• Title/Summary/Keyword: helix

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Immunomodulation of Fungal β-Glucan in Host Defense Signaling by Dectin-1

  • Batbayar, Sainkhuu;Lee, Dong-Hee;Kim, Ha-Won
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.20 no.5
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    • pp.433-445
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    • 2012
  • During the course of evolution, animals encountered the harmful effects of fungi, which are strong pathogens. Therefore, they have developed powerful mechanisms to protect themselves against these fungal invaders. ${\beta}$-Glucans are glucose polymers of a linear ${\beta}$(1,3)-glucan backbone with ${\beta}$(1,6)-linked side chains. The immunostimulatory and antitumor activities of ${\beta}$-glucans have been reported; however, their mechanisms have only begun to be elucidated. Fungal and particulate ${\beta}$-glucans, despite their large size, can be taken up by the M cells of Peyer's patches, and interact with macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) and activate systemic immune responses to overcome the fungal infection. The sampled ${\beta}$-glucans function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells. Dectin-1 receptor systems have been incorporated as the PRRs of ${\beta}$-glucans in the innate immune cells of higher animal systems, which function on the front line against fungal infection, and have been exploited in cancer treatments to enhance systemic immune function. Dectin-1 on macrophages and DCs performs dual functions: internalization of ${\beta}$-glucan-containing particles and transmittance of its signals into the nucleus. This review will depict in detail how the physicochemical nature of ${\beta}$-glucan contributes to its immunostimulating effect in hosts and the potential uses of ${\beta}$-glucan by elucidating the dectin-1 signal transduction pathway. The elucidation of ${\beta}$-glucan and its signaling pathway will undoubtedly open a new research area on its potential therapeutic applications, including as immunostimulants for antifungal and anti-cancer regimens.

Large Auricular Chondrocutaneous Composite Graft for Nasal Alar and Columellar Reconstruction

  • Son, Daegu;Kwak, Minho;Yun, Sangho;Yeo, Hyeonjung;Kim, Junhyung;Han, Kihwan
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.39 no.4
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    • pp.323-328
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    • 2012
  • Background Among the various methods for correcting nasal deformity, the composite graft is suitable for the inner and outer reconstruction of the nose in a single stage. In this article, we present our technique for reconstructing the ala and columella using the auricular chondrocutaneous composite graft. Methods From 2004 to 2011, 15 cases of alar and 2 cases of columellar reconstruction employing the chondrocutaneous composite graft were studied, all followed up for 3 to 24 months (average, 13.5 months). All of the patients were reviewed retrospectively for the demographics, graft size, selection of the donor site and outcomes including morbidity and complications. Results The reasons for the deformity were burn scar (n=7), traumatic scar (n=4), smallpox scar (n=4), basal cell carcinoma defect (n=1), and scar contracture (n=1) from implant induced infection. In 5 cases of nostril stricture and 6 cases of alar defect and notching, composite grafts from the helix were used ($8.9{\times}12.5$ mm). In 4 cases of retracted ala, grafts from the posterior surface of the concha were matched ($5{\times}15$ mm). For the reconstruction of the columella, we harvested the graft from the posterior scapha ($9{\times}13.5$ mm). Except one case with partial necrosis and delayed healing due to smoking, the grafts were successful in all of the cases and there was no deformity of the donor site. Conclusions An alar and columellar defect can be reconstructed successfully with a relatively large composite graft without donor site morbidity. The selection of the donor site should be individualized according to the 3-dimensional configuration of the defect.

Otoplasty with High Density Polyethylene Implant(MEDPOR®) (잠복이에서 고밀도 폴리에틸렌 삽입물(MEDPOR®)을 이용한 귀성형술)

  • Lee, Keun-Cheol;Kwon, Yong-Seok;Heo, Jung;Moon, Ju-Bong;Kim, Seok-Kwun
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.167-173
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    • 2009
  • Purpose: The key points of treatment of cryptotia are the elevation of invaginated ear helix and the correction of deformed cartilage. Prevention of stabilized cartilage contouring from returning to the previous state is also important. The authors carried otoplasty by modified Onizuka's method or Ohmori's method that conchal cartilage graft or high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR$^{(R)}$) graft served as fixation after spreading posterior aspect of adhered antihelix and a splint for prevention of recurrence of cartilage deformities. The aim of this study is to reveal the availability of the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR$^{(R)}$) graft for the correction of cryptotia. Methods: We have repaired 17 cryptotic deformities using cartilage graft from cavum of concha(12 cases) or high density polyethylene implant(5 cases) for correction of deformed cartilage. We investigate the operative time, complications, and satisfaction of postoperative ear shape on both autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group. Results: There was 1 case of reinvagination on autogenous cartilage graft group. Implant exposure was occurred on high density polyethylene implant graft group, as 1 case. These were statistically no differences between autogenous cartilage graft group and high density polyethylene implant graft group to the satisfaction of ear shape. Conclusion: High density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR$^{(R)}$) present an alternative to autogenous material as they allow of fibrovascular ingrowth, leading to stability of the implant and decreased infection rates. The correction of deformed cartilage by using the high density polyethylene implant(MEDPOR$^{(R)}$) is a good option for the treatment of cryptotia.

