• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.246-251
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• 2003

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is composed of the brain capillaries, which are lined by endothelial cells displaying extremely tight intercellular junctions. Several attempts at creating an in vitro model of the BBB have been met with moderate success as brain capillary endothelial cells lose their barrier properties when isolated in cell culture. This may be due to a lack of recreation of the in vivo endothelial cellular environment in these models, including nearly constant contact with astrocyte foot processes. This work is motivated by the hypothesis that growing endothelial cells on one side of an ultra-thin, highly porous membrane and differentiating astrocyte or astrogliomal cells on the opposite side will lead to a higher degree of interaction between the two cell types and therefore to an improved model. Here we describe our initial efforts towards testing this hypothesis including a procedure for membrane fabrication and methods for culturing endothelial cells on these membranes. We have fabricated a 1 $\mu\textrm{m}$ thick, 2.0 $\mu\textrm{m}$ pore size, and 55% porous membrane with a very narrow pore size distribution from low-stress silicon nitride (SiN) utilizing techniques from the microelectronics industry. We have developed a base, acid, autoclave routine that prepares the membranes for cell culture both by cleaning residual fabrication chemicals from the surface and by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membranes (confirmed by contact angle measurements). Gelatin, fibronectin, and a 50/50 mixture of the two proteins were evaluated as potential basement membrane protein treatments prior to membrane cell seeding. All three treatments support adequate attachment and growth on the membranes compared to the control.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2000.02a
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• pp.64-64
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• 2000

Since its discovery in 1991, the carbon nanotube has attracted much attention all over the world; and several method have been developed to synthesize carbon nanotubes. According to theoretical calculations, carbon nanotubes have many unique properties, such as high mechanical strength, capillary properties, and remarkable electronical conductivity, all of which suggest a wide range of potential applications in the future. Here we report the synthesis in the catalytic decomposition of acetylene at ~65 $0^{\circ}C$ over Ni deposited on SiO2, For the catalyst preparation, Ni was deposited to the thickness of 100-300A using effusion cell. Different approaches using porous materials and HF or NH3 treated samples have been tried for synthesis of carbon nanotubes. It is decisive step for synthesis of carbon nanotubes to form a round Ni particles. We show that the formation of round Ni particles by heat treatment without any pre-treatment such as chemical etching and observe the similar size of Ni particles and carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes were synthesized by chemial vapour deposition ushin C2H2 gas for source material on Ni coated Si substrate. Ni film gaving 20~90nm thickness was changed into Ni particles with 30~90nm diameter. Heat treatment of Ni fim is a crucial role for the growth of carbon nanotube, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images show that they are multi-walled nanotube. Raman spectrum shows its peak at 1349cm-1(D band) is much weaker than that at 1573cm-1(G band). We believe that carbon nanotubes contains much less defects. Long carbon nanotubes with length more than several $\mu$m and the carbon particles with round shape were obtained by CVD at ~$650^{\circ}C$ on the Ni droplets. SEM micrograph nanotubes was identified by SEM. Finally, we performed TEM anaylsis on the caron nanotubes to determine whether or not these film structures are truly caron nanotubes, as opposed to carbon fiber-like structures.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.165-172
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• 1999

In the present work , the transport mechanism of a capsaicin derivative, DA-5018, through blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been investigated to evaluate the feasibility of potential drug development. The result of pharmacokinetic parameters obtained from the intravenous injection of plasma volume marker,$[3^H]RSA$ and $[{14}^C]DA-5018$, indicated that both AUC, area under the plasma concentration curve and VD, volume of distribution in brain of $[3^H]RSA$ agreed with those reported ($1620{\pm}10 $percentage injected dose minute per milliliter (%IDmin/ml) and $12.0{\pm}0.1{\mu}l/g$, respectively). Elimination half-life and AUC of $[{14}^C]DA-5018$is corrected by the PHLC analysis, 19.6$\pm$1.2 min and 7.69$\pm$0.85% IDmin/ml, respectively. The metabolic rate of $[{14}^C]DA-5018$was very rapid. The blood-brain barrier permeability surface area (PS) product of $[{14}^C]DA-5018$ was calculated to be 0.24$\pm$0.05 $\mu$l/min/g. The result of internal carotid artery perfusion and capillary depletion suggested that [14C]DA-5018 pass through BBB with the time increasingly. Investigation of transport mechanism of $[{14}^C]DA-5018$ using agonist and antagonist suggested that vanilloid (capsaicin) receptor did not exist in the BBB, and nutrient carrier system in the BBB has no effect on the transport of DA-5018. In conclusion, despite the fact that penetration of DA-5018 through BBB is significant, the intact drug found in the brain tissue is small because of a rapid metabolism. Therefore, for the central analgesic effect of DA-5018, the method to increase the metabolic stability in plasma and the brain permeability should be considered.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.290-301
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• 2019

