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The Factors Influencing the Systemic Action of Dimethoate (O.O-dimethyl-S-(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl) phosphorodithioate) to the Rice Seeds and Phytotoxic Effects (수도종자에의 Dimethoate 침투력 및 발아저해에 관여하는 요인에 관한 연구)

  • Choi Seung Yoon
    • Korean journal of applied entomology
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.57-74
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    • 1970
  • These experiments were conducted to investigate the :actors influencing the systemic action of Dimethoate (O,O-dimethyl-S-(N-methylcarhamoylmethyl) photphorodithioate) to rice seeds and the phytotoxic effects on the seed germination. Dimethoate $(Roxion^{(R)})$ $40\%$ emulsion was used. The varieties tested were Jinheung. Nongkwang,Suwon #82, Norm #6, Paltal, Shirogane, Suseong, Pungkwang, Shin #2, Fujisaka #5, Kwanok, and Jaekeun. The permeated Dimethoate was extracted from the treated seeds by chloroform and quantities were determined by Spectrophotometer. The phytotoxicity was evaluated from the effects on the germination of the treated seeds which were kept in an incubator. The oxygen consumption was measured by Warburg Manometer at $30^{\circ}C$ for 60 minutes. Indices of KOH disintegration of seeds and chemical composition of the seeds were also determined. The results obtained were as followings; 1) The amount of permeated Dimethoate in the seeds showed remarkable differences with varieties. The amount of Dimethoate per 100 grains was greater as in the ascending order of Suseong, Kwanok, Nongkwang, Jinheung, Paltal, Fujisaka #5, Suwon #82, Norm #6, Shirogane, Shin #2, Pungkwang and Jaekeun. 2) It was observed that the total amount of Dimethoate in the seeds(mg./100 grains) were greater among the varieties with large grain than those with small grains, while reverse cases were true in the amount of Dimethoate in a gramme of seeds, probably because of the greater surface areas In a small grains for a gramme weight. 3) There was no significant correlation between the permeated amount of Dimethoate and amount of absorbed water by the seeds when the seeds were treated with $0.1\%$ Dimethoate for 24 and 48 hours. 4) The permeability of Dimethoate to seeds significantly increased in the prolonged soaking periods, higher concentration, and higher temperature. 5) When the seeds were treated with $0.1\%$ Dimethoate for 24 and 48 hours at $15^{\circ},\;20^{\circ},\; 20^{\circ},\; and \;30^{\circ}C$, the permeated amount of Dimethoate were increased at higher temperature. It seems to be that the more active penetration of Dimethoate was involved at the higher temperature. 6) The phytotoxic effects of Dinethoate on the seed germination varied with the varieties. An descending order of varietal tolerance of seeds was as followings: Jinheung, Fujisaka #5, Suwon #82, Paltal, Nongkwang, Jaekeun, Shin #2, Kwanok, Shirogane, Pungkwang, Suseong, and Norm #6. 7) There was a positive correlation between the amount of Dimethoate permeated into the seeds (mg./gram. of seeds) and phytotoxicity of seeds. 8) The Phytotoxic effects of Dimethoate showed close correlation with the degree of KOH disintegration of seeds, average germination periods, and oxygen respiration of seeds. 9) It was observed that higher protein contents of the seeds decreased the phytotoxic effects of Dimethoate. 10) Relatively high negative correlation between the degree of KOH disintegration of seeds and crude protein content of the seeds was observed. 11) The average germination period was delayed for about 2 days when the seeds were treated with $0.2\%$ Dimethoate for 24 hours at $30^{\circ}C$. 12) The oxygen consumption of the seeds treated with $0.2\%$ Dimethoate for 24 hours at $30^{\circ}C$ was greatly decreased when compared with that of the normal seeds. 13) The amount of oxygen consumption of the seeds (in 24 hours after 24 hours water soaking) was negatively correlated with the average germination periods of the seeds.

