• Journal of Korean Vacuum Science & Technology
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1998

The uniform distributed pumping model is used to derive analytic expressions of the pressure profile for the molecular flow regime in linearly tapered or flared(conical or pyramidal) tubes with wall sorption. The concept of transmission conductance for sticky tubes of arbitrary shape is newly introduced to calculate the transmission probability using the pressure profile. The transmission probability obtained analytically for a conical sticky tube is compared with that from the Monte Carlo simulation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.45-45
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• 2003

We isolated a novel ankyrin-repeat containing protein, rSIAP (rSlo Interacting Ankyrin-repeat Protein), as an interacting protein to the cytosolic domain of the alpha-subunit of rat large-conductance Ca$\^$2+/-activated K$\^$+/ channel (rSlo) by yeast two-hybrid screening. Affinity pull-down assay showed the direct and specific interaction between rSIAP and rSlo domain. The channel-binding proteins can be classified into several categories according to their functional effects on the channel proteins, i.e. signaling adaptors, scaffolding net, molecular tuners, molecular chaperones, etc. To obtain initial clues on its functional roles, we investigated the cellular localization of rSIAP using immunofluorescent staining. The results showed the possible co-localization of rSlo and rSIAP protein near the plasma membrane, when co-expressed in CHO cells. We then investigated the functional effects of rSIAP on the rSlo channel using electrophysiological means. The co-expression of rSIAP accelerated the activation of rSlo channel. These effects were initiated at the micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/ and gradually increased as [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/ raised. Interestingly, rSIAP decreased the inactivation kinetics of rSlo channel at micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/, while the rate was accelerated at sub-micromolar [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/. These results suggest that rSIAP may modulate the activity of native BK$\_$Ca/ channel by altering its gating kinetics depending on [Ca$\^$2+/]$\_$i/. To localize critical regions involved in protein-protein interaction between rSlo and rSIAP, a series of sub-domain constructs were generated. We are currently investigating sub-domain interaction using both of yeast two-hybrid method and in vitro binding assay.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.42-42
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• 2003

Large-conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated potassium channels ($BK_{Ca}$ are a widely distributed and play key roles in various cell functions. In nerve cells, $BK_{Ca}$ channels shorten the duration of action potentials and block $Ca^{2+}$ entry thereby repolarizing excitable cells after excitation. $BK_{Ca}$ channel opening has been postulated to confer neuroprotection during stroke, and has attracted attention as a means for therapeutic intervention in asthma, hypertension, convulsions, and traumatic brain injury. Several natural and synthetic compounds including a steroid hormone, $\beta$-estradiol, have been identified as the activators of $BK_{Ca}$ channels. Based on the structural features of the previously reported activators of $BK_{Ca}$ channels, we designed several lead compounds, synthesized chemically, and tested their functional activity on cloned $BK_{Ca}$ channels. The $\alpha$ subunit of rat $BK_{Ca}$ channel was expressed alone or with different $\beta$ subunits in Xenopus oocytes and the effects of the compounds were tested electrophysiological means. One of the lead compounds affected the activity of the $\alpha$ subunit of $BK_{Ca}$ channel in a $\beta$ subunit-specific manner. While the activity of B $K_{ca}$ channel $\alpha$ subunit was Potentiated, the channel composed of $\alpha$ and $\beta$1 subunits were inhibited by this compound. We are currently investigating the mechanism of the $\beta$ subunit-dependent effects and planning to localize the receptor site of the lead compound.f the lead compound.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.02a
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• pp.474-474
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• 2011

Graphene is considered as a potential candidate for the key material in the ideal 2D nanoelectronics. Recently, it is reported that graphene has an interesting sensitivity to molecular adsorption on it. Such properties are believed to be enhanced by the existence of disorders and ripples inside graphene as well as by the interaction with the substrate underneath. Here, we report the effect of introducing structural disorders to the graphene on its electrical properties such as conductance, transconductance, low frequency noise, which can be successfully described by a simple model of the continuum percolation. In addition, the response of the graphene device to gaseous molecular adsorption was systematically investigated and the results were discussed along with the change in Raman spectra.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.2925-2930
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• 2013

