• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.126-139
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• 1994

Best-estimate thermal-hydraulic codes, CATHARE2 V1.2 and RELAP5/MOD3, hate been assessed against the BETHSY 6.2 tc six-inch cold leg break loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) test. Main objective is to analyze the overall capabilities of the two codes on physical phenomena of concern during the small break LOCA i.e. two-phase critical flow, depressurization, core water level de-pression, loop seal clearing, liquid holdup, etc. The calculation results show that the too codes predict well both in the occurrences and trends of major two-phase flow phenomena observed. Especially, the CATHARE2 calculations show better agreements with the experimental data. However, the two codes, in common, show some deviations in the predictions of loop seal clearing, collapsed core water level after the loop seal clearing, and accumulator injection behaviors. The discrepancies found from the comprision with the experimental data are larger in the RELAP5 results than in the CATHARE2. To analyze the deviations of the two code predictions in detail, several sensitivity calculations have been performed. In addition to the change of two-phase discharge coefficients for the break junction, fine nodalization and some corrections of the interphase drag term are made. For CATHARE2, the change of interphase drag force improves the mass distribution in the primary side. And the prediction of SG pressure is improved by the modification of boundary conditions. For RELAP5, any single input change doesn't improve the whole result and it is found that the interphase drag model has still large uncertainties.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2015

This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between tree-ring growth of Quercus acutissima and climatic variables by dendroclimatological method. Annual tree-ring growth data of Quercus acutissima collected by the $5^{th}$ National Forest Inventory (NFI5) were organized to analyze the spatial distribution of the species growth pattern. To explain the relationship between tree-ring growth of Quercus acutissima and climatic variables, monthly temperature and precipitation data from 1950 to 2010 were compared with tree-ring growth data for each county. When tree-ring growth data were analyzed through cluster analysis based on similarity of climatic conditions, four clusters were identified. In addition, index chronology of Quercus acutissima for each cluster was produced through cross-dating and standardization procedures. The adequacy of index chronologies was tested using basic statistics such as mean sensitivity, auto correlation, signal to noise ratio, and expressed population signal of annual tree-ring growth. Response function analysis was conducted to reveal the relationship between tree-ring growth and climatic variables for each cluster. The results of this study are expected to provide valuable information necessary for estimating local growth characteristics of Quercus acutissima and for predicting changes in tree growth patterns caused by climate change.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2263-2268
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• 2015

Background: Many studies have reported associations of the X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3) Thr241Met polymorphism with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, but the results remained controversial. Hence, we performed the present meta-analysis with different inheritance models. Materials and Methods: We searched the PubMed and Google scholar databases for studies relating to associations between XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and risk of CRC. 16 studies with 5,193 cases and 6,645 controls were finally included into the meta-analysis. Results: We found that the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism was associated with increased CRC risk only under a dominant genetic model (CC+CT vs. TT: OR 0.575, 95%CI 0.498-1.665, p<0.001, $P_{heterogeneity}=0.00$, $I^2=83%$). There was a significant association between XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and CRC risk in Caucasian in the overall 8 studies under only in the heterozygote genetic model (CT vs. TT: OR=0.929, 95%CI =0.806-1.070, P=0.308, $P_{heterogeneity}=0.002$, $I^2=57%$). Four studies evaluated the XRCC3 Thr241Met polymorphism and CRC risk in Asians. Two genetic models of the XRCC3 polymorphism were significantly correlated with increasing risk in Asians (dominant model: CC+CT vs. TT: OR= 0.609, 95%CI=411-0.902, P=0.013, $P_{heterogeneity}=0.54$, $I^2=0.00%$; Allele model: C vs. T: OR=0.708, 95 %=CI 0.605-0.829, p=0.000, $P_{heterogeneity}=0.000$, $I^2=92%$). The sensitivity analysis suggested stability of this meta-analysis and no publication bias was detected. Conclusions: In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that XRCC3 Thr241Met shows an increased CRC risk, particularly in Asians rather than Caucasians.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7635-7638
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• 2013

