• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.19
• /
• pp.8177-8182
• /
• 2014

Background: Blocking angiogenesis by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway to inhibit tumor growth has proven to be successful in treating a variety of different metastatic tumor types, including kidney, colon, ovarian, and lung cancers, but its role in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is still unknown. We here aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicities of anti-VEGF agents in patients with CRPC. Materials and Methods: The databases of PubMed, Web of Science and abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology up to March 31, 2014 were searched for relevant articles. Pooled estimates of the objective response rate (ORR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate (decline ${\geq}50%$) were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (version 2.2.064) software. Median weighted progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time for anti-VEGF monotherapy and anti-VEGF-based doublets were compared by two-sided Student's t test. Results: A total of 3,841 patients from 19 prospective studies (4 randomized controlled trials and 15 prospective nonrandomized cohort studies) were included for analysis. The pooled ORR was 12.4% with a higher response rate of 26.4% (95%CI, 13.6-44.9%) for anti-VEGF-based combinations vs. 6.7% (95%CI, 3.5-12.7%) for anti-VEGF alone (p=0.004). Similarly, the pooled PSA response rate was 32.4% with a higher PSA response rate of 52.8% (95%CI: 40.2-65.1%) for anti-VEGF-based combinations vs. 7.3% (95%CI, 3.6-14.2%) for anti-VEGF alone (p<0.001). Median PFS and OS were 6.9 and 22.1 months with weighted median PFS of 5.6 vs. 6.9 months (p<0.001) and weighted median OS of 13.1 vs. 22.1 months (p<0.001) for anti-VEGF monotherapy vs. anti-VEGF-based doublets. Conclusions: With available evidence, this pooled analysis indicates that anti-VEGF monotherapy has a modest effect in patients with CRPC, and clinical benefits gained from anti-VEGF-based doublets appear greater than anti-VEGF monotherapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.1881-1895
• /
• 2015

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor family has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The prognostic value of each vascular endothelial growth factor family member, particular VEGF/VEGFR co-expression, in patients with non-small lung cancer remains controversial. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies evaluating expression of VEGFs and/or VEGFRs by immunohistochemistry or ELISA in lung cancer tissue were eligible for inclusion. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from individual study were pooled by using a fixed- or random-effect model, heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were also performed. Results: 74 studies covering 7,631 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pro-angiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFA (HR=1.633, 95%CI: 1.490-1.791) and VEGFR1 (HR=1.924, 95%CI: 1.220-3.034) was associated separately with poor survival. Especially, VEGFA over-expression was an independent prognostic factor in adenocarcinoma (ADC) (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.384-2.275) and SCC (HR=2.919, 95%CI: 2.060-4.137). Co-expression of VEGFA/VEGFR2 (HR=2.011, 95%CI: 1.405-2.876) was also significantly associated with worse survival. For lymphangiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFC (HR=1.611, 95%CI: 1.407-1.844) predicted a poor prognosis. Co-expression of VEGFC/VEGFR3 (HR=2.436, 95%CI: 1.468-4.043) emerged as a preferable prognostic marker. Conclusions: The expression of VEGFA (particularly in SCC and early stage NSCLC), VEGFC, VEGFR1 indicates separately an unfavorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Co-expression VEGFA/VEGFR2 is comparable with VEGFC/VEGFR3, both featuring sufficient discrimination value as preferable as prognostic biologic markers.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.30
• /
• pp.11.1-11.19
• /
• 2015

Objectives The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to provide summarized evidence on the association between maternal exposure to particulate air pollution and birth weight (BW) and preterm birth (PTB) after taking into consideration the potential confounding effect of maternal smoking. Methods We systematically searched all published cohort and case-control studies examining BW and PTB association with particulate matter (PM, less than or equal to $2.5{\mu}m$ and $10.0{\mu}m$ in diameter, $PM_{2.5}$ and $PM_{10}$, respectively) from PubMed and Web of Science, from January 1980 to April 2015. We extracted coefficients for continuous BW and odds ratio (OR) for PTB from each individual study, and meta-analysis was used to combine the coefficient and OR of individual studies. The methodological quality of individual study was assessed using a standard protocol proposed by Downs and Black. Forty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Results In random effects meta-analyses, BW as a continuous outcome was negatively associated with $10{\mu}g/m^3$ increase in $PM_{10}$ (-10.31 g; 95% confidence interval [CI], -13.57 to -3.13 g; I-squared=0%, p=0.947) and $PM_{2.5}$ (-22.17 g; 95% CI, -37.93 to -6.41 g; Isquared=92.3%, p<0.001) exposure during entire pregnancy, adjusted for maternal smoking. A significantly increased risk of PTB per $10{\mu}g/m^3$ increase in $PM_{10}$ (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.41; I-squared=0%, p=0.977) and $PM_{2.5}$ (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.22; I-squared=92.5%, p<0.001) exposure during entire pregnancy was observed. Effect size of change in BW per $10{\mu}g/m^3$ increase in PM tended to report stronger associations after adjustment for maternal smoking. Conclusions While this systematic review supports an adverse impact of maternal exposure to particulate air pollution on birth outcomes, variation in effects by exposure period and sources of heterogeneity between studies should be further explored.

