• Korean small business review
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.67-93
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• 2009

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relations between financial constraints and dividend smoothing of innovative small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs) listed on Korea Securities Market and Kosdaq Market of Korea Exchange. The innovative SMEs is defined as the firms with high level of R&D intensity which is measured by (R&D investment/total sales) ratio, according to Chauvin and Hirschey (1993). The R&D investment plays an important role as the innovative driver that can increase the future growth opportunity and profitability of the firms. Therefore, the R&D investment have large, positive, and consistent influences on the market value of the firm. In this point of view, we expect that the innovative SMEs can adjust dividend payment faster than the noninnovative SMEs, on the ground of their future growth opportunity and profitability. And also, we expect that the financial unconstrained firms can adjust dividend payment faster than the financial constrained firms, on the ground of their financing ability of investment funds through the market accessibility. Aivazian et al.(2006) exert that the financial unconstrained firms with the high accessibility to capital market can adjust dividend payment faster than the financial constrained firms. We collect the sample firms among the total SMEs listed on Korea Securities Market and Kosdaq Market of Korea Exchange during the periods from January 1999 to December 2007 from the KIS Value Library database. The total number of firm-year observations of the total sample firms throughout the entire period is 5,544, the number of firm-year observations of the dividend firms is 2,919, and the number of firm-year observations of the non-dividend firms is 2,625. About 53%(or 2,919) of these total 5,544 observations involve firms that make a dividend payment. The dividend firms are divided into two groups according to the R&D intensity, such as the innovative SMEs with larger than median of R&D intensity and the noninnovative SMEs with smaller than median of R&D intensity. The number of firm-year observations of the innovative SMEs is 1,506, and the number of firm-year observations of the noninnovative SMEs is 1,413. Furthermore, the innovative SMEs are divided into two groups according to level of financial constraints, such as the financial unconstrained firms and the financial constrained firms. The number of firm-year observations of the former is 894, and the number of firm-year observations of the latter is 612. Although all available firm-year observations of the dividend firms are collected, deletions are made in the case of financial industries such as banks, securities company, insurance company, and other financial services company, because their capital structure and business style are widely different from the general manufacturing firms. The stock repurchase was involved in dividend payment because Grullon and Michaely (2002) examined the substitution hypothesis between dividends and stock repurchases. However, our data structure is an unbalanced panel data since there is no requirement that the firm-year observations data are all available for each firms during the entire periods from January 1999 to December 2007 from the KIS Value Library database. We firstly estimate the classic Lintner(1956) dividend adjustment model, where the decision to smooth dividend or to adopt a residual dividend policy depends on financial constraints measured by market accessibility. Lintner model indicates that firms maintain stable and long run target payout ratio, and that firms adjust partially the gap between current payout rato and target payout ratio each year. In the Lintner model, dependent variable is the current dividend per share(DPS_t), and independent variables are the past dividend per share(DPS_t-1) and the current earnings per share(EPS_t). We hypothesized that firms adjust partially the gap between the current dividend per share(DPS_t) and the target payout ratio(Ω) each year, when the past dividend per share(DPS_t-1) deviate from the target payout ratio(Ω). We secondly estimate the expansion model that extend the Lintner model by including the determinants suggested by the major theories of dividend, namely, residual dividend theory, dividend signaling theory, agency theory, catering theory, and transactions cost theory. In the expansion model, dependent variable is the current dividend per share(DPS_t), explanatory variables are the past dividend per share(DPS_t-1) and the current earnings per share(EPS_t), and