• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.133-140
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• 2017

Conflicting evidence has been obtained regarding whether transient receptor potential cation channels (TRPC) are store-operated channels (SOCs) or receptor-operated channels (ROCs). Moreover, the Ca/Na permeability ratio differs depending on whether the current-voltage (I-V) curve has a doubly rectifying shape or inward rectifying shape. To investigate the calcium permeability of TRPC4 channels, we attached GCaMP6s to TRPC4 and simultaneously measured the current and calcium signals. A TRPC4 specific activator, (-)-englerin A, induced both current and calcium fluorescence with the similar time course. Muscarinic receptor stimulator, carbachol, also induced both current and calcium fluorescence with the similar time course. By forming heteromers with TRPC4, TRPC1 significantly reduced the inward current with outward rectifying I-V curve, which also caused the decrease of calcium fluorescence intensity. These results suggest that GCaMP6s attached to TRPC4 can detect slight calcium changes near TRPC4 channels. Consequently, TRPC4-GCaMP6s can be a useful tool for testing the calcium permeability of TRPC4 channels.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.2 no.5
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• pp.581-589
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• 1998

A regulating mechanism of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels $(K_{ATP}\;channels)$ is yet to fully explained. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of intracellular application of monocarboxylates (acetate, formate, lactate, and pyruvate) on $K_{ATP}$ channels in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes. Single channel currents of $K_{ATP}$ channels were recorded using the excised inside-out or permeabilized attached (open-cell) patch-clamp technique at room temperature. Intracellular application of acetate, formate and pyruvate led to an inhibition of channel activity, whereas intracellular application of lactate increased channel activity. These effects were reversible upon washout. Analysis of single channel kinetics showed that monocarboxylates did not affect open-time constant and close-time constant. These results suggest that monocarboxylates participate in modulating $K_{ATP}$ channels activity in cardiac cells and that modulation of $K_{ATP}$ channels activity may resolve the discrepancy between the low $K_i$ in excised membrane patches and high levels of intracellular ATP concentration during myocardial ischemia or hypoxia.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.559-569
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• 2004

The present study attempts to identify the differences in consumer information source, shopping orientation, and store image in the purchase of cosmetics in adult women at the age of 20 or more according to the distributions channels: department stores, specialty stores, discount stores and direct mails. From October 3 to 13, a survey was conducted to 1,200 adult women who visited each channel and who would understand the purpose of this study and complete the questionnaire. 300 sheets were distributed to each of the channels under investigation, and a total of 1,116 questionaaires were used in the final analysis. Using the statistical package, SPSS WIN 10.0, factor analysis, ANOVA, and Duncan's post-hoc test were carried out. The result are as follows: 1. There was a difference in the demographical characteristics of the consumers according to the distribution channels for cosmetics. 2. There was a differen co in the shopping orientations of the consumers according to the distribution channels for cosmetics. 3. There was a difference in the information sources of the consumers according to the distribution channels for cosmetics. 4. There was a difference in the store images perceived by the consumers according to the distribution channels for cosmetics.

• Animal cells and systems
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 2011

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) channels are novel $Ca^{2+}$-permeable non-selective cation channels that are ubiquitously expressed. Activation of TRPM7 channels has been shown to be involved in the survival of gastric cancer cells. Here we show evidence suggesting that TRPM7 channels play an important role in $Zn^{2+}$- mediated cellular injury. Using a combination of electrophysiology, pharmacological analysis, small interfering RNA (siRNA) methods and cell death assays, we showed that activation of TRPM7 channels augmented $Zn^{2+}$-induced apoptosis of AGS cells, the most common human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line. The $Zn^{2+}$-mediated cytotoxicity was inhibited by the non-specific TRPM7 blockers $Gd^{3+}$ or 2 aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) and TRPM7 specific siRNA. In addition, we showed that overexpression of TRPM7 channels in HEK293 cells increased $Zn^{2+}$- induced cell injury. Thus, TRPM7 channels may represent a novel target for physiological disorders where $Zn^{2+}$ toxicity plays an important role.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.35-41
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• 2021

Purpose: Research on the development of distribution channels and the strategy will help businesses develop competitiveness in the market. At the same time, the excellent effect of distribution channels and the outstanding implementation of business strategies will help optimize firm performance. Therefore, this study helps to evaluate the influence of distribution channels, and strategy factors on the performance of FDI enterprises in Vietnam. Research design, data, and methodology: Research using quantitative method with PLS-SEM model based on 210 samples using Smart-PLS3. software. The survey subjects are corporate managers who understand the strategies, distribution channels, and performance in Vietnamese FDI enterprises. Results: The analysis results show that strategy factors have a positive effect on firm performance, and distribution channel also has a positive impact on firm performance. This result also indicates that distribution channels activity as an intermediary between strategy and firm performance. Conclusion: The study also gives some policy implications on strategy and distribution channels to improve firm performance. The strategic implementation of finance, human resources, risk, innovation, and diversification of distribution channels are implications for improving firm performance in FDI enterprises. In addition, the research has contributed to the relationship between the distribution channels and firm performance.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2016

