• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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• 제38권6호
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• pp.545-554
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• 2018

Background: The increasing morbidity and mortality rates associated with Acinetobacter baumannii are due to the emergence of drug resistance and the limited treatment options. We compared characteristics of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB) clinical isolates recovered from patients with and without prior colistin treatment. We assessed whether prior colistin treatment affects the resistance mechanism of CR-AB isolates, mortality rates, and clinical characteristics. Additionally, a proper method for identifying CR-AB was determined. Methods: We collected 36 non-duplicate CR-AB clinical isolates resistant to colistin. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Sanger sequencing analysis, molecular typing, lipid A structure analysis, and in vitro synergy testing were performed. Eleven colistin-susceptible AB isolates were used as controls. Results: Despite no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with and without prior colistin treatment, resistance-causing genetic mutations were more frequent in isolates from colistin-treated patients. Distinct mutations were overlooked via the Sanger sequencing method, perhaps because of a masking effect by the colistin-susceptible AB subpopulation of CR-AB isolates lacking genetic mutations. However, modified lipid A analysis revealed colistin resistance peaks, despite the population heterogeneity, and peak levels were significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: Although prior colistin use did not induce clinical or susceptibility differences, we demonstrated that identification of CR-AB by sequencing is insufficient. We propose that population heterogeneity has a masking effect, especially in colistin non-treated patients; therefore, accurate testing methods reflecting physiological alterations of the bacteria, such as phosphoethanolamine-modified lipid A identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight, should be employed.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• 제34권6호
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• pp.217-225
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• 2018

In this study, we spray a Ni-Cr composite powder onto AISI 4340 steel using the high velocity oxygen fuel method. We subsequently subject the Ni-Cr coating (as-sprayed) to ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) process to improve the tribological performance. This study aims at increasing the wear resistance and durability of the Ni-Cr coating by altering the surface integrity and microstructure via the UNSM process. The UNSM process reduces the surface roughness of the as-sprayed coating by about 64%, which is explained by observing the elimination of high peaks and valleys and filling up micro-pores. Furthermore, a change in the microstructure of the coating due to continuous high-frequency strikes to the surface by a tip can lead to an increase in hardness from about 48 to 60 HRC. Furthermore, we investigate the characterization of the friction and wear behavior of Ni-Cr coating by a ball-on-disc tribometer in the dry conditions. We determine that after the UNSM process, there is a significant reduction in the friction coefficient of the as-sprayed coating from approximately 1.1 to 0.75. This is owing to the increased hardness and smoothed surface roughness. In addition, we investigate the surface morphology and wear track of the coatings before and after the UNSM process using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and three-dimensional laser scanning microscope. We observe that the wear track of the Ni-Cr coating after the UNSM process is lower than that of the as-sprayed one. Thus, we confirm that the UNSM process has a significant influence on the improvement of the tribological performance of the Ni-Cr composite coating.

• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• 제20권6호
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• pp.589-596
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• 2019

Pigments with minute particle sizes, such as carbon black (CB) and pigment red 48:2 (P.R.48:2), are the most important types of pigment and have been widely used in many industrial applications. However, minute particles have large surface areas, high oil absorption and low surface energy. They therefore tend to be repellent to the vehicle and lose stability, resulting in significant increases in viscosity or reaggregation in the vehicle. Therefore, finding the best way to improve the dispersion properties of minute particle size pigments presents a major technical challenge. In this study, minute particle types of CB and P.R.48:2 were treated with nitrogen gas plasma generated via radio frequency-plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) to increase the dispersion properties of minute particles in deionized (DI) water. The morphologies and particle sizes of untreated and plasma treated particles were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The average distributions of particle size were measured using a laser particle sizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was carried out on the samples to identify changes in molecular interactions during plasma processing. The results of our analysis indicate that N2 plasma treatment is an effective method for improving the dispersibility of minute particles of pigment in DI water.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제54권5호
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• pp.1549-1559
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• 2022

As an accident tolerant fuel (ATF) concept, oxide dispersion strengthened Zircaloy-4 (ODS Zry-4) cladding has been developed to enhance the mechanical properties of cladding using laser processing technology. In this study, a simulation technique was established to investigate the mechanical properties and effects of Y₂O₃ particles for the ODS Zry-4. A 3D representative volume element (RVE) model was developed considering the parameters of the size, shape, distribution and volume fraction (VF) of the Y₂O₃ particles. From the 3D RVE model, the Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and creep strain rate of the ODS Zry-4 were effectively calculated. It was observed that the VF of Y₂O₃ particles had a significant effect on the aforementioned mechanical properties. In addition, the predicted properties of ODS Zry-4 were applied to a simulation model to investigate cladding deformation under a transient condition. The ODS Zry-4 cladding showed better performance, such as a delay in large deformation compared to Zry-4 cladding, which was also found experimentally. Accordingly, it is expected that the simulation approach developed here can be efficiently employed to predict more properties and to provide useful information with which to improve ODS Zry-4.

