• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.47-57
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was designed to observe the resorption pattern of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) used for maxillary sinus augmentation over a 3- to 6-year healing period, and to investigate factors affecting the resorption of BCP. Methods: A total of 47 implants placed in 27 sinuses of 22 patients were investigated. All patients had residual bone height less than 5 mm at baseline. The modified Caldwell-Luc approach was used to elevate the maxillary sinus membrane, and the sinus cavity was filled with BCP (70% hydroxyapatite and 30% ${\beta}$-tricalcium phosphate). Implant placement was done simultaneously or in a staged manner. Serial radiographic analysis was performed up to 6 years postoperatively. Results: During the follow-up period, no implant loss was reported. The mean reduced height of the augmented sinus (RHO) was $0.27{\pm}1.08mm$ at 36 months, and $0.89{\pm}1.39mm$ at 72 months postoperatively. Large amounts of graft material (P=0.021) and a long healing period (P=0.035) significantly influenced the amount of RHO. In particular, there was a significant relationship between a healing period longer than 40 months and RHO. Conclusions: BCP can achieve proper dimensional stability with minimal reduction of the graft height in a 3- to 6-year healing period after maxillary sinus augmentation. The healing period and the amount of graft material influenced the resorption of BCP.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.38-53
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• 2021

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, and, in recent years, its prevalence in Korea has continuously increased. The change of lifestyle, particularly diet, is critical for the reduction of abdominal obesity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention focused on dietary self-efficacy and behaviors on the improvement of abdominal obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Abdominally obese adults with additional cardiovascular risk factors were recruited through 16 medical facilities in South Korea from the year 2013 to 2014. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an intensive intervention group (IG) that received a multi-component intervention to reduce abdominal obesity, by mainly focusing on dietary attitude and dietary behavior change, and a minimal information intervention group (MG) that received a brief explanation of health status and a simple recommendation for a lifestyle change. The interventions were provided for 6 mon, and health examinations were conducted at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-mon follow-ups. A path analysis was conducted to identify the process governing the changes in abdominal obesity. RESULTS: The IG showed an improvement in self-efficacy for eating control and diet quality at 6-mon follow-up. Abdominal obesity improved in both groups. Waist circumference was observed to be decreased through the path of "improved self-efficacy for eating control in food availability-eating restriction-improved dietary quality" in IG. Most changes in follow-ups were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The intensive program targeting the modification of dietary behavior influenced management of abdominal obesity, and the effect occurred through a step-by-step process of change in attitude and behavior. Generally, improvements were also seen in the MG, which supports the necessity of regular health check-ups and brief consultation. The results can be used for further development and implementation of more successful interventions.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.2631-2649
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• 2021

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is one of the enabling technologies for 5G networks that support proximity-based service (ProSe) for wireless network communications. This paper proposes a power control algorithm based on the Nash equilibrium and game theory to eliminate the interference between the cellular user device and D2D links. This leadsto reliable connectivity with minimal power consumption in wireless communication. The power control in D2D is modeled as a non-cooperative game. Each device is allowed to independently select and transmit its power to maximize (or minimize) user utility. The aim is to guide user devices to converge with the Nash equilibrium by establishing connectivity with network resources. The proposed algorithm with pricing factors is used for power consumption and reduces overall interference of D2Ds communication. The proposed algorithm is evaluated in terms of the energy efficiency of the average power consumption, the number of D2D communication, and the number of iterations. Besides, the algorithm has a relatively fast convergence with the Nash Equilibrium rate. It guarantees that the user devices can achieve their required Quality of Service (QoS) by adjusting the residual cost coefficient and residual energy factor. Simulation results show that the power control shows a significant reduction in power consumption that has been achieved by approximately 20% compared with algorithms in [11].

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.479-491
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• 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high incidence and is one of the highest mortality cancers when advanced stage is proceeded. However, Anti-cancer drugs available for treatment are limited and new anti-cancer drugs and new ways to treat them are minimal. We examined that the effects and possibility of Red Ginseng (RG, Panax ginseng Meyer) as new anti-cancer drug on HCC by combining network pharmacology and molecular biology. Materials and Methods: Network pharmacological analysis was employed to investigate the systems-level mechanism of RG focusing on HCC. Cytotoxicity of RG was determined by MTT analysis, which were also stained by annexin V/PI staining for apoptosis and acridine orange for autophagy. For the analyze mechanism of RG, we extracted protein and subjected to immunoblotting for apoptosis or autophagy related proteins. Results: We constructed compound-target network of RG and identified potential pathways related to HCC. RG inhibited growth of HCC through acceleration of cytotoxicity and reduction of wound healing ability of HCC. RG also increased apoptosis and autophagy through AMPK induction. In addition, its ingredients, 20S-PPD (protopanaxadiol) and 20S-PPT (protopanaxatriol), also induced AMPK mediated apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusion: RG effectively inhibited growth of HCC cells inducing apoptosis and autophagy via ATG/AMPK in HCC cells. Overall, our study suggests possibility as new anti-cancer drug on HCC by proof for the mechanism of the anti-cancer action of RG.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.381-392
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• 2023

