• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.154-160
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• 2023

Recently, with the activation of eBook services, books are being published simultaneously as physical books and digitized eBooks. Paper books are more expensive than e-books due to printing and distribution costs, so demand for relatively inexpensive e-books is increasing. There are cases where previously published physical books cannot be digitized due to the circumstances of the publisher or author, so there is a movement among individual users to digitize books that have been published for a long time. However, existing research has only studied the advancement of the pre-processing process that can improve text recognition before applying OCR technology, and there are limitations to digitization depending on the condition of the book. Therefore, support for book digitization services depending on the condition of the physical book is needed. need. In this paper, we propose a method to support digitalization services according to the status of physical books held by book owners. Create images by scanning books and extract text information from the images through OCR. We propose a method to recover text that cannot be extracted depending on the state of the book using BERT, a natural language processing deep learning model. As a result, it was confirmed that the recovery method using BERT is superior when compared to RNN, which is widely used in recommendation technology.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.392-403
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• 2023

This study presents a new hybrid fNIRS-EEG system to meet the demand for a lightweight and low-cost sleep pattern monitoring device. For multiple-channel configuration, a six-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) and a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system with eight photodiodes (PD) and four dual-wavelength LEDs are designed. To enhance the convenience of signal measurement, the device is miniaturized into a patch-like form, enabling simultaneous measurement on the forehead. Due to its fully integrated functionality, the developed system is advantageous for performing sleep stage classification with high-temporal and spatial resolution data. This can be realized by utilizing a two-dimensional (2D) brain activation map based on the concentration changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin during sleep stage transitions. For the system verification, the phantom model with known optical properties was tested at first, and then the sleep experiment for a human subject was conducted. The experimental results show that the developed system qualifies as a portable hybrid fNIRS-EEG sleep pattern monitoring device.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.40.1-40.14
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• 2023

Glucocorticoids suppress the vascular inflammation that occurs under hypercholesterolemia, as demonstrated in an animal model fed a high-cholesterol diet. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects remain poorly understood. Because cholesterol is oxidized to form cholesterol oxides (oxysterols) that are capable of inducing inflammation, we investigated whether glucocorticoids affect the immune responses evoked by 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7αOHChol). The treatment of human THP-1 monocytic cells with dexamethasone (Dex) and prednisolone (Pdn) downregulated the expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), such as TLR6 and CD14, and diminished 7αOHChol-enhanced response to FSL-1, a TLR2/6 ligand, and lipopolysaccharide, which interacts with CD14 to initiate immune responses, as determined by the reduced secretion of IL-23 and CCL2, respectively. Glucocorticoids weakened the 7αOHChol-induced production of CCL2 and CCR5 ligands, which was accompanied by decreased migration of monocytic cells and CCR5-expressing Jurkat T cells. Treatment with Dex or Pdn also reduced the phosphorylation of the Akt-1 Src, ERK1/2, and p65 subunits. These results indicate that both Dex and Pdn impair the expression of PRRs and their downstream products, chemokine production, and phosphorylation of signaling molecules. Collectively, glucocorticoids suppress the innate immune response and activation of monocytic cells to an inflammatory phenotype enhanced or induced by 7αOHChol, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects in hypercholesterolemic conditions.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.301-308
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• 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular amyloid plaques composed of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ). Studies have indicated that Ca²⁺ dysregulation is involved in AD pathology. It is reported that decreased capacitative Ca²⁺ entry (CCE), a refilling mechanism of intracellular Ca²⁺, resulting in increased Aβ production. In contrast, constitutive activation of CCE could decrease Aβ production. Panax ginseng Meyer is known to enhance memory and cognitive functions in healthy human subjects. We have previously reported that some ginsenosides decrease Aβ levels in cultured primary neurons and AD mouse model brains. However, mechanisms involved in the Aβ-lowering effect of ginsenosides remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship between CCE and Aβ production by examining the effects of various ginsenosides on CCE levels. Aβ-lowering ginsenosides such as Rk1, Rg5, and Rg3 potentiated CCE. In contrast, ginsenosides without Aβ-lowering effects (Re and Rb2) failed to potentiate CCE. The potentiating effect of ginsenosides on CCE was inhibited by the presence of 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB), an inhibitor of CCE. 2APB alone increased Aβ42 production. Furthermore, the presence of 2APB prevented the effects of ginsenosides on Aβ42 production. Our results indicate that ginsenosides decrease Aβ production via potentiating CCE levels, confirming a close relationship between CCE levels and Aβ production. Since CCE levels are closely related to Aβ production, modulating CCE could be a novel target for AD therapeutics.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.44.1-44.15
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• 2021

