• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.471-475
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• 2008

Background: In order to achieve a maintenance level and to prevent hemorrhagic complications, regular monitoring of the INR is mandatory for patients on oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT). A point-of-care instrument for INR monitoring is convenient for users, but the accuracy of the results has been controversial, and so this calls for exact evaluation of the point-of-care instrument that is used for INR monitoring. Methods: From Aug 2007 through Feb 2008, 85 patients on OAT among the all the patients who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital were involved in this study. Parallel measurements of the PT INR were performed using a CoaguChek-XS and, a CA-7000 laboratory reference instrument and the results were analyzed. In addition, the patients' clinical data, including the diagnosis and the frequency and interval of the INR measurements, were also analyzed. Results: Of the 85 patients, 25 were admitted more than once to undergo INR testing and the mean interval between testing was 8.6 weeks with 39% and 38% of the tests being less than INR 2 units with using the CoaguChek-XS and the reference method, respectively. The coefficients of variation of CoaguChek-XS were 4.50 and 2.45 for the high and low INR patients, respectively. An excellent correlation was found between the two methods with a $R^2$ of 0.966 (p<0.001). Through Bland-Altman analysis, the mean INR difference between the two methods was 0.13 with the limit of agreement being -0.47~+0.72 with a 95% confidence interval. CoaguChek-XS was shown to overestimate the INR value for patients with an increasing INR, as compared to the reference method. Conclusion: CoaguChek-XS demonstrated great precision and accuracy for patients on OAT when compared to the laboratory INR results. Accordingly, the instrument should help to monitor the INR in the patients on OAT.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.1-34
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• 2010

We conduct a comprehensive risk analysis of household debt in Korea for the first time using the whole sample credit bureau (CB) data of 2.2 million individual debtors. After analysing debt service capacity profiles of debtor groups classified by the borrower characteristics such as income, age, occupation, credit scoring, and the type of creditor business companies, we investigate the impact of interest rate and income changes on debt service-to-income ratios (DTIs) and default rates of respective debtor groups. Empirical results indicate that debt service burdens are relatively high for low income wage earners, high income self-employed, low income capital and card loan holders, and high income mutual savings loan holders. We also find that debtors from multiple financial companies are particularly weak in their debt service capacity. The scenario analysis indicates that financial companies, with the current level of capital buffers, may be able to absorb negative consequences arising from the increase in DTIs and loan default rates if the interest rate and income changes remain modest. However, the negative consequences may fall disproportionately on non-bank financial companies such as capital, credit card, and mutual savings banks, whose debtors' DTIs are already high. We also find that the refinancing risk of household debt is relatively high in Korea as more than half of household mortgage debts are bullet loans. As the DTIs of mortgage loan holders are already high, under the current DTI regulation, mortgage loans may not be readily refinanced especially when the interest rate rises. Disruptions in mortgage loan refinancing may put downward pressure on housing prices, which may in turn magnify refinancing risk under the current loan-to-value (LTV) regulation. Overall our analysis suggests that, for more effective monitoring of household debt risk, it is necessary to combine existing surveillance schemes based on macro aggregate indicators with more comprehensive and detailed risk analyses based on micro individual data.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.605-611
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• 2015

A synthetic strain of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) was developed by introducing genes for long duration of fertility to be used as mother of mule ducklings and a seven-generation selection experiment was conducted to increase the number of fertile eggs after a single artificial insemination (AI) with pooled Muscovy semen. Reciprocal crossbreeding between Brown Tsaiya LRI-2 (with long duration of fertility) and Pekin L-201 (with white plumage mule ducklings) ducks produced the G0. Then G1 were intercrossed to produce G2 and so on for the following generations. Each female duck was inseminated 3 times, at 26, 29, and 32 weeks of age. The eggs were collected for 14 days from day 2 after AI. Individual data regarding the number of incubated eggs (Ie), the number of fertile eggs at candling at day 7 of incubation (F), the total number of dead embryos (M), the maximum duration of fertility (Dm) and the number of hatched mule ducklings (H) with plumage colour were recorded. The selection criterion was the breeding values of the best linear unbiased prediction animal model for F. The results show high percentage of exhibited heterosis in G2 for traits to improve (19.1% for F and 12.9% for H); F with a value of 5.92 (vs 3.74 in the Pekin L-201) was improved in the G2. Heritabilities were found to be low for Ie ($h^2=0.07{\pm}0.03$) and M ($h^2=0.07{\pm}0.01$), moderately low for Dm ($h^2=0.13{\pm}0.02$), of medium values for H ($h^2=0.20{\pm}0.03$) and F ($h^2=0.23{\pm}0.03$). High and favourable genetic correlations existed between F and Dm ($r_g=0.93$), between F and H ($r_g=0.97$) and between Dm and H ($r_g=0.90$). The selection experiment showed a positive trend for phenotypic values of F (6.38 fertile eggs in G10 of synthetic strain vs 5.59 eggs in G4, and 3.74 eggs in Pekin L-201), with correlated response for increasing H (5.73 ducklings in G10 vs 4.86 in G4, and 3.09 ducklings in Pekin L-201) and maximum duration of the fertile period without increasing the embryo mortality rate. The average predicted genetic response for F was 40% of genetic standard deviation per generation of selection. The mule ducklings' feather colour also was improved. It was concluded that this study provided results for a better understanding of the genetics of the duration of fertility traits in the common female duck bred for mule and that the selection of a synthetic strain was effective method of improvement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.11
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• pp.1485-1490
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• 2008