control variables are the current capital expenditure ratio(CEA_t), the current leverage ratio(LEV_t), the current operating return on assets(ROA_t), the current business risk(RISK_t), the current trading volume turnover ratio(TURN_t), and the current dividend premium(DPREM_t). In these control variables, CEA_t, LEV_t, and ROA_t are the determinants suggested by the residual dividend theory and the agency theory, ROA_t and RISK_t are the determinants suggested by the dividend signaling theory, TURN_t is the determinant suggested by the transactions cost theory, and DPREM_t is the determinant suggested by the catering theory. Furthermore, we thirdly estimate the Lintner model and the expansion model by using the panel data of the financial unconstrained firms and the financial constrained firms, that are divided into two groups according to level of financial constraints. We expect that the financial unconstrained firms can adjust dividend payment faster than the financial constrained firms, because the former can finance more easily the investment funds through the market accessibility than the latter. We analyzed descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and median to delete the outliers from the panel data, conducted one way analysis of variance to check up the industry-specfic effects, and conducted difference test of firms characteristic variables between innovative SMEs and noninnovative SMEs as well as difference test of firms characteristic variables between financial unconstrained firms and financial constrained firms. We also conducted the correlation analysis and the variance inflation factors analysis to detect any multicollinearity among the independent variables. Both of the correlation coefficients and the variance inflation factors are roughly low to the extent that may be ignored the multicollinearity among the independent variables. Furthermore, we estimate both of the Lintner model and the expansion model using the panel regression analysis. We firstly test the time-specific effects and the firm-specific effects may be involved in our panel data through the Lagrange multiplier test that was proposed by Breusch and Pagan(1980), and secondly conduct Hausman test to prove that fixed effect model is fitter with our panel data than the random effect model. The main results of this study can be summarized as follows. The determinants suggested by the major theories of dividend, namely, residual dividend theory, dividend signaling theory, agency theory, catering theory, and transactions cost theory explain significantly the dividend policy of the innovative SMEs. Lintner model indicates that firms maintain stable and long run target payout ratio, and that firms adjust partially the gap between the current payout ratio and the target payout ratio each year. In the core variables of Lintner model, the past dividend per share has more effects to dividend smoothing than the current earnings per share. These results suggest that the innovative SMEs maintain stable and long run dividend policy which sustains the past dividend per share level without corporate special reasons. The main results show that dividend adjustment speed of the innovative SMEs is faster than that of the noninnovative SMEs. This means that the innovative SMEs with high level of R&D intensity can adjust dividend payment faster than the noninnovative SMEs, on the ground of their future growth opportunity and profitability. The other main results show that dividend adjustment speed of the financial unconstrained SMEs is faster than that of the financial constrained SMEs. This means that the financial unconstrained firms with high accessibility to capital market can adjust dividend payment faster than the financial constrained firms, on the ground of their financing ability of investment funds through the market accessibility. Futhermore, the other additional results show that dividend adjustment speed of the innovative SMEs classified by the Small and Medium Business Administration is faster than that of the unclassified SMEs. They are linked with various financial policies and services such as credit guaranteed service, policy fund for SMEs, venture investment fund, insurance program, and so on. In conclusion, the past dividend per share and the current earnings per share suggested by the Lintner model explain mainly dividend adjustment speed of the innovative SMEs, and also the financial constraints explain partially. Therefore, if managers can properly understand of the relations between financial constraints and dividend smoothing of innovative SMEs, they can maintain stable and long run dividend policy of the innovative SMEs through dividend smoothing. These are encouraging results for Korea government, that is, the Small and Medium Business Administration as it has implemented many policies to commit to the innovative SMEs. This paper may have a few limitations because it may be only early study about the relations between financial constraints and dividend smoothing of the innovative SMEs. Specifically, this paper may not adequately capture all of the subtle features of the innovative SMEs and the financial unconstrained SMEs. Therefore, we think that it is necessary to expand sample firms and control variables, and use more elaborate analysis methods in the future studies.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.472-482
