• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.347-354
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• 2016

An apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is defined as the combination of clinical presentations such as apnea, marked change in skin and muscle tone, gagging, or choking. It is a frightening event, and it predominantly occurs during infancy at a mean age of 1-3 months. The causes of ALTE are categorized into problems that are: gastrointestinal (50%), neurological (30%), respiratory (20%), cardiovascular (5%), metabolic and endocrine (2%-5%), or others such as child abuse. Up to 50% of ALTEs are idiopathic, where the cause cannot be diagnosed. Infants with an ALTE are often asymptomatic at hospital and there is no standard workup protocol for ALTE. Therefore, a detailed initial history and physical examination are important to determine the extent of the medical evaluation and treatment. Regardless of the cause of an ALTE, all infants with an ALTE should require hospitalization and continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring and evaluation for at least 24 hours. The natural course of ALTEs has seemed benign, and the outcome is generally associated with the affected infants' underlying disease. In conclusion, systemic diagnostic evaluation and adequate treatment increases the survival and quality of life for most affected infants.

• International Journal of Contents
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.20-30
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• 2015

We propose a new method that specifies objective image quality factors by evaluating an image quality measurement model using random images. In other words, No-Reference variables are used to evaluate the quality of an original image without using any reference for comparison. 1000 portrait images were collected from a web gallery with votes constituting over 30 recommendation values. The bottom-up data collecting process was used to calculate the following image quality factors: total range, average, standard deviation, normalized distribution, z-score, preference percentage. A final grade is awarded out of 100 points, and this method ranks and grades the final estimated image quality preference in terms of total image quality factors. The results of the proposed image quality evaluation model consist of the specific dynamic range, skin tone R, G, B, L, A, B, and RSC contrast. We can present the total for the expected preference points as the average of the objective image qualities. Our proposed image quality evaluation model can measure the preferences for an actual image using a statistical analysis. The results indicate that this is a practical image quality measurement model that can extract a subject's preferred image quality.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2008

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to understand the anatomical basis of the facial muscles and to apply this knowledge on the clinical practice of facial acupuncture. Methods : We searched both contemporary and the latest literatures on the practical application of facial muscle anatomy on Facial Acupuncture. Conclusions : Facial Acupuncture improves skin tone, texture and wrinkling by assisting the circulation of Ki. It stimulates the facial muscles directly to undo the stagnation of the meridians. To practice Facial Acupuncture, thorough understanding of facial anatomy is required. In this study the muscles of the head and neck, appropriate depth and angle of acupuncture needle, etc. were reviewed. The upper facial muscles including frontalis, procerus, corrugator supercilii and orbicularis oculi, the mid facial muscles including auricularis, nasalis, levator labii superioris, zygomaticus and so on, and the lower facial muscles including orbicularis oris, depressor labii inferioris, depressor anguli oris, mentalis and platysma etc. were reviewed in this study. For safer and more effective use of Facial Acupuncture, further study on the objective outcome of the technique should be done.

• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.225-232
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• 2009

In this paper, a new face detection method based on pupil color distribution maps with the frequency under the illumination variance is proposed. Face-like regions are first extracted by applying skin color distribution maps to a color image and then, they are reduced by using the standard deviation of chrominance components. In order to search for eye candidates effectively, the proposed method extracts eye-like regions from face-like regions by using pupil color distribution maps. Furthermore, the proposed method is able to detect eyes very well by segmenting the eye-like regions, based on a lighting compensation technique and a segmentation algorithm even though face regions are changed into dark-tone due to varying illumination conditions. Eye candidates are then detected by means of template matching method. Finally, face regions are detected by using the evaluation values of two eye candidates and a mouth. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve a high performance.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.525-534
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• 2019

Background In microtia patients with bilateral hearing impairment, hearing improvement is crucial for language development and performance. External auditory canal reconstruction (EACR) has been performed to improve hearing, but often results in complications. We performed transcutaneous bone conduction implant (TBCI) surgery in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TBCI surgery. Methods A retrospective review was performed of five patients who underwent auricular reconstruction and TBCI surgery and 12 patients who underwent EACR between March 2007 and August 2018. Hearing improvement was measured based on the air-bone gap values using pure-tone audiometry over a 6-week postoperative period. We reviewed other studies on hearing improvement using EACR and compared the findings with our results. The surgical techniques for TBCI were reviewed through case analyses. Results Postoperative hearing outcomes showed a significant improvement, with a mean gain of 34.1 dB in the TBCI cohort and 14.1 dB in the EACR cohort. Both gains were statistically significant; however, the TBCI cohort showed much larger gains. Only three of the 12 patients who underwent EACR achieved hearing gains of more than 20 dB, which is consistent with previous studies. All patients who underwent TBCI surgery demonstrated hearing gains of more than 20 dB and experienced no device-related complications. Conclusions TBCI is a safe and effective method of promoting hearing gains in microtia patients with bilateral hearing impairment. TBCI surgery provided better hearing outcomes than EACR and could be performed along with various auricular reconstruction techniques using virgin mastoid skin.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.48-60
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• 2007

