• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.12
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• pp.472-477
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• 2015

Purpose: Adherence to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is a critical determinant of asthma control. The objective of this study was to assess factors that determine adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Methods: Fifty-eight children with asthma, aged 5 to 16 years, used ICS with or without a spacer for 3 months. Adherence rates as measured from questionnaires and canisters, asthma symptom scores, and inhalation technique scores were assessed every 30 days. The degree of supervision by caregivers was assessed at day 30. Results: Adherence rates measured using canisters were lower at day 60 than at day 30 (P=0.044) and did not change thereafter ($74.4%{\pm}17.4%$ at day 30, $66.5%{\pm}18.4%$ at day 60, and $67.4%{\pm}22.2%$ at day 90). Adherence rates at days 60 and 90 and during the total study period were significantly different when measured by using questionnaires versus canisters (P<0.001, P=0.022, and P =0.001, respectively). In the comparison of adherence rates repeatedly measured at days 30, 60, and 90 and adherence rates during the total study period among the 3 groups, adherence rates in the high-degree supervision group were significantly higher than those in the low-degree supervision group ($82.0{\pm}16.0$ vs. $66.1{\pm}14.5$, $75.4{\pm}14.4$ vs. $56.2{\pm}18.4$, $75.0{\pm}18.3$ vs. $55.0{\pm}19.7$ [P=0.027]; $77.9{\pm}12.2$ vs. $59.1{\pm}11.4$ [P=0.021]) after adjustment for sex and age. Conclusion: The level of caregiver supervision is an important factor affecting adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma. Therefore, a high degree of supervision may be required to increase adherence to ICS therapy in children with asthma.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.851-856
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• 2012

Objective: NBS1 plays a key role in the repair of DNA double-strand break (DSB). We conducted this study to investigate the effect of two critical polymorphisms (rs1805794 and rs13312840) in NBS1 on treatment response and prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods: Using TaqMan methods, we genotyped the two polymorphisms in 147 NSCLC patients. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidential intervals (CIs) were calculated as a measure of difference in the response rate of platinum-based chemotherapy using logistic regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to assess the differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards model was applied to assess the hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS and OS. Results: Neither of the two polymorphisms was significantly associated with treatment response of platinum-based chemotherapy. However, patients carrying the rs1805794 CC variant genotype had a significantly improved PFS compared to those with GG genotype (16.0 vs. 8.0 months, P = 0.040). Multivariable cox regression analysis further showed that rs1805974 was a significantly favorable prognostic factor for PFS [CC/CG vs. GG: Adjusted HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.99; CC vs. CG/GG: Adjusted HR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97). Similarly, rs13312840 with a small sample size also showed a significant association with PFS (CC vs. CT/TT: Adjusted HR = 25.62, 95% CI: 1.53-428.39). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that NBS1 polymorphisms may be genetic biomarkers for NSCLC prognosis especially PFS with platinum-based chemotherapy in the Chinese population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4637-4642
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• 2014

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor $1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) plays an important role in regulating cell survival and angiogenesis, which are critical for tumor growth and metastasis. Genetic variations of HIF1A have been shown to influence the susceptibility to many kinds of human tumors. Increased expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ has also been demonstrated to be involved in tumor progression. However, the prognostic value of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) inthe HIF1A gene remains to be determined in most cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we sought to investigate the predictive role of HIF1A SNPs in prognosis of CRC patients and efficacy of chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We genotyped two functional SNPs in HIF1A gene using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system and then assessed their associations with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes of 697 CRC patients receiving radical surgery using Cox logistic regression model and Kaplan Meier curves. Results: Generally, no significant association was found between these 2 SNPs and clinical outcomes of CRC. In stratified analysis of subgroup without adjuvant chemotherapy, patients carrying CT/TT genotypes of rs2057482 exhibited a borderline significant association with better overall survival when compared with those carrying CC genotype [Hazard ratio (HR), 0.47; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.29-0.76; P < 0.01]. Moreover, significant protective effects on CRC outcomes conferred by adjuvant chemotherapy were exclusively observed in patients carrying CC genotype of rs2057482 and in those carrying AC/CC genotype of rs2301113. Conclusions: Genetic variations in HIF1A gene may modulate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery in CRC patients.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.233-260
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• 2008

