• Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.115-132
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• 2008

Metal industry is one of the most representative heavy industries and the median sales volume of steel and nonferrous metal companies is over one billion dollars in the case America [Forbes 2006]. As seen in the recent business market situation, an increasing number of industrial manufacturers and suppliers are moving from adversarial to cooperative exchange attitudes that support the long-term relationships with their customers. This article presents the results of an empirical study of the antecedent factors of business relationships in metal industry of the United States. Commitment has been reviewed as a significant and critical variable in research on inter-organizational relationships (Hong et al. 2007, Kim et al. 2007). The future stability of any buyer-seller relationship depends upon the commitment made by the interactants to their relationship. Commitment, according to Dwyer et al. [1987], refers to "an implicit or explicit pledge of relational continuity between exchange partners" and they consider commitment to be the most advanced phase of buyer-seller exchange relationship. Bonds are made because the members need their partners in order to do something and this integration on a task basis can be either symbiotic or cooperative (Svensson 2008). To the extent that members seek the same or mutually supporting ends, there will be strong bonds among them. In other words, the principle that affects the strength of bonds is 'economy of decision making' [Turner 1970]. These bonds provide an important idea to study the causes of business long-term relationships in a sense that organizations can be mutually bonded by a common interest in the economic matters. Recently, the framework of structural bonding has been used to study the buyer-seller relationships in industrial marketing [Han and Sung 2008, Williams et al. 1998, Wilson 1995] in that this structural bonding is a crucial part of the theoretical justification for distinguishing discrete transactions from ongoing long-term relationships. The major antecedent factors of buyer commitment such as technology, CLalt, transaction-specific assets, and importance were identified and explored from the perspective of structural bonding. Research hypotheses were developed and tested by using survey data from the middle managers in the metal industry. H1: Level of technology of the relationship partner is positively related to the level of structural bonding between the buyer and the seller. H2: Comparison level of alternatives is negatively related to the level of structural bonding between the buyer and the seller. H3: Amount of the transaction-specific assets is positively related to the level of structural bonding between the buyer and the seller. H4: Importance of the relationship partner is positively related to the level of structural bonding between the buyer and the seller. H5: Level of structural bonding is positively related to the level of commitment to the relationship. To examine the major antecedent factors of industrial buyer's structural bonding and long-term relationship, questionnaire was prepared, mailed out to the sample of 400 purchasing managers of the US metal industry (SIC codes 33 and 34). After a follow-up request, 139 informants returnedthe questionnaires, resulting in a response rate of 35 percent. 134 responses were used in the final analysis after dropping 5 incomplete questionnaires. All measures were analyzed for reliability and validity following the guidelines offered by Churchill [1979] and Anderson and Gerbing [1988]., the results of fitting the model to the data indicated that the hypothesized model provides a good fit to the data. Goodness-of-fit index (GFI = 0.94) and other indices ( chi-square = 78.02 with p-value = 0.13, Adjusted GFI = 0.90, Normed Fit Index = 0.92) indicated that a major proportion of variances and covariances in the data was accounted for by the model as a whole, and all the parameter estimates showed statistical significance as evidenced by large t-values. All the factor loadings were significantly different from zero. On these grounds we judged the hypothesized model to be a reasonable representation of the data. The results from the present study suggest several implications for buyer-seller relationships. Theoretically, we attempted to conceptualize the antecedent factors of buyer-seller long-term relationships from the perspective of structural bondingin metal industry. The four underlying determinants (i.e. technology, CLalt, transaction-specific assets, and importance) of structural bonding are very critical variables of buyer-seller long-term business relationships. Our model of structural bonding makes an attempt to systematically examine the relationship between the antecedent factors of structural bonding and long-term commitment. Managerially, this research provides industrial purchasing managers with a good framework to assess the interaction processes with their partners and, ability to position their business relationships from the perspective of structural bonding. In other words, based on those underlying variables, industrial purchasing managers can determine the strength of the company's relationships with the key suppliers and its state of preparation to be a successful partner with those suppliers. Both the supplying and customer companies can also benefit by using the concept of 'structural bonding' and evaluating their relationships with key business partners from the structural point of view. In general, the results indicate that structural bonding gives a critical impact on the level of relationship commitment. Managerial implications and limitations of the study are also discussed.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.146-156
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• 2018

Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine compound that has recently emerged with anti-aging properties and suppresses inflammation and oxidation. However, its mechanisms of action on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the potential of spermidine for reducing pro-inflammatory and oxidative effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and zebrafish was explored. Our data indicate that spermidine significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), and cytokines including tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ and $interleukin-1{\beta}$ in RAW 264.7 macrophages without any significant cytotoxicity. The protective effects of spermidine accompanied by a marked suppression in their regulatory gene expression at the transcription levels. Spermidine also attenuated the nuclear translocation of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65 subunit and reduced LPS-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, spermidine prevented the LPS-induced NO production and ROS accumulation in zebrafish larvae and was found to be associated with a diminished recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages. Although more work is needed to fully understand the critical role of spermidine on the inhibition of inflammation-associated migration of immune cells, our findings clearly demonstrate that spermidine may be a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of inflammatory and oxidative disorders.

• Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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• 2008.10a
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• pp.220-223
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• 2008

A camera system for the satellite application performs the mission of observation by measuring radiated light energy from the target on the earth. As a development stage of the system, the signal level analysis by estimating the number of electron collected in a pixel of an applied CCD is a basic tool for the performance analysis like SNR as well as the data path design of focal plane electronic. In this paper, two methods are presented for the calculation of the number of electrons for signal level analysis. One method is a quantitative assessment based on the CCD characteristics and design parameters of optical module of the system itself in which optical module works for concentrating the light energy onto the focal plane where CCD is located to convert light energy into electrical signal. The other method compares the design\ parameters of the system such as quantum efficiency, focal length and the aperture size of the optics in comparison with existing camera system in orbit. By this way, relative count of electrons to the existing camera system is estimated. The number of electrons, as signal level of the camera system, calculated by described methods is used to design input circuits of AD converter for interfacing the image signal coming from the CCD module in the focal plane electronics. This number is also used for the analysis of the signal level of the CCD output which is critical parameter to design data path between CCD and A/D converter. The FPE(Focal Plane Electronics) designer should decide whether the dividing-circuit is necessary or not between them from the analysis. If it is necessary, the optimized dividing factor of the level should be implemented. This paper describes the analysis of the electron count of a camera system for a satellite application and then of the signal level for the interface design between CCD and A/D converter using two methods. One is a quantitative assessment based on the design parameters of the camera system, the other method compares the design parameters in comparison with those of the existing camera system in orbit for relative counting of the electrons and the signal level estimation. Chapter 2 describes the radiometry of the camera system of a satellite application to show equations for electron counting, Chapter 3 describes a camera system briefly to explain the data flow of imagery information from CCD and Chapter 4 explains the two methods for the analysis of the number of electrons and the signal level. Then conclusion is made in chapter 5.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.9
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• pp.512-517
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• 2014

In this study, we showed that Mycobacterium abscessus MAB2560 induces the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), which are representative antigen-presenting cells (APCs). M. abscessus MAB2560 stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-12p70] and reduce the endocytic capacity and maturation of DCs. Using $TLR4^{-/-}$ DCs, we found that MAB2560 mediated DC maturation via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). MAB2560 also activated the MAPK signaling pathway, which was essential for DC maturation. Furthermore, MAB2560-treated DCs induced the transformation of $na\ddot{i}ve$ T cells to polarized $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ T cells, which would be crucial for Th1 polarization of the immune response. Taken together, our results indicate that MAB2560 could potentially regulate the host immune response to M. abscessus and may have critical implications for the manipulation of DC functions for developing DC-based immunotherapy.

