• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.116-121
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• 2016

Although proteomic analyses have revealed the presence of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins in the plasma membrane, there have been no in-depth evaluations of the presence or function of OXPHOS I-V in the plasma membrane. Here, we demonstrate the in situ localization of OXPHOS I-V complexes to the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. A portion of the OXPHOS I-V complex proteins was not co-stained with MitoTracker but co-localized with caveolin-3 in the sarcolemma of mouse gastrocnemius. Mitochondrial matrix-facing OXPHOS complex subunits were ectopically expressed in the sarcolemma of the non-permeabilized muscle fibers and C2C12 myotubes. The sarcolemmal localization of cytochrome c was also observed from mouse gastrocnemius muscles and C2C12 myotubes, as determined by confocal and total internal resonance fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Based on these data, we conclude that a portion of OXPHOS complexes is localized in the sarcolemma of skeletal muscle and may have non-canonical functions.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.382-388
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• 2009

Recently, hydrogen energy has been anticipated to change the paradigm of conventional power systems because it can expand sustainable energy utilization and conceptually provide remarkable flexibility to power system operation. Since hydrogen energy can be converted to electric energy through fuel cells, fuel cells are expected to play an important role in the future hydrogen economy. In this paper, a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) is modeled as an equivalent circuit and its steady-state characteristics investigated using the model. PEMFCs can be connected to power systems through power conditioning systems, which consist of power electronic circuits, and which are operated as distributed generators. This paper analyzes the effects of the characteristics of the PEMFC internal voltages and investigated the dynamic responses of the PEMFC under fault conditions. The results show that the fault current contribution of the PEMFC is different from those of conventional generators and is closely related to its operating point.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.112-117
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• 2013

We studied the modulation of pacemaker activities by Samchulkunbi-tang (SCKB) in cultured interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine small intestine with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Externally applied SCKB produced membrane depolarization in the current-clamp mode. The pretreatment with $Ca^{2+}$-free solution and thapsigargin, a $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase inhibitor in endoplasmic reticulum, abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials and suppressed the SCKB-induced action. The application of flufenamic acid (a nonselective cation channel blocker) abolished the generation of pacemaker potentials by SCKB. However, the application of niflumic acid (a chloride channel blocker) did not inhibit the generation of pacemaker potentials by SCKB. In addition, the membrane depolarizations were inhibited by not only GDP-${\beta}$-S, which permanently binds G-binding proteins, but also U-73122, an active phospholipase C inhibitor. These results suggest that SCKB modulates the pacemaker activities by nonselective cation channels and external $Ca^{2+}$ influx and internal $Ca^{2+}$ release via G-protein and phospholipase C-dependent mechanism. Therefore, the ICC are targets for SCKB and their interaction can affect intestinal motility.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.449-454
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• 2006

Neutron imaging technique was used to investigate the water distribution and movement in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) at HANARO, KAERI. The Feasibility tests were performed in the first and second exposure rooms at the neutron radiography facility (NRF) at HANARO in order to check the ability of each exposure room, respectively. The feasibility test apparatus was composed of water and pressurized air before making up the actual test apparatus. Due to the low neutron intensity in the second exposure room, the exposure time was too long to investigate the transient phenomena of PEMFC. Although the exposure time was improved to 0.1 sec in the first exposure room, it was difficult to discriminate detail water movement at the channel due to the high noise level. Therefore, the experimental setup must be optimized according to the test conditions. Water discharge characteristics were investigated under different flow field geometries by using feasibility test apparatus and the neutron imaging technique. The water discharge characteristics of a 3-parallel serpentine are superior to those of a 1-parallel serpentine, but water at Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) was not removed, regardless of the flow field type.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1274-1278
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• 2009

Fracture characteristics for plate and dome shapes of glass filled ceramics using shock tube were carried out. Glass filled ceramics have been considered as a promising candidate material for the dome port cover of air breathing engine. This part of the air breathing engine has an important role as separated membrane between combustion and external air, and needs the frangible characteristics that the particles of fractured glass filled ceramics should not affect the internal components of combustion. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the fracture pressures for various thicknesses and diameters of shock impact area. Also fracture phenomena of separated membrane using a shock tube compare with analytical method. The experimental apparatus consists of a driver, a driven section and a dump tank. The used material is glass filled ceramic made from Corning company. Specimens have the thickness of 3, 4.5 and 6mm. It is expected that the results obtained from this study can be used in the basic data for the dome port cover design of an air breathing engine.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.73 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2012

Care of patients with sepsis has improved over the last decade. However, in the recent two years, there was no significant progress in the development of a new drug for critically ill patients. In January 2011, it was announced that the worldwide phase 3 randomized trial of a novel anti-Toll-like receptor-4 compound, eritoran tetrasodium, had failed to demonstrate an improvement in the mortality of patients with severe sepsis. In October 2011, Xigris (drotrecogin alfa, a recombinant activated protein C) was withdrawn from the market following the failure of its worldwide trial that had attempted to demonstrate improved outcome. These announcements were disappointing. The recent failure of 2 promising drugs to further reduce mortality suggests that new approaches are needed. A study was published showing that sepsis can be associated to a state of immunosuppression and loss of immune function in human. However, the timing, incidence, and nature of the immunosuppression remain poorly characterized, especially in humans. This emphasizes the need for a better understanding of sepsis as well as new therapeutic strategies. Many clinical experiences of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) treatment for adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, which is caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus, were reported. The use of ECMO in severe respiratory failure, particularly in the treatment of adult ARDS, is occurring more commonly.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.213-221
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• 2021

