• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.379-386
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• 2023

When patients suffer from finger injuries, their finger joints can become stiff and inflexible due to decreased ability to exercise the finger tendons. This can lead to a loss of strength and difficulty using their hands. To address this, it is important to provide patients with consistent rehabilitation treatment that can help restore finger flexibility and strength simultaneously. In this study, we propose wearable gloves that use FSRs (force sensitive resistors) for finger strength training. The glove is designed to be adjustable using rubber bands and a custom PCB is designed for signal acquisition. For the evaluation of finger strength training, the result was analyzed in four cases. We suggest a vector that represents the center of five finger forces, and the result shows that the vector can indicate the level of force balance.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.76-84
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• 2022

Background: Climate and livestock grazing are key agents in determining current Mongolian steppe vegetation communities. Together with plant coverage or biomass, palatability of steppe community is regarded as a useful indicator of grassland degradation, in particular, at grazing hotspots in arid and semi-arid grasslands. This study analyzed relationships between livestock grazing pressure and steppe vegetation palatability at three summer pastures with different aridity (dry, xeric, and mesic) and livestock numbers (1,100, 1,800, and 4,100 sheep units, respectively). At each site, it was surveyed coverage, biomass, and species composition of different palatability groups (i.e., palatable [P], impalatable [IP], and trampling-tolerant [TT]) along a 1-km transect from grazing hotspots (i.e., well) in every July from 2015 to 2018. Results: In results, total vegetation coverage increased with wetness, 7 times greater at mesic site than dry one in averages (33.1% vs. 4.5%); biomass was 3 times higher (47.1 g m^-2 vs. 15.7 g m^-2). Though P was the dominant palatability group, the importance of IP in total coverage increased with aridity from mesic (0.6%) to dry (40.2%) sites. Whereas, TT increased with livestock numbers across sites. Locally, IP was observed more frequently near the wells and its spatial range of occurrence becomes farther along the transects with aridity across sites from mesic (< 100 m) to dry (< 700 m from the well). Conclusions: Our results showed that the importance of IP and its spatial distribution are different at both local and regional scales, indicating that the palatability parameters are sensitive to discern balance between selective-grazing demand and climate-driven foraging supply in Mongolian rangelands.

• Journal of Rhinology
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.49-58
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• 2021

Background: Nasal polyps in the nasal cavity and mucous discharge inside the maxillary sinus exhibit compressive stress on the nasal mucosal epithelium. However, there have been only a few studies on how compressive stress impacts the human nasal mucosal epithelium. Methodology: We investigated the effect of compressive stress on collective migration, junctional proteins, transepithelial electrical resistance, epithelial permeability, and gene expression in well-differentiated normal human nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells and human nasal polyp epithelial (HNPE) cells. Results: NHNE cells barely showed collective migration at compressive stress up to 150 mmH₂0. However, HNPE cells showed much greater degree of collective migration at a lower compressive stress of 100 mmH₂0. The cell migration of HNPE cells subjected to 100 mmH₂O compression was significantly decreased at day 3 and was recovered to the status prior to the compressive stress by day 7, indicating that HNPE cells are relatively more sensitive to mechanical pressure than NHNE cells. Compressive stress also increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased epithelial permeability, indicating that the compressive stress disturbed the structural organization rather than physical interactions between cells. In addition, we found that compressive stress induced gene expressions relevant to airway inflammation and tissue remodelling in HNPE cells. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings demonstrate that compressive stress on nasal polyp epithelium is capable of inducing collective migration and induce increased expression of genes related to airway inflammation, innate immunity, and polyp remodelling, even in the absence of inflammatory mediators.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.2 s.82
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• pp.218-222
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and pulse transit time (PPT). Apparently healthy 233 subjects had been enrolled in the health promotion center of the Pusan National University Hospital from Jan. 29 to Feb. 26, 2004. They had no previous history of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Subjects were categorized according to tertiles of hsCRP level [Group 1: first tertile $(0.01\;{\sim}\;0.02\;mg/dl)$, Group 2: second tertile $(0.03\;{\sim}\;0.05\;mg/dl)$, Group 3: third tertile $(0.06\;{\sim}\;0.12\;mg/dl)$, and Group 4: Fourth tertile $(0.13\;{\sim}\;16.8\;mg/dl)$]. PTT body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (T-C), LDL-cholesterol(LDL-C), blood sugar (BS), systolic blood pressure (sBP) and diastolic blood pressure (dBP) were significantly different among hsCRP groups (p<0.05). HsCRP is positively related with BMI, tryglyceride (TG), LDL, sBP and dBP (p<0.05), and negatively related with PTT and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p<0.05). PTT is significantly negatively related with hsCRP, T-C, TG, LDL-C, BS, dBP and sBP (p<0.05). The hsCRP and PTT were related before controlling BMI, T-C, LDL-C, sBP, and dBP, but not related after conkolling. The relationship between hsCRP and PTT depends on cardiovascular disease risk factors.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.33-43
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• 1991