The effects of $\gamma$-irradiation on antioxidant and physicochemical properties of powder and 70% fermented ethanol extracts of Ishige okamurai (I. okamurai) were investigated. In case of powder, although yields were increased, there were no significant changes in total phenolic compounds (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect by $\gamma$-irradiation at 3, 7, and 20 kGy. In case of 70% fermented ethanol extracts, the results of TPC and DPPH radical scavenging effects showed no significant changes. However, antioxidant index increased in the 20 kGy irradiated I. okamurai extracts and decreased in 3 kGy irradiated ones. The optical density value of UV spectrum at 427 nm significantly decreased depending on increasing irradiation dosage. In conclusion, irradiated extracts of I. okamurai can be applied to the food industry due to irradiation stability on antioxidant properties. Also, irradiated extracts can be more useful for food processing as a result of a decrease of extracts color by irradiation.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.88-94
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• 2012

This study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of temperature of treatment and storage on the longevity of 'Unicorn' tomatoes of light red maturity stage during commercial handling conditions encountered while exporting over long distances. Tomato stored at $5^{\circ}C$ and $11^{\circ}C$ temperature with 85% relative humidity by pre-treating handling temperature that was using from field to before shipment as a winter temperature $5^{\circ}C$, spring temperature $11^{\circ}C$ and summer temperature $25^{\circ}C$ for 3 days. On the final storage day, $25^{\circ}C/11^{\circ}C$ (treated/stored) tomatoes showed the highest respiration and ethylene production rate; whereas the lowest respiration and ethylene production rate was found for $5^{\circ}C/5^{\circ}C$ treated and stored tomatoes. Tomatoes treated and stored at $5^{\circ}C/5^{\circ}C$ showed higher marketability, without evidence of fungal rot, decay or spots for 23 days. The fresh weight loss under all treatment conditions increased gradually during $5^{\circ}C$ and $11^{\circ}C$ storage temperatures. The higher firmness and soluble solids were determined from $5^{\circ}C/5^{\circ}C$ and $5^{\circ}C/11^{\circ}C$ treated and stored tomatoes repectively, than from others tomatoes on the final day of storage. In addition, $5^{\circ}C/5^{\circ}C$ tomatoes showed higher vitamin C contents than tomatoes stored at other temperatures, on the final day of storage. As the ripening and storage period progressed, the titratable acidity increased, but declined (P < 0.05) thereafter, due to over ripe tomatoes under all treatment conditions. These results show that $5^{\circ}C/5^{\circ}C$ treated and stored light red maturity stages of 'Unicorn' tomatoes are optimum to export because they show the highest storability and marketability. Moreover, the marketability of light red maturity stage of 'Unicorn' tomato maintained for 2 weeks in $25^{\circ}C/11^{\circ}C$ treated and stored temperature that might be the export temperature from Korea to Japan in summer season. This research result could be useful in helping tomato growers and exporters to get optimum market value by satisfying the buyer and consumer with a fresher product.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2013

Recently, the uses of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) for radiation treatment simulation and planning which is used for intensity modulated radiation therapy with high technique are increasing. Because of the increasing uses of MDCT, additional doses are also increasing. The objective of this study is to evaluate the absorbed dose of body and skin undergoing in MDCT scans. In this study, the exposed dose at the surface and the center of the cylindrical water phantom was measured using an pencil ionization chamber, 30 cc ionization chamber and TL Powder. The results of MDCT were 31.84 mGy, 33.58 mGy and 32.73 mGy respectively. The absorbed dose at the surface showed that the TL reading value was 33.92 mGy from MDCT. These results showed that the surface dose was about 3.5% from the MDCT exposure higher than a dose which is located at the center of the phantom. These results mean that the total exposed dose undergoing MDCT 4 times (diagnostic, radiation therapy planning, follow-up et al.), is about 14 cGy, and have to be considered significantly to reduce the exposed dose from CT scan.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.544-548
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• 2005

