• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.144-154
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• 2024

Backgrounds/Aims: Socioeconomic determinants of health are incompletely characterized in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). We assessed how socioeconomic status influences initial treatment decisions and survival outcomes in patients with CCA, additionally performing multiple sub-analyses based on anatomic location of the primary tumor. Methods: Observational study using the 2018 submission of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-18 Database. In total, 5,476 patients from 2004-2015 with a CCA were separated based on median household income (MHI) into low income (< 25th percentile of MHI) and high income (> 25th percentile of MHI) groups. Seventy-three percent of patients had complete follow up data, and were included in survival analyses. Survival and treatment outcomes were calculated using R-studio. Results: When all cases of CCA were included, the high-income group was more likely than the low-income to receive surgery, chemotherapy, and local tumor destruction modalities. Initial treatment modality based on income differed significantly between tumor locations. Patients of lower income had higher overall and cancer-specific mortality at 2 and 5 years. Non-cancer mortality was similar between the groups. Survival differences identified in the overall cohort were maintained in the intrahepatic CCA subgroup. No differences between income groups were noted in cancer-specific or overall mortality for perihilar tumors, with variable differences in the distal cohort. Conclusions: Lower income was associated with higher rates of cancer-specific mortality and lower rates of surgical resection in CCA. There were significant differences in treatment selection and outcomes between intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal tumors. Population-based strategies aimed at identifying possible etiologies for these disparities are paramount to improving patient outcomes.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.146-151
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• 2009

Purpose : To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of non-surgically treated tuberculous spondylitis and to evaluate the relationships between these features and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods : Data from ten patients (male:female=6:4, mean age=45 years) with clinically proven tuberculous spondylitis who were treated nonsurgically over three months were analyzed retrospectively from 2000 to 2007. MRI was performed at least three times for each patient, at baseline, every three or six months, and at the end of treatment. All images were analyzed by two radiologists. Results : The mean follow-up period for the MR examination was 10.1 months (range, 4-17 months). Six patients had clinically complete resolution of tuberculous spondylitis with medication treatment only. Four patients were treated with surgical management alongside medication. All ten patients were divided into two groups by clinical outcome; six patients with complete treatment and four patients with incomplete treatment. In the complete treatment group, follow-up MR findings showed a loss of subligamentous spread of abscesses, decreased size of abscesses, no interval changes in vertebral body heights, and fatty changes in spinal lesions. MR findings in the incomplete treatment group showed bone marrow edema extension to adjacent vertebra, extension of the abscesses, and decreased height of the vertebral bodies. Conclusion : During the nonsurgical management of tuberculous spondylitis, MR imaging may play a role in predicting patient response to antituberculous drug treatment.

• Journal of Educational Research in Mathematics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.413-444
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• 2010

