Chung-Ang University

About: Chung-Ang University is a education organization based out in Seoul, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Thin film. The organization has 13381 authors who have published 26978 publications receiving 416735 citations. The organization is also known as: CAU & Chung.

Radiofrequency ablation of benign non-functioning thyroid nodules: 4-year follow-up results for 111 patients

Abstract: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules over a 4-year follow-up. We evaluated 126 benign non-functioning thyroid nodules of 111 patients treated with RF ablation and followed-up more than 3 years. RF ablation was performed using the Cool-Tip RF system and an internally cooled electrode. Nodule volume and cosmetic and symptom scores were evaluated before treatment and during follow-up. Complications and factors related to efficacy were evaluated. The mean follow-up duration was 49.4 ± 13.6 months. Thyroid nodule volume decreased significantly, from 9.8 ± 8.5 ml before ablation to 0.9 ± 3.3 ml (P < 0.001) at final evaluation: a mean volume reduction of 93.4 ± 11.7 %. The mean cosmetic (P < 0.001) and symptom scores (P < 0.001) improved significantly. Factors related to efficacy were initial solidity and volume. The overall recurrence rate was 5.6 % (7/126). The overall complication rate was 3.6 % (4/111). RF ablation was effective in shrinking benign thyroid nodules and in controlling nodule-related problems over a 4-year follow-up. There were no life-threatening complications or sequelae. Therefore, RF ablation can be used as a non-surgical treatment for patients with benign non-functioning thyroid nodules. • Radiofrequency (RF) ablation provides a non-surgical option for benign non-functioning thyroid nodules • RF ablation reduced non-functioning thyroid nodular volume by 93.5 % after 49 months • Initial solidity and volume influenced the efficacy of RF ablation • Larger thyroid nodules required more treatment sessions to achieve appropriate volume reduction • Complete treatment of the periphery of the nodule is important in preventing marginal regrowth

Comparison of the chemical compositions and nutritive values of various pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) species and parts

Abstract: Pumpkins have considerable variation in nutrient contents depending on the cultivation environment, species, or part. In this study, the general chemical compositions and some bioactive components, such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and β-sitosterol, were analyzed in three major species of pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae pepo, C. moschata, and C. maxima) grown in Korea and also in three parts (peel, flesh, and seed) of each pumpkin species. C. maxima had significantly more carbohydrate, protein, fat, and fiber than C. pepo or C. moschata (P < 0.05). The moisture content as well as the amino acid and arginine contents in all parts of the pumpkin was highest in C. pepo. The major fatty acids in the seeds were palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. C. pepo and C. moschata seeds had significantly more γ-tocopherol than C. maxima, whose seeds had the highest β-carotene content. C. pepo seeds had significantly more β-sitosterol than the others. Nutrient compositions differed considerably among the pumpkin species and parts. These results will be useful in updating the nutrient compositions of pumpkin in the Korean food composition database. Additional analyses of various pumpkins grown in different years and in different areas of Korea are needed.

Increased Work Function in Few-Layer Graphene Sheets via Metal Chloride Doping

Abstract: A chemical approach to controlling the work function of few-layer graphene is investigated. Graphene films are synthesized on Cu foil by chemical vapor deposition. Six metal chlorides, AuCl3, IrCl3, MoCl3, OsCl3, PdCl2, and RhCl3, are used as dopants. The sheet resistance of the doped graphene decreases from 1100 Ω/sq to ≈500–700 Ω/sq and its transmittance at 550 nm also decreases from 96.7% to 93% for 20 mM AuCl3 due to the formation of metal particles. The sheet resistance and transmittance are reduced with increasing metal chloride concentration. The G peak in the Raman spectra is shifted to a higher wavenumber after metal chloride doping, which indicates a charge transfer from graphene to metal ions. The intensity ratio of ICC/IC−C increases with doping, indicating an electron transfer from graphene sheets to metal ions. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy data shows that the work function of graphene increases from 4.2 eV to 5.0, 4.9, 4.8, 4.68, 5.0, and 5.14 eV for the graphene with 20 mM AuCl3, IrCl3, MoCl3, OsCl3, PdCl2, and RhCl3, respectively. It is considered that spontaneous charge transfer occurs from the specific energy level of graphene to the metal ions, thus increasing the work function.