• 치위생과학회지
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.369-377
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• 2023

Background: In this study, we investigated the potential use of keratin for oral tissue regeneration. Keratin is well-known for its effectiveness in skin regeneration by promoting keratinization and enhancing the elasticity and activity of fibroblasts. Because of its structural stability, high storability, biocompatibility, and safety in humans, existing research has predominantly focused on its role in skin wound healing. Herein, we propose using keratin proteins as biocompatible materials for dental applications. Methods: To assess the suitability of alpha-keratin protein as a substrate for cell culture, keratin was extracted from human hair via PEGylation. Viabilities of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. Fluorescence immunostaining and migration assays were conducted using a fluorescence microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Wound healing and migration assays were performed using automated software to analyze the experimental readout and gap closure rate. Results: We confirmed the extraction of alpha-keratin and formation of the PEG-g-keratin complex. Treatment of HGFs with keratin protein at a concentration of 5 mg/ml promoted proliferation and maintained cell viability in the test group compared to the control group. HOKs treated with 5 mg/ml keratin exhibited a slight decrease in cell proliferation and activity after 48 hours compared to the untreated group, followed by an increase after 72 hours. Wound healing and migration assays revealed rapid closure of the area covered by HOKs over time following keratin treatment. Additionally, HOKs exhibited changes in cell morphology and increased the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the potential of hair keratin for soft tissue regeneration, with potential future applications in clinical settings for wound healing.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.175-180
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• 2010

Albumin-modification has been viewed as one of the most effective ways of extending the short in vivo lifetimes of peptide drugs by delaying glomerular filtration. In this study, we describe a new type 2 anti-diabetic exendin-4 (Ex4) peptide derivative with significant binding ability to human serum albumin (HSA). This exendin-4 derivative consists of a 4-branched polyethylene glycol $(PEG)_{5k}$ (Mw: 20 kDa) modified with three stearylamines ($C_{18}-NH_2$) and one exendin-4 on its branches. PEG and stearylamine were selected to provide functionality to increase molecular size and bind to albumin, respectively. This derivative ($3C_{18}-4PEG_{5k}$-Ex4) was shown to have larger molecular size (Ca. 152 kDa) than actual (25.0 kDa) when subjected to size-exclusion chromatography, and the fluorescein-tagged $3C_{18}-4PEG_{5k}$-Ex4 displayed significant binding to the HSA-immobilized Sepharose CL-4B resin using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, $3C_{18}-4PEG_{5k}$-Ex4 was found to have acceptable anti-hyperglycemic efficacy via three consecutive oral glucose tolerance testings (OGTT) in fasted type 2 diabetic db/db mice. The $HD_{total}$ value ($57.6{\pm}12.3%$) of $3C_{18}-4PEG_{5k}$-Ex4 at a 50 nmol/kg dose was 2-fold greater than that ($31.0{\pm}8.7%$) of native exendin-4 in non-fasted db/db mice. Especially, the blood glucose levels in the mice group treated with $3C_{18}-4PEG_{5k}$-Ex4 did not rebound to ~150 mg/dL until 24 h after the injection, which obviously shows the extended hypoglycemia. We believe that this derivative has great pharmaceutical potential as a novel long-acting type 2 anti-diabetic injection treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.236-244
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• 1991

The prevalence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis is 1.8% in 1990, and endobronchial tuberculosis may exist in 10 to 40% of active disease. Endobronchial tuberculosis usually leaves bronchial stenosis as the complication despite of modern chemotherapy, and it is often misdiagnosed as bronchial asthma. When bronchial stenosis involves major airway, its treatment needs such special measures as steroid therapy, surgical intervention and/or laser therapy, but the therapeutic result is often disappointing. To exploit a new treatment modality for bronchial stenosis, balloon dilatation was carried out in 12 patients with endobronchial tuberculosis. Under local anesthesia, 4F-Fogarty balloon was inserted via bronchofiberscope in ten cases and 10F-Gruentzig balloon was introduced under fluoroscopic guide in two others. Endobronchial tuberculoses were subdivided into two(16.7%) with actively caseating type, seven (58.3%) with fibrostenotic type, and three (25.0%) with stenotic type without fibrosis, according to the bronchoscopic findings. In 7 healed cases which were all stenotic with fibrosis, three (42.9%) took favorable turn in clinical status but four (57.1%) were not improved with balloon dilatation. In 5 active cases, all (two with actively-caseating type and three with stenotic type without fibrosis) were improved with this method. $FEV_{1.0}$ or FVC increased 10% or more after procedure in seven (70.0%) of ten and bronchial lumen remained enlarged in eight (66.7%) of twelve, in whom follow-up examination was done after the procedure. Balloon dilatation of bronchial stenosis is more effective, when endobronchial tuberculosis is in active stage than in healed fibrotic stage. It is suggested that bronchial stenosis can be minimized by early diagnosis and early application of balloon dilatation in the course of disease.