Tumor peptides associated with MHC class I molecules or their synthetic variants have attracted great attention for their potential use as vaccines to induce tumor-specific CTLs. However, the outcome of clinical trials of peptide-based tumor vaccines has been disappointing. There are various reasons for this lack of success, such as difficulties in delivering the peptides specifically to professional Ag-presenting cells, short peptide half-life in vivo, and limited peptide immunogenicity. We report here a novel peptide vaccination strategy that efficiently induces peptide-specific CTLs. Nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated from a biodegradable polymer, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid), attached to H-2K^b molecules, and then the natural peptide epitopes associated with the H-2K^b molecules were exchanged with a model tumor peptide, SIINFEKL (OVA_257-268). These NPs were efficiently phagocytosed by immature dendritic cells (DCs), inducing DC maturation and activation. In addition, the DCs that phagocytosed SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs potently activated SIINFEKL-H2K^b complex-specific CD8⁺ T cells via cross-presentation of SIINFEKL. In vivo studies showed that intravenous administration of SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs effectively generated SIINFEKL-specific CD8⁺ T cells in both normal and tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, intravenous administration of SIINFEKL-pulsed NPs into EG7.OVA tumor-bearing mice almost completely inhibited the tumor growth. These results demonstrate that vaccination with polymeric NPs coated with tumor peptide-MHC-I complexes is a novel strategy for efficient induction of tumor-specific CTLs.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.23.1-23.16
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• 2021

Chemokines are key factors that influence the migration and maintenance of relevant immune cells into an infected tissue or a tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is believed that the controlled administration of chemokines in the tumor microenvironment may be an effective immunotherapy against cancer. Previous studies have shown that CCL3, also known as macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha, facilitates the recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) for the presentation of tumor Ags and promotes T cell activation. Here, we investigated the role of CCL3 in regulating the tumor microenvironment using a syngeneic mouse tumor model. We observed that MC38 tumors overexpressing CCL3 (CCL3-OE) showed rapid regression compared with the wild type MC38 tumors. Additionally, these CCL3-OE tumors showed an increase in the proliferative and functional tumor-infiltrating T cells. Furthermore, PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade accelerated tumor regression in the CCL3-OE tumor microenvironment. Next, we generated a modified CCL3 protein for pre-clinical use by fusing recombinant CCL3 (rCCL3) with a non-cytolytic hybrid Fc (HyFc). Administering a controlled dose of rCCL3-HyFc via subcutaneous injections near tumors was effective in tumor regression and improved survival along with activated myeloid cells and augmented T cell responses. Furthermore, combination therapy of rCCL3-HyFc with PD-1 blockade exhibited prominent effect to tumor regression. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that appropriate concentrations of CCL3 in the tumor microenvironment would be an effective adjuvant to promote anti-tumor immune responses, and suggest that administering a long-lasting form of CCL3 in combination with PD-1 blockers can have clinical applications in cancer immunotherapy.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.25.1-25.11
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• 2022

IL-34 can promote osteoclast differentiation and activation, which may contribute to steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Animal model was constructed in both BALB/c and IL-34 deficient mice to detect the relative expression of inflammation cytokines. Micro-CT was utilized to reveal the internal structure. In vitro differentiated osteoclast was induced by culturing bone marrow-derived macrophages with IL-34 conditioned medium or M-CSF. The relative expression of pro-inflammation cytokines, osteoclast marker genes, and relevant pathways molecules was detected with quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot. Up-regulated IL-34 expression could be detected in the serum of ONFH patients and femoral heads of ONFH mice. IL-34 deficient mice showed the resistance to ONFH induction with the up-regulated trabecular number, trabecular thickness, bone value fraction, and down-regulated trabecular separation. On the other hand, inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-2, and IL-17A, showed diminished expression in IL-34 deficient ONFH induced mice. IL-34 alone or works in coordination with M-CSF to promote osteoclastogenesis and activate ERK, STAT3, and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. These data demonstrate that IL-34 can promote the differentiation of osteoclast through ERK, STAT3, and non-canonical NF-κB pathways to aggravate steroid-induced ONFH, and IL-34 can be considered as a treatment target.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 1991.10a
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• pp.87-102
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• 1991

