• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.49-55
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• 2023

Currently, the demand for green technologies toward a sustainable future is rapidly increasing due to growing concern over environmental issues. Methanol is biodegradable and can provide clean combustion to reduce sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, and therefore it is a candidate fuel for marine engines. However, the effect of methanol on tribological characteristic degradation should be addressed for methanol-fueled engines. In this study, the methanol addition effects on tribological characteristic degradation is experimentally assessed using a pin-on-disk tribo-tester. Ni-based alloy is used as a target material due to its broad applicability as an engine component material. For a lubricant, engine oil with and without methanol are used. The tests are conducted for up to 10,000 cycles under boundary lubrication while the change in friction force is monitored. Additionally, the wear rate is determined based on laser scanning confocal microscope data. An additional test in which methanol is added at regular intervals is performed with an aim to directly observe its effect on friction. Overall, the friction coefficient increases slightly with increasing methanol concentration. Furthermore, the wear rate of the pin and disk increase significantly with methanol addition. The results also indicate that the friction increases instantaneously with methanol addition at the contacting interface. These findings may be useful for better understanding the methanol effect on the tribological characteristics of Ni-based alloys for methanol-fueled engines with improved performance.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.38.1-38.15
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• 2022

Objectives: This study investigated the cytotoxicity, radiopacity, pH, and dentinal tubule penetration of a paste of 1.0% calcium-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals (ZnO:1.0Ca) combined with propylene glycol (PRG) or polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol (PEG-PRG). Materials and Methods: The pastes were prepared by mixing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] or ZnO:1.0Ca with PRG or a PEG-PRG mixture. The pH was evaluated after 24 and 96 hours of storage in deionized water. Digital radiographs were acquired for radiopacity analysis and bubble counting of each material. The materials were labeled with 0.1% fluorescein and applied to root canals, and images of their dentinal tubule penetration were obtained using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RAW264.7 macrophages were placed in different dilutions of culture media previously exposed to the materials for 24 and 96 hours and tested for cell viability using the MTT assay. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α = 0.05) were performed. Results: ZnO:1.0Ca materials showed lower viability at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions than Ca(OH)₂ materials (p < 0.0001). Ca(OH)₂ had higher pH values than ZnO:1.0Ca at 24 and 96 hours, regardless of the vehicle (p < 0.05). ZnO:1.0Ca pastes showed higher radiopacity than Ca(OH)₂ pastes (p < 0.01). No between-material differences were found in bubble counting (p = 0.0902). The ZnO:1.0Ca pastes had a greater penetration depth than Ca(OH)₂ in the apical third (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ZnO:1.0Ca medicaments presented higher penetrability, cell viability, and radiopacity than Ca(OH)₂. Higher values of cell viability and pH were present in Ca(OH)₂ than in ZnO:1.0Ca.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.204-208
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• 2024

De-icing/anti-icing fluid is essential for removing ice formation on aircraft. It chemically removes ice using organic solvents, which can cause damage to the topcoat surface in the process. In this study, glycol-based deicing/anti-icing fluid was used to remove ice, and the resulting damage to the topcoat was examined. USB microscope was used to observe the formation and growth of ice, while a confocal microscope was employed to observe the surface morphology after treatment with de-icing/anti-icing fluid. Additionally, coating thickness measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis were conducted to investigate the physical and chemical changes on the surface. The repeated application of de-icing/anti-icing fluid showed a reduction in the ice formation rate and an increase in the growth rate. Damage during the pressurization process and surface damage to the polyurethane topcoat caused by ethylene glycol were observed during the de-icing process. Although no chemical changes were detected, the analysis revealed that surface uniformity decreased, with physical damage such as cracks and undulations forming on the surface. It was confirmed that while de-icing/anti-icing fluid is effective in removing ice, it also causes surface damage.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.155-167
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• 2005

