• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.90-97
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• 2013

The tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) release assay (IGRA) have been widely used for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). In order to overcome limitations of current LTBI diagnostic methods, the development of a novel molecular assay which is able to measure the IFN-${\gamma}$ messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level after stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) specific antigen was recently developed. The ability of a molecular assay to detect MTB infection was similar to commercial IGRA however, the optimal incubation time for stimulating IFN-${\gamma}$ was not yet established. Therefore, in this study the direct comparisons of MTB Ag stimulation times (4 and 24 hrs) were performed for diagnosis of MTB infection. Data showed that the coincident rate between QFT-GIT IFN-${\gamma}$ ELISA and IFN-${\gamma}$ RT-PCR (4 hrs) was 88.35% and that of QFT-GIT and IFN-${\gamma}$ RT-PCR (24 hrs) was 70.85%. Based on a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the 4 hrs-MTB specific Ag stimulation time for IFN-${\gamma}$ RT-PCR had the significant P value, 95% CI value, and AUC (P < 0.0001, 95% CI=0.82 to 1.02, and AUC=0.9214) in comparison with 24 hrs-MTB specific Ag stimulation time (P = 0.009, 95% CI=0.06 to 0.94, and AUC=0.7711). These results show that 4-hr was the most optimal MTB Ag stimulation time for performing IFN-${\gamma}$ RT-PCR. Although semi-quantitative RT-PCR had a few analytical limitations, it might be useful as an alternative molecular diagnostic method for detecting MTB infection.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2007

Raman spectroscopy is known to have strong potential for providing noninvasive dermatological diagnosis of skin cancer. According to the previous work, various well known methods including maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) and multilayer perceptron networks (MLP) showed competitive results. Since even the small errors often leads to a fatal result, we investigated the method that reduces classification error perfectly by screening out some ambiguous patterns. Those ambiguous patterns can be examined by routine biopsy. We incorporated an ambiguous pattern class in MAP, linear classifier using minimum squared error (MSE), MLP and reduced coulomb energy networks (RCE). The experiments involving 216 confocal Raman spectra showed that every methods could perfectly classify BCC by screening out some ambiguous patterns. The best results were obtained with MSE. According to the experimental results, MSE gives perfect classification by screening out 8.8% of test patterns.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.171-178
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• 2017

'Smart Sensibility Mat (SSM)' was developed and manufactured for positive sensibility of newborn with fiber, digital, and sensibility technology to reflect features and advantages of kangaroo care. For tactile stimuli, the tube of the silicon material to provide a constant temperature of $32^{\circ}C$ was inserted into the mat and connected to the water-thermostat. To provide a uniform temperature throughout the mat, the fabric by the inserting conductive yarn was attached to the mat surface. After wrapping the mat with cotton pad, the polyurethane foam used as medicine in order to similar to the human skin was bonded to the surface of the mat. To provide the auditory stimuli of a level of 30dB with mother's heartbeat sounds and voice recorded in advance, the Bluetooth speaker was inserted into the mat. To investigate the effects of SSM, 10 newborns who born within two weeks were involved in this experiment. While the baby was lying on each of the general mat (GM) and SSM, the baby's physiological signals-heart rate, breathing rate, temperature- were measured and then, those were conducted t-test to examine the difference between the signals of SSM and GM. The results were as follows: heart rate (t=8.131, p<.001) and respiratory rate (t=7.227, p<.001) among the physiological signals of SSM decreased significantly than GM within the normal range. Temperature (t=1.062, p=0.292) at SSM showed a tendency to decrease than GM within the normal range. This means the tactile stimuli and the auditory stimuli providing from SSM give stable physiological responses. Thus, SSM leads to have psychological comfort and stability of newborns.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.11
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• pp.366-370
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• 2018

Purpose: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important diseases that cause significant mortality and morbidity in young children. Data on TB transmission from an infected child are limited. Herein, we report a case of disseminated TB in a child and conducted a contact investigation among exposed individuals. Methods: A 4-year-old child without Bacille Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ vaccination was diagnosed as having culture-proven disseminated TB. The child initially presented with symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, and nosocomial and kindergarten exposures were reported. The exposed individuals to the index case were divided into 3 groups, namely household, nosocomial, or kindergarten contacts. Evaluation was performed following the Korean guidelines for TB. Kindergarten contacts were further divided into close or casual contacts. Chest radiography and tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma-releasing assay were performed for the contacts. Results: We examined 327 individuals (3 household, 10 nosocomial, and 314 kindergarten contacts), of whom 18 (5.5%), the brother of the index patient, and 17 kindergarten children were diagnosed as having latent TB infection (LTBI). LTBI diagnosis was more frequent in the children who had close kindergarten contact with the index case (17.1% vs. 4.4%, P=0.007). None of the cases had active TB. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of TB transmission among young children from a pediatric patient with disseminated TB in Korea. TB should be emphasized as a possible cause of chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive in children. A national TB control policy has been actively applied to identify Korean children with LTBI.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.657-665
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• 2015