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The Usefulness of Dyspnea Rating in Evaluation for Pulmonary Impairment/Disability in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease (만성폐질환자의 폐기능손상 및 장애 평가에 있어서 호흡곤란정도의 유용성)

  • Park, Jae-Min;Lee, Jun-Gu;Kim, Young-Sam;Chang, Yoon-Soo;Ahn, Kang-Hyun;Cho, Hyun-Myung;Kim, Se-Kyu;Chang, Joon;Kim, Sung-Kyu;Lee, Won-Young
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.46 no.2
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    • pp.204-214
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    • 1999
  • Background: Resting pulmonary function tests(PFTs) are routinely used in the evaluation of pulmonary impairment/disability. But the significance of the cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPX) in the evaluation of pulmonary impairment is controvertible. Many experts believe that dyspnea, though a necessary part of the assessment, is not a reliable predictor of impairment. Nevertheless, oxygen requirements of an organism at rest are different from at activity or exercising, and a clear relationship between resting PFTs and exercise tolerance has not been established in patients with chronic pulmonary disease. As well, the relationship between resting PFTs and dyspnea is complex. To investigate the relationship of dyspnea, resting PFTs, and CPX, we evaluated the patients of stabilized chronic pulmonary disease with clinical dyspnea rating(baseline dyspnea index, BDI), resting PFTs, and CPX. Method: The 50 patients were divided into two groups: non-severe and severe group on basis of results of resting PFTs(by criteria of ATS), CPX(by criteria of ATS or Ortega), and dyspnea rating(by focal score of BDI). Groups were compared with respect to pulmonary function, indices of CPX, and dyspnea rating. Results: 1. According to the criteria of pulmonary impairment with resting PFTs, $VO_2$max, and focal score of BDI were significantly low in the severe group(p<0.01). According to the criteria of $VO_2$max(ml/kg/min) and $VO_2$max(%), the parameters of resting PFTs, except $FEV_1$ were not significantly different between non-severe and severe(p>0.05). According to focal score($FEV_1$(%), FVC(%), MW(%), $FEV_1/FVC$, and $VO_2$max were significantly lower in the severe group(p<0.01). However, in the more severe dyspneic group(focal score<5), only $VO_2$max(ml/kg/min) and $VO_2$max(%) were low(p<0.01). $FEV_1$(%) was correlated with $VO_2$max(%)(r=0.52;p<0.01), but not predictive of exercise performance. The focal score had the correlation with max WR(%) (r=0.55;p<0.01). Sensitivity and specificity analysis were utilized to compare the different criteria used to evaluate the severity of pulmonary impairment, revealed that the classification would be different according to the criteria used. And focal score for dyspnea showed similar sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion : According to these result, resting PFTs were not superior to rating of dyspnea in prediction of exercise performance in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases and less correlative with focal score for dyspnea than $VO_2$max and max WR. Therefore, if not contraindicated, CPX would be considered to evaluate the severity of pulmonary impairment in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, including with severe resting PFTs. Current criteria used to evaluate the severity of impairment were insufficient in considering the degree of dyspnea, so new criteria, including the severity of dyspnea, may be necessary.

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Dose Planning of Forward Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer using Compensating Filters (보상여과판을 이용한 비인강암의 전방위 강도변조 방사선치료계획)

  • Chu Sung Sil;Lee Sang-wook;Suh Chang Ok;Kim Gwi Eon
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.53-65
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    • 2001
  • Purpose : To improve the local control of patients with nasopharyngeal cancer, we have implemented 3-D conformal radiotherapy and forward intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to used of compensating filters. Three dimension conformal radiotherapy with intensity modulation is a new modality for cancer treatments. We designed 3-D treatment planning with 3-D RTP (radiation treatment planning system) and evaluation dose distribution with tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Material and Methods : We have developed a treatment plan consisting four intensity modulated photon fields that are delivered through the compensating tilters and block transmission for critical organs. We get a full size CT imaging including head and neck as 3 mm slices, and delineating PTV (planning target volume) and surrounding critical organs, and reconstructed 3D imaging on the computer windows. In the planning stage, the planner specifies the number of beams and their directions including non-coplanar, and the prescribed doses for the target volume and the permissible dose of normal organs and the overlap regions. We designed compensating filter according to tissue deficit and PTV volume shape also dose weighting for each field to obtain adequate dose distribution, and shielding blocks weighting for transmission. Therapeutic gains were evaluated by numerical equation of tumor control probability and normal tissue complication probability. The TCP and NTCP by DVH (dose volume histogram) were compared with the 3-D conformal radiotherapy and forward intensity modulated conformal radiotherapy by compensator and blocks weighting. Optimization for the weight distribution was peformed iteration with initial guess weight or the even weight distribution. The TCP and NTCP by DVH were compared with the 3-D conformal radiotherapy and intensitiy modulated conformal radiotherapy by compensator and blocks weighting. Results : Using a four field IMRT plan, we have customized dose distribution to conform and deliver sufficient dose to the PTV. In addition, in the overlap regions between the PTV and the normal organs (spinal cord, salivary grand, pituitary, optic nerves), the dose is kept within the tolerance of the respective organs. We evaluated to obtain sufficient TCP value and acceptable NTCP using compensating filters. Quality assurance checks show acceptable agreement between the planned and the implemented MLC(multi-leaf collimator). Conclusion : IMRT provides a powerful and efficient solution for complex planning problems where the surrounding normal tissues place severe constraints on the prescription dose. The intensity modulated fields can be efficaciously and accurately delivered using compensating filters.

