• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• 제43권4호
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• pp.209-216
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• 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) are involved in cellular signaling processes as a cause of oxidative stress. According to recent studies, ROS and RNS are important signaling molecules involved in pain transmission through spinal mechanisms. In this study, a patch clamp recording was used in spinal slices of rats to investigate the action mechanisms of $O_2{^{{\bullet}_-}}$ and NO on the excitability of substantia gelatinosa (SG) neuron. The application of xanthine and xanthine oxidase (X/XO) compound, a ROS donor, induced inward currents and increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSC) in slice preparation. The application of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP), a RNS donor, also induced inward currents and increased the frequency of sEPSC. In a single cell preparation, X/XO and SNAP had no effect on the inward currents, revealing the involvement of presynaptic action. X/XO and SNAP induced a membrane depolarization in current clamp conditions which was significantly decreased by the addition of thapsigargin to an external calcium free solution for blocking synaptic transmission. Furthermore, X/XO and SNAP increased the frequency of action potentials evoked by depolarizing current pulses, suggesting the involvement of postsynaptic action. According to these results, it was estblished that elevated ROS and RNS in the spinal cord can sensitize the dorsal horn neurons via pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. Therefore, ROS and RNS play similar roles in the regulation of the membrane excitability of SG neurons.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제12권1호
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• pp.114-118
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• 2021

Background: Exposure to particulate matter (PM) emitted from vehicle exhaust might disrupt systemic function and elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the changes of cardiometabolic biomarkers among vehicle inspectors exposed daily to PM0.25 and components. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two vehicle inspection centers, Pulogadung and Ujung Menteng, located in East Jakarta, Indonesia. The exposed respondents were 43 workers from vehicle inspection centers, and the unexposed group consisted of 22 staff officers working in the same locations. Vehicle exhaust particulate matter was measured for eight hours using a Leland Legacy personal pump attached to a Sioutas Cascade Impactor. The used filters were 25 and 37-mm quartz filters. The particulate matter concentration was analyzed using a gravimetric method, whereas trace elements were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. An EEL Smoke Stain Reflectometer analyzed black carbon. Results: The personal exposure concentrations of PM0.25 were 10.4-fold higher than those in unexposed groups. Calcium and sulfur were the major components in the obtained dust, and their levels were 3.3- and 7.2-fold higher, respectively, in the exposed group. Based on an independent-samples t-test, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, HbA1c, total immunoglobulin E, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nitric oxide levels were significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: In summary, it was suggested that PM0.25 exposure from vehicle exhaust might affect cardiometabolic biomarkers change.

• 한국분말재료학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.31-37
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• 2021

This study explores reducing the oxygen content of a commercial Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb powder to less than 400 ppm by deoxidation in the solid state (DOSS) using Ca vapor, and investigates the effect of Ca vapor on the surface chemical state. As the deoxidation temperature increases, the oxygen concentration of the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb powder decreases, achieving a low value of 745 ppm at 1100℃. When the deoxidation time is increased to 2 h, the oxygen concentration decreases to 320ppm at 1100℃, and the oxygen reduction rate is approximately 78% compared to that of the raw material. The deoxidized Ti-48Al-2Cr-2nb powder maintains a spherical shape, but the surface shape changes slightly owing to the reaction of Ca and Al. The oxidation state of Ti and Al on the surface of the Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb powder corresponds to a mixture of TiO2 and Al2O3. As a result, the peaks of metallic Ti and Ti suboxide intensify as TiO2 and Al2O3 in the surface oxide layer are reduced by Ca vapor deposition.

• 반도체디스플레이기술학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.11-14
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• 2022

In this work, we evaluated the Al₂O₃ film, which was deposited by atomic layer deposition, degraded by exposure to harsh environments. The Al₂O₃ films deposited by atomic layer deposition have long been used as a gas diffusion barrier that satisfies barrier requirements for device reliability. To investigate the barrier and mechanical performance of the Al₂O₃ film with increasing temperature and relative humidity, the properties of the degraded Al₂O₃ film exposed to the harsh environment were evaluated using electrical calcium test and tensile test. As a result, the water vapor transmission rate of Al₂O₃ films stored in harsh environments has fallen to a level that is difficult to utilize as a barrier film. Through water vapor transmission rate measurements, it can be seen that the water vapor transmission rate changes can be significant, and the environment-induced degradation is fatal to the Al₂O₃ thin films. In addition, the surface roughness and porosity of the degraded Al₂O₃ are significantly increased as the environment becomes severer. the degradation of elongation is caused by the stress concentration at valleys of rough surface and pores generated by the harsh environment. Becaused the harsh envronment-induced degradation convert amorphous Al₂O₃ to crystalline structure, these encapsulation properties of the Al₂O₃ film was easily degraded.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.858-866
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• 2022