• 대한기계학회논문집B
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• 제36권9호
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• pp.931-935
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• 2012

본 연구에서는 저온형 연료전지와 고온형 연료전지의 작동 및 구성 요소 측면 단점들을 보완하기 위해 중온 영역에서 작동하는 박막 연료전지를 제작하였다. 박막 연료전지는 이트륨이 도핑된 바륨 지르코네이트(BYZ) 전해질과 백금 수소극/공기극으로 이루어져 있으며, 성능은 $350^{\circ}C$에서 측정하였다. 350nm의 두께를 가지는 백금 수소극은 다공성 기판 위에 스퍼터링 기법을 이용하여 증착하였다. BYZ전해질은 펄스레이저 기법을 이용하여 $1{\mu}m$ 증착하였고, 상부에 스퍼터링 기법을 이용하여 200nm의 두께를 가지는 백금 공기극을 증착하였다. 개회로 전압은 약 0.81V이었고, 최대 출력 성능은 11.9mW/$cm^2$이었다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권8호
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• pp.3757-3761
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• 2012

Objective: Crocin has been proposed as a promising candidate for cancer chemoprevention. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the chemopreventive action and the possible mechanisms of crocin against human colon cancer cells in vitro. Methods: Cell proliferation was examined using MTT assay and the cell cycle distribution fractions were analyzed using fow cytometric analysis after propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was detected using theTUNEL Apoptosis Detection Kit with laser scanning confocal microscope. DNA damage was assessed using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, while expression levels of p53, cdk2, cyclinA and P21 were examined by Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment of SW480 cells with crocetin (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mmol/L) for 48 h signifcantly inhibited their proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) signifcantly induced cell cycle arrest through p53-independent mechanisms accompanied by P21 induction. Crocetin (0.8 mmol/L) caused cytotoxicity in the SW480 cells by enhancing apoptosis and decreasing DNA repair capacity in a time-dependent manner. Conclusions: This report provides evidence that crocetin is a potential anticancer agent, which may be used as a chemotherapeutic drug.

• 한국작물학회지
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• 제59권3호
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• pp.252-262
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• 2014

혈당 강하를 목적으로 선발된 수수계통의 종자 유래 펩타이드의 양적, 질적 형질을 특성화하고 혈당 강하 수수에서 특이적으로 발현 펩타이드를 선발하기 위하여, 혈당 강하수수 7계통과 비 혈당 강하 수수 5계통에 대한 종자 펩타이드 프로파일링을 SELDI-TOF MS 기법을 활용하여 분석하였다. 1. 분자량의 범위가 2~20 kDa에서 검출된 수수 12계통 종자의 펩타이드는 CM10 (weak cation exchanger)에서 104개와 Q10 (strong anion exchanger)에서 95개였으며, 펩타이드 양적발현에서 12계통 간 유의성(p < 0.01)을 보인 펩타이드는 CM10에서 99개와 Q10에서 93개였다. 2. 12계통 간 양적 발현에 유의적(p < 0.01) 펩타이드를 이용한 heat map 분석에서 수수 각 계통 종자의 고유한 펩타이드 프로파일과 특이적으로 발현하는 펩타이드를 제시하고 있다. 3. 수수 12계통간의 근연거리를 이용한 군집분석에서 혈당 강하 수수 7계통과 비 혈당 강하 수수 5계통이 서로 다른 2개의 군집을 형성하였다. 4. 혈당 강하 계통에서 유의성(p < 0.00001)이 있게 발현되는 펩타이드를 29개 선정하였으며, 이중에서 혈당강하 계통에서만 공통적으로 높게 발현된 10개의 펩타이드(분자량이 2231.6, 2845.4, 2907.9, 3063.5, 3132.6, 3520.8, 4078.8, 5066.2, 5296.5, 5375.5 Da)를 선발하였다.