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• 2003

Recent studies have demonstrated that cerebral desaturation during rewarming period of CPB was associated with postoperative neurologic dysfunction. The prevention of cerebral desaturation during CPB may reduce the incidences of neurologic and neuropsychological complications. The present study was prospectively undertaken to compare the clinical effects between two strategies (hypercapnic CPB and high flow CPB) to prevent cerebral desaturation for establishing a proper CPB technique. Material and Method: Thirty-six adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomized into either hypercapnic (Pa$CO_2$ 45~50mmHg, n＝18) or high flow group (flow rate 2.75 L/ $m^2$/min and Pa$CO_2$ 35~40mmHg, n＝18) during rewarming period of CPB. In each patient, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity ( $V_{MCA}$), cerebral arteriovenous oxygen content difference (C(a-v) $O_2$), modified cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (MCMR $O_2$), cerebral oxygen transport rate ( $T_{E}$ $O_2$), incidence of cerebral desaturation (internal jugular bulb blood oxygen saturation $\leq$ 50%), increased rate of S-100 $\beta$ concentration, and arterial and internal jugular bulb blood gas were measured during the five phases of the operation; Pre-CPB, CPB-10 min (steady-state CPB, nasopharyngeal temperature 29~3$0^{\circ}C$), Rewarm-1 (rewarming phase, nasopharyngeal temperature 33$^{\circ}C$), Rewarm-2 (nasopharyngeal temperature 37$^{\circ}C$), and CPB-off. Incidence of postoperative delirium and duration were assessed in all patients. All variables were compared between the two groups. Result: $V_{MCA}$ (157.88$\pm$10.87 vs 120.00$\pm$6.18%, p＝0.006), internal jugular bulb $O_2$ saturation (68.01$\pm$2.75 vs 61.28$\pm$2.87%, p＝0.03) and $O_2$ tension (41.01$\pm$2.25 vs 32.02$\pm$ 1,67 mmHg, p＝0.03), and $T_{E}$ $O_2$(110.84$\pm$7.41 vs 81.15$\pm$8.11%, p＝0.003) at rewarming periods were higher in the hypercapnic group than in the high flow group. C(a-v) $O_2$ (4.0$\pm$0.30 vs 4.84$\pm$0.38 mg/dL, p＝0.04), COE (0.36$\pm$0.03 vs 0.42$\pm$0.03, p＝0.04), increased rate of S- 100$\beta$ (391.67$\pm$23.40 vs 940.0$\pm$17.02%, p＝0.003), and incidence of cerebral desaturation (2 vs 4 patients, p＝0.04) at rewarming periods, and duration of postoperative delirium (18 vs 34 hr, p＝0.02) were low in the hypercapnic group compared to the high flow group. Conclusion: These results indicate that hypercapnic CPB may provide relatively diminished cerebral injury and beneficial effects for cerebral metabolism relatively compared to high flow CPB.low CPB.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.429-440
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine sodium-related nutrition knowledge, eating attitudes, eating behaviors, and self-efficacy by stages of behavioral change in reducing sodium intake among childcare center foodservice employees. Methods: Subjects (n = 333) were categorized according to two groups based on the stages of change; Pre-action stage (PA group: precontemplation/contemplation/preparation stage), Action stage (A group: action/maintenance stage). Results: A major source of sodium-related nutrition information was TV/radio (56.6%) and only 166 people (49.8%) have experienced nutrition education specific to sodium. Although the A group showed slightly higher scores for nutrition knowledge than the PA group, the difference was not significant. The percentages of correct answers for 'daily goal of sodium intake for adults (27.0%)', 'calculation of sodium content in nutrition labeling (30.3%)' were low for both groups. The A group (total score: 40.3) had more desirable eating attitudes regarding reducing sodium intake than the PA group (36.6, p < 0.001). The total score for eating behaviors was slightly higher in the A group (49.6) than in the PA group (48.5), but without statistical significance. The A group (total score: 58.2) also received higher scores for self-efficacy regarding reducing sodium intake than the PA group (52.5, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that nutrition education for childcare center foodservice employees should be expanded and customized education should be implemented according to the stages in reducing sodium intake. It is also suggested that food companies make efforts to develop low-sodium products.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.7-21