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Cobrotoxin on binding affinity of cobrotoxin with P50, $IKK{\alpa}$ and $IKK{\beta}$, activities of NF-${\kappa}B$, Cell viability of astrocyte, expressions of protein molecules of NF-${\kappa}B$ such as P50, P-$1{kappa}B$, $1{\kappa}B$ and iflammation related genes such as Cox-2, iNOS, cPLA2 in the SNP or LPS induced Inflammatory pathway of Rats' astrocytes. Methods : In this study, The expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2, Nitric oxcide, Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitrogen oxide synthase was determined by western blotting with corresponding antibodies, and the generation of NF-${\kappa}B$ was assayed by EMSA method in astrocytes of rats. The Cell viability of astrocytes was determined by MTT assay, and Binding affinity of Cobrotoxin with P50, $IKK{\alpha}$ and $IKK{\beta}$ was assayed by Surface plasmon resonance analysis, and NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity was determined by luciferase analysis, and Uptake of cobrotoxin in astrocytes was identified by Confocal laser scanning microscope Results : 1. Compared with control, LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity was decreased significantly by 0.1, $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin in Astrocyte. 2. Compared with control, LPS-induced NF-kB dependent luciferase expression was decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin in Astrocyte. 3. Compared with control, SNP induced P50, $I{\kappa}B$ expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin and P-$1{\kappa}B$ expression was decreased significantly by 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 4. Compared with control, LPS induced P50, $1{\kappa}B$ expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 5. Compared with control, SNP induced Cox-2, iNOS, CPLA2 expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 6. Compared with control, LPS induced Cox-2, cPLA2 expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5, $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin and iNOS expression was decreased significantly by 0.5, $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 7. Compared with $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin, SNP-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA bindins activity in astrocyte was increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM. 8. Compared with $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin, LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity in astrocyte was increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$with GSH 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 5mM 9. Compared with $0.1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of cobrotoxin, SNP induced P50 expressions in astrocyte were increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 5mM. 10. The uptake of the labeled cobrotoxin into the cells was shown under a confocal laser scanning microscope. cobrotoxin was uptaken into the membrane and nucleus of astrocytes. Conclusions : In summary, the present results demonstrate that cobrotoxin directly binds to sulfhydryl group of p50 and IKKS resulting In the reduction of translocation of p50 and IkB release, thereby inhibits activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, and suggest that pico to nanomolar range of cobrotoxin could inhibit the expression of genes in the NF-${\kappa}B$ signal pathway.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.9-18
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine characteristics of implant surface with RBM and anodizing treatments, and to evaluate the responses of osteoblast-like cell (MG-63 cell). Materials and methods: Grade IV titanium disks were fabricated (Diameter 10 mm, thickness 3 mm). Anodizing treatment (ASD) group, RBM and anodizing treatment (RBM/ASD) group, control (machined surface) group were divided. In this study, osteoblast-like cell was used for experiments. The experiments consist of surface characteristics evaluation by FE-SEM images, energy dispersive spectroscopy and stereo-SEM. In order to evaluate cell adhesion evaluation by crystal violet assay and observe cells form by confocal laser microscopy. To assess cell proliferation by XTT assay, cell differentiation by RT-PCR and mineralization by Alizarin red S stain assay. ELISA analyzer was used for Quantitative evaluation. Comparative analysis was run by one-way ANOVA (SPSS version 18.0). Differences were considered statistically significant at P<.05. Results: In ASD group and RBM/ASD group, the surface shape of the crater was observed and components of oxygen and phosphate ions in comparison with the control group were detected. The surface average roughness was obtained $0.08{\pm}0.04{\mu}m$ in the control group, $0.52{\pm}0.14{\mu}m$ in ASD group and $1.45{\pm}0.25{\mu}m$ in RBM/ASD group. In cell response experiments, ASD group and RBM/ASD group were significantly higher values than control group in cell adhesion and mineralization phase, control group was the highest values in the proliferative phase. In RT-PCR experiments, RBM/ASD group was showed higher ALP activity than other groups. RBM/ASD group in comparison with ASD group was significantly higher value for cell adhesion and proliferation phase. Conclusion: In the limitation of this study, we are concluded that the surface treatment with RBM/ASD seems more effective than ASD alone or machined surface on cellular response.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.161-173
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• 2000