This study evaluated the thermoregulatory properties of functional thermal underwear ('heating underwear') in markets using a thermal manikin and human wear trials. One ordinary thermal underwear (ORD) and two functional thermal underwear (HEAT1 and HEAT2; manufactured goods, HEAT1: moisture absorbing heat release mechanism, HEAT2: heat storage, release mechanism) were chosen. Thermo-physiological and subjective responses were evaluated at an air temperature of $5.0{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$ and air humidity of $30{\pm}5%RH$ with five male subjects ($21.6{\pm}1.3yr$ in age, $178.0{\pm}5.9cm$ in height, $68.2{\pm}5.9kg$ in body mass). Experimental conditions consisted of four ensembles that included winter clothes (Control: no underwear, ORD, HEAT1, HEAT2). Water-vapor resistance was greater in fabric of HEAT1 than others. The results were: 1) Total thermal insulation (IT) using a thermal manikin were not greater for HEAT1 (0.860clo) and HEAT 2 (0.873clo) than for ORD (0.886clo). 2) There were no significant differences in rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate and total body mass loss between the four conditions. Microclimate clothing temperature on the back was greater for ORD than for HEAT1 and HEAT2. Subjects felt more comfortable with HEAT1 than for others at rest. HEAT2 was higher in microclimate humidity when compared to other conditions. The results suggest that thermoregulatory properties of 'heating underwear' in market did not differ from those of ordinary thermal underwear in terms of total thermal insulation and thermoregulatory responses in a cold environment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1772-1783
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• 2007

This study aimed to investigate differences in the purchasing patterns of and the levels of satisfaction with cosmetic products, and the method of disposing dissatisfied cosmetics for female university students among China, Japan and Korea. Survey was conducted with 1,200 female coeducational university students in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul and 1,115 were used for the data analysis. Data were analysed by frequency analysis, Cronbach's ${\alpha}$, chi-square analysis, analysis of variance, Duncan's Multiple Range test. The results showed significant differences in purchasing behaviors in China, Japan and Korea. Japanese students mainly got information through objective sources, while Koreans did so through human network. Regrading the evaluative criteria for basic care items, function and effect were the most important criteria for Chinese and Korean consumers and skin compatibility for Japanese. For color make-up, Chinese, Japanese and Korean respondents respectively cared the most on brand image, convenience of purchase and the current trend. Chinese tended to shop cosmetics at department stores due to store reputation, Japanese preferred supermarkets and pharmacies and Koreans shopped at discount stores for low price. The most influential human sources were friends and colleagues for Chinese and Korean, and models on advertisements and magazines for Japanese. Korean respondents displayed the highest level of satisfaction with cosmetics followed by Japanese and Chinese. As for the methods of disposing dissatisfactory cosmetics, Chinese were the most active in exchanging for other product; Japanese and Korean were not likely to use or throw the products away.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Fisheries and Ocean Technology
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.174-183
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• 2008

In order to develop the substitutive materials for natural baits of swimming crab pots, the fluorescent characteristics of the baits were analyzed, and the preference of fluorescent dyes were investigated by the mean entrapped catch number to the pots through the water tank experiments and fishing experiments. On the investigation of fluorescent characteristics by the 5 kinds of baits, mackerel, krill, manila clam, pig's fat and chicken's head which were used in substitutive baits for test in the UV long wave(365nm) area, it showed clear blue fluorescence in the skin of mackerel, shell of krill, manila clam and bill of chicken's head, and green fluorescence in the mackerel s muscle and internals, and yellow fluorescence in the pig's fat and chicken's head. On the investigation of fluorescent characteristics by the bait cages in the UV short wave(254nm) and long wave(365nm) area, it showed each green, red and blue fluorescence in the cylinderical or hexahedral red plastic bait cages which were painted each green, red and blue fluorescence dyes, but it showed yellowish green flourescence in the cylinderical or hexahedral red plastic bait cage which was painted yellow fluorescent dye. On the preference investigation of the fluorescent dyes of swimming crabs by the 5 kinds of the bait cages which were put the mackerel in the non-fluorescent red plastic cage($RF_N$), red, yellow, green and blue fluorescent plastic cages(RF, YF, GF, BF) each, nonfluorescent red plastic cage($RF_N$) was entrapped mean 2.0(6.7%), but blue fluorescent plastic cage(BF) was mean 5.0(16.7%) and it was more 2.5 times comparing to $RF_N$, and red fluorescent cage(RF) was same level and green fluorescent cage(GF) was 50% of catch number comparing to $RF_N$, and yellow fluorescent cage(YF) was entrapped nothing(F 46.324, P < 0.05). On the investigation of the entrapped catch number to the pots which were put the mackerel in the blue fluorescent hexahedral plastic cage(HP) and blue fluorescent silicon mackerel model cage(SM), HP was mean 3.4(11.3%) and it was a little more comparing to SM which was entrapped mean 3.2(10.7%)(t 0.775, P > 0.05). Fishing experiments on the preference investigation of swimming crabs by the pots which were put in the non-fluorescent red plastic cage($RF_N$) and blue fluorescent plastic cage(BF) were conducted 3 times. Mean catching number and weight of $RF_N$ were 71.7 ind.(18.3%) and 16.9kg(64.3%), and those of BF were 93.0 ind.(23.1%) and 19.8kg(64.5%), respectively.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.220-225
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• 2019

