• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2005

Purpose : The objective of this study was to determine whether the expressions of the two components of DNA-dependent protein kinase, Ku70 and DNA-PKcs, influence the response to radiotherapy (RT) and outcome of treatment of non-disseminated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in patients who received definitive RT. Materials and Methods : Sixty-six patients with NPC who were treated with radiotherapy alone or with concurrent chemotherapy between June 1995 and December 2001 were divided into groups based on the levels of immunoreactivity for Ku70 and DNA-PKcs in pretreatment biopsy specimens. The over-expression of Ku70 or DNA-PKcs groups Included patients whose biopsy specimens showed at least 50% immunopositive tumor cells; patients in which less than 50% of the tumor cells in the biopsy tissues were immunopositive were placed in the low Ku70 and DNA-PKcs groups. The immunoreactivities for Ku70 and DNA-PKcs were retrospectively compared with the sensitivity of the tumor to radiation and the patterns of therapy failure. Univariate analyses were peformed to determine the prognostic factors that influenced locoregional control of NPC. Results : The five-year locoregional control rate was significantly higher in the low Ku70 group (Ku(-)) (85%) than in the high Ku70 group (Ku(+)) (42%) (p=0.0042). However, there were no differences in the metastases-free survival rates between the two groups (Ku70 (+), 82%; Ku70 (-), 78%; p=0.8672). Univariate analysis indicated that the over-expression of Ku70 surpassed other well-known predictive clinocopathologic parameters as an Independent prognostic factor for locoregionai control. Eighteen of 22 patients who had locoregional recurrences of the tumor displayed an over-expression of Ku70. No significant association was found between the level of DNA-PKcs expression and the clinical outcome. Conclusion : Our data suggest that the level of Ku70 expression can be used as a molecular marker to predict the response to RT and the locoregional control after RT and concurrent chemotherapy in patients with non-disseminated NPC.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.203-215
• /
• 2006

Field observations on the spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter of the surface sediment were carried out at 15 stations in the central parts of the South Sea of Korea from April 2002 to January 2003. The range of water temperature and salinity in bottom waters, mud content and water content of surface sediment were $8.06{\sim}23.35^{\circ}C,\;29.20{\sim}34.51\;psu,\;71.2{\sim}99.9%$ and $38.7{\sim}68.9%$, respectively. Measured parameters on the surface sediments of ignition loss (IL), chemical oxygen demand (CODs), phaeopigment, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate organic nitrogen (PON) also ranged in $3.9{\sim}l2.5%,\;9.60{\sim}44.05\;mgO_2/g-dry,\;1.58{\sim}29.51\;{\mu}g/g-dry,\;3.12{\sim}13.01\;mgC/g-dry$ and $0.49{\sim}2.00\;mgN/g-dry$, respectively. The spatio-temporal distribution of organic matter demonstrated higher concentrations offshore than at lesions near the coastal line. Higher concentrations occurred in the summer and spring. The results indicated that the origin of organic matter in surface sediments in the central part of the South Sea was autochthonous rather than allocthonous because the organic matter had an average C/N ratio of 6.44 (${\pm}0.51$). However, the composition of autochthonous organic matter was mainly derived from detritus rather than living phytoplankton, which was Indicated by the results of the POC/phaeopigment ratio. A principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that 73.2% of the variability in the data was described by two factors: 1) an 'environmental factor concerning the accumulation of materials (57.3%)' and 2) 'origin of organic matter and the composition by primary production (15.9%)'. The sedimentary environment in the central part of the South Sea was divided into four regions from the factor score of the PCA by the concentrations of organic matter and the composition ratio of organic matters from phytoplankton in surface sediments.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.318-326
• /
• 2011

