• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.85 no.4
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• pp.341-348
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• 2022

Background: An accurate diagnosis in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) by multidisciplinary discussion (MDD) based on histopathologic information is essential for optimal treatment. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has increasingly been used as a diagnostic alternative to surgical lung biopsy. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate methods of TBLC in patients with ILD in Korea. Methods: A total of 27 patients who underwent TBLC were included. TBLC procedure details and clinical MDD diagnosis using TBLC histopathologic information were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with the fluoroscopic guidance in the operation room using flexible bronchoscopy and endobronchial balloon blocker. The median procedure duration was less than 30 minutes, and the median number of biopsies per participant was 2. Most of the bleeding after TBLC was not severe, and the rate of pneumothorax was 25.9%. The most common histopathologic pattern was alternative (48.2%), followed by indeterminate (33.3%) and usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/probable UIP (18.5%). In the MDD after TBLC, the most common diagnosis was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (33.3%), followed by smoking-related ILD (25.9%), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (18.6%), unclassifiable-ILD (14.8%), and others (7.4%). Conclusion: This first single-center experience showed that TBLC using a flexible bronchoscopy and endobronchial balloon blocker with the fluoroscopic guidance under general anesthesia may be a safe and adequate diagnostic method for ILD patients in Korea. The diagnostic yield of MDD was 85.2%. Further studies are needed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and confidence of TBLC.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.182-193
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• 2021

Purpose To identify the features that can be used for differentiating appendicitis from non-appendicitis in pediatric patients with equivocal ultrasound (US) results. Materials and Methods A total of 53 pediatric patients (≤ 18 years old) with equivocal results on US examination for suspected appendicitis between November 2012 and October 2017 were included. US evaluation was conducted based on information retrieved from a predefined structured report form. Then, the likelihood of appendicitis was prospectively classified into five categories. The equivocal results were considered as grade 3 (indeterminate) and grade 4 (probably appendicitis). Results Of the 53 patients, 25 (47.2%) and 28 (52.8%) were classified into grade 3 and 4 groups, respectively. Among the individual US findings, increased vascularity of the appendiceal wall and peri-appendiceal fat infiltration were independent findings associated with the diagnosis of appendicitis (p = 0.005, p = 0.045, respectively) in the multivariate logistic regression analysis and showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (69.8% and 62.3%, respectively). Conclusion Increased vascularity within the appendiceal wall and peri-appendiceal fat infiltration were significant predictors of appendicitis in patients with equivocal US findings.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.983-995
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• 2023

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement between contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for evaluating the resectability in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included treatment-naïve patients with pathologically confirmed eCCA, who underwent both CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP using extracellular contrast media between January 2015 and December 2020. Among the 214 patients (146 males; mean age ± standard deviation, 68 ± 9 years) included, 121 (56.5%) had perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. R0 resection was achieved in 108 of the 153 (70.6%) patients who underwent curative-intent surgery. Four fellowship-trained radiologists independently reviewed the findings of both CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP to assess the local tumor extent and distant metastasis for determining resectability. The pooled area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP were compared using clinical, surgical, and pathological findings as reference standards. The interobserver agreement of resectability was evaluated using Fleiss kappa (κ). Results: No significant differences were observed between CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP in the pooled AUC (0.753 vs. 0.767), sensitivity (84.7% [366/432] vs. 90.3% [390/432]), and specificity (52.6% [223/424] vs. 51.4% [218/424]) (P > 0.05 for all). The AUC for determining resectability was higher when CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP were reviewed together than when CECT was reviewed alone in patients with discrepancies between the imaging modalities or with indeterminate resectability (0.798 [0.754-0.841] vs. 0.753 [0.697-0.808], P = 0.014). The interobserver agreement for overall resectability was fair for both CECT (κ = 0.323) and CE-MRI with MRCP (κ = 0.320), without a significant difference (P = 0.884). Conclusion: CECT and CE-MRI with MRCP showed no significant differences in the diagnostic performance and interobserver agreement in determining the resectability in patients with eCCA.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1028-1037
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• 2023

