• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.149-155
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• 2002

Recent advances in radiation transport algorithms, computer hardware performance, and parallel computing make the clinical use of Monte Carlo based dose calculations possible. To compare the speed and accuracies of dose calculations between different developed codes, a benchmark tests were proposed at the XIIth ICCR (International Conference on the use of Computers in Radiation Therapy, Heidelberg, Germany 2000). A Monte Carlo treatment planning comprised of 28 various Intel Pentium CPUs was implemented for routine clinical use. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of our system using the above benchmark tests. The benchmark procedures are comprised of three parts. a) speed of photon beams dose calculation inside a given phantom of 30.5 cm$\times$39.5 cm $\times$ 30 cm deep and filled with 5 ㎣ voxels within 2% statistical uncertainty. b) speed of electron beams dose calculation inside the same phantom as that of the photon beams. c) accuracy of photon and electron beam calculation inside heterogeneous slab phantom compared with the reference results of EGS4/PRESTA calculation. As results of the speed benchmark tests, it took 5.5 minutes to achieve less than 2% statistical uncertainty for 18 MV photon beams. Though the net calculation for electron beams was an order of faster than the photon beam, the overall calculation time was similar to that of photon beam case due to the overhead time to maintain parallel processing. Since our Monte Carlo code is EGSnrc, which is an improved version of EGS4, the accuracy tests of our system showed, as expected, very good agreement with the reference data. In conclusion, our Monte Carlo treatment planning system shows clinically meaningful results. Though other more efficient codes are developed such like MCDOSE and VMC＋＋, BEAMnrc based on EGSnrc code system may be used for routine clinical Monte Carlo treatment planning in conjunction with clustering technique.

• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.188-206
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• 2010

Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) is an operations research-based method for measuring the performance efficiency of decision units that are characterized by multiple inputs and outputs. DEA has been applied successfully as a performance evaluation tool in many fields. However, it has not been extensively applied in the shipbuilding industry. This paper applied the input-oriented DEA model, and Malmquist indices to the 7 shipbuilding firms to measure the efficiency and productivity changes during the period of 2004 to 2009. The Malmquist indices will be decomposed into three components such as pure efficiency change, scale efficiency change, and technical change. The empirical results show the following findings. First, the DEA findings indicate that main source of inefficiency is scale rather than pure technical. Second, the Malmquist indices show that an overall decrease in productivity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.115-122
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to suggest the possibility of utilizing the wildflower pasture as the livestock herbage sources as well as promoting the public interests. Not only dry matter (DM) yield and soil properties of pastures were observed, but also chemical composition of herbages was analyzed. The experimental design includes four treatments: Conventional pasture(COP, forage 6 species), Bottomgrass pasture(BOP, turf grass 6 species), Native wildflower pasture(NWP, turf grass 6 species + native wildflower 11 species) and Introduced wildflower pasture(IWP, turf grass 6 species + introduced wildflower 9 species). The field trials were carried out on the experimental pasture plots at Chungnam National University throughout from 1997 to 2000. The results obtained are as follows : 1. As wildflower pasture was composed of turf grasses and wildflowers, the yearly mean of DM yield in the wildflower pastures (NWP 6,688kg/ha and IWP 7,240kg/ha) was lower than that of COP(8,592kg/ha) or BOP(7,264kg/ha)(p<0.05). This result indicated that the forage productivity of wildflower pasture for livestock is low. 2. The nutritive quality of herbages from wildflower pasture tended to be slightly low compared to that of COP and BOP. On the other hand, compared with IWP, the content of CP, NDF and lignin of herbages from NWP were lower than those from IWP, while IVDMD was higher(p<0.05). 3. The pH and the content of exchangeable Ca in NWP and IWP soils were tended to be low compared to those of COP in changes of soil properties after 3-years experimental trials, while the contents of organic matter, nitrogen, available phosphate, Mg and K were slightly improved. In conclusion, even though DM yield seem to be lower in wildflower pasture than those of COP, and the nutritive quality of herbages from wildflower pasture tended to be slightly low compared to that of COP and BOP. but, possibility of utilizing herbages from wildflower pasture for livestock was to some extent expected. In addition. compared to COP, wildflower pastures improved the property of soil. Thus, although wildflower pasture was not enough for livestock as a herbage, wildflower pasture has enough possibility for promoting the public interest.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.416-424
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• 2015

