• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.166-172
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• 2008

Purpose: The measurement of radiosensitivity of individuals is useful in radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the measurement of radiation survival using a clonogenic assay, which is the established standard, can be difficult and time consuming. The aim of this study is to compare radiosensitivity results obtained from the MTT and clonogenic assays, and to evaluate whether the MTT assay can be used on clinical specimens. Materials and Methods: HCT-8, LoVo, CT-26, and WiDr were the colon cancer cell lines used for this study. The clonogenic assay was performed to obtain the cell survival curves and surviving fractions at a dose of 2 Gy ($SF_2$) as the standard technique for radiosensitivity. Also, the MTT assay was performed for each of the cell lines (in vitro). To simulate clinical specimens, the cell lines were inoculated into nude mice, removed when the tumors reached 1 cm in diameter, and chopped. Next, the tumors were subjected to the same process involved with the MTT assay in vitro. The inhibition rates (IR) of 10 Gy or 20 Gy of irradiation for in vitro and ex vivo were calculated based on the optical density of the MTT assay, respectively. Results: According to $SF_2$ and the cell survival curve, the HCT-8 and WiDr cell lines were more resistant to radiation than LoVo and CT-26 (p<0.05). The IR was measured by in vitro. The MTT assay IR was 17.3%, 21%, 30% and 56.5% for the WiDr, HCT-8, LoVo and CT-26 cell lines, respectively. In addition, the IR measured ex vivo by the MTT assay was 23.5%, 26%, 38% and 53% in the HCT-8, WiDr, LoVo and CT-26 tumors, respectively. Conclusion: The radiosensitivity measured by the MTT assay was correlated with the measures obtained from the clonogenic assay. This result highlights the possibility that the MTT assay could be used in clinical specimens for individual radiosensitivity assays.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.346-352
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• 2020

It has been about 30 years since women students entered the Maritime College at Mokpo National Maritime University (MMU) and Korea Maritime & Ocean University to train as maritime seafarers. The women have been choosing a maritime college regardless of the Boarding Service Reserve System. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously study the motivation for admission, preferences for boarding, and desired career paths to guide the distinction and vision of maritime colleges. Accordingly, this study conducted a questionnaire survey on 93 women students attending the Maritime College at MMU. Of the respondents, 35.5 % said that they enrolled to become maritime officials and 30.1 % to become maritime seafarers. In addition to the current training for maritime seafarers, additional courses are required to train maritime experts. The study found that 88.2 % of the respondents thought that women's embarkation was more difficult than usual. It is considered that a systematic education program is needed for the onboard life of women maritime seafarers in schools and shipping companies. It was found that 69.6 % of the respondents preferred to embark as seafarers after graduation. After graduating from university, 32.3 % of the respondents said that they preferred to become navigation officers or engineers. It was also found that 24.7 % preferred to become marine-related civil servants / professionals, and 18.3 % preferred to become marine police. From the total, 83.9 % hoped for careers in marine-related fields. It is, therefore, necessary to organize courses and further education according to the motives for admission and preferred occupations of women students.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.11
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• pp.4603-4608
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• 2015