We present results of molecular dynamics simulations for hydroxide ion in supercritical water of densities 0.22, 0.31, 0.40, 0.48, 0.61, and 0.74 g/cc using the SPC/E water potential with Ewald summation. The limiting molar conductance of $OH^-$ ion at 673 K monotonically increases with decreasing water density. It is also found that the hydration number of water molecules in the first hydration shells around the $OH^-$ ion decreases and the potential energy per hydrated water molecule also decreases in the whole water density region with decreasing water density. Unlike the case in our previous works on LiCl, NaCl, NaBr, and CsBr [Lee at al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 1998, 293, 289-294 and J. Chem. Phys. 2000, 112, 864-869], the number of hydrated water molecules around ions and the potential energy per hydrated water molecule give the same effect to cause a monotonically increasing of the diffusion coefficient with decreasing water density in the whole water density region. The decreasing residence times are consistent with the decreasing potential energy per hydrated water molecule.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2011.02a
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• pp.27-27
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• 2011

For the design of real applicable molecular devices, current-voltage properties through molecular nanostructures such as metal-molecule-metal junctions (molecular junctions) have been studied extensively. In thiolate monolayers on the gold electrode, the chemical bonding of sulfur to gold and the van der Waals interactions between the alkyl chains of neighboring molecules are important factors in the formation of well-defined monolayers and in the control of the electron transport rate. Charge transport through the molecular junctions depends significantly on the energy levels of molecules relative to the Fermi levels of the contacts and the electronic structure of the molecule. It is important to understand the interfacial electron transport in accordance with the increased film thickness of alkyl chains that are known as an insulating layer, but are required for molecular device fabrication. Thiol-tethered RuII terpyridine complexes were synthesized for a voltage-driven molecular switch and used to understand the switch-on mechanism of the molecular switches of single metal complexes in the solid-state molecular junction in a vacuum. Electrochemical voltammetry and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics are measured to elucidate electron transport processes in the bistable conducting states of single molecular junctions of a molecular switch, Ru(II) terpyridine complexes. (1) On the basis of the Ru-centered electrochemical reaction data, the electron transport rate increases in the mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of Ru(II) terpyridine complexes, indicating strong electronic coupling between the redox center and the substrate, along the molecules. (2) In a low-conducting state before switch-on, I-V characteristics are fitted to a direct tunneling model, and the estimated tunneling decay constant across the Ru(II) terpyridine complex is found to be smaller than that of alkanethiol. (3) The threshold voltages for the switch-on from low- to high-conducting states are identical, corresponding to the electron affinity of the molecules. (4) A high-conducting state after switch-on remains in the reverse voltage sweep, and a linear relationship of the current to the voltage is obtained. These results reveal electron transport paths via the redox centers of the Ru(II) terpyridine complexes, a molecular switch.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.124-130
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• 2008

Astrocyte ion channels participate in ionic homeostasis in the brain. Inward rectifying potassium channels (Kir channels) in astrocytes have been particularly implicated in $K^+$ homeostasis because of their high open probability at resting potential and their increased conductance at high concentrations of extracellular $K^+$. We examined the expression of the Kir2.1 subunit, one of the Kir channel subunits, in the mouse brain by immunohistochemistry. Kir2.1 channels were widely distributed throughout the brain, with high expression in the olfactory bulb and the cerebellum. Interestingly, they were abundantly expressed in astrocytes of the olfactory bulb, while astrocytes in other brain regions including the hippocampus did not show any detectable expression. However, Kir2.1 channel-expressing cells were dramatically increased in the hippocampus by kainic acid-induced seizure and the cells were glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive, which confirms that astrocytes in the hippocampus express Kir2.1 channels under pathological conditions. Our results imply that Kir2.1 channels in astrocyte may be involved in buffering $K^+$ against accumulated extracellular $K^+$ caused by neuronal hyperexcitability under phathophysiological conditions.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 1988