It has been reported that the failure of Carsington Dam in Eng1and occured due to the existence of a thin yellow clay layer which was not identified during the design work, and due to pre-existing shears of the clay layer. The slope stability analyses during the design work, which utilized traditional circular arc type failure method and neglected the existence of the clay layer, showed a safety factor of 1.4. However, the post-failure analyses which utilized translational failure mode considering the clay layer and the pre-existing shear deformation revealed the reduction of safety factor to unity. The post-failure analysis assumed 10。 inclination of the horizontal forces onto each slice based on the results of finite element analyses. In this paper, Bishop's simplified method, Janbu method, and Morgenstern-Price method were used for the comparison of both circular and translational failure analysis methods. The effects of the pre-existing shears and subsquent movement were also considered by varying the soil strength parameters and the pore pressure ratio according to the given soi1 parameters. The results showed factor of safefy 1.387 by Bishop's simplified method(STABL) which assumed circular arc failure surface and disregarding yellow clay layer and pre-failure material properties. Also the results showed factor of safety 1.093 by Janbu method(STABL) and 0.969 by Morgenstern-Price method(MALE) which assumed wedge failure surface and considerd yellow clay layer using post failure material properties. In addition, dam behavior was simulated by Cam-Clay model FEM program. The effects of pore pressure changes with loading and consolidation, and strength reduction near or at failure were also considered based on properly assumed stress-strain relationship and pore pressure characteristics. The results showed that the failure was initiated at the yellow clay layer and propagated through other zones by showing that stress and displacement were concentrated at the yel1ow clay layer.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.31 no.6 s.89
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• pp.549-558
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• 2001

This study was undertaken to demonstrate the forces in the maxillary alveolar bone generated by the activation of the maxillary posterior crossbite appliance In the treatment of posterior buccal crossbite caused by buccal ectopic eruption of the maxillary second molar. A photoelastic model was fabricated using a Photoelastic material (PL-3) to simulate alveolar bone and ivory-colored resin teeth. The model was observed throughout the anterior and posterior view in a circular polariscope and recorded photographically before and after activation of the maxillary posterior crossbite appliance. The following conclusions were reached from this investigation : 1. When the traction force was applied on the palatal surface of the second molar, stresses were concentrated at the buccal and palatal root apices and alveolar crest area. The axis of rotation of palatal root was at the root apex and that of the buccal root was at the root li4 area. In this result, palatal tipping and rotating force were generated. 2. When the traction force was applied on the buccal surface of the second molar, more stresses than loading on the palatal surface were observed in the palatal and buccal root apices. Furthermore, the heavier stresses creating an intrusive force and controlled tipping force were recorded below the buccal and palatal root apices below the palatal root surface. In addition, the axis of rotation of palatal root disappeared whereas the rotation axis of the buccal root moved to the root apex from the apical 1/4 area. 3. When the traction force was simultaneously applied on the maxillary right and left second molars, the stress intensity around the maxillary first molar root area was greater than the stress generated by the only buccal traction of the maxillary right or left second molar. As in above mentioned results, we should realize that force application on the palatal surface of second molars with the maxillary posterior crossbite appliance Produced rotation of the second molar and palatal traction, which nay cause occlusal Interference. That is to say, we have to escape the rotation and uncontrolled tipping creating occlusal interference when correcting buccal posterior crossbite. For this purpose, we recommend buccal traction rather than palatal traction force on the second molar.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.31 no.6 s.89
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• pp.559-566
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• 2001

This study was undertaken to demonstrate the forces in the mandibular alveolar bone generated by activation of the mandibular posterior crossbite appliance in the treatment of buccal crossbite caused by lingual eruption of mandibular second molar. A three-dimensional photoelastic model was fabricated using a photoelastic material (PL-3) to simulate alveolar bone. We observed the model from the anterior to the posterior view in a circular polariscope and recorded photogtaphically before and after activation of the mandibular posterior crossbite appliance. The following results were obtained : 1. When the traction force was applied on the buccal surface of the mandibular second molar, stress was concentrated at the lingual alveolar crest and root apex area. The axis of rotation also was at the middle third of the buccal toot surface and the root apex, so that uncontrolled tipping and a buccal traction force for the mandibular second molar were developed. 2. When the traction force was applied on the lingual surface of the mandibular second molar more stress was observed as opposed to those situations in which the force application was on the buccal surface. In addition, stress intensity was increased below the loot areas and the axis of rotation of the mandibular second molar was lost. In result, controlled tipping and intrusive tooth movements were developed. 3. When the traction forte was applied on either buccal or lingual surface of the second molar, the color patterns of the anchorage unit were similar to the initial color pattern of that before the force application. So we can use the lingual arch for effective anchorage in correcting the posterior buccal crossbite. As in above mentioned results, we must avoid the rotation and uncontrolled tipping, creating occlusal interference of the malpositioned mandibular second molar when correcting posterior buccal crossbite. For this purpose, we recommend the lingual traction force on the second molar as opposed to the buccal traction.