• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.640-648
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• 2005

Purpose : Kawasaki disease(KD) is known as an acute multi-systemic vasculitis with various immunologic abnormalities. Adhesion of leukocyte to endothelial cells is a key event in the sequence of inflammatory response. This study was performed to investigate the clinical significance of serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1(sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in acute and subacute stages of typical KD for diagnostic and prognostic value. Methods : A typical KD group was 32 patients who were hospitalized from Jan. 2002 to Jun. 2004 was enrolled. Control was 16 non-KD patients with febrile illness. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were measured and compared by Echocardiographic and clinical findings and cardiac troponin T and I. Results : sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels of acute KD were significantly elevated over control(P=0.019 vs. P=0.049, respectively) and sICAM-1 was significantly decreased in subacute stage(P=0.0015). sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 had positive correlation with each other in both stages(P=0.0067, P=0.015, retrospectively). Neither sICAM-1 nor sVCAM-1 correctly reflected the coronary abnormalities and responsiveness to intravenous gammaglobulin(IVGG) in both stages. But sVCAM-1 was significantly increased in the carditis group in both stages(P=0.025, P=0.014, retrospectively) and had a positive correlation with troponin T(r=0.63, P=0.00063). Conclusion : The levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not very useful tools for detecting and predicting subsequent coronary abnormalities and responsiveness to IVGG in KD patients. However, sVCAM-1 appears to play a significant role in carditis of KD. Further studies are needed about various adhesion molecules and cytokines in the pathogenesis of KD.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2607-2616
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• 2012

This study was designed to figure out patient safety culture of medical institutions and try to utilize the study results as basic data for analyzing doctor's awareness of patient safety culture. To this end, questionnaire survey was conducted from August 1st to September 5th, 2011, targeting doctors working at senior general hospitals located in G city, and 194 questionnaires were utilized for final analysis. The research results are as follows. First, there was a difference in awareness of deployment of staffs depending on gender, age, term of service in the hospital, contact with patients and working hours per week in relationship between subjects, wards and hospital safety culture, and organizational learning and teamwork in the ward turned out to be significant in accordance with working hours per week, and all sub-areas of the ward safety culture by departments. Second, feedback about the malpractice, communication, report on malpractice frequency and overall safety awareness were found to be significant by departments in relationship of subjects, medical incident reporting system, patient safety evaluation and overall level of consciousness, and the overall safety awareness showed significant results according to contact with patients and working hours per week. Third, there was a positive corelation in sub-areas of the ward and hospital safety culture awareness, overall recognition and patient safety evaluation, and a positive corelation with medical incident reporting system was found in all areas except for attitude of managers/immediate supervisors and that of hospital executives. Fourth, sub-areas of patient safety culture which has a effect on patient safety showed significant results in organizational learning, openness of communication, overall safety awareness, systematic cooperation between departments, feedback/communication and non-punitive response. In conclusion, to increase the level of the ward and hospital patient safety culture of doctors and implement medical incident reporting system faithfully, it is necessary to activate teamwork through organizational learning in the ward based on the adequate staffing and working hours, promote open communication between departments and provide feedback on medical malpractice, thereby establishing a cooperative system by departments and active support of hospital executives for patient safet.