To study the age dependent change of Na, K-ATPase in the erythrocyte of hypertensive rat, 1-kidey 1-clip hypertensive rat was made by the removal of right kidney and partial ligation of left renal artery. After 4 weeks, aged erythrocyte fraction was separated by density gradient centrifugation, and Na, K-ATPase activity and $^3H-ouabain$ binding with ghost cell membrane and ouabain sensitive Rb-uptake with whole cell were measured. 1) In the hypertensive rats, blood pressure was significantly increased to 165.5/119.0 mmHg (systolic/diastolic). Mean corpuscular volume and membrane protein(mg) per $10^9RBC$ were decreased and hemoglobin content was increased in the aged erythrocyte. 2) Na, K-ATPase activity in the solution containing 110 mM NaCl and 10 mM KCI, was decreased in hypertensive rat, and decreased in aged erythrocyte of both group. 3) Ouabain sensitive Rb-uptake by low RbCl concentration(4 mM) was slightly decreased in aged erythrocyte compared to that in young erythrocyte of each group, but slightly increased in young erythrocyte in hypertensive rat compared to that in normotensive rat. 4) Ouabain sensitive Rb-uptake by high RbCl concentration(16 mM) was decreased about 30% to 50 % in aged erythrocyte in both group. And in hypertensive rat, especially in young erythrocyte it was significantly decreased compared to that in normotensive rats. 5) $^3H-ouabain$ binding at 0.13 or $1{\times}10^-6M$ ouabain concentration was slightly decreased in aged erythrocyte of normotensive rat, and significantly decreased in aged erythrocyte of hypertensive rats. 6) $^3H-ouabain$ binding at 6 or $64{\times}10^-6M$ ouabain concentration is slightly decreased in aged erythrocyte of both group, but significantly decreased in young and aged erythrocyte of hypertensive rats compared to that of normotensive rats. The present results suggest that (1) in the young erythrocyte of hypertensive rat, the alterations of Na-pump activity that slightly increased in weak stimulation and inhibited in strong stimulation, may be related to increased molecular activity and the decrease in the number of low affinity site without change in high affinity site, (2) in the aged erythrocyte of normotensive rat, inhibited Na-pump may be related to the change in molecular activity of pump. (3) And in the aged erythrocyte of hypertensive rat, it may be related to the decrease in the number of high and low affinity site as well as the change in molecular activity

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.102-110
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• 2000

Purpose : Intravenous infusion of albumin has been widely und to relieve severe nephrotic edema in spite of beneficial or harmful effects. The purpose of this study is to examine the harmful effect of albumin on the clinical course of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS). Method : We prospectively randomized the patients with nephrotic syndrome(biopsy proven or clinically compatible to minimal change nephrotic syndrome) into the albumin group(20$\%$ albumin 1 g/kg) or control group(5$\%$ D/W) between March 1997 and September 1999 at Ewha University Mokdong Hospital. We compared the clinical course of the albumin group(n=13) with the control group(n=13). Results : 1. The duration of steroid therapy until complete remission in the albumin group was significantly longer than the control group($13.7{\pm}6.4\;days\;vs\;7.5{\pm}2.8\;days$)(P<0.05). 2. The remission duration to the first relapse was significantly shorter in the albumin group ($94{\pm}63.5$ days) than the control group($190{\pm}106.4$ days)(P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the relapse rate within 1 year after complete remission[77$\%$ (10/13) vs 46$\%$ (6/13)](P>0.05) and the relapse frequency per year($1.9{\pm}0.8\;vs\;1.5{\pm}0.5$) between the albumin and control groups. 3. Spot urine protein/creatinine ratio significantly increased in the albumin group at post-albumin 2, 4 days(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of the daily percent weight loss, blood pressure, serum Na, K concentration between the albumin and control groups. Conclusion : Albumin infusion in SSNS delayed the response to steroid and shortened the remission duration to the first relapse. Albumin should be carefully used in nephrotic edema.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

The atomic structures of silicate liquids at high pressure provide insights into the transport properties including thermal conductivities or elemental partitioning behavior between rocks and magmas in Earth's interior. Whereas the local electronic structure around silicon may vary with the arrangement of the nearby oxygens, the detailed nature of such relationship remains to be established. Here, we explored the atomic origin of the pressure-induced changes in the electronic structure around silicon by calculating the partial electronic density of states and L₃-edge X-ray absorption spectra of SiO₂ polymorphs. The result showed that the Si PDOS at the conduction band varies with the crystal structure and local atomic environments. Particularly, d-orbital showed the distinct features at 108 and 130 eV upon the changes in the coordination number of Si. Calculated Si XAS spectra showed features due to the s,d-orbitals at the conduction band and varied similarly with those observed in s,d-orbitals upon changes in the crystal structures. The calculated Si XAS spectrum for α-quartz was analogous to the experimental Si XRS spectrum for SiO₂ glass, implying the overall similarities in the local atomic environments around the Si. The edge energies at the center of gravity of XAS spectra were closely related to the Si-O distance, thus showing the systematic changes upon densification. Current results suggest that the Si L_2,3-edge XRS, sensitive probe of the Si-O distance, would be useful in unveiling the densification mechanism of silicate glasses and melts at high pressure.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.537-550
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• 2011