During the year 2018, the symptoms of bunch rot on Shine Muscat (Vitis vinifera L.) were observed in Kimcheon-si, Gyeongbuk province in Korea. The disease appears on the Shine Muscat as a black rot due to prolific fungal sporulation after it has invaded into the Shine Muscat which look completely empty and dryness. Colonies of these fungi are present on the Shine Muscat skin from fruit setting and increase in amount from early season to harvest, while become peak at ripening stage. To isolate the causal agent, small fragments (2 to 3 mm) of decayed tissue from the lesion margin were placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Fungal colonies on PDA produced dense white aerial mycelium and then covered with dark black conidial heads. These heads were large and radiate, and vesicles were globose (2.12-32.0×2.0-3.1 ㎛). Based on morphological and cultural characteristics, this fungus was identified as Aspergillus tubingensis. To confirm its identity, the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin, and RNA polymerase II was sequenced for molecular identification. BLAST search indicated 99% identity with A. tubingensis. The pathogenicity test on healthy grape of Shine Muscat produced bunch rot, as the original symptoms. To select effective fungicides for the control of brunch rot, an in vitro antifungal activity of seven fungicides were evaluated against the growth of A. tubingensis. Five fungicides (dipenoconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole, iminoctadine, and captan) exhibited significantly strong suppression of the mycelial growth of A. tubingensis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.149-154
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• 2016

Although an association of Kawasaki disease (KD) with infectious agents has been suggested, none have been proven to cause KD. In this case study, we present a case of KD with concurrent onset of influenza and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections. A 27-month-old boy presented with prolonged fever, cough, and rhinorrhea. During the initial testing, influenza A infection was identified, and he was treated with oseltamivir. Despite the antiviral therapy, the fever persisted, and he had cervical lymph node enlargement, bilateral conjunctival injection, fissured red lips, strawberry tongue, and erythematous skin lesions on the Bacillus Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ vaccination site. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with KD and was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). The result of the initial antimycoplasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody testing and was positive, and an increased IgM titer from baseline was found in a repeat test. We reviewed the hypotheses on pathogens known to be associated with KD and the etiology of KD. Based on our findings, we suspect that symptoms of KD and coronary artery lesions can occur from various infections besides those caused by Mycoplasma species and influenza viruses.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.4 s.48
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• pp.693-709
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• 1994

This epidemiologic study was carried out to investigate cauuse and magnitude of food-poisoning like epidemic occurred among inhabitants of a village who have eaten dead cow's meat near Kyongju in February of 1994, around lunar new year, The investigation consisted of interview survey on all inhabitants of 77 households (111 males and 119 females) and their visitors (40 males and 35 females), skin test with anthraxinum (Russian product), study on clinical characteristics for the patients hospitalized, and microbiologic examination on microbes isolated from cow's meat, patient and soils of dead cow's barn. The results obtained are as followings; 1. The proportion of the inhabitants who ingested the dead cow's meat was 36.4%. The incidence rate of the disease was 65.1% for males, 41.7% for females and the cases were distributed evenly for all age groups. The group ingested raw meat showed higher incidence than the group ingested cooked meat. There was no case among people who did not eat the meat. 2. The most clinical symptoms were significantly more frequent among cases than non-cases : sore throat (57%), nausea (51%), fever (47%), indigestion (43%), cough (41%), anorexia (41%), abdominal distention (41%), and abdominal pain (39%) were the major symptoms among cases. 3. Among 29 cases hospitalized out of total 61 cases, three patients, all old and feeble persons, deceased from the disease resulting in 4.9% fatality rate among total patient and 10.3% among hospitalized. Septicemia and meningitis were the causes of the deaths. 4. Three strains isolated from patients, and three strains from dead cow's meat and soil revealed typical microbiologic characteristics of Bacillus Anthracis, which also proved to be fatal to experimentally infected mice.