• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are multipotent stromal cells that have great potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, and myocytes. Although there have been many studies on their clinical availability, little is known about how intracellular signals can be modulated by topographic features of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we investigated whether and how microwavy-patterned extracellular matrix (ECM) could affect the signaling activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key cellular adhesion protein. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based FAK biosensor-transfected cells are incubated on microwavy-patterned surfaces and then platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) are treated to trigger FAK signals, followed by monitoring through live-cell FRET imaging in real time. As a result, we report that PDGF-induced FAK was highly activated in cells cultured on microwavy-patterned surface with L or M type, while inhibited by H type-patterned surface. In further studies, PDGF-induced FAK signals are regulated by functional support of actin filaments, microtubules, myosin-related proteins, suggesting that PDGF-induced FAK signals in hMSC upon microwavy surfaces are dependent on cytoskeleton (CSK)-actomyosin networks. Thus, our findings not only provide new insight on molecular mechanisms on how FAK signals can be regulated by distinct topographical cues of the ECM, but also may offer advantages in potential applications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2021

Chromatin dynamics is essential for maintaining genomic integrity and regulating gene expression. Conserved bromodomain-containing AAA+ ATPases play important roles in nucleosome organization as histone chaperones. Recently, the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Abo1 revealed that it forms a hexameric ring and undergoes a conformational change upon ATP hydrolysis. In addition, single-molecule imaging demonstrated that Abo1 loads H3-H4 histones onto DNA in an ATP hydrolysis-dependent manner. However, the molecular mechanism by which Abo1 loads histones remains unknown. Here, we investigated the details concerning Abo1-mediated histone loading onto DNA and the Abo1-DNA interaction using single-molecule imaging techniques and biochemical assays. We show that Abo1 does not load H2A-H2B histones. Interestingly, Abo1 deposits multiple copies of H3-H4 histones as the DNA length increases and requires at least 80 bp DNA. Unexpectedly, Abo1 weakly binds DNA regardless of ATP, and neither histone nor DNA stimulates the ATP hydrolysis activity of Abo1. Based on our results, we propose an allosteric communication model in which the ATP hydrolysis of Abo1 changes the configuration of histones to facilitate their deposition onto DNA.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.774-776
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• 2001

We report a 35-year old female patient with history of seizure and mass which was confirmed as a plasma cell granuloma, arising in the left parietal area. The mass appeared on magnetic resonance imaging as well circumscribed area of decreased signal that markedly enhanced with administration of the contrast. Pathologically, biopsy showed a mixed cellular population with considerable numbers of plasma cells along with eosinophils and lymphocytes and the tumors was characterized immunohistochemically by polyclonal population of lymphoid cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2004.10a
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• pp.585-589
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• 2004

This paper deals with the algorithm development that inspects defects such as Lens Focus, Black Defect, Dim Defect, Color Defect, White Balance, and Line Defect caused by the process of Compact Camera Module (CCM). These days the demand of CCM goes on increasing in various types like PDA, a cellular phone and PC camera every year. However, owing to the defect inspection of CCM by the semiskilled work the average inspection time of CCM takes about 40 to 50 seconds. As time goes by the efficiency takes a sudden turn for the worse because workers must inspect with seeing a monitor directly. In this paper, to solve these problems, we developed the imaging processing algorithm to inspect the defects in captured image of assembled CCM. The performances of the developed inspection system and its algorithm are tested on many samples. Experimental results reveal that the proposed system can focus the lens of CCM within 5s and we can recognize various types of defect of CCM modules with good accuracy and high speed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.225-230
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• 2014

