• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.196-204
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• 2001

Background : Bronchial asthma is characterized by a reversible airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and eosinophilic airway inflammation. The bronchodilator response(BDR) after short acting beta agonist inhalation and PC20 with methacholine inhalation are frequently used for diagnosing bronchial asthma. However, the relationship between the presence of a bronchodilator response and the degree of airway hyperresponsiveness is uncertain. Therefore, the availability of a eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and a correlation ECP with a bronchodilator response and airway hyperresponsiveness was investigated. Method : A total 71 patients with a moderate to severe degree of bronchial asthma were enrolled and divided into two groups. 31 patients with a positive bronchodilator response and 38 patients with a negative bronchodilator response were evaluated. In both groups, the serum ECP, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, and total IgE level were measured and the methacholine bronchial provocation test was examined. Results : There were no differences observed in age, sex, atopy, and baseline spirometry in both groups. The peripheral eosinophil counts showed no difference in both groups, but the ECP level in group 1 (bronchodilator responder group) was higher than in group 2(non-bronchodilator responder group) ($22.4{\pm}20.7$ vs $14.2{\pm}10.4$, mean$\pm$SD). The PC20 in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 ($1.14{\pm}1.68$ vs $66{\pm}2.98$). There was a significant positive correlation between the BDR and ECP, and a negative correlation between the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and ECP. Conclusion : The bronchodilator response significantly correlated with the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and serum ECP in the moderate to severe asthma patients. Hence, the positive bronchodilator response is probably related with active bronchial inflammation and may be used as a valuable index in treatment, course and prognosis of bronchial asthma.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.193-202
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• 2008

Objective: To evaluate efficacy of assisted hatching by laser (AHL) and acidified Tyrode solution (AHA) in selected groups of IVF-ET patients who have a poor prognosis. Methods: From February 2006 to September 2006, total of 328 IVF-ET cycles with advanced female age (${\geq}38$ years), recurrent implantation failure (${\geq}3$ cycles), thick zona (${\geq}17{\mu}m$), and/or poor quality of embryo were randomly divided into assisted hatching by acidified Tyrode solution (AHA, n=180) and the assisted hatching using the ZILOS-tk laser (AHL, n=148) groups. Clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared between AHA and AHL group based on the patient characteristics. Results: In all AHL and AHA group, there were no significant differences in pregnancy (42.6%, 63/148 vs. 33.3%, 60/180) and implantation rates (17.4%, 82/470 vs. 16.0%, 89/556) However, in advanced female age group (Group 1), pregnancy (37.0%, 20/54 vs. 18.7%, 14/75) and implantation rates (14.4%, 23/160 vs. 7.1%, 15/210) in AHL group were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of AHA, although there was no difference in patient parameters of both groups. And, the clinical outcome of groups with recurrent implantation failure (Group 2), thick zona pellucida (Group 3) and poor quality embryo (Group 4) were improved in AHL compared to those of AHA: 43.8% (21/48) and 31.6% (25/79) in Group 2, 43.8% (32/73) and 34.1% (28/82) in Group 3, 25.0% (7/28) and 14.6% (6/41) in Group 4, but no significance. Conclusion: The AHL improved the pregnancy and implantation rates in patients with advanced female age and recurrent implantation failure when compared to outcomes achieved from AHA. Therefore, this AHL technique may be a efficient and safe method for patients with poor prognosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.11
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• pp.828-833
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• 2003