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Association of osteoarthritis and bone mineral density in women -The health and nutritional examination survey in Kuri- (여성의 골관절염과 골밀도간의 관련성 분석 -구리시민 건강.영양진단 조사결과를 바탕으로-)

  • Sheen, Seung-Soo;Lee, Soon-Young;Min, Byung-Hyun;Suh, Il
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.30 no.4 s.59
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    • pp.669-685
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    • 1997
  • Previous studies, reporting the inverse relationship between osteoarthritis and osteoporosis suggest the existence of possible pathophysiologic mechanisms between them. To examinine the hypothesis that 'bone mineral densities of women with osteoarthritis are significantly higher than that of women without osteoarthritis in Korea', subjects from the health and nutritional examination survey in Kuri city were sampled. Samples were selected through multi-stage sampling frame using established clusters in Kuri city. From August 18 to September 10,1997, the survey was conducted. Among the. total number of selected sample population (1,656 people), response .ate was 52.4 percent (348 men and 519 women). 420 women who took BMD measurement, radiologic exam, and anthropometric exam were selected for the analysis. The analytic results are as follows. 1. General characteristics: Mean BMD was $0.493g/cm^2$, mean age was 43.0, mean BMI was $23.9kg/m^2$. The number of women who experienced menopause was 106, hysterectomy was 19. There were 0 case of osteoarthritis of hip, 64 cases of osteoarthritis of knee, and 2 cases of osteoarthritis of hand. 2. Univariate analysis results: Mean BMD of women with the osteoarthritis of knee was significantly lower than that of women without the osteoarthritis of knee(0.4269 vs. $0.5057g/cm^2$). But, there were too few cases of osteoarthritis of hip and hand, so comparative studies of BMD in osteoarthritis of hip and hand could not be conducted. There were significant differences of BMD among pre-menopause group(0.5204), post-menopause group(0.4206), and hysterectomy group(0.4881). Additionally, there were significant differences of BMD among diabetes group(0.4297), impaired glucose tolerance group(0.4874), and normal group(0.5057). Furthermore, age, parity, BMI, bioimpedance were significantly related with BMD. 3. Multivariate analysis results: To examinine the relationship between osteoarthritis and BMD while controlling the other variables' effects which were significant in the univariate analyses, multiple linear regression analysis was done. But, it was found that osteoarthritis of knee was not a significant variable to BMD anymore. While age and menopause had significant negative relationship with BMD. Diabetes, parity, BMI, and bioimpedance did not have significant relationships with BMD. After stratification of subjects according to menopause, multiple linear regression analyses were done to each strata. Consequently, age in post-menopause group, age and osteoarthritis of knee in hysterectomy group showed significant negative relationship with BMD. The results did not support the many results of other previous studies done with white men and women. further studies of biological plausibility to Korean women are recommended. Also it is suggested that longitudinal study to verify the relationship between osteoarthritis and BMD will be valuable.