Background: To determine the potential value of serum tumor markers in predicting pCR (pathological complete response) during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively monitored the pro-, mid-, and post-neoadjuvant treatment serum tumor marker concentrations in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (stage II-III) who accepted pre-surgical chemotherapy or chemotherapy in combination with targeted therapy at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between September 2011 and January 2014 and investigated the association of serum tumor marker levels with therapeutic effect. Core needle biopsy samples were assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) prior to neoadjuvant treatment to determine hormone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2), and proliferation index Ki67 values. In our study, therapeutic response was evaluated by pCR, defined as the disappearance of all invasive cancer cells from excised tissue (including primary lesion and axillary lymph nodes) after completion of chemotherapy. Analysis of variance of repeated measures and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed for statistical analysis of the data. Results: A total of 348 patients were recruited in our study after excluding patients with incomplete clinical information. Of these, 106 patients were observed to have acquired pCR status after treatment completion, accounting for approximately 30.5% of study individuals. In addition, 147patients were determined to be Her-2 positive, among whom the pCR rate was 45.6% (69 patients). General linear model analysis (repeated measures analysis of variance) showed that the concentration of cancer antigen (CA) 15-3 increased after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in both pCR and non-pCR groups, and that there were significant differences between the two groups (P=0.008). The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of pre-, mid-, and post-treatment CA15-3 concentrations demonstrated low-level predictive value (AUC=0.594, 0.644, 0.621, respectively). No significant differences in carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) or CA12-5 serum levels were observed between the pCR and non-pCR groups (P=0.196 and 0.693, respectively). No efficient AUC of CEA or CA12-5 concentrations were observed to predict patient response toward neoadjuvant treatment (both less than 0.7), nor were differences between the two groups observed at different time points. We then analyzed the Her-2 positive subset of our cohort. Significant differences in CEA concentrations were identified between the pCR and non-pCR groups (P=0.039), but not in CA15-3 or CA12-5 levels (p=0.092 and 0.89, respectively). None of the ROC curves showed underlying prognostic value, as the AUCs of these three markers were less than 0.7. The ROC-AUCs for the CA12-5 concentrations of inter-and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the estrogen receptor negative HER2 positive subgroup were 0.735 and 0.767, respectively. However, the specificity and sensitivity values were at odds with each other which meant that improving either the sensitivity or specificity would impair the efficiency of the other. Conclusions: Serum tumor markers CA15-3, CA12-5, and CEA might have little clinical significance in predicting neoadjuvant treatment response in locally advanced breast cancer.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2008

A geophysical mapping was performed for Hwasan caldera which is located in Euisung Sub-basin of the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. In order to overcome the limitation of the previous studies, remote sensing technic was used and dense potential data were obtained and analyzed. First, we analyzed geological lineament for target area using geological map, digital elevation model (DEM) data and satellite imagery. The results were greatly consistent with the previous studies, and showed that N-S and NW-SE direction are the most dominant one in target area. Second, based on the lineament analysis, highly dense gravity data were acquired in Euisung Sub-basin and an integrated interpretation considering air-born magnetic data was made to investigate the regional structure of the target area. The results of power spectrum analysis for the acquired potential data revealed that the subsurface of Euisung Sub-basin have two density discontinuities at about 1 km and 3-5 km depth. A 1 km depth discontinuity is thought as the depth of pyroclastic sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks which were intruded at the ring vent of Hwasan caldera, while a 3-5 km depth discontinuity seems to be associated with the depth of the basin basement. In addition, three-dimensional gravity inversion for the total area of Euisung Sub-basin was carried out, and the inversion results indicated two followings; 1) Cretaceous Palgongsan granite and Bulguksa intrusion rocks, which are located in southeastern part and northeastern part of Euisung Sub-basin, show two major low density anomalies, 2) pyroclastic rocks around Hwasan caldera also have lower density when compared with those of neighborhood regions and are extended to 1.5 km depth. However, a poor vertical resolution of potential survey makes it difficult to accurately delineate the detailed structure caldera which has a vertically developed characteristic in general. To overcome this limitation, integrated analysis was carried out using the magnetotelluric data on the corresponding area with potential data and we could obtain more reasonable geologic structure.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.29-38
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• 2009