Objective: To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) features for diagnosing metastatic cervical lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and validate the CT-based risk stratification system suggested by the Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K-TIRADS) guidelines. Materials and Methods: A total of 463 LNs from 399 patients with DTC who underwent preoperative CT staging and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration were included. The following CT features for each LN were evaluated: absence of hilum, cystic changes, calcification, strong enhancement, and heterogeneous enhancement. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent CT features associated with metastatic LNs, and their diagnostic performances were evaluated. LNs were classified into probably benign, indeterminate, and suspicious categories according to the K-TIRADS and the modified LN classification proposed in our study. The diagnostic performance of both classification systems was compared using the exact McNemar and Kosinski tests. Results: The absence of hilum (odds ratio [OR], 4.859; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.593-14.823; P = 0.005), strong enhancement (OR, 28.755; 95% CI, 12.719-65.007; P < 0.001), and cystic changes (OR, 46.157; 95% CI, 5.07-420.234; P = 0.001) were independently associated with metastatic LNs. All LNs showing calcification were diagnosed as metastases. Heterogeneous enhancement did not show a significant independent association with metastatic LNs. Strong enhancement, calcification, and cystic changes showed moderate to high specificity (70.1%-100%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (91.8%-100%). The absence of the hilum showed high sensitivity (97.8%) but low specificity (34.0%). The modified LN classification, which excluded heterogeneous enhancement from the K-TIRADS, demonstrated higher specificity (70.1% vs. 62.9%, P = 0.016) and PPV (92.5% vs. 90.9%, P = 0.011) than the K-TIRADS. Conclusion: Excluding heterogeneous enhancement as a suspicious feature resulted in a higher specificity and PPV for diagnosing metastatic LNs than the K-TIRADS. Our research results may provide a basis for revising the LN classification in future guidelines.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.206-214
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• 2024

Purpose: Few studies have reported the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) among Korean pediatric IBD (PIBD) population. To address this gap, we used two tertiary centers and nationwide population-based healthcare administrative data to estimate the prevalence of Korean pediatric IBDU at the time of diagnosis. Methods: We identified 136 patients aged 2-17 years with newly diagnosed IBD (94 Crohn's disease [CD] and 42 ulcerative colitis [UC]) from two tertiary centers in Korea between 2005 and 2017. We reclassified these 136 patients using the revised Porto criteria. To estimate the population-based prevalence, we analyzed Korean administrative healthcare data between 2005 and 2016, which revealed 3,650 IBD patients, including 2,538 CD and 1,112 UC. By extrapolating the reclassified results to a population-based dataset, we estimated the prevalence of PIBD subtypes. Results: Among the 94 CD, the original diagnosis remained unchanged in 93 (98.9%), while the diagnosis of one (1.1%) patient was changed to IBDU. Among the 42 UC, the original diagnosis remained unchanged in 13 (31.0%), while the diagnoses in 11 (26.2%), 17 (40.5%), and one (2.4%) patient changed to atypical UC, IBDU, and CD, respectively. The estimated prevalences of CD, UC, atypical UC, and IBDU in the Korean population were 69.5%, 9.4%, 8.0%, and 13.1%, respectively. Conclusion: This study is the first in Korea to estimate the prevalence of pediatric IBDU. This prevalence (13.1%) aligns with findings from Western studies. Large-scale prospective multicenter studies on PIBDU are required to examine the clinical features and outcomes of this condition.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.950-955
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• 2007

Non-point source control system which had been designed only for oil-water separation in the fields of oil refinery and garage was upgraded in this research for the removal of runoff pollutants in impervious urban area. Pollutants including oil from driveway and bridge were eliminated by two types of pathway in the system. One is the coalescence mechanism that the oil droplets in the runoff come into contact with each other in the spiral buoyant media surface and form larger coalesced droplets of oil that are carried upstream to the oil layer. The other is the precipitation that solids in runoff were settled by gravity in the system. In this research, coalescing characteristics of oil and water separation were investigated through image analyses, and efficiencies of the non-point source control system were evaluated using dust in driveway and waste engine oil. Media made of high density and high molecular weight polyethylene was indeterminate helical shape and had sleek surface by analysing SEM photographs and BET. Surface area and specific gravity of media which were measured directly were 1,428 $mm^2$ and 45.3 $kg/m^3$ respectively. From the image analyses of the oil droplets photographs which were taken by using microscope, it was proved clearly that the coalescence was the main pathway in the removal of oil from the runoff. Finally, the performances of the non-point source control system filled up with the media were suspended solid $86.6\sim95.2%$, $COD_{Cr}$, $87.3\sim95.4%$, n-Hexane extractable materials $71.8\sim94.8%$ respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.110-118
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• 2015