Pinosylvin is a stilbenoid found in the Pinus species. Pinosylvin at ~pM to ~nM concentrations induces cell proliferation, cell migration and anti-inflammatory activity in endothelial cells. However, it was recently reported that pinosylvin at high concentrations (50 to 100 μM) induces cell death in bovine aortic endothelial cells. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to discover how pinosylvin at a high concentration (50 μM) induces endothelial cell death. Pinosylvin at the high concentration was shown to induce endothelial cell apoptosis through enhancing caspase-3 activity, flip-flop of phosphatidyl serine, and nuclear fragmentation. We found that pinosylvin at the high concentration additively increased caspase-3 activity enhanced by serum-starvation or treatment with 100 μM etoposide. We also determined that pinosylvin at the high concentration promoted activations of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS). We further ran a series of experiments to find out which signaling molecule plays a critical role in the pinosylvin-induced apoptosis. We finally found that SP-600125, a JNK inhibitor, had an inhibitory effect on the pinosylvin-induced endothelial cell death, but L-NAME, an eNOS inhibitor, had no effect. These data indicate that JNK is involved in the pinosylvin-induced apoptosis. Collectively, pinosylvin at high doses induces cell apoptosis via JNK activation.

• The Korean Journal of Financial Management
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.27-63
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• 2004

Since the 1980s, many multinational corporations have been issuing stocks on foreign stock exchanges, not only to enhance their investor base and liquidity, but also to diversify risks. The phenomenon has also been intensified by the rapid financial globalization and securitization trends. The main purpose of this study is to look into the long-run performance of MNCs' cross-listings of stocks on foreign stock exchanges. We use the event study and cross-sectional regression methods. We obtained some interesting empirical results about the long-run effect of cross-listings. First before the listing data the effect of cross-listing is to increase the underlying stock Vice in the local market. It may be caused by expectation of lower risk and cost of capital. However, after the listing data the stock price has been declining, even if it is not significant. Second, we examine the difference in the long-run cross-listing effect, which may be caused by the listing direction. When listing is made from a less developed market to a more developed market, the effect is better than that in the reverse direction. Furthermore, the effect is worse, when the listing company's home country is the U.S. Third, there is a negative relation between CARs and underlying stock liquidity in the local market, So it implies that a firm, whose underlying stocks are very liquid in the local market should carefully value cross-listing based upon the cost and benefit analysis. Last, but not the least we find that the long-un cross-listing effect is better, when a listing firm's ROE is higher.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.232-236
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• 2008

Purpose: Laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer was introduced in the past decade because it was considered less invasive than open surgery, and this results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery and an improved quality of life. Several studies have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of this procedure. We examined the outcome of performing laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer over the last two year. Materials and Methods: From April 2004 to December 2006, 329 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent a laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. The data was retrospectively reviewed in terms of the clinicopathologic findings, the perioperative outcomes and the complications. Results: The total patient group was comprised 196 men (59.6%) and 133 women (40.4%). The mean BMI was 23.6 and the mean tumor size was 2.7 cm. The mean number of harvested lymph node was 22.7, and this was 18.6 before 30 cases and 23.1 after 30 cases, and the difference was significant (P=0.02). The mean operation time was 180.9 min, and this was than 287.9 min before 30 cases and 170.2 min after 30 cases. After 30 cases, there was a significant improvement of the operation time (P<0.01). The mean incision length after 30 cases was shorter than that before 30 cases (P<0.01). Postoperative complications occurred in 24 (7.3%) of 329 patients and there was no conversion to open surgery. Conclusion: Even though the LADG was accompanied by a difficult learning curve, we successfully performed 329 LADG procedures over the past 2 years and we believe that LADG is a safe, feasible operation for treating most early gastric cancers (EGC).

