• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.106-112
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• 2015

Purpose: The long-term administration of antibiotics interferes with bacterial culture in the middle ear fluids (MEFs) of young children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The purpose of this study is to determine whether molecular diagnostics can be used for rapid and direct detection of the bacterial pathogen in culture-negative MEFs. Methods: The specificity and sensitivity of both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to the lytA gene of Streptococcus pneumoniae were comparatively tested and then applied for pneumococcal detection in the clinical MEFs. Results: The detection limit of the PCR assay was approximately $10^4$ colony forming units (CFU), whereas that of LAMP was less than 10 CFU for the detection of S. pneumoniae. Both PCR and LAMP did not amplify nucleic acid at over $10^6$ CFU of H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis, both of which were irrelevant bacterial species. Of 22 culture-negative MEFs from children with OME, LAMP positivity was found in twelve MEFs (54.5%, 12/22), only three of which were PCR-positive (25%, 3/12). Our results showed that the ability of LAMP to detect pneumococcal DNA is over four times higher than that of PCR (P<0.01). Conclusions: As a high-resolution tool able to detect nucleic acid levels equivalent to <10 CFU of S. pneumoniae in MEFs without any cross-reaction with other pathogens, lytA -specific LAMP may be applied for diagnosing pneumococcus infection in OME as well as evaluating the impact of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine against OME.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.67-74
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the results of absorbed and effective doses using two different modes, standard mode (A-mode) and low-dose mode (B-mode) settings for prostate cancer IGRT from CBCT. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was obtained using Clinac iX integrated with On Board Imager (OBI) System and CBCT. CT images were obtained using a GE Light Speed scanner. Absorbed dose to organs from ICRP recommendations and effective doses to body was performed using A-mode and B-mode CBCT. Measurements were performed using a Anderson rando phantom with TLD-100 (Thermoluminescent dosimeters). TLD-100 were widely used to estimate absorbed dose and effective dose from CBCT with TLD System 4000 HAWSHAW. TLD-100 were calibrated to know sensitivity values using photon beam. The measurements were repeated three times for prostate center. Then, Evaluations of effective dose and absorbed dose were performed among the A-mode and B-mode CBCT. Results: The prostate absorbed dose from A-mode and B mode CBCT were 5.5 cGy 1.1 cGy per scan. Respectively Effective doses to body from A mode and B-mode CBCT were 19.1 mSv, 4.4 mSv per scan. Effective dose from A-mode CBCT were approximately 4 times lower than B-mode CBCT. Conclusion: We have shown that it is possible to reduce the effective dose considerably by low dose mode(B-mode) or lower mAs CBCT settings for prostate cancer IGRT. Therefore, we should try to select B-mode or low condition setting to decrease extra patient dose during the IGRT for prostate cancer as possible.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.323-330
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• 2015

Alkaptonuria, a rare inherited metabolic disease, is characterized by a lack of homogentisate dioxygenase and accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), leading to homogentisic aciduria, arthritis, and ochronosis. In this study, a rapid analytical method, without an expensive and tedious solid phase extraction step, was developed to quantify HGA in plasma using GC-MS. HGA-spiked pooled plasma samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with ethyl acetate, followed by trimethylsilyl derivatization (TMS) and GC-MS quantification using selected ion monitoring. The formation of TMS derivative of the 1 carboxylic and 2 hydroxyl functional groups was performed by reacting BSTFA (with 10% TMCS) for 5 min at 80 ℃. For selected ion monitoring, quantification and confirmation ions were determined based on specific ions (m/z 384, m/z 341 and m/z 252) of the TMS derivative of HGA. Calibration curves of pooled normal plasma specimens showed a linear relationship in the range of 1-100 ng/µL. The precision and accuracy were within a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1 to 15% and a bias of -5 to 25%. Recoveries were obtained in the range of 99-125% and 95-115% for intra-day and inter-day assay, respectively, at 2, 20 and 80 ng/µL. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.4 ng/µL and 4 ng/µL, respectively. No homogentisic acid was excreted from normal Korean plasma samples. Collectively, the results from the present study suggest that this method could be useful for routine diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of alkaptonuria patients with excellent sensitivity and rapidity.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.77-83
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of current study was to evaluate the validity of the existing radiological classifications as a diagnostic modality for predicting characteristics of calcific deposition in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder joint. For that purpose, we determined the inter-observer reliability for evaluating diagnostic precisions of the classification and also evaluated diagnostic accuracy of predicting the toothpaste type calcific deposition. Materials and Methods: We performed retrospective study with total 26 patients surgically treated with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder joint from March 2010 to October 2013. Two independent observers reviewed preoperative radiographs of shoulder joints, and classified the characteristics of calcific depositions according to the criteria of Gartner, DePalma and Patte. Cohen's kappa were calculated for each classifications to evaluate inter-observer reliability. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio were determined for type of calcific depositions with Gartner type III, DePalma type I, and Patte type II for predicting toothpaste type calcific deposition. Results: The values of Cohen's kappa were the highest in the classification of Patte, 0.62, and the values for the classifications of DePalma and Gartner were 0.56 and 0.36, respectively. The sensitivities for predicting toothpaste type calcific deposition in Gartner Type III, DePalma type I and Patte type II were 83.3%, 91.7%, and 58.3%, respectively. Specificities were 85.7% 50.0% and 64%, positive likelihood ratios were 5.833, 1.833 and 1.633, negative likelihood ratios were 0.194, 0.167 and 0.648, and diagnostic odds ratios were 30.00, 11.00 and 2.52, respectively. Conclusion: There were no radiologic classifications of calcific tendinitis which has both high precision and accuracy. Further studies with other diagnostic modalities such as ultrasonography are needed for predicting characteristics of calcific deposition in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder joint.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.1224-1229
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• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease, especially in the neonatal period, and it carries a significant degree of mortality and morbidity. Group B streptococcus(GBS) is a common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment results and complications of GBS meningitis. Methods : We analyzed 29 cases retrospectively who had been admitted to the pediatric ward or NICU in Asan Medical Center from May 1990 to January 2002. They had proven GBS in culture or latex agglutination test in CSF. Results : The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.9. There were two cases of early onset type and 27 cases of late onset type. All cases had normal birth weight with full term at delivery. The perinatal predisposing factors were premature rupture of membrane(two cases), and maternal colonization(two cases). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and irritability. Associated diseases were GBS sepsis(21 cases). There was relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives. There were abnormal brain CT or MRI findings in 16 cases(64%), such as infarction, encephalomalatic change, effusion, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage and abscess. The intensive care unit admission rate and the incidence of DIC were higher in the group with complications. Two cases were discharged against advice. Conclusion : We recommend early detection and active treatment in Group B streptococcal meningitis to improve the prognosis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.242-249
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• 2003