The purpose of the present study is to develop an instrument of mathematical learning motivation and causal attribution for students and to analyze the results of the instrument. Based on the literature review, mathematical learning motivation is the cumulative effects of self-assessment and self-regulation in mathematical learning and achievement experience. Three factors of mathematical learning motivation is identified as self-regulatory efficacy, task difficulty and mathematical anxiety with 17 self-regulatory efficacy items, 9 task difficulty items and 9 mathematical anxiety items. Three factors of causal attribution for success is identified as ability/effort, luck, and other person with 6 ability/effort items, 4 luck items and 3 other person items. Also, four factors of causal attribution for failure is identified as ability, effort, luck, and other person with 3 ability items, 7 effort items, 3 luck items and 4 other person items. The instrument of mathematical learning motivation and causal attribution for success and failure was administered to 919 middle school students from eight different middle middle schools in Seoul, Gyeonggi-Do, Busan, jeolla-Do area. The correlation of three factors of mathematical learning motivation was calculated. As a result, a positive correlation between self-regulatory efficacy and task difficulty was appeared but mathematical anxiety has a negative correlation with self-regulatory efficacy and task difficulty. This study also examined the differences about mathematical learning motivation's sub-factors shown by three groups of mathematics achievement level. Students of higher achievement level showed that the degree of self-regulatory efficacy and task difficulty was higher than that of lower level group. Students of lowest achievement level showed significantly higher mathematical anxiety degree than that of middle and high group. Students that have higher degree of self-regulatory efficacy and task difficulty preference were attributed into ability/effort cause toward success of mathematics achievement. Also, Male students preferred more difficult task and higher degree of self-regulatory efficacy in mathematics learning than female students. On the contrary, Female students showed higher mathematical anxiety level than male students.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient specific quality assurance (QA) results of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) through the AAPM Task Group Report 119. Using the treatment planning system, both IMRT and VMAT treatment plans were established. The absolute dose and relative dose for the target and OAR were measured by using an ion chamber and the bi-planar diode array, respectively. The plan evaluation was used by the Dose volume histogram (DVH) and the dose verification was implemented by compare the measured value with the calculated value. For the evaluation of plan, in case of prostate, both IMRT and VMAT were closed the goal of target and OARs. In case of H&N and Multi-target, IMRT was not reached the goal of target, but VMAT was reached the goal of target and OARs. In case of C-shape(easy), both were reached the goal of target and OARs. In case of C-shape(hard), both were reached the goal of target but not reached the goal of OARs. For the evaluation of absolute dose, in case of IMRT, the mean of relative error (%) between measured and calculated value was $1.24{\pm}2.06%$ and $1.4{\pm}2.9%$ for target and OAR, respectively. The confidence limits were 3.65% and 4.39% for target and OAR, respectively. In case of VMAT the mean of relative error was $2.06{\pm}0.64%$ and $2.21{\pm}0.74%$ for target and OAR, respectively. The confidence limits were 4.09% and 3.04% for target and OAR, respectively. For the evaluation of relative dose, in case of IMRT, the average percentage of passing gamma criteria (3mm/3%) were $98.3{\pm}1.5%$ and the confidence limits were 3.78%. In case of VMAT, the average percentage were $98.2{\pm}1.1%$ and the confidence limits were 3.95%. We performed IMRT and VMAT patient specific QA using TG-119 based procedure, all analyzed results were satisfied with acceptance criteria based on TG-119. So, the IMRT and VMAT of our institution was confirmed the accuracy.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.1-14
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• 2008

According to technology acceptance model(TAN) which is one of the most important research models for explaining IT users' behavior, on intention of using IT is determined by usefulness and ease of use of it. However, TAM wouldn't explain the performance of using IT while it has been considered as a very good model for prediction of the intention. Many people would not be confirmed in the performance of using IT until they can control it at their will, although they think it useful and easy to use. In other words, in addition to usefulness and ease of use as in TAM, controllability is also should be a factor to determine acceptance of IT. Especially, there is a very close relationship between controllability and ease of use, both of which explain the other sides of control over the performance of using IT, so called perceived behavioral control(PBC) in social psychology. The objective of this study is to identify the relationship between ease of use and controllability, and analyse the effects of both two beliefs over performance and intention in using IT. For this purpose, we review the issues related with PBC in information systems studies as well as social psychology, Based on a review of PBC, we suggest a research model which includes the relationship between control and performance in using IT, and prove its validity empirically. Since it was introduced as qa variable for explaining volitional control for actions in theory of planned behavior(TPB), there have been confusion about concept of PBC in spite of its important role in predicting so many kinds of actions. Some studies define PBC as self-efficacy that means actor's perception of difficulty or ease of actions, while others as controllability. However, this confusion dose not imply conceptual contradiction but a double-faced feature of PBC since the performance of actions is related with both self-efficacy and controllability. In other words, these two concepts are discriminated and correlated with each other. Therefore, PBC should be considered as a composite concept consisting of self-efficacy and controllability, Use of IT has been also one of important areas for predictions by PBC. Most of them have been studied by analysis of comparison in prediction power between TAM and TPB or modification of TAM by inclusion of PBC as another belief as like usefulness and ease of use. Interestingly, unlike the other applications in social psychology, it is hard to find such confusion in the concept of PBC in the studies for use of IT. In most of studies, controllability is adapted as PBC since the concept of self-efficacy is included in ease of use explicitly. Based on these discussions, we can suggest perceived use control(PUC) which is defined as perception of control over the performance of using IT and composed of controllability and ease of use as sub-concepts. We suggest a research model explaining acceptance of IT which includes the relationships of PUC with attitude and performance of using IT. For empirical test of our research model, two user groups are selected for surveying questionnaires. In the first group, there are freshmen who take a basic course for Microsoft Excel, and the second group consists of senior students who take a course for analysis of management information by Excel. Most of measurements are adapted ones that have been validated in the other studies, while performance is real score of mid-term in each class. In result, four hypotheses related with PUC are supported statistically with very low significance level. Main contribution of this study is suggestion of PUC through theoretical review of PBC. Specifically, a hierarchical model of PUC are derived from very rigorous studies in the relationship between self-efficacy and controllability with a view of PBC in social psychology. The relationship between PUC and performance is another main contribution.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.36 no.3 s.104
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• pp.286-294
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• 2003

