In the present study, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) with different particle sizes were coated onto polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers by a direct coating method. The flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, and the morphology of the xGnP-coated carbon fiber/phenolic matrix composites were investigated in terms of their longitudinal flexural strength and modulus, interlaminar shear strength, and by optical and scanning electron microscopic observations. The results were compared with a phenolic matrix composite counterpart prepared without xGnP. The flexural properties and interlaminar shear strength of the xGnP-coated carbon fiber/phenolic matrix composites were found to be higher than those of the uncoated composite. The flexural and interlaminar shear strengths were affected by the particle size of the xGnP, while the particle size had no significant effect on the flexural modulus. It seems that the interfacial contacts between the xGnP-coated carbon fibers and the phenolic matrix play a role in enhancing the flexural strength as well as the interlaminar shear strength of the composites.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix. MMP-8 has been reported to be involved in the degradation of collagen in progression of dental caries. MMP-13 was found to be expressed in both normal and caries pulp, implying its involvement in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Methods: Four extracted teeth were used. They were categorized into four grades according to caries progression. Three sections were prepared from each separated crown and root. Immunofluorescence of the FITC of the MMP-8 and 13 in coronal and radicular dentin was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Results: Immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-8 were observed both in radicular and coronal dentin in the sound, C1 and C3 carious teeth. In C2 carious teeth, immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-8 were observed only in radicular dentin. Immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-13 were observed both in radicular and coronal dentin in the sound teeth. In C1, C2 and C3 carious teeth, immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-13 were not observed both in radicular and coronal dentin. Conclusion: Immunofluorescence signals revealed that MMP-8 and 13 were present in coronal and radicular dentin, and was differently expressed as caries progressed.

The electrical property of polymer matrix composites with added carbon powder is studied based on the temperature dependency of the conduction mechanism. The temperature coefficient of the resistance of the polymer matrix composites below the percolation threshold (x) changed from negative to positive at 0.20 < x < 0.21; this trend decreased with increasing of the percolation threshold. The temperature dependence of the electrical property(resistivity) of the polymer matrix composites below the percolation threshold can be explained by using a tunneling conduction model that incorporates the effect of the thermal expansion of the polymer matrix composites into the tunneling gap. The temperature coefficient of the resistance of the polymer matrix composites above the percolation threshold has a positive value; its absolute value increased with increasing volume fraction of carbon powder. By assuming that the electrical conduction through the percolating paths is a thermally activated process and by incorporating the effect of thermal expansion into the volume fraction of the carbon power, the temperature dependency of the resistivity above the percolation threshold can be well explained without violating the universal law of conductivity.

In order to get stabilized pure retinol in skin care cosmetics, developing the three layered matrix bead capsules were studied. This study relates to make a cosmetic composition using the three layered matrix capsule that could increase the stability of the active ingredient. A primary encapsulation, vitamin A (pure retinol) of active ingredient was perfectly capsulated into water-in-oil (Water-in-Oil: W/O) emulsion vesicle using PEG-10 dimethicone copolyol emulsifier. A secondary encapsulation of multiple emulsion of the water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion blending W/O emulsion using sucrose distearate of surfactant was developed using homogenizing emulsifying system. Pure retinol of active ingredient was stably capsulized to inside the W/O/W-multiple emulsion in order to load the triple matrix capsulation. By coating it with a polymer matrix base, encapsulated in the triple layered type, which were developed bead encapsulation of 2~10mm uniformly size. To show beautifully appearance capsulated bead type, these finish particles in this triple matrix layer were developed as a gold, green, dark brown, silver and blue color were encapsulated in the bead types. Structural particle certification of triple matrix layer was observed through SEM analysis. Stability of pure retinol was remained stable more than 99.7% for 30 days at 42°C incubating conditions compared with non-capsule. This technology was applied in different formulations such as various sizes and colors that by applying the skin care cosmetics. In the future, this technology to encapsulate an unstable active ingredient, we expect to be expanded this application in the food and drug as a time delivery system.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix.In a previous study, MMP-13 was found to be expressed in pulp implying its involvement in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Two extracted teeth were used. A sound tooth and a tooth with wide range of dental caries were used. Two sections were obtained each from isolated crown and root. Immunofluorescence of the FITC of the MMP-13 in coronal and radicular dentin was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Immunofluorescence signals that were indicative of MMP-13 were observed in coronal dentin of sound teeth and in carious teeth with a wide range of caries. Marked immunofluorescent reaction was observed in the border line of caries infected and affected coronal dentin. MMP-13 expression was not detected in the root dentin. The expressions of MMP-13 in carious dentin imply the roles of MMP-13 in caries progression.

Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework(ZIF)는 기체의 선택적인 분리나 센서, 촉매 반응 등의 목적으로 널리 연구된다. 특히 촉매의 역할이 가능하기 때문에 반응과 동시에 가스를 분리 할 수 있는 막 반응기의 역할을 할 수 있다. 본 연구에서는 ZIF-8 입자를 합성하고, 이를 PVC-g-POEM 고분자 매트릭스에 분산하여 MMM(Mixed matrix membrane)으로 제조하였다. 특히, α-알루미나 지지체 위에 PVC-g-POEM/ZIF-8 혼합 용액을 스핀 코팅하여 균일한 두께의 MMM을 얻을 수 있었다. 합성된 MMM은 XRD, FE-SEM을 통해 결정상과 표면, 코팅 두께 등을 측정하였으며, 이성분계 기체 투과 실험을 통해 다양한 이성분계 기체에 대한 투과 특성을 살펴보았다.

극성 기체인 CO2를 분리하기 위해 UiO-66과 PVC-g_POEM을 사용하여 Membrane을 만들었다. UiO-66(MOFs)는 높은 수분 안정성뿐 아니라, 강산 및 강염기 수용액 하에서도 안정된 구조를 유지한다. 또한 다양한 용매에 사용할 수 있는 장점을 가지고 있다. 본 연구에서는 PVC-g-POEM 고분자 매트릭스에 높은 비표면적을 갖는 UiO-66 입자를 분산하여 Mixed Matrix Membrane을 제조하였다. 분리막 두께에 변화시키며, 다양한 이성분계 혼합기체에 대한 투과 실험을 실시하였다. 합성된 MMM의 결정상은 XRD로, 두께 및 표면 등은 SEM을 통해 분석하였으며, 기체 투과 실험에서 투과된 기체의 조성은 GC를 이용하여 분석하였다.

Polymer electrolyte membranes consisting of a PVP/AgCF3SO3/Al(NO3)3 complex were prepared for the separation of a propylene/propane mixture. In this study, the effect of Al(NO3)3 on inhibiting the reduction of silver ions generated from AgCF3SO3 was investigated, where AgCF3SO3 was used as a cost-effective alternative to AgBF4 in the facilitated olefin transport membranes. When Al(NO3)3 was incorporated into a PVP/AgCF3SO3 complex membrane, the selectivity of propylene/propane and mixed gas permeance showed 5 and 0.5GPU, respectively. Moreover, the PVP/AgCF3SO3/Al(NO3)3 complex membranes showed long-term stability although AgCF3SO3 is easily reduced to silver nanoparticles. It was thus proved that Al(NO3)3 played the role of a retardant for the reduction of silver ions generated from AgCF3SO3 as well as from AgBF4.

In this study, novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with hollow zeolite imidazole frameworks (H_ZIF-8) were introduced with regard to CO2/CH4 gas separation. H_ZIF-8 nanoparticles (low density and large BET surface area) and amphiphilic PVC-g-POEM (poly(vinyl chloride)-g-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate)) graft copolymer showed good interfacial properties and uniform distribution, which resulted in improved gas permeation properties interacted with PVC-g-POEM by secondary bonding interactions. Two Tg values expressed the glassy PVC chains and the rubbery POEM chains, suggesting that the copolymer had a well-defined and microphase-separated structure. We observed that H_ZIF-8 interrupted the mobility of polymer chain, contributing to the increased Tg, was dispersed homogeneously in the coopolymer matrix without noticable aggregation.