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Heavy metal concentration of plants in Baekdong serpentine area, western part of chungnam (충남 서부 백동 사문암지역 식물체의 중금속 함량)

  • 송석환;김명희;민일식;장인수
    • Journal of Korea Soil Environment Society
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    • v.4 no.2
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    • pp.113-125
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    • 1999
  • Heavy metal elements were analysed to assess degrees of heavy metal contents for the plants, M. sinensis, A. vulgaris and G. oldhamiana, from the Baekdong serpentine area within the western part of Chungnam. The area was divided into two sites ; serpentine area (SP, consisting of serpentinite, SP) and non-serpentine area (NSP, containing amphibole schist, AS and gneiss, GN). Their host rocks(R) and top soils(S) were also collected from the each site. As the results of the study, the plants contain high concentration of Ni Cr, Co in the SP and Fe, Zn in the AS and GN. Plants from the AS of the NSP contain mainly high content in the most of elements. Averages of Ni, Co and Cr for the plants decreased in the order of SP, AS and GN. In the total element contents, M. sinensis and A. vulgaris decreased in the order of Fe > Ni or Cr > Zn > Co > As > Sc within the SP and in the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni, within the GN. Comparing among the parts of plants, root parts were higher in the most of elements than the above grounds. In the relative element ratios of plants collected from the SP and GN (SP/GN) M. sinensis was lower than A. vulgaris in the most of elements, suggesting that the M. sinenis shows low absorption within the infertile serpentine soil and high absorption within the fertile gneiss soil. In the element contents of the top soils and their host rocks, the SP shows higher Ni, Co and Cr contents than the others. Their total contents decreased from SP to AS and GN, suggesting that the soils reflect the composition of their host rocks. Total element contents of the SP decreased in the order of Fe> Cr or Ni> Co> Zn> As> Sc and, for the GN, in the order of Fe> Zn> Cr> Ni> Co or Sc, respectively. In the relative element ratios, R/S of the SP decreased in the order of Cr> As> Fe> Sc> Co> Ni> Zn and for the GN, in the order of Sc> Fe> Ni> Zn> Cr> Co. Comparing with plants within the each site, their top soils were higher than the plants in the most of elements. and their increase and decrease trends for each element are similar. Differences of element contents between the top soils and plants decreased in the order of SP, AS and GN. Plants of the GN were moi-e similar to their soils than those of the others, suggesting that each plant species show different absorptions within the different soils. Comparing with the plants of GN, higher Ni, Co, Cr contents within those of the SP and their survival within the infertile serpentine soil suggest that the M. sinensis, A vulgaris and G. oldhamiana may be the tolerance species in the serpentine soil. Comparisons with the upper crust show that M. sinensis, and A. vulgaris within the SP show high Hi and Cr contents. suggestive of hyperaccumulation. Upper results with the previous studies for the contaminated soils developed as parent materials with the serpentinites suggest additional studies for ecological behaviors for the plant and degrees of accumulations for the elements need to know phytoextraction of the heavy metal elements within the soils.

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Effect of VA Mycorrhizal Fungi on Alleviation of Salt Injury in Hot Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) (VA 균근균(菌根菌) 접종(接種)에 의한 고추의 염류장해(鹽類障害) 경감효과(輕減效果))

  • Sohn, Bo-Kyoon;Huh, Sang-Man;Kim, Kil-Yong;Kim, Yong-Woong
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.33 no.6
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    • pp.482-492
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    • 2000
  • Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi are known to increase plant growth as well as to enhance salt tolerance of plants where plant roots are colonized by VAM. In pot experiment, pepper was grown in soil containing 0, 200, 400, and $600P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ with and without mycorrhizal inoculum. Pots were irrigated with saline water containing 0.5, 2.0, and $6.0dS\;m^{-1}$. At 0, 200, and $400P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ of three EC treatments, plant hight in mycorrhizal treatments was significantly different compared to nonmycorrhizal treatments. However, plant hight at $600P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ was not different between mycorrhizal and nomycorrhizal treatments. Leaf area at $0P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ of three EC treatments, and $200P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ of $6.0dS\;m^{-1}$ in mycorrhizal treatments significantly increased compared to nonmycorrhizal treatments. However, these increase were not discovered in high salinity and P level. Level of EC affected dry weight, and especially, interection of P and EC, or P and VA inoculation highly affected root dry weight. R/S ratio generally decreased in mycorrhizal treatments. Significantly decreased R/S ratio was shown at 0, 400, and $600P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ of $6.0dS\;m^{-1}$. Chlorophyll content generally increased with decreased salinity and P level where mycorrhizal treatments showed higher chlorophyll content compared to nonmycorrhizal treatments. The benefits of VAM inoculation on fruit production was discovered at only low P level and salinity. Mycorrhizal dependency on dry weight basis was generally shown in $0P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ of three EC treatments and 0.5, $2.0dS\;m^{-1}$ of $200P\;kg\;ha^{-1}$ level. Colonization rate ranged 3.3 to 43.3% and number of spores was 47.7 to 198.3 $100g^{-1}$ soil. Colonization rate and number of spores increased with decreased P level and salinity where there was high correlation ($r=0.858^{**}$) between both. Also improved uptake of mineral nutrients was discovered at mycorrhizal treatments in decreased P level and salinity.