Statement of problem: A casting connection technique is widely used for repair, correction and addition to base metal framework. However, a casting connection technique may increase the risk of failure in clinical situations when high stresses exist. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical retentive groove design comparatively to increase the joint strength by using the three-dimensional finite element analysis model of a 3-unit fixed partial denture. Material and methods: Ten finite element models were constructed. (Model A: One retentive groove, Model B: Two retentive grooves, Model C: Three retentive grooves, Model D: Four retentive grooves, Model E: One horizontal groove and two vertical grooves, Model F: Two horizontal grooves and one vertical groove, Model G: One groove with the enlarged dimension, Model H: Two grooves with the enlarged dimension, Model I: One groove with the increased height, Model J: One groove with the increased width of base). The vertical force was applied to the mesial and the distal fossa to the casting connection of mandibular first molar. Results: The main factors, affecting joint strength of casting connection were both the retention between the primary cast and the secondary cast and the thickness of the primary cast remaining after preparing retentive groove. The increase of retentive force, according to the numbers and the dimension of retentive groove had an effect on distributing stress. However, in some cases, the increase of retentive force resulted in the increase of stress by reducing thickness of the primary cast in the connection area. Conclusion: The design of retentive groove that limits number of retentive groove for metal thickness and increases the depth of retentive groove for retention is highly recommended.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.85-99
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• 2008

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a causative agent of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, and malabsorption syndrome in broiler. The characteristics of malabsorption syndrome caused by ARV are diarrhea, poor feed conversion and stunting. Therefore, ARV infection has been recognized as one of the most important disease in the poultry industry because of economical losses. However, few study of ARV infection in broiler industry has been conducted in Korea. To evaluate the presence of ARV infection in broiler farms, epidemiological survey such as serological test and virus isolation has been conducted. For the serological survey using ELISA method, we selected five broiler farms which were located at different area and had a history of growth retardation, lameness, diarrhea and poor feathering. From these farms serum samples were collected at 1 day, 14 days and market age. All these farms had no history of vaccination against ARV. In addition to serological survey, we tried to isolate ARV from birds of designated farms at market age and collected feces and tissue samples such as cecal tonsil, intestine and liver. We were identified ARV by RT-PCR and transmissible electron microscopy. The samples were inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated eggs via the chorioallantoic membrane to observe the pock formation. For the pathogenicity test of ARV isolates, we inoculated with the isolates to the right footpad of 3-week-old SPF chicks and observed clinical signs and pathological changes for 14 days after challenge. Most broilers sampled for serological survey have maternal antibodies which were widely distributed at 1 day and decreased by 14 days. However, at the market age several broiler farms showed fairly high antibody titer against ARV. This increase of antibody titer at market age means the possible infection of ARV during the grow-out period. Among total 15 samples for the isolation of ARV. 2 samples were positive by RT-PCR and finally identified as a ARV. We inoculated these isolates in the SPF birds and observed that the antibody titer was increased from 7 days after challenge. However, we did not find any clinical signs both control and challenge groups. Based on the above results, it is clear that the ARV infection has been circulated in the broiler industry and caused significant economic losses. Further study is needed to evaluate the virulence of the isolates in the digestive system of broiler and the molecular characteristics of isolates.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.208-216
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to find soil-amendment materials those support the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and reduce salt accumulation at the sand based growing media in saline conditions. Rootzone profile in columns consisted of 20 cm of top soil, 20 cm coarse sand as capillary rise interruption layer and 10 cm reclaimed paddy soil as the base of the profile. Top soils were mixtures of dredged sand (DS) and amendment with compositions of 90% sand + 10% peat moss (SP), 80% sand + 10% soil + 10% bottom ash (SSoBa), 80% sand + 20% soil (SSo), 90% sand + 5% peat + 5% zeolite (SPZ), and 80% sand + 20% bottom ash (SBa). The top soil mixtures of DS and amendments were treated with and without gypsum (Gp). The columns were soaked into 5 cm depth saline water reservoir with the salinity level of $3-5dSm^{-1}$. Irrigation of $2dSm^{-1}$ saline water with rate of $5.7mm\;day^{-1}$ was applied by 3 day interval. Application of zeolite decreased SAR, application of gypsum decreased ECe of the sand amended by peat + zeolite and decreased the SAR of sand amended by bottom ash. The SP and SSoGp resulted in higher clipping dry weight of Kentucky bluegrass. The SSoGp and SPZGp showed longer root lengths. The SP and SBaGp showed higher visual quality. Addition of gypsum to soil and bottom ash treatments resulted in the increased shoot growth, whereas additional gypsum to the treatments of peat, soil and zeolite increased the root growth of Kentucky bluegrass.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 2012