Natural mineral water is generally quite different from ordinary drinking water due to its original nature and various properties. The complexity of natural mineral water requires, therefore, not only to identify its nature and proper characteristics, but also to classify them by a reasonable scientific basis of comparison. The study was concentrated on a possible classification technique to natural mineral waters by their constitutions and physico-ehemical properties. The classification was carried out by the computation of such numerical parameters as ionic equivalent percentage, electrolytic conductance or mobility, ionic molecular weight, molecular concentration, equivalent conductivity and degree of ionization in consideration of the determinative criteria as follows -particular single element or molecule -major components of natural waters as bicarbonate, sulphate, chloride,caloride, calcium, magnesium, and sodium -moleculat concentration related to blood osmotic pressure -water temperature at emergence from spring -contents of free carbon dioxide (CO2) -pH value of water -total dissolved solids or salts (NaCl) The results obtained proved out to be clearly distinguhhable from ordinary drinking water as far as concern natural mineral water as an example on the subject -simple water -bicarbonate-predominating water -cold spring -carbonated-non gaseous water -weak alkaline water -non saline water Putting these various results together, the sample turned out to be a kind of natural mineral water that can be used as a drinking water if microbiologically safe.

• Clean Technology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.69-74
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• 2005

A metal ion detector with a submicron size electrode was fabricated by field-induced AFM oxidation. The square frame of the mesa pattern was functionalized by APTES for the metal ion detection, and the remaining portion was used as an electrode by the self-assembly of MPTMS for Au metal deposition. The conductance changed with the quantity of adsorbed copper ions, due to electron tunneling between the mobile and surface electrodes. The smaller electrode has a lower limit of detection due to the enhancement in electron tunneling through metal ions that are adsorbed between the conductive-tip (mobile) and the surface (fixed) electrode. This two-electrode system immobilized with different functional groups was successfully used in the selective adsorption and detection of target materials.

• ALGAE
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.315-326
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• 2021

Ion channels are membrane protein complexes mediating passive ion flux across the cell membranes. Every organism has a certain set of ion channels that define its physiology. Dinoflagellates are ecologically important microorganisms characterized by effective physiological adaptability, which backs up their massive proliferations that often result in harmful blooms (red tides). In this study, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify homologs of known ion channels that belong to 36 ion channel families. We demonstrated that the versatility of the dinoflagellate physiology is underpinned by a high diversity of ion channels including homologs of animal and plant proteins, as well as channels unique to protists. The analysis of 27 transcriptomes allowed reconstructing a consensus ion channel repertoire (channelome) of dinoflagellates including the members of 31 ion channel families: inwardly-rectifying potassium channels, two-pore domain potassium channels, voltage-gated potassium channels (K_v), tandem K_v, cyclic nucleotide-binding domain-containing channels (CNBD), tandem CNBD, eukaryotic ionotropic glutamate receptors, large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, intermediate/small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, eukaryotic single-domain voltage-gated cation channels, transient receptor potential channels, two-pore domain calcium channels, four-domain voltage-gated cation channels, cation and anion Cys-loop receptors, small-conductivity mechanosensitive channels, large-conductivity mechanosensitive channels, voltage-gated proton channels, inositole-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors, slow anion channels, aluminum-activated malate transporters and quick anion channels, mitochondrial calcium uniporters, voltage-dependent anion channels, vesicular chloride channels, ionotropic purinergic receptors, animal volage-insensitive cation channels, channelrhodopsins, bestrophins, voltage-gated chloride channels H⁺/Cl^- exchangers, plant calcium-permeable mechanosensitive channels, and trimeric intracellular cation channels. Overall, dinoflagellates represent cells able to respond to physical and chemical stimuli utilizing a wide range of G-protein coupled receptors- and Ca²⁺-dependent signaling pathways. The applied approach not only shed light on the ion channel set in dinoflagellates, but also provided the information on possible molecular mechanisms underlying vital cellular processes dependent on the ion transport.