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the frequency of the L$N_2$ infusion on the ultrastructure, metabolism and development of the embryo after freezing and thawing by computerized cell freezer. Two-cell embryos of ICR mouse were randomly allocated into fresh (control), high-frequency freezing (group 1) and low-frequency freezing (group 2). For fresh and frozen-thawed intact 2-cell embryos, total ceil number in the blastocyst was counted by fluorescent microscope after Hoechst 33258 staining. Relative amount of $H_2O$$_2$ was measured by DCHFDA. Intracellular location and membrane potential of the mitochondria were evaluated by staining with rhodamine 123 and JC-1. The structure of actin filament was also evaluated by confocal microscope. DNA fragmentation was assessed by TUNEL method after development into blastocyst. The survival rate of intact embryo was higher in group 1 than group 2 (50.7％ vs. 34.6％ respectively, p<0.05). The blastocyst developmental rate was significantly low in group 2 (86.7％, 76.7％ vs. 44.0％ for control, group 1 and group 2 respectively, p<0.05). Total cell number in the blastocyst was also significantly lower in group 2 than control (79.5$\pm$12.9, 71.6$\pm$8.0, and 62.5$\pm$4.7 for control, group 1 and group 2 respectively, p<0.05). The relative amount of $H_2O$$_2$ was higher in group 2 than other groups (15.3$\pm$3.0, 16.6$\pm$1.6 vs. 23.4$\pm$1.8, p<0.05). After JC-1 staining, relative intensity of mitochondria with high membrane potential was significantly lower in group 2 than control and group 1 (17.2$\pm$3.8, 17.4$\pm$1.3 vs. 13.2$\pm$2.0, p<0.05). In group 2, partial deletion and aggregation of the actin filament was found. DNA fragmentation rate was also hieher for group 2 versus other groups (30.8％, 36.0％ vs. 65.6％, p<0.05). The frequency of the L$N_2$ infusion is an important factor for the development of frozen-thawed mouse embryo. High-frequency infusion may prevent damages of cytoskeleton and mitochondria in the embryo probably by preventing the temperature fluctuation during dehydration phase. We speculate that the application of high-frequency infusion method in human embryo may be promising.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.10
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• pp.1112-1117
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• 2008

Purpose : We intended to observe cell death and apoptotic changes in neurons in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), using propidium iodide (PI) uptake, Fluoro-Jade (FJ) staining, TUNEL staining and immunofluorescent staining for caspase-3. Methods : The hippocampus of 7-day-old rats was cut into $350{\mu}m$ slices. The slices were cultured for 10 d (date in vitro, DIV 10) and and exposed to OGD for 60 min at DIV 10. They were then incubated for reperfusion under normoxic conditions for an additional 48 h. Fluorescence of PI uptake was observed at predetermined intervals, and the cell death percentage was recorded. At 24 h following OGD, the slices were Cryo-cut into $15{\mu}m$ thicknesses, and Fluoro-Jade staining, TUNEL staining, and immunofluorescence staining for caspase-3 were performed. Results : 1) PI uptake was restricted to the pyramidal cell layer and DG in the slices after OGD. The fluorescent intensities of PI increased from 6 to 48 h during the reperfusion stage. The cell death percentage significantly increased time-dependently in CA1 and DG following OGD (P<0.05). 2) At 24 h after OGD, many FJ positive cells were detected in CA1 and DG. Some neurons had distinct nuclei and processes while others had fragmented nuclei and disrupted processes in CA1. TUNEL and immunofluorescent staining for caspase-3 showed increased expression of TUNEL labeling and caspase-3 in CA1 and DG at 24 h after OGD. Conclusion : The numerous dead cells in the slice cultures after OGD tended to display apoptotic changes mediated by the activation of caspase-3.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.284-292
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• 2016