Purpose : Since standard solution is the one that knows its exact concentration, the curve of the dissolution has been determined according to the amount of the solution, compared to the amount of the unknown sample. Therefore, the antigen that makes up standard materials should be made in a pure form. The configuration of the standard substance solution in the kit we use is a freeze-dried material, or made and comes as a liquid. Lyophilized reference material is used after dissolving in usually D.W. (Distilled Water), and if the antigen to use is too sensitive, reagents should be freeze-dried. Furthermore, when freeze-dried reference has to be frozen again after being dissolved, it should be kept under $-20^{\circ}C$ until the expiration date according to the reports. Since it is not expressed in the experiment if it is safe or stable to reuse the solution which was dissolved a few times, thus, this time it is tested and evaluated that the changes of the standard solution by freezing and melting several times, and its results and the effectiveness of it were compared to the solution which was kept in a fridge. Materials and Methods : Among Vitro diagnostic kits on the market made by radioimmunoassay, parathyroid hormone (PTH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH) are made of freeze-dried standard solution and all composed of the same Lot.NO. These hormones melted in D.W. and were separated into three groups. In the first group, melting and freezing were repeated, and in the second group, The solution only for one time use was put into a test tube after melting and freeze it. The third group was kept in the refrigerator. This experiment has been conducted from January to February in 2012. January to 2012. PH test was employed because ph is prone to changing depending on the change of protein. Each group of the standard solution, cpm (counter per minute), and the patient relative concentration values were compared by date, and Through the correlation coefficient and Paired t-test, the significant level of each group was analyzed. Results : ACTH, PTH, LH pH values were too subtle denaturation rather than numerical changes in the protein. In addition, when the standard solution of ACTH, PTH, LH was refrigerated, after 3 days and 7 days, there was a significant difference observed between the solution being kept in a refrigerator and a freezer within a significance level. Conclusion : Standard solution should be kept in a freezer, and being kept in a fridge, it is recommended to use the solution as soon as possible.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 1997

In order to analyze the shifts in the volume and profits of Computed Tomography(CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) utilization for a year before and after the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, this study has been undertaken examining CT and MRI cost data from 'Y' University Hospital situated in Seoul, Korea. Following are the results of this study: 1. The medical insurance payment for CT, implemented on January 1, 1996, increased CT utilization from January 1996 to April 1996 due to low insurance premiums: however, from May 1996 the number of CT cases significantly decreased as a result of strengthened medical cost reviews and the new 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' announced near the end of April 1996 by the insurer. 2. Since the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT fee reduction rates for reimbursements by the insurer to the hospital were 50% and 40% for January and February, respectively, and 31% and 15% for March and April. A significant point in the lowering of the reduction rate was reached in May at 11%; furthermore, since June the reduction rate fell below the average reduction rate for reimbursements for all procedures. If the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' had been announced before the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT utilization would not have been so high due to the need to meet those 'standards'. In addition, loss of hospital profits resulting from the reduction for reimbursements would not have occurred. 3. The shifts in MRI utilization showed that there was no particular change with the beginning of insurance coverage for CT, and the introduction of the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' made MRI utilization increase because MRI is free of restrictions imposed by the insurer. 4. The relationship between CT utilization and MRI utilization showed that they were supplementary to each other before insurance coverage for CT, but that CT was substituted for MRI because of strengthened medical cost reviews after t~e beginning of insurance coverage for CT. 5. The shifts in volume by patient characteristics showed that the number of inappropriate case patients, according to the insurer's "Standards for approval", decreased more than the number of appropriate case patients after the introduction of insurance coverage for CT. Therefore, the health insurance fee schemes for CT have influenced patient care. 6. The shifts in profits from CT utilization showed a net profit decrease of 31.6%. In order to match the pre-coverage profit level, 5,471 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 32.7%. This profit decrease resulted from a decrease of CT utilization and low reimbursements. With insurance coverage, net profits from CT were 24.4%, and a margin of safety ratio was 39.6%. Because of the net profits and margin of safety ratio, CT utilization fees for insured appropriate cases could not be considered inappropriate. 7. The shifts in profits from MRI utilization before and after the introduction of CT coverage showed that in order to match pre-CT coverage profit levels, 2,011 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 9.2%. The reasons for needing to increase the number of cases and productivity result from cost burdens created by adding new MRI units. But with CT coverage already begun, MRI utilization increased. Combined with a minor increase in the MRI fee schedule, MRI utilization showed a net profit increase of 18.5%. Net profits of 62.8% and a 'margin of safety ratio' of 43.1% for MRI utilization showed that the hospital relied on this non-covered procedure for profits. 8. The shifts in profits from CT and MRI utilization showed the net profits from CT decreased by 2.33billion Won while the net profits from MRI increased by 815.7million Won. Overall, these two together showed a net profit decrease of 1.51billion Won. The shifts in utilization showed a functional substitutionary relationship, but the shifts in profits did not show a substitutionary relationship. From these results, We can conclude that if insurance is to be expanded to include previously uncovered procedures using expensive medical equipment, detailed standards should be prepared in advance. The decrease in profits from the shifts in coverage and changes in fees is a difficult burden that should be shared, not carried by the hospital alone. Also, a new or improved fee schedule system should include revised standards between items listed and the appropriateness of the fee schedule should constantly be ensured. This study focused on one university hospital in Seoul and is therefore limited in general applicability. But it is valuable for considering current issues and problems, such as the influence of CT coverage on hospital management. Future studies will hopefully expand the scope of the issues considered here.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.217-228
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• 2003