Universities have recognized e-Learning Systems as the critical IT resources which contribute to improving the competitiveness of the universities as well as the quality of the traditional class-based lectures. Instructors deliver the main contents in the class. Other supplementary activities like online discussions, sharing of teaching-learning materials, submission of homeworks, communication among the learners and between the instructors and the learners, and so on can be efficiently facilitated using e-Learning Systems. In other words, e-Learning Systems enable a blended learning combined class-based lectures and e-learning in a variety of ways. Nonetheless, compared to the level of implementation of e-Learning Systems, the usage of both the instructors and the learners is not high. Accordingly, this study examines the determinants to affect on the usage of e-Learning Systems from the learners perspective. To draw the key determinants, we review the IS literatures related to adoption or use of the IS like Media Richness Theory (MRT), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Social Influence Model (SIM), and Self-efficacy Model. The variables are drawn out to be expected on the usage of e-Learning like Media Richness, Ease of Use from MRT, TAM and Instructor's Influence, Co-learner's Influence from SIM, and Self-efficacy. To test our model and hypotheses, we have collected data in the class-based lectures using e-Learning System complementary. The results of the test with 192 data are as follows: Firstly, it shows that the Instructor's Influence and the Media Richness are the influential determinants to affect on the Perception of Usefulness of e-Learning Systems. Additionally, the Co-learner's Influence and Ease of Use in order is significant to the Perception of Usefulness. Secondly, as to the degree of use of the e-Learning Systems, the Co-leaner's Influence, the Media Richness, and the Ease of Use are, in that order, the significant determinants. The Perception of Usefulness, also, founded a key factor on increasing the use of e-Learning Systems. On the other hand, the Instructor's Influence is not significant to the use of e-Learning Systems. Finally, it has been found that Self-efficacy is significant to the Perception of Media Richness, Ease of Use, but not significant to the Perception of Usefulness.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.446-456
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• 2005