A simple method for generating pores in a cellulose acetate (CA) polymer matrix was developed using a combination of an ionic liquid and water pressure treatment. A porous CA membrane was successfully prepared using the ionic liquid (BMIM-BF4) and subsequent water pressure treatment. Pores were generated in the CA polymer matrix when the CA/ionic liquid composite was subjected to water pressure. The characteristics of the thus-generated porous membrane were evaluated using porosimetry. FT-IR and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that when the CA polymer was subjected to water pressure, most of the BMIM-BF4 incorporated in the polymer during its preparation was removed, thereby generating the observed pores. In addition, it was observed that the flux varied with water pressure, indicating that the pore size was controllable.

혼합매질 막의 제조에 널리 사용되고 있는 TiO2 나노입자의 대안으로서 ZnO 나노입자가 혼합된 Polyethersulfone(PES) 막을 제조하고 특성을 평가하였다. ZnO는 TiO2에 상응하는 기능적 특성을 갖고 있으면서도 가격이 낮다는 장점이 있어 혼합매질 막의 제조에 활용이 가능할 것으로 예상된다. 본 연구에서는 N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP)를 용매로 사용하여 각기 다른 농도의 PES 용액에 낮은 비율로 ZnO 나노입자를 혼합시켜 침지침강에 의한 상변환법을 사용하여 혼합매질 막을 제조한 후 표면 및 단면 관찰, 접촉각 측정, 여과/막오염 특성, 그리고 인장 강도를 측정하여 특성을 평가하였다. 그 결과 낮은 비율의 ZnO 나노입자로 순수 투과도와 막오염 정도를 충분히 개선할 수 있었다.

PEBAX®는 폴리에테르가 우수한 CO2용해도를 나타내어 기체분리막의 소재로 주목받고 있지만 폴리아마이드의 crystallinity로 인해 투과성능면에서 제약을 받는다고 알려져 있다. 본 연구에서는 PEBAX® 막의 기체투과특성을 향상시키기 위해 합성된 aluminosilicate hollow nanoparticles를 막 내부에 고르게 분산시켜 함량별로 혼합막을 제조한다. 분산된 나노입자의 함량에 따른 CO2 용해도 증가, 확산 속도의 증가로 인하여 선택도와 투과도의 향상을 예측할 수 있다. 첨가된 나노입자의 morphology와 yield를 확인하고, 첨가량이 증가할수록 선택도의 변동없이 투과도가 증가하는 것을 알 수 있다.

지난 수십 년 동안, 고분자막은 기체 분리 분야에서 큰 역할을 해왔다. 온실가스의 주범인 이산화탄소를 분리하기 위해서는 더 높은 투과선택도와 장수명 및 대면적 등을 요구한다. 하지만 기존 고분자 분리막들은 투과도와 선택도의 역상관 관계 특징을 지니고 있으며, 무기물질은 투과성능이 우수하지만 가격이 비싸다는 단점이 있다. 최근 많은 연구가 진행되어온 혼합 매질 분리막은 고분자와 무기물질의 이점들을 혼합하여 기체 분리막의 차세대로서 큰 이목을 이끌고 있다. 혼합 매질 분리막은 대칭적인 구조 또는 비대칭적인 구조를 가지고 있으며, 투과량을 증가시키기 위해서는 비대칭적인 구조가 바람직하 다. 혼합 매질 분리막에서 가장 중요한 변수로는 무기입자의 균일한 분산과 무기물과 고분자 사이의 좋은 계면을 형성하는 것이다. 최근에 새로운 분류의 다공성 결정성 물질인 금속 유기 구조체(MOF)는 이산화탄소 분리용 소재로써 많은 관심을 끌 고 있다. MOF의 한 종류 중, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF)는 가장 흔하게 사용되는 무기입자이며 이는 입자의 크기 를 작게 만들 수 있으며, CO2를 분리하기에 적절한 기공의 크기를 가지고 있기 때문이다. 이 밖에 혼합 매질 분리막에 사용 되는 특정 물질들을 적용하기 위해서는 선택도와 크기, 호환성, 안정성 등을 동시에 최적화시켜야 한다. 이와 같이 본 총설에 서는, 혼합 매질 분리막에 관련된 주요 연구내용과 이러한 연구를 수행하는 대표적인 전략들을 소개하였다.