The present study investigated the chemical composition, and antioxidant and physiological activities of the Korean marine algae, Codium fragile. The solvent extracts from C. fragile were prepared using 70% ethanol, 80% methanol, and distilled water. Based on the general chemical composition, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid, crude ash, and moisture were 74.22%, 16.73%, 0.66%, 4.39%, and 4.00%, respectively. Calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium were the main minerals. The extraction yield range of the solvent extracts was 3.51-9.76%. The ranges of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were approximately 10.97-13.76 mg/g and 8.00-8.69 mg/g, respectively. The ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging activity, reducing power and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) activities were the highest in the ethanol extract, while methanol extract exhibited the strongest nitrite oxide scavenging activity. On the other hand, tyrosinase, elastase, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the ethanol and methanol extracts were higher than those of the water extract. Furthermore, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest β-secretase inhibitory activity. The results indicate that C. fragile can be used as an antioxidant and a functional ingredient in food and pharmaceutical products.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제30권5호
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• pp.455-464
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• 2022

Efonidipine, a calcium channel blocker, is widely used for the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In our preliminary study using structure-based virtual screening, efonidipine was identified as a potential inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3). Although its antihypertensive effect is widely known, the role of efonidipine in the central nervous system has remained elusive. The present study investigated the effects of efonidipine on the inflammation and cell migration induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using murine BV2 and human HMC3 microglial cell lines and elucidated signaling molecules mediating its effects. We found that the phosphorylations of JNK and its downstream molecule c-Jun in LPS-treated BV2 cells were declined by efonidipine, confirming the finding from virtual screening. In addition, efonidipine inhibited the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide. Similarly, the IL-1β production in LPS-treated HMC3 cells was also inhibited by efonidipine. Efonidipine markedly impeded cell migration stimulated by LPS in both cells. Furthermore, it inhibited the phosphorylation of inhibitor kappa B, thereby suppressing nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in LPS-treated BV2 cells. Taken together, efonidipine exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory effects in LPS-treated microglial cells through inhibition of the JNK/NF-κB pathway. These findings imply that efonidipine may be a potential candidate for drug repositioning, with beneficial impacts on brain disorders associated with neuroinflammation.

• 한국수소및신에너지학회논문집
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.8-18
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• 2022

With rapid industrialization and population growth, fossil fuel use has increased, which has a significant impact on the environment. Hydrogen does not cause contamination in the energy production process, so it seems to be a solution, but it is essential to find an appropriate storage method due to its low efficiency. In this study, Mg-based alloys capable of ensuring safety and high volume and hydrogen storage density per weight was studied, and Mg₂NiH_x synthesized with Ni capable of improving hydrogenation kinetics. In addition, in order to improve thermal stability, a hydrogen storage composite material synthesized with CaO was synthesized to analyze the change in hydrogenation reaction. In order to analyze the changes in the metallurgical properties of the materials through the process, XRD, SEM, BET, etc. were conducted, and hydrogenation behavior was confirmed by TGA and hydrogenation kinetics analysis. In addition, in order to evaluate the impact of the process on the environment, the environmental impact was evaluated through "Material Life Cycle Assessments" based on CML 2001 and EI99' methodologies, and compared and analyzed with previous studies. As a result, the synthesis of CaO caused additional power consumption, which had a significant impact on global warming, and further research is required to improve this.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.2.1-2.8
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• 2021

