• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2006

Purpose: Few researches have been peformed on the dose distribution of the moving organ for radiotherapy so far. In order to simulate the organ motion caused by respiratory function, multipurpose phantom and moving device was used and dosimetric measurements for dose distribution of the moving organs were conducted in this study. The purpose of our study was to evaluate how dose distributions are changed due to respiratory motion. Materials and Methods: A multipurpose phantom and a moving device were developed for the measurement of the dose distribution of the moving organ due to respiratory function. Acryl chosen design of the phantom was considered the most obvious choice for phantom material. For construction of the phantom, we used acryl and cork with density of $1.14g/cm^3,\;0.32g/cm^3$ respectively. Acryl and cork slab in the phantom were used to simulate the normal organ and lung respectively. The moving phantom system was composed of moving device, moving control system, and acryl and cork phantom. Gafchromic film and EDR2 film were used to measure dose ditrbutions. The moving device system may be driven by two directional step motors and able to perform 2 dimensional movements (x, z axis), but only 1 dimensional movement(z axis) was used for this study. Results: Larger penumbra was shown in the cork phantom than in the acryl phantom. The dose profile and isodose curve of Gafchromic EBT film were not uniform since the film has small optical density responding to the dose. As the organ motion was increased, the blurrings in penumbra, flatness, and symmetry were increased. Most of measurements of dose distrbutions, Gafchromic EBT film has poor flatness and symmetry than EDR2 film, but both penumbra distributions were more or less comparable. Conclusion: The Gafchromic EBT film is more useful as it does not need development and more radiation dose could be exposed than EDR2 film without losing film characteristics. But as response of the optical density of Gafchromic EBT film to dose is low, beam profiles have more fluctuation at Gafchromic EBT. If the multipurpose phantom and moving device are used for treatment Q.A, and its corrections are made, treatment quality should be improved for the moving organs.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.99 no.6
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• pp.922-928
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• 2010

There is a little information on the effect of calcium cloride ($CaCl_2$) which is used as deicing salt in Korea on the physiological responses of the street trees. Prunus sargentii is one of the most widespread tree species of street vegetation in Korea. In this study, the effect of $CaCl_2$ on photosynthetic apparatus such as chlorophyll fluorescence image and light response curve of P. sargentii in relation to their leaf and root collar growth responses were investigated. To study the effect of $CaCl_2$ treatment in the early spring, we irrigated twice in rhizosphere of P. sargentii (3-year-old) planted plastic pots with solution of 0.5%, 1.0%, 3.0% $CaCl_2$ concentration before leaf expansion. Results after treatments, total chlorophyll contents and the chlorophyll a/b, photosynthetic rate, quantum yield, dark respiration decreased with increasing $CaCl_2$ concentration. On the contrary, light compensation point increased with increasing $CaCl_2$ concentration. Through the linear regressions of correlation of photosynthetic rate with photosynthetic parameters (quantum yield, dark respiration and light compensation point), we found a significant relationship (p<0.05) between photosynthetic rate and quantum yield and light compensation point except dark respiration. Calcium cloride ($CaCl_2$) induced inhibition of photochemical efficiency ($F_v/F_M$) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) were found in treatments of $CaCl_2$, and these reduction rates between control and CaCl2 treatments were drastically showed at 80 days. We suggest that physiological activities are limited from treatment of $CaCl_2$. These reductions of photosynthetic apparatus ability caused eventually the reduction of leaf and diameter at root collar growth.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.320-329
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• 2003

Background : The serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is released from the ventricles as a response to volume or pressure overload of the ventricles. A few studies have reported that the BNP measurements are useful in differentiating between heart failure and pulmonary causes in patients who visited the emergency department with dyspnea as the chief complaint. It is difficult to differentiate a right heart failure from a left heart failure in the emergency room. However, there is no report on the application of a BNP assay to differentiate in right heart failure from left heart failure. In this study, the BNP levels were measured from dyspneic patients in the emergency department to determine whether or not the BNP level would be useful in differentiating the cause of the dyspnea from right ventricular failure and left ventricular failure. Method : 89 patients who visited emergency department of the Bundang Cha Hospital with dyspnea from June 2002 to March 2003 were selected. The 29 patients from the outpatient clinics and inpatients were randomly selected as the control. Results : The BNP levels of patients in the left heart failure group were significantly different from that of the patients in the right heart failure group ($682{\pm}314$ pg/mL vs. $149{\pm}94$ pg/mL, p=0.000). When the BNP cut-off level was designated as 219 pg/mL using the receiver operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity was 94.3%, and specificity was 92.9%. In addition, the positive predictive value was 97% and the negative predictive value was 86.7% in differentiating right heart failure from left heart failure. Conclusion : Measurements of the serum BNP levels is an accurate and rapid method that can aid in distinguishing between right heart failure and left heart failure.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.31-36
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• 2014