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.262-266
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• 2008

Purpose: Many patients suffer with anemia after gastrectomy. Iron deficiency due to a decreased oral intake and malabsoption is the most common cause of anemia in gastrectomized patients. This study evaluated the efficacy of administering intravenous iron sucrose for treating patients with anemia. Materials and Methods: From May 2007 to October 2007 at Yonsei University Severance Hospital, we reviewed 47 outpatients whose hemoglobin levels were below 11 g/dl after gastrectomy. Iron sucrose was used for iron supplementation. To determine the difference between before and after the treatment (at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment), we prospectively examined such anemia parameters as the hemoglobin level (Hgb), the hematocrit (Hct), serum iron, TIBC, ferritin and transferin. Results: Out of the 47 patients, only 36 completed their treatment. Eleven were male and 25 were female. The Hgb levels, which indicate anemia, were elevated 0.6, 0.8, 1.3, 2.1 and 2.2 g/dl after 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after administration, respectively (P<0.001). The changes from 1 week to 3 months were statistically significant, but those from 3 to 6 months were not. The Hgb levels of 26 patients, which accounted for 72% of all the patients, elevated up to 12 g/dl or more. No side effects or complications were found, but there was one case of temporary nausea. Conclusion: Anemia after gastrectomy is safely treated in a relatively short time with administering iron sucrose. The patients' Hgb levels are expected to increase in a week and keep increasing up to 3 months.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyze the commemoration characteristics of Vietnam War Memorials(VWM) in the United States(VWMUS). Through site survey and internet research, the researcher selected 87 VWMUS except monuments simply with markers, and analyzed 5 analysis items: design concepts, spatial characteristics, landscape details, sculptures, and interpretive texts and symbols. The results are as follows: 1. The analysis revealed that the main concepts of VWMUS were to cherish victims of the Vietnam War(85 sites (97.7%)), show veteran's dedication for country(85 sites(97.7%)), and publicize the contribution of groups by troop, regional, and membership(84 sites(96.6%)). 2. Most VWMUS were located in memorial parks and plazas. 59 memorials(67.8%) were designed to pursue the completion of each memorial assuming the form of symmetry and circles. On the other hand, 12 memorials(13.8%) were typed memorial walls and 11 memorials(12.6%) were formed by spatial sequence including various landscape details and grading. 3. Stone walls were mainly used to cherish victims of the War at 65 memorials(74.7%), and also, Flags like the Stars and Stripes, POW MIA flags, and state flags were hoisted to symbolize memorial's identity at all memorials. Additionally, Benches, monuments, markers, posts and columns, ponds and channels, Helicopters were partially introduced some memorials. 4. Sculptures were used 21 memorials(24.1%) which were smaller in numbers than other War Memorial in the U.S.A., for black stonewall were used for the main element of VWMUS. Except for a few sculptures that aimed to represent the Vietnam War symbolically and narratively, 16 memorials(18.4%) were formed to realistically express the image of wounded soldiers and their hardship in the Vietnam War. 5. KIA, MIA, Veteran's name were written and their images depicted on walls, Also, the symbolic phrase, 'ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL' and 'DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY' were written on the memorials walls, and the POW MIA symbols were printed on the flags and engraved on walls. 6. In the United States of America, Democratic patriotism was considered a main ideological value in VWMUS by engraving KIA MIA's names on the walls, hoisting flags Stars and Stripes and POW MIA, and writing symbolic phrases 'ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL' and 'DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY'. On the contrary, in Vietnam, nationalism, patriotism, and socialism were emphasized as main ideologies through raising war victory and resistance to foreign power as well as writing the symbolic phrase 'TO-QUOC-GUI-CONG' meaning 'our country remember your achievement' on memorial towers. Further study will be required to comparatively analyze VWM in order to understand national characteristics in Korea, Australia, U.S.A, and Vietnam.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.685-695
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• 2009