Paeonol has neuroprotective function, which could be useful for improving central nervous system disorder. The purpose of this study was to characterize the functional mechanism involved in brain transport of paeonol through blood-brain barrier (BBB). Brain transport of paeonol was characterized by internal carotid artery perfusion (ICAP), carotid artery single injection technique (brain uptake index, BUI) and intravenous (IV) injection technique in vivo. The transport mechanism of paeonol was examined using conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cell line (TR-BBB) as an in vitro model of BBB. Brain volume of distribution (VD) of [$^3H$]paeonol in rat brain was about 6-fold higher than that of [$^{14}C$]sucrose, the vascular space marker of BBB. The uptake of [$^3H$]paeonol was concentration-dependent. Brain volume of distribution of paeonol and BUI as in vivo and inhibition of analog as in vitro studies presented significant reduction effect in the presence of unlabeled lipophilic compounds such as paeonol, imperatorin, diphenhydramine, pyrilamine, tramadol and ALC during the uptake of [$^3H$]paeonol. In addition, the uptake significantly decreased and increased at the acidic and alkaline pH in both extracellular and intracellular study, respectively. In the presence of metabolic inhibitor, the uptake reduced significantly but not affected by sodium free or membrane potential disruption. Similarly, paeonol uptake was not affected on OCTN2 or rPMAT siRNA transfection BBB cells. Interestingly. Paeonol is actively transported from the blood to brain across the BBB by a carrier mediated transporter system.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.75-85
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• 2023

The potential sources and spatial distribution of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the leaf plants of Al-Zubair city. A total of 14 samples of conocarpus lancifolius plant leaf were collected and analyzed for their heavy metals and PAHs content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and a 7890 Agilent capillary gas chromatograph (GC) respectively. Bioaccumulation factor calculation revealed the highest pollution of heavy metals , due to the activity of a petrochemical in the area. The diagnostic ratio of Ant/(Phe+Ant), BaA/BaA+Chr), In/(In+BghiP), Flu/Pyr, FlA/FlA+Pyr), FlA/FlA+Pyr), ∑LMW/∑HMW are commonly used for determining the origin and source of PAHs in various environmental media. The diagnostic ratio indicated the anthropogenic origin. PAHs with five-to-six membered rings were dominant in the plant leaf, which likely results from anthropogenic activities. The leaves of C. lancifolius have a preponderance of high molecular weight PAHs compared to low molecular weight PAHs, indicating a combustion origin (car exhaust, petroleum emissions, and fossil fuel). C. lancifolius leaves are a reliable indication of atmospheric PAHs absorption. The background level of heavy metals in the city (or the near environment) is in the order of Fe > Cu > Ni > Cr. On the other hand, the bioaccumulation in plant leaves showed greater tendencies as follows: Co>Cd>Zn=As>Cu>Mn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Fe. Cobalt showed high bioaccumulation, indicating strong uptake of Co by plant leaves. These findings point to human activity and car emissions as the primary sources of roadside vegetation pollution in Al-Zubair city.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.268-275
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• 2023

The demand for energy is steadily rising because of rapid population growth and improvements in living standards. Consequently, extensive research is being conducted worldwide to enhance the energy supply. Transpiration power generation technology utilizes the vast availability of water, which encompasses more than 70% of the Earth's surface, offering the unique advantage of minimal temporal and spatial constraints over other forms of power generation. Various principles are involved in water-based energy harvesting. In this study, we focused on explaining the generation of energy through the streaming potential within the generator component. The generator was fabricated using sugar cubes, PDMS, carbon black, CTAB, and DI water. In addition, a straightforward and rapid manufacturing method for the generator was proposed. The PDMS generator developed in this study exhibits high performance with a voltage of 29.6 mV and a current of 8.29 µA and can generate power for over 40h. This study contributes to the future development of generators that can achieve high performance and long-term power generation.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.503-508
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• 2023

Tryptane derivatives are substances that treat acute migraines, and many studies have been conducted on analysis methods such as chromatography, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and capillary electrophysiology. Recently, analytical chemists have become more interested in drug analysis and solving fundamental problems of biological importance. Therefore, in this study, the chemical properties of each derivative were investigated by calculating the total energy, band gap, electrostatic potential, and charge of Sumatriptan, Lizatriptan, Naratriptan, and Eletriptan using HyperChem8.0's semi-empirical PM3 method. As a result of this study, in the case of Sumatriptan, Naratriptan, and Eletriptan, chemical reactions are expected to proceed centering on oxygen and nitrogen atoms bonded to sulfur atoms. In addition, in the case of Rizatriptan without a sulfur atom, it was shown that the chemical reaction proceeds at the 17th and 19th nitrogens of the 5-membered heterocyclic compound.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.225-239
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• 1987