This research scrutinizes the mechanical characteristics of ultra-high strength concrete using oxide graphene nanoplatelet(GO) and hollow glass powder(HGP). The investigation covered various mechanical attributes, including workability, compression strength, tensile strength, water resistance, and the internal microstructure of standard concrete. Our findings reveal that workability experiences a significant improvement with the incorporation of a minimal amount of HGP, and an increase was also observed in tensile strength and water resistance. It was confirmed that cGO(C company GO) and HGP demonstrated commendable dispersion and the pore volume exhibited a reduction of more than 20%. The potential of cGO and HGP to substitute silica fume(SF) was also explored. Consequently, it was found that both workability and mechanical properties were enhanced in the absence of SF when cGO and HGP were used. This finding implies that the utilization of these novel materials could potentially modify conventional methods of concrete manufacturing.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.36.1-36.15
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single-file reciprocating system (WaveOne Gold, WOG) and a multi-file rotary system (ProTaper Universal Retreatment, PTUR) in removing canal filling from severely curved canals and to evaluate the possible adjunctive effects of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), and an erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser using microcomputed tomography (µCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty-six curved mandibular molars were divided into 2 groups based on the retreatment technique and then into 3 based on the supplementary method. The residual filling volumes and root canals were evaluated with µCT before and after retreatment, and after the supplementary steps. The data were statistically analyzed with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance, and factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: PTUR and WOG showed no significant difference in removing filling materials (p > 0.05). The supplementary techniques were significantly more effective than reciprocating or rotary systems only (p < 0.01). The supplementary steps showed no significant differences in canal filling removal effectiveness (p > 0.05), but XPF showed less dentin reduction than the SAF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The supplementary methods significantly decreased the volume of residual filling materials. XPF caused minimal changes in root canal volume and might be preferred for retreatment in curved root canals. Supplementary approaches after retreatment procedures may improve root canal cleanliness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.953-965
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• 2023

The stratospheric drones are developed to perform missions such as weather observation, communication relay, surveillance, and reconnaissance at 18km to 20km, where climate change is minimal and there is no worry about a collision with aircraft. It uses solar panels for daytime flights and energy stored in batteries for night flights, providing many advantages over existing satellites. The electrical and power systems essential for stratospheric drone flight must ensure reliability, efficiency, and lightness by selecting the optimal circuit topology. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the circuit topology of various types of multi-level inverters with high redundancy that can ensure the reliability and efficiency of the motor driving power required for stable long-term flight of stratospheric drones. By quantifying the switch element voltage drop and the number and weight of inverter components for each topology, we evaluate efficiency and lightness and propose the most suitable circuit topology for stratospheric drones.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.161-171
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• 2024

The efficient management of pain and discomfort is essential for successful dental treatment and patient compliance. Dental professionals are commonly evaluated for their ability to perform treatment with minimal patient discomfort. Despite advancements in traditional local dental anesthesia techniques, the pain and discomfort associated with injections remain a concern. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on novel dental anesthetics and associated devices designed to alleviate pain and discomfort during dental procedures. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were used to prepare the review. Six databases and two sources of gray literature were searched. This review analyzed 107 sources from 1994 to 2023. Local anesthesia devices were grouped into computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) systems, intraosseous anesthesia (IOA), vibratory stimulation devices, and electronic dental anesthesia (EDA). CCLAD systems, particularly the Wand and Single-Tooth Anesthesia, have been the most researched, with mixed results regarding their effectiveness in reducing pain during needle insertion compared to traditional syringes. However, CCLAD systems often demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain during anesthetic deposition, especially during palatal injections. Limited studies on IOA devices have reported effective pain alleviation. Vibrating devices have shown inconsistent results in terms of pain reduction, with some studies suggesting their primary benefit is during needle insertion rather than during the administration phase. EDA devices are effective in reducing discomfort but have found limited applicability. These findings suggest that the CCLAD systems reduce injection pain and discomfort. However, the evidence for other devices is limited and inconsistent. The development and research of innovative technologies for reducing dental pain and anxiety provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and improved patient care in dental practice.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.301-313
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• 2024

Objective: The current body of evidence lacks clarity regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) as minimally invasive treatments for benign thyroid nodules. The primary objective of this study is to clarify these concerns. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Europe PMC, and Medline databases until October 10th, 2023, using a combination of relevant keywords. This study incorporated literature that compared RFA and MWA for benign thyroid nodules. The primary outcome was the volume reduction ratio (VRR) from baseline to follow-up. Secondary outcomes were symptom score, cosmetic score, ablation time, major complications rate, hemorrhage, hoarseness, skin burn, cough, and sympathetic nerve injury. We used Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. We employed random effects models to analyze the standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio for the presentation of outcomes. Results: Nine studies with 2707 nodules were included. The results of our meta-analysis indicated similar efficacy between RFA and MWA in terms of VRR during the 1 (SMD 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.13 to 0.26; P = 0.52) and 3 (SMD 0.11; 95% CI: -0.03 to 0.25; P = 0.12) months of follow-up. VRR was significantly higher in RFA than in MWA at the 6 (SMD 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06-0.43; P = 0.008) and 12 month of follow-up (SMD 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.59; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between RFA and MWA in symptom scores, cosmetic scores, or the incidence of complications, including hemorrhage, hoarseness, skin burn, cough, and sympathetic nerve injury. Conclusion: RFA showed a higher VRR than MWA at 6 and 12-month follow-ups, with a comparable safety profile.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.174-182
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• 2024

In patients with multiple missing molars, wear patterns or displacement of anterior teeth, collapsed occlusal plane, and reduction in vertical dimension may occur. Particularly, in case of a few remaining teeth on one side, a removable partial denture has biomechanical disadvantage. For this reason, an implant-assisted removable partial denture with a few implant surveyed crowns can be an alternative. In this case, due to the right mandibular posterior teeth loss, the anterior teeth were severely worn and the occlusal plane was collapsed. With minimal increasing vertical dimension, oral rehabilitation was performed using a maxillary fixed prosthesis and mandibular implant-assisted removable partial denture. As a result, functional and aesthetic clinical outcomes were obtained.