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• 1998

An analysis of 101 stroke patients who were enrolled in 10 hospitals of Cities of Pusan, Taegu, and Andong from November 1, 1996 to April 31. 3997 was conducted using the modified Barthel Index(BI) and the adapted PULSES profile index(PS) to evaluate their function. Patients were examined at the following intervals: Initial assessment, one month after initial. at discharge, and one month after discharge. The mean BI score of patients initial assessment was 27.18, and that of PS was 17.54. There were statistically significant between initial score and one month after initial (21.39: p<0.001), at discharge(37.47: p<0.001), one month after discharge(46.49: p<0.001). PS scores were also improved .significantly(-2.62, -4.52. and -6.26(p<0.001). And the score between dischange and one month after discharge was significant (9.01: p<0.001) and in PS score(-1.73: p<0.001). Age and BE score were significantly associated with the improved in BI score between initial and discharge(T3-T1)(p<0.05). Below age forty the Bower initial BI score showed significantly higher improvement(T3-T1) after physical therapy(p<0.05). Initial Bl score, patients' attitude for physical therapy after discharge, age, and surgical operation were significantly associated with the improvement of BI score between initial and one month after discharge(T4-T1)(p<0.05). The lower initial BI score, patients' positive attitude for physical therapy after discharge, below age forty. and no surgical operation showed significantly higher improvement(p<0.05). BI score at discharge, side of hemiparesis and religion were significantly associated with the improvement of BI score between at discharge and one month after discharge(T4-T3) (p<0.05). The lower BI score at discharge. left aide of hemiparesis, with religion showed significantly higher improvement (p<0.05). Age, initial PS score were significantly associated with the improved in PS score between initial and discharge(T3-T1)(p<0.05). The higher initial PS score and below age forty showed significantly higher improvement(T3-T1)(p<0.05). Initial PS score, patient' attitude for physical therapy after discharge, age, educational level, physical therapy hour after discharge, and surgical operation were significantly associated with the improvement of PS score between initial and one month after discharge(T4-T1)(p<0.05). The higher initial PS score, patients' positive attitude for physical therapy after discharge, below age forty, higher education, the shorter physical therapy hour, and no surgical operation showed significantly higher improvement(T4-T1)(p<0.05). PS score at discharge, educational level, patient' attitude far physical therapy after discharge, physical therapy hour after discharge, and gender were significantly associated with the improvement of PS score between discharge and une month after discharge(T4-T3) (p<0.05), The higher PS non at discharge, higher education, patients' positive attitude for Physical therapy after discharge, the shorter physical therapy hour, and male showed significantly higher improvement (T4-T3)(p<0.05). In conclusion, initial BI score and age were significantly associated with BI score improvement and initial PS score, age, and educational level were also significantly associated with PS score improvement in stoke patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.369-377
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• 2013

In order to increase the utilization of sweet potato leaves and stalks as much as roots, it is necessary to study their beneficial potential. In this study, the antioxidant, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects of sweet potato leaves and stalks were evaluated by measuring total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging effects, the reducing power and inhibition effects on xanthine oxidase (XO), 5-lipoxygenase (LOX), and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 activities. Blanched sweet potato leaves (SL), raw whole purple stalks (ST) and peeled stalks (PST) were freeze-dried and extracted with 95% ethanol. Total polyphenol content was highest in SL (11.03 mg/g), followed by ST (0.87 mg/g), and PST (0.37 mg/g). Total flavonoid content was