The effects of adenosine on the mechanical contractions and electrical activities were investigated in guinea-pig stomach. Spontaneous contractions of the antral region were recorded with force transducer, and the phasic contractions of fundic region were induced by electrical field stimulation. Electrical responses of smocth muscle cells were recored using glass capillary microelectrodes filled with 3M-KCl. Field stimulation was applied transmurally by using a pair of platinum wire (0.5 mm in diameter) placed on both sides of tissue. All experiments were performed in tris-buffered Tyrode solution which was aerated with 100% $O_2$ and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. The results obtained were as follows. 1) Adenosine suppressed the spontaneous contractions of antrum in a dose-dependent manner. 2) The inhibitory effect on antral spontaneous contractions was not influenced by the administration of guanethidine $(5{\times}10^{-6}\;M)$ and atropine $10^{-6}\;M$, or in the presence of dipyridamole $10^{-7}\;M$. 3) The phasic contractions of fundus induced by electrical field stimulation, which disappeared rapidly by the addition of tetrodotoxin $(3{\times}10^{-7}\;M)$, were potentiated by adenosine in the presence of guanethidine. 4) Adenosine decreased the amplitude and the maximum rate of rise of slow waves, and the increased amplitude and rate of rise evoked in the high calcium solution or in the presence of TEA were decreased by adenosine. 5) The non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic inhibitory junction potential (IJP) was inhibited by adenosine in the antral region, while the excitatory junction potential (EJP) in the fundic region was potentiated. From the above results, the following conclusions could be made. 1) Adenosine suppresses the spontaneous contractions of antrum strip by the decrease in amplitude and rate of rise of slow waves. 2) The release of neurotransmitter(s) from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerve terminals is inhibited by adenosine.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 1990

The effects of electrolytes, adenosine, ATP, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) and ketanserin on the inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) were investigated to clarify the interactions of these drugs with the neurotransmitters released from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves in the antrum of guinea-pig stomach. Electrical responses of antral circular muscle cells were recorded intracellularly using glass capillary microelectrode filled with 3 M KCI. All experiments were performed in Tris-buffered Tyrode soluition which was aerated with 100% $O_{2}$ and kept at $35^{\circ}C$. The results obtained were as follows: 1) Inhibitory junction potential (IJP) was recorded in antral strip, while excitatory junction potential (EJP) was recorded in fundic strip. 2) IJP recorded in antral strip was not influenced by atropine $(10^{-6}\;M)$ and guanethidine $(5{\times}10^{-6})$. 3) The amplitude of IJP increased in high $Ca^{2+}$ solution, while that of IJP decreased in high $Mg^{2+}$ solution or by $Ca^{2+}$ antagonist (verapamil). Apamin, $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^{+}$ channel blocker blocked IJP completely. 4) ATP and adenosine decreased the amplitude of IJP. 5) 5-HT decreased the amplitude of IJP with no change of the amplitude of slow waves, while ketanserin (5-HT type 2 blocker) decreased the amplitude of slow waves markedly with no change in that of IJP. From the above results, the following conclusions could be made. 1) IJP recorded in antral strip is resulted from neurotransmitters released from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves. 2) An increase in the concentration of external $Ca^{2+}$ enhances the release of neurotransmitters from non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves which activate the $Ca^{2+}$-dependent $K^{+}$ channel.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.171-180
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• 2007

The purpose of this study is to determine the possibility of using Flos Sophora japonica as natural health food source. To accomplish this purpose, the contents of general and antioxidative nutrients of Flos Sophora japonica a were measured. The contents of carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid and ash are 67.76%, 19.87%, 4.61% and 7.76%. And the calories of Flos Sophora japonica Linne was 318.32 Kcal. Total dietary fiber was 25.35% of total carbohydrates. The percentages of water soluble dietary fiber to insoluble dietary fiber were 1.80 % and 23.56 %, respectively. The protein were contained total 18 different kinds of amino acids. The contents of non-essential and essential amino acids were 4,898.78mg and 5,953.51mg. The K was the largest mineral followed by Ca, P and Mg, which means Flos Sophora japonica Linne is alkali material. The contents of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 29.69%, 34.93% and 35.38%. Therefore, the amount of the total unsaturated fatty acid was higher than that of any other plant. The content of vitamin C in Flos Sophora japonica Linne was higher than that of any other plant, which suggest that it could increase blood elasticity. The content of rutin, which is responsible for capillary vessel permeability, was 22.60%. The contents of water soluble antioxidative materials in 1 mL of water-extracted Flos Sophora japonica Linne were 3.9 ${\mu}$g which is comparable to 1233.0 mmol of vitamin C in antioxidant effect. The general nutrients and other antioxidatant bioactive materials in Flos Sophora japonica Linne were also potential materials for good health food. It is expected that follow up study of Flos Sophora japonica Linne through developing processed food and evaluation of their functional properties would provide useful information as a source of medicinal foods.