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A Study on the Availability of the On-Board Imager(OBI) and Cone-Beam CT(CBCT) in the Verification of Patient Set-up (온보드 영상장치(On-Board Imager) 및 콘빔CT(CBCT)를 이용한 환자 자세 검증의 유용성에 대한 연구)

  • Bak, Jino;Park, Sung-Ho;Park, Suk-Won
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.26 no.2
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    • pp.118-125
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: On-line image guided radiation therapy(on-line IGRT) and(kV X-ray images or cone beam CT images) were obtained by an on-board imager(OBI) and cone beam CT(CBCT), respectively. The images were then compared with simulated images to evaluate the patient's setup and correct for deviations. The setup deviations between the simulated images(kV or CBCT images), were computed from 2D/2D match or 3D/3D match programs, respectively. We then investigated the correctness of the calculated deviations. Materials and Methods: After the simulation and treatment planning for the RANDO phantom, the phantom was positioned on the treatment table. The phantom setup process was performed with side wall lasers which standardized treatment setup of the phantom with the simulated images, after the establishment of tolerance limits for laser line thickness. After a known translation or rotation angle was applied to the phantom, the kV X-ray images and CBCT images were obtained. Next, 2D/2D match and 3D/3D match with simulation CT images were taken. Lastly, the results were analyzed for accuracy of positional correction. Results: In the case of the 2D/2D match using kV X-ray and simulation images, a setup correction within $0.06^{\circ}$ for rotation only, 1.8 mm for translation only, and 2.1 mm and $0.3^{\circ}$ for both rotation and translation, respectively, was possible. As for the 3D/3D match using CBCT images, a correction within $0.03^{\circ}$ for rotation only, 0.16 mm for translation only, and 1.5 mm for translation and $0.0^{\circ}$ for rotation, respectively, was possible. Conclusion: The use of OBI or CBCT for the on-line IGRT provides the ability to exactly reproduce the simulated images in the setup of a patient in the treatment room. The fast detection and correction of a patient's positional error is possible in two dimensions via kV X-ray images from OBI and in three dimensions via CBCT with a higher accuracy. Consequently, the on-line IGRT represents a promising and reliable treatment procedure.

Clinical Experience of Three Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (비소세포성 폐암에서 3차원 입체조형 방사선 치료 성적)

  • Choi Eun Kyung;Lee Byong Yong;Kang One Chul;Nho Young Ju;Chung Weon Kuu;Ahn Seung Do;Kim Jong Hoon;Chang Hyesook
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.16 no.3
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    • pp.265-274
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    • 1998
  • Purpose : This prospective study has been conducted to assess the value of three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) for lung cancer and to determine its potential advantage over current treatment approaches. Specific aims of this study were to 1) find the most ideal 3DCRT technique 2) establish the maximum tolerance dose that can be delivered with 3DCRT and 3) identify patients at risk for development of radiation pneumonitis. Materials and Methods : Beginning in Nov. 1994, 95 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (stage I; 4, stage II; 1, stage IIIa; 14, stage IIIb; 76) were entered onto this 3D conformal trial Areas of known disease and elective nodal areas were initially treated to 45 Gy and then using 3DCRT technique 65 to 70 Gy of total dose were delivered to the gross disease. Sixty nine patients received 65 Gy of total dose and 26 received 70 Gy Seventy eight patients (82.1$\%$) also received concurrent MVP chemotherapy. 3DCRT plans were compared with 2D plans to assess the adequacy of dose delivery to target volume, dose volume histograms for normal tissue, and normal tissue complication Probabilities (NTCP). Results : Most of plans (78/95) were composed of non-coplanar multiple (4-8) fields. Coplanar segmented conformal therapy was used in 17 pateints, choosing the proper gantry angle which minimize normal lung exposure in each segment. 3DCRT gave the full dose to nearly 100$\%$ of the gross disease target volume in all patients. The mean NTCP for ipsilateral lung with 3DCRT (range; 0.17-0.43) was 68$\%$ of the mean NTCP with 2D treatment planning (range; 0.27-0.66). DVH analysis for heart showed that irradiated volume of heart could be significantly reduced by non-coplanar 3D approach especially in the case of left lower lobe lesion. Of 95 patients evaluable for response, 75 (79$\%$), showed major response including 25 (26$\%$) with complete responses and 50 (53$\%$) with partial responses. One and two rear overall survivals of stage III patients were 62.6$\%$ and 35.2$\%$ respectively. Twenty percent (19/95) of patients had pneumonitis; Eight patients had grade 1 pneumonitis and 11 other patients had grade 2. Comparison of the average of NTCP for lung showed a significant difference between patients with and without radiation pneumonitis. Average NTCP for Patients without complication was 62$\%$ of those with complications. Conclusions : This study showed that non-coplanar multiple fields (4-8) may be one of the ideal plans for 3DCRT for lung cancer. It also suggested that 3DCRT may provide superior delivery of high dose radiation with reduced risk to normal tissue and that NTCP can be used as a guideline for the dose escalation.