• Journal of Intelligence and Information Systems
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.135-155
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of interpretation level and intention to use message framing when autonomous vehicle, which is emerging as the product of 4th industrial revolution, is used as taxi, Interpretation level refers to the interpretation of a product or service, assuming that it will happen in the near future or in the distant future. Message framing refers to the formation of positive or negative expressions or messages at the extremes of benefits and losses. In other words, previous studies interpret the value of a product or service differently according to these two concepts. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in intention to use when two concepts are applied when an autonomous vehicle is launched as a taxi. The results are summarized as follows: First, the message format explaining the gain and why should be used when using the autonomous taxi in the message framing configuration, and the loss and how when the autonomous taxi is not used. Messages were constructed and compared. The two message framing differed (t = 3.063), and the message type describing the benefits and reasons showed a higher intention to use. In addition, the results according to interpretation level are summarized as follows. There was a difference in intentions to use when assuming that it would occur in the near future and in the near future with respect to the gain and loss, Respectively. In summary, in order to increase the intention of using autonomous taxis, it is concluded that messages should be given to people assuming positive messages (Gain) and what can happen in the distant future. In addition, this study will be able to utilize the research method in studying intention to use new technology. However, this study has the following limitations. First, it assumes message framing and time without user experience of autonomous taxi. This will be different from the actual experience of using an autonomous taxi in the future. Second, self-driving cars should technical progress is continuing, but laws and institutions must be established in order to commercialize it and build the infrastructure to operate the autonomous car. Considering this fact, the results of this study can not reflect a more realistic aspect. However, there is a practical limit to search for users with sufficient experience in new technologies such as autonomous vehicles. In fact, although the autonomous car to take advantage of the public transportation by taxi is now ready for the road infrastructure, and technical and legal public may not be willing to choose to not have enough knowledge to use the Autonomous cab. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is that by assuming that autonomous cars will be commercialized by taxi you can do to take advantage of the autonomous car, it is necessary to frame the message, why can most effectively be used to find how to deliver. In addition, the research methodology should be improved and future research should be done as follows. First, most students responded in this study. It is also true that it is difficult to generalize the hypotheses to be tested in this study. Therefore, in future studies, it would be reasonable to investigate the population of various distribution considering the age, area, occupation, education level, etc. Where autonomous taxi can be used rather than those who can drive. Second, it is desirable to construct various message framing of the questionnaire, but it is necessary to learn various message framing in advance and to prevent errors in response to the next message framing. Therefore, it is desirable to measure the message framing with a certain amount of time when the questionnaire is designed.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.66-74
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• 2003

Purpose : The matrix metalloprotelnases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes whose main function is the degradation of the extracellular matrix. Several studies have revealed that MMPs and TIMPS are related to the wound heating process and in photoaging caused by ultraviolet Irradiation. However, the expressions of MMP and TIMP after irradiation have not, to the best of our knowledge, been studied. This study investigates the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in rat Intestinal mucosa following irradiation. Materials and Methods : The entire abdomen of Sprague-Dawley rats was irradiated using a single dose method. The rats were sacrificed on day 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 14 following irradiation. Histopathological observations were made using hematoxilin & eosin staining. The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were examined using immunohistochemistry, Irnrnunoblotting and ELISA. Results : Radiation induced damage associated with atrophic villi, and infiltration of inflammatory cell was observed from the first postirradiation day, and severe tissue damage was observed on the second and the third postirradiation days. An increase in mitosis and the number of regenerating crypts, as evidence of regeneration, were most noticeable on the fifth postirradiation day. From the immunohistochemlstry, the MMP-2 expression was observed from the first postirradiation day, but was most conspicuous on the third and the fifth postirradiation days. The TIMP-2 expression was most conspicuous on the fifth postirradiation day. From the irnrnunoblotting, the MMP-2 expression was strongly positive on the third postirradlatlon day, and that of TIMP-2 showed a strong positive response on the fifth postirradiation day. In ELISA tests, the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were increased in the postirradiation groups compared to those of the normal controls, and showed a maximum increase on the fifth postirradiatlon day. These results were statistically significant. Conclusion : The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were increased in the intestinal mucosa of the rats following irradiation, and these results correlated with the histopathological findings, such as tissue damage and regeneration. Therefore, this study suggests that MMP-2 and TIMP-2 play roles in the mechanisms of radiation-induced damage and regeneration of intestinal mucosa of rats.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.21 no.2 s.34
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• pp.121-132
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• 2005

We investigated the reproductive cycle with gonad developmental phases of Sinonovacula constricta by histological observations, and seasonal changes in biochemical component of the adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle and mantle were studied by biochemical analysis, from January to December, 2004. The reproductive cycle of this species can be classifed into five successive stages: early active stage (March to May), late active stage (May to July), ripe stage (July to September), partially spawned stage (August to October) and spentfinactive stage (October to March). Total protein content was the highest in the following order: adductor muscle, visceral mass, foot muscle, and mantle. Except for mantle, it was generally higher during the ripe and spawning stages, while lower during the spent/inactive stage. There were positive correlations in total protein contents among adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. However, the correlations were not statistically significant. Total lipid content was the highest in the visceral mass; it was more than 5 or 6-fold higher than those in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, or mantle. The monthly change was also most dynamic in the visceral mass. It first Increased during the early active stage (March to May), decreased during late active stage (May to July), and then increased again rapidly during the spawning stage (September). There were a strong negative correlation in total lipid contents between foot muscle and adductor muscle (r = -0.634, p = 0.027), and a strong positive correlation between adductor muscle and mantle (r = 0.665, p = 0.018). Glycogen contents showed more or less similar pattern to total lipid contents in the adductor muscle, foot muscle, and visceral mass. It was higher during the early active and spawning stages, while lower during the late active and spent/inactive stages. There was no statistically significant correlation in glycogen contents among different tissues. Especially, total lipid content showed a negative correlationship between the foot muscle, adductor muscle, visceral mass and mantle. Therefore, these results indicate that the nutrient content of the foot muscle, adductor muscle, viseral mass and mantle changed in response to gonadal energy needs.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.703-718
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• 2000