Nerve growth factor(NGF) has a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration. The aim of this study is to construct a well-functioning hNGF-$\beta$ recombinat adenovirus for the ultimate development of improved method to promote peripheral nerve regeneration with adenovirus mediated hNGF-$\beta$ gene transfection into Schwann cells. First PCR associated cloning of GFP-tagged hNGF-$\beta$ which was ligated into E1/E3 deleted adenoviral vector was performed and tranfected into E. coli to construct hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus. After production of recombinat adenovirus in a large scale, its transfection efficiency, expression, and function were evaluated using cell lines or primarily cultured cells of HEK293 cells, Schwann cells, fibroblast(NIH3T3) and myocyte(CRH cells). GFP expression was observed in 90% of infected cells compared to uninfected cells. Total mRNA isolated from hNGF-$\beta$ recombinat adenoviru infected cells showed strong RT-PCR band, however, LacZ recombinant adenovirus infected or uninfected cells did not. NGF quantification by ELISA showed a maximal release of 18.865 +/- 0.31ng/mL at 4th day. PC-12 cells exposed to media with hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus infected Schwann cell demonstrated higher levels of differentiation compared with controls. We generated hNGF-$\beta$ recombinant adenovirus and induced over expression of NGF successfully in nonneuronal and neuronal cells. Following these result, it is expected to develop an improved treatment strategy peripheral nerve regeneration using the hNGF-$\beta$ gene transfected cells.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.595-609
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• 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the guidelines for Medic Work Table (MWT) based on the anthropometric data of medical technologists. Background: Users' anthropometric data such as sitting height, sitting elbow height, knee height, and so on are significant factors for designing comfortable and useful furniture. Thus, many guidelines for different types of desks and chairs based on the users' anthropometric data have been suggested to many researchers. However, few researches have been conducted to provide design guidelines for MWT for blood collecting task. Medical technologists often use their upper extremities to perform blood collecting task with high repetitions. These repeated motions could be a critical factor in the prevalence rate of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Therefore, a study on ergonomic design of MWT would be essential in preventing the WMSDs and improving the quality of the working environment of medical technologists. Method: This study suggested design guidelines for ergonomic MWT by focusing on the heights of the upper side and underside, depths of the inside and outside, and width of MWT through anthropometric studies and literature reviews. Afterwards, a new MWT was made using the suggested design guidelines for this study. Five healthy medical technologists participated to evaluate the original MWT and new MWT. All participants took part in the range of motion (ROM) test, electromyography (EMG) muscle activity test, and usability test to validate the suggested guidelines in this study. EMG signals of related muscles (Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Deltoid Anterior, and Biceps Branchii) were recorded through the surface electromyography system from both the original MWT and the new MWT. The ROM test of the shoulder and elbow flexion was also assessed using motion sensors. Results: The newly designed MWT showed decreased ROMs of the shoulder and elbow up to 22% and 18% compared to the original MWT. The muscle activities in the new MWT also showed a decrease of 13% in Anterior Deltoid, 6% in Biceps Brachii, 5% in Flexor Carpi Ulnaris, and 8% in Extensor Carpi Ulnaris muscle groups, compared to the original MWT. In the usability test, the satisfaction score of the new MWT was also 56.1% higher than that of the original MWT. Conclusion: This study suggested guidelines for designing MWT and validating the guidelines through qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results of motion analysis, muscle activity, and usability tests demonstrated that the newly designed MWT may lead to less physical stress, less awkward posture, and better physical user interface. Application: The recommended guidelines of the MWT would be helpful information for designing an ergonomic MWT that reduces physical loads and improves the performance of many medical technologists.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.33-40
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• 2003

In this work, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/polyetherimide (PEI) blends were cured using 4,4-diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). And the effects of addition of different PEI contents to neat DGEBA were investigated in the thermal properties and fracture toughness of the blends. The contents of contents of containing PEI were varied in 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 phr. The cure activation energies ($E_a$) of the cured specimens were determined by Kissinger equation and the mechanical interfacial properties of the specimens were performed by critical stress intensity factor ($K_{IC}$). Also their surfaces were examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the surface energetics of blends was determined by contact angles. As a result, $E_a$ and $K_{IC}$ showed maximum values in the 7.5 phr PEI. This result was interpreted in the increment of the network structure of DGEBA/PEI blends. Also, the surface energetics of the DGEBA/PEI blends showed a similar behavior with the results of $K_{IC}$. This was probably due to the improving of specific or polor component of the surface free energy of DGEBA/PEI blends, resulting in increasing the hydrogen bonding of the hydroxyl and imide groups of the blends.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.176-188
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• 1999

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alcohol on neurocognitive function, psychomotor performance and subjective response in healthy Korean adults with different ALDH2 genotypes. Method : A total of 24 males, half with active $ALDH2^*1/2^*1$ and the other with inactive $ALDH2^*1/2^*2$, was selected through genotyping using restriction fragment length polymorphism. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design, each subject consumed 0.5g/kg dose of alcohol, given as a mixture of 40% vodka and orange juice, and placebo(orange juice) on two separate occasions on an average of weekly intervals. The blood alcohol concentrations(BACs) were measured using a breath analyzer at baseline and at 30, 60 minutes after drinking. P300s were measured at baseline and at 30 minutes after alcohol and placebo intake. Vital signs and psychomotor performance[Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold(CFFT), Choice Reaction Time (CRT), Digit Symbol Substitution(DSS)] were measured at baseline and at 60 minutes after alcohol and placebo intake. Subjective responses were measured at the end of the study. The statistical analysis focused on whether there were any differences between groups with different ALDH2 genotypes. Results : The major results are as follows. 1) BACs in the inactive group were overall equivalent to those in the active group. Only in terms of time, BACs were significantly higher overall at 30 minutes than at 60 minutes after alcohol intake. 2) Pulse rates were significantly increased after alcohol intake compared with placebo, and the increase was greater in the inactive than in the active group. 3) P300 latencies in leads Fz(frontal), Cz(cental) and Pz(parietal) were significantly increased after alcohol intake compared to placebo, and the increase was greater in the inactive than in the active group. P300 amplitudes in leads Cz and Pz were significantly decreased overall after alcohol intake compared to placebo. 4) Compared with placebo, alcohol produced significant effect on the psychomotor performance : impairment in the inactive group, improvement in the active group. 5) Compared with placebo, alcohol significantly induced a negative or an intense effect on the subjective responses in the inactive group, but little negative and even a somewhat positive effect in the active group. Conclusions : These results suggest that ALDH isozyme variance might be an important factor to determine the effects of acute dose of alcohol on the various psychobehavioural functions and also to determine the alcohol use pattern and to predict the future development of alcohol overuse and/or abuse.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.71-79
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• 1998