The salivary gland undergoes complex process of growth and differentiation of the branching morphogenesis of ductal system during the prenatal and early postnatal periods which are regulated by various elements in the extracellular matrix. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a cell adhesion molecule. In the present study, localization and expression of EMMPRIN in development and effects of chorda-lingual denervation and cyclosporine A (CsA) treatment on the EMMPRIN expression were investigated. Immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine expression level. Immunohistochemistry revealed that EMMPRIN was localized specifically in the cytoplasm of ductal cells, not acini of the submandibular gland all the postnatal periods. At prenatal day 18, when the formation of ducts was not definite, no immunoreactivity was observed. Both Western blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed that EMMPRIN expression was maintained up to postnatal day 7, decreased after postnatal day 10. The EMMPRIN expression was upregulated by the surgical denervation of the chorda-lingual nerve in the gland as well as by the CsA treatment. The present study suggests that EMMPRIN is a crucial molecule for maintaining physiological functions of the salivary gland.

목 적: 여러 개의 렌즈로 구성된 광학시스템에 대한 유용한 분석 도구로서 행렬전달식의 가능성을 확인 하고, 이를 이용하여 사람 눈을 포함한 복합 광학계를 분석하였다. 대상과 방법: 굴스트란드 모형안의 각막, 수정체, 전체 광학계 및 근시성 난시안에서 가우스 결상방정식 과 행렬전달식으로 각각의 굴절력을 계산하고 그 결과를 비교분석하였다. 결 과: 가우스 결상방정식과 행렬전달식의 결과로 굴스트란드 정식모형안에서 각막굴절력은 각각 43.05D, 43.10D였고, 수정체굴절력은 19.50D, 19.50D, 전체 광학계굴절력에서는 동일하게 59.05D으로 계 산되었다. 본 연구에서 적용한 근시성 난시안인 환자의 경우, 가우스 결상방정식의 수직정점초점거리와 수평 정점초점거리는 각각 24.85 mm, 25.15 mm이며 행렬전달식의 수직정점초점거리와 수평정점초점거리는 각 각 24.84 mm, 25.14 mm로 계산되었다. 결 론: 굴스트란드 모형안의 각막, 수정체, 전체 광학계, 실제 근시성 난시안에서 가우스 결상방정식과 행렬전달식에 의한 결과의 차이가 크지 않았으며, 행렬전달식은 난시안을 포함한 좀 더 복잡한 광학계를 분 석하기에 유용함을 확인하였다.

This paper investigates the dependency of the critical content for electrical conductivity of carbon powder-filled polymer matrix composites with different matrixes as a function of the carbon powder content (volume fraction) to find the break point of the relationships between the carbon powder content and the electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity jumps by as much as ten orders of magnitude at the break point. The critical carbon powder content corresponding to the break point in electrical conductivity varies according to the matrix species and tends to increase with an increase in the surface tension of the matrix. In order to explain the dependency of the critical carbon content on the matrix species, a simple equation (Vc* = [1 + 3(γc1/2 − γm1/2)2/(ΔqcR]−1) was derived under some assumptions, the most important of which was that when the interfacial excess energy introduced by particles of carbon powder into the matrix reaches a universal value (Δqc), the particles of carbon powder begin to coagulate so as to avoid any further increase in the energy and to form networks that facilitate electrical conduction. The equation well explains the dependency through surface tension, surface tensions between the particles of carbon powder.