Background: It has been reported that the recently developed intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia (IAWBC) has better myocardial protective effects during coronary artery bypass surgery than cold blood cardioplegia or continuos retrograde cold blood cardioplegia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and usefulness of IAWBC by comparing it retrospectively with intermittent retrograde cold blood cardioplegia (lRCBC). Material and Method: From April 2001 to Feb. 2003, fifty seven patients who underwent isolated coronary surgery were divided into two groups (IAWBC vs. IRCBC). The two group had similar demographic and angiographic characteristics. There were no statistical differences in age, sex, Canadian Cardiovascular Society Functional Classification for angina, ejection fraction, and number of grafts. Result: Aortic cross clamping time and total pump time in IAWBC (99$\pm$23 and vs. 126$\pm$32 min) were shorter than those of IRCBC (118$\pm$32 min. and 185$\pm$48 min.)(p<0.05). The reperfusion time (13$\pm$7 min) in IAWBC was shorter than that of IRCBC (62$\pm$109 min.)(p<0.05). CKMB at 12 hours and 24 hours (16$\pm$15 and 9$\pm$13) in IAWBC was lower than that of IRCBC (33$\pm$47 and 17$\pm$26)(p<0.05). The awakening time in IAWBC (2$\pm$1 hour) was shorter than that of IRCBC (4$\pm$3)(p<0.05). The number of spontaneous heart beat recovery in IAWBC (85%) was more than that of IRCBC (35%)(p<0.05). The cardiac index after discontinuing cardio-pulmonary bypass was significantly elevated in the IAWBC group. The prevalence of perioperative myocardial infarction in IAWBC (4%) was lower than that of IRCBC group (20%)(p<0.05). Conclusion: Intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia is a safe, reliable, and effective technique for myocardial protection. It can also provide simpler and economic way than the retrograde cold cardioplegia by shortening of cardiopulmonary bypass time and avoiding retrograde cannulation for coronary sinus.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2006

The possibility of applying a hi-axial flexure strength test on composite resin was examined using three point and hi-axial flexure strength tests to measure the strength of the light-cured resin and to compare the relative reliability using the Weibull modulus. The materials used in this study were light-curing restorative materials, $MICRONEW^{TM},\;RENEW^{(R)}$ (Bisco, Schaumburg, USA). The hi-axial flexure strength measurements used the piston-on-3-ball test according to the regulations of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6872 and were divided into 6 groups, where the radius of the specimens were 12mm (radius connecting the 3-balls: 3.75mm), 16 mm(radius connecting the 3-balls: 5mm), and the thickness were 0.5mm, 1mm, 2mn for each radius. The hi-axial flexure strength of the $MICRONEW^{TM}\;and\;RENEW^{(R)}$ were higher than the three point flexure strength and the Weibull modulus value were also higher in all of the bi-axial flexure strength groups, indicating that the hi-axial strength test is relatively less affected by experimental error. In addition, the 2 mm thick specimens had the highest Weibull modulus values in the hi-axial flexure strength test, and the $MICRONEW^{TM}$ group showed no significant statistical difference (p>0.05). Besides the 2mm $MICRONEW^{TM}$ group, each group showed significant statistical differences (p<0.05) according to the thickness of the specimen and the radius connecting the 3-balls. The results indicate that for the 2mm group, the hi-axial flexure strength test is a more reliable testing method than the three point flexure strength test.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2001

Object: Diurnal variation is included in the diagnostic criteria of the major depressive disorder, melancholic specifier. But there has been controversy over whether diurnal variation is an unique depressive symptoms or a symptom related to a change of sleep patterns, or that of another mechanism, when the previous studies are reviewed. We investigated the existence of diurnal variation according to the subtype of depression and whether diurnal variation is charateristic of melancholic depression or not. We also compared sleep variables according to the existence of diurnal variation. Method: We examined diurnal variation, sleep patterns, severity of depression using the Visual Analogue Mood Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Patients recorded their mood state on the Visual Analogue Mood Scale twice a day, morning and evening, for diurnal variation. We divided depressive patients into two groups,-diurnal variation group and nondiurnal variation group,-and compared the mood and sleep variables using SPSS. Results: The frequency of diurnal variation is not significantly different among the subtypes of depression. Significant differences between the diurnal variation group and the nondiurnal variation group existed in middle insomnia and sleep time (p<0.05). In melancholic type, al significant difference between the diurnal variation group and the nondiurnal variation group was noticed in PSQI total, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction as well as middle insomnia and sleep time (p<0.05). Conclusions: Diurnal variation existed in other types of depression as well as melancholic type. The results showed that diurnal variation was not a specific symptom of melancholic type, and existence of diurnal variation might be related to sleep patterns.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2004

