• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.8
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• pp.1446-1451
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• 2016

Clostridium difficile toxin A causes acute gut inflammation in animals and humans. It is known to downregulate the tight junctions between colonic epithelial cells, allowing luminal contents to access body tissues and trigger acute immune responses. However, it is not yet known whether this loss of the barrier function is a critical factor in the progression of toxin A-induced pseudomembranous colitis. We previously showed that NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) KO (knockout) mice spontaneously display weak gut inflammation and a marked loss of colonic epithelial tight junctions. Moreover, NQO1 KO mice exhibited highly increased inflammatory responses compared with NQO1 WT (wild-type) control mice when subjected to DSS-induced experimental colitis. Here, we tested whether toxin A could also trigger more severe inflammatory responses in NQO1 KO mice compared with NQO1 WT mice. Indeed, our results show that C. difficile toxin A-mediated enteritis is significantly enhanced in NQO1 KO mice compared with NQO1 WT mice. The levels of fluid secretion, villus disruption, and epithelial cell apoptosis were also higher in toxin A-treated NQO1 KO mice compared with WT mice. The previous and present results collectively show that NQO1 is involved in the formation of tight junctions in the small intestine, and that defects in NQO1 enhance C. difficile toxin A-induced acute inflammatory responses, presumably via the loss of epithelial cell tight junctions.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.10 no.11
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• pp.1960-1972
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• 2006

In this thesis, GPS and the electronic mapping were used to realize such a system by recognizing license plate numbers and identifying the location of objects that move at synchronous times with simulated movement in the electronic map. As well, throughout the study, a camera attached to a PDA, one of the mobile devices, automatically recognized and confirmed acquired license plate numbers from the front and back of each cu. Using this mobile technique in a wireless network searches for specific plate numbers and information about the location of the car is transmitted to a remote sewer. The use of such a GPS-based system allows for the measurement of topography and the effective acquisition of a car's location. The information is then transmitted to a central controlling center and stored as text to be reproduced later in the form of diagrams. Getting positional information through GPS and using image-processing with a PDA makes it possible to estimate the correct information of a car's location and to transmit the specific information of the car to a control center simultaneously, so that the center will get information such as type of the cu, possibility of the defects that a car might have, and possibly to offer help with those functions. Such information can establish a mobile system that can recognize and accurately trace the location of cars.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2007

Purpose: $Allevyn^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew, England) is a type of polyurethane foam material with good wound discharge absorption. $Acticoat^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew, England) is a silver coated dressing material which is effective in infected wound. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of dry gauze, $Acticoat^{(R)}$ and $Allevyn^{(R)}$ on infected full-thickness wound healing in rat. Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were divided into 3 groups: group I(dressing with dry gauze, n=40), group II(dressing with $Allevyn^{(R)}$, n=40), group III(dressing with $Acticoat^{(R)}$, n=40). A $15{\times}15mm$ square full-thickness wound was made on the dorsum and left open for 24 hours. The size of wound defects were measured each dressing changes. The histological evaluation was performed on the 3rd day, 7th day, 14th day, 21th day. Results: After the wound was left open for 24 hours, typical findings of bacterial infection was observed. After the 7th day, group III showed larger area of epithelialization, smaller defect size compared to those of two other groups. Complete replacement by fibrotic scar tissue was observed in group III with no signs of inflammation on the 14th day. By day 21, the average defect size in group III was decreased from initial 100% to 3.63%. while in group I and II, it was decreased to 62.66% and 53.62%, respectively. Conclusion: $Acticoat^{(R)}$ is an effective tool in the treatment of infected wound.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.823-826
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• 2010

Purpose: Meningomyelocele is the most common type of neural tube defect disease. Early surgical treatment is recommended to prevent central nervous system infection. Several reconstruction methods were reported previously regarding surgical wound defect closure following meningomyelocele excision. In this article, we report two successful patients using the bilateral fasciocutaneous sliding V-Y advancement flap as a covering for meningomyelocele defects. Methods: Two patients with meningomyelocele were evaluated. Both patients were male and received their operations on the 1st and 4th day of life. After neurosurgeons completed their part of the operation, the V-Y advancement flap was used to close the defect. Initially a bilateral V-shape incision design was made on the skin such that the base of the V-flap measures identical to the size of the wound defect. An incision was made down to the fascia in order to allow the V-flaps to slide into the defect. Subfascial dissection was performed up to 1/3 to 1/4 the length of the V-flap from the wound while minimizing injury to the perforating vessels. Results: Both patients were treated successfully and there was no evidence of complication in 2 months follow up. Conclusion: Several reconstruction methods such as local flaps, skin graft and myocutaneous flaps were reported regarding meningomyelocele surgical wound defect closure. Bilateral fasciocutaneous sliding V-Y advancement flap is an easy method without involving the underlying muscles or a secondary skin graft in a short operation time. Therefore we recommend this treatment option for reconstruction of the wound defect following meningomyelocele excision.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2020

