• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.1467-1476
• /
• 2006

This study was to evaluate the effect of Bulhwangeumjeonggi-san (BS) on mouse Th1 and Th2 cells' differentiation and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation. The proliferation of mouse CD4 T cells and the secretion of Th1/Th2 cytokines under the influence of BS extract were measured as well as the amount ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase in RBL-wH3 cells and the levels of TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-6 secretion in Raw264.7 cells. BALB/c mice were orally administered with BS extract and simultaneously inoculated with OVA to induce allergic reaction and measure the level of total lgE, OVA-specific lgE and the production of IFN- g, IL-4, IL-5 by the spleen cells. When mouse CD4- T cell were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 for 48 hours in various concentrations of BS extract, it increased proliferation of CD4 cells by 14% in 50 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ concentration but it showed an inhibition in higher concentrations. CD4 T cells under Th1/Th2 polarizing conditions for 3 days with BS resulted in mild decrease of IFN- g in Th1 cells and mild increase of IL-4 in Th2 cell at 50 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ but the level of IL-4 decreased by 18% at 100 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$. BS extract had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on antigen-induced release of ${\beta}$-hexosaminidase in RBL-2H3 cells. Treatment of BS extract on LPS stimulated Raw 264.7 cells showed dose-dependent decrease in TNF-${\alpha}$ production. Oral administration of BS extract on OVA-induced allergic mice showed an inhibitory effect on the levels of total serum lgE and OVA-specific lgE by 50% and 55%, respectively. Culture of spleen cells with OVA resulted in significant increase of IFN- g by 25% and significant decrease of IL-4 and IL-5 by 53%, and 38%, respectively. The results show that BS does not strongly induce mouse T cells to transform into Th1 or Th2 but it has an anti-allergic effect in vitro, and that it also corrects the unbalance between the reactions of Th cells in allergic diseases.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.47-75
• /
• 2009

Recently, researches on Management Information Systems (MIS) have laid out theoretical foundation and academic paradigms by introducing diverse theories, themes, and methodologies. Especially, academic paradigms of MIS encourage a user-friendly approach by developing the technologies from the users' perspectives, which reflects the existence of strong causal relationships between information systems and user's behavior. As in other areas in social science the use of structural equation modeling (SEM) has rapidly increased in recent years especially in the MIS area. The SEM technique is important because it provides powerful ways to address key IS research problems. It also has a unique ability to simultaneously examine a series of casual relationships while analyzing multiple independent and dependent variables all at the same time. In spite of providing many benefits to the MIS researchers, there are some potential pitfalls with the analytical technique. The research objective of this study is to provide some guidelines for an appropriate use of SEM based on the assessment of current practice of using SEM in the MIS research. This study focuses on several statistical issues related to the use of SEM in the MIS research. Selected articles are assessed in three parts through the meta analysis. The first part is related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest. The second is about data screening prior to model estimation and testing. And the last part concerns estimation and testing of theoretical models based on empirical data. This study reviewed the use of SEM in 164 empirical research articles published in four major MIS journals in Korea (APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM) from 1991 to 2007. APJIS, ISR, JIS and JITAM accounted for 73, 17, 58, and 16 of the total number of applications, respectively. The number of published applications has been increased over time. LISREL was the most frequently used SEM software among MIS researchers (97 studies (59.15%)), followed by AMOS (45 studies (27.44%)). In the first part, regarding issues related to the initial specification of theoretical model of interest, all of the studies have used cross-sectional data. The studies that use cross-sectional data may be able to better explain their structural model as a set of relationships. Most of SEM studies, meanwhile, have employed. confirmatory-type analysis (146 articles (89%)). For the model specification issue about model formulation, 159 (96.9%) of the studies were the full structural equation model. For only 5 researches, SEM was used for the measurement model with a set of observed variables. The average sample size for all models was 365.41, with some models retaining a sample as small as 50 and as large as 500. The second part of the issue is related to data screening prior to model estimation and testing. Data screening is important for researchers particularly in defining how they deal with missing values. Overall, discussion of data screening was reported in 118 (71.95%) of the studies while there was no study discussing evidence of multivariate normality for the models. On the third part, issues related to the estimation and testing of theoretical models on empirical data, assessing model fit is one of most important issues because it provides adequate statistical power for research models. There were multiple fit indices used in the SEM applications. The test was reported in the most of studies (146 (89%)), whereas normed-test was reported less frequently (65 studies (39.64%)). It is important that normed- of 3 or lower is required for adequate model fit. The most popular model fit indices were GFI (109 (66.46%)), AGFI (84 (51.22%)), NFI (44 (47.56%)), RMR (42 (25.61%)), CFI (59 (35.98%)), RMSEA (62 (37.80)), and NNFI (48 (29.27%)). Regarding the test of construct validity, convergent validity has been examined in 109 studies (66.46%) and discriminant validity in 98 (59.76%). 81 studies (49.39%) have reported the average variance extracted (AVE). However, there was little discussion of direct (47 (28.66%)), indirect, and total effect in the SEM models. Based on these findings, we suggest general guidelines for the use of SEM and propose some recommendations on concerning issues of latent variables models, raw data, sample size, data screening, reporting parameter estimated, model fit statistics, multivariate normality, confirmatory factor analysis, reliabilities and the decomposition of effects.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.422-429
• /
• 1999