We aimed to evaluate the dosimetric characteristics of reproducibility, linearity and dose dependence of optical stimulated luminance dosimeter (OSLD) in the Co-60 Gamma-rays and to analyze with a precedent study in field of the diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy. The reproducibility was 0.76% of the coefficient of variation, the homogeneity was within 1.5% of the coefficient of variation and OSLD had supra-linear response more than 3 Gy. So the correlation between dose and count was fitted by quadratic function. The count depletion by repeated reading was 0.04% per reading regardless of the irradiated dose. And the half time of decay curve according to the irradiated dose was 0.68 min. with 1 Gy, 1.04 min. with 5 Gy, and 1.10 min. with 10 Gy, respectively. In case of annealing for 30 min, the removal rate was 88% with 1 Gy, 90% with 5 Gy, and 92% with 10 Gy, respectively and 99% in case of annealing time for 4 hour. It is feasible to use OSLDs for dose evaluation in Co-60 Gamma-rays when considering the uncertainty on the procedure according to the irradiated dose.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.203-209
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• 2010

This study was performed to investigate photosynthetic responses of 4 foliage plants in relation to light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and media, and to select efficient plants for the indoor environment control based on the results. Four foliage plants used in this study included Syngonium podophyllum, Schefflera arboricola cv. Hong Kong, Dieffenbachia amoena, and Dracaena deremensis cv. Warneckii Compacta. The plants cultivated in two different growth media, peatmoss and hydroball, and subjected to various light intensities (0, 30, 50, 80, 100, 200, 400, and $600\;{\mu}mol{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}s^{-1}$ PPFD) and $CO_2$ levels (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 700, 1000, and $1500\;{\mu}mol{CO_2}{\cdot}mol^{-1}$). As a result of the photosynthetic rate of foliage plants according to change of light intensity and $CO_2$ levels, Schefflera arboricola and Dieffenbachia amoena showed high apparent quantum yield, which stands for the photosynthetic rate under low light intensity, and both plants also recorded higher photosynthetic rate under high $CO_2$ concentration compared to the other two indoor plants. Dracaena deremensis showed the lowest photosynthetic rate under the low light intensity or high $CO_2$ concentration. There were inconsistent results in photosynthetic rate of foliage plants grown in peatmoss or hydroball. Higher photosynthetic rate was observed in Schefflera arboricola with peatmoss rather than hydroball as light and $CO_2$ concentration increased. However, hydroball had a positive effect on Dieffenbachia amoena in terms of photosynthetic rate. In case of Syngonium podophyllum, peatmoss induced higher photosynthetic rate according to increased light intensity, but there was no effect of media on the rate under various $CO_2$ treatements. In contrast, media did not affect to photosynthetic efficiency of Dracaena deremensis subjected to various light intensities and the rate of Dracaena deremensis with peatmoss was a little high when $CO_2$ concentration increased. In conclusion, potential plants for the indoor air pulification and environmental control were Schefflera arboricola and Dieffenbachia amoena because they showed high photosynthetic rate under typical indoor conditions, low light intensity and high $CO_2$ concentration.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the photosynthetic R. micranthum by natural habitats. In the results, natural habitats didn't affect values of light saturated point, light compensation point and photosynthetic capacity of R. micranthum. We investigated light response curve and chlorophyll content at each habitat. Light compensation points were 11.8 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$, 11.5 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ and 10.4 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ in Seokpo-ri, Yeonha-ri, and Mt. Worak. Light saturation points showed that R. micranthum is shade tolerant specie which has the light saturation point approximately 500~600 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$. Photosynthetic rates of R. micranthum leaves were 5.5 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$, 5.4 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ and 5.6 ${\mu}mol\;m^{-2}\;s^{-1}$ in Seokpo-ri, Yeonha-ri and Mt. Worak. On the other hand, since between $20^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$, it appeared that the values of net photosynthetic rates of R. micranthum leaves in all sites were high. Especially, the rates were highest at $25^{\circ}C$. Because of low stomatal transpiration rate in saturation radiance, the moisture utilization efficiency in Yeonha-ri was lower than other habitats. Rates of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content in Mt. Worak were no significant difference. Therefore R. micranthum has characteristic of shade tolerant species. The moderate temperature for R. micranthum is between $20^{\circ}C$ and $30^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.11 s.268
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• pp.828-837
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• 2006