In order to investigate interannual variation of total ozone and reflectivity over the globe, Nimbus-7/TOMS data were used on the monthly mean and its anomaly for the period of 1979-92. This study also examined MSU channel 4(Ch4; lower-stratosphere) brightness temperature data and two model reanalyses of NCEP and GEOS to compare the ozone variation with atmospheric thermal condition. In addition, the MSU channel 1(Ch1 ; lower-troposphere) brightness temperature was used to compare with the reflectivity. The ozone showed strong annual cycle with downward trend(-6.3${\pm}$0.6 DU/decade) over the globe, and more distinct response to volcanic eruption than El Ni${\tilde{n}$o. The relationship between total ozone and MSU Ch4 observation, and between the ozone and model reanalyses of lower stratosphere temperature showed positive correlation(0.2-0.7) during the period of 1980-92. Reflectivity increased interannually by 0.2${\pm}$0.06%/decade over the globe during the above period and reflected El Ni${\tilde{n}$o(1982-83, 1991-92) well. Its variability in annual cycle was remarkably smaller in tropics than in higher latitudes. This is inferred due to cloud suppression and tropical upwelling regions. Reflectivity correlated negatively(-0.9) to the Ch1 temperature over the globe, but positively(0.2) over tropical ocean. The positive value over the ocean results from the effect of microwave emissivity which increases the Ch1 temperature with enhanced hydrometeor activity. Significant correlations between total ozone and the Ch4 temperature, and between reflectivity and the Ch1 Suggest that the TOMS data may use valuably to better understand the feedback mechanism of climate change.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.646-658
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• 2004

In this study, the effects of feedback types in self-assessment on the students' science concept understanding and science-related attitudes were investigated. Student's perceptions towards the self-assessment and the feedback provided were also examined. Ten classes from a middle school were chosen. Five of those classes were assigned to the comparative group that any type of feedback was not provided and the other five classes were assigned to the experimental group which feedback was provided. The experimental group was further divided into three groups for implement of three types of feedback. Experimental group A was given feedback in the form of written comments and experimental group B was provided feedback through correct-wrong response to the students answer. Experimental group C was provided oral feedback to the whole class. The tests of science-related attitudes were administered before and after the instruction period. The science concepts understanding test was done only after the instruction. There were significant differences between the experimental group and comparative group in understanding of scientific concepts. The enhancement of science-related attitudes was also significantly higher for the experimental group. There were significant differences between the experimental groups in science-related attitudes. However, there were no significant differences in understanding of scientific concepts in relation to the types of feedback in experiment groups. Interviews with the students of the experimental groups showed that students had positive attitudes towards self-assessment and the types of feedback. And they regarded self-assessment and feedback as helping them understand the science concepts. In conclusion, it was acknowledged that providing feedback in self-assessment showed considerably positive influences on the improvement of the understanding of scientific concepts and science-related attitudes.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 1995