In order to achieve successful in vitro production of embryo, it is necessary to establish intrauterine environment during in vitro culture. Thus, this study was investigated to establish embryo culture system using co-incubated collagen matrix gel (CM) with endometrial epithelial cells (EC). Endometrial epithelial cells were isolated from porcine endometrium at follicular phase, the cells seeded in insert dish for co-incubation with CM-coated culture dish. Then, culture media treated with/without 2.0 IU/ml hCG or 10 ng/ml IL-1β. After incubation for 24 h, the co-incubated insert dishes were removed from CM-coated culture dish before embryo culture. Embryos at 48 h after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were cultured on the dish for 120 h with porcine zygote medium. We determined PTGS-2 expression in the ECs, VEGF protein in co-incubated CM with EC and observed cleavage rate and blastocyst development of embryos at 168 h after IVF. In result, expression of PTGS-2 was higher at co-incubated EC with hCG and IL-1β groups than EC without hCG and IL-1β. The VEGF protein was detected at co-incubated CM with EC, EC treated with hCG and IL-1β groups higher than CM group. Also, cleavage rate was no significantly difference among all group, however, blastocyst development was significantly higher in co-incubated CM with EC treated with hCG group than un-treated groups (p<0.05). Therefore, we suggest that novel embryo culture system using co-incubated collagen matrix gel with endometrial epithelial cells treated with IL-1β is beneficial and useful for enhancing the production of porcine blastocysts in vitro.

INTRODUCTION The term luxury usually defines not a category of products but a conceptual and symbolic set of dimensions. These dimensions comprise values that are strongly related to cultural elements and the wider socio-economic context (Vickers & Renand, 2003). Vickers and Renand (2003) recognised luxury goods as symbols of personal and social identity. Luxury is often used as a social marker, as a social stratification tool to reinforce a hierarchy (Okonkwo, 2010, Kapferer & Bastien, 2009). Due to the subjective nature of the luxury concepts and the complexity to define it, perceptions of luxury brands are not consistent across market segments and geographic locations (Phau & Prendergast, 2000), since they depend largely on each consumer's perception of indulgence. A common denominator between consumers in both Western and Eastern cultures is that the purchase of luxury brands serves to portray individuality and/or social standing (Nueno & Quelch, 1998; Vigneron & Johnson, 2004). Consumption of luxury brands is largely determined by social function attitudes (i.e. self-expression attitude and self-presentation attitude) as consumers express their individuality (e.g., need for uniqueness) and exhibits their social standing (e.g., self monitoring) through luxury brands (Wilcox et al., 2009). It is of growing importance for researchers and managers to understand how consumers' perceptions of value, influences buying criteria and behaviour (Tynan et al., 2010; Wiedmann, Hennigs, & Siebels, 2007). The perception of value by consumers is given a higher importance (Tynan et al., 2010) however the measurement of luxury value is not agreed amongst scholars and practitioners. Vigneron and Johnson (2004) proposed a structure of the luxury concept and presented the “brand luxury index” framework. Wiedmann et al. (2007) offered a conceptual model of luxury value perceptions highlighting four dimensions, namely: social, personal, functional, and financial values. Tynan et al. (2010) have adapted the earlier work by Smith and Colgate (2007) on generic value framework and suggested a conceptual model based on the following concepts: utilitarian, symbolic/ expressive, experiential/hedonic, relational, and cost/ sacrifice value. With the emergence of new concepts and levels of luxury, the measurement of value becomes even harder. According to Unity Marketing (2006) “…‘old luxury’ was about the attributes, qualities and features of the product and much of its appeal was derived from status and prestige. The new luxury consumer defines the category from their point of view. Today’s new luxury consumers focus on the experience of luxury embodied in the goods and services they buy, not in the ownership itself.” Robins and Ricca (2012) propose an alternative perspective on the established ‘new’ vs. ‘old’ luxury dichotomy. According to the authors, the more brands define themselves as belonging to the world of luxury, the more the concept becomes meaningless as luxury becomes ‘massified’. They introduce the concept of Meta-Luxury as a new form of luxury that escapes the cliché of luxury and establishes the “luxury beyond luxury”. In these complex scenarios, luxury brands are on a constant quest to remain relevant and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. According to Beverland (2004) marketers now need to use “a complex combination of dedication to product quality, a strong set of values, tacit understanding of marketing, a focus on detail, and strategic emergence” in order to effectively manage luxury brands. With the recent focus on co-creation of value, luxury brand management has evolved to include dialogue and complex interactions between the brand owner, employee, customers and other social groups and communities (Tynan et al. 2010) making success factors harder to track. Purpose This paper aims to conceptualize a measurement tool that could be used in the evaluation and classification of a luxury brand’s performance and to assess how these dimensions evolve as the brand moves from mature towards more emerging luxury markets. This paper seeks to make a contribution, by providing a systematic review of the definitions of a luxury brand provided by various authors. It seeks to establish patterns and inconsistencies and to summarise them in a performance measurement matrix (the LPM framework) which can be used to identify growth strategies and to support future managerial developments. Design/methodology/approach The methodological approach followed in this paper was to systematically review the academic literature on luxury brands and to reduce the numerous factors cited as components and identifiers of luxury brands to a more manageable number of macro-themes. Through the analysis of the dimensions identified (with a further distinction between ‘new’ and ‘old’ luxury brands), the researchers intended to clarify the key elements of success that impact on brands competitiveness, leading to the definition of the items in the scale. In order to validate the elements, a survey was implemented to identify the most crucial indicators by building on the results of the systematic review. The aim of the survey was to clarify detailed criteria for each of the dimensions in order to construct an effective measurement scale. The scale was tested on four luxury brands selected amongst those perceived as ‘old’ / traditional luxury and ‘new’/emergent luxury. Findings Amongst academics and practitioners there is no common agreement or clear parameters that delineate what luxury is or the strategies such brands employ. This leads to confusion in the definition of the elements that constitute a luxury brand as well as in the brand management process. This paper proposes an alternative measurement scale to the Brand Luxury Index Scale developed by Vigneron and Johnson by focusing on a strategic overview of the performance of luxury brands in the UK market. It attempts to evaluate the performances of key luxury players by using a value-curve approach (Kim and Mauborgne, 2005) as a measurement tool. The value curve is a both a diagnostic and an action tool which captures the current state of play in the market space. The different constituents of the proposed Luxury Performance Matrix (LPM) should be considered when measuring the performance of a luxury brand and its capacity for value creation. The visual representation of the LPM model, allows marketers and brand managers to easily evaluate what aspects and strategic directions should be prioritized. It also allows to capture the brand’s performance across the key competitive factors of the industry and to determine which factors need to be raised above competition as way to increase competitiveness in the marketplace. The Luxury Performance Matrix proposed in this paper represents a major contribution to the measurement and evaluation of the competitive performances of established and ‘new’ luxury brands, in mature and emerging markets. Originality/value The proposed matrix will allow luxury brand managers to assess the current presence in the marketplace and develop more in-depth understanding of the brand’s performance. The findings provide valuable strategic insights for luxury brands operating across emerging and established product/market contexts.

