studies due to its ability to provide an objective mode of recording brain stimulation, which is widely used in brain-computer interface research with applications in medical diagnosis and rehabilitation engineering. In this study, we developed EEG reception hardware to measure electroencephalograms and implemented a processing system, classifying it into server and data processing. It was conducted as an intermediate-stage research on the implementation of a brain-computer interface using electroencephalograms, and was implemented in the form of predicting the user's arm movements according to measured electroencephalogram data. Electroencephalogram measurements were performed using input from four electrodes through an analog-to-digital converter. After sending this to the server through a communication process, we designed and implemented a system flow in which the server classifies the electroencephalogram input using a convolutional neural network model and displays the results on the user terminal.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.171-180
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• 2024

Background: Epimers of ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) have a low bioavailability and are prone to deglycosylation, which produces epimers of ginsenoside Rh2 (S-Rh2 and R-Rh2) and protopanaxadiol (S-PPD and R-PPD). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and potency of these molecules as anti-cancer agents. Methods: Crystal violet staining was used to study the anti-proliferatory action of the molecules on a human epithelial breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and compare their potency. Cell death and cell cycle were studied using flow cytometry and mode of cell death was studied using live cell imaging. Anti-angiogenic effects of the drug were studied using loop formation assay. Molecular docking showed the interaction of these molecules with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) and aquaporin (AQP) water channels. VEGF bioassay was used to study the interaction of Rh2 with VEGFR2, in vitro. Results: HUVEC was the more sensitive cell line to the anti-proliferative effects of S-Rh2, S-PPD and R-PPD. The molecules induced necroptosis/necrosis in MDA-MB-231 and apoptosis in HUVEC. S-Rh2 was the most potent inhibitor of loop formation. In silico molecular docking predicted a good binding score between Rh2 or PPD and the ATP-binding pocket of VEGFR2. VEGF bioassay showed that Rh2 was an allosteric modulator of VEGFR2. In addition, SRh2 and PPD had good binding scores with AQP1 and AQP5, both of which play roles in cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: The combination of these molecules might be responsible for the anti-cancer effects observed by Rg3.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.223-233
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• 2024

Objectives : Natural products containing bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity are potentially important sources that can contribute to the improvement of various diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate phenolic compounds of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) ethanolic extract (CCEE). And then we evaluated the antioxidant effect. Methods : We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify the compounds in CCEE. LC-MS/MS was performed in positive ion mode using Shimadzu, Nexera HPLC system and IDA TOF mass system. Solvent A was distilled water and solvent B was acetonitrile as mobile phase. The analysis was performed at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, column temperature of 35 ℃ and wavelength of 284 nm. The antioxidant effect of CCEE was analyzed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). In addition, total phenolics and total flavonoids contents were measured to determine antioxidant effects. Results : Analysis using LC-MS/MS identified four compounds: Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Free radicals decreased in a concentration-dependent manner starting from 10 ㎍/ml of CCEE, and decreased to a level similar to Ascorbic acid (AA) from a concentration of 60 ㎍/ml onwards. Conclusions : Based on the findings, CCEE exhibits strong antioxidant activity as evidenced by the presence of Coumarin, Trans-cinnamaldehyde, Trans-cinnamic acid, and 2-Methoxycinnamaldehyde. Consequently, this study suggests that CCEE can serve as an important source of natural antioxidants and can be efficiently used in the management of oxidative stress diseases.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.332-340
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• 2001

Flowable composite resin has lower filler content, increased flow, and lower modules of elasticity. It is suggested that flowable composite resin can be bonded to the tooth structure intimately and absorb or dissipate the stress. Therefore, it may be advantageous to use flowable composite resin for the base material of class II restoration and for the class V restoraton. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microleakage and shear bond strength of four flowable composite resins (Aeliteflo, Flow-It, Revolution, Ultraseal XT Plus) compared to Z100 using Scotchbond Multi Purpose dentin bonding system. To evaluate the microleakage, notch-shaped class V cavities were prepared on buccal and lingual surfaces of 80 extracted human premolars and molars on cementum margin. The teeth were randomly divided into non-thermocycling group (group 1) and thermocycling group (group 2) of 40 teeth each. The experimental teeth of each group were randomly divided onto five subgroups of eight samples (sixteen surfaces). The Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and composite resin were applied for each group following the manufacturer's instructions. the teeth of group 2 were thermocycled five hundred times between 5$^{\circ}C$ and 55$^{\circ}C$. The teeth of group 2 were placed in 2% methylene blue dye for 24 hours, then rinsed with tab water. The specimens were embedded in clear resin, and sectioned longitudinally with a diamond saw. The dye penetration on each of the specimen were observed with a stereomicioscope at $\times$20 magnification. To evaluate the shear bond strength, 60 teeth were divided into five groups of twelve teeth each. The experimental teeth were ground horizontally below the dentinoenamel junction, so that no enamel remained. After applying Scotchbond Multi-Purpose on the dentin surface, composite resin was applied in the shape of cylinder. The cylinder was 4mm in diameter and 2mm in thickness. Shear bond strength was measured using Instron with a cross-head speed of 0.5mm/min. After shear bond strength measurement, mode of failure was evaluated with a stereomicroscope at $\times$30 magnification. All data were statistically analyzed by One Way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls method. The correlation between microleakage and shear bond strength was analyzed by linear regression. The results of this study were as follows ; 1. In non-thermocycling group, the leakage value of Z100 was significantly lower than those of flowable composite resins at the enamel and dentin margin, margin, except that Revolution showed the lower leakage value than that of Z100 at the dentin margin (p<0.05). 2. In thermocycling group, the leakage values of Z100 and Ultraseal XT Plus were lower than those of other subgroup at the enamel and dentin margin, except that Flow-It showed the lower leakage value than that of Ultraseal XT Plus at the dentin margin (p<0.05). 3. The leakage value of Z100 and Ultraseal XT Plus in thermocycling group were not higher than that in non-thermocycling group at the enamel margin. The leakage value of Z100 in thermocycling group was not higher than that in non-thermocycling group at the dentin margin (p<0.05). 4. As for the shear bond strength measurement, there were no statistically significant differences among groups (p<0.05). The shear bond strengths given in descending order were as follows: Z100(16.81$\pm$2.98 MPa), Flow-It(14.8$\pm$4.43 MPa), Aeliteflo(14.34$\pm$3.69 MPa), Revolution(13.46$\pm$4.23 MPa), Ultraseal XT Plus(12.83$\pm$3.16 MPa). 5. Failure modes of all specimens were adhesive failures. 6. There was no correlation between microleakage and shear bond strength.