• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.409-416
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• 1993

In the method for lithium (Li) analysis, flame emission photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) have been used most frequently. In addition, lithium can be analyzed by ion-selective electrode (ISE) or fluorscence polarization immunoassay. We evaluated the comparison between AAS method based on the principle of absorption of light at 670.8 nm by Li and ISE method based on the principle of voltage difference generated by Li in contact with lithium ionophore. We compared with those obtained by AAS (AA/AE Spectrophotometer 551, Instrumentation Laboratory Co.) and ISE(CSYNCHRON EL-ISE, Beckman Co.) in the serum and urine of 6 patients and evaluated time-related changes of serum lithium concentration after dosing in both methods. The results are summarized as follows : 1. In within-run precision study for lithium concentration, coefficient variations (CVs, %) ranged from 1.34 to 2.17 for AAS and from 0.34 to 0.85 for ISE method. In between-run precision study for lithium concentration, CVs ranged from 1.23 to 1.72 for AAS and from 0.61 to 1.38 for ISE method. 2. The correlation study between AAS and ISE method resulted in Y=0.946X+0.137 (N=32, r=0.933, X=AAS, Y=ISE) for serum lithium and Y=1.092X+0.977 (N=28, r=0.943, X=AAS, Y=ISE) for urine lithium. 3. Time-related changes of serum lithium concentration in both AAS and ISE method resulted in peak serum levels about 2 hours after dosing and then rapidly decreased after the peak serum level and finally arrived at nearly initial levels about 9 hours after dosing. 4. The reference range of serum lithium was found as undetectable level for both AAS and ISE method and the reference range of urine lithium to the urine creatinine was 0-0.00014 mmol/mg(mean 0.00002 mmol/mg) for AAS method.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.15
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• pp.6691-6696
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• 2015

Background: Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological cancer and its treatment is still controversial, especially in its early stages. There are conflicting data about the efficacy of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy during abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophrectomy treatment. Lymphadenectomy carries a risk of severe complications, especially in women with co-morbidities. Selective lymphadenectomy has been widely employed for staging evaluation of endometrial carcinoma because it is simple and seems to provide reliable data regarding nodal metastasis. This study was designed to evaluate accuracy of sentinel node sampling in detecting lymph node metastasis in primary endometrial carcinoma during staging laparotomy. Materials and Methods: Ninety-three women with endometrial carcinoma at high-risk for nodal metastasis were studied. During laparotomy, methylene blue dye was injected into sub-serosal myometrium, then retroperitoneal spaces were opened and blue lymph nodes within pelvic and para-aortic regions were removed as separate specimens for histopathological examination (sentinel lymph nodes = SLNs). Hysterectomy and selective lymphadenectomy then performed for all women included in this study. Results: Deposition of methylene dye into at least one lymph node was observed in 73.1% (68/93) of studied cases. 18.3% (17/93) of studied women had positive lymph node metastasis and 94.1% (16/17) of them had positive metastasis in SLNs. In this study, SNLs had 94.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity in prediction of lymph node metastasis. Mean number of lymph nodes removed from each case decreased when SLNs biopsy were taken. Conclusions: SLNs are the key lymph nodes in endometrial tumor metastasis and their involvement could be an indicator for whether or not complete systematic lymphadenectomy is needed during staging laparotomy.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.685-700
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• 1997

The ultimate aim of periodontal treatment is periodontal regeneration, which necessiates the regeneration of bone tissues. This paper investigated the effect of growth factor on bone cells. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) is the one of the polypeptide growth factor that has been reported as a biological mediator which regulates activities of the cell proliferation, migration and metabolism of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of PDGF on bone nodule formation and ALP activity of MC3T3-El cells. Cells were seeded at $1{\times}10^5cells/well$ in alpha-modified eagle medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, lOml beta-glycerophosphate and $50{\mu}g/ml$ of ascorbic acid. PDGF 0, 0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml were added to the cells at a confluent state and cultured for 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 days. We examined bone nodule formation and alkaline phosphatase activity. The results were as follows : There were bone nodule formation at day 21 both in control and all the experimental groups, and at day 28, all the experimental groups showed much more bone nodules than control groups. Compared to control-l group, ALP activity was increased in PDGF O.1ng/ml group and was decreased in 1,10ng/ml PDGF treated groups.{P< 0.05, P< 0.01) Compared to control-2, ALP activity was decreased in all the experimental groups except PDGF 0.1ng/ml in 21 day group. In the time-response effect, ALP activity was increased by the day 14 in all the experimental groups and thereafter ALP activity was decreased.(P<0.05, P< 0.01) In the dose-response effect, ALP activity was decreased as the dose of PDGF was increased, and after 21 day ALP activity was lowest in 1 ng/ml group, ALP activity was highest in the day 7 in control group and 0.1 ng/ml, 14 day experimental group. In conclusion, PDGF is considered more effective in the proliferation than differentiation of osteoblast-like cells, and it may be useful to study the combined effect of PDGF and other growth factors on osteoblast-like cells.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.556-562
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• 2009

Ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar means that the molar erupts out of the normal position and is arrested in its eruption by the second primary molar. This local eruption disturbance results in a premature atypical resorption on the distal part of the second primary molar. In most irreversible cases, the second primary molar is lost prematurely, either by spontaneous exfoliation or by extraction, In cases of doubt as to whether the eruption is of the irreversible type or not, careful radiographic observation period for a few months would be valuable in evaluating the possibilities of the tooth's freeing itself. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and occurrence of the ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molar. A descriptive, observational, retrospective study was done using the radiographs of 25 conseutive patients, who were in the first phase of mixed dentition. A method was designed to evaluate the amount of pathologic resorption of the second maxillary primary molar and the mesial angulation of the first permanent molar. The study showed that the most important etiologic factor was the eruption path or mesial angulation of the first permanent molars relative the chosen reference lines.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.159-171
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• 2017

A successful oil well drilling depends largely on a good mud Program. During drilling, mud provides sufficient hydrostatic pressure, removes drill cuttings and cools drill bits. Mud additives are always required to provide sufficient hydrostatic pressure to ensure borehole stability. Barium Sulphate ($BaSO_4$) also known as barite is the prevalent weighting material but there is needed to develop local materials to augment the use of Barite. The present search is concerned on the early Carboniferous succession exposed in Um Bogma Formation, west central Sinai, Egypt as a new weighting agent in drilling fluids. The increases in the cost of drilling fluids and a shortage of using barite have introduced the locale dolomite as alternative weighting materials. The rheological properties of mud drilling samples weighted by local dolomite samples are being examined and investigated to know its potential to be used as a weighting material in drilling mud. Two mud samples were prepared which comprised of fresh water, caustic soda, bentonite and the weighting material. The weighting materials are added to achieve the required density. The first sample: Water-based mud with commercial barite of density between 10.00 lb/gm and 18.00 lb/gm. The second sample: Water-based mud with dolomite of density between 10.00 lb/gm and 18.00 lb/gm. These samples were analyzed and the density, rheological properties, aging of barite and dolomite and solid contents were investigated. At 10.00 lb/gm, the yield point of dolomite was $20.00lb/100ft^2$ and barite $22.00lb/100ft^2$ while the 10 second gel strength of dolomite was $30.00lb/100ft^2$ and $22.00lb/100ft^2$ for barite. Similarly, little difference was observed in plastic and apparent viscosities. At 10.00 lb/gm, the plastic and apparent viscosities of dolomite were 8.00 cp and 20.00 cp while barite was 8.00 cp and 24.00 cp. The result show that dolomite mud sample gave a little higher yield point and gel strength than barite mud sample. Therefore, dolomite has the potential to be used as weighting material in drilling mud in place of barite thereby enhancing the local content initiative of the government. When dolomite is sourced locally and used it will reduce overall mud and drilling costs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2015

Background: To evaluate the impact of adding taxanes to anthracycline-based regimens in the adjuvant setting in localized young female breast cancer patients on the overall survival (OS) and the disease free survival (DFS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included all female breast cancer patients who were candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy presenting to Kasr Al Ainy centre of clinical oncology and Cairo oncology centre (Cairo Cure) in the period from January 2005 till December 2010. Results: Our study included 865 patients, 732 of whom received anthracycline based regimens and 133 taxane based regimens. The mean age of patients was 39 years. After a median follow up of 50 months the median DFS was 48.4 months. Survival analysis indicated that the tumor size (>5cm vs. <5cm) p=0.001), nodal involvement (Yes vs. No) p=0.0001) and pathology (invasive lobular vs. ductal) p=0.048) affected DFS. As regards hormonal status, ER, PR and HER 2neu positive patients had longer DFS (p=0.001, 0.003, 0.106). On multivariate analysis DFS was affected by tumor size and lymph node involvement (p=0.014, 0.007). Subgroup analysis showed improvement in arms treated with taxanes in terms of DFS with positive Her2neu, ER and PR, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Adding adjuvant taxanes to anthracyclines is beneficial for treatment of localized breast cancer among all subgroups, especially higher risk groups. The type of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and tumor characteristics have direct effects on DFS.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3595-3600
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• 2016