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Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty of Mobile Communication Industry in China (중국이동통신산업중적복무질량(中国移动通信产业中的服务质量), 고객만의도화고객충성도(顾客满意度和顾客忠诚度))

  • Zhang, Ruijin;Li, Xiangyang;Zhang, Yunchang
    • Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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    • v.20 no.3
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    • pp.269-277
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    • 2010
  • Previous studies have shown that the most important factor affecting customer loyalty in the service industry is service quality. However, on the subject of whether service quality has a direct or indirect effect on customer loyalty, scholars' views apparently vary. Some studies suggest that service quality has a direct and fundamental influence on customer loyalty (Bai and Liu, 2002). However, others have shown that service quality not only directly affects customer loyalty, it also has an indirect impact on customer loyalty by influencing customer satisfaction and perceived value (Cronin, Brady, and Hult, 2000). Currently, there are few domestic articles that specifically address the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry. Moreover, research has studied customer loyalty as a whole variable, rather than breaking it down further into multiple dimensions. Based on this analysis, this paper summarizes previous study results, establishes an effect mechanism model among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in the mobile communication industry, and presents a statistical test on model assumptions by using customer investigation data from Heilongjiang Mobile Company. It provides theoretical guidance for mobile service management based on the discussion of the hypothesis test results. For data collection, the sample comprised mobile users in Harbin city, and the survey was taken by random sampling. Out of a total of 300 questionnaires, 276 (92.9%) were recovered. After excluding invalid questionnaires, 249 remained, for an effective rate of 82.6 percent for the study. Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ coefficient was adapted to assess the scale reliability, and validity testing was conducted on the questionnaire from three aspects: content validity, construct validity. and convergent validity. The study tested for goodness of fit mainly from the absolute and relative fit indexes. From the hypothesis testing results, overall, four assumptions have not been supported. The ultimate affective relationship of service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty is demonstrated in Figure 2. On the whole, the service quality of the communication industry not only has a direct positive significant effect on customer loyalty, it also has an indirect positive significant effect on customer loyalty through service quality; the affective mechanism and extent of customer loyalty are different, and are influenced by each dimension of service quality. This study used the questionnaires of existing literature from home and abroad and tested them in empirical research, with all questions adapted to seven-point Likert scales. With the SERVQUAL scale of Parasuraman, Zeithaml, and Berry (1988), or PZB, as a reference point, service quality was divided into five dimensions-tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy-and the questions were simplified down to nineteen. The measurement of customer satisfaction was based mainly on Fornell (1992) and Wang and Han (2003), ending up with four questions. Based on the study’s three indicators of price tolerance, first choice, and complaint reaction were used to measure attitudinal loyalty, while repurchase intention, recommendation, and reputation measured behavioral loyalty. The collection and collation of literature data produced a model of the relationship among service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty in mobile communications, and China Mobile in the city of Harbin in Heilongjiang province was used for conducting an empirical test of the model and obtaining some useful conclusions. First, service quality in mobile communication is formed by the five factors mentioned earlier: tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. On the basis of PZB SERVQUAL, the study designed a measurement scale of service quality for the mobile communications industry, and obtained these five factors through exploratory factor analysis. The factors fit basically with the five elements, indicating the concept of five elements of service quality for the mobile communications industry. Second, service quality in mobile communications has both direct and indirect positive effects on attitudinal loyalty, with the indirect effect being produced through the intermediary variable, customer satisfaction. There are also both direct and indirect positive effects on behavioral loyalty, with the indirect effect produced through two intermediary variables: customer satisfaction and attitudinal loyalty. This shows that better service quality and higher customer satisfaction will activate the attitudinal to service providers more active and show loyalty to service providers much easier. In addition, the effect mechanism of all dimensions of service quality on all dimensions of customer loyalty is different. Third, customer satisfaction plays a significant intermediary role among service quality and attitudinal and behavioral loyalty, indicating that improving service quality can boost customer satisfaction and make it easier for satisfied customers to become loyal customers. Moreover, attitudinal loyalty plays a significant intermediary role between service quality and behavioral loyalty, indicating that only attitudinally and behaviorally loyal customers are truly loyal customers. The research conclusions have some indications for Chinese telecom operators and others to upgrade their service quality. Two limitations to the study are also mentioned. First, all data were collected in the Heilongjiang area, so there might be a common method bias that skews the results. Second, the discussion addresses the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty, setting customer satisfaction as mediator, but does not consider other factors, like customer value and consumer features, This research will be continued in the future.

