• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.306-309
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• 2022

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits onto the host when administered at adequate doses. Most widely used probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, are known to be elements of healthy gut microflora and hence are not considered a threat to the host. However, probiotics may pose a risk in certain populations with compromised immune systems or defects in gut barrier functions. Herein, we evaluated the safety of Bifidobacterium breve BB077, according to the safety evaluation guidelines for probiotics produced by the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS). The results show that B. breve BB077 is both non-hemolytic and non-cytolytic. In contrast, B. breve BB077 exhibited higher streptomycin and tetracycline resistance than the suggested NIFDS standard cut-off values. Hence, a genetic analysis of the streptomycin and tetracycline resistance genes was performed to determine the origin of antimicrobial resistance. Streptomycin and tetracycline resistance was shown have arisen from chromosomal mutations and considered intrinsic to the taxonomic group. In conclusion, the B. breve BB077 strain might be safe for human consumption.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.107-117
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to establish a model of the predictive factors for success or failure of examinees undertaking the Korean physical therapist licensing examination (KPTLE). Additionally, we assessed the pass/fail cut-off point. Methods : We analyzed the results of 10,881 examinees who undertook the KPTLE, using data provided by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. The target variable was the test result (pass or fail), and the input variables were: sex, age, test subject, and total score. Frequency analysis, chi-square test, descriptive statistics, independent t-test, correlation analysis, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed on the data. Results : Sex and age were not significant predictors of attaining a pass (p>.05). The test subjects with the highest probability of passing were, in order, medical regulation (MR) (Odds ratio (OR)=2.91, p<.001), foundations of physical therapy (FPT) (OR=2.86, p<.001), diagnosis and evaluation for physical therapy (DEPT) (OR=2.74, p<.001), physical therapy intervention (PTI) (OR=2.66, p<.001), and practical examination (PE) (OR=1.24, p<.001). The cut-off points for each subject were: FPT, 32.50; DEPT, 29.50; PTI, 44.50; MR, 14.50; and PE, 50.50. The total score (TS) was 164.50. The sensitivity, specificity, and the classification accuracy of the prediction model was 99 %, 98 %, and 99 %, respectively, indicating high accuracy. Area under the curve (AUC) values for each subject were: FPT, .958; DEPT, .968; PTI, .984; MR, .885; PE, .962; and TS, .998, indicating a high degree of fit. Conclusion : In our study, the predictive factors for passing KPTLE were identified, and the optimal cut-off point was calculated for each subject. Logistic regression was adequate to explain the predictive model. These results will provide universities and examinees with useful information for predicting their success or failure in the KPTLE.

• JSTS:Journal of Semiconductor Technology and Science
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.240-249
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• 2004

In the present paper efforts have been made to optimize InAlAs/InGaAs HEMT by enhancing the effective gate voltage ($(V_c-V_off)$) using pulsed doped structure from uniformly doped to delta doped for microwave frequency applications and reliability. The detailed design criteria to select the proper design parameters have also been discussed in detail to exclude parallel conduction without affecting the del ice performance. Then the optimized value of $V_c-V_off$and breakdown voltages corresponding to maximum value of transconductance has been obtained. These values are then used to predict the transconductance and cut-off frequency of the del ice for different channel depths and gate lengths.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 1998.07g
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• pp.2480-2482
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• 1998

In this paper, the implementation of dual rate ADPCM using G.723 16Kbps and 40Kbps speech codec algorithm is handled. For small signals, the low rate 16Kbps coding algorithm shows the same SNR as the high rate 40Kbps coding algorithm, while the low rate 16Kbps coding algorithm shows the lower SNR than the high rate 40Kbps coding algorithm for large signal. To obtain the good trade-off between the data rate and synthesized speech quality, we applied low rate 16Kbps for the small signal and high rate 40Kbps for the large signal. Various threshold values determining the rate are tested for good trade off data rate and speech quality. Also the low pass filter effect of speech input and output devices is simulated at several cut-off frequencies. To simulation result shows the good speech quality at a low rate comparing with 16Kbps & 40Kbps.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.176-181
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• 2012

Objective: In 2009 anti-M$\ddot{u}$llerian hormone (AMH) assay was approved for clinical use in Korea. This study was performed to determine the reference values of AMH for predicting ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) using the clinical assay data. Methods: One hundred sixty-two women who underwent COH cycles were included in this study. We collected data on age, basal AMH and FSH levels, total dose of gonadotropins, stimulation duration, and numbers of oocytes retrieved and fertilized. Blood samples were obtained on cycle day 3 before gonadotropin administration started. Serum AMH levels were measured at a centralized clinical laboratory center. The correlation between the AMH level and COH outcomes and cut-off values for poor and high response after COH was analyzed. Results: Concentration of AMH was significantly correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved (OPU; r=0.700, p<0.001). The mean${\pm}$SE serum AMH levels for poor ($OPU{\leq}3$), normal ($4{\leq}OPU{\leq}19$), and high ($OPU{\geq}20$) response were $0.94{\pm}0.15$ ng/mL, $2.79{\pm}0.21$ ng/mL, and $6.94{\pm}0.90$ ng/mL, respectively. The cut-off level, sensitivity and specificity for poor and high response were 1.08 ng/mL, 85.8%, and 78.6%; and 3.57 ng/mL, 94.4%, and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Our data present clinical reference values of the serum AMH level for ovarian response in Korean women. The serum AMH level could be a clinically useful predictor of ovarian response to COH.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.115-123
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• 2012