The increased application of the da Vinci robotic platform (Intuitive Surgical Inc.) for microsurgery has led to the development of new adjunctive surgical instrumentation. In microsurgery, the robotic platform can provide high definition $12{\times}-15{\times}$ digital magnification, broader range of motion, fine instrument handling with decreased tremor, reduced surgeon fatigue, and improved surgical productivity. This paper presents novel adjunctive tools that provide enhanced optical magnification, micro-Doppler sensing of vessels down to a 1-mm size, vein mapping capabilities, hydro-dissection, micro-ablation technology (with minimal thermal spread-$CO_2$ laser technology), and confocal microscopy to provide imaging at a cellular level. Microsurgical outcomes from the use of these tools in the management of patients with infertility and chronic groin and testicular pain are reviewed. All these instruments have been adapted for the robotic console and enhance the robot-assisted microsurgery experience. As the popularity of robot-assisted microsurgery grows, so will its breadth of instrumentation.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.156-159
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• 2005

Liposomes are microscopic spherical vesicles that form when lipids are hydrated and have been widely used for biochemical assay, drug delivery and molecular imaging. In particular, they are well known for artificial cell membranes to study cellular functions such as cell fusions and membrane proteins. Here, we firstly report the detection of liposomes by the highly sensitive microfabricated piezoresistive cantilever sensor chip and the phosphatidylserine recognition protein C2A which is chemically immobilized on the sensor surface. The signal created from the bending motion of piezoresistive cantilever after the liposome attachment has been monitored in real time.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.403-410
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• 2009

Cytotoxicity is a severe problem of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles(CSNPs) for use in biological systems. In the present study, mercaptoacetic acid-coated CSNPs were conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to improve biocompatibility. The surface properties of the CSNPs and albumin-conjugated CSNPs (ACSNPs) were characterized by XRD, UV, FTIR, EA, TEM and DLS. Human breast cancer cells (KB cells) were then cultured in the presence of the nanoparticles to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CSNPs and ACSNPs. Finally, the fluorescence intensity of the nanoparticles' aqueous solution was examined using a fluorescence spectrometer. The results showed that the cell compatibility and fluorescence intensity of ACSNPs were higher than those of CSNPs. The strongly luminescent features of the biocompatible ACSNPs are promising for use in biological fields such as cellular labeling, intracellular tracking and molecular imaging.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.204-207
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• 2020

Benign fibro-osseous lesions occur when normal bone is replaced by cellular fibrous connective tissue and mineralized structures. One rare type of these lesions is the ossifying fibroma (OF). The aim of this study is to report an unusual case of OF in a 57-year-old female. Physical examination showed facial asymmetry without any tenderness, fluctuation, ocular pain, or ophthalmoplegia. Imaging exams revealed a solid mass involving the left maxilla and orbital floor. Surgical resection was performed without any complications or sequelae, and the histopathological results confirmed OF. Although recurrence is rare in this condition, the patient remains under follow-up.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2019

We discuss recent advances in Gd-based $T_1$-weighted MR contrast agents for the mapping of cellular pH. The pH plays a critical role in various biological processes. During the past two decades, several MR contrast agents of strategic importance for pH-mapping have been developed. Some of these agents shed light on the pH fluctuation in the tumor microenvironment. A pH-responsive self-assembled contrast agent facilitates the visualization of tumor size as small as $3mm^3$. Optimization of various parameters is crucial for the development of pH-responsive contrast agents. In due course, the new contrast agents may provide significant insight into pH fluctuations in the human body.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.12
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• pp.1045-1051
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• 2018

The developmentally regulated GTP binding protein 2 (DRG2) is involved in the control of cell growth and differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that DRG2 regulates microtubule dynamics in HeLa cells. Analysis of live imaging of the plus-ends of microtubules with EB1-EGFP showed that DRG2 deficiency (shDRG2) significantly reduced the growth rate of HeLa cells. Depletion of DRG2 increased 'slow and long-lived' subpopulations, but decreased 'fast and short-lived' subpopulations of microtubules. Microtubule polymerization inhibitor exhibited a reduced response in shDRG2 cells. Using immunoprecipitation, we show that DRG2 interacts with tau, which regulates microtubule polymerization. Collectively, these data demonstrate that DRG2 may aid in affecting microtubule dynamics in HeLa cells.