• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.147-154
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• 2018

PURPOSE. This study was performed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of 3mol% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) and niobium oxide containing Y-TZPs with specific ratios, new (Y,Nb)-TZPs, namely YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 3Y-TZP, YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 discs (15 mm diameter and 1 mm thickness) were prepared and their average surface roughness ($R_a$) and surface topography were analyzed using 3-D confocal laser microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mouse pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded onto all zirconia discs and evaluated with regard to cell attachment and morphology by (CLSM), cell proliferation by PicoGreen assay, and cell differentiation by Reverse-Transcription PCR and Quantitative Real-Time PCR, and alkaline phosphatase (Alp) staining. RESULTS. The cellular morphology of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts was more stretched on a smooth surface than on a rough surface, regardless of the material. Cellular proliferation was higher on smooth surfaces, but there were no significant differences between 3Y-TZP, YN4533, and YN4533/Al20. Osteoblast differentiation patterns on YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 were similar to or slightly higher than seen in 3Y-TZP. Although there were no significant differences in bone marker gene expression (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin), Alp staining indicated better osteoblast differentiation on YN4533 and YN4533/Al20 compared to 3Y-TZP. CONCLUSION. Based on these results, niobium oxide containing Y-TZPs have comparable osteogenic potential to 3Y-TZP and are expected to be suitable alternative ceramics dental implant materials to titanium for aesthetically important areas.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.160-165
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• 2016

AISI 4140 steel is widely used in various mechanical components owing to its superior mechanical properties. Surface hardening techniques are often used to further improve the properties, particularly for applications with moving components. The aim of this research is to understand the effect of heat treatment process on surface properties and tribological characteristics of AISI 4140 steel. In this work, we prepare two different AISI 4140 steel specimens- one cooled by air and one by oil- and determine surface properties such as surface topography and roughness using a confocal microscope. We also observe the cross-sections of the specimens using a scanning electron microscope to understand the difference in the material structure. In addition, we assess the hardness with respect to the distance from the surface using a micro-Vickers hardness tester. After characterizing the surfaces of the specimens, we investigate the wear characteristics of the specimens under hydrodynamic lubrication. The results show the presence of grooves on the surface of the oil-cooled specimens. It is likely that such grooves are formed during the cooling process using the oil. However, we observe no other significant differences in the surface properties of the specimens. The wear test results show the occurrence of severe wear on the oil-cooled specimens, which may be due to the groove formed on the surface. The results of this work may be helpful to improve surface properties using surface hardening techniques from a tribological perspective.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.246-252
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• 2021

Among the engine components of an internal combustion engine, the valve train is a series of systems that supply intake gas to the combustion chamber and operate intake and exhaust valves that discharge exhaust gas. If excessive wear occurs in the valve train system, the suction and exhaust valves do not open and close on time, which leads to abnormal combustion and exhaust gas. In this study, we conduct experiments and analyses on friction and wear characteristics of the valve train system. Moreover, we experimentally study the correlation between the pinball and pinball cap on engine oil lubrication, friction experiment, wear amount analysis, and surface analysis. Specifically, we experiment using Ball on reciprocating tribo-tester and apply commercial engine oil sold on the market engine oil. We construct the experimental conditions for each new oil and oil. Accordingly, the completed specimen was subjected to a confocal microscope to check the wear volume, observe the surface of the specimen, and confirm the elemental components using a scanning microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersion X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Through this experiment, we analyze the friction and wear characteristics of valve train components according to engine oil grade, and the obtained data serve as an effective engine oil management method.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.369-377
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• 2023

Background: In this study, we investigated the potential use of keratin for oral tissue regeneration. Keratin is well-known for its effectiveness in skin regeneration by promoting keratinization and enhancing the elasticity and activity of fibroblasts. Because of its structural stability, high storability, biocompatibility, and safety in humans, existing research has predominantly focused on its role in skin wound healing. Herein, we propose using keratin proteins as biocompatible materials for dental applications. Methods: To assess the suitability of alpha-keratin protein as a substrate for cell culture, keratin was extracted from human hair via PEGylation. Viabilities of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. Fluorescence immunostaining and migration assays were conducted using a fluorescence microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Wound healing and migration assays were performed using automated software to analyze the experimental readout and gap closure rate. Results: We confirmed the extraction of alpha-keratin and formation of the PEG-g-keratin complex. Treatment of HGFs with keratin protein at a concentration of 5 mg/ml promoted proliferation and maintained cell viability in the test group compared to the control group. HOKs treated with 5 mg/ml keratin exhibited a slight decrease in cell proliferation and activity after 48 hours compared to the untreated group, followed by an increase after 72 hours. Wound healing and migration assays revealed rapid closure of the area covered by HOKs over time following keratin treatment. Additionally, HOKs exhibited changes in cell morphology and increased the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the potential of hair keratin for soft tissue regeneration, with potential future applications in clinical settings for wound healing.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.339-347
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• 2012