As the market of lithium secondary batteries moves from mobile IT devices to large-format electric vehicles or energy storage systems, the strengthened battery specifications such as long-term reliability longer than 10 years, pack-level safety and tough competitive price have been required. Moreover, even though high power properties should also be achieved for hybrid electric vehicles, it is not easy to measure accurate power values at various conditions. Because it is difficult to choose a proper measurement method and its experimental condition is more complex comparing to capacity measurement. In addition, the power values are very sensitive to power duration time, state-of-charge (SOC) of cells, cut-off voltages, and temperatures, whereas capacity values are not. In this paper, we introduce three kinds of power measurement methods, hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) suggested by US FreedomCar, so-called J-pulse by Japan electric vehicle association standards (JEVS) and constant power measurement, respectively. Moreover, with pouch-type unit cells for HEV, experimental power data are discussed in order to compare each power measurement.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.15
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• pp.6591-6594
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• 2015

Background: Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is a unique entity of peripheral B-cell lymphoma that has a discrete morphologic, immunologic, and genetic phenotype, with more common 'classic' and less frequent 'blastoid' and 'pleomorphic' variants, associated with an aggressive clinical course. The aim of this study was to analyze proliferation (Ki-67) indices of 'classic' (c-MCL) and 'blastoid' (b-MCL) variants of a cohort of MCL and to suggest cut off values for the Ki-67 proliferation index in these two subsets. Materials and Methods: MCL cases diagnosed over $4{\frac{1}{2}}$ years at Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi were retrieved and reviewed. Ki-67 labelling was scored and analysed. Results: A total of 90 of cases of MCL were scrutinized. Mean age ${\pm}SD$ was $60.2{\pm}12.5$ years and the male to female ratio was 4:1, with 67 (75%) cases of c-MCL and 23 (25%) cases of b-MCL. Most samples were lymph node biopsies (n=68), whereas the remainder were from various extranodal sites The mean Ki-67 proliferation index was $29.5%{\pm}14.4%$ in classic variants and $64.4{\pm}15.2%$ for the blastoid variant, the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.029). Conclusions: It was concluded that differential cut-off values of Ki-67 labeling may be used in more objective way to reliably classify MCL into classic or blastoid variants by diagnostic pathologists. We propose a < 40 proliferative index to be suggestive of c-MCL and one of > 50 for the blastoid variant.

• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.20-31
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• 2018

Good assessment is crucial for feedback on curriculum and to motivate students to learn. This study was conducted to perform item analysis on the Medical Education Assessment Consortium clinical knowledge mock examination (MEAC CKME) (2011-2016) and to evaluate several effects to improve item quality using both classical test theory and item response theory. The estimated difficulty index (P) and discrimination index (D) were calculated according to each course, item type, A (single best answer)/R (extended matching) type, and grading of item quality. The cut-off values used to evaluate P were: >0.8 (easy); 0.6-0.8 (moderate); and <0.6 (difficult). The cut-off value for D was 0.3. The proportion of appropriate items was defined as those with P between 0.25-0.75 and D ${\geq}0.25$. Cronbach ${\alpha}$ was used to assess the reliability and was compared with those of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE). The results showed the recent mean difficulty and decimation index was 0.62 and 0.20 for the first MEAC CKME and 0.71 and 0.19 for the second MEAC CKME, respectively. Higher grade items evaluated by a self-checklist system had better D values than lower grade items and higher grade items gradually increased. The preview and editing process by experts revealed maintained P, decreased recall items, increased appropriate items with better D values, and higher reliability. In conclusion, the MEAC CKME (2011-2016) is deemed appropriate as an assessment to evaluate students' competence and prepare year four medical students for the KMLE. In addition, the self-checklist system for writing good items was useful in improving item quality.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.221-228
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the value of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels to detect gastric cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 154 patients who developed recurrence within 2 years after curative gastric cancer surgery and analyzed the relationship between postoperative CEA and CA19-9 levels and recurrence. We readjusted the cut-off values to improve the detection of recurrence. Subgroup analysis according to clinicopathologic variables was performed to further investigate the relationship between recurrence and CEA and CA19-9 levels. Results: The sensitivity and specificity for elevated CEA levels to detect recurrence were 40.6% and 89.5%, respectively, and those for CA19-9 were 34.2% and 93.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for elevation of either tumor marker were 54.3% and 84.0%, respectively; those for elevation of both tumor markers were 19.2% and 98.4%, respectively. By readjusting the cut-off values from 5.0 ng/ml to 5.2 ng/ml for CEA and from 37.00 U/ml to 30.0 U/ml for CA19-9, the sensitivity was increased from 34.2% to 40.2% for CA19-9, while there was no increase in sensitivity for CEA. In subgroup analysis, the sensitivity of CEA was higher in patients with elevated preoperative CEA levels than in patients with normal preoperative CEA levels (86.7% versus 33.7%; P<0.001). Furthermore, the sensitivity of CA19-9 was higher in patients with elevated preoperative CA19-9 levels than in patients with normal preoperative CA19-9 levels (82.61% versus 26.83%; P<0.001). Conclusions: CEA and/or CA19-9 measurement with the readjusted cut-off values allows for more effective detection of gastric cancer recurrence.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.477-505
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• 2005

This paper gives a computer code that gives p-value's for Kendall's Tau table. The code centers around finding the cumulative frequency of a given Sigma value. Current tables usually give critical values for given cut-off percentages. For small sample sizes the critical values may be inexact, and for large samples the values are not be published. SPSS has a built in function for finding the Kendall rank correlation, but the output does not include the Sigma value. Before the code is given, this paper will concentrate around how to find the Sigma value, and the related tau statistic. The computer code is written in MATLAB, but the ideas can be easily transferred to different languages.