• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7635-7638
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• 2013

Background: Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) has been recently proposed as a novel biomarker for early diagnosis of several human tumors, including ovarian, cervical and breast cancers. Its clinical value remains to be clarified for endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, we investigated the utility of serum SPAG9 levels in diagnosis of EC and its association with important clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary women's referral center in Ankara, Turkey. Preoperative serum samples were collected from patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer between June 2012-April 2013. Similar aged women with a biopsy proven benign endometrium were used as controls. Serum SPAG9 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and assessed for links with clinicopathological factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess power of SPAG9 levels for EC prediction. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 women with EC and 27 with benign endometrium were included in the study. Mean age in the EC group was $58.7{\pm}1.1$. Median SPAG9 levels in the EC and control groups were 18.3 (range, 12.7-53.8) and 14.1 (range, 4.3-65.3), respectively (p<0.001). A cut-off value of 17 ng/ml for SPAG9 predicted presence of malignant endometrium with 74% sensitivity and 83% specificity [Area under curve (AUC)=0.82, p<0.001]. SPAG9 levels did not demonstrate any significant association with histological type, FIGO stage, tumor grade, size, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, cervical involvement, adnexal involvement, peritoneal cytology or lymph node status (all p>0.05). Conclusions: Testing for SPAG9 may be useful for early detection of EC in asymptomatic high-risk women. Its role in post-treatment follow-up and early detection of recurrence should be assessed in future trials.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.216-225
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• 2003

To demonstrate the effect of physical irritancy(massages) on the skeletal muscles of immobilization ddY mice models induced by right side sciatic nerve neurectomy, the cross sectional histological profiles of the muscularis (M) gastrocnemius, M. tibialis cranialis and M. tibialis caudalis were observed after 28 days of treatment of physical irritancy with the changes of body weight thickness of hind limb and individual muscle weights. In addition, changes of demonstrated with diameter of individual muscle fiber and muscle fasciculata, and number of muscle fiber in each of three types of muscles located in the calf. The massages were used in this study as physical irritancy. The experimental groups were divided into five groups, 1) Sham-operated group(Sham), 2) Neurectomized but not physical irritated control group(Control), 3) Neurectomized and physical irritated at knee pint regions(T1), 4) Neurectomized and physical irritated at calf regions(T2), and 5) Neurectomized and physical irritated at achilles tendon regions(T3). The experimental animals were used 5 per groups. The changes of number or diameter of muscle fiber in each muscles were calculated using automated image analyzer. The results are as follow : Thickness(diameter) of muscle fiber of M. gastrocnemius, M. tibialis cranialis and M. tibialis cranialis in right side of hind limb were remarkedly decreased in Control, T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to that of Sham group. However, the thickness was significantly increased in physical irritated groups compared to that of Control group in followed order : T3

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.68-77
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• 2012