Saturated fatty acids contribute to β-cell dysfunction in the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cellular responses to lipotoxicity include oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and blockage of autophagy. Palmitate induces ER Ca²⁺ depletion followed by notable store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. Subsequent elevation of cytosolic Ca²⁺ can activate undesirable signaling pathways culminating in cell death. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter (MCU) is the major route for Ca²⁺ uptake into the matrix and couples metabolism with insulin secretion. However, it has been unclear whether mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake plays a protective role or contributes to lipotoxicity. Here, we observed palmitate upregulated MCU protein expression in a mouse clonal β-cell, MIN6, under normal glucose, but not high glucose medium. Palmitate elevated baseline cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and reduced depolarization-triggered Ca²⁺ influx likely due to the inactivation of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs). Targeted reduction of MCU expression using RNA interference abolished mitochondrial superoxide production but exacerbated palmitate-induced [Ca²⁺]_i overload. Consequently, MCU knockdown aggravated blockage of autophagic degradation. In contrast, co-treatment with verapamil, a VGCC inhibitor, prevented palmitate-induced basal [Ca²⁺]_i elevation and defective [Ca²⁺]_i transients. Extracellular Ca²⁺ chelation as well as VGCC inhibitors effectively rescued autophagy defects and cytotoxicity. These observations suggest enhanced mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake via MCU upregulation is a mechanism by which pancreatic β-cells are able to alleviate cytosolic Ca²⁺ overload and its detrimental consequences.

• Journal of Korea Multimedia Society
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.595-605
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• 2006

In this thesis, GPS and the electronic mapping were used to realize such a system by recognizing license plate numbers and identifying the location of objects that move at synchronous times with simulated movement in the electronic map. As well, throughout the study, a camera attached to a PDA, one of the mobile devices, automatically recognized and confirmed acquired license plate numbers from the front and back of each car. Using this mobile technique in a wireless network, searches for specific plate numbers and information about the location of the car is transmitted to a remote server. The use of such a GPS-based system allows for the measurement of topography and the effective acquisition of a car's location. The information is then transmitted to a central controlling center and stored as text to be reproduced later in the form of diagrams. Getting positional information through GPS and using image-processing with a PDA makes it possible to estimate the correct information of a car's location and to transmit the specific information of the car to a control center simultaneously, so that the center will get information such as type of the car, possibility of the defects that a car might have, and possibly to offer help with those functions. Such information can establish a mobile system that can recognize and accurately trace the location of cars.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.171-177
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• 2010

As concrete structures are exposed to chemical substances, damaged from salt, or progressed to the neutralization, the surface damage of the structures is generated timely fashion, resulting shortened service life. Especially, the sulfate erosion causes rapid surface defects, and the steel skeleton becomes corroded due to the water infiltration, generating stability deterioration of the concrete structure. In this study, the physical characteristics of the acid-resistant mortar with aluminosilicates was investigated in order to resolve problems of the acid resistance, one of the most serious problems of the cement type repair material. As the result of the experiment, the test specimen turned to exhibit almost equivalent physical characteristics with those of concrete sectional repair materials in terms of compressive and bending strengths. As both the cement sectional repair material and the test specimen were immerged in sulfuric acid solution to examine weight changes, the test specimens exhibited only 4% loss of their weights while the cement sectional repair materials reached at the level of 80% or above, proving the excellence acid resistant characteristics of the test specimens. Consequently, the physical characteristics of acid resistant mortar with aluminosilicates were revealed to be superior than those of concrete sectional repair materials. It can be utilized as a sectional repair material where the acidic erosion is anticipated.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.8
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• pp.43-54
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• 2014

