• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권1호
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• pp.13-22
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• 2021

Objective : High precision and accuracy are expected in gamma knife radiosurgery treatment. Because of the requirement of clinically applying complex radiation and dose gradients together with a rapid radiation decline, a dedicated quality assurance program is required to maintain the radiation dosimetry and geometric accuracy and to reduce all associated risk factors. This study investigates the validity of Leksell Gamma plan (LGP)10.1.1 system of 5th generation Gamma Knife Perfexion as modified variable ellipsoid modeling technique (VEMT) method. Methods : To verify LGP10.1.1 system, we compare the treatment plan program system of the Gamma Knife Perfexion, that is, the LGP, with the calculated value of the proposed modified VEMT program. To verify a modified VEMT method, we compare the distributions of the dose of Gamma Knife Perfexion measured by Gafchromic EBT3 and EBT-XD films. For verification, the center of an 80 mm radius solid water phantom is placed in the center of all sectors positioned at 16 mm, 4 mm and 8 mm; that is, the dose distribution is similar to the method used in the x, y, and z directions by the VEMT. The dose distribution in the axial direction is compared and analyzed based on Full-Width-of-Half-Maximum (FWHM) evaluation. Results : The dose profile distribution was evaluated by FWHM, and it showed an average difference of 0.104 mm for the LGP value and 0.130 mm for the EBT-XD film. Conclusion : The modified VEMT yielded consistent results in the two processes. The use of the modified VEMT as a verification tool can enable the system to stably test and operate the Gamma Knife Perfexion treatment planning system.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.384-391
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• 2021

Purpose: The Cow's Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS^TM) was developed as an awareness tool for evaluating cow's milk-related symptoms in otherwise healthy children. Using a convenience sample of participants, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine CoMiSS^TM values of symptomatic infants based on retrospectively or prospectively obtained information. Methods: CoMiSS^TM values were determined in infants aged <12 months with symptoms suggestive of cow's milk protein allergy or functional gastrointestinal disorders. The exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis with acute or chronic disease, treatment with a therapeutic formula, and in case of breastfeeding, an elimination diet followed by the mother. Two CoMiSS^TM values were assessed. A retrospective collection was defined as the collection of data after initial contact with the medical center but before the first medical consultation. A prospective collection was defined as the collection of data within 24 hours from the time of medical consultation but before starting any therapeutic intervention. The CoMiSS^TM total and individual component scores obtained retrospectively or prospectively were compared between groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: This study was performed between August and November 2019. Data of 110 children (62 males and 48 females), with a mean±standard deviation age of 18.2±11.7 weeks, were obtained. The total CoMiSS^TM value (p<0.001) and some individual component scores (crying, regurgitation, and stool) were significantly lower when collected prospectively than when collected retrospectively. Conclusion: CoMiSS^TM values were retrospectively and prospectively determined. Lower CoMiSS^TM values were obtained during prospective evaluation. Possible differences should be considered when using CoMiSS^TM in clinical practice.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.392-402
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• 2021

Purpose: The present study assessed the role of an amino acid-based formula (AAF) in the growth of infants with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Methods: Non-breastfed, term infants aged 0-6 months with symptoms suggestive of CMPA were recruited from 10 pediatric centers in China. After enrollment, infants were started on AAF for two weeks, followed by an open food challenge (OFC) with cow's milk-based formula (CMF). Infants with confirmed CMPA remained on AAF until 9 months of age, in conjunction with a cow's milk protein-free complementary diet. Body weight, length, and head circumference were measured at enrollment and 9 months of age. Measurements were converted to weight-for-age, length-for-age, and head circumference-for-age Z scores (WAZ, LAZ, HCAZ), based on the World Health Organization growth reference. Results: Of 254 infants (median age 16.1 weeks, 50.9% male), 218 (85.8%) were diagnosed with non-IgE-mediated CMPA, 33 (13.0%) tolerated CMF, and 3 (1.2%) did not complete the OFC. The mean WAZ decreased from 0.119 to -0.029 between birth and enrollment (p=0.067), with significant catch-up growth to 0.178 at 9 months of age (p=0.012) while being fed the AAF. There were no significant changes in LAZ (0.400 vs. 0.552; p=0.214) or HCAZ (-0.356 vs. -0.284; p=0.705) from the time of enrollment to age 9 months, suggesting normal linear and head growth velocity. Conclusion: The amino acid-based study formula, in conjunction with a cow's milk proteinfree complementary diet, supported normal growth till 9 months of age in a cohort of Chinese infants with challenge-confirmed non-IgE-mediated CMPA.