In previous studies, methods for enhancing cellular response on the Hydroxyapatite coated implant surface were described. In this study, the changes of surface characteristics such as surface roughness, contact angle, surface energy and surface morphology were observed when Hydroxyapatite coated Ti discs were immersed in NaCl solution for various time. Hydroxyapatite coated Ti discs were immersed in 0.9% NaCl solution for 7, 14 and 21 days at $37^{\circ}C$. The control group comprises dry identical discs not immersed in a solution. (n=3) All discs were dried in air completely and the surface roughness was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy(CLSM). Static contact angle was recorded by video contact angle analyzer after dropping distilled water on the surface. The surface energy was calculated from contact angles of the three liquids. Surface was observed using a field emission-scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM). As a result, the surface roughness of immersed Hydroxyapatite coated Ti discs increased significantly and the contact angle decreased comparing with control group discs. The surface energy of immersed discs increased except for discs immersed for 14 days.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was designed to clarify the mechanism of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome patients by using puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis model. Methods : Following administration of various concentrations of PAN and antioxidants we observed the changes of podocyte cytoskeletons in cultured rat glomerular epithelial cells (GEpC) by method of scanning electron microscope, reactive oxyten species (ROS) analysis, permeability assay, confocal microscope, and Western blot assay. Results : PAN not only induced the ultrastructural changes of GEpC, such as shortening and fusion of microvilli, but also separated the intercellular gaps and linear ZO-1. PAN induced oxidative stresses in time and dose dependent manners and increases of intercellular permeability in anti-oxidants inhibitable manners. High concentration of PAN induced not only actin polymerization and disorganization, but also the conglomerulation and internal dislocation of ${\alpha}-actinin$ protein. The intensities of fluorescences of ZO-1 protein were diminished and internalized by PAN in a dose-dependent manner, which were inhibited by anti anti-oxidants. Conclusion : PAN induced the changes of podocytes cytoskeleton and junctional barriers by way of increasing ROS in GEpC that resulted in increasing their permeability in a antioxidatn-inhibitable manner. Glomerular hyperpermeability induced by PAN mediateing through oxidative stresses is thought to take part in the mechanism of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.143-154
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• 2000

Most eggs initiated the fertilization processes but arrested at specific stages. The stages included failure of the oocyte to exit from the meiotic metaphase-II with or without sperm penetration, failure of appropriate sperm aster formation, inability to form proper male and female pronuclei, failure of suitable pronuclear apposition, and failure to form proper number of either male or female pronuclei. Various images of defective microtubule organization and chromatin configuration during IVF and ICSI procedures were observed. We discussed the data with previous research results during normal fertilization in humans and other mammals. In conclusion, various aberrant patterns in microtubule assembly and chromatin configuration, which were assessed in the present study, could be used as criteria to improve assisted reproductive technology in clinics. However, further cellular and molecular characterization is needed to clarify these aberrant patterns of cytoskeletal assembly.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.97-102
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• 2004

Paenibacillus polymyxa E681, with its plant growth promotion and root colonization ability, has been proven to be a promising biocontrol agent of cucumber and barley. This study investigated the attributes related to the movement of bacteria from the seed to the radicle and to the whole root system. It also illustrated the existing form and population changes of the bacteria on seed and root using the scanning electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The bacteria invaded and colonized the inside of the seed coat while the seeds were soaked in bacterial suspension. Almost the same number of bacteria on seed surface invaded the inside of the seed coat right after seed soaking. The population densities of E681 increased greatly inside as well as on the surface of the seed before the radicle emerged. The bacteria attached on the emerging radicle directly affected the initial population of newly emerg-ing root. The colonized cells on the root were arranged linearly toward the elongation of the root axis. In addition to colonizing the root surface, strain E681 was found inside the roots, where cells colonized the inter-cellular space between certain epidermal and cortical cells. When the cucumber seeds were soaked in bacterial suspension and sown in pot, the bacterial populations attached on both the surface and inside of the root were sustained up to harvesting time. This means that E681 successfully colonized the root of cucumber and sustained its population density up to harvesting time through seed treatment.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.139-145
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• 2017

The aim of this study was to measure the remineralization effect of APF gel and fluride varnish on artificial enamel caries using CLSM in vitro. The samples were divided into 3 groups: control, 1.23% APF gel, 5% NaF varnish. The specimen surfaces were observed by CLSM and measured average fluorescence of the lesion(AFL). The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation analysis at a significance level off 0.05(PSWA 18.0, SPSS Inc., USA). There were significant differences between AFL at baseline and 1 day after fluoride application(p<0.05) but there are no significant differences between ${\Delta}$ AFL of all groups (p=0.222). Result of Pearson's correlation analysis, there are no significant correlation between VHN and AFL, but there were significant correlation between AFL at baseline and 1 day after fluoride application(r=0.811, p<0.001). Although AFL decreased after fluoride application, but there was no difference between the groups. In the future, it is necessary to test the oral environment model or in situ experiment supplemented the limitations of this study.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.115-124
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• 2007

Silica is known as a promising osteoconductive material, and polycaprolactone is a bioactive and degradable material. The purpose of this study was to monitor the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on the layer-built silica/poly caprolactone non-woven fabric produced by electrospinning. Non-woven fabric (silica, polycaprolactone, PSP, SPS) was made by electrospinning and they were inserted in the 48 well cell culture plate. MC3T3-E1 cells were prepared by subculture. Cells were seeded to each well $1{\times}10^5$ concentration per well. Dulbecco's modified eagle medium with 10% FBS and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution was used. Confocal laser scanning microscope was taken 4 hours after incubation (95% air. 5% $CO_2$, $37^{\circ}C$). Cell proliferation was monitored by spectrophotometer on 1, 7, 14 days, and the morphology of the growing cells was observed by field emission scanning electron microscope. To monitor the differentiation of osteoblasts on the materials, MC3T3-E1 cells were incubated in 48 well culture plate after seeding with the density of $1{\times}10^5$ concentration. Then ELISA kit & EIA kit were used on to assess osteocalcin and osteopontin expression respectively. The other conditions were the same as above. MC3T3-E1 cells were proliferated well on all of the materials. There were no statistical differences among them. The osteopontin expression of silica, PSP, SPS was significantly higher than other groups on day 3 (p/0,05), but after that time, there were no statistically signigicant differences. The osteocalcin expression was significantly higher in silica and PSP than other groups on day 14. These findings show that PSP was as good as silica on the effect of osteoblast differentiation. The PSP non-woven fabric may have the possibility as bone graft materials.