Borimsa Temple in Jangheung, one of the Goosanseonmoon of Shilla Dynasty, calls for a study in the field of landscape architecture because it has very significant elements in cultural and ecological landscaping aspects. This study examined the changes in landscaping elements of Borimsa Temple since the 17th century in order to newly recognize cultural landscaping value of space composition elements for traditional temple and to verify landscape architectural position. For research method, literatures such as Sajeonggi (事蹟記), Joongchanggi, a surveyed map by Fujishima Gaijiro in 1928 and Joseon Gojeogdobo (朝鮮古蹟圖譜) and modern documents including Borimsa Temple Precision Ground Survey Report and photographic records of National Archives of Korea and provincial governments were examined together with a field survey in order to trace changes in landscape elements such as buildings within the temple site, pond and temple forest. The results are as the following: First, for geographical locations of Borimsa Temple, it is located in an auspicious location and Shipyuknahansang and Cheonbul were placed in a supplementary purpose according to the contents of Bojoseonsatapbi. Compared to Namhwaseonsa Temple in China, it has a similar environmental composition but the fact that buildings were placed on platforms is a distinctive difference. Second, architectural landscape of Borimsa Temple went through the Japanese colonial era and Korean War and still going through changes today. Thus, there shall be some appropriate measures such as to establish an archive of past landscape data. Third, the contents of Borimsa Temple Sajeonggi suggests that the pond of Borimsa Temple had been in a indeterminate form with stones on the outer edge. Its name could have been Yongcheon (湧泉) according to the contents of Joongchanggi. Also, the current landscape, in comparison with past photographs, is a result of changes from surface raise occurred by ground reinforcement within the temple site. Fourth, Jangsaengpyoju (長生標柱) mentioned in Bojoseonsatapbi and Borimsa Temple Sajeonggi was thought to be the dried juniper tree in front of Daewoongbojeon, which can be found in past photographic documents but, it is now assumed to be Seokbihyeong (石碑形) considering the Gukjangsaeng and Hwangjangsaeng of Dogapsa Temple of the similar time period. Moreover, Hongsalmoon mentioned in Joongchanggi was established by King's order after the Manchu war of 1636 in praising of Buddhist monks those who had volunteered to fight for the country. Fifth, it is apparent in Borimsa Temple Joongchanggi that geomancy was a consideration in landscaping process of Borimsa Temple, and the record indicates that pine trees, bo trees and persimmon trees were planted. Sixth, tea tree forest was verified of its historical root that is Seongchailyeo from Unified Shilla through passing down of Jeong Yak-yong's Goojeunggoopo method and relevant documents of Seon Master Choui and Yi Yu-won. Seventh, nutmeg tree forest suggests that nutmegs were used in national ceremonies and for medical uses. The nutmeg tree forest was also verified of its role as Naehwasoorimdae (a forest built to prevent fire from spreading) through aerial photographs and placement of a forest reserve.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.243-250
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• 1981

Soybean, azuki-bean and mungbean were cultivated at different growing conditions, May 10, June 9, July 9 seeding, and May 10 seeding-short day treatment, to investigate the distribution of flowering date and the variation of pod/flower ratio. The growth habit type of the soybean variety used was determinate, but the azuki-bean and mungbean varieties used showed indeterminate growth habit. The pod/flower ratio ranged 38 to 48% for soybean, 23 to 34% for azuki-bean and 46 to 60% for mungbean along with growing conditions. Flower abscission for soybean and mungbean, and pod abscission for azuki-bean affected more on the number of matured pods. Soybean showed once full blooming period, but azuki-bean and mungbean showed two or three times full blooming period except July 9 seeding plot through the whole growing period. Flowers bloomed just after every full blooming period showed lower value of pod/flower ratio and higher pod/flower ratio was obtained from flowers bloomed before or far after full blooming at plots seeded May 10 and June 9 in three pulse crops. Most full blooming period of soybean coincided within 5 days near the terminal leaf appearance date, and number of flowers bloomed before terminal leaf expansion and matured pods from these flowers were major in every soybean plant at all growing codition plots. No relations were found between terminal leaf appearance and flowering or pod setting patterns of azuki-bean and mungbean.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.55-75
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• 1992