highest for SL (9.01 mg/g), followed by ST (0.50 mg/g) and PST (0.25 mg/g). The $IC_{50}$ for DPPH radical scavenging effects was highest for SL ($43.6{\mu}g/mL$), followed by ST ($308.4{\mu}g/mL$) and PST ($1,631.3{\mu}g/mL$). The reducing power was highest for SL ($59.72{\mu}g$ ascorbic acid eq./mL), followed by ST ($12.56{\mu}g$ ascorbic acid eq./mL) and PST ($2.18{\mu}g$ ascorbic acid eq./mL) with $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ of ethanol extract. The inhibition rate on XO activity was highest for SL (13.06%), followed by ST (5.05%) and PST (0.0%) at $250{\mu}g/mL$ extract treatment. The inhibition rate on COX-2 activity was highest for SL (55.34%), followed by ST (2.18%) and PST (0.0%) at $250{\mu}g/mL$ extract treatment. The inhibition rate on 5-LOX activity was highest for SL (91.16%), followed by ST (33.38%) and PST (14.93%) at $50{\mu}g/mL$ treatment. Taken together, sweet potato leaves showed high antioxidative, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities, especially with very strong inhibition effects on 5-LOX activity. These beneficial effects of sweet potato leaves might be mainly caused by the high content of polyphenols and flavonoids.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 1975

The subject of this study deals with phase relations between stannite ($Cu_2FeSnS_4$) and sphalerite (${\beta}-ZnS$)/wurtzite (${\alpha}-ZnS$). The phase relations were systematically investigated from liquidus temperature to $400^{\circ}C$ under controlled conditions. ${\beta}-stannite$ (tetragonal) is stable up to $706{\pm}5^{\circ}C$, where it inverts to a high-temperature polymorph ${\alpha}-stannite$ (cubic) melting congruently at $867{\pm}5^{\circ}C$. Sphalerite (cubic, ${\beta}-ZnS$) inverts at $1013{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ to wurtzite, which is the hexagonal hightemperature polymorph of ZnS. Between ${\alpha}-stannite$ and sphalerite a complete solid solution series exists above approximately $870^{\circ}C$ up to solidus temperature. The melting temperature of ${\alpha}-stannite$ rises towards sphalerite and reaches a maximum at $1074{\pm}3^{\circ}C$, which is the peritectic with the composition of 91 wt. % sphalerite and 9 wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$. At this temperature, wurtzite takes only 5wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$ in solid solution which decreases with increasing temperature. The inverson temperature of ${\alpha}/{\beta}-stannite$ is lowered with increasing amounts of sphalerite in solid solution down to $614{\pm}7^{\circ}C$, which is the eutectoid with the composition of 13 wt. % sphalerite and 87 wt. % ${\alpha}-stannite$. Here, ${\beta}-stannite$ contains only 10wt. % sphalerite in solid solution. With decreasing temperature, the ranges of the solid solution on both sides of the system narrow. The phase relations in the above pure system changed due to the FeS impurities in the sphalerite solid solution. The eutectoid increased from $614{\pm}7^{\circ}C$ up to $695{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ (5 wt. % FeS) and $700{\pm}5^{\circ}C$ (10wt. % FeS), while the peritectic decreased from $1074{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ down to $1036{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ (wt. %FeS) and $987{\pm}3^{\circ}C$ (10wt. %FeS). A most notable change is the appearance of non-binary regions. An important feature is the combination of this study system with the experimental results reported by Sprinfer (1972). If a stannite-kesterite solid solution is used in the place of stannite as a bulk composition, the inversion temperature is lowered to less than $400^{\circ}C$ which belongs to temperatures of the hydrothermal region.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.57-67
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• 2010

Effects of temperature ($13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$, $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$) on the pharmacokinetic properties of nalidixic acid (NA), piromidic acid (PA) and oxolinic acid (OA) were studied after oral administration to cultured olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Serum concentrations of these antimicrobials were determined after oral administration of a single dosage of 60 mg/kg body weight (average 700 g). At $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$, the peak serum concentrations of NA, PA and OA, which attained at 10 h, 24 h and 30 h post-dose, were 11.55, 3.79 and $1.12{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. At $13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$, the peak serum concentrations of