• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.9
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• pp.680-686
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• 2016

Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are mitochondrial inner membrane proteins that function to dissipate proton motive force and mitochondrial membrane potential. One UCP has been identified in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), namely UCP-4. In this study, we examined its expression and localization using a GFP marker in C. elegans. ucp-4 was expressed throughout the body from early embryo to aged adult and UCP-4 was localized in the mitochondria. It is known that increased mitochondrial membrane protential leads to a reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, which is associated with age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases in humans. A ucp-4 mutant showed increased mitochondrial membrane protential in association with increased neuronal defects during aging, and the neurons of ucp-4 overexpressing animals showed decreased neuronal defects during aging. These results suggest that UCP-4 may be involved in neuroprotection during aging via relieving mitochondrial membrane protential. We also investigated the relationship between UCP-4 and innate immunity because increased ROS can affect innate immunity. ucp-4 mutant displayed increased resistance to the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus compared to wild type. The enhanced immunity in the ucp-4 mutant could be related to increased mitochondrial membrane protential, presumably followed by increased ROS. In summary, UCP-4 might have an important role in neuronal aging and innate immune responses through mediating mitochondrial membrane protential.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.254-259
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• 2018

Background: The esthetic and functional outcomes of periorbital defect reconstruction are very important because of the complex anatomy and specialized functions of this region. The orbicularis oculi myocutaneous (OOMC) flap is useful for the reconstruction of periorbital defects. But, according to the location and depth of the defects, the reconstruction using OMC flaps with various techniques is rare. The authors have used various kinds of OOMC flaps in various situations and we present an analysis of our experiences. Methods: From November 2001 to July 2017, we used 36 OOMC flaps to reconstruct 30 periorbital defects in 25 patients. We analyzed the cause of the defect, its location, the type of concomitant surgery, the method of flap movement, and complications. Results: Of the 30 defects, basal cell carcinoma was the most common cause, accounting for 20 cases. When the used OOMC flap was classified according to the location of the defects, the switch flap was used in nine cases among 15 defects of lower eyelid, and the V-Y advancement flap was mainly used for other parts. As surgical methods according to the depth of defect were classified, all cases involving the tarsal plate were reconstructed with a composite graft. In case of skin and muscles, they were reconstructed only with OOMC flap or with full-thickness skin graft. Conclusion: The OOMC flap provides good skin quality that is very similar to that of the defect tissue. Depending on the location and depth of the defect, the OOMC flap may be used properly in a variety of ways to achieve good results.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.295-305
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• 2023

Purpose: Various methods have been proposed to achieve the nearly complete decontamination of the surface of implants affected by peri-implantitis. We investigated the in vitro debridement efficiency of multiple decontamination methods (Gracey curettes [GC], glycine air-polishing [G-Air], erythritol air-polishing [E-Air] and titanium brushes [TiB]) using a novel spectrophotometric ink-model in 3 different bone defect settings (30°, 60°, and 90°). Methods: Forty-five dental implants were stained with indelible ink and mounted in resin models, which simulated standardised peri-implantitis defects with different bone defect angulations (30°, 60°, and 90°). After each run of instrumentation, the implants were removed from the resin model, and the ink was dissolved in ethanol (97%). A spectrophotometric analysis was performed to detect colour remnants in order to measure the cumulative uncleaned surface area of the implants. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken to assess micromorphological surface changes. Results: Generally, the 60° bone defects were the easiest to debride, and the 30° defects were the most difficult (ink absorption peak: 0.26±0.04 for 60° defects; 0.32±0.06 for 30° defects; 0.27±0.04 for 90° defects). The most effective debridement method was TiB, independently of the bone defect type (TiB vs. GC: P<0.0001; TiB vs. G-Air: P=0.0017; TiB vs. GE-Air: P=0.0007). GE-Air appeared to be the least efficient method for biofilm debridement. Conclusions: T-brushes seem to be a promising decontamination method compared to the other techniques, whereas G-Air was less aggressive on the implant surface. The use of a spectrophotometric model was shown to be a novel but promising assessment method for in vitro ink studies.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.319-323
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• 2017