Rheology of Concentrated Xanthan Gum Solutions : Steady Shear Flow Behavior

  • Song Ki-Won;Kim Yong-Seok;Chang Gap-Shik
    • Fibers and Polymers
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    • v.7 no.2
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    • pp.129-138
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    • 2006
  • Using a strain-controlled rheometer, the steady shear flow properties of aqueous xanthan gum solutions of different concentrations were measured over a wide range of shear rates. In this article, both the shear rate and concentration dependencies of steady shear flow behavior are reported from the experimentally obtained data. The viscous behavior is quantitatively discussed using a well-known power law type flow equation with a special emphasis on its importance in industrial processing and actual usage. In addition, several inelastic-viscoplastic flow models including a yield stress parameter are employed to make a quantitative evaluation of the steady shear flow behavior, and then the applicability of these models is also examined in detail. Finally, the elastic nature is explained with a brief comment on its practical significance. Main results obtained from this study can be summarized as follows: (1) Concentrated xanthan gum solutions exhibit a finite magnitude of yield stress. This may come from the fact that a large number of hydrogen bonds in the helix structure result in a stable configuration that can show a resistance to flow. (2) Concentrated xanthan gum solutions show a marked non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior which is well described by a power law flow equation and may be interpreted in terms of the conformational status of the polymer molecules under the influence of shear flow. This rheological feature enhances sensory qualities in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products and guarantees a high degree of mix ability, pumpability, and pourability during their processing and/or actual use. (3) The Herschel-Bulkley, Mizrahi-Berk, and Heinz-Casson models are all applicable and have equivalent ability to describe the steady shear flow behavior of concentrated xanthan gum solutions, whereas both the Bingham and Casson models do not give a good applicability. (4) Concentrated xanthan gum solutions exhibit a quite important elastic flow behavior which acts as a significant factor for many industrial applications such as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic manufacturing processes.

Analysis of Axial Capacity and Constructability of Helical Pile with Inner Cone Penetration (내부 콘 항타를 적용한 헬리컬 파일의 지지력 및 시공성 분석)

  • Lee, Jun-Ho;Lee, Kicheol;Kim, Dongwook
    • Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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    • v.16 no.4
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    • pp.1-11
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    • 2017
  • In this study, 1/6 small-scale model tests of helical piles were conducted to evaluate their installation time and ultimate capacities. Model sand layers were constructed using sand pluviating method to produce uniform soil relative density. For installation of different helical piles varying locations (vertical center-to-center spacings of 50 mm and 150 mm) of helix plates, two different rotation speeds of 15 rpm and 30 rpm were implemented. Cone penetration equipment was installed within the hallow section of the helical pile to increase ultimate capacity of helical pile and to evaluate soil properties of plugged soils and soils below pile tip after installation of the piles. Based on the test results, the most fasted installation was possible under the condition of "rotation speed of 30 rpm and center-to-center spacing of 50 mm", and the highest ultimate capacity was mobilized under the condition of "rotation speed of 30 rpm and center-to-center spacing of 150 mm with cone penetration implementation."

Dynamic Simulation of a Shipbuilding Erection Crane based on Wire Rope Dynamics (Wire Rope Dynamics 기반의 조선용 탑재 크레인 동역학 시뮬레이션)

  • Cha, Ju-Hwan;Ku, Nam-Kug;Roh, Myung-Il;Lee, Kyu-Yeul
    • Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.119-127
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    • 2012
  • A wire rope is comprised of several metal wires which are wound together like a helix and it can resist relatively large axial loads, as compared with bending and torsional loads. A shipbuilding crane for erection such as a floating crane, a gantry crane, and a crawler crane hoists up and down heavy blocks by using these wire ropes. Thus, it is necessary to find dynamic properties of a wire rope in order to safely lift the blocks using the crane. In this study, a formula for calculating the tension and torsional moment acting on wire ropes of the crane was derived based on the existing study, and then dynamic simulation of the crane was performed based on the formula. The result shows that the dynamic simulation can be applied to find the safe method for block erection of shipyards.