Combined Modality Therapy with Selective Bladder Preservation for Muscle Invading Bladder Cancer (침윤성 방광암 환자에서 방광 보존 치료)

  • Youn Seon Min;Yang Kwang Mo;Lee Hyung Sik;Hur Won Joo;Oh Sin Geun;Lee Jong Cheol;Yoon Jin Han;Kwon Heon Young;Jung Kyung Woo;Jung Se Il
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.19 no.3
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    • pp.237-244
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    • 2001
  • Purpose : To assess the tolerance, complete response rate, bladder preservation rate and survival rate in patients with muscle-invading bladder cancer treated with selective bladder preservation protocol. Method and Materials : From October 1990 to June 1998, twenty six patients with muscle-invading bladder cancer (clinical stage T2-4, N0-3, M0) were enrolled for the treatment protocol of bladder preservation. They were treated with maximal TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor) and 2 cycles of MCV chemotherapy (methotrexate, crisplatin, and vinblastine) followed by $39.6\~45\;Gy$ pelvic irradiation with concomitant cisplatin. After complete urologic evaluation (biopsy or cytology), the patients who achieved complete response were planed for bladder preservation treatment and treated with consolidation cisplatin and radiotherapy (19.8 Gy). The patients who had incomplete response were planed to immediate radical cystectomy. If they refused radical cystectomy, they were treated either with TURBT followed by MCV or cisplatin chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The median follow-up duration is 49.5 months. Results : The Patients with stage T2-3a and T3b-4a underwent complete removal of tumor or gross tumor removal by TURBT, respectively. Twenty one out of 26 patients $(81\%)$ successfully completed the protocol of the planned chemo-radiotherapy. Seven patients had documented complete response. Six of them were treated with additional consolidation cisplatin and radiotherapy. One patient was treated with 2 cycles of MCV chemotherapy due to refusal of chemo-radiotherapy. Five of 7 complete responders had functioning tumor-free bladder. Fourteen patients of incomplete responders were further treated with one of the followings : radical cystectomy (1 patient), or TURBT and 2 cycles of MCV chemotherapy (3 patients), or cisplatin and radiotherapy (10 patients). Thirteen patients of them were not treated with planned radical cystectomy due to patients' refusal (9 patients) or underlying medical problems (4 patients). Among twenty one patients, 12 patients $(58\%)$ were alive with their preserved bladder, 8 patients died with the disease, 1 patient died of intercurrent disease. The 5 years actuarial survival rates according to CR and PR after MCV chemotherapy and cisplatin chemoradiotherapy were $80\%\;and\;14\%$, respectively (u=0.001). Conclusion : In selected patients with muscle-invading bladder cancer, the bladder preservation could be achieved by MCV chemotherapy and cisplatin chemo-radiotherapy. All patients tolerated well this bladder preservation protoco. The availability of complete TURBT and the responsibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy were important predictors for bladder preservation and survival. The patients who had not achieved complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy should be immediate radical cystectomy. A randomized prospective trial might be essential to determine more accurate indications between cystectomy or bladder preservation.

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