Background: Tissue hypoxia is characteristic of many human malignant neoplasm, and hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1) plays a pivotal role in essential adaptive response to hypoxia, and activates a signal pathway for the expression of the hypoxia-regulated genes, resulting in increasing $O_2$ delivery or facilitating metabolic adaptation to hypoxia. Increased level of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ has been reported in many human malignancies, but in non-small cell lung carcinoma the influence of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ on tumor biology, including neovascularization, is not still defined. In present study the relationship of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression on angiogenetic factors, relationship between the tumor proliferation and HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression, interaction of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression and p53, and relationship between HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression and clinico-pathological prognostic parameters were investigated. Material and Method: Archival tissue blocks recruited in this study were retrieved from fifty-nine patients with primary non-small cell lung carcinoma, who underwent pneumonectomy or lobectomy from 1997 to 1999. HIF-$1{\alpha}$, VEGF(vascular endothelial growth factor), and p53 protein expression and Ki-67 labeling index in tumor tissues were evaluated, using a standard avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex(ABC) immunohistochemistry. Relationship between the HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression and VEGF, p53 overexpression and correlation between the HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expresseion and Ki-67 index were analyzed. Clinico-pathologic prognostic parameters were also analyzed. Result: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression in cancer cells was found in 24 of 59 cases of non-small cell lung carcinoma(40.7%). High HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was significantly associated with several pathological parameters, such as pathological TMN stage(p=0.004), pT stage(p=0.020), pN stage (p=0.029), and lymphovascular invasion(p=0.019). High HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was also significantly associated with VEGF immunoreactivity(p<0.001), and aberrant p53 expression(p=0.040). but was marginally associated with Ki-67 labeling index(p=0.092). The overall 5-year survival rate was 42.3%. The survival curve of patients with a high HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was worse than that of patients with low-expression(p=0.002). High HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was independent unfavorable factors with a marginal significance in multivariate analysis performed by Cox regression. Conclusion: It is suggested that high HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression may be associated with intratumoral neovascularization possibly through HIF-VEGF pathway, and high HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression could be associated with lymph node metastasis and post operative poor prognosis in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 1994

The need for assessment of ureteric function in the patient with an obviousely dilated ureter has increased particularly with the added spectrum of asymptomatic patients presenting with hydrone-phrosis and hydroureter on antenatal and perinatal ultrasound. To assess the influence of ureteral status on kidney washout during $^{99m}Tc$-DTPA diuretic renography, ureteral images were reviewed in 80 children referred for hydronephrosis. A scintigraphically abnormal ureter was defined as an intense and continuous image of > 10 min during diuretic renography. Out of them, a total of 16 nephroureteral systems in 12 children with scintigraphically abnormal ureter were analyzed. A diuretic washout index using response half time (t1/2) by linear fitting after lasix injection, was determined on renal (Kt1/2) and ureteral (Ut1/2) curves (diuretic renogram vs. diuretic ureterogram). Diuretic ureterogram curve patterns corresponding to normal (type I), obstructive (II) and non-obstructive (III) cases were described. Compared with X-ray data, diuretic renography was highly sensitive (88%) and specific (99%) for detecting any ureteral abnormality. Despite an obstructive Kt1/2 (>20 min), no patient with an abnormal ureter underwent therapy at the ureteropelvic junction because the hydronephrosis regressed after surgery at the lower level. Our data indicate that the abnormal ureter findings during diuretic renography have to be recognized before therapy for children with hydeonephrosis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2008