Purpose : We studied the relationship between anthracycline cumulative dose and anthracycline cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer and followed up 40 children with anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Methods : A retrospective study was performed in 154 children who received anthracycline chemotherapy between January 1995 to December 2000. Cardiotoxicity was defined when the left ventricular fractional shortening(FS) was below 26%; it was divided into two groups, mild and severe cardiotoxicity, according to the FS. We followed up survivors with cardiotoxicity, and checked their present cardiac function by physical activity, echocardiography, electrocardiography(EKG) and chest X-ray. Results : Of the 154 children treated with anthracyclines, forty(26.0%) were diagnosed as cardiotoxicity. The incidence of cardiotoxicity increased in exponential fashion with increases in the cumulative dose of anthracyclines. There was minimal increase of incidence until a dose of $300mg/m^2$ after which the incidence increased rapidly. After mean $3.8{\pm}1.8year$ follow-up of 23 survivors with cardiotoxicity, FS increased significantly. EKG and chest X-rays were not helpful for the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity because of their low sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion : Although convenient, non-invasive and inexpensive, EKG and chest X-rays were not helpful for the follow-up of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Almost all survivors with anthracycline cardiotoxicity have improved in both physical activity and echocardiographic findings after discontinuation of anthracyclines.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.22-31
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• 2017

The purpose of this study is to illuminate historical sensitivity and design in the days of the Joseon era and examines the phenomenon of acculturation as revealed in the planting of Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata in the garden grove by looking into the purpose underlying the construction, formative intention and the process of change in Pohang's Chirinjeong wonlim. Chirinjeong, also called Sanggaejeong(雙槐亭) after the fact that two Zelkova serrata trees were planted there, is a hermit pavilion in Sa-il village, Chogok-ri, built in the 9th year of King Taejong(1409) by Jang, Pyo(張彪, 1349~?) of an officer of bureaucratic origin toward the end of the Goryeo Dynasty, the Chirinjeong garden grove is an element essential to Chogok, the 3rd Gok of Sanggaegoogok(雙溪九曲). The wonlim of Chirinjeong is divided into the pavilion section composed of the entrance area, Chirinjeong, composed of Zelkova serrata and Sophora japonica, and the pond section composed of a quadrangular pond and island(方池方島), and Lagerstroemia indica. In view of the intent of the name Chirinjeong or of the fact that the pavilion was named based on that the royal seal string was hung on the Sanggwaesoo(雙槐樹) or two Zelkova serrata trees, it is reasonable to view it as Zelkova serrata trees having been planted early in the days of the Joseon Dynasty and those additionally planted later on that symbolizes the position of the three nobles and the Sophora japonica. In addition, in spite of the fact that the type of trees supplementarily planted in the 21st year of King Yeongjo(1745) is known as Sophora japonica, it is impossible to rule out the possibility of the tree planted outside of Chirinjeong being Zelkova serrata. In short, the three Zelkova serrata trees planted along with Sophora japonica must certainly be evidence that Zelkova serrata planted along with Sophora japonica in Chirinjeong wonlim indicates that the off spring of the Indong Jang family could tell the difference between Sophora japonica and Zelkova serrata. In the recognition process of Zelkova serrata trees finding their way into Korea, it was known as Zelkova serrata on the one hand and as Sophora japonica on the other, and the former, which enjoys a comparative advantage over in terms of the easiness with which to purchase, growth speed and possibility of growing into a long-lived tree was interchanged with Zelkova serrata, a case of acculturation as manifested in the planting of Sophora japonica in the Chirinjeong garden grove.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.42
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• pp.293-313
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• 2016

