• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.374-378
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• 2013

Background: Incisional pain is particularly troublesome after hysterectomy. A method called transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) has shown promise in managing postoperative pain. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TAPB after hysterectomy at different time points and at each time point separately for 48 hours. Methods: Forty-two patients (ASA I, II) who were electively chosen to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 2 groups, control (group C) and intervention (group I). Twenty-one patients underwent TAPB (group I) and 21 patients received only the standard treatment with a fentanyl pump (group C). Both groups received standard general anesthesia. For patients in group I, following the surgery and before emergence from anesthesia, 0.5 mg/kg of ropivacaine 0.2% (about 20 cc) was injected bilaterally between the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles using sonography. Pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and drug consumption were measured at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after TAPB. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. VAS scores appeared to be lower in group I, although there was no interaction with time when we compared mean VAS measurements at different time points between group I and group C (P > 0.05). The amount of fentanyl flow was consistently higher in group C, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.053). The incidence of vomiting was 10% in group I and 28% in group C. There were no complaints of itching, and sedation score was 0 to 3. There were no complications. Conclusions: This study showed that TAPB did not result in a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores at different time points. TAPB did lead to decreased fentanyl flow, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 1983

Hypothermia is an essential preparatory procedure for cardiac surgery, which lows the metabolic rate and myocardial oxygen demand. However, hypothermia itself is a stress enough to change the tonus of sympathoadrenal system, especially the cardiovascular responses to the catecholamines. It is reported that the positive chronotropic and inotropic response of catecholamines is exaggerated during hypothermia because of decreased norepinephrine uptake at the junctional cleft or decreased catecholamine metabolism. On the other hand, there are evidences of diminished catecholamines responses in low temperature ana further, interconversion of adrenergic receptors is also suggested. Present investigation was planned to observe the cardiovascular changes and its responses to catecholamines during surface hypothermia in cat. Healthy mongrel cats, weighing $2{\sim}3\;kg$, anesthetized with secobarbital(30 mg/kg), were permitted to hypothermia by external cooling technic. Esophageal temperature, ECG (lead II), heart rate, left ventricular pressure with dP/dt, carotid artery pressure and left ventricular contractile force were monitored with Polygragh (Model 7, Grass), and the respiration was maintained with artificial respirator (V 5 KG, Narco). Followings are summarized results. 1) Surface cooling caused progressive decrease of body temperature and reached $l8.8{\pm}0.8^{\circ}C$ and $16.9{\pm}0.6^{\circ}C$ in 120 and 150 min respectively, after immersion into ice water, and ventricular fibrillation was developed at $20.4{\pm}0.65^{\circ}C$. 2) Heart rate, blood pressure and myocardial contractility were decreased after initial increase as the body temperature falls. 3) Systolic and diastolicdd P/dt of left ventricular pressure were decreased and that the decrement of diastolic dP/dt was more marked. 4) On ECG, ST depression, Twave inversion and prolongation of PR interval were prominent in hypothermia, and moreover, the prolongation of PR interval was marked just prior to the development of ventricular fibrillation. 5) The cardiovascular responses to catecholamines, especially to isoproterenol, were suppressed under hypothermia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 2010

Objective : Despite rapid evolution of shunt devices, the complication rates remain high. The most common causes are turning from obstruction, infection, and overdrainage into mainly underdrainage. We investigated the incidence of complications in a consecutive series of hydrocephalic patients. Methods : From January 2002 to December 2009, 111 patients underwent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting at our hospital. We documented shunt failures and complications according to valve type, primary disease, and number of revisions. Results : Overall shunt survival time was 268 weeks. Mean survival time of gravity-assisted valve (GAV) was 222 weeks versus 286 weeks for other shunts. Survival time of programmable valves (264 weeks) was longer than that of pressure-controlled valves (186 weeks). The most common cause for shunt revision was underdrainage (13 valves). The revision rate due to underdrainage in patients with GAV (7 of 10 patients) was higher than that for other valve types. Of 7 patients requiring revision for GAV underdrainage, 6 patients were bedridden. The overall infection rate was 3.6%, which was lower than reported series. Seven patients demonstrating overdrainage had cranial defects when operations were performed (41%), and overdrainage was improved in 5 patients after cranioplasty. Conclusion : Although none of the differences was statistically significant, some of the observations were especially notable. If a candidate for VP shunting is bedridden, GAV may not be indicated because it could lead to underdrainage. Careful procedure and perioperative management can reduce infection rate. Cranioplasty performed prior to VP shunting may be beneficial.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 1994