Fish larvae and environmental variables were collected in the sea around Cheju Island of Korea in November, 1986. Fish larvae were found at the 43 of 44 stations. Abundance of fish larvae rangεd from 3 to 259 indiv./$10^3\;m^3$ (average 50 indiv./$10^3\;m^3$) Dominant species were Engraulis japonicus, Champsodon snyderi, Gobiidae, Sebastiscus marmoratus, and Synagrops philippinensis, which comprised 56.6% of total fish larvae abundance. 43 stations were c1assified into two groups by c1uster analysis based on the abundance of fish taxa. Most stations of Group I were located in the middle reach of Tsushima Current and had higher number of species and abundance than the sites of Group II which cover the marginal areas of Tsushima Current, Korean Coastal Waters, and coastal water of China. The dominant taxa in the sites of the Group I were E. japonicus, Gobiidae, S. philippinensis, Aulops japonicus, Bregmaceros spp., Benthosema pterotum, Lampanctus spp., etc., all of which are typical warm-water species. Therefore, Tsushima Current seems to be the most critical factor regulating the structure of fish larvae community in the study area. The discriminant analysis using the environmenta1 variables (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) produced result with a difference only of 11.6% from that of c1uster analysis using the taxa composition and abundance data. Consequently, the structural type of fish larvae community can be used for predicting the changes of environmental conditions in the study area.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.223-230
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• 2015

Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is an endogenous calcineurin inhibitor that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diseases related to the calcineurin-NFATc1 signaling pathway. The RCAN1-4 isoform is subject to NFATc1-dependent regulation. During receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-stimulated osteoclastogenesis, the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway is critical. Because there is little information available on the role of RCAN1 in osteoclast differentiation, this study investigated whether changes in RCAN1 expression are related to the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Mouse bone marrow monocytes (BMMs) were treated with 50 ng/ml of RANKL and M-CSF. Expression levels of NFATc1, calcineurin, and RCAN1 isoforms were determined using RT-PCR and Western blotting. Osteoclast differentiation was examined using tartrate-resistent acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. To evaluate the effect of RCAN1 overexpression on osteoclastogenesis, cells were transfected with a mouse RCAN1-4 cDNA plasmid. After RANKL stimulation of BMMs, expression of NFATc1 and RCAN1 was increased at the mRNA and protein level, while calcineurin expression was unchanged. When the RCAN1-4 gene construct was transfected, the expression of RCAN1 protein was not increased despite several-fold increases in RCAN1-4 mRNA expression. Regardless of RANKL stimulation, over-expression of RCAN1-4 tended to reduce NFATc1 expression and knock-down of RCAN1 increase it. While BMMs transfected with the RCAN1-4 vector were differentiated into distinct osteoclasts, their phenotypes did not vary from those of mock controls. These results suggest that RCAN1 has a limited effect on the calcineurin-NFATc1 pathway during RANKL-stimulated osteoclast differentiation.