This study was attempted to understand seasonal dynamics of phyto- and zooplankton communities in shallow, eutrophic Lake llgam and to compare them with the PEG (Plankton Ecology Group) model. Seasonal succession pattern of phytoplankton community was similar to PEG model as Chlorophyceae and Baciliphyceae increase during spring and autumn fellowed by increase of Cyanophyceae. However, based on the cell density and biomass, a dominant phytoplankton community differed with PEG model: Cyanophyceae had been a dominant community throughout a year, except for ice-cover period during which Chlorophyceae was a dominant group. In spring, when ice melted and dissolved nutrients in water column increased, the increase of Chlorophyceae occurred: when nutrients (DIN and DIP) rapidly decreased, Cyanophyceae increase occurred. Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Merismopedia were maior dominant species of Cyanophyceae and their cell density and/or biomass was the highest in October 2000 (12.9${\pm}$5.8${\times}10^5$ cells/ml, 3.5${\pm}$0.9${\times}10^3{\mu}gC/l$). Cyanophyceae biomass showed positive relationship with chlorophyll a ($r^2$ = 0.71,P< 0.001) and TP concentration ($r^2$ = 0.62, P< 0.001). Small-sized rotifers such as Keratella cochlearis, increased between March and May when Chlorophyceae increased. Both high standing crop of copepods and cladocerans, such as Diaphanosoma brachyrum and Bosmina longirostris occurred between June and September accompanied with the increase of Dinophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. There was no evidence that clear-water phase was caused by zooplankton grazing. The diversity and evenness index of phyto- and/or zooplankton increased with chlorophyll a concentration. These results suggest zooplankton grazing and limiting nutrient deficiency could lead to change of phytoplankton biomass, but not the phytoplankton community in Lake llgam.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.52-62
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• 1991

The toxic effect of azalea extract, expecially on cardiovascular system, is relatively unclear. The purpose of this study is to study the possible underlying mechanism and effect of toxic ingredient of azalea on cardiovascular system. The 71 healthy rabbits were divided into 10 groups : In group as preliminary study ; 4cc of normal saline was administered intravenously(N) ; 0.7gm/kg and 1.0gm/kg of azalea extract was administered respectively in the same route, volume(A1, A2) ; atropine was administered intravenously(A) ; after pretreatment with atropine(0.04mg/kg) to block parasympathetic system, azalea extract was injected like the above groups(AA1, AA2) ; normal saline, 0.7gm/kg and 1.0gm/kg of azalea extract were administered respectively with 0.2cc(1 : 1000) epinephrine(E0,E1,E2). We measured the following indices at I minute interval during first 10 minutes and then 10 minute interval during next 30 minutes : RR interval, QTc interval, maximal systolic and diastolic pressure drop with occuring time and presence of significant arrhythmia. The results were as follows : 1. The changes of RR interval, QTc interval were significantly increased in groups by Azalea extract. The blood pressure change was significantly decreased in groups by Azalea extract. There were no significant differences according to dosage of Azalea extract. 2. The changes of RR interval, blood pressure were significant differences between administration of atropine and Azalea extract after pretreatment with atropine, but not in the change of QTc interval. 3. There were no significant differences in the change of RR interval, ATc interval, blood pressure drop according to pretreatment with atropine. 4. The interaction between epineprine and Azalea extract was not noted by the effect of epineprine itself. 5. The ST change by 0.7gm/kg, 1.0gm/kg of Azalea extract was revealed in 1 case(14.0%), 7 case(100%), respectively. 6. Most of all cases with arrhthymia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, were noted in the group by epineprine, except one case by Azalea extract(1.0gm/kg). It was idioventricular rhythm. In conclusion, azalea extract has negative inotropic and chronotropic effect with arrhythmogenic potential possibly through direct myocardial ischemia or injury but we cann't be absolutely exclusive of actions of autonmic nervous system, especially parasympathetic nervous system.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.49
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• pp.53-85
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• 2017