• International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.71-84
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• 2020

In order to improve the performance of marine centrifugal pump, a centrifugal pump whose specific speed is 66.7 was selected for the research. Outlet diameter D2, outlet width b2, blade outlet angle β2, blade wrap φ and blade number z of the impeller were chosen as the variables. The maximum weighted average efficiency and the minimum vibration intensity at the base were calculated as objectives. Based on the Latin Hypercube method, the impeller was numerically optimized. The numerical results show that after optimization, the amplitudes of pressure fluctuation on the main frequency at different monitoring points decrease in varying degrees. The radial force on impeller decreases obviously under off-design flow rates and is more symmetrical during the operation of the pump. The variation of the axial force is relatively small, which has no obvious relationship with the rotating angle of the impeller. The energy performance and vibration experiment was performed for verifying. The test results show that the weighted average efficiency under 0.8Qd, 1.0Qd and 1.2Qd increases by 4.3% after optimization. The maximal vibration intensity at M1-M4 on the pump base reduced from 0.36 mm/s to 0.25 mm/s, decreasing by 30.5%. In addition, the vibration velocities of bracket in pump side and outlet flange also have significant reductions.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권1호
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• pp.43-49
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• 2022

Background Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most frequent congenital craniofacial deformities, with an incidence of approximately 1 per 700 people. Postoperative palatal fistula is one of the most significant long-term complications. This study investigated the incidence of postoperative palatal fistula and its predictive factors based on 25 years of experience at our hospital. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 636 consecutive palatal repairs performed between January 1996 and October 2020 by a single surgeon. Data from patients' medical records regarding cleft palate repair were analyzed. The preoperative extent of the cleft was evaluated using the Veau classification system, and the cleft palate repair technique was chosen according to the extent of the cleft. SPSS version 25.0 was used for all statistical analyses, and exploratory univariate associations were investigated using the t-test. Results Fistulas occurred in 20 of the 636 patients; thus, the incidence of palatal fistula was 3.1%. The most common fistula location was the hard palate (9/20, 45%), followed by the junction of the hard and soft palate (6/20, 30%) and the soft palate (5/20, 25%). The cleft palate repair technique significantly predicted the incidence of palatal fistula following cleft palate repair (P=0.042). Fistula incidence was significantly higher in patients who underwent surgery using the Furlow double-opposing Z-plasty technique (12.1%) than in cases where the Busan modification (3.0%) or two-flap technique (2.0%) was used. Conclusions The overall incidence of palatal fistulas was 3.1% in this study. Moreover, the technique of cleft palate repair predicted fistula incidence.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.316-323
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• 2020

본 연구는 제초제저항성 GM 들잔디에서 발현된 PAT 단백질의 잠재적인 알레르기성 및 독성을 평가하기 위해 수행되었다. PAT 단백질의 in silico 분석에서 PAT 단백질은 알려진 알레르겐 또는 독성 단백질과 유사성을 보이지 않았다. PAT 단백질은 80개의 아미노산으로 이루어진 절편에 걸쳐 기지의 알레르겐과 35% 미만의 아미노산 서열 상동성을 보였고, 기지의 알레르겐과 연속한 8개의 아미노산에서 일치하는 서열도 확인되지 않았다. 또한 제초제저항성 GM 들잔디에서 발현된 PAT 단백질은 펩신 존재 하의 인공위액에서 매우 빠르게 분해되었고, GM 들잔디에서 발현된 PAT 단백질은 번역 후 수식(glycosylation)도 일어나지 않았음이 확인되었다. 경구투여 독성 시험에서는 체중 1 kg 당 4,000 mg 을 투여한 실험구에서도 PAT 단백질 투여 후 마우스에서 사망이나 독성 영향은 관찰되지 않았다. 이들 결과는 제초제저항성 GM 들잔디에서 발현된 PAT 단백질이 잠재적 알레르겐이나 독소로 작용할 가능성이 없음을 시사한다.