Purpose: The measurement of radiation absorbed dose is useful to predict the response after I-131 labeled metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) therapy and determine therapy dose in patients with unresectable or malignant pheochromocytoma. We estimated the absorbed dose in tumor tissue after high dose I-131 MIBG in a patient with pheochromocytoma using a gamma camera and Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) formula. Materials and Methods: A 64-year old female patient with pheochromocytoma who had multiple metastases of mediastinum, right kidney and periaortic lymph nodes, received 74 GBq (200 mCi) of I-131 MIBG. We obtained anterior and posterior images at 0.5, 16, 24, 64 and 145 hours after treatment. Two standard sources of 37 and 74 MBq of I-131 were imaged simultaneously. Cummulated I-131 MIBG uptake in tumor tissue was calculated after the correction of background activity, attenuation, system sensitivity and count loss at a high count rate. Results: The calculated absorbed radiation dose was 32-63 Gy/ 74 GBq, which was lower than the known dose for tumor remission (150-200 Gy). follow-up studies at 1 month showed minimally reduced tumor size on computed tomography, and mildly reduced I-131 MIBG uptake. Conclusion: We estimated radiation absorbed dose after therapeutic I-131 MIBG using a gamma camera and MIRD formula, which can be peformed in a clinical nuclear medicine laboratory. Our results suggest that the measurement of radiation absorbed dose in I-131 MIBG therapy is feasible as a routine clinical practice that can guide further treatment plan. The accuracy of dose measurement and correlation with clinical outcome should be evaluated further.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.76-82
• /
• 2017

Purpose Whole body bone scan is one of the most frequently performed in nuclear medicine. Basically, both the anterior and posterior views are acquired simultaneously. Occasionally, it is difficult to distinguish the lesion by only the anterior view and the posterior view. In this case, accurate location of the lesion through SPECT / CT or additional static scan images are important. Therefore, in this study, various improvement activities have been carried out in order to enhance the work capacity of technologists. In this study, we investigate the effect of technologist training and standardized work process processes on bone scan error reduction. Materials and Methods Several systems have been introduced in sequence for the application of new processes. The first is the implementation of education and testing with physicians, the second is the classification of patients who are expected to undergo further scanning, introducing a pre-filtration system that allows technologists to check in advance, and finally, The communication system called NMQA is applied. From January, 2014 to December, 2016, we examined the whole body bone scan patients who visited the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea Results We investigated errors based on the Bone Scan NMQA sent from January 2014 to December 2016. The number of tests in which NMQA was transmitted over the entire bone scan during the survey period was calculated as a percentage. The annual output is 141 cases in 2014, 88 cases in 2015, and 86 cases in 2016. The rate of NMQA has decreased to 0.88% in 2014, 0.53% in 2015 and 0.45% in 2016. Conclusion The incidence of NMQA has decreased since 2014 when the new process was applied. However, we believe that it will be necessary to accumulate data continuously in the future because of insufficient data until statistically confirming its usefulness. This study confirmed the necessity of standardized work and education to improve the quality of Bone Scan image, and it is thought that update is needed for continuous research and interest in the future.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.111-120
• /
• 2003

