• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.08a
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• pp.274.2-274.2
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• 2013

We described a simple and efficient fabrication method for generating microfluidic channels with a circular-cross sectional geometry by exploiting the reflow phenomenon of a thick positive photoresist. Initial rectangular shaped positive photoresist micropatterns on a silicon wafer, which were fabricated by a conventional photolithography process, were converted into a half-circular shape by tuning the temperature to around $105^{\circ}C$. Through optimization of the reflow conditions, we could obtain a perfect circular micropattern of the positive photoresist, and control the diameter in a range from 100 to 400 ${\mu}m$. The resultant convex half-circular photoresist was used as a template for fabricating a concave polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a replica molding process, and a circular PDMS microchannel was produced by bonding two half-circular PDMS layers. A variety of channel dimensions and patterns can be easily prepared, including straight, S-curve, X-, Y-, and T-shapes to mimic an in vivo vascular network. To inform an endothelial cell layer, we cultured primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inside circular PDMS microchannels, and demonstrated successful cell adhesion, proliferation, and alignment along the channel.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.586-590
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to fabricate a dextran polyelectrolyte multi-layer on a bare metal stent (BMS) and to evaluate bio-physical properties of the layer. Diethylaminoethyl-dextran (DEAE-D) as a polycation and dextran sulfate (DS) as a polyanion were successively coated on the bare metal stent by a well-known layer-by-layer procedure. The morphology of the stent surface and its cell adhesion were studied after each coating step by scanning electron microscopy. The stent showed more blotched and slightly rougher morphology after dextran-DS coating. The contact angle of the DEAE-DS group ($39.5{\pm}0.15^{\circ}$) was significantly higher than that of the BMS group ($45.16{\pm}0.08^{\circ}$), indicating the improvement of hydrophilic. The SMC proliferation inhibition in the DEAE-DS-coated stent group ($20.9{\pm}0.04%$) was stronger than that in the control group ($21.7{\pm}0.10%$ in DS-coated group only). The DEAE-DS coating is desired for stent coating materials with biocompatibility and anti-restenosis effect.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.148-153
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• 2019

Pure nickel with a thickness of 1 mm was plated on type 304 stainless steels and low alloy steels (JIS G3131 SPHC) by electrolytic plating method in a circulating plating bath. Plating performance, mechanical properties, and surface characteristics were evaluated in terms of pretreatment process, anode material, pH, current density, and flow rate of the plating solution. Addition of hydrochloric acid during pre-treatment process improved the adhesion performance of plating. To improve plating efficiency, it is desirable to use S-nickel rather than electrolytic nickel. The use of S-nickel was also confirmed to be desirable for maintaining the pH and concentration of the plated solution. The defect of the plating using S-nickel anode produced pit on the surface. However, it is believed that proper control can be obtained by increasing the flow rate. Internal stress and hardness values of electrolytic nickel plating according to current density need to be carried out with further studies.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.207-221
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• 2020

This study aimed to investigate the physiological characteristics and anti-obesity effects of milk fermented by L. plantarum KI134. The lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of milk fermented by L. plantarum KI134 was 94.57±1.25%, 9.44±2.85%, and 2.74±1.24% (10 fold dilution), respectively. L. plantarum KI134 showed higher sensitivity to clindamycin and erythromycin in comparison to sixteen different antibiotics. It demonstrated the highest resistance toward ampicillin and vancomycin. The strain showed higher β-galactosidase, leucine arylamidase, valine arylamidase, acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities compared to other enzymes. It also did not produce carcinogenic enzymes, such as β-glucuronidase. The survival rate of L. plantarum KI134 in 0.3% bile was 96.90%. Moreover, the strain showed a 91.45% survival rate at a pH of 2.0. L. plantarum KI134 has resistance to Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus at the rates of 70.00%, 68.18%, 59.05%, and 40.63%, respectively. L. plantarum KI134 (23.01%) showed higher adhesion ability than the positive control (16.32%) L. rhamnosus GG. These results demonstrated that milk fermented by L. plantarum KI134 demonstrated an anti-obesity effect under in vitro conditions, with confirmed potential as a probiotic.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.23.1-23.18
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• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of collagen cross-linking agents (CCLAs) used in combination with the adhesive technique in restorative procedures. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. An electronic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and DOSS, up to October 2020. The gray literature was also researched. Only randomized clinical trials were selected. Results: The selection process yielded 3 studies from the 838 retrieved. The addition of CCLAs in the retention of restorations increased the number of events. The postoperative sensitivity scores and marginal adaptation scores showed no significant difference between the CCLA and control groups, and the marginal pigmentation scores showed a significant increase in the CCLA group. There were no caries events in any group throughout the evaluation period. Conclusions: This systematic review showed that there is no clinical efficacy to justify the use of CCLAs in the protocols performed.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.94-108
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• 2023

Cancer cell heterogeneity is a serious problem in the control of tumor progression because it can cause chemoresistance and metastasis. Heterogeneity can be generated by various mechanisms, including genetic evolution of cancer cells, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and niche heterogeneity. Because the genetic heterogeneity of CSCs has been poorly characterized, the genetic mutation status of CSCs was examined using Exome-Seq and RNA-Seq data of liver cancer. Here we show that different surface markers for liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) showed a unique propensity for genetic mutations. Cluster of differentiation 133 (CD133)-positive cells showed frequent mutations in the IRF2, BAP1, and ERBB3 genes. However, leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5-positive cells showed frequent mutations in the CTNNB1, RELN, and ROBO1 genes. In addition, some genetic mutations were frequently observed irrespective of the surface markers for LCSCs. BAP1 mutations was frequently observed in CD133-, CD24-, CD13-, CD90-, epithelial cell adhesion molecule-, or keratin 19-positive LCSCs. ASXL2, ERBB3, IRF2, TLX3, CPS1, and NFATC2 mutations were observed in more than three types of LCSCs, suggesting that common mechanisms for the development of these LCSCs. The present study provides genetic heterogeneity depending on the surface markers for LCSCs. The genetic heterogeneity of LCSCs should be considered in the development of LCSC-targeting therapeutics.

• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.253-257
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• 2021

Among various thin film encapsulation (TFE) methods, thin films prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) have been shown to provide superior protection against the permeation of moisture and oxygen. This technique has numerous of advantages such as excellent uniformity, precise thickness control, and strong adhesion. Therefore, with ozone-based ALD, we conducted the influence of the thickness of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) on moisture barrier properties. From the results of an electrical calcium test, Al2O3 had two distinctly different permeation regimes. Between 10 and 25 nm of Al2O3 thickness, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) decreased exponentially from 6.3 × 10-3 to 1.0 × 10-4 g m-2 day-1 (1/60 times). In contrast, as thickness increased from 25 to 100 nm, the WVTR values decreased by only two-thirds, from 1.0 × 10-4 to 6.6 × 10-5 g·m-2·day-1. To better understand the change from an exponential to a sub-exponential regime, defect density and refractive index of Al2O3 were measured. The thickness dependence on defect density and refractive index was analogous with one of moisture barrier performance. These results confirmed the existence of a critical thickness at which the WVTR decreased drastically.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.8
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• pp.1680-1687
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• 2024

The diverse pharmacological properties of edible bird's nest (EBN) have been elucidated in recent years; however, investigations into its antibacterial effects are still limited. In the present study, we explored the antibacterial activity of a peptide-rich extract of EBN against Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious pathogen. The EBN extract (EEE) was prepared by soaking EBN in 80% ethanol for 2 days at 60℃. Biochemical analyses showed that peptides at the molecular weight range of 1.7-10 kDa were the major biochemical compounds in the EEE. The extract exhibited strong inhibition against S. aureus at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 ㎍/ml and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 250 ㎍/ml. This activity could be attributed to the impact of the extract on cell membrane integrity and potential, biofilm formation, and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. Notably, the expression of biofilm- and ROS-associated genes, including intercellular adhesion A (icaA), icaB, icaC, icaD, and superoxide dismutase A (sodA), were deregulated in S. aureus upon the extract treatment. Our findings indicate a noteworthy pharmacological activity of EBN that could have potential application in the control of S. aureus.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2018

PURPOSE. The purpose of this in vitro study is to examine the effects of a nano-structured alumina coating on the adhesion between resin cements and zirconia ceramics using a four-point bending test. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 100 pairs of zirconium bar specimens were prepared with dimensions of $25mm{\times}2mm{\times}5mm$ and cementation surfaces of $5mm{\times}2mm$. The samples were divided into 5 groups of 20 pairs each. The groups are as follows: Group I (C) - Control with no surface modification, Group II (APA) - airborne-particle-abrasion with $110{\mu}m$ high-purity aluminum oxide ($Al_2O_3$) particles, Group III (ROC) - airborne-particle-abrasion with $110{\mu}m$ silica modified aluminum oxide ($Al_2O_3+SiO_2$) particles, Group IV (TCS) - tribochemical silica coated with $Al_2O_3$ particles, and Group V (AlC) - nano alumina coating. The surface modifications were assessed on two samples selected from each group by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The samples were cemented with two different self-adhesive resin cements. The bending bond strength was evaluated by mechanical testing. RESULTS. According to the ANOVA results, surface treatments, different cement types, and their interactions were statistically significant (P<.05). The highest flexural bond strengths were obtained in nano-structured alumina coated zirconia surfaces (50.4 MPa) and the lowest values were obtained in the control group (12.00 MPa), both of which were cemented using a self-adhesive resin cement. CONCLUSION. The surface modifications tested in the current study affected the surface roughness and flexural bond strength of zirconia. The nano alumina coating method significantly increased the flexural bond strength of zirconia ceramics.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.100-112
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of this study is to investigate the immunological effect of Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture on the cellular immune response in mice with LPS induced arthritis. Methods : All the BALB/C mice used in this study were bred and maintaned in our pathogen-free mouse colony and were 6wk of age at the start of the experiment. The experimental model of arthritis was induced by injeciton of 300${\mu}g$/kg LPS in mice knee joint. Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture was injected into Yangnungchon(Gb34) of mice 2daily for 14days. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out to assess CD4+, CD8+, CD11b, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2R and CD106 expression in common iliac lymph nodes and synovial menbrane after stimulation with Ramulus Cinnamomum. Electron microscopy was carried out to assess change of synovial membrane. Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture stimulation group was compared to control group and non stimutated with aqua-acupuncture. Resutts : At day 14 post arthritis onset, Immunohistological studies using monoclonal antibodies showed that Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture goup had decreased expression of CD4+, CD8+, CD11b, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-2R and CD106 at common illiac lymph nodes and synovial membrane compared with control group. Conclusions : Ramulus Cinnamomum aqua-acupuncture stimulation inhibited the development of cellular immunity to LPS-induced arthritis in mice. Thus, aqua-acupuncture stimulation may have preventive effects on autoimmune inflammatory joint diseases. The effects of AA on immune function and disease activity in patients with RA warrant further investigation.