The population ecological characteristics of the Crucian carp, Carassius auratus, were determined in order to estimate stock of the mid-upper system of the Seomjin River. The fish ranged in size from 95 to 288mm total length. The age was determined by counting the scale annulus. The scales displayed clear annulus that were used to estimate the age. The oldest fish observed in this study was 5 years old. Age-2 fishes were the most numerous in the sample(n=38), followed in frequency be age-3(n=22). Marginal index analysis validated the formation of a single annulus per year. The relationship between body length and body weight was BW = $0.0038BL^{3.73}$($R^2$=0.96) (p<0.01). The relationship between the scale radius and body length was BL = 2.362R+2.76($R^2$=0.89). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated from a non-linear regression method were $L_{\infty}$=33.2 cm, $W_{\infty}$=1,798.4 g, $K=0.20year^{-1}$ and $t_0$=-0.51year. Therefore, Growth in length of the fish was expressed by the von Bertalanffy's growth equation as $L_t=33.23$($1-e^{-0.20(t+0.51)}$)($R^2$=0.98). The annual survival rate was estimated to be 0.427year$^{-1}$. The instantaneous coefficient of natural mortality of estimated from the Zhang and Megrey method was $0.784year^{-1}$, and instantaneous coefficient of fishing mortality was calculated $0.067year^{-1}$. From the estimates of survival rate, the instantaneous coefficient of total mortality was estimated to be $0.851year^{-1}$.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.393-399
• /
• 1994

Spinal cord compression, an oncologic emergency, is a rare complication of hematologic malignancy Our experience was obtained with a series 32 Patients following retrospective analysis for assessing the role of radiation therapy and identifying the prognostic factors affecting on treatment outcome. Diagnosis was usually made by means of radiologic study such as myelography or computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurologic examination. Five cases were diagnosed by subjective symptom only with high index of suspicion. In 31 cases, the treatment consisted in radiation therapy alone and the remained one patient had laminectomy before radiation therapy because of diagnostic doubts. Total treatment doses ranged from 800 cGy to 4000 cGy with median of 2000 cGy. Initially large fraction size more than 250 cGy were used in 13 patients with rapidly progressed neurologic deficit. The clinical parameters considered in evaluating the response to treatment were backache, motor-sensory performance and sphincter function. Half of all patients showed good response. Partial response and no response were noted in $37.5\%$ and $12.5\%$, respectively. Our results showed higher response rate than those of other solid tumor series. The degree of neurologic deficit at that time of diagnosis was the most important predictor of treatment outcome. The elapsed time from development of symptoms to start of treatment was significantly affected on the outcome. But histology of primary tumor total dose and use of initial large fraction size were not significantly affect on the outcome. These results confirmed the value of early diagnosis and treatment especially in radiosensitive hematologic malignancy.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.459-464
• /
• 2017

Biphenyl is used as an intermediate in the production of crop protection products, a solvent in pharmaceutical production, and as a component in the preservation of citrus fruits in many countries. Biphenyl is not authorized for use and also does not have standards or specifications as a food additive in Korea. National and imported food products are likely to contain biphenyl. Therefore, control and management of these products is required. In this study, a simple analytical method was developed and validated using HPLC to determine biphenyl in food. These methods are validated by assessing certain performance parameters: linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ). The calibration curve was obtained from 1.0 to $100.0{\mu}g/mL$ with satisfactory relative standard deviations (RSD) of 0.999 in the representative sample (orange). In the measurement of quality control (QC) samples, accuracy was in the range of 95.8~104.0% within normal values. The inter-day and inter-day precision values were less than 2.4% RSD in the measurement of QC samples. Recoveries of biphenyl from spiked orange samples ranged from 92.7 to 99.4% with RSD between 0.7 and 1.7% at levels of 10, 50, and $100{\mu}g/mL$. The LOD and LOQ were determined to be 0.04 and $0.13{\mu}g/mL$, respectively. These results show that the developed method is appropriate for biphenyl identification and can be used to examine the safety of citrus fruits and surface treatments containing biphenyl residues.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.252-260
• /
• 2015