To describe dinoflagellate cysts from Gwangyang Bay, surface sediment samples were collected at 20 sites by the TFO core sampler on 24 August 2001, in coupled with a phytoplankton investigation by surface seawater sampling. More than 17 genera, 36 species of dinoflagellate cysts were Identified from the sediment samples of Gwangyang Bay, consisting of 14 species of gonyaulacoid, 14 species of protoperidinioid, 3 species of diplopsalid, 2 species of gymnodinioid, 1 species of tuberculodinioid and calciodinellid, respectively. Cyst concentrations in Gwangyang Bay varied from 115 to 2,188 cysts/g, and generally increased toward a western part of the study area. The highest cyst concentration was observed at St. 11 located in the northwestern region with 11 genera and 19 species(2,188 cysts/g), while the lowest value with 6 genera and 9 species(115 cysts/g) was observed at St. 3 located in the center of the study area. The predominant dinoflagellate cyst was Spiniferites bulloideus, followed by Alexandrium sp., Brigantedinium simplex and S. delicatus. The motile forms of eight dinoflagellate cysts recorded in the sediment samples were also observed in the seawater: Polykrikos swartzii/kofoidii complex, Scripssiella trochoidea, Protoperidinium claudicans(cyst name: Votadinium spinosum), P. pentagonum(: Trinovantedinium capitatum capitatum), P. conicum(: Selenopemphix quanta), P. leonis(: Quinquecuspis concretum), P. conicoides(: Brigantedinium simplex), Gonyaulax spp.(: Spiniferites spp.). In this study, heterotrophic dinoflagellate cysts show the highest concentration at St. 6 where the highest density of diatoms simultaneously observed from surface water sample. This result suggests that the grazing of heterotrophic dinoflagellates on the diatoms in high concentration caused the higher concentration of heterotrophic dinoflagellate cysts.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.456-461
• /
• 2010

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of topophysis, and uniting method of rootstock and scion on rooting and subsequent growth of stenting-propagated cut rose ($Rosa$ $hybrida$ Hort.) in an effort to develop an efficient stenting propagation method for domestic rose cultivars. Four cultivars used in this study were two standard type cultivars 'Sweet Yellow' and 'Hanmaum', and two spray type cultivars 'Chelsi' and 'May'. Scions were grafted on cuttings of a rootstock $Rosa$ $indica$ 'Major'. The stenting-propagated scion-rootstock unions were planted in rockwool cubes ($50{\times}50{\times}50mm$, Delta, Grodan, Denmark) and were placed in a graft-take chamber for five days before being placed on misted greenhouse beds. The rootstock was removed of all leaves and nodes. Both the base of scions and top of stocks were simultaneously cut at a $45^{\circ}$ angle for grafting. Scions were prepared as single node cuttings, each with a five-leaflet leaf. Three positions of topophysis used were 7-9th (top), 4-6th (middle), and 1st-3rd (bottom) nodes from the stem base. Four uniting materials used were tube, tube + parafilm wrap, tube + clothespin, and clothespin. Rooting and growth were affected by the topophysis and cultivar. The best topophysis for rooting was 7-9th (top) nodes in all cultivars. Topophysis affected percent rooting, and number of roots, length of the longest root, and but not weight, shoot length and graft-take. Rooting and growth were affected by the uniting method and cultivar. Tube uniting method generally showed higher percentage graft-take, percent rooting, and number of roots than other methods. However, rootstock and scion union was not complete in this treatment. On the whole, the greatest rooting and subsequent growth of stenting-propagated plants were found in the tube + clothespin method. Except 'Sweet Yellow', rooting and growth were not adequate in the clothespin method. The results suggested that a tube + clothespin method was the most effective, and this method may be used as a substitute to save labor compared to a tube + parafilm wrap method which is currently being used in commercial nurseries.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.49 no.4
• /
• pp.279-288
• /
• 2016

Stable Isotope Analysis(SIA) of carbon and nitrogen is useful tool for the understanding functional roles of target organisms in biological interactions in the food web. Recently, mixing model based on SIA is frequently used to determine which of the potential food sources predominantly assimilated by consumers, however, application of model is often limited and difficult for non-expert users of software. In the present study, we suggest easy manual of R software and package SIAR with example data regarding selective feeding of crustaceans dominated freshwater zooplankton community. We collected SIA data from the experimental mesocosms set up at the littoral area of eutrophic Chodae Reservoir, and analyzed the dominant crustacean species main food sources among small sized particulate organic matters (POM, <$50{\mu}m$), large sized POM (>$50{\mu}m$), and attached POM using mixing model. From the results obtained by SIAR model, Daphnia galeata and Ostracoda mainly consumed small sized POM while Simocephalus vetulus consumed both small and large sized POM simultaneously. Copepods collected from the reservoir showed no preferences on various food items, but in the mesocosm tanks, main food sources for the copepods was attached POM rather than planktonic preys including rotifers. The results have suggested that their roles as grazers in food web of eutrophicated reservoirs are different, and S. vetulus is more efficient grazer on wide range of food items such as large colony of phytoplankton and cyanobacteria during water bloom period.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.129-136
• /
• 1990