Background: Accurate assessment of the preload and the fluid responsiveness is of great importance for optimizing cardiac output, especially in those patients with coronary artery occlusive disease (CAOD). In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the parameters of preload with the changes in the stroke volume index (SVI) after fluid loading in patients who were undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to find the predictors of fluid responsiveness in order to assess the feasibility of using. certain parameters of preload as a guide to fluid therapy. Material and Method: We studied 96 patients who were undergoing CABG. After induction of anesthesia, the hemodynamic parameters were measured before (T1) and 10 min after volume replacement (T2) by an infusion of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (10 mL/kg) over 20 min. Result: The right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI), as well as the central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), failed to demonstrate significant correlation with the changes in the SVI (%). Only the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measured at T1 showed significant correlation. with the changes of the SVI by linear regression (r=0.272, p=0.017). However, when the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was evaluated, none of the parameters were over 0.7. The volume-induced increase in the SVI was 10% or greater in 31 patients (responders) and under 10% in 65 patients (non-responders). None of the parameters of preload measured at T1 showed a significant difference between the responders and non-responders, except for the RVEF. Conclusion: The conventional parameters measured with a volumetric pulmonary artery catheter failed to predict the response of SVI following fluid administration in patients suffering with CAOD.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.45-60
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• 2002

Mouse calvarial osteoblast cells were isolated and cultured. To examine whether the cells produce active gelatinases in culture medium or not,the cells were analyzed using by zymograsphic analysis on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). We show that mouse calvarial osteoblasts in culture constitutively synthesize progelatinase- A. Then, mouse osteoblasts, which were stimulated by PTH, $1,25(OH)_2D_3$, mononuclear cell conditioned medium (MCM) and IL-1 as bone resorption agent's, showed increased collagenolysis by producing the active gelatinase. However, treatment of indomethacin and dexamethasone significantly decreased those effects of collagenolysis in mouse osteoblastic cells. On the other hand, IL-1 in stimulating bone resorption was examined using fetal mouse long bone organ culture. IL-1 stimulated bone resorption and produced marked resorption when present simultaneously. Furthermore, when it was examined the effects of indomethacin and dexamethasone on the dose dependent responses of $IL-1{\alpha}$, indomethacin and dexametasone produced a rightward shift in the IL-1 dose response curve. The results of in vitro cytotoxicities showed that Taeyoungjon-Jahage water extracts(T.Y.J-J.H.G extracts) have no any cytotoxicities in concentrations of $1-200\;{\mu}g/ml$ and furthermore there is no any cytotoxicity even in concentration of $300\;{\mu}g/ml$ on mouse calvarial bone cells. T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts had protective activity against PTH (2 units/mI), or MCM (5%, v/v), or $rhIL-1{\alpha}$ (1 ng/mI) or $1,25(OH)_2D3$ (10 ng/ml) , $IL-1{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}-induced$ collagenolysis in the mouse calvarial cells. Pretreatment of the T.Y.J.-J.H.G.extracts for 1 h, which by itself had little effect on cell survival, did not enhance the collagenolysis, nor significantly reduced the collagenolysis by pretreatment. Furthermore. the medicinal extracts were shown to have the protective effects against collagenolysis induced by $IL-1{\alpha}$ and $IL-1{\beta}$. Pretreatment of the extracts for 1 h significantly reduced the collagenolysis. Interestingly, the T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts were shown to have the inhibiting effects against gelatinase enzyme and processing activity induced by the bone resortion agents of PTH, $1,25(OH)_2D_3$, $IL-1{\beta}$ and $IL-1{\alpha}$, with strong protective effect in pretreatment with the extracts. T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts were shown to have the inhibiting effects against $IL-1{\alpha}-$ and $IL-1{\beta}-stimulated$ bone resorption and the effect of the pretreatment with a various concentrations of the medicinal extracts were significant. The inhibition extent and phenomena of IL-1 stimulated bone resorption by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents of indomethacin and dexamethasone were similar to those obtained by T.Y.J.-J.H.G. extracts treatment in the mouse calvarial tissue culture system. These results indicated that the T.Y.J.-J.H.G.-water extracts are highly stable and applicable to clinical uses in osteoporosis.