Background Free-flap surgery and skin grafting can be used to reconstruct large facial defects that may result after skin cancer removal by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). However, these two methods may produce low postsurgical patient satisfaction with aesthetics, and free-flap surgery may produce an undue burden for the majority of skin cancer patients, who are of advanced age. Hence, the authors examined outcomes of large facial defect reconstruction using multiple flaps. Methods Among patients undergoing MMS for skin cancer at Pusan National University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015, we evaluated 7 patients (2 males, 5 females; average age, 73.14 years) treated for large facial defects from basal cell carcinoma. Based on operative and follow-up records, we investigated the number and type of flaps used, postsurgical complications, and patients' post-surgical satisfaction. Results Two and 3 types of flaps were used for 5 and 2 patients, respectively. Most frequently used were nasolabial flaps (7 times in 6 patients) and forehead flaps (once in each of 4 patients). The average follow-up period was 14 months, with no complications-including necrosis, hematoma, or wound dehiscence-observed. Post-surgical satisfaction averaged 4.4 out of a maximum of 5 points. Conclusions Reconstruction using two or more flaps for large facial defects after skin cancer removal using MMS produced satisfactory outcomes while preventing aesthetic problems. Practitioners should consider using multiple flaps when choosing a reconstruction method for large facial defects following skin cancer removal.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.491-500
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• 2015

This study investigated defect status by work type, based on the report data of defect inspection results, acquired by consumers' request to safety inspection agencies, before the expiration of legal defect repair warranty period. In fact, the data was not acquired by centering on suppliers, namely, construction companies in relation with the defects becoming causes to increase construction cost of apartments. This study aims to provide objective and basic data for quality improvement at construction stage and for solution to defect disputes. The study results are presented below: (1) The number of defect cases occurring from architectural work among total work types were 1,986, defect occurrence rate was 62.5%, and defect repair cost was KRW $25,851/m^2$, which stood at 78.2% of the total work types. This means the defect occurrence rate and defect repair cost in architectural work are bigger than those of other work types. (2) Major defects in architectural work were revealed in the following order: cracks from frame work, inferior interior finishing work, inferior finishing work of plaster/masonry works, water leak/damage from waterproof work and withering/omission from landscape work. The total repair cost of the major selected defects was KRW $12,220/m^2$, and was analyzed to take up 37% of the total defect repair cost.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.679-682
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• 2011

Purpose: Neurofibromas of neuroectodermal origin are commonly found in Von Recklinghausens disease or neurofibormatosis type 1. It is an autosomal dominant disease caused by mutation of the long arm of chromosome 17. It can present from small nodules to disfiguring giant tumor. Plexiform neurofibroma is benign in most cases, but it could be transformed into malignant tumor, which requires surgical excision. To cover the defects after the excision, a number of surgical correction methods are available. This study is to report a surgical correction of disfiguring plexiform neurofibroma using anterolateral thigh free flap for extensive defects after surgical excision of neurofibrona. Methods: Data of five neurofibroma patients with an average age of 39 including medical history, physical examination, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were checked. No disease other than neurofibroma were detected. Biopsy on the excised tissues was performed. The follow-up period was 7 to 27 months. Results: The average size of defects after complete excision of neurofibroma was $13{\times}10{\sim}25{\times}15$ cm. Defects were covered by anterolateral thigh free flap, while donor sites were covered by local flap, split thickness skin graft and regional flap. Throughout follow-up, there were no complication, relapse, or any abnormalities. Conclusion: Despite various surgical correction methods are applicable to defects after excision on disfiguring plexiform neurofibroma, coverage of massive defects is still challenging in plastic and reconstructive surgeon. We have made five successful cases of surgical correction of disfiguring plexiform neurofibroma using anterolateral thigh free flap.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.45-50
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• 2005

