• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.8
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• pp.464-469
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• 2012

Endothelial cells (ECs) apoptosis induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is thought to play a critical role in atherosclerosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of genes involved in diverse cell functions, including differentiation, growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. MiRNA let-7 family is known to be involved in the regulation of cell apoptosis. However, the function of let-7 in ox-LDL induced ECs apoptosis and atherosclerosis is still unknown. Here, we show that let-7c expression was markedly up-regulated in ox-LDL induced apoptotic human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Let-7c over-expression enhanced apoptosis in ECs whereas inhibition of let-7c could partly alleviate apoptotic cell death mediated by ox-LDL. Searching for how let-7c affected apoptosis, we discovered that antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xl was a direct target of let-7c in ECs. Our data suggest that let-7c contributes to endothelial apoptosis through suppression of Bcl-xl.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.1194-1202
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• 2002

A study on the topology optimization of a multi-spectral camera for space-use is presented. The optimization is carried out under self-weight and polishing pressure loading. A multi-spectral camera for space-use experiences degradation of optical image in the space, which can not be detected on the optical test bench on the earth. An optical surface deformation of a primary mirror, which is a principal component of the camera system, is an important factor affecting the optical performance of the whole camera system. In this study, topology optimization of the primary mirror of the camera is presented. As an objective function, a measure of Strehl ratio is used. Total mass of the primary mirror is given as a constraint to the optimization problem. The sensitivities of the objective function and constraint are calculated by direct differentiation method. Optimization procedure is carried out by an optimality criteria method. For the light-weight primary mirror design, a three dimensional model is treated. As a preliminary example, topology optimization considering a self-weight loading is treated. In the second example, the polishing pressure is also included as a loading in the topology optimization of the mirror. Results of the optimized design topology for the mirror with various mass constraints are presented.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2002

Analyzing acoustic-structural systems such as automobiles and aircraft, the FRF-based substructuring (FBS) method is one of the most powerful tools. In this paper, a general procedure for the parametric sensitivity analysis of vibro-acoustic problems has been presented using the multi-domain FRF-based substructuring formulation. For an acoustic-structural system sub-structured by multiple domains, the substructuring formulation gives the reaction farces on the interface boundaries. The design sensitivity formula is obtained from the direct differentiation of the reaction force expression with respect to the design vector. As a practical application, the proposed design sensitivity formula is applied to an engine mount system of passenger car. An objective of the problem is to identify the most effective engine mounts and bushes in minimizing the interior noise over the concerned rpm range. The comparison of the sensitivity results with those of the finite difference method shows excellent agreement. In addition, stiffness modifications of the mounts and bushes identified through the design sensitivity analysis lead to a successful decrease of the interior noise. This results show usefulness of the present method very well.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.364-370
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• 2013

Resveratrol (trans-3,4'-trihydroxystillbene), a naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidant found in grapes and red wine, elicits diverse biochemical responses and demonstrates anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects in several cell types. Previously, resveratrol was shown to regulate differentiation and inflammation in rabbit articular chondrocytes, while the direct production of nitric oxide (NO) in these cells by treatment with the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) led to apoptosis. In this study, the effect of resveratrol on NO-induced apoptosis in rabbit articular chondrocytes was investigated. Resveratrol dramatically reduced NO-induced apoptosis in chondrocytes, as determined by phase-contrast microscopy, the MTT assay, FACS analysis, and DAPI staining. Treatment with resveratrol inhibited the SNP-induced expression of p53 and p21 and reduced the expression of procaspase-3 in chondrocytes, as detected by western blot analysis. SNP-induced degradation of I-kappa B alpha ($I{\kappa}B-{\alpha}$) was rescued by resveratrol treatment, and the SN50 peptide-mediated inhibition of NF-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) activity potently blocked SNP-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Our results suggest that resveratrol inhibits NO-induced apoptosis through the NF-${\kappa}B$ pathway in articular chondrocytes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.201-208
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• 1974

The purpose of this paper is to present author's experience with 6 cases of ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva which were treated surgically during last 10 years. Among the 6 cases, 5 were male and one was female. All of them originated from the right coronary sinus and 5 cases were ruptured into the RV while remained one into RA. The diagnosis was obtained in 4 cases by cineangiocardiogram. Clinically, we had difficulties in differential diagnosis with combined cases of VSD with A.I. and had special experience in its differentiation during cardiac catheterization. By simultaneous trans-venous and trans-arterial catheterization, identified two catheter tips in the RV, and pull back tracing obtained aortic pressure directly from RV, and RA from RV pressure which were benefit in confirm ruptured aneurysm of the aortic sinus. Surgical correction was performed by means of direct suture closure or combined Teflon pledget Of patch enforcement graft after aneurysm resection by trans-RA or trans-RV approach. All patients had no history of bacterial endocarditis, syphilis, or tuberculosis and operative findings revealed intact coronary sinus except involved one moreover 3 cases combined with high VSD which uggested congenital in origin although pathologic reports revealed only fibrosis. Post-operative course were uneventful in all cases but one who had bleeding and 2 months to 9 years follow up results were good and spend their usual life in all cases.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.10-20
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• 2002