Objectives: Sound and light (SL) stimulation has been used as a method to induce some useful mental states in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. It is believed that sound and light entrainment device (SLED) has some specific effects through synchronization of EEG in patients who use it. Theta frequency is believed to stimulate deep relaxation and short term memory processing. This study was conducted to evaluate if 4-10 Hz SL stimulation can induce relaxation and improve short term memory function. Methods: Ten medical students with no medical or psychiatric problems participated in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group was applied with real SLED was applied to one group (R group) and pseudo SLED to the other group (P group). The two groups were exposed to SL stimulation with SLED 15 minutes a day for 5 days, and after two days rest the two groups were switched over. The Korean Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (K-WAIS), Academic Motivation Tests (AMT), Test Anxiety Scale (TAS), Korean Auditory Verbal Learning Test (K-AVLT), and digit span were used to evaluate short term memory. Spielberger's State-Trait anxiety inventory and heart rate variability (HRV) test were used to evaluate degree of relaxation. Results: Compared with S group, R group showed a significant improvement in K-AVLT and digit span after a single application of SL stimulation. But 5-day long application did not reveal any differences between the two groups. A significant change in HRV was observed in 5-day long application of SL stimulation after being switched over to other SLED. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that 4-10 Hz SL stimulation has some positive influences on short term memory and relaxation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.248-261
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• 1994

Background: Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin that recognize a specific sequence of sugar residues. The availability of a large number of lectins has provided the capacity to identify selectively glycoconjugates possessing distinctive chemical structure in diverse sites of highly specialized biological activity. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the lectin binding patterns of various components in human pulmonary tubercles. Method: Biopsy specimens of tuberculous lung were obtained from male adult patients who underwent a surgical resection for severe pulmonary tuberculosis. The specimens were processed and stained with 13 kinds of biotinylated lectins according to some modification of Hsu and Raine's methods. Results: 1) In the caseous necrotic lesions, BS $I-B_4$ showed negative reaction and BS I were also negative except some irregularly-shaped cells located in the marginal zone. All other lectins, however, showed a positive reaction with various binding patterns. 2) The epithelioid cells were broadly divided into three groups according to the reaction patterns in the cytoplasms and cell membranes. 3) WGA, ECL, PHA-L, PHA-E and LCA showed strong staining in the lymphocytes. 4) SBA showed a different binding patterns between the endothelial layers located in the region beyond the fibrous layers and those located within the fibrous layers. 5) PNA showed a positive reaction in the outer 1/3 to 1/2 of the fibrous layer, but showed no staining in the inner 1/2 to 2/3 of the fibrous layers. Conclusion: The present lectin histochemical study provided a useful information to assess the characterization and distribution of various glycoconjugates in each constituent of human pulmonary tubercles. The results demonstrate structural differences in the glycoconjugate composition of various components of the tubercles and reveal changes in glycosylation in the components during soft tubercle formation. This study provides a new data useful for the studies on the pathogenesis and pathology of human pulmonary tubercles.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.275-282
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using laser for ceramic bracket bonding of porcelain surfaces and to compare it with conventional treatment of porcelain surfaces. Methods: Ninety feldspathic porcelain specimens were divided into 9 groups of 10, with each group having different surface treatments performed. Surface treatment groups were orthophosphoric acid, orthophosphoric acid with silane, hydrofluoric acid, hydrofluoric acid with silane, sandblasted, sandblasted with silane, laser etched, laser etched with silane, and glazed surface served as a control group. In the laser etched groups, the specimens were irradiated with 2-watt superpulse carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) laser for 20 seconds. Ceramic brackets were bonded with light-cure composite resin and all specimens were stored in water at $37^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours. Shear bond strength was determined in megapascals (MPa) by shear test at 1 mm/minute crosshead speed and the failure pattern was assessed. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and tukey test were used. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups. The HFA + S group showed the highest mean shear bond strength ($13.92{\pm}1.94\;MPa$). This was followed by SB + S ($10.16\;{\pm}\;1.27\;MPa$), HFA ($10.09\;{\pm}\;1.07\;MPa$), L + S ($8.25\;{\pm}\;1.24\;MPa$), L ($7.86\;{\pm}\;0.96\;MPa$), OFA + S ($7.22\;{\pm}\;1.09\;MPa$), SB ($3.41\;{\pm}\;0.37\;MPa$), OFA ($2.81\;{\pm}\;0.37\;MPa$), G ($2.46\;{\pm}\;1.36\;MPa$), Bond failure patterns of HFA and silane groups, except L + S, were cohesive modes in porcelain while adhesive failure was observed in the control group and the rest of the groups. Conclusions : A 2-watt superpulse $CO_2$ laser etching of porcelain surfaces can provide a satisfactory result for porcelain surface treatment for ceramic bracket bonding. Laser irradiation may be an alternative conditioning method for the treatment of porcelain surfaces.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.51-79
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• 1990