• Agribusiness and Information Management
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.43-62
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• 2011

The goal of this study is to determine, based on survey results, the underlying factors that affect the intention of the farmers who have not adopted the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system for the rearing phase of pig production to adopt this system in the future. The research model for this study was con structed based on strategic contingency theory, the theory of the diffusion of innovation, and the technology acceptance model (TAM). Using structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS), this study analyzes the effects of the intensity of competition, the environmental uncertainty, the innovativeness and self-efficacy of the individual farmers, and the impact of the credibility of the Agricultural Technology Service Center (ATSC), which acts as the principal agent of technology dissemination and as a leader of change, on the perceived usefulness of technology and the farmers' intention to adopt the system. The results of the analysis are as follows. First, with regard to the underlying factors affecting the intention to adopt the new system, the intensity of competition within the industry and the institutional credibility of the ATSC were inferred to underlie the perceived usefulness. Second, institutional credibility has a positive impact on the perceived usefulness of the system, and the perceived usefulness, in turn, has a positive impact on the intention to adopt. The perceived ease of use also has a positive impact on the intention to adopt. Because the factor that has the biggest impact on the intention of a farm to adopt is the credibility of the ATSC, it is crucial for extension organizations, such as the ATSC, to make greater efforts to promote the expansion of the HACCP system. Because farmers feel that the implementation of the HACCP system is an instrumental strategy for coping with the high intensity of competition within the industry, they attempt to gain a competitive edge through the production of safe livestock products.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.11-22
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• 2013

Objectives: The present investigation aimed at examining if post-cancer treatment with a potentized homeopathic drug, Condurango 30C, which is generally used to treat oesophageal cancer, could also show an ameliorating effect through apoptosis induction on lung cancer induced by benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: Lung cancer was induced after four months by chronic feeding of BaP to rats through gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight for one month. After four months, the lung-cancer-bearing rats were treated with Condurango 30C for the next one ($5^{th}$), two ($5^{th}-6^{th}$) and three ($5^{th}-7^{th}$) months, respectively, and were sacrificed at the corresponding time-points. The ameliorating effect, if any, after Condurango 30C treatment for the various periods was evaluated by using protocols such as histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), annexinV-FITC/PI assay, flow cytometry of the apoptosis marker, DNA fragmentation, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blot analyses of lung tissue samples. Results: Striking recovery of lung tissue to a near normal status was noticed after post-cancerous drug treatment, as evidenced by SEM and histology, especially after one and two months of drug treatment. Data from the annexinV-FITC/PI and DNA fragmentation assays revealed that Condurango 30C could induce apoptosis in cancer cells after post-cancer treatment. A critical analysis of signalling cascade, evidenced through a RT-PCR study, demonstrated up-regulation and down-regulation of different pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, respectively, related to a caspase-3-mediated apoptotic pathway, which was especially discernible after one-month and two-month drug treatments. Correspondingly, Western blot and immunohistochemistry studies confirmed the ameliorative potential of Condurango 30C by its ability to down-regulate the elevated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression, a hallmark of lung cancer. Conclusion: The overall result validated a positive effect of Condurango 30C in ameliorating lung cancer through caspase-3-mediated apoptosis induction and EGFR down-regulation.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.609-621
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• 2024

Objective: Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) differentiation is a critical physiological progress in skin hair follicle (HF) formation. Goat HFSCs differentiation is one of the essential processes of superior-quality brush hair (SQBH) synthesis. However, knowledge regarding the functions and roles of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in differentiated goat HFSCs is limited. Methods: To examine the significance of chi-miR-133a-3p and chi-miR-145-5p in differentiated HFSCs, overexpression and knockdown experiments of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p (Mimics and Inhibitors) separately or combined were performed. NANOG, SOX9, and stem cell differentiated markers (β-catenin, C-myc, Keratin 6 [KRT6]) expression levels were detected and analyzed by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays in differentiated goat HFSCs. Results: miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p inhibit NANOG (a gene recognized in keeping and maintaining the totipotency of embryonic stem cells) expression and promote SOX9 (an important stem cell transcription factor) expression in differentiated stem cells. Functional studies showed that miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p individually or together overexpression can facilitate goat HFSCs differentiation, whereas suppressing miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p or both inhibiting can inhibit goat HFSCs differentiation. Conclusion: These findings could more completely explain the modulatory function of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in goat HFSCs growth, which also provide more understandings for further investigating goat hair follicle development.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.237-244
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• 2017