This study is to develop the double capsulation technology in order to increase the conservativeness and stability of unstable materials such as vitamins, polyphenols, natural active ingredients. And also, best way of triple matrix capsulation using natural polymers were detail described. As the first capsulation with w/o/w (water-in-oil-in-water) emulsifying system, our study group was especially made to soft and moisture cream using 5wt% of sucrose ester emulsifier as first capsulation. Nutrient agents are squalane, camellia oil. Triple matrix capsulation was formed with the best stabilized bead type capsules when it blended of chitosan, algin, sodium-potassium alginate. The bead diameter size was about 2.0~4.5mm (mean diameter: 3.2mm). Activity of lactobacillus containing cream for depending on various pH variations showed that alkalinity (pH=10.8±0.5) condition was higher than acidity (pH=4.2±0.2) and neutrality (pH=7.1±0.3) conditions. After a month, it also was certified to the activity of lactobacillus in incubated at 37±1°C in culture medium. As application of food industry, we developed the containing lactobacillus capsule and 7 colored kinds of double and triple matrix capsulation in yogurt cream and active ingredients. As for above mentioned those results, one of tool to stabilize the living lactobacillus, doubled matrix capsulation greatly be expected to contribute to food industry. Furthermore, it can be expected to apply the drug delivery system (DDS) to active ingredients of stabilizing technologies at drug, pharmaceutical division and cosmetic industry, etc.