In the present report, two experiments were carried out with the purposes of knowing the differences of response among forage species to growing period and potassium level in culture solution, and investigating possible relation of the responses with occurence of grass tetany on grazing pasture. The results were as follows; (1) At 25 days after germination, fresh weight of top part as well as the sum of top and root parts of the forages increased rapidly. (2) Italian ryegrass was the highest in potassium (K) content but the lowest in magnesiurn(Mg) content among the three gramineous forages, while tall fescue showed the opposite result to it. And orchardgrass was intermediate of the two forage species (Experiment 1). (3) The K contents of forages generally increased, while Mg content became lower with the increase of K level in culture solution. The highest K contents of Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass were more than 3 times of the lowest values. The K contents of alfalfa and tall fescue increased in the narrower range. The decreases of Mg content of Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass were significant in the ranges of 5ppm to 25 or 50ppm KzO, while the content of the leguminous forages and tall fescue decreased up to 1000 level. (4) Fresh yield, water content and K content of the forages were significantly increased with the increase of K20 application levels up to 25 or 50ppm. (5) The K concentration of forage on a tissue water basis was higher at 50ppm than that at 5ppm $K_20$ level, especially for Italian ryegrass and orchardgrass with the value of 2.6times and 2.5times, respectively. However, the K concentration (tissue water) of leguminous forages increased gradually up to the level of lOOOppm (Experiment 2). It is suggested from the results that rapid changes of water content, Mg content and K concentration (tissue water) may occur to forage on a grazing pasture, when both growing period and K level in the soil affect the changes simultaneously. Under such conditions, plant water especially in Italian reyegrass and orchardgrass can function as toxic material to grazing ruminants.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.45 no.1
• /
• pp.111-119
• /
• 2013

Eleven mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol, and HT-2 toxin, were analyzed simultaneously in rice, barley, and maize produced in 2011 by liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Limits of detection (LOD) are 0.2 ${\mu}g/kg$ for aflatoxin $B_1$, and $G_1$, 0.3 ${\mu}g/kg$ for aflatoxins $B_2$, and $G_2$, 0.1 ${\mu}g/kg$ for ochratoxin, fumonisins, zearalenone, and T-2 toxin and 3.0 ${\mu}g/kg$ for deoxynivalenol and HT-2 toxin. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.6 ${\mu}g/kg$ for aflatoxins $B_1$, and $G_1$, 0.9 ${\mu}g/kg$ for aflatoxins $B_2$, and $G_2$, 0.3 ${\mu}g/kg$ for ochratoxin, fumonisins, zearalenone, and T-2 toxin and 10.0 ${\mu}g/kg$ for deoxynivalenol and HT-2 toxin. Recoveries for 11 mycotoxins ranged from 70.45 to 111.11%. Fumonisins, deoxynivalenol, and zaeralenone were detected from 0.9 to 334.0 ${\mu}g/kg$ in the polished rice, barley and raw corn cultivated in Korea. Other mycotoxins were not detected. Deoxynivalenol contamination was mainly found in barley (24 out of 43 samples) and the average value in positive samples was 113.30 ${\mu}g/kg$.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.28-32
• /
• 2000

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of uniconazole treatment on the growth and flowering of potted Chrysanthemum indicum L. for high quality pot plant production. Uniconazole was drenched at 0.05, 0.01, or 0.15 mg a.i./pot at 14 days after planting (DAP) of rooted cuttings. Simultaneously the short-day treatment (SDT) and pinching were adapted. The same amount of uniconazole (0.05 mg a.i./pot) was spilt drenched at once, twice, and three times, respectively, at 1 week interval. Uniconazole markedly reduced plant height, branch length, and stem diameter. Plant height was reduced linearly with increasing uniconazole concentration at 0.05, 0.01, or 0.15 mg a.i./pot up-to 41.6%, 52.5%, and 58.5%, respectively. In 0.05 mg a.i./pot, the number of branches greatly increased and plant height of 22.6 cm was adequate for pot plant. However, higher concentrations (0.10, 0.15 mg a.i.) were not suitable for production of high quality pot plant (17.0, 14.8 cm, respectively). Pinching and SDT decreased the number of days to visible bud, while uniconazole treatments delayed days to visible bud by 5-9 days compared with pinching and SDT. Number of visible buds was highest at 0.05 mg a.i./pot uniconazole treatment. However, flower diameter was decreased by uniconazole treatment, resulting in compact form. Number of stomata was increased by uniconazole treatment. The length of vascular tissues of uniconazole-treated plants ($11.2{\mu}m$) was smaller than that of non-treated plants ($15.0{\mu}m$, and the size of xylem vessel was also decreased. Uniconazole treatment at 0.05 mg a.i./pot at 14 DAP with pinching and SDT were recommended for pot plant production of C. indicum L.