Palpation of the pulse has been used in Korean traditional medicine since ancient times to assess physical health. Pulse wave contour may be obtained by measuring arterial pressure or blood volume change of skin. The latter is called as Photoplethysmography(PPG) or digital volume pulse(DVP). The PPG signal is measured by a device comprising an infrared light sourece and a photodetector. Although less widely used, this technique deserves further consideration because of its simplicity and ease of use. The contour of the PPG is formed as a result of a complex interaction between the left ventricle and the systemic circulation. It usually exhibits an early systolic peak and an early diastolic peak. the first peak is formed mainly by pressure trasmitted along a direct path from the left ventricle to the finger. The second peak is formed in part by pressure transmitted along the aorta and large arteries to sites of impedance mismatch in the lower body. The contour of the PPG is sensitive to changes in arterial tone and is influenced by ageing and large artery stiffness. Measurements taken directly from the PPG or from its second derivative can be used to assess these properties. In some mathematical approaches, the extraction of periodic components using frequency analysis was tried to analysis of the PPG. But we don't understand yet what kind of factor in the cardiovascular system or human body is related with the respective specific Fourier components of PPG. This review describes the background to measurement principles, representative contour, contour analysis and frequency domain analysis of PPG, and current and future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.57 no.5 s.114
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• pp.99-111
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• 2007

The purpose of this study were to identity face satisfaction and make-up behavior according to their lifestyles of middle aged women. The subjects were 350 women of 40 - 59 years old. The results of this study were as follow: 1. Lifestyle factors of middle aged women were self confidence, leisure activities, interests in appearance, economical efficiency, conservatism, and value-orientation. They were classified into four types of dignified & appearance interested group, passive stagnated group, unconfident & economic group, and value-oriented & leisure group according to their lifestyles. 2. They were satisfied with their eyes, lips, and eyebrows, but not satisfied with face tone, face shape, and skin texture. Total face satisfaction level was over average. The face satisfaction level of dignified & appearance interested group and value-oriented & leisure group were higher than other groups, but that of passive stagnated group was the lowest. 3. They pursued internal beauty and natural makeup, and did not follow trendy colors. Dignified & appearance interested group pursued characteristic, elegant, changeable, and various make-up colors, but value-oriented & leisure group pursued more various, changeable, and trendy colors. They did not prefer trendy products because of high price. Dignified & appearance interested group and unconfident & economic group were highly price-oriented, but value-oriented & leisure group purchased trendy products. 4. Dignified & appearance interested group included working women with not much income, but passive stagnated group included low-educated and non-working women. Unconfident & economic group included low-educated non-working women with not much income, but value-oriented & leisure group included highly-educated working women with high income.

• The Journal of the Society of Korean Medicine Diagnostics
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.127-140
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• 2011

Objectives: Acupuncture has been shown to relieve pain and modulate biological function by stimulating the organ-specific meridians and enhances parasympathetic activity and suppresses sympathetic activity. The aim of this review is to summarize and understand the effects of acupuncture on autonomic nervous system. Methods: We reviewed a total of 29 studies published from 2000 to 2010 searched by PueMed and various domestic oriental medicine journals to obtain acupuncture studies related with ANS. Each article was classified by ANS measurement index and reviewed for study objectives, outcomes, acupuncture points, experimental and control interventions. Results: In the study of acupuncture about EEG, HRV, SCR, the experiment results are not the same by acupoints. Although same acupoint the results differ by subject's condition. But the study showed some clear tendency. In brief, in normal states acupuncture enhanced either vagal or sympathetic tone depending on the stimulated acupuncture point sites. On the other hand, most of studies demonstrated that acupuncture restored the autonomic dysfunctions in various kinds of tired or stressful states. Conclusions: We reviewed studies that contributed to an understanding of the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on autonomic nervous system. Although the relationship between acupuncture and ANS response is still uncertain, acupuncture could be a excellent treatment method for modulating autonomic dysfunction.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.241-249
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• 2005

Objectives : The purpose of this case is to report the improvement after treatment about patient with Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. Methods : We treated the patient with acupuncture therapy and Herbal medication from 12th October 2004 to 20th June 2005 by evaluating shoulder function with VAS score, shoulder joint ROM and mannual muscle test(MMT). Results : After treatment, this patient achieved excellent outcome following the technique, showing that clinical symptom as like pain, swelling, paresthesia, color tone change was almost disappeared, and there was improvement of ROM and MMT Conclusion : Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological syndrome characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, extreme sensitivity to touch. Oriental medical treatment for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome resulted in satisfactory results by diminishing the symptoms progressively during the thirty two weeks of treatment. Differential diagnosis was based on careful physical examination. More research of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome is needed.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.282-289
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• 2018

Melanin is a pigment produced from tyrosine in melanocytes. Although melanin has a protective role against UVB radiation-induced damage, it is also associated with the development of melanoma and darker skin tone. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme in melanin synthesis, which regulates the rate-limiting step during conversion of tyrosine into DOPA and dopaquinone. To develop effective RNA interference therapeutics, we designed a melanin siRNA pool by applying multiple prediction programs to reduce human tyrosinase levels. First, 272 siRNAs passed the target accessibility evaluation using the RNAxs program. Then we selected 34 siRNA sequences with ${\Delta}G{\geq}-34.6kcal/mol$, i-Score value ${\geq}65$, and siRNA scales score ${\leq}30$. siRNAs were designed as 19-bp RNA duplexes with an asymmetric 3' overhang at the 3' end of the antisense strand. We tested if these siRNAs effectively reduced tyrosinase gene expression using qRT-PCR and found that 17 siRNA sequences were more effective than commercially available siRNA. Three siRNAs further tested showed an effective visual color change in MNT-1 human cells without cytotoxic effects, indicating these sequences are anti-melanogenic. Our study revealed that human tyrosinase siRNAs could be efficiently designed using multiple prediction algorithms.