Background: Calcification is the most frequent cause of clinical failure of bioprosthetic tissues that are fabricated from Glutaraldehyde (GA)-fixed porcine valve or bovine pericardium. We recently used a multi-factorial approach of employing different mechanisms to investigate how to reduce the calcification of bioprosthetic tissues. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the synchronized synergism using ethanol, L-lysine and $NaBH_4$ in glutaraldehyde treated porcine pericardium from the standpoint of calcification and tissue elasticity. Material and Method: Porcine pericardium was fixed with 0.625% GA (commercial fixation). An interim step of ethanol (80%; 1 day at room temperature) or L-lysine (0.1 M; 2 days at $37^{\circ}C$) or $NaBH_4$ (0.1 M; 2 days at room temperature) was followed by completion of the GA fixation (2 days at $4^{\circ}C$ and 7 days at room temperature). The tensile strength and thickness of the samples were measured. The treated pericardiums were implanted subcutaneously into three-week old Sprague-Dawley rats for 8 weeks. The calcium content was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and the histology of the samples. Result: The amount of calcium in the pericardium pretreated with ethanol (13.6${\pm}$10.0 ug/mg, p=0.008), L-lysine (15.3${\pm}$1.0 ug/mg, p=0.002) and both (16.1${\pm}$11.1 ug/mg, p=0.012) was significantly reduced compared with the control (51.2${\pm}$8.5 ug/mg). However, $NaBH_4$ pretreatment (65.7${\pm}$61.8 ug/mg, p=0.653) and combined pretreatment that including ethanol, L-lysine and $NaBH_4$ (92.9${\pm}$58.3 ug/mg, p=0.288) were not significantly different from the controls(51.2${\pm}$8.5 ug/mg). Both the combined pretreatment using ethanol and L-lysine (7.60${\pm}$1.55, p=0.76) and the combined pretreatment that included ethanol, L-lysine and $NaBH_4$ (7.47${\pm}$1.85, p=0.33) increased the tensile strength/thickness ratio compared with that of the controls (4.75${\pm}$1.88). Conclusion: The combined pretreatment using ethanol and L-lysine seemed to decrease the calcification of porcine pericardium fixed with glutaraldehyde, as compared to single pretreatment, and it increase the tissue elasticity, but to the degree that showed synchronized synergism. $NaBH_4$ pretreatment seemed to increase the calcification of porcine pericardium, irrespective of whether single or combined pretreatment was used.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2004

Purpose: Hypopharyngeal cancer is diagnosed at the advanced stage in most cases, which the prognosis known to be poor. Thus, the efficacy of induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, with regards to the response and survival rate for stage IV hypopharyngeal cancer patients, was examined. Materials and Methods: From July 1998 to February 2000, 18 cases were diagnosedas AJCC stage IV hypopharyngeal cancer without distant metastasis. These patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, and the results retrospectively analyzed. The regimen of the induction chemotherapy was the 5-FU and cisplatincombination, at 3-week intervals for, 2 cycles. The total radiation dose for the primary lesion and metastatic lymph nodes was $68.4\~72.0$Gy (median: 70.2 Gy). Results: The: The median follow up period was 28 months, ranging from 7 to 99 months. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rate were 41.7 and $31.1\%$, respectively. In 6 cases ($33.3\%$), conservation of the larynx for over 3 years was possible. After the induction chemotherapy there were 16 partial responses ($88.8\%$), 1 complete response and 1 with no response ($5.6\%$ each), therefore, 17 of the 18 cases ($94.6\%$) showed responses. After the completion of the induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a complete response was noted in 13 cases ($72.2\%$), a partial response in 5 ($27.8\%$), with an overall response rate of $100\%$. In the analysis of the prognostic factors influencing the survival rate, the 3-year and disease-free survival rates for the complete and partial response groups were 43.1, and $20.0\%$, and 39.6, and $20.0\%$, respectively (p=0.0003, p=0.002). Only the final response after treatment completion was statistically significant. Conclusion: For stage IV hypopharyngeal cancer, induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy was an effective treatment, with no severe side effects.