This study was conducted to identify behavioral characteristics of salty food intake according to saline sensitivity of adults living in a rural area. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured and salt intake-related dietary behavior was surveyed by questionnaires through interviews with 402 subjects aged ${\geq}$ 40 years in Chungcheongbuk-Do, Korea. The percentages of overweight and obese among the subjects were 37.8% and 3.8% respectively. Mean blood pressure of the subjects was in the normal range, but the distribution of subjects who were normotensive, high normal, and hypertensive was 48.7%, 17.7%, and 33.6% respectively. Approximately 27% of all subjects habitually consumed salty food, which was the smallest group, followed by 38.1% normal and 35.1% not-salty food. However, 34.6% of the eldest group of ${\geq}$ 65 years consumed salty food. The saline insensitive group showed a higher percentage of irregular meals, overeating, speed-eating, an unbalanced diet, a preference for fried food, and habitual intake of salty foods. These subjects recognized the risk for eating salty food, but they lacked the will to reduce their salty food intake. Compared to spouses and family members, experts such as doctors, nurses, and dieticians were the most influential for reducing the salty food intake of subjects. Saline sensitive group had relatively better control over salty food intake at every meal, eating out, and even when eating salty food that the spouse preferred. The saline sensitive group ate more frequently vegetables and fruits, whereas the saline insensitive group ate more frequently hot spicy foods. In conclusion, the results suggest that it is necessary to establish a social atmosphere toward reducing salt intake at the level of the government and food industry and to set action plans to be available for nutrition education programs to reduce salt intake nationwide.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.736-745
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• 1998

Background: Respiratory muscle interaction is further profoundly affected by a number of pathologic conditions. Hyperinflation may be particularly severe in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) patients, in whom the functional residual capacity(FRC) often exceeds predicted total lung capacity(TLC). Hyperinflation reduces the diaphragmatic effectiveness as a pressure generator and reduces diaphragmatic contribution to chest wall motion. Ultrasonography has recently been shown to be a sensitive and reproducible method of assessing diaphragmatic excursion. This study was performed to evaluate how differences of diaphragmatic excursion measured by ultrasonography associate with normal subjects and COPD patients. Methods: We measured diaphragmatic excursions with ultrasonography on 28 healthy subjects(l6 medical students, 12 age-matched control) and 17 COPD patients. Ultrasonographic measurements were performed during tidal breathing and maximal respiratory efforts approximating vital capacity breathing using Aloka KEC-620 with 3.5 MHz transducer. Measurements were taken in the supine posture. The ultrasonographic probe was positioned transversely in the midclavicular line below the right subcostal margin. After detecting the right hemidiaphragm in the B-mode the ultrasound beam was then positioned so that it was approximately parallel to the movement of middle or posterior third of right diaphragm. Recordings in the M-mode at this position were made throughout the test. Measurements of diaphragmatic excursion on M-mode tracing were calculated by the average gap in 3 times-respiration cycle. Pulmonary function test(SensorMedics 2800), maximal inspiratory(PImax) and expiratory mouth pressure(PEmax, Vitalopower KH-101, Chest) were measured in the seated posture. Results: During the tidal breathing, diaphragmatic excursions were recorded $1.5{\pm}0.5cm$, $1.7{\pm}0.5cm$ and $1.5{\pm}0.6cm$ in medical students, age-matched control group and COPD patients, respectively. Diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts were significantly decreased in COPD patients ($3.7{\pm}1.3cm$) when compared with medical students, age-matched control group($6.7{\pm}1.3cm$, $5.8{\pm}1.2cm$, p< 0.05}. During maximal respiratory efforts in control subjects, diaphragm excursions were correlated with $FEV_1$, FEVl/FVC, PEF, PIF, and height. In COPD patients, diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts were correlated with PEmax(maximal expiratory pressure), age, and %FVC. In multiple regression analysis, the combination of PEmax and age was an independent marker of diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts with COPD patients. Conclusion: COPD subjects had smaller diaphragmatic excursions during maximal respiratory efforts than control subjects. During maximal respiratory efforts in COPD patients, diaphragm excursions were well correlated with PEmax. These results suggest that diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts with COPD patients may be valuable at predicting the pulmonary function.

• Geotechnical Engineering
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.21-32
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• 1991

The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliability model for slope stability of Earth-rockfill dams which accounts for all uncertainties encountered. The uncertain factors of the design variables include the cohesion, the angle of internal friction, and the porewater Pressure in each zone. More specifically, the model errors in estimating those variables are studied in depth. To reduce the uncertainties due to model errors, updated design variables are obtained using Bayesian Theory. For stability analysis, both the two-dimesional stability analysis and the three-dimensional stability analysis where the end effects and the system reliability concept are considered are used for the reliability calculations. The deterministic safety factor by the three-dimensional analysis is lager than that by the two-dimensional anlysis. However, the probability of failure by the three-dimensional analysis is about 3.5 times larger that by the two-dimensional analysis. It is because the system reliability concept is used in the three-dimensional analysis. The sensitivity analysis shows that the probability of failure is more sensitive to the uncertainty of the cohesion than that of the angle of internal friction.