Korean cosmetic distribution channels were formerly divided into sales visits and specialty shops, which made up the entire cosmetics market. However, recently the market and cosmetic distribution channels have become much more diversified. Thus, research for this study focused on the usage and purchase situations of cosmetic distribution channels depending on cosmetic type perception. This study also focused on the intent to purchase cosmetics by a cosmetic distribution channel in order to provide a precise cognitive background of consumers regarding cosmetic distribution channels. In doing so, the competitiveness of those channels could be procured and the causal relationships between these variables can be investigated. To achieve these purposes, the research model and hypotheses were derived through literature research on the cosmetics industry, cosmetic distribution channels, and consumers' intent to purchase. A survey was implemented from September $1^{st}$ to $14^{th}$, 2014 for empirical testing. and was given to female consumers in their 20s. 468 out of 500 surveys were collected; a total of 415 were used for analysis while the others were excluded due to with unreliable responses. The SPSS 21.0 program was used for analysis of materials. The overall conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between perception of cosmetic distribution channels and intent to purchase. The above research results may stimulate establishment of marketing implications and research material when establishing marketing strategies to promote cosmetic distribution and consumption.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.51-58
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• 2008

Cardiac fibroblasts constitute one of the largest cell populations in the heart, and contribute to structural, biochemical, mechanical and electrical properties of the myocardium. Nonetheless, their cardiac functions, especially electrophysiological properties, have often been disregarded in studies. $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+\;(K_{Ca})$ channels can control $Ca^{2+}$ influx as well as a number of $Ca^{2+}$-dependent physiological processes. We, therefore, attempted to identify and characterize $K_{Ca}$ channels in rat Cardiac fibroblasts. First, we showed that the cells cultured from the rat ventricle were cardiac fibroblasts by immunostaining for discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR-2), a specific fibroblast marker. Secondly, we detected the expression of various $K_{Ca}$ channels by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and found all three family members of $K_{Ca}$ channels, including large conductance $K_{Ca}$ (BK-${\alpha}1-\;and\;-{\beta}1{\sim}4$subunits), intermediate conductance $K_{Ca}$ (IK), and small conductance $K_{Ca}$ (SK$1{\sim}4$ subunits) channels. Thirdly, we recorded BK, IK, and SK channels by whole cell mode patch clamp technique using their specific blockers. Finally, we performed cell proliferation assay to evaluate the effects of the channels on cell proliferation, and found that the inhibition of IK channel increased the cell proliferation. These results showed the existence of BK, IK, and SK channels in rat ventricular fibroblasts and involvement of IK channel in cell proliferation.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.311-323
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• 2023

Ion homeostasis, which is regulated by ion channels, is crucial for intracellular signaling. These channels are involved in diverse signaling pathways, including cell proliferation, migration, and intracellular calcium dynamics. Consequently, ion channel dysfunction can lead to various diseases. In addition, these channels are present in the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles. However, our understanding of the function of intracellular organellar ion channels is limited. Recent advancements in electrophysiological techniques have enabled us to record ion channels within intracellular organelles and thus learn more about their functions. Autophagy is a vital process of intracellular protein degradation that facilitates the breakdown of aged, unnecessary, and harmful proteins into their amino acid residues. Lysosomes, which were previously considered protein-degrading garbage boxes, are now recognized as crucial intracellular sensors that play significant roles in normal signaling and disease pathogenesis. Lysosomes participate in various processes, including digestion, recycling, exocytosis, calcium signaling, nutrient sensing, and wound repair, highlighting the importance of ion channels in these signaling pathways. This review focuses on different lysosomal ion channels, including those associated with diseases, and provides insights into their cellular functions. By summarizing the existing knowledge and literature, this review emphasizes the need for further research in this field. Ultimately, this study aims to provide novel perspectives on the regulation of lysosomal ion channels and the significance of ion-associated signaling in intracellular functions to develop innovative therapeutic targets for rare and lysosomal storage diseases.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.147-153
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• 2004

The oocyte and its surrounding granulosa cells co-exist in a closed compartment called a follicle, although they receive many signals from other parts of the body. It is well established that the intercellular communications between the oocyte and granulosa cells are required for normal oocyte development and ovulation during folliculogenesis. Gap junctions are intercellular channels allowing the direct transmission of ions and small molecules between coupled cells. Several lines of studies have shown that multiple connexins (Cx, subunits of gap junction) are expressed in mammalian ovarian follicles. Among them, two major connexins Cx37 and Cx43 are expressed in different manner. While the gap junction channels formed by Cx37 are localized between the oocyte and encompassing granulosa cells, the intercellular channels by Cx43 are located between granulosa cells. In this review, I will summarize the general properties of gap junction channels and discuss their possible formation (or compatibility) of intercellular channels formed by the oocyte and granulosa cells.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
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• 2007.04a
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• pp.237-239
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• 2007

In the paper, we analyze the performances of random access channels in multi-service multi-user OFDMA systems. The resource of the random access channels in OFDMA systems is the nubmer of available sub-channels and PN-codes. For given available sub-channels and PN-codes. we analyze the performances of the random access channels of OFDMA systems according to three resource allocation methods (resource full sharing, resource partial sharing, resource partition) in tenus of the access success probability, the blocking probability, the access delay and the throughput of each service class. Further, we find the feasible region of the access probability of each service class in which the allowable minimum access success probability, the allowable maximum blocking probability and the allowable maximum access delay are satisfied. The results also can be utilized to find proper region of the access probabilities of each service class for differentiated quality of service(QoS)s, and for the system operations.