In the animal model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by N-nitroso-N-methylurethane (NNNMU) the secretory activity of alveolar type H cells during acute alveolar injury was investigated by determining phospholipid and pulmonary surfactant associated proteins in crude surfactant. The mechanism of the secretory change was studied by determination of DNA and RNA levels in the lung tissue. After induction of acute alveolar injury with NNNMU, pulmonary hemorrhage, atelectasis and gross hypertrophy were observed. Seven days after NNNMU treatment the level of total DNA in lung homogenate was increased markedly indicating that a hypertrophy was induced by cellular proliferation. Although the total DNA level increased, the RNA/DNA ratio was gradually decreased after NNNMU treatment. Seven days after NNNMU treatment the RNA/DNA ratio returned to the normal control level. During the acute alveolar injury, phospholipid and surfactant associated proteins were reduced significantly as compared with the control, implying that the secretory activity of alveolar type II cells was altered during acute alveolar injury induced by NNNMU. The protein content in crude surfactant during peak injury(7 days after NNNMU) was decreased significantly but phospholipid/protein ratios were identical in both control and NNNMU treatment groups. SDS-PAGE of proteins in crude pulmonary surfactant showed a decrease in major surfactant associated protein(M.W. 38,000) during acute alveolar injury. The present study may suggest that while alveolar type H cells proliferate markedly, transcription of alveolar type ll cell gene was inhibited by an unknown mechanism such as DNA methylation induced by NNNMU. Such an inhibition of transcriptional activity is thought to be associated with the decreased secretory activity of alveolar type ll cells, which may lead to pulmonary atelectasis and edema during the acute alveolar injury.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2903-2908
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• 2015

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer as estimated from worldwide data. The incidence of HNC in Peninsular Malaysia was reported as 8.5 per 100,000 population. This study was aimed to determine the treatment outcomes for HNC patients treated in the Oncology Unit of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Materials and Methods: All newly diagnosed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) referred for treatment to the Oncology Unit at UMMC from 2003-2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS), cause specific survival (CSS), loco-regional control (LRC) and radiotherapy (RT) related side effects. Kaplan-Meier and log rank analyses were used to determine survival outcomes, stratified according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. Results: A total of 130 cases were analysed. Most cases (81.5%) were at late stage (AJCC III-IVB) at presentation. The 5-year OS for the whole study population was 34.4% with a median follow up of 24 months. The 5-year OS according to AJCC stage was 100%, 48.2%, 41.4% and 22.0% for stage I, II, III and IVA-B, respectively. The 5-year overall CSS and LCR were 45.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Late effects of RT were documented in 41.4% of patients. The most common late effect was xerostomia. Conclusions: The treatment outcome of HNSCC at our centre is lagging behind those of developed nations. Efforts to increase the number of patients presenting in earlier stages, increase in the use of combined modality treatment, especially concurrent chemoradiotherapy and implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy, may lead to better outcomes for our HNC patients.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.292-298
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• 1997

An ICP(Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometer was developed with an axially viewed ICP source incorporated by a 5-turned induction coil and a torch, outer quartz tube of which was 50 mm longer than that used in conventional ICP/AES(Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry). The Optimization of the system has been performed in terms of the determination of signal-to-noise ratio and background intensity at various rf powers, sample flow rates, argon gas flow rates and cut-off gas flow rates. The spectro-analytical characteristics of the spectrum obtained between 200 and 500 nm was revealed to be similar compared with a vertically viewed ICP source. The detection limit of Pb(Ⅱ) at 220.35 nm was 11 ppb which was 5 times lower than that obtained with a vertically viewed ICP source.