The present paper investigates methods to control dynamic stall using an optimal approach. An unsteady aerodynamic sensitivity analysis code is developed by a direct differentiation method from a two-dimensional unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes solver including a two-equation turbulence model. Dynamic stall control is conducted by minimizing an objective function defined at an instant instead of integrating for a period of time. Unsteady sensitivity derivatives of the objective function are calculated by the sensitivity code, and optimization is carried out using a linear line search method at every physical time step. Numerous examples of dynamic stall control using control parameters such as nose radius, maximum thickness of airfoil, or suction show satisfactory results.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.15-20
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• 2014

Objectives : We search the contents about Bi disease in Huang Di Nei Jing(黃帝內經), to analyze the significance of Bi disease, etiopathogenisis and pathogenesis of Bi disease, treatment of Bi disease. Methods : We find that the key feature of Bi disease is joint pain induced by impatency of Qi and blood. Exterior and interior etiological factors are involved in, such as exogenous evil of cold and dampness, emotional disorders, intemperance of taking food, dysfunction of yingqi and weiqi, strong or weak constitution, etc. Results : The important pathogenesis are invaded by exogenous evil because of deficiency, disharmony of yingqi and weiqi and disharmony of five viscera. The key points of treatments are the individual concerned therapy and climate concerned therapy, selecting the acupoint according to the differentiation of symptoms and signs. Conclusions : The combined therapy should be used such as acupuncture and moxibustion, hot application of medicine, massage, Daoyin, outside apply, etc. These supply the theory foundation for etiological factor, pathogenesis, syndrome and treatment, and to direct the diagnosis and treatment of Bi disease later generations.

• Computational Structural Engineering
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.91-98
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• 1993

Minimum weight design of the boom of an excavator with stress and displacement constraints was performed. The procedure of analysis consists of the following steps. The finite element model of the boom was built up by using 227 triangular plate elements each of which has three nodes. And then the finite element program was implemented and its accuracy was verified by comparing its results with those of the commercial structural analysis package-ANSYS 4.4A. For the constraints of stresses and displacements, the design sensitivities of those were computed using direct differentiation method. To verify the reliability of them the results were compared with those of the finite difference method. The optimum design value was obtained by using PLBA(Pshenichny-Lim-Belegundu-Arora)non-linear optimization program which adopts the active set strategy. Using the above results, minimum weight design of an excavator boom showed an effect of 27% reduction in weight.

• Journal of Power System Engineering
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.82-89
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• 2001

To design a structural or a mechanical system with the best performance, the main procedure of a typical design usually consists of repeated modifications of design parameters and the investigation of the system response for each set of these parameters. But this procedure requires much time, effort and experience. Sensitivity analysis can provide systematic information for improving performance of a system. The author has studied on the development of the structural analysis algorithm and suggested recently the transfer stiffness coefficient method(TSCM). This method is very suitable algorithm to a personal computer because the concept of the TSCM is based on the transfer of the nodal stiffness coefficients which are related to force and displacement vectors at each node. In this paper, a new sensitivity analysis algorithm using the concept of the TSCM is formulated for the computation of state variable sensitivity in static problems. The trust of the proposed algorithm is confirmed through the comparison with the computation results using existent sensitivity analysis algorithm and reanalysis for computation models.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.275-281
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• 2009

Modification of thyroid hormone levels has a profound effect on skeletal muscle differentiation, predominantly through direct regulation involving thyroid hormone receptors. Nevertheless, little is known about the regulation of myostatin gene expression in skeletal muscle due to altered concentrations of thyroid hormone. Thus, the goal of our study was to find out whether altered thyroid states could change the gene expression of myostatin, the most powerful inhibitor of skeletal muscle development. A hyperthyroid state was induced in rats by daily injections of L-thyroxine 20 mg/100 g body weight for 14 days, while a hypothyroid state was induced in another group of rats by administering methimazole (0.04%) in drinking water for 14 days. After a period of 14 days of L-thyroxine treatment we observed a significant increase of myostatin expression both in mRNA and protein level. However, decreased expression of myostatin mRNA and protein were observed in hypothyroid rats. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that the upregulation of myostatin gene expression might be responsible for the loss of body weight induced by altered thyroid hormone levels. We concluded that myostatin played a role in a metabolic process in muscle that was regulated by thyroid hormone.