Background: Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) has been recently proposed as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of several human tumors, including ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Its clinical value remains to be clarified for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, we investigated the utility of serum SPAG9 levels in diagnosis of EC and its association with important clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary women's referral center in Ankara, Turkey. Preoperative serum samples were collected from patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer between June 2012-April 2013. Similar aged women with a biopsy proven benign endometrium were used as controls. Serum SPAG9 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed for links with clinicopathological factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess power of SPAG9 levels for EC prediction. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 women with EC and 27 with benign endometrium were included in the study. Mean age in the EC group was $58.7{\pm}1.1$. Median SPAG9 levels in the EC and control groups were 18.3 (range, 12.7-53.8) and 14.1 (range, 4.3-65.3), respectively (p<0.001). A cut-off value of 17 ng/ml for SPAG9 predicted presence of malignant endometrium with 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity [Area under curve (AUC)=0.82, p<0.001]. SPAG9 levels did not demonstrate any significant association with histological type, FIGO stage, tumor grade, size, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, peritoneal cytology or lymph node status (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Testing for SPAG9 may be useful for early detection of EC in asymptomatic high-risk women. Its role in post-treatment follow-up and early detection of recurrence should be assessed in future trials.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.36-45
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• 2001

This study was performed to determine the changes of maternal iron status during pregnancy cross sectionally, and to evaluate the appropriateness of the cut-off points of hemoglobin (Hb). hematocrit (Hct), serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR : ferritin ratio for assessing iron deficiency status based on serum ferritin level (< 12${\mu}g$/L). Serum Hb concentrations in the first trimester were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the second and third trimester. Serum levels of iron and ferritin in the third trimester were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in the first and second trimester. On the other hand, sTfR:ferritin ratios in the third trimester were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the first and second trimester. sTfR concentrations did not change significantly during pregnancy. The appropriate cut-off points of Hb were 11.5g/dL for whole period of pregnancy. 12.0g/dL for 1st trimester. and 11.5g/dL for both 2nd and 3rd trimester. The good cut-off points of Hct were 34% for whole period of pregnancy. 36% for 1st trimester. and 34% for both 2nd and 3rd trimester The suitable cut-off points of TIBC were 400${\mu}g$/dL for whole period of pregnancy. 360${\mu}g$/dL for 1st trimester, and 400${\mu}g$/dL for both 2nd and 3rd trimester. Any cut-off point of sTfR could not be selected because of its low sensitivity and specificity. The proper cut-off point of sTfR : ferritin ratio was 600 or 650 for all the periods determined except the first trimester. In conclusion, there were no reliable cut-off levels of sTfR and those of sTfR : ferritin ratio showed low specificity. The cut-off values of Hb and Hct for assessing iron deficiency were slightly higher than the values used to evaluate anemia. Thus, if appropriate cut-off levels were applied, Hb. Hct, or TIBC might be useful indices for evaluating iron deficiency as well as anemia.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.200-204
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• 2013

In this study, we have fabricated magnetoresistive sensors of $50{\mu}m{\times}50{\mu}m$ cross type by trilayer structure of antiferromagnetic/nonmagnetic/ferromagnetic. The magnetic signal and magnetic domain of this sensor is measured. The sensor hysteresis loop is not in symmetrical at 0 Oe. This is may be due to the exchange coupling between ferromagnetic layer and anti ferromagnetic layer. This exchange bias value is 20 Oe. The sensor signal is measured at between the applied magnetic field and current. The sensor signal is measured between the applied magnetic field and current at $20^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ angles. The sensitivity of sensor signals is $20{\mu}V/Oe$ and $7{\mu}V/Oe$ at $20^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ angles, respectively. In addition, this sensor is also applied for the detection of magnetic bacteria at $20^{\circ}$ angle. From these results, we calculate the stray field of single bacteria is to be $5{\times}10^{-5}$Oe.

• Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.371-381
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• 2016

Objective:This study aims to evaluate the features of heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory signals as indices for a driver's drowsiness and waking status in order to develop the classification model for a driver's drowsiness and waking status using those features. Background: Driver's drowsiness is one of the major causal factors for traffic accidents. This study hypothesized that the application of combined bio-signals to monitor the alertness level of drivers would improve the effectiveness of the classification techniques of driver's drowsiness. Method: The features of three heart rate variability (HRV) measurements including low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio and two respiratory measurements including peak and rate were acquired by the monotonous car driving simulation experiments using the photoplethysmogram (PPG) and respiration sensors. The experiments were repeated a total of 50 times on five healthy male participants in their 20s to 50s. The classification model was developed by selecting the optimal measurements, applying a binary logistic regression method and performing 3-fold cross validation. Results: The power of LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio, and the respiration peak of drowsiness status were reduced by 38%, 22%, 31%, and 7%, compared to those of waking status, while respiration rate was increased by 3%. The classification sensitivity of the model using both HRV and respiratory features (91.4%) was improved, compared to that of the model using only HRV feature (89.8%) and that using only respiratory feature (83.6%). Conclusion: This study suggests that the classification of driver's drowsiness and waking status may be improved by utilizing a combination of HRV and respiratory features. Application: The results of this study can be applied to the development of driver's drowsiness prevention systems.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.399-407
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• 2012