This paper describes the technical background for the Korean wildlife radiation dose assessment code, K-BIOTA, and the summary of its application. The K-BIOTA applies the graded approaches of 3 levels including the screening assessment (Level 1 & 2), and the detailed assessment based on the site specific data (Level 3). The screening level assessment is a preliminary step to determine whether the detailed assessment is needed, and calculates the dose rate for the grouped organisms, rather than an individual biota. In the Level 1 assessment, the risk quotient (RQ) is calculated by comparing the actual media concentration with the environmental media concentration limit (EMCL) derived from a bench-mark screening reference dose rate. If RQ for the Level 1 assessment is less than 1, it can be determined that the ecosystem would maintain its integrity, and the assessment is terminated. If the RQ is greater than 1, the Level 2 assessment, which calculates RQ using the average value of the concentration ratio (CR) and equilibrium distribution coefficient (Kd) for the grouped organisms, is carried out for the more realistic assessment. Thus, the Level 2 assessment is less conservative than the Level 1 assessment. If RQ for the Level 2 assessment is less than 1, it can be determined that the ecosystem would maintain its integrity, and the assessment is terminated. If the RQ is greater than 1, the Level 3 assessment is performed for the detailed assessment. In the Level 3 assessment, the radiation dose for the representative organism of a site is calculated by using the site specific data of occupancy factor, CR and Kd. In addition, the K-BIOTA allows the uncertainty analysis of the dose rate on CR, Kd and environmental medium concentration among input parameters optionally in the Level 3 assessment. The four probability density functions of normal, lognormal, uniform and exponential distribution can be applied.The applicability of the code was tested through the participation of IAEA EMRAS II (Environmental Modeling for Radiation Safety) for the comparison study of environmental models comparison, and as the result, it was proved that the K-BIOTA would be very useful to assess the radiation risk of the wildlife living in the various contaminated environment.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.68-75
• /
• 1999

Objectives: We intended to observe changes in sleep patterns and mood states of night-shift workers following light exposure. We also estimated the degree of tolerance of light exposure. By studying these, we investigated the possibility of applying light therapy to night-shift workers for improving their adaptation. Methods: Twelve night-shift nurses working at Yong-In Mental Hospital volunteered to participate in this study. The study consisted of 3 parts: 1) night-shift control study; 2) light exposure study; 3) day-shift control study. All the nurses accomplished 3 parts of the study, each of which continued for 3 days, except one nurse who did not participate in day-shift control study. During light exposure study, nurses were exposed to bright light for 4 hours from 1AM to 5AM. Sleep patterns were evaluated with wrist actigraphy and automatic sleep analysis program. Mood states and side effects of light exposure were assessed with self-report scales. Results: Sleep period time, total sleep time, and sleep efficiency were increased following light exposure compared with night-shift control study. Light exposure study showed no difference from day-shift control study in above-mentioned sleep parameters. Daily fluctuation of sleep efficiency was less prominent during light exposure study than during night-shift control study. During light exposure study, the subjects felt more elated and energetic in the evening after daytime sleep than during night-shift control study. None of the subjects complained of severe side effects related to light exposure on the third day of light exposure. Tolerance of side effects was noted to develop with the repetition of light exposure. Conclusion: Light exposure improved the daytime sleep of night-shift workers to the level of normal nighttime sleep, making the subjects more elated and energetic. Side effects of light exposure were found to be tolerable. Light exposure seems to be safely applicable to night-shift workers for their adaptation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.585-593
• /
• 2000

Background : International consensus guidelines have recently been developed to improve the assessment and management of asthma. One of the major recommendation of these guidelines is that asthma severity should be assessed through the recognition of key symptoms, such as nocturnal waking, medication requirements, and objective measurements of lung function. Differential classification of asthma severity would lead to major differences in both long term pharmacological management and the treatment of severe exacerbation. Methods : This study examined the relationship between the symptom score and measurements of $FEV_1$ and PEF when expressed as a percentage of predicted values in asthmatics (n=107). Results : The correlation of $FEV_1$ % with PEFR% was highly significant (r=0.83, p<0.01). However, there was agreement in terms of the classification of asthma severity in 76.6% of the paired measurements of $FEV_1$ % and PEFR%. Agreement in the classification of asthma severity was also found in 57.1% of the paired analysis of $FEV_1$ % and symptom score. 39% of the patients classified as having moderate asthma on the basis of $FEV_1$ % recording would be considered to have severe asthma if symptom score alone were used. Low baseline $FEV_1$ and high bronchial responsiveness were associated with a low degree of perception of airway obstruction. Conclusion : The relationships between the symptom score, PEFR and $FEV_1$ were generally poor. When assessing asthma severity, age, duration, $PC_{20}$, and baseline $FEV_1$ should be considered.