This study deals with the production system of the superhero animation that are based on DC comic books and are produced by Warner Brothers company, and tries to find out ways in order to vitalize the new window of the animation market. 28 superhero animations released from 2007 until 2017 are analyzed. Several critical points are drawn out and can be applied to the Korean animation industry. There are two categories, one is about the management of the production system, and the other is about the subcontract system. In managing the production system, there are three points: First, there are several people who play the role of either a producer or a director many times. Second, producers used to work as a group. Third, some people work not only as a producer but also as a director. In carrying out outsourcing contracts, there are six points: First, only Korean and Japanese companies participate as subcontract companies. Second, about two companies used to take part in the subcontract production in a year. Third, in case of number of people involved in production, there are more Japanese than Korean. Fourth, Japanese companies deal with some parts of the pre-production as well as the main production in . Fifth, a Japanese company has a sub-subcontract with a Korean company in one episode of . Sixth, Korean companies mostly focus on the production part of key animation. Important points that the Korean production system has to consider are also suggested under the two categories. In the production system management, there are two points. It is needed to make use of the group producer system, and it is critical to develop the story line of universe type such as DC Universe. In case of the outsourcing production system, it is essential to keep up educating 2D type of animation and, at the same time, to participate actively in the global outsourcing production. By considering these crucial points, it is expected to keep producing animation that can be used for the media window such as IPTV.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of postoperative e지ernai beam radiotherapy for patients with low grade glioma of the brain and define the optimal radiotherapeutic regimen. Materials and Methods : Between June, 1985 and May, 1998, 72 patients with low grade gliomas were treated with postoperative radiotherapy immediately following surgery. Median age was 37 years with range of 11 to 76 years. Forty one patients were male and 31 patients were female with male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Of those patients, 15 underwent biopsy alone and remaining 57 did subtotal resection. The distribution of the patients according to histologic type was as follows: astrocytomas-42 patients (58$\%$), mixed oligodendrogliomas-19 patients (27$\%$), oiigodendrogliomas-11 patients (15$\%$). Two patients were treated with whole brain irradiation followed by cone down boost and remaining 70 patients were treated with localized field with appropriate margin. Ail of the patients were treated with conventional once a day fractionation. Most of patients received total tumor dose of 5000 $\~$ 5500 cGy. Results : The overall 5 and 7 year survival rates for entire group of 72 patients were 61$\~$ and 50$\~$. Corresponding disease free survival rates for entire patients were 53$\~$ and 45$\~$, respectively. The 5 and 7 year overall survival rates for astrocytomas, mixed oligodendrogiiomas, and oligodendrogiiorras were 48$\%$ and 45$\%$, 76$\%$ and 56$\%$, and 80$\%$ and 52$\%$, respectively. Patients who underwent subtotal resection showed better survival rates than those who did biopsy alone. The overall 5 year survival rates for sub total resection patients and biopsy alone patients were 57$\%$ and 43$\%$, respectively. Forty six patients who were 40 years or younger survived batter than 26 patients who were 41 years or older (overall survival rate at 5 years, 69$\%$ vs 45$\%$). Although one patient was not able to complete the treatment because of neurological deterioration, there was no significant treatment related acute toxicities. Conclusion : Postoperative radiotherapy was safe and effective treatment for patients with low grade gliomas. However, we probably need prospective randomized trial to define optimal treatment timing and schedule for low grade gliomas and select patient group for different treatment philosophies.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.1 s.45
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• pp.25-43
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• 1994

To estimate the factors to the inclination of the criminal violence, the content of trace minerals and toxic metals in the scalp hair were measured during the period from May 1992 to October 1992. One hundred eleven violent and 89 nonviolent criminal inmates of Taegu Correctional Institute were selected. The inmates of violent criminals were imprisoned by murder, robber, rape, injury and violent acts. Those of nonviolent criminals were swindle, larceny, and adultery and had no history of institutional violence. The contents of two toxic metals (cadmium, lead) and five trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mg, Na) were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (IL. 551). The contents of cadmium and lead in hair of violent criminals were significantly higher as $0.56{\pm}0.14ppm,\;11.53{\pm}3.32ppm$, respectively, than $0.42{\pm}0.20ppm,\;9.63{\pm}4.31ppm$ of nonviolent group (p<0.01). But the level of copper was significantly lower than nonviolent group (p<0.05). The factors that had a significant correlation with the inclination of violence in multiple logistic regression analysis were cadmium (odds ratio=98.09), unmarried (odds ratio=0.39), many times of criminal history(odds ratio=1.57) and residence of rural area (odds ratio=0.44). The results suggest that the sub-toxic contents of cadmium and lead in the hair may be of potential effect on behavior, and the mineral analysis may be an important adjunctive diagnostic procedure. Further studies into this problem are necessary.