• 한국해양공학회지
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.217-231
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• 2022

Reinforced polyurethane foam (R-PUF), a material for liquefied natural gas cargo containment systems, is expected to have different mechanical properties depending on its stacking position of foaming as the glass fiber reinforcement of R-PUF sinks inside R-PUF under the influence of gravity. In addition, since R-PUF is not a homogeneous material, it is also expected that the coordinate direction within this material has a great correlation with the mechanical properties. So, this study was conducted to confirm this correlation with the one between the mechanical properties and the stacking position. In particular, in this study, R-PUF of 3 different densities (130, 170, and 210 kg/m³) was used, and tensile, compression, and shear tests of this material were performed under 5 temperatures. As a result of the tests, it was confirmed that the strength and modulus of elasticity of the material increased as the temperature decreased. Specifically, the strength and modulus of elasticity in the Z direction, which was the lamination direction, tended to be lower than those in the other directions. Finally, the strength and elastic modulus of different specimens of the material found at the bottom of their lamination compared to the specimens with these properties found at positions other than their lamination bottom were evaluated. Further analysis confirmed that as the temperature decreased, hardening of R-PUF occurred, indicating that the strength and modulus of elasticity increased. On the other hand, as the density of R-PUF increased, a sharp increase in strength and elastic modulus of R-PUF was observed.

• 운동영양학회지
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.10-16
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• 2021

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to (i) assess hydration levels in elite male football players during a national team training camp before and during qualifying matches, (ii) evaluate the effect of coaching strategies for hydration based on feedback from hydration monitoring, and (iii) assess possible relationships between hydration status and training load or wellness markers. [Methods] Thirty-one male players (age 27±4 yrs; height 185±6 cm; weight 82.9±6.7 kg; body fat 10.4±2.3%) representing a national team from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) participated. The players were studied during three different national team training camps related to the UEFA Nations League tournament. Urine specific gravity (U_SG) was measured to assess hydration status. During all camps, the players were actively coached on improving strategies for hydration and given individual feedback on their test results. The training load was measured using GPS technology, and wellness questionnaires were completed. [Results] U_SG decreased progressively and significantly (p<0.005) during camp 1 and hydration status improved over the three camps, with fewer dehydrated and more well-hydrated players identified during the last part of camp 3. Significantly (p<0.05) higher U_SG values were observed 2 days prior to a match (MD-2) than on match day (MD); consequently, 52% of the players were dehydrated on MD-2 and only 6% on MD. No correlations were observed between hydration status and training load or wellness markers. [Conclusion] Dehydration is a challenge in elite male football, but continuous monitoring of hydration status and coaching on hydration strategies can lead to major improvements and reduce the degree of dehydration.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.351-359
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• 2022

The present study investigated the synergistic effects of carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon black (CB) inclusions on the piezoresistive sensing behaviors of cementitious composites. Four different CNT and CB combinations were considered to form different conductive networks in the binder material composed of Portland cement and fly ash. The cement was substituted with fly ash at levels of 0 or 50% by the mass of binder. The specimens were cured up to 100 days to observe the variations of the electrical characteristics with hydration progress, and the piezoresistive sensing behaviors of the specimens were measured under cyclic loading tests. The fabricated specimens were additionally evaluated with flowability, resistivity and cyclic loading tests, and morphological analysis. The scanning electron microscopy and energy disperse X-ray spectroscopy test results indicated that CNT and CB inclusion induced synergistic formations of electrically conductive networks, which led to an improvement of piezoresistive sensing behaviors. Moreover, the incorporation of fly ash having Fe³⁺ components decreased the electrical resistivity, improving both the linearity of fractional changes in the electrical resistivity and reproducibility expressed as R² under cyclic loading conditions.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• 제12권4호
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• pp.431-439
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• 2021

This research work aims to investigate the effect of the aerobic bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the 316L stainless steel and α-brass. These properties of both the alloys were determined after 7 days of exposure to the controlled and inoculated media at 37℃. The microstructural and electrochemical test results revealed the deleterious effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After exposure to the inoculated medium, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed the larger pitting and formation of relatively dense biofilm on α-brass compared to 316L stainless steel. The tensile strength and hardness of 316L stainless steel were slightly affected after exposure to the controlled and inoculated media. After exposure to the controlled medium and inoculated media, the tensile strength of the α-brass was least affected but a significant decrease in the hardness (from 165 HV to 124 HV) was observed due to the severe attack induced by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, the open-circuit potential of the 316L stainless steel in the inoculated medium was measured to be less active (-410 mV vs Ag/AgCl) than α-brass (-550 mV vs Ag/AgCl). In the inoculated medium, potentiodynamic polarization curves confirmed the severe attack of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on α-brass (7.15 × 10^-2 mm/year) compared to 316L stainless steel which registered a corrosion rate of 5.14 × 10^-4 mm/year.