Flavan-3-ols are a subclass of flavonoids found in a variety of foods including teas. The effects of flavan-3-ols on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been investigated, generally focusing on tea catechins or individual flavan-3-ol rich foods, but there is little information on dietary flavan-3-ols intake and risk of MetS in population-based studies. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the association between dietary flavan-3-ols intake and the risk of MetS in Korean adults. Subjects comprised 1,827 men and 2,918 women aged 20-69 years whose data was included in the 2008 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This survey was conducted between January 2008 and December 2008. Total flavan-3-ols intakes were calculated from 24-hour dietary recalls using a flavonoids database. Thirty percent of the male subjects and 24% of the female subjects were reported as having MetS. In the female subjects, flavan3-ols intake was inversely associated with the risk of MetS after adjusting for potential confounders (5th vs. 1st quintile, OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.45-0.91, P for trend=0.384). The main food source of flavan-3-ols was green tea followed by apples and grapes. Among MetS components, flavan-3-ols intake was inversely associated with the risk of high blood pressure after adjusting for potential confounders (5th vs. 1st quintile, OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.45-0.90, P for trend=0.005). No significant association between flavan-3-ols intake and risk of MetS was found in the male subjects. After stratified analysis by obesity (BMI ${\geq}$ 25 or BMI < 25), however, flavan3-ols intake was inversely related to the risk of hypertension in non-obese men. These results suggest that dietary flavan-3-ols intake may have beneficial effects on MetS risk by reducing the risk of hypertension. The effects of flavan-3-ols intake dependent on obesity need further investigation.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.336-341
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: It is expected that dairy products such as cheeses, which are the main source of cholesterol and saturated fat, may lead to the development or increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; however, the results of different studies are inconsistent. This study was conducted to assess the association between cheese consumption and cardiovascular risk factors in an Iranian adult population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Information from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) was used for this cross-sectional study with a total of 1,752 participants (782 men and 970 women). Weight, height, waist and hip circumference measurement, as well as fasting blood samples were gathered and biochemical assessments were done. To evaluate the dietary intakes of participants a validated food frequency questionnaire, consists of 49 items, was completed by expert technicians. Consumption of cheese was classified as less than 7 times per week and 7-14 times per week. RESULTS: Higher consumption of cheese was associated with higher C-Reactive Protein (CRP), apolipoprotein A and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level but not with fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apolipoprotein B. Higher consumption of cheese was positively associated with consumption of liquid and solid oil, grain, pulses, fruit, vegetable, meat and dairy, and negatively associated with Global Dietary Index. After control for other potential confounders the association between cheese intake and metabolic syndrome (OR: 0.81; 96%CI: 0.71-0.94), low HDL-C level (OR: 0.87; 96%CI: 0.79-0.96) and dyslipidemia (OR: 0.88; 96%CI: 0.79-0.98) became negatively significant. CONCLUSION: This study found an inverse association between the frequency of cheese intake and cardiovascular risk factors; however, further prospective studies are required to confirm the present results and to illustrate its mechanisms.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.99-109
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aims to develop and empirically analyze a research model in order to comprehend the relationship among the service quality of market-wholesaler system, re-transaction intention, and recommendation intention of forwarder. Further, we suggest new six factors reflecting the service quality of market-wholesaler system and highlight market expansion of forwarder as a mechanism in the relationship. Research design, data and methodology: The authors developed the new scales measuring the service quality of market-wholesaler system (i.e. trade price, price fluctuation, payment receipt, settlement period, trade information, and customer service) and conducted a cross-sectional survey for 439 forwarders in a wholesale market. And then we performed a series of path analyses to test hypotheses. The hypotheses are as follows. [H1] The service quality of market-wholesaler system will positively affect forwarders' market expansion, [H2] Forwarders' market expansion will positively affect their re-transaction intention, [H3] Forwarders' market expansion will positively affect their recommendation intention, [H4] Forwarders' re-transaction intention will positively affect their recommendation intention. Results: The results showed that all the six factors for the service quality of market-wholesaler system were positively related to market expansion of forwarders. There was a differential effectiveness in the six factors of the service quality. More specifically, the positive effect of customer service factor was the strongest on market expansion of forwarders. And the respective effects of trade price, price fluctuation, settlement period, trade information factors were followed in order. The positive effect of payment receipt factor was the weakest on market expansion of forwarders. Also, market expansion of forwarders was positively related to their re-transaction intention and recommendation intention. Furthermore, market expansion of forwarders was indirectly related to recommendation intention through re-transaction intention as well. Conclusions: The research findings provide important theoretical and practical implications. This study is the first to attempt to test the perception of forwarders for the service quality of market-wholesaler system by developing and using the new scales. Also, there has been a sharp controversy about the effectiveness of market-wholesaler system. The findings support that market-wholesaler system would be activated by empirically verifying the effectiveness of the service quality on the various outcomes.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.213-221
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• 2001