Research on technical efficiency, an important dimension of market performance, had received little attention until recently by most industrial organization empiricists, the reason being that traditional microeconomic theory simply assumed away any form of inefficiency in production. Recently, however, an increasing number of research efforts have been conducted to answer questions such as: To what extent do technical ineffciencies exist in the production activities of firms and plants? What are the factors accounting for the level of inefficiency found and those explaining the interindustry difference in technical inefficiency? Are there any significant international differences in the levels of technical efficiency and, if so, how can we reconcile these results with the observed pattern of international trade, etc? As the first in a series of studies on the technical efficiency of Korea's manufacturing industries, this paper attempts to answer some of these questions. Since the estimation of technical efficiency requires the use of plant-level data for each of the five-digit KSIC industries available from the Census of Manufactures, one may consture the findings of this paper as empirical evidence of technical efficiency in Korea's manufacturing industries at the most disaggregated level. We start by clarifying the relationship among the various concepts of efficiency-allocative effciency, factor-price efficiency, technical efficiency, Leibenstein's X-efficiency, and scale efficiency. It then becomes clear that unless certain ceteris paribus assumptions are satisfied, our estimates of technical inefficiency are in fact related to factor price inefficiency as well. The empirical model employed is, what is called, a stochastic frontier production function which divides the stochastic term into two different components-one with a symmetric distribution for pure white noise and the other for technical inefficiency with an asymmetric distribution. A translog production function is assumed for the functional relationship between inputs and output, and was estimated by the corrected ordinary least squares method. The second and third sample moments of the regression residuals are then used to yield estimates of four different types of measures for technical (in) efficiency. The entire range of manufacturing industries can be divided into two groups, depending on whether or not the distribution of estimated regression residuals allows a successful estimation of technical efficiency. The regression equation employing value added as the dependent variable gives a greater number of "successful" industries than the one using gross output. The correlation among estimates of the different measures of efficiency appears to be high, while the estimates of efficiency based on different regression equations seem almost uncorrelated. Thus, in the subsequent analysis of the determinants of interindustry variations in technical efficiency, the choice of the regression equation in the previous stage will affect the outcome significantly.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.1255-1263
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• 1997

This study was performed to investigate the effects of green tea on fat metabolism of rats and prevention to cardiovascular disease in drinking green tea. Male Spague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups consisting of the control, lard and cholestrol, aqueous green tea at the level of 1% and 3%. After 4 weeks of feeding serum lipid levels were measured for experimental rats, and analyzed the total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), phospholipid (PL). And total lipid (TL) to Folch method, lipid deposition to oil red O staining on liver tissue. The results are as follows: Total cholesterol (TC) decreased by administration of 1% aqueous green tea group and increased addition to lard and cholesterol (LC) group as compared to each groups (p<0.05). HDL-cholestrol in serum increased by administration of la aqueous green tea group (1G) and decreased to the control group, 1% aqueous green tea (L-1G) added lard group (p<0.05). Triglyceride (TG) decreased by administration of 3% aqueous green tea groups (L-3G, LC-3G) and increased by lard and cholesterol group (LC) (p<0.01). Phospholipid(PL) decreased by administration of 3% aqueous green tea added lard and cholesterol group (LC-3G) and increased by control group, lard and cholestrol group (LC) (p<0.05). Total lipid of liver decreased by administration of aqueous green tea at the level of 1% group and increased by LC group (p<0.01). The fat deposition of liver was increased in fat diet groups and decrease in the drink green tea of some but did not showed significant differences from concentration of the green tea.