Co-ordinate growth of the brain and skull is achieved through a series of tissue interactions between the developing brain, the growing bones of the skull and the sutures that unite the bones. Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial sutures, presumably involves disturbance of these interactions. Bmp2, one of bone morphogenetic proteins (Bmps), is involved in the regulation of the shapes of individual bones and the relative proportions of the skeleton. Mutations in the homeobox gene Msx2, known as a downstream gene of Bmp, cause Boston-type human craniosynostosis. The phenotype of Dlx5 homozygote mutant mouse presents craniofacial abnormalities including a delayed ossification of calvarial bone. These facts suggest important roles of Bmp2, Msx2 and Dlx5 genes in the cranial bone growth and suture morphogenesis. To elucidate the function of these molecules in the early morphogenesis of mouse cranial sutures, we first analyzed by in situ hybridization the expression of Bmp2(E15-18), Msx2 and Dlx5 genes in the developing sagittal suture of calvaria during the embryonic stage. Bmp2 mRNA was intensely expressed in the osteogenic fronts and also at the low level in the periosteum of parietal bones during embryonic stage, Msx2 mRNA was intensely expressed in the sutural mesenchyme and mildly expressed in the dura mater during the embryonic stage. Dlx5 mRNA was intensely expressed osteogenic fronts and parietal bones. To further examine the role of Bmp signaling in cranial suture, we did in vitro experiments in E15.5 mouse calvarial explants. Interestingly, implantation of Bmp2-soaked beads onto the osteogenic fronts after 48 hours organ culture resulted in the increase of the tissue thickness and cell number around Bmp2 beads, compared to BSA control beads. In addition Bmp2 induced etopic expressions of Msx2 and Dlx5 genes. On the other hand, overexpression of FGF2 did not induce the expression of Msx2 and Dlx5. Taken together, these data indicate that Bmp2 signaling molecule has a important role in regulating the cranial bone growth and early morphogenesis of cranial suture. We also suggest that Bmp signaling is involved in all the stages of osteogenesis of cranial bones and the maintenance of cranial suture by regulating Msx2 and Dlx5 genes, and that Msx2 and Dlx5 genes are specific transcription factors of Bmp signaling pathway.