To evaluate age and gender differences in the relation of cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive impairment, and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis from aged people using by a cross sectional method. Sixty-nine healthy elders living in the community who had not previously undergone carotid ultrasonography were included. We conducted life style surveys, and cognitive function tests including Korean-mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) and clinical dementia rating-Korean. Various biomarkers from blood were assessed; fasting insulin-like growth factor-1, lipid-profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, total homocysteine, glucose, insulin, Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) for insulin resistance index, vitamin B12, and folate level. Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and plaques were measured using carotid ultrasonography and aortic ultrasonography, a valid index of atherosclerosis. For the elderly subjects (aged 65-82 years), cognition impairment was more prevalent in females while subclinical atherosclerosis was more prevalentin males. Increased C-IMT has been kept in males, and C-IMT shows increasing trend and the peak at about 80 year-old in females with increasing age. The significant correlations between C-IMT and many vascular risk factors including age, triglyceride, abnormal homocysteinein male, and K-MMSE, insulin, HOMA index and abnormal aortic ultrasonography in female were different in each gender, with the exception of homocysteine (p<0.05). This data suggests that there were differences of age and gender characteristics in terms of subclinical atherosclerosis, cognitive impairment and vascular risk factors in community-living elders. Further larger and longitudinal studies across entire age are required to better understand the effects of risk factors on subclinical atherosclerosis.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.37-46
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• 2020

This is a basic research on potential application of fire detection by measuring fire detection tendency of indoor air quality measurement factors. In this study, operation experiment using smoke detector sensitivity tester and paper fire experiment specified in UL 268 standards were conducted to evaluate the fire detection tendency of indoor air quality measurement factors. Based on the cross-substitution of values measured in the paper fire experiment, PM10 (excluding average) and HCHO (excluding average and maximum) for the indoor air quality meter (IAQ); PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10 for IAQ S2; and CO (excluding the average and maximum) for combustion gas analyzers showed consistent tendency despite changes in the measured values for smoke generation under all experimental conditions. In particular, PM10 and CO are considered the most applicable fire detection factors among the factors measured in the experiment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6311-6318
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• 2012

Background: HER2/neu overexpression due to gene amplification is an important factor in breast cancer, modifying the sensitivity to anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody therapy. The clinical significance of HER2 expression in non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is currently under evaluation. The tumor suppressor gene PTEN negatively regulates the HER2/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of simultaneous alteration in HER2 and PTEN protein expression in relation to biological behaviour of NSCLCs. Materials and Methods: Protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in sixty-one (n=61) NSCLC cases along with CISH for HER2 gene analysis and detection of chromosome 17 aneuploidy. Patients were followed-up for a period of 34 to 41 months after surgery. Results: HER2 overexpression (2+/3+score) was detected in 17 (27.9%) patients while loss of PTEN expression was observed in 24 (39.3%) cases, low expression in 29 (47.6%) and overexpression in 8 (13.1%). Simultaneous HER2 overexpression and PTEN low/loss of expression were correlated with metastasis (71.4% vs 36.2% p=0.03). Analysis in the subgroup of 22 patients of pTNM stage III with lymph node status N1 or N2 revealed that there was a relationship between the number of positive regional lymph node groups and simultaneous deregulation of the two genes (p=0.04). Multivariate analysis determined that HER2 overexpression was associated with an increasing risk of developing metastases (OR: 4.3; 95%CI: 1.2-15.9; p: 0.03) while PTEN overexpression was associated with lower risk (OR: 0.1; 95%CI: 0.1, 1.0; p: 0.05). Conclusions: Simultaneous HER2/PTEN deregulation is a significant genetic event that leads to a more aggressive phenotype of NSCLC.