Background: To investigate the association between preoperative pathological Ki-67 labeling index and serum tumor marker cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) with clinic-pathological parameters and treatment outcomes in early breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study at 4 cancer centers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt was performed. Data were collected for female patients diagnosed with unilateral early breast cancer between March 2010 and October 2013. Cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by surgery and radiotherapy were included. NACT included 6-8 cycles of anthracycline and taxane based regimens. Trastuzumab and hormonal treatments were added according to HER2 and hormone receptor status. Baseline serum CA15.3 and pathological Ki67 levels were evaluated and correlated with disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 280 pts was included. The median age was 49 years (38-66 y) and median overall survival was 35 (20-38) months (mo). Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and HER 2 receptors were positive in 233 (83.2%), 198 (70%) and 65 cases (23.2%), respectively. High preoperative Ki67 and CA15.3 were noted in 177 (63.2%) and 131 (46.8%). A total of 45 (16%) patients had distal or local recurrence and 24 (8.6%) died of their disease. Most of the relapsed cases had high preoperative Ki-67 (n=41, 91%) and CA15.3 (n=28, 62%) values. All of the patients who died had a high Ki-67 but CA15.3 was high in 9 (37%) only. Mean DFS/OS in patients with high preoperative Ki-67 was 32 months /32 months as compared to 37 months/35 months in those with normal Ki-67 (p<0.001). Correlation of preoperative CA15.3 and survival was statistically not significant. Conclusions:Preoperative Ki-67 can be a predictive and prognostic marker. Higher levels are associated with poor DFS and OS in patients with early BC.

• Atmosphere
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.183-198
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to summarize the tropical cyclone (TC) activity of 2008 over the western North Pacific including the verification of the official track and intensity forecast errors of these TCs. The TC activity - frequency, Normalized Typhoon Activity (NTA), and life span - was lower than 58-year (1951-2008) average. 22 tropical cyclones of tropical storm (TS) intensity or higher formed in the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in 2008. The total number is less than 58-year average frequency of 26.4. Out of 22 tropical cyclones, 11 TCs reached typhoon (TY) intensity, while the rest 11 TCs only reached severe tropical storm (STS) and tropical storm (TS) intensity - six STS and five TS storms. One typhoon KALMAEGI (0807) among them affected the Korea peninsula. However, no significant impact - casualty or property damage - was reported. On average of 22 TCs in 2008, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) official track forecast error for 48 hours was 229 km. There was a big challenge for individual cyclones such as 0806 FENGSHEN and 0817 HIGOS presenting significant forecast error, with both intricate tracks and irregular moving speed. The tropical cyclone season in 2008 began in April with the formation of NEOGURI (0801). In May, four TCs formed in the western North Pacific in response to enhanced convective activity. On the other hand, the TC activity was very weak from June to August. It is found that the unusual anti-cyclonic circulation in the lower level and weak convection near the Philippines are dominant during summertime. The convection and atmospheric circulation in the western North Pacific contributed unfavorable condition for TC activity in the 2008 summertime. The 2008 TC activity has continued the below normal state since mid 1990s which is apparent the decadal variability in TC activity.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2010.08a
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• pp.153-153
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• 2010

Recently, to develop GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with better performances, various approaches have been suggested by many research groups. In particular, using the patterned sapphire substrate technique has shown the improvement in both internal quantum efficiency and light extraction properties of GaN-based LEDs. In this paper, we discuss the influences of the direction of the hexagonal-structure arrays of lens-shaped patterns (HSAPs) formed on sapphire substrates on the crystal, optical, and electrical properties of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-well (MQW) LEDs. The basic direction of the HSAPs is normal (HSAPN) with respect to the primary flat zone of a c-plane sapphire substrate. Another HSAP tilted by 30o (HSAP30) from the HSAPN structure was used to investigate the effects of the pattern direction. The full width at half maximums (FWHMs) of the double-crystal x-ray diffraction (DCXRD) spectrum for the (0002) and (1-102) planes of the HSAPN are 320.4 and 381.6 arcsecs., respectively, which are relatively narrower compared to those of the HSP30. The photoluminescence intensity for the HSAPN structure was ~1.2 times stronger than that for the HSAP30. From the electroluminescence (EL) measurements, the intensity for both structures are almost similar. In addition, the effects of the area of the individual lens pattern consisting of the hexagonal-structure arrays are discussed using the concept of the planar area fraction (PAF) defined as the following equation; PAF = [1-(patterns area/total unit areas)] For the relatively small PAF region up to 0.494, the influences of the HSAP direction on the LED characteristics were significant. However, the direction effects of the HSAP became small with increasing the PAF.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.248-253
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• 2005

We designed and fabricated a compact multi-mode interference (MMI) wavelength demultiplexer using the concept of 'Improved Quasi-State' modes. The output power and extinction ratio were improved by utilizing modal phase error which is specially occurred in low-index contrast. For a designed demultiplexer, the mode propagation analysis with effective index approximation shows significant improvement of extinction ratio to -25 dB for both $1.31{\mu}m\;and\;1.51{\mu}m$ wavelength region and the split-length was reduced about 1/5 of other MMI devices. The fabricated device shows successful characteristics for both 1.31 and $1.55{\mu}m$ wavelengths. These results demonstrate the potential of low-index materials system and the embossing process for photonic integrated circuits.