• International Commerce and Information Review
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.391-412
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• 2010

As traditional import regulations have decreased all over the world in recent decades, the usage of "unconventional" trade protection measures has grown in the developing countries. In particular, antidumping investigations have risen rapidly and have growing in India and China. Therefore, this thesis aims to provide countermeasures to our government and Korean exporting companies by studying characteristics of antidumping. India is one of the most frequent initiators of antidumping cases by protecting their industries and impeding imports from FTA. This year, economic exchanges of Korea and India will be increasing by the conclusion of CEPA. This will lead to the increase of dispute by import regulations. Under such circumstances, to decrease Indian antidumping cases Korea will respond as follows. i)If antidumping laws, system and practice of India have injustice or are different from WTO rules, our government will have to indicate injustice and actively urge Indian government to make corrections. For example, they are continuous bilateral contact about the problems, fallacy of calculation of dumping margin, and intense investigations into cause and effect relationship and losses in dumping market, ect. ii)Our government should give more support to the small and medium exporting company which have difficulties in dealing with trade conflicts, counseling, arbitrating a lawyer. iii)Our government which is in control of domestic trade relief system should strengthen its investigation ability about new regulations and moniter import regulations of India. Over the long time, Korean companies need to export competitive advantage items of a higher value-added business and build solidarity by technology transfer. Accordingly, that will result in the decrease of trade dispute in India.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.27-38
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• 2006

This study analyzed changes in action potential of supraspinal neuron and motor unit depending on maximum tolerance isometric contraction(MTIC) by electrical stimulation and examined influence of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on spinal neuron adaptation. It selected 40 university students in their twenties and divided into experimental groups of 25% MTIC(I), 50% MTIC I (II), 75% MTIC(III) and 100% MTIC(IV) depending on MTIC by electrical stimulation, and performed isometric contraction of plantar flexor muscle to each experimental group with given contraction for 20 times. It measured V/Mmax and MDF pre and post exercise, compared volume of contraction. 1. V/Mmax ratio showed no significant difference in comparison among experimental groups. 2. There was significant difference in median frequency of gastrocnemius and soleus in action potential motor unit according to comparison among experimental groups(p<.001). When contraction by electrical stimulation was maximum, change was greatest. This results suggest that muscle contraction by electrical stimulation was influence to action potential of spinal motor neuron system which appear optimal level though aspect and difference degree were not in accordance. Consequently, optimal stimulation level of MTIC(50%) by FES would be lead to central nerve adaptation. muscle contraction by electrical stimulation was influence highly to MDF which should be consider to fatigue of motor unit for muscle contraction by electrical stimulation.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.123-130
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• 2012

The automobile industry has been rapidly developing and the manufacturers in Korea as well as auto makers in other advanced countries are putting every ounce of their energies in securing their competitive edges in technology and in marketing. To that purpose, each company focuses on (i) reducing costs and (ii) improving productivity. We believe that the improved productivity can be capitalized by a set of various factors including improved organization-internal environment and employees' job satisfaction. The present research aims to identify how the internal elements contribute and lead to improved productivity. The present paper is a report of an empirical survey performed to 161 employees working in small and medium-sized firms in the automobile industry. After testing reliability and validity of the collected data, we have performed structural equation analysis using Amos of SPSS and tested a set of research hypotheses and models. The reported results will clarify the factors that influence productivity and job satisfaction and also shed light on the directions for strategic polices to keep up with the ever changing climate of the industry.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2001.11a
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• pp.99-99
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• 2001

The acid-labile subunit (ALS) associates with insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I or -II and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) to form a 150-kD complex in the circulation. This complex is thought to regulate the serum IGFs by restricting them in the vascular system and promotes their endocrine actions. Little is known about how ALS binds to IGFBP3, which connects the IGFs to ALS. Xenopus oocyte was utilized to study the function of ALS in assembling IGFs into the ternary complexes. Xenopus oocyte was shown to correctly translate in vitro transcribed mRNAs of ALS and IGFBP3. IGFBP3 and ALS mRNAs were injected in mixture and their products were immunoprecipitated by antisera against ALS and IGFBP3. Contrary to the traditional reports that ALS interacts only with IGF-bound IGFBP3, this study shows that ALS is capable of forming a binary complex with IGFBP3 in the absence of IGF. When cross-linked by disuccinimidyl substrate, band representing ALS-IGFBP3 complex was evident on the PAGE. IGFBP3 movement was monitored according to the distribution between the hemispheres. Following a localized translation in the vegetal hemisphere, IGFBP3 was shown to remain in the vegetal half in the presence of ALS. Different from wild type IGFBP3, however, mutant IGFBP3 freely diffused into the animal half despite the presence of ALS. Taken together, this study suggests that ALS may play an important role in sequestering IGFBP3 polypeptides via the intermolecular aggregation. Studies using this heterologous model will lead to a better understanding of the IGFBP3 and ALS assembling into the ternary structure and circulating IGF system.