• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.134-137
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• 2008

Atherosclerosis is characterized by a chronic inflammatory disease, and chemokines play an important role in both initiation and progression of atherosclerosis development. Leukotactin-1 (Lkn-1/CCLl5), a new member of the human CC chemokine family, is a potent chemoattractant for leukocytes. Our previous study has demonstrated that Lkn-1/CCL15 plays a role in the initiation of atherosclerosis, however, little is currently known whether Lkn-1/CCL15 is associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human coronary atherosclerotic lesions playa crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis by altering the vulnerability of plaque rupture. In the present study, we examined whether Lkn-1/CCLl5 modulates MMP-9 release, which is a prevalent form expressed by activated macrophages and foam cells. Human THP-1 monocytic cells and/or human peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) were treated with phorbol myristate acetate to induce their differentiation into macrophages. Foam cells were prepared by the treatment of THP-1 macrophages with human oxidized LDL. The macrophages and foam cells were treated with Lkn-1/CCL15, and the levels of MMP-9 release were measured by Gelatin Zymography. Lkn-1/CCL15 significantly enhanced the levels of MMP-9 protein secretion from THP-1 monocytic cells-derived macrophages, human PBMC-derived macrophages, as well as macrophage-derived foam cell in a dose dependent manner. Our data suggest that the action of Lkn-1/CCL15 on macrophages and foam cells to release MMP-9 may contribute to plaque destabilization in the progression of atherosclerosis.

• Composites Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.34-39
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• 2004

In this paper, a modified and representative unit cell model was employed to study the tensile behaviour of closed-cell metallic foams with varying spatial density distribution as well as material imperfections. The density variation was assumed to follow a statistical probability distribution of the Gaussian type. A multiple cell finite element model, utilising the modified unit cell, was developed. The model exhibits deformation patterns similar to those observed in tensile testing. The nominal stress-strain curve obtained from quasistatic tensile of the foam was compared with experimental findings and was found to be in good agreement in the scheme of maximum strength only if the appropriate density distribution and volume fraction of internal imperfections are taken into account. Moreover, maximum tensile strength of the aluminium foam was found to be more sensitive to the volume fraction of imperfection than standard deviation of the density.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.52-60
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• 2001

Physical properties of foams depend on the density of foams, Physical properties of base polymers, open ceil contents, and cell structures including the size, size distribution, shape of ceil and the thickness of membrane and strut. The density of foam is affected by raw materials, concentration oi crosslinking agent and blowing agent and process parameters such as processing technique and condition. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer(EVA) foam is a crosslinked cellular material. The foaming characteristics and physical properties of EVA foam are affected by decomposition rate of blowing agent. In this study, the decomposition rate of blowing agent and crosslinking rate, foaming characteristics and physical properties of foams were evaluated. The slow decomposition rate of blowing agent results in low density foam, good shock absorption property and uniform cell size distribution compared to the high decomposition rate of blowing agent.

• Journal of Adhesion and Interface
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.96-101
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• 2019

In this study, the flame retardant and physical properties of the expandable graphite/polyurethane foam composites were considered by the addition of expandable graphite. The tensile strength of expandable graphite/polyurethane foam composites decreased with the content of the expandable graphite and the analysis of cell shape by SEM has shown that as the expandable graphite content increases, the cell becomes uneven and collapses. As the results of the compressive strength, density and air permeability tests, it was found that density and as the content of the expandable graphite increased, the compressive strength of the composites increased but air permeability decreased. When the amount of expandable graphite was added at 10 phr or higher, the foam has excellent flame retardation performance. Analysis of the degree of diffraction by X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that as the content of the expandable graphite increased, the crystal peak of the graphite appeared near $2{\theta}=26^{\circ}$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2018

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis play critical roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx) is an antioxidant that potently protects various cells from oxidative stress-induced cell death. However, the protective effect of Trx on ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and apoptosis has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the effect of recombinant human Trx (rhTrx) on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and elucidate the possible mechanisms. RhTrx significantly inhibited ox-LDL-induced cholesterol accumulation and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages. RhTrx also suppressed the ox-LDL-induced overproduction of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), Bax and activated caspase-3, but it increased the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, rhTrx markedly inhibited the ox-LDL-induced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Furthermore, anisomycin (a p38 MAPK activator) abolished the protective effect of rhTrx on ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) exerted a similar effect as rhTrx. Collectively, these findings indicate that rhTrx suppresses ox-LDL-stimulated foam cell formation and macrophage apoptosis by inhibiting ROS generation, p38 MAPK activation and LOX-1 expression. Therefore, we propose that rhTrx has therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.150-156
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• 2012