Magnetic flux ropes, often observed during intervals of interplanetary coronal mass ejections, have long been recognized to be critical in space weather. In this work, we focus on magnetic flux rope structure but on a much smaller scale, and not necessarily related to interplanetary coronal mass ejections. Using near-Earth solar wind advanced composition explorer (ACE) observations from 1998 to 2016, we identified a total of 309 small-scale magnetic flux ropes (SMFRs). We compared the characteristics of identified SMFR events with those of normal magnetic cloud (MC) events available from the existing literature. First, most of the MCs and SMFRs have similar values of accompanying solar wind speed and proton densities. However, the average magnetic field intensity of SMFRs is weaker (~7.4 nT) than that of MCs (~10.6 nT). Also, the average duration time and expansion speed of SMFRs are ~2.5 hr and 2.6 km/s, respectively, both of which are smaller by a factor of ~10 than those of MCs. In addition, we examined the geoeffectiveness of SMFR events by checking their correlation with magnetic storms and substorms. Based on the criteria Sym-H < -50 nT (for identification of storm occurrence) and AL < -200 nT (for identification of substorm occurrence), we found that for 88 SMFR events (corresponding to 28.5 % of the total SMFR events), substorms occurred after the impact of SMFRs, implying a possible triggering of substorms by SMFRs. In contrast, we found only two SMFRs that triggered storms. We emphasize that, based on a much larger database than used in previous studies, all these previously known features are now firmly confirmed by the current work. Accordingly, the results emphasize the significance of SMFRs from the viewpoint of possible triggering of substorms.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.497-509
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• 2007

Bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs) are regarded as members of the transforming growth $factor-{\beta}$ superfamily with characteristic features in their amino acid sequences. A number of studies have demonstrated the biologic activities of BMPs, which include the induction of cartilage and bone formation. Recently there was a attempt to overcome a limitation of mass production, and economical efficieny of rh-BMPs. The method producing PTD by using bacteria have advantages of acquiry a mass of proteins. Hences, a new treatment which deliver protein employed by protein transduction domain(PTD) has been tried. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bone regenerative effect of TATBMP-2 and TAT-HA2-BMP-2 employed by PTD from HlV-1 TAT protein for protein translocation in the rat calvarial model. An 8mm calvarial, critical size osteotomy defect was created in each of 32 male Spraque-Dawley rats(weight $250{\sim}300g$). The animals were divided into 4 groups of 32 animals each (4 animals/group/healing interval). The defect was treated with TATBMP-2/ACS(Absorbable collagen sponge) (TATBMP-2 0.1mg/ml), TAT-HA2-BMP-2/ACS(TAT-HA2-BMP-2 0.1mg/ml), ACS alone or left untreated for surgical control(negative control). The rats were sacrificed at 2 or 8 weeks postsurgery, and the results were evaluated histologically. The results were as follows: New bone formation were not significantly greater in the TATBMP-2/ACS group relative to negative, and positive control groups. New bone was evident at the defect sites in TAT-HA2-BMP-2/ACS group relative to negative, positive control and TATBMP-2 groups. There were a little bone regeneration in TATBMP-2 groups. While, enhanced local bone formation were observed in TAT-HA2-BMP-2 group. But, The results was not the same in all rat defects. Therefore, further investigations are required to develop a method. which disperse homogenously, and adhere to target cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.511-518
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• 2017

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a relevant environment factor to induce cellular senescence and photoaging. Both autophagy- and silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1)-dependent pathways are critical cellular processes of not only maintaining normal cellular functions, but also protecting cellular senescence in skin exposed to UV irradiation. In the present studies, we investigated whether modulation of autophagy induction using a novel synthetic SIRT1 activator, heptasodium hexacarboxymethyl dipeptide-12 (named as Aquatide), suppresses the UVB irradiation-induced skin aging. Treatment with Aquatide directly activates SIRT1 and stimulates autophagy induction in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Next, we found that Aquatide-mediated activation of SIRT1 increases autophagy induction via deacetylation of forkhead box class O (FOXO) 1. Finally, UVB irradiation-induced cellular senescence measured by $SA-{\beta}-gal$ staining was significantly decreased in cells treated with Aquatide in parallel to occurring SIRT1 activation-dependent autophagy. Together, Aquatide modulates autophagy through SIRT1 activation, contributing to suppression of skin aging caused by UV irradiation.