• Korean Security Journal
• /
• no.62
• /
• pp.9-33
• /
• 2020

This study presents aspects of the financing of terrorism using virtual-currencies. Fisrt of all, this introduces the conventional threat of the financing of terrorism and the analysis of current legal system regarding virtual-currency in South Korea. Next, the financing of terrorism cases are analyzed. With given analysis, the paper deals with its response and future extensions by technical and institutional aspects. The threats of the financing of terrorism are going higher after the appearance of virtual-currencies such as Bitcoin. There are two typical ways to use virtual-currencies by terrorist groups. One is to conduct public fund-raising in the social network system and the dark web. The other is to hack into virtual-currency exchange network in order to steal virtual currencies for developing the weapon of mass destruction. Specifically South Korea is top three country of trading virtual currencies and has been subject to virtual-currency hacking more than 10 cases. However, many countries including South Korea deal with virtual currencies as only innovative technology and means of investment, not the threats of the financing of terrorism. Under these circumstances, there a the legal contradiction. This article points this limit and absurdity. Also, it shows reasonable alternatives. All in all, given these aspects, the article proposes detailed policy directions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.3645-3651
• /
• 2015

Background: Previous studies evaluating the association between the xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) Asp1104His polymorphism and head and neck cancer susceptibility have proven controversial. This meta-analysis of the literature was performed to obtain a more precise estimation of the relationship. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science with a time limit of Dec 18, 2014. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of any association. Results: We performed a meta-analysis of eight published case-control studies, including 3,621 cases and 5,475 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism and head and neck cancer susceptibility under all genetic models. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism had statistically significant association with elevated head and neck cancer risk under CC vs GG (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.00~1.54) and the recessive model (OR=1.22, 95%CI=1.01~1.46) in Asian populations. A similar result was found under CC vs GG (OR =1.22, 95%CI=1.01~1.47) in the population based subgroup by source of control. When performed by tumor site, the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism had statistically significant association with elevated laryngeal cancer under all genetic models (CC vs GG: OR=1.59, 95% CI=1.16~2.19; GC vs GG: OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.10~1.72; dominant model: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.15~1.74; recessive model: OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.02~1.81). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the XPG Asp1104His polymorphism is a risk factor for head and neck cancer susceptibility, especially for laryngeal cancer and in Asian populations.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.181-191
• /
• 2017

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the use of dental hygiene devices in Korean adolescents. Methods: The study subjects were 70,362 adolescents in 800 schools who completed the 2015 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based survey. Dependent variables included usage of dental floss, interdental brushes and mouthwash solutions. Independent variables included demographic characteristics of the subjects, health state and behaviors, and oral health behaviors and experience of oral diseases. Results: The related factors of usage of dental hygiene devices included gender, where females showed higher usage (OR=1.10) compared to males, father and mother's level of education where usage was higher in above university graduates (OR=1.20, OR=1.14) compared to less than high school graduation, economic status where usage was higherin high and middle (OR=1.93, OR=1.26) compared to low, vigorous physical activity where usage was higher in those who responded yes (OR=1.35) compared to no, subjective weight recognition where usage was higher in normal (OR=1.07) compared to under weight, sleep time where usage was higher in enough (OR=1.12) compared to not enough, number of toothbrushing (day) where usage was higher in 2 times or over 3 times (OR=1.35, OR=1.75) compared to below 1, oral health education experience (OR=1.10), sealant experience (OR=1.17) and scaling experience (OR=1.45) where usage was higher in those who responded yes compared to no, school where usage was lower in high school (OR=0.64) compared to middle school, residential type where usage was lower in rural area (OR=0.74) compared to metropolitan area, living form where usage was lower in other (OR=0.77), compared to with family, smoking (OR=0.93), and alcohol drinking (OR=0.90) where usage was lower in those who engage in the activities compared to those who didn't, BMI where usage was lower in normal (OR=0.87) and over weight (OR=0.98) compared to under weight. Conclusions: To expand the use of dental hygiene devices in the adolescents, it is necessary to improve the continuing education program for need and motivation of dental hygiene device usage.