Background: Although we gain new knowledge, the problem of pneumonia will not be eliminated. We should understand who is at risk, why these people develop this problem, what causes the pneumonia, and how to manage and prevent respiratory infection. To clarify the alterations of the etiologies of bacterial pneumonia we analysed the recent causative organisms and evaluated the therapeutic implications. Methods: A retrospective four-year study of bacterial pneumonia was conducted in Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital. 190 episodes of bacterial pneumonia was investigated. Results: 1) The causative organisms were isolated in 173 cases on the sputum culture: 154 cases (89%) were gram negative bacilli and 19 cases(11%) were gram positive cocci. The major organisms were Pseudomonas species 49 cases(28%), Klebsiella pneumoniae 29 cases(17%), Enterobacter species 25 cases(14%), and Acinetobacter species 20 cases(12%) in decreasing order. Pseudomonas species(13 cases, 34%) were frequently found in nosocomial pneumonia. 2) The causative organisms were isolated in 16 cases on the blood culture: 7 cases(43%) were gram negative bacilli and 9 cases(57%) were gram positive cocci. The major organisms were Staphylococcus aureus(6 cases, 38%), Pseudomonas species(3 cases, 19%) in decreasing order. 3) In the susceptibility test of causative organisms to antimicrobial drugs, Pseudomonas was susceptible to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, aztreonam, ceftazidime(more than 50%) and resistant to piperacillin, gentamicin, carbenicillin(more than 60%). Klebsiella was susceptible to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, cefotetan(more than 70%) and resistant to carbenicillin, ampicillin(more than 70%). Staphylococcus was susceptible to methicillin(64%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae was susceptible to oxacillin(94%). 4) The response rate after antibiotics therapy was 81% and the mortality rate was 19%. Conclusion: As considering the changes of causative organisms and antibiotic resistance, it behooves us to exercise caution in dispending antibiotics in order to maximize their continued efficacy and to do appropiate antibiotics therapy based on cultures and susceptibility test.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2006

Background : Excision repair cross complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) not only has a protective role against carcinogens, but plays an important role in cisplatin-resistance via the repair of cisplatin-DNA adducts. This study investigated the association between the ERCC1 expression levels in sputum and survival after cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods : Using the sputum collected from 67 inoperable (stage IIIa-IV) NSCLC patients treated with either taxanes (33 cases) or gemcitabine (34 cases) plus cisplatin, the relative expression levels of ERCC1 and the expression of the tumor specific antigen, MAGE, were examined by the quantitative RT-PCR and RT-PCR, respectively. The response and survival were compared with the relative level of ERCC1 or MAGE expression and the treatment modality. Results : In the sputum, ERCC1 and MAGE was detected in 74.6% and 40.2% of patients, respectively. Using the median ERCC1 level, the patients were classified as having high or low ERCC1 expression. The median overall survival (MST) was significantly longer in patients with a high ERCC1 expression level than those with a low expression level (84 weeks vs. 44 weeks respectively, P=0.017). In the taxene-based treatment group, the MST was longer than the gemcitabine group (79 weeks vs. 47 weeks, respectively, P=0.03). The levels of ERCC1 were significantly higher in patients who were MAGE-positive (P=0.003). In the MAGE-negative patients, the MST was longer in the high ERCC1 group (103 weeks vs. 43 weeks, P=0.008), but not in the MAGE-positive patients (62 weeks vs. 44 weeks, P=0.348). Conclusion : ERCC1 expression in the sputum can be a prognostic factor for survival after chemotherapy in patients with inoperable NSCLC.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.226-233
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• 2004

Background : Interferon-gamma (IFN-${\gamma}$) is a critical cytokine in the defense against a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Even though IFN-${\gamma}$ has occasionally been used in the treatment of refractory multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) with some promising results, there is still some controversy regarding the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-${\gamma}$. This study was performed to examine the effect of subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}$ in the treatment of MDR-TB patients. Methods : Six patients with refractory MDR-TB were enrolled in this study. Two million IU of IFN-${\gamma}$ was administered subcutaneously three times a week with the concomitant administration of antituberculous drugs for at least for 28 weeks. During the IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy, the sputum smear and culture, radiological and clinical evaluations were performed every 4 weeks throughout the study period. Results : The mean age of the 6 patients was 37 years (ranges, 15-61 years). The drug susceptibility test to standard antituberculous drugs revealed resistance to an average of 6.8 (${\pm}1.2$) agents including isoniazid and rifampicin. An average of 10.8 (${\pm}1.3$) antituberculous drugs were prescribed before IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy. The culture became negative in 2 patients (33%) after initiating IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy; one at 8 weeks, and the other at 24 weeks. Finally, after stopping the IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy after 28 weeks, the culture became positive again in the two patients who were culture-negative. The other 4 patients who failed in the culture conversion are still on antituberculous treatment except for one who died of tuberculosis. Conclusion : Even though 28 weeks of subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy in combination with antituberculous drugs was successful in inducing the culture-negative conversion in some patients with refractory MDR-TB, the culture became positive again after stopping the IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy. This suggests that subcutaneous IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy may have suppressive effect on tuberculosis only during the IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy period in some patients. Further studies will be needed to determine the optimum dose, the administration route, the duration of therapy, and the predicting factors of the response to adjuvant IFN-${\gamma}$ therapy.