During oxidation process, several type of defects are formed on the surface of the silicon crystal which was damaged mechanically before oxidation. As the size of abrasive particle increases multiple dislocation loops are produced favorably over oxidation-induced stacking faults, which are dominantly produced when ground with finer abrasive particle. These defects are not related with the crystal growth process like Czochralski or directional solidification. During directional solidification process, twins and stacking faults are the two major defects observed in the bulk of the silicon crystal. On the other hand, slip dislocations produced by the thermal stress are not observed. Thus, not only in single crystalline silicon crystal but also in multi-crystalline silicon, extrinsic gettering process with programmed production of surface defects might be highly applicable to silicon wafers for purification.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.22-54
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• 1989

Seasonal semi-greenhouse type solar-drying of 2.5cm-and 5.0cm-thick lumber of Quercus aliena Blume and Quercus variailis Blume was carried out to investigate the possibility of solar-drying of wood and to decide the active solar-drying period in Korea. In the active solar-drying period obtained solar-dehumidification, semi-greenhouse type solar-, air- and kiln-drying of 2.5cm -thick lumber of oaks were carried out to analyze drying-rates. -defects, and -yield in each drying-method and to calculate daily total absorbed solar-radiation the solar dryers. The energy balance equations were set up, considering all the energy requirements, to analyze the heat efficiencies of semi-greenhouse type solar and solar-dehumidification-dryer. In a seasonal drying the drying rate of semi-greenhouse type solar-dryer was highest in summer, and greater in fall, spring, and winter in order. Solar-drying time was 45% in summer to 50% in winter of the air-drying rime, and more serious drying-defects occurred in air-drying than in solar-drying. In the active solar-drying period. April, May, and June, the average drying rate in solar-dehumidification-drying was 1.0%/day and greater than 0.8%/day in semi-greenhouse type solar-drying. In solar-dehumidification-drying the time required to dry lumber to 10% moisture content was less than 60 days, and solar-dehumidification-drying showed the highest drying-yield, 65.01%, than the other drying methods. The daily total absorbed solar radiations were 8.51MJ on the roof collector and 6.22 MJ on the south wall collector. In the energy blance 69.48% of total energy input was lost by heat conduction through walls, roof. and floor 11.68% by heat leakage, 0.33% by heating the internal structures of the solar-dryer and 5.38% by air-venting. Therefore the heat efficiency of semi-greenhouse type solar-dryer 13.13%, was lower than that of solar-dehumidification-dryer, 14.04%. Solar-drying of lumber in Korea showed the possibility to reduce the air-drying-time in every season and the efficiency of solar-dehumidification drying was higher than that of semi-greenhouse type solar-drying.

• Design & Manufacturing
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.32-36
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• 2021

In this study, the cause of the decrease in transmittance of the outer lens among the causes of the decrease in the amount of light in the automobile headlamp was identified, and the improvement method was selected to determine the effect. The causes of defects that lower the transmittance of the outer lens are divided into a moisture problem and a haze problem. The moisture problem is caused by the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the head lamp, and the haze problem occurs when the heat inside the head lamp evaporates the haze component contained in the plastic material and attaches it to the outer lens. In order to improve the haze problem that occurs in plastic raw materials, the structures of the bulb light source type headlamp and the LED chip light source type headlamp were analyzed. Among them, the housing material of the LED chip light source type headlamp, which is structurally prone to haze gas, was selected as the test target. In the mass-production injection process of the housing, the drying process was selected as a method to minimize haze gas without adding a separate production process. After extracting a sample every drying time at a constant drying temperature, the sample was put into a haze tester and the residual amount of haze gas was measured. As a result, it was confirmed that the residual amount of Haze gas in the material decreased as the drying time increased.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.29-35
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• 2015

In this study, potential defects of ring-type cast products during the mold-filling stage of the casting process were investigated using computer simulation. The main focus was on the effects of runner extension and ingates. During the mold filling the molten metal flowed from the bottom to the top of the mold in two curved paths along the ring-type cavity. The fluid fronts in the two paths did not show the identical velocity during the mold filling stage. This difference in the filling speeds may cause defects such as voids and local contractions. The present model contained virtual fluid detectors at various positions inside the mold. When the molten metal passed those points, the volume of fluid jumped up from zero to one. The moments were measured to compare the speeds of the fluid fronts. We attempted various combinations of runner extensions and ingates to stabilize the flow and then to optimize the casting mold design.