NA, PA and OA, which attained at 10 h, 15 h and 30 h post-dose, were 6.36, 1.4 and $1.01{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. Better absorption of NA and PA was noted at $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ compared to $23{\pm}13^{\circ}C$. The elimination of NA from serum of olive flounder was considerably faster at $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ than at $13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$. However, both absorption and elimination of OA were not affected significantly by temperature. The kinetic profile of absorption, distribution and elimination of these antimicrobials in serum were analyzed by fitting to a one- and two compartment model, with WinNonlin program. In the one compartment model for NA, AUC, Tmax and Cmax at $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $258.26{\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 10.67 h and $8.91{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. The AUC, $T_{max}$ and $C_{max}$ at $13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $341.45 {\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 7.72 h and $6.23{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. In the one compartment model for PA, AUC, $T_{max}$ and $C_{max}$ at $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $248.12{\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 21.15 h and $3.09{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. The AUC, $T_{max}$ and $C_{max}$ at $13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $103.89{\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 12.89 h and $1.22{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. In the two compartment model for OA, AUC, $T_{max}$ and $C_{max}$ at $23{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $138.20{\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 23.95 h and $1.06{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively. The AUC, $T_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ at $13{\pm}1.5^{\circ}C$ were $159.10{\mu}g{\cdot}h/m\ell$, 28.03 h and $1.02{\mu}g/m\ell$, respectively.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.21-25
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• 2010

Purpose: For better PET imaging with accuracy the transmission scanning is inevitably required for attenuation correction. The attenuation is affected by condition of acquisition and patient position, consequently quantitative accuracy may be decreased in emission scan imaging. In this paper, the present study aims at providing the measurement for attenuation varying with the positions of the patient's arm in whole body PET/CT, further performing the comparative analysis over its SUV changes. Materials and Methods: NEMA 1994 PET phantom was filled with $^{18}F$-FDG and the concentration ratio of insert cylinder and background water fit to 4:1. Phantom images were acquired through emission scanning for 4min after conducting transmission scanning by using CT. In an attempt to acquire image at the state that the arm of the patient was positioned at the lower of ahead, image was acquired in away that two pieces of Teflon inserts were used additionally by fixing phantoms at both sides of phantom. The acquired imaged at a were reconstructed by applying the iterative reconstruction method (iteration: 2, subset: 28) as well as attenuation correction using the CT, and then VOI was drawn on each image plane so as to measure CT number and SUV and comparatively analyze axial uniformity (A.U=Standard deviation/Average SUV) of PET images. Results: It was found from the above phantom test that, when comparing two cases of whether Teflon insert was fixed or removed, the CT number of cylinder increased from -5.76 HU to 0 HU, while SUV decreased from 24.64 to 24.29 and A.U from 0.064 to 0.052. And the CT number of background water was identified to increase from -6.14 HU to -0.43 HU, whereas SUV decreased from 6.3 to 5.6 and A.U also decreased from 0.12 to 0.10. In addition, as for the patient image, CT number was verified to increase from 53.09 HU to 58.31 HU and SUV decreased from 24.96 to 21.81 when the patient's arm was positioned over the head rather than when it was lowered. Conclusion: When arms up protocol was applied, the SUV of phantom and patient image was decreased by 1.4% and 9.2% respectively. With the present study it was concluded that in case of PET/CT scanning against the whole body of a patient the position of patient's arm was not so much significant. Especially, the scanning under the condition that the arm is raised over to the head gives rise to more probability that the patient is likely to move due to long scanning time that causes the increase of uptake of $^{18}F$-FDG of brown fat at the shoulder part together with increased pain imposing to the shoulder and discomfort to a patient. As regarding consideration all of such factors, it could be rationally drawn that PET/CT scanning could be made with the arm of the subject lowered.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.252-256