At the outset of import liberalization, most economists expected a significant drop in the prices of domestic goods that faced foreign competition. However, it is now generally acknowledge that a significant drop in prices of those goods has not occurred. A common claim is that the prices did not drop significantly because the major importers of many imported goods were also the domestic producers of competing goods. The objective of this paper is to analyze the welfare effect of importation by domestic firms that produce competing goods, to identify the factors that facilitate such business practices, and to formulate a policy that could improve the welfare. We proved that importation by competing domestic firms definitely raises the prices of both imported and domestic goods compared to the situation where foreign goods are imported by non-producers, ceteris paribus. The intuition behind this result is that since a producer-importer is essentially a cartel, its overall profit maximization requires reduced competition between the products that it sells. On the other hand, if a producer-importer is more efficient at distrinbution than a simple importer, the comparison between the two cases is a priori indeterminate. We also find that the industries in which domestic producers are actively involved in importing competing goods are the ones in which the distribution channels are tightly controlled by importer-producers. This finding suggests that exclusive dealing contracts, which work as an entry barrier, may be the source of importing by domestic producers. We argue that in a country such as Korea, where financial market is highly incomplete, tight control of the distribution channels by oligopolistic manufacturers is likely to be an effective entry barrier that leads to importing by domestic producers of similar goods. We further argue that seemingly superior distribution costs of importer-producers is likely to be a result of market foreclosure which would disappear once the entry barrier of exclusive dealing contracts is removed. Above findings suggest that market imperfections are the source of importation by domestic competitors, which in turn constitutes a market imperfection in itself and reduces consumer welfare. As potential remedies, we considered three alternatives; direct price control by the government over the imported goods sold by major domestic producers, regulation of trade itself between major producers, and regulation of exclusive dealing contracts. For reasons both theoretical and pratical, we find that the last alternative is the most attrative. Prohibiting exclusive contracts between manufacturers and dealers in industries where exclusive dealing contracts are a significant entry barrier is expected to break up the importer-producer cartel and improve the welfare.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to provide basic information for breeding cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L.) by investigating the crop characteristics of 245 accessions of cowpea collected in Korea and abroad. All specimens flowered within 41 to 50 days (51.5%) or 51 to 60 days (43.7%) of sowing and matured 21 to 30 days (53.9%) or 31 to 40 days (23.7%) from flowering. Thus, the total time from sowing to maturity was either 71 to 80 days (26.9%) or 81 to 90 days (23.4%) for all specimens. The accessions were classified into indeterminate type (72.7%), intermediate type (25.7%) and determinate type (1.6%) based on growth; prostrate type (78.8%) and erect type (21.2%) based on plant type; heart shape (98.4%) and lanceolate (1.6%) based on leaflet shape; and purple (85.2%), white (13.6%) and light green (1.2%) based on corolla color. The accessions were classified into brown (54.7%) and yellowish brown (37.6%) based on color at pod maturity; and downward (90.6%), middle (5.7%) and standing upright (3.7%) based on pod setting position. Seed coat color varied as 25.3% were brown, 23.3% were black, and 20.8% were white. Seed shape also varied as 66.9% were egg-shaped, 24.9% were rectangular and 8.2% were kidney-shaped. Pod lengths ranged from 10.1-20.0 cm and from 20.1-30.0 cm in 89.0% and 8.6% of specimens, respectively. There were 12.1-15.0, 9.1-12.0, and 15.1-18.0 seeds per pod in 62.0%, 25.7% and 9.1% of specimens, respectively. The weight of one hundred seeds ranged from 15.1-20.0 g (37.6%) and 10.1-15.0 g (28.6%). Seed yields per plant were 100.1-200.0 g (52.7%), less than 100 g (22.9%), and 200.1-300.0 g (15.9%). The starch content in the seeds of the seven selected resources ranged from 44.1 to 57.0% while the protein content ranged from 23.3 to 27.5% with significant differences. The sucrose content ranged from 1.46 to 2.03%, also with significant differences.