Because the intake of vitamin A had been consistently found to be low among Koreans, there has been a concern that mild vitamin A deficiency might be prevalent in the population. However, the inaccuracy of vitamin A database has long been suspected database for the nutrient. This study was performed to assess the vitamin A and E status in 208 adults over 20 years of age living in a rural area of Korea. Newly modified database for vitamin A and E was used to estimate the dietary intake of the subjects in this study. A cross sectional survey of dietary intake with 24-hour recall method was conducted. Serum retinol and $\alpha$-tocopherol levels of the subjects were analyzed in fasting samples using HPLC. For vitamin A, mean levels of dietary intake and percent of RDA were 620.3$\pm$1087RE/day and 88.6$\pm$155.4%, respectively, which were considerably higher than the levels reported in 1995 Korean national Nutrition survey(470.1RE/day and 67.2%, respectively). For vitamin E, the levels were 9.74$\pm$6.30mg/day and 97.4$\pm$63.0%, respectively. Mean concentration of serum retinol was 83.1$\pm$30.1$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl and none of the subjects was below 10$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl, or deficient level. Mean serum retinol in men, 99.8$\pm$30.4$\mu$g/dl, was significantly higher than in women, 70.7$\pm$23.4$\mu\textrm{g}$/dl (p<0.01). Mean concentration of serum $\alpha$-tocopherol was 1.17$\pm$0.52mg/dl and that of one subject was below 0.5mg/dl, or deficient level. Serum $\alpha$-tocopherol levels of the old subjects were higher than the younger subjects in both sexes(p<0.05). These data suggest that contrary to the previous reports about low intake of vitamin a, intake and serum levels of vitamin A among the subjects are not low. Also, in this study, intake and serum levels of vitamin E are not low, either. (Korean J Nutrition 34(2) : 213~221, 2001)

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.195-200
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• 2007

We fabricated thermally-evaporated 10 nm-Ni/70 w-Poly-Si/200 $nm-SiO_2/Si$ and $10nm-Ni_{0.5}Co_{0.5}/70$ nm-Poly-Si/200 $nm-SiO_2/Si$ structures to investigate the microstructure of nickel monosilicide at the elevated temperatures required fur annealing. Silicides underwent rapid anneal at the temperatures of $600{\sim}1100^{\circ}C$ for 40 seconds. Silicides suitable for the salicide process formed on top of the polycrystalline silicon substrate mimicking the gates. A four-point tester was used to investigate the sheet resistances. A transmission electron microscope and an Auger depth profile scope were employed for the determination of cross sectional microstructure and thickness. 20nm thick nickel cobalt composite silicides on polycrystalline silicon showed low resistance up to $900^{\circ}C$, while the conventional nickle silicide showed low resistance below $900^{\circ}C$. Through TEM analysis, we confirmed that the 70nm-thick nickel cobalt composite silicide showed a unique silicon-silicide mixing at the high silicidation temperature of $1000^{\circ}C$. We identified $Ni_3Si_2,\;CoSi_2$ phase at $700^{\circ}C$ using an X-ray diffractometer. Auger depth profile analysis also supports the presence of this mixed microstructure. Our result implies that our newly proposed NiCo composite silicide from NiCo alloy films process may widen the thermal process window for the salicide process and be suitable for nano-thick silicides.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.324-335
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We examined dietary fat intake and the major food sources by young children in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 1,041 children aged 1-5 years were identified from the 2013-2015 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data on total fat and fatty acid intake were obtained by a single 24-h dietary recall. Food sources were identified based on the amounts of total fat and fatty acids consumption according to each food. Fat and fatty acid intakes and their food sources were presented by age group (1-2-y, n = 401; 3-5-y, n = 640). Fat and fatty acid intakes were also evaluated according to socioeconomic characteristics. RESULTS: The mean intake of fat was $27.1{\pm}0.8g$ in the 1-2-y group and $35.5{\pm}0.7g$ in the 3-5-y group, and about 23% of the total energy was obtained from fat in both age groups. The mean intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was $10.5{\pm}0.3g$ in the 1-2-y group and $12.7{\pm}0.3g$ in the 3-5-y group, with the 1-2-y group obtaining more energy from SFA than the 3-5-y group (9.2% vs. 8.3%). The mean intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was $6.3{\pm}0.1g$ in the total subjects, with $0.8{\pm}0.03g$ of n-3 fatty acids and $5.5{\pm}0.1g$ of n-6 fatty acids being consumed. Milk, pork, and eggs were major food sources of total fat, SFA, and monounsaturated fatty acids, and soybean oil was the main contributor to PUFA in both age groups. In the 1-2-y group, children in rural areas had significantly higher intake of PUFA and n-3 fatty acids than did those in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide current information on dietary fat intake among young Korean children and could be used to establish dietary strategies for improvement of health status.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.11
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• pp.475-486
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• 2009