In order to improve the energy density and safety of Li-ion batteries, the development of a separator with high thermal stability and electrolyte wettability is an important desire. Thus, the ceramic separator to replace the polymer type is one of the most promising materials that can prevent short-circuit caused by the formation of dendrite and thermal deformation. In this study, we introduce the fabrication of various anodic aluminum oxide membranes for the application of Li-ion battery separators with the advantages of improved mechanical/thermal stability, wettability, and a high rate of Li⁺ migration through the membrane. Two different types of through-holes and branched anodic aluminum oxide membranes are well used in lithium-ion battery separators, however, branched anodic aluminum oxide membranes exhibit the most improved performance with capacity (126.0 mAh g^-1 @ 0.3C), capacity drop at the high C-rate (30.6 %), and low internal resistance (8.2 Ω).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.214-233
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• 2016

There is no well-stated practical guideline for mechanically ventilated patients with or without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We generate strong (1) and weak (2) grade of recommendations based on high (A), moderate (B) and low (C) grade in the quality of evidence. In patients with ARDS, we recommend low tidal volume ventilation (1A) and prone position if it is not contraindicated (1B) to reduce their mortality. However, we did not support high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (1B) and inhaled nitric oxide (1A) as a standard treatment. We also suggest high positive end-expiratory pressure (2B), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a rescue therapy (2C), and neuromuscular blockage for 48 hours after starting mechanical ventilation (2B). The application of recruitment maneuver may reduce mortality (2B), however, the use of systemic steroids cannot reduce mortality (2B). In mechanically ventilated patients, we recommend light sedation (1B) and low tidal volume even without ARDS (1B) and suggest lung protective ventilation strategy during the operation to lower the incidence of lung complications including ARDS (2B). Early tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients can be performed only in limited patients (2A). In conclusion, of 12 recommendations, nine were in the management of ARDS, and three for mechanically ventilated patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.97-106
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• 2007

The present study was attempted to investigate the effect of nicorandil, which is an ATP-sensitive potassium ($K_{ATP}$) channel opener, on secretion of catecholamines (CA) evoked by cholinergic stimulation and membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. The perfusion of nicorandil ($0.3{\sim}3.0mM$) into an adrenal vein for 90 min produced relatively dose-and time-dependent inhibition in CA secretion evoked by ACh (5.32 mM), high $k^+$ (a direct membrane depolarizer, 56 mM), DMPP (a selective neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist, $100{\mu}M$ for 2 min), McN-A-343 (a selective muscarinic $M_1$ receptor agonist, $100{\mu}M$ for 4 min), Bay-K-8644 (an activator of L-type dihydropyridine $Ca^{2+}$ channels, $10{\mu}M$ for 4 min) and cyclopiazonic acid (an activator of cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$-ATPase, $10{\mu}M$ for 4 min). In adrenal glands simultaneously preloaded with nicorandil (1.0 mM) and glibenclamide (a nonspecific $K_{ATP}$-channel blocker, 1.0 mM), the CA secretory responses evoked by ACh, high potassium, DMPP, McN-A-343, Bay-K-8644 and cyclopiazonic acid were recovered to the considerable extent of the control release in comparison with that of nicorandil-treatment only. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that nicorandil inhibits the adrenal CA secretion in response to stimulation of cholinergic (both nicotinic and muscarinic) receptors as well as by membrane depolarization from the isolated perfused rat adrenal glands. It seems that this inhibitory effect of nicorandil may be mediated by inhibiting both $Ca^{2+}$ influx and the $Ca^{2+}$ release from intracellular store through activation of $K_{ATP}$ channels in the rat adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. These results suggest that nicorandil-sensitive $K_{ATP}$ channels may play an inhibitory role in the regulation of the rat adrenomedullary CA secretion.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.283-299
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• 2017

The leakage of tunnel causes the long-term durability of the structures such as concrete lining to deteriorate. The cause of durability degradation can be various substances contained in groundwater such as chloride, sulphate, water, and gas. In this study, a series of test were carried out to determine the watertightness performance and the resistance to salt water of the spray-applied membrane used as non-structural rock support or as a waterproof material for tunnels. As a result, it was found that the penetration of water could occur in a specimen, and the reason was that the internal pores generated by the mixing of the liquid polymer and the powder material and the internal pores were connected by the water pressure. The tensile strength of the test specimens immersed in distilled water and saline water was found to be reduced to less than half of the tensile strength in normal condition. In addition, The elongation was measured to be higher in distilled water than in salt water. However, this result will require further investigation.