The target stimulating human's sensitivity can include several things; the first is human like us including beautiful women and cute babies. The next ranking is the dog animal that established itself as a human's companion. It is the 3B law(beauty, baby, beast - much used in the ad or election due to the positive image) that is widely used in the advertising. This relationship is being expressed in the art history for a long time. Dogs that have lived a history more than 10 thousand years with humans hunted, protected flock of sheep, and kept the farmer's house and property. They have been human's assistants and companion who entered into the modern urban culture. Like this, dogs have adapted to several situations endlessly such as the nomadic life, farming, country life, and urban life. This paper will explore the close relationship of humans and companion animals through various icons of dogs and pups that appeared through a number of artists' skills. The companion animal means an animal that lives with people, which means the relationship of round-trip rather than the one-way relation those each other gives a help. Therefore, there artist tries to examine the figure of great hunter for survival, highly evaluated figure as the royal dignity, and the mascot-like figure delivering the daily happiness to modern people as presenting joy through a discussion of the 'countenance', a visual signal of the dogs and pups. They have been influenced by screen and popular media in 20C. Snoopy, a main character of and the movie <101 Dalmatians> made a success on the theater and television when Beagle and Dalmatian were prevalent. These main characters make audience feel happy involuntarily. Like this, the continuous and old friendship of the human and dogs will be confirmed again through the icon of dogs and pups consisting of the communication of artists and readers in the modern shape art, and it is hoped to be a psychological stabilizing effect to modern people living in the intense modern society. Therefore, it is expected this study paper will be reborn as a new text and be expanded as an effective communication in the journey of dogs and human in the future in investigating the communion of dogs and human.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.250-256
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• 2017

The prevalence of infections due to pathogenic bacteria such as Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus parauberis, and Photobacterium phosphoreum in fish farms in Jeju Island and their management by marine-derived biomaterials was studied. In this study, we isolated eight spices type of marine-derived biomaterials from four sea areas of Jeju Island. An antibiotic disc susceptibility test confirmed that the isolated marine-derived biomaterials showed weak resistance only to oxytetracycline and penicillin and sensitivity to the other antibiotics tested, and antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens with the inhibitory zone of 22 mm, 18 mm, and 19 mm for MD-02, MD-04, and MD-06 against E. tarda strains, respectively, and 19 mm, 22 mm, 30 mm, and 29 mm for MD-01, MD-02, MD-04, and MD-06 against S. parauberis strains, respectively, while all the marine-derived biomaterials showed antibacterial activity against P. phosphoreum. Among the eight biomaterials selected, Bacillus subtilis MD-02 displayed the greatest antibacterial activity against the three tested fish pathogens and also displayed susceptibility to antibiotics. The growth of Bacillus subtilis MD-02 was greatest with the carbon source, dextrine; nitrogen source, peptone; and mineral source, $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$. Hence, the present study confirmed that the isolate B. subtilis MD-02 from Jeju Island could be a potential antimicrobial agent against fish pathogens and a potential pharmacotherapeutic agent.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.407-414
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• 2010

Until now, the pore size distribution, PSD, of soil profile has been calculated from soil moisture characteristic data by water release method or mercury porosimetry using the capillary rise equation. But the current methods are often difficult to use and time consuming. Thus, in this work, theoretical framework for an easy and fast technique was suggested to estimate the PSD from unsaturated hydraulic conductivity data in an undisturbed field soil profile. In this study, unsaturated hydraulic conductivity data were collected and simulated by the variation of soil parameters in the given boundary conditions (Brooks and Corey soil parameters, ${\alpha}_{BC}=1-5L^{-1}$, b = 1 - 10; van Genuchten soil parameters, ${\alpha}_{VG}=0.001-1.0L^{-1}$, m = 0.1 - 0.9). Then, $K_s$ (1.0 cm $h^{-1})$ was used as the fixed input parameter for the simulation of each models. The PSDs were estimated from the collected K(h) data by model simulation. In the simulation of Brooks-Corey parameter, the saturated hydraulic conductivity, $K_s$, played a role of scaling factor for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, K(h) Changes of parameter b explained the shape of PSD curve of soil intimately, and a ${\alpha}_{BC}$ affected on the sensitivity of PSD curve. In the case of van Genuchten model, $K_s$ and ${\alpha}_{VG}$ played the role of scaling factor for a vertical axis and a horizontal axis, respectively. Parameter m described the shape of PSD curve and K(h) systematically. This study suggests that the new theoretical technique can be applied to the in situ prediction of PSD in undisturbed field soil.