Regular activity program is needed for managing chronic disease and obesity and preventing falls as a nursing intervention. It seems that serious game will be very important for older people to keep them active with fun to improve their health. This study was conducted to explore the correlations between health problems and computer game needs in the elderly. This was a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was developed and administered to a convenience sample of adults who are older than 55 years, recruited from several places through trained research assistants and research center that has online pools in Korea. 778 subjects (mean age: $61.4\;{\pm}\;5.6$) were participated in this study. The majority of subjects was male (68.6%). We found that there was higher needs for exercise or serious game in the group of ma1e(55.4%), below undergraduate(66.2%), under two family members(32.5%), over 350,000 won of pocket money/month (40.1%), mild depressive symptom (51.7%), and online responser(68%). Especially, they wanted to overcome physical limitations through games. Higher education, more experiences and skills of using computer/internet was statistically and positively significant to the needs for exercise or serious game. In conclusion, there exists a potential market within this demographic group for the use of serious games. Thus, we need to develop senior games in Korean to improve quality of life and health promotion.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.53-64
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• 2017

Purpose - This study focuses on use intention of mobile travel Apps by Chinese tourists visiting Korea based on UTAUT model, ISS model and ITM model. And the corresponding market promotion schemes are proposed for operators of mobile travel Apps by the research results. Research design, data, and methodology - After collecting 326 respondents in China with cross-sectional questionnaires, this study begins the empirical research with users of mobile travel Apps, and analyzes data with IBM SPSS 23.0 and IBM AMOS 23.0. Results - The results of this study include the following aspects: firstly, the System quality and Information quality are accepted for hypotheses of Satisfaction and Performance expectancy. Secondly, the Personal Propensity to Trust and Firm Reputation are accepted for Initial Trust hypothesis, and the hypotheses of Firm Reputation and Initial Trust are accepted for Use Intention. Thirdly, the Performance expectancy, Effort expectancy, Social influence are accepted for Use Intention hypothesis. Conclusions - With the increase of tourists visiting Korea, it can be predicted that the needs visiting Korea will be increased persistently for Chinese - this trend brings about the increase of the Chinese travel. First, information quality greatly influences satisfaction and performance expectancy. The research result shows that, the higher the mobile traveling App's information quality is, the higher the satisfaction and performance expectancy will be. Therefore, operators of mobile traveling App should have in-depth investigations towards users, to know the latter's real demand to the information quality and then provide corresponding services. Second, performance expectancy and effort expectancy greatly influence users' intention. Therefore, mobile traveling App operators should improve Apps' convenience and efficiency and, in doing so, find an effective method for market expansion. Third, social influence greatly affects users' intention. The result shows that mobile traveling App operators should pay attention to the influence of mass media and friends' recommendation on users, thereby it is necessary to improve advertisement activities. Fourth, initial trust also influences users' intention. The result shows that initial trust is a key element inducing users to generate use intention. Therefore, mobile traveling Apps operators should make efforts to catch elements that influence users' initial trust.