Water supplied through dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) has been shown to contain high number of bacteria. To reduce the contamination of DUWLs, it is essential to develop effective disinfectants. It is, however, difficulty to obtain proper DUWL samples for studies. The purpose of this study was to establish a simple laboratory model for reproducing DUWL biofilms. The bacteria obtained from DUWLs were cultured in R2A liquid medium for 10 days, and then stored at $-70^{\circ}C$. This stock was inoculated into R2A liquid medium and incubated in batch mode. After 5 days of culturing, it was inoculated into the biofilm formation model developed in this study. Our biofilm formation model comprised of a beaker containing R2A liquid medium and five glass rods attached to DUWL polyurethane tubing. Biofilm was allowed to form on the stir plate and the medium was replaced every 2 days. After 4 days of biofilm formation in the laboratory model, biofilm thickness, morphological characteristics and distribution of the composing bacteria were examined by confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The mean of biofilm accumulation was $4.68{\times}10^4$ colony forming unit/$cm^2$ and its thickness was $10{\sim}14{\mu}m$. In our laboratory model, thick bacterial lumps were observed in some parts of the tubing. To test the suitability of this biofilm model system, the effectiveness of disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine, was examined by their application to the biofilm formed in our model. Lower concentrations of disinfectants were less effective in reducing the count of bacteria constituting the biofilm. These results showed that our DUWL biofilm laboratory model was appropriate for comparison of disinfectant effects. Our laboratory model is expected to be useful for various other purposes in further studies.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.446-453
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Indocyanine Green (ICG) and near-infrared (NIR) diode laser on Streptococcus mutans biofilms depending on ICG concentrations. S. mutans biofilms were formed on a Hydroxyapatite disk, and 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 mg/mL ICG solutions dissolved in sterile distilled water and a NIR diode laser having a power of 300 mW and a wavelength of 808 nm were applied to the biofilms. The temperature changes of the biofilm surface according to the concentrations of the ICG solution were measured using a 1-channel thermocouple thermometer. Compared to the control group, in the groups with only the 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 mg/mL ICG solution application, and in the groups with the 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 mg/mL ICG solution application and light irradiation, a statistically significant decrease in the bacterial counts were observed. The temperature increase according to the concentration of the ICG solutions was 9.53℃, 10.43℃, 11.40℃, 12.10℃, 12.67℃, and 13.63℃ in ICG solutions of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mg/mL respectively. This study presents the potential for clinical application of ICG and NIR diode lasers as a new method for preventing dental caries.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2012

Polyamines are essential for cell growth and differentiation; however their precise roles are unclear yet. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of spermine (spm) on MCF-7 cells was investigated. In the MTT assay of MCF-7 cells treated with spm, cell viability was significantly decreased in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Cell viability measurement was confirmed by trypan blue staining. FACS analysis shows that sub-G1 was increased in a time-and dose-dependent manner too. When the cells were treated with spm, cells started to show morphological changes within 2 hrs. The expression of adhesion proteins (FAK and integrin ${\beta}1$), and cytoskeletal protein (actin) was checked by Western blotting analysis. Integrin ${\beta}1$ levels were slightly decreased, and FAK and actin levels were rapidly decreased with spm treatment. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, the distribution of actin did not change but the expression decreased in a dose-dependent manner with spm treatment. FAK was evenly distributed under the plasma membrane in the untreated control. However, at 10 ${\mu}M$ spm FAK seemed to move toward the cell nucleus. Integrin ${\beta}1$, which was mainly found in the focal point of the plasma membrane in the untreated control, dispersed through the entire plasma membrane in spm treatment. The present results indicate that cytotoxic effects of spm are triggered by the disruption of adhesion proteins and cytoskeletal protein.