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• 2005

Purpose: Thyroglobulin (Tg) is a valuable and sensitive tool as a marker for diagnosis and follow-up for several thyroid disorders, especially, in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Often, clinical decisions rely entirely on the serum Tg concentration. But the Tg assay is one of the most challenging laboratory measurements to perform accurately owing to antithyroglobulin antibody (Anti-Tg). In this study, we have compared the degree of Anti-Tg effects on the measurement of Tg between availale Tg measuring kits. Materials and Methods: Measurement of Tg levels for standard Tg solution was performed with two different kits commercially available (A/B kits) using immunoradiometric assay technique either with absence or presence of three different concentrations of Anti-Tg. Measurement of Tg for patient's serum was also performed with the same kits. Patient's serum samples were prepared with mixtures of a serum containing high Tg levels and a serum containg high Anti-Tg concentrations. Results: In the measurements of standard Tg solution, presence of Anti-Tg resulted in falsely lower Tg level by both A and B kits. Degree of Tg underestimation by h kit was more prominent than B kit. The degree of underestimation by B kit was trivial therefore clinically insignificant, but statistically significant. Addition of Anti-Tg to patient serum resulted in falsely lower Tg levels with only A kit. Conclusion: Tg level could be underestimated in the presence of anti-Tg. Anti-Tg effect on Tg measurement was variable according to assay kit used. Therefore, accuracy test must be performed for individual Tg-assay kit.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.224-230
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• 2005

Purpose: The maximal elastance ($E_{max}$) of myocardium has been established as a reliable load-independent contractility index. Recently, we developed a noninvasive method to measure the regional contractility using gated myocardial SPECT and arterial tonometry data. In this study, we measured regional $E_{max}(rE_{max}$ in the patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and assessed its relationship with other variables. Materials and Methods: 21 patients (M:F=17:4, $58{\pm}12$ y) who underwent CABG were enrolled. $^{201}TI$ rest/dipyridamole stress $^{99m}Tc$-sestamibi gated SPECT were performed before and 3 months after CABG. For 15 myocardial regions, regional time-elastance curve was obtained using the pressure data of tonometry and the volume data of gated SPECT. To investigate the coupling with myocardial function, preoperative regional $E_{max}$ was compared with regional perfusion and systolic thickening. In addition, the correlation between $E_{max}$ and viability was assessed in dysfunctional segments (thickening <20% before CABG). The viability was defined as improvement of postoperative systolic thickening more than 10%. Results: Regional $E_{max}$ was slightly increased after CABG from $2.41{\pm}1.64 (pre)\;to\;2.78{\pm}1.83 (post)$ mmHg/ml. $E_{max}$ had weak correlation with perfusion and thickening (r=0.35, p<0.001). In the regions of preserved perfusion (${\geq}60%$), $E_{max}$ was $2.65{\pm}1.67$, while it was $1.30{\pm}1.24$ in the segments of decreased perfusion. With regard to thickening, $E_{max}$ was $3.01{\pm}1.92$ mmHg/ml for normal regions (thickening ${geq}40%$), $2.40{\pm}1.19$ mmHg/ml for mildly dysfunctional regions (<40% and ${\geq}20%$), and $1.13{\pm}0.89$ mmHg/ml for severely dysfunctional regions (<20%). $E_{max}$ was improved after CABG in both the viable (from $1.27{\pm}1.07\;to\;1.79{\pm}1.48$ mmHg/ml) and non-viable segments (from $0.97 {\pm}0.59\;to\;1.22{\pm}0.71$ mmHg/ml), but there was no correlation between $E_{max}$ and thickening improvements (r=0.007). Conclusions: Preoperative regional $E_{max}$ was relatively concordant with regional perfusion and systolic thickening on gated myocardial SPECT. In dysfunctional but viable segments, $E_{max}$ was improved after CABG, but showed no correlation with thickening improvement. As a load-independent contractility index of dysfunctional myocardial segments, we suggest that the regional $E_{max}$ could be an independent parameter in the assessment of myocardial function.