• KDI Journal of Economic Policy
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.29-54
• /
• 1992

Recent studies on the economic effects of trade liberalization and economic integration have emphasized the significant gains associated with product differentiation and scale economies. Securing access to markets in other countries will make it possible to increase product variety and capture scale economies, thus, expanding the gains from trade. Liberalization is also expected to introduce foreign competition into the previously closed market. Concurrently, the liberalization will improve the competitive market environment for firms selling in the domestic market. Firms will be pressed to either exit or reduce cost. The output per firm, then, will increase due to the exit of rival firms, and the average total cost will decline due to the economies of scale. 'Rationalization' of the production process will eventually follow. This paper addresses the economic effects of (counterfactual) bilateral tariff elimination between Korea and Japan. It computationally assesses the gains from liberalization as well as the resource allocations and welfare effects associated with the tariff reduction. The endogenous determination of the key parameters distinguishes this paper from others. The firm's perceived elasticity of demand and elasticity of substitution in the present model are calibrated to be consistent with the base year data. Korea, Japan, and the rest of the world are modeled explicitly. The sectoral coverage of the model includes twenty-three tradable product categories based on three-digit SITC industries and seven nontradable categories based on one-digit SITC industries. Product categories are also classified into perfectly competitive and imperfectly competitive ones. In the imperfectly competitive industries, product differentiation exists at the firm level, while the perfectly competitive industries are characterized by national product differentiation. The simulation results of bilateral tariff reduction are reported. Tariff elimination tends to increase intra-industry trade flows so that the total amount of exports and imports of both countries expand. Yet, Japan is expected to increase the bilateral trade surplus in the wake of the mutual tariff reduction. Terms-of-trade for Korea will not change, while for Japan it will deteriorate. Equivalent variations reflecting the change in consumer surplus (welfare) will favor Korean consumers. Total output, however, will not change substantially, recording 0.5 and 0.6% for Japan and Korea, respectively. An interesting finding in the analysis is that the gains from increased competition and scale efficiency are not as prevailing as expected in theory.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.163-168
• /
• 2008

Temperature dependent development of Tetranychus. urticae Koch was studied on the leaf of eggplant at 17, 22, 27, 32 and $37^{\circ}C$. T. urticae showed a minimum mortality at $27^{\circ}C$ and it increased at higher or lower temperatures than $27^{\circ}C$. The hatchability was low at 17 and $37^{\circ}C$. The duration of development decreased with increasing temperatures i.e., 5.3d at $37^{\circ}C$ and 25.8d at $17^{\circ}C$. Linear regression analysis of temperature vs. rate of development yielded the higher $r^2{\geq}0.88$ resulting in a good fit of the estimated line in the range of $17{\sim}37^{\circ}C$. Developmental zero temperature was $12.5^{\circ}C$ for the entire immature stage of female and $12.8^{\circ}C$ for that of male. Thermal constants were 80.5 and 74.7 degree days for those of female and male, respectively. Adult life span and oviposition period decreased with increasing temperatures. The number of eggs laid per female peaked at 141.0 eggs at $27^{\circ}C$, while that was a minimum 78.0 eggs at $37^{\circ}C$. Rate of hatchability, ratio of female, and $R_o$ were increased up to $27^{\circ}C$, and than declined thereafter. Intrinsic rate of natural increase (Rm) increased with rising temperatures and showed a maximum 0.5652 at $37^{\circ}C$. Also, ${\lambda}$ increased with increasing temperature. Doubling time (Dt) and generation time (T) decreased with increasing temperature.