Objectives: New premixed bioceramic root repair materials require moisture for setting. Using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), this study evaluated the filling ability and volumetric changes of calcium silicate-based repair materials (mineral trioxide aggregate repair high-plasticity [MTA HP] and Bio-C Repair, Angelus), in comparison with a zinc oxide and eugenol-based material (intermediate restorative material [IRM]; Dentsply DeTrey). Materials and Methods: Gypsum models with cavities 3 mm deep and 1 mm in diameter were manufactured and scanned using micro-CT (SkyScan 1272. Bruker). The cavities were filled with the cements and scanned again to evaluate their filling capacity. Another scan was performed after immersing the samples in distilled water for 7 days to assess the volumetric changes of the cements. The statistical significance of differences in the data was evaluated using analysis of variance and the Tukey test with a 5% significance level. Results: Bio-C Repair had a greater filling ability than MTA HP (p < 0.05). IRM was similar to Bio-C and MTA HP (p > 0.05). MTA HP presented the largest volumetric change (p < 0.05), showing more volume loss than Bio-C and IRM, which were similar (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Bio-C Repair is a new endodontic material with excellent filling capacity and low volumetric change. The gypsum model proposed for evaluating filling ability and volumetric changes by micro-CT had appropriate and reproducible results. This model may enhance the physicochemical evaluation of premixed bioceramic materials, which need moisture for setting.

• Advances in nano research
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.1-13
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• 2023

Ti₃C₂T_x MXene, a 2D material, is known to exhibit unique characteristics that are strongly dependent on surface termination groups. Here, we developed a novel annealing approach with Ca as a reducing agent to simultaneously remove F and O groups from the surface of multilayered MXene powder. Unlike H₂ annealing that removes F effectively but has difficulty in removing O, annealing with Ca effectively removed both O and F. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the proposed approach effectively removed F and O from the MXene powder. The results of O/N analyses showed that the O concentration decreased by 57.5% (from 2.66 to 1.13 wt%). In addition, XPS fitting showed that the volume fraction of metal oxides (TiO₂ and Al₂O₃) decreased, while surface termination groups (-O and -OH) were enhanced, which could increase the hydrophilic and adsorption properties of the MXene. These findings suggest that when F and O are removed from the MXene powder, the interlayer spacing of its lattice structure increases. The proposed treatment also resulted in an increase in the specific surface area (from 5.17 to 10.98 m²/g), with an increase in oxidation resistance temperature in air from ~436 to ~667 ℃. The benefits of this novel technology were verified by demonstrating the significantly improved cyclic charge-discharge characteristics of a lithium-ion battery with a Ca-treated MXene electrode.

• 대한화학회지
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• 제42권6호
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• pp.618-628
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• 1998

순수한 CaO, Mn-doped CaO, Mn/CaO, K/CaO 촉매를 제조하고 이들의 메탄 활성화반응에 대한 촉매활성을 600∼800$^{\circ}C$ 온도영역에서 실험하여 산화칼슘의 촉매활성에 대한 망간과 칼륨의 첨가효과를 조사하였다. 촉매의 특성을 조사하기 위하여 X-선 분말회절분석(XRD), X-선 광전자분석(XPS), 주사전자현미경분석(SEM), 시차열분석(DSC) 및 열무게분석(TG)을 실시하였다. 촉매반응은 직결 기체크로마토그래피를 이용한 단방향 흐름 반응기로서 이루어졌다. 표준반응조건은 $p(CH_4)/p(O_2)=250$ Torr/50 Torr이며 반응기체의 주입속도는 30mL/min, 그리고 He 희석기체와 함께 전체압력은 1 atm이였다. 실험한 촉매들 중에서 6.3 mol% Mn-doped CaO 촉매가 가장 우수한 $C_2$ 선택성을 보였으며 775$^{\circ}C$에서 $C_2$ 선택성과 $C_2$ 수율이 각각 43.2%와 8.0% 이었다. 적은 양의 망간을 도프한 산화칼슘 촉매들은 망간의 양이 증가함에 따라 $C_2$ 선택성이 향상되는 경향을 보였으나 많은 양의 망간([Mn]>6.3 mol%)을 도프한 촉매에서는 $C_2$ 선택성이 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 금속이온이 도프되지 않은 6 wt.% Mn/CaO와 6 wt.% K/CaO 촉매는 700$^{\circ}C$에서 각각 13.2%와 30.9%의 $C_2$ 선택성을 보여 담지효과는 Mn보다도 K가 훨씬 우수함을 보였다. CaO와 Mn-doped CaO 촉매의 전기전도도를 $10^{-3}∼10^{-1}\;atm$의 산소분압 영역에서 측정한 결과 모두 p형의 전기적 특성을 보였으며 도프한 망간의 농도가 증가함에 다라 전기전도도는 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 촉매표면에 생성된 틈새형 산소이온이 메탄을 활성화할 수 있음을 제안하였고 틈새형 사소이온의 생성을 고체화학적 관점에서 논의하였다.