Crystal Structure of GRIP1 PDZ6-peptide complex reveals the structural basis for class II PDZ target recognition and PDZ domain-mediated multimerization

  • Im, Young-Jun;Park, Seong-Ho;Park, Seong-Hwan;Lee, Jun-Hyuck;Kang, Gil-Bu;Morgan Sheng;Kim, Eunjoon;Eom, Soo-Hyun
    • Proceedings of the Korea Crystallographic Association Conference
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    • 2002.11a
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    • pp.4-4
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    • 2002
  • PDZ domains bind to short segments within target proteins in a sequence-specific fashion. GRIP/ABP family proteins contain six to seven PDZ domains and interact via its sixth PDZ domain (class Ⅱ) with the C-termini of various proteins, including liprin-α. In addition the PDZ456 domain mediates the formation of homo- and heteromultimers of GRIP proteins. To better understand the structural basis of peptide recognition by a class Ⅱ PDZ domain and DZ-mediated multimerization, we determined the crystal structures of the GRIPI PDZ6 domain, alone and in complex with a synthetic C-terminal octapeptide of human liprin-α, at resolutions of 1.5 Å and 1.8 Å, respectively. Remarkably, unlike other class Ⅱ PDZ domains, Ile736 at αB5 rather than conserved Leu732 at αB1 makes a direct hydrophobic contact with the side chain of the Tyr at the -2 position of the ligand. Moreover, the peptide-bound structure of PDZ6 shows a slight reorientation of helix αB, indicating that the second hydrophobic pocket undergoes a conformational adaptation to accommodate the bulkiness of the Tyr's side chain, and forms an antiparallel dimer through an interface located at a site distal to the peptide-binding groove. This configuration may enable formation of GRIP multimers and efficient clustering of GRIP-binding proteins.

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Studies on the Helical Structures of Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. and Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger (주목과 잎갈나무의 나선장(螺旋狀) 구조(構造)에 관한 연구(硏究))

  • Lee, Phil-Woo;Jung, Hee-Suk;Eom, Young-Geun
    • Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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    • v.15 no.2
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    • pp.79-89
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    • 1987
  • This study was executed to examine helical structure and other feature, of Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. and Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger through photomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic observation, and the obtained result, were summarized as follows: 1. Tracheid transition from springwood to summerwood was abrupt, mel slightly gradual in Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. and summerwood width of Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger was wider than that of Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. 2. Normal vertical and horizontal resin canals and surrounding thick epithelial cells were present in Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger but not present in Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. 3. Instead of helical thickening, helical chicks were observed only in summerwood trachieds of Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger. However, helical thickenings forming S, Z., and horizontal helix perpendicular to long axis of tracheid were observed in springood and summerwood tracheids of Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. and these helical thickenings were considered as analogous to the innermost layer of secondary wall. 4. Uniseriate and fusiform rays were appeared on tangential surface of Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger but oly uniserate ray was observed on tangential surface ot Taxus cuspidata S. et Z. The fusiform rays of Larix gmelinii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger usually contained one horizontal resin canal bot occasionally two horizontal resin canals were contained in a fusiform ray. 5. Trabeculae and crassulae were observed in the tracheids of Larix gmelimii var. principis-ruprechtii Pilger but not observed in the tracheids of Taxus cuspidata S. et Z.

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Protein unfolding by ATP-dependent proteases

  • Lee, Cheolju;Michael Schwartz;Sumit Prakash;Masahiro Iwakura;Andreas Matouschek
    • Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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    • 2003.06a
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    • pp.34-34
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    • 2003
  • Protein unfolding is a key step in several cellular processes, including protein translocation across some membranes and protein degradation by ATP-dependent proteases. C1pAP protease and the proteasome can actively unfold proteins in a process that hydrolyzes ATP, These proteases catalyze unfolding by processively unraveling their substrates from the attachment point of the degradation signal. As a consequence, the ability of a protein to be degraded depends on its structure as well as its stability. An ${\alpha}$-helix is easier to unravel than a ${\beta}$-strand. In multidomain proteins, independently stable domains are unfolded sequentially. The steric constraints imposed on substrate proteins during their degradation by the proteasome were investigated by constructing a model protein in which specific parts of the polypeptide chain were covalently connected through disulfide bridges. The cross-linked model proteins were fully degraded by the proteasome, but two or more cross-links retarded the degradation slightly. Our results suggest that the pore of the proteasome allows the concurrent passage of at least three stretches of a polypeptide chain, and also explain the limited degradation by the proteasome that occurs in the processing of the transcription factor NF-KB, and also implicate difficulty in degradation of amyloidal aggregates by the proteasome

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The Impact of Value Chain Reorganization on Regional Economy: The Case of Daegu Cultural Contents Industry (클러스터의 가치사슬변화가 지역경제에 미치는 영향: 대구문화콘텐츠산업을 사례로)

  • Park, Kyung-Sook;Lee, Chul-Woo
    • Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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    • v.13 no.4
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    • pp.601-622
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    • 2010
  • The purpose of this paper is to analyze the value chain reorganization of cultural contents industry cluster in Daegu city and its impact on the regional economy. To achieve this goal, this research examined the change of value added structure, institutional milieu and networks among regional innovators and their effect on value chain reorganization of cluster. The result shows that the scope of the value chain generating value added have been extended and the networks among regional innovators have been increased. Such value chain reorganization has a positive effect on the regional economy. In the context of public policy, however, the focus of industrial policies needs to generate cultural and institutional specificities in a given region and to strength Triple helix innovation system.

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