Purpose - This study was based on a theoretical consideration of the structural relationship between the support and control of the franchisor and the satisfaction and strategic response (voice, loyalty, exit, neglect) of the franchisee. First, based on the preceding research, this study systematically organized the type of support and control of the franchisor. Second, the study examined the effects of a franchisor's support and control on the expectancy disconfirmation between affiliated franchisees' expectations before a franchise agreement and performance after operating an affiliated store. Third, the study looked into the effects of expectancy disconfirmation relating to a franchisor's support and control on an affiliated franchisees' general satisfaction. Fourth, this study examined the influence of the general satisfaction of a franchisee on affiliated franchisees' response strategies. Research design, data, and methodology - In this study, the population comprised the nation's franchisors, and the sample comprised franchisees conducting business in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. A self-administered questionnaire was used; the author and examiner explained the study's parameters to the interviewees in advance, to lessen the rate of rejection of the answers and to maintain reliability. The author distributed 350 copies of the questionnaire and collected 327 copies (93.4%). The author removed 54 copies of the sample, as these copies belonged to franchisees that were not registered by the Fair Trade Commission and/or were thought to have either defects or inadequate answers. The author selected an effective sample of 273 copies to enter data and to do the statistical analysis. Results - Both a reliability analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed to measure reliability and validity, and a structural equation model was used to conduct the hypothesis test and investigate the models. The hypothesis was tested (Table 5). The models had a suitable fit, for instance, χ² = 447.663(df = 212, p = .000), χ²/df = 2.112, GFI = .881, AGFI = .858, RMR = .083, RMSEA = .067, NFI = .932, and CFI = .961. The hypothesis test results were as follows. Hypothesis 1 was accepted (C.R. = -2.339, p = .019). Hypothesis 2 was accepted (C.R. = 15.213, p = .000). Hypothesis 3 was accepted (C.R. = -2.631, p = .006). Hypothesis 4 was accepted (C.R. = 16.271, p = .000). Hypothesis 5 was accepted (C.R. = 2.391, p = .017). Hypothesis 6 was accepted (C.R. = 5.777, p = .000). Hypothesis 7 was accepted (C.R. = 17.153, p = .000). Hypothesis 8 was accepted (C.R. = 24.746, p = .000). Hypothesis 9 was accepted (C.R. = -10.150, p = .000). Hypothesis 10 was accepted (C.R. = -12.124, p = .000). Conclusions - The research results showed that expectations for a franchisor's support and control had a significant influence on expectation disconfirmation in a negative way, whereas the performance of support and control were found to have a significant influence on expectation disconfirmation in a positive way. In addition, the expectation disconfirmation of support and control was found to have a significant influence on satisfaction of franchisees in a positive way. Generally, regarding the research on control, control is found to have a negative influence on the satisfaction of franchisees, but this study proves that control is found to affect it in a positive way through conformity.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.21-29
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• 2020

This study analyzed problems of operating performance bond for public works and derived some suggestions for improvement. The Contract Law for Government Owner requires to submit performance bond which guarantees performing the construction contractor pays back compensation money when the obligation is not executed. Currently, first bid eligibility for participation is exactly required for executing company of performance bond obligation, not considering volume, technical level, and special type of remaining works. In collaboration contract, if guarantee accident occurs, it is obliged for remaining collaboration contractors to be qualified to fulfill the whole contract. This study proposes following improvement plan to solve problems of current performance bone in public works. Firstly, qualification criteria must be deregulated exceptionally for selecting proper contractor, which executing performance bond obligation, considering progress and characteristics of remaining works. Secondly, In collaboration contract, the prerequisite of remaining contractors' should be deregulated as 'implementation requirement of the remaining works'from'implementation requirement of the whole work'. Finally, defect responsibility should be included in liabilities of performance bond by specifying that owner or guarantee agency bear them.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Information and Communication Engineering
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.1099-1103
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• 2007

TFT's have been intensively researched for possible electronic and display applications. Through tremendous engineering and scientific efforts, a-Si:H TFT fabrication process was greatly improved. In this paper, the reason on defects occurring at a-Si:H TFT fabrication process is analyzed and solved, so a-Si:H TFT's yield is increased and reliability is improved. The a-Si:H TFT of this paper is inverted staggered type TFT. The gate electrode is formed by patterning with length of $8{\mu}m{\sim}16{\mu}m$ and width of $80{\sim}200{\mu}m$ after depositing with gate electrode (Cr). We have fabricated a-SiN:H, conductor, etch-stopper and photo-resistor on gate electrode in sequence, respectively. We have deposited n+a-Si:H, NPR(Negative Photo Resister) layer after forming pattern of Cr gate electrode by etch-slower pattern. The NPR layer by inverting pattern of upper Sate electrode is patterned and the n+a-Si:H layer is etched by the NPR pattern. The NPR layer is removed. After Cr layer is deposited and patterned, the source-drain electrode is formed. The a-Si:H TFT made like this has problems at photo-lithography process caused by remains of PR. When sample is cleaned, this remains of PR makes thin chemical film on surface and damages device. Therefor, in order to improve this problem we added ashing process and cleaning process was enforced strictly. We can estimate that this method stabilizes fabrication process and makes to increase a-Si:H TFT's yield.