발포금속은 초경량 재료로서 폐기공과 개기공의 두 가지 형태의 구조를 지니고 있으며 폐기공은 내충격성, 흡음성, 단열성의 기능을 지니고 있고, 개기공은 필터, 생체지지대, 촉매재, 열방출재 등으로 사용되고 있다. 개기공발포재는 삼차원 구조모양으로 프리커서를 이용한 압력정밀주조나 기공입자용출법으로 제조하고 있으나 기공의 크기나 셀의 형상, 두께 등을 조절하기에 어려움이 있다. 이를 해결하기 위하여 환경친화적인 펄라이트를 사용하여 목적하는 크기의 그래뉼을 제조한 후, 용융마그네슘합금을 감압주조법으로 주조하여 그래뉼의 크기로 기공율을 조절하고, 주형의 온도와 압력에 따른 유동의 길이를 측정하였다. 그래뉼 직경이 2.3 $mm{\O}$ 일때에 주형의 온도 $300^{\circ}C$ 이상, 압력이 5000 Pa 이상에서 유동길이 6.5 cm 이상을 얻었다.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2004

Background: LIGHT (TNFSF14) is a member of tumor necrosis factor superfamily and is the ligand for TR2 (TNFRSF14/HVEM). LIGHT is known to have proinflammatory roles in atherosclerosis. Methods: To find out the expression pattern of LIGHT in atherosclerotic plaques, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on human carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimens. LIGHT induced atherogenic events using human monocytic cell line THP-1 were also investigated. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of LIGHT and TR2 in foam cell rich regions in the atherosclerotic plaques. Double immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed the expression of LIGHT in foam cells. Stimulation of THP-1 cells, which express TR2, with either recombinant LIGHT or immobilized anti-TR2 monoclonal antibody induced interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that LIGHT induces nuclear localization of transcription factor, nuclear factor $(NF)-{\kappa}B$. LIGHT induced activation of MMP-9 is mediated by $NF-{\kappa}B$, since treatment of THP-1 cells with the $NF-{\kappa}B$ inhibitor PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) completely blocked the activation of MMP-9. Conclusion: These data indicate that LIGHT is expressed in foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques and is involved in atherogenesis through activation of pro-atherogenic cytokine IL-8 and destabilization of plaque by inducing matrix degrading enzyme.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.145-151
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• 2011

Metallic foam has been known as a functional material which can be used for absorption properties of energy and sound. The unique characteristics of Al foam of mechanical, acoustic, thermal properties depend on density, cell size distribution and cell size, and these characteristics expected to apply industry field. Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy foams was fabricated by following process; firstly melting the Al alloy, thickening process of addition of Ca granule to increased of viscosity, foaming process of addition of titanium hydride powder to make the pores, holding in the furnace to form of cooling down to the room temperature. Metal foams with various porosity level were manufactured by change the foaming temperature. Compressive strength of the Al alloy foams was 2 times higher at 88% porosity and 1.2 times higher at 92% porosity than pure Al foams. It's sound and vibration absorption coefficient were higher than pure Al foams and with increasing porosity.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2008

Metal foam is one of the most interesting materials with various multi-functional properties such as light weight, energy absorption, high stiffness and damping capability. Among them, energy absorption property has keen interests in the field of automotives for passenger protection. Nowadays, researches about pore size and porosity control of the foam are increased to correspond them. However, though energy absorption properties are improved, these results are not cost-effective process. In present research, however, as a part of improving the energy absorption property of metallic foams, 606X aluminum alloy was used for cell wall material which has higher strength than pure aluminum. And its morphological features are characterized. As a results, porosity and pore size are uniformity distribution with increasing foaming temperature in the case of 6061 alloy foams. 6063 alloy foam specimens have opposite tendency because of the influence of alloying element and viscosity of the molten melt.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.208-212
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• 2009

The nano-clay is widely used in polymer-nanocomposites due to the high aspect ratio, heat resistance and nano-scale dimension. In recent researches, the thermal and mechanical properties of polyurethane foam were improved with introducing the nano-clay. In this study, we describe the influence of ultrasonic treatment and content of nano-clay on properties of polyurethane foam. The nano-clay/polyurethane foam were characterized using their recovery time, compressive deflection, cell morphology and tensile test. The ultrasonic treatment was very effective for dispersion of nano-clay. Moreover, we found that introducing over 3 wt% of nano-clay bring the decrease of properties due to the poor dispersion. Expecially, ultrasonically treated 20A/polyurethane foam(1 wt%) showed greatly improved properties, such as homogeneous cell size and good dimension stability. We expect that our results could be applied to insulating materials for construction.