• Journal of Information Technology Applications and Management
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.59-75
• /
• 2021

This study aims to establish a foundation for autonomous driving on campus and communication of abundant university information in the HCI environment in a VR environment where college freshmen can freely travel around campus facilities. The purpose of this study is to develop a three-dimensional VR-style campus tour system to establish a media environment to provide abundant university information guidance services to freshmen in non-face-to-face situations. This study designed a three-dimensional virtual reality campus tour system to solve the problem of discontinuity in which VR360 filming space does not lead to space like reality, and to solve many problems of expertise in VR technology by constructing an integrated production environment of tour system. We aim to solve the problem of inefficiency, which requires a large amount of momentum in virtual space, by constructing a GUI that utilizes the motion of the field of view focus. The campus environment was designed as a three-dimensional virtual reality using a three-dimensional graphic design. In non-face-to-face situations, college freshmen freely transformed the HMD VR device, smartphone, FPS operation mode of the gyroscope sensor. The design elements of the three-dimensional virtual reality campus tour system were classified as ①Visualization of factual experiences, ②Continuity of space movement, ③Operation, automatic operation mode, ④Natural landscape animation, ⑤Animation according to wind direction, ⑥Actual space movement mode, ⑦Informatization of spatial understanding, ⑧GUI by experience environment, ⑨Text GUI by building, ⑩VR360, 3D360 Studio Environment, ⑪Three-dimensional virtual space coupling block module, ⑫3D360-3D Virtual Space Transmedia Zone, ⑬Transformable GUI(VR Device Dual Viewer-Gyro Sensor Full Viewer-FPS Operation Viewer) and an integrated production environment was established with each element. It is launched online (http://vautu.com/u1) by constructing a GUI for free driving mode and college information screens to adapt to college life for freshmen, and designing an environment that can be used simultaneously by current media such as PCs, Android, and iPads. Therefore, it conducted user research, held a development presentation, a forum on excellence in university innovation support projects, and applied it as a system on the website of a particular university. College freshmen will be able to experience university information directly from the web and app to the virtual reality campus environment.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.39-49
• /
• 2022

Purpose: As part of these efforts, in-depth research is needed on efficient and practical utilization of underground spaces and underground shopping malls. In addition, efforts are being made to find effective alternatives to various problems currently occurring in underground shopping malls, but it is not easy. In addition, the development entity and the maintenance entity are different from each other, and the management is not unified, making it difficult to maintain underground shopping malls. From this point of view, it can be said that it is time to actively and specifically discuss ways to revitalize underground shopping malls. Data and methodology: In the domestic distribution environment, traditional markets and shops are stagnating due to rapid changes in consumption patterns, such as the spread of large companies with advanced distribution techniques such as hypermarkets, shopping malls, and SCM, the rapid increase in Internet and home shopping, and the importance of convenience for young consumers. In order to revitalize underground shopping malls, it is necessary to strengthen the organization and self-rescue efforts of merchants' associations, change consciousness through merchant education, change to specialized markets, find nuclear stores and representative restaurants, and support the hardware sector. Results: The connection of underground shopping malls in each region of the country, where commercial districts are separated from each other, will also play an important role in reviving the function of the city in the future. To do this, it is first necessary to connect underground shopping malls that have been cut off. In other words, connection between connectable underground shopping malls should be promoted. Of course, long-term projects should be promoted step by step, and many consultations should be made on how to connect with the ground for each local government. Conclusion: This is because in the future, the underground space cannot just be a walking place, but another space of the Korean Wave where you can experience satisfying the five senses. K-shopping Hallyu content can be created by creating a characteristic story for each underground shopping mall in the city, permanently this story-oriented event, and creating a safe and elegant environment. If there is a story, so-called "Senomi Shopping" will be possible. A new Korean Wave will be created that can satisfy "the fun of writing, the fun of seeing, and the fun of feeling" at the same time.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.495-499
• /
• 2010

To develop chemical and biosensors, this paper studies sensing characteristics of bulk carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes by means of their electrical impedance properties due to their large surface area and excellence chemical absorptivity. The sensors were fabricated in the form of film and nano web style by using composite process for mass production. The bulk composite electrodes were fabricated with singlewall and multi-wall carbon nanotubes based on host polymers such as Nafion and PAN, using a solution-casting and an electrospinning technique. The resistance and the capacitance of electrodes were measured with LCR meter under the various amounts of buffer solution to study the electrical impedance change properties of them. On the experimental of sensor electrode, impedance characteristics of the composite electrode are affected by its host polymer and nanofiller and its sensing response showed saturated result after applying some amounts of buffer solution for test chemical. Especially, the capacitance values showed drastic changes while the resistance values only changed within few percent range. It is deduced that the ions in the solution penetrated and diffused into the electrodes surface changed the electrical properties of the electrodes much like a doping effect.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea CI
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.11-21
• /
• 2010

To aim at improving performance and reflecting user's needs of retrieval, the number of researches has been actively conducted in recent year as the quantity of information and generation of the web pages exceedingly increase. One of alternative approaches can be a tagging system. It makes users be able to provide a representation of metadata including writings, pictures, and movies etc. called tag and be convenient in use of retrieval of internet resources. Tags similar to keywords play a critical role in maintaining target pages. However, they still needs time consuming labors to annotate tags, which sometimes are found to be a hinderance caused by overuse of tagging. In this paper, we present an automatic tagging scheme for a solution of current tagging system conveying drawbacks and inconveniences. To realize the approach, face recognition-based tagging system on SNS is proposed by building a face area detection procedure, linear-based classification and boosting algorithm. The proposed novel approach of tagging service can increase possibilities that utilized SNS more efficiently. Experimental results and performance analysis are shown as well.