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of die temperature and dimension on extraction pattern, extract yield, and crude saponin content of extruded white ginseng. The extrusion variables were die temperature $(110\;and\;120^{\circ}C)$ and die dimension (3 holes with 1.0 mm, 2 holes with 2.0 mm, and 1 hole with 3.0 mm diameter). The browness and redness were indicator of active components in ginseng extract. Both were used to evaluate the effect of die temperature and die dimension on release pattern and release rate constant. Browness and redness of extract achieved its lowest value at die temperature $110^{\circ}C$ and 2 holes with 2.0 mm diameter, indicating the lowest extraction rate constant. Extract yield highly increased by extrusion treatment. Extract yield and crude saponin content were the highest at die temperature $120^{\circ}C$ and 1 hole with 3.0 mm diameter. In conclusion, extrusion process has contributed significantly in improvement of release rate of its active components.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2003

We fabricated mixed ionic-electronic conducting membranes, $CH_4\;Using\;{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$, by solid state reaction method for solid oxide fuel cell. The membranes consisted of single perovskite phase and exhibited high relative density, $>95\%$. We coated $La_{0.6}Sr_{0.4}CoO_{3-\delta}$ layer using screen printing method in order to improve surface reactivity of the $La_{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$. As a result, the oxygen permeation flux of the coated $La_{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$ showed higher value, $0.5ml/min{\cdot}cm^2\;at\;950^{\circ}C$ than the uncoated one. Higher oxygen permeation was observed in the porously coated Lao $La_{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$membranes with larger grain sizes. Syngas, $CO+H_2$, was successfully obtained from methane gas, $CH_4$, using the $La_{0.6}Sr_{0.4}CoO_{3-\delta}$ coated $La_{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$, with over $40\%\;of\;CH_4$ conversion and syngas yield. $La_{0.7}Sr_{0.3}Ga_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}O_{3-\delta}$ membrane was stable even when it was exposed to the reducing environment, methane, for 600 hrs at $950^{\circ}C$.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.417-426
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• 2002

Inductively Coupled Plasma Dynamic Reaction Cell Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (ICP-DRC-QMS) was characterized for the detection of the six naturally occurring calcium isotopes. The effect of the operating conditions of the DRC system was studied to get the best signal-to-noise ratio. This experiment shows that the potentially interfering ions such as $Ar^+$, ${CO_2}^+$, ${NO_2}^+$, $CNO^+$ at the calcium masses m/z 40, 42, 43, 44 and 48 were removed by flowing $NH_3$ gas at the rate of 0.7 mL/min $NH_3$ as reactive cell gas in the DRC with a RPq value (rejection parameter) of 0.6. The limits of detection for $^{40}Ca$, $^{42}Ca$, $^{43}Ca$, $^{44}Ca$, and $^{48}Ca$ were 1, 29, 169, 34, and 15 pg/mL, respectively. This method was applied to the determination of calcium in synthetic food digest samples (CCQM-P13) provided by LGC for international comparison. The isotope dilution method was used for the determination of calcium in the samples. The uncertainty evaluation was performed according to the ISO/GUM and EURACHEM guidelines. The determined mean concentration and its expanded uncertainty of calcium was ($66.4{\pm}1.2$) mg/kg. In order to assess our method, two reference samples, Riverine Water reference sample (NRCC SLRS-3) and Trace Elements in Water reference sample (NIST SRM 1643d), were analyzed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1205-1210
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• 2008

Purpose : The development of the corpus callosum occupies the entire period of cerebral formation. The myelination pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful to evaluate neurologic development and to predict neurologic outcome in high risk infants. The thickness of the corpus callosum is believed to depend on the myelination process. It is possible to calculate the length and thickness of the corpus callosum on MRI. Thus, we can quantitatively evaluate the development of the corpus callosum. We investigated the clinical significance of measuring various portions of the corpus callosum in neonate with neurologic disorders such as hypoxic brain damage and seizure disorder. Methods : Forty-two neonates were evaluated by brain MRI. We measured the size of the genu, body, transitional zone, splenium, and length of the corpus callosum. Each measurement was divided by the total length of the corpus callosum to obtain its corrected size. The ratio of corpus callosal length and the anteroposterior diameter of the brain was also measured. Results : There was no statistical significance in the sample size of each part of the corpus callosum. However, the corrected size or the ratio of body of the corpus callosum correlated with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion : The abnormal size of the corpus callosum showed a good correlation with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. We can predict clinical neurological problems by estimation of the corpus callosum in the neonatal period.