• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.187-194
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• 2014

Objectives: The effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD) respectively with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on hard tissue regeneration have been investigated in previous studies. This study aimed to compare the osteogenic effects of MTA/BMP-2 and MTA/EMD treatment in MC3T3-E1 cells. Materials and Methods: MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with MTA (ProRoot, Dentsply), BMP-2 (R&D Systems), EMD (Emdogain, Straumann) separately and MTA/BMP-2 or MTA/EMD combination. Mineralization was evaluated by staining the calcium deposits with alkaline phosphatase (ALP, Sigma-Aldrich) and Alizarin red (Sigma-Aldrich). The effects on the osteoblast differentiation were evaluated by the expressions of osteogenic markers, including ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN) and osteonectin (OSN), as determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR, AccuPower PCR, Bioneer). Results: Mineralization increased in the BMP-2 and MTA/BMP-2 groups and increased to a lesser extent in the MTA/EMD group but appeared to decrease in the MTA-only group based on Alizarin red staining. ALP expression largely decreased in the EMD and MTA/EMD groups based on ALP staining. In the MTA/BMP-2 group, mRNA expression of OPN on day 3 and BSP and OCN on day 7 significantly increased. In the MTA/EMD group, OSN and OCN gene expression significantly increased on day 7, whereas ALP expression decreased on days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest the MTA/BMP-2 combination promoted more rapid differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells than did MTA/EMD during the early mineralization period.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2016

Magneto-rheological elastomer (MRE) is a material which shows reversible and various modulus under magnetic field. Comparing to conventional rubber vibration isolator, MREs are able to absorb broader frequency range of vibration. These characteristic phenomena result from the orientation of magnetic particle (i.e., chain-like formation) in rubber matrix. In this study, silicone rubber was used as a matrix of MREs. Carbonyl iron particle (CIP) was used to give magnetic field reactive modulus of MRE. The surface of the CIP was modified with chemical reactants such as silane coupling agent and poly(glycidyl methacrylate), to improve interfacial adhesion between matrix and CIP. The mechanical properties of MREs were measured without the application of magnetic field. The results showed that the tensile strength was decreased while the hardness was increased with the addition of CIP. Also, surface modification of CIP resulted in the improvement of physical properties of MRE, but the degree of orientation of CIP became decreased. The analysis of MR effect was carried out using electromagnetic equipment with various magnetic flux. As the addition of CIP and magnetic flux increased, increment of MR effect was observed. Even though the surface modification of CIP gave positive effect on the mechanical properties of MRE, MR effect was decreased with the surface modification of CIP due to decrease of CIP orientation. Throughout this study, it was found that the loading amounts of CIP affected the mechanical properties of MRE, and surface property of CIP was an important factor on MR effect of MRE.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.427-433
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• 2009

Nuclear factor I-C (NFI-C) null mice demonstrated aberrant odontoblast differentiation and abnormal dentin formation. In order to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for these changes, we evaluated the expression of dentin matrix gene after over-expression and inactivation of NFI-C in MDPC-23 cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Collagen type I (Col I), osteocalcin (OC), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) expression was decreased after inactivation of NFI-C. However, bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression was dramatically increased after inactivation of NFI-C. ALP and DMP4 expression was not changed after inactivation of NFI-C. The expression of alkaline phoshatase (ALP) and dentin matrix protein 4 (DMP4) was increased after over-expression of NFI-C, while Col I, OC, DSPP, and BSP expression was decreased. These findings suggest that odontoblasts after loss of NFI-C lost the phenotype of odontoblasts and acquired those of osteoblasts.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.3-14
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• 2018

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulates cell proliferation and enhances matrix gene expression and synthesis. However, there have been no comparative study of the PRP effect on the normal and degenerative tenocytes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of PRP on tenocytes from normal and degenerative tendon. Methods: Tendon tissues were obtained from patients undergoing arthroscopic repair (n=9) and from healthy donors (n=3). Tenocytes were cultured with 10% (vol/vol) platelet-poor plasma, PRP activated with calcium, and PRP activated with calcium and thrombin. The total cell number was assessed at days 7 and 14. The expressions of type I and III collagen, decorin, tenascin-C, and scleraxis were evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The total collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis was evaluated at days 7 and 14. Results: No differences were observed between the groups at day 7, but cell proliferation was remarkably increased in tenocytes from the degenerative tendon at day 14. In both tenocyte groups, the gene expressions of type I and III collagen were up-regulated. GAG synthesis was greater in the normal tendon, whereas the expressions of decorin and tenascin-C were increased in tenocytes from the degenerative tendon. Tenocytes from the degenerative tendon had higher fold-change of GAG synthesis and a lower collagen III/I ratio than normal tenocytes. Conclusions: PRP promoted the cell proliferation and enhanced the synthesis of tendon matrix in both groups. PRP has a greater positive effect on cell proliferation, matrix gene expression and synthesis in tenocytes from degenerative tendon.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.373-378
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• 2019

The nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD) is an innate pattern recognition receptor that recognizes pathogen- and damage-associated molecular patterns. The 29-kDa amino-terminal fibronectin fragment (29-kDa FN-f) is a matrix degradation product found in the synovial fluids of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated whether NOD2 was involved in 29-kDa FN-f-induced pro-catabolic gene expression in human chondrocytes. The expression of mRNA and protein was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qrt-PCR) and Western blot analysis. Small interfering RNAs were used for knockdown of NOD2 and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2). An immunoprecipitation assay was performed to examine protein interactions. The NOD2 levels in human OA cartilage were much higher than in normal cartilage. NOD1 and NOD2 expression, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1beta (IL-$1{\beta}$) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), were upregulated by 29-kDa FN-f in human chondrocytes. NOD2 silencing showed that NOD2 was involved in the 29-kDa FN-f-induced expression of TLR-2. Expressions of IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3, and -13 were also suppressed by TLR-2 knockdown. Furthermore, NOD2 and TLR-2 knockdown data demonstrated that both NOD2 and TLR-2 modulated the expressions of their adaptors, receptorinteracting protein 2 (RIP2) and myeloid differentiation 88, in 29-kDa FN-f-treated chondrocytes. 29-kDa FN-f enhanced the interaction of NOD2, RIP2 and transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), an indispensable signaling intermediate in the TLR-2 signaling pathway, and activated nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$), subsequently leading to increased expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cartilage-degrading enzymes. These results demonstrate that 29-kDa FN-f modulated pro-catabolic responses via cross-regulation of NOD2 and TLR-2 signaling pathways.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.281-291
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• 2013

A hypothetical repository was assumed to be located at the KURT (KAERI Underground Research Tunnel) site, and the travel times of radionuclides released from three source positions were calculated. The groundwater flow around the KURT site was simulated and the groundwater pathways from the hypothetical source positions to the shallow groundwater were identified. Of the pathways, three pathways were selected because they had highly water-conductive features. The transport travel times of the radionuclides were calculated by a TDRW (Time-Domain Random Walk) method. Diffusion and sorption mechanisms in a host rock matrix as well as advection-dispersion mechanisms under the KURT field condition were considered. To reflect the radioactive decay, four decay chains with the radionuclides included in the high-level radioactive wastes were selected. From the simulation results, the half-life and distribution coefficient in the rock matrix, as well as multiple pathways, had an influence on the mass flux of the radionuclides. For enhancing the reliability of safety assessment, this reveals that identifying the history of the radionuclides contained in the high-level wastes and investigating the sorption processes between the radionuclides and the rock matrix in the field condition are preferentially necessary.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.851-858
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• 2023

Unique cartilage matrix-associated protein (UCMA) is an extrahepatic vitamin K-dependent protein rich in γ-carboxylated (Gla) residues. UCMA has been recognized for its ability to promote osteoblast differentiation and enhance bone formation; however, its impact on osteoblasts under hyperglycemic stress remains unknown. In this paper, we investigated the effect of UCMA on MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells under hyperglycemic conditions. After exposure to high glucose, the MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with recombinant UCMA proteins. CellROX and MitoSOX staining showed that the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which initially increased under high-glucose conditions in MC3T3-E1 cells, decreased after UCMA treatment. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed increased expression of antioxidant genes, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and superoxide dismutase 1, in the MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to both high glucose and UCMA. UCMA treatment downregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1, which reduced its translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Moreover, the expression of dynamin-related protein 1, a mitochondrial fission marker, was upregulated, and AKT signaling was inhibited after UCMA treatment. Overall, UCMA appears to mitigate ROS production, increase antioxidant gene expression, impact mitochondrial dynamics, and modulate AKT signaling in osteoblasts exposed to high-glucose conditions. This study advances our understanding of the cellular mechanism of UCMA and suggests its potential use as a novel therapeutic agent for bone complications related to metabolic disorders.

• Korean Journal of Crystallography
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.8-19
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• 1996

Cholestryl Methyl and Propyl Carbonate(CH3OCOOC27H45, C3H7OCOOC27H45) are monoclinic, space group P21, with a=17.014(1), b=7.682(1), c=10.612(1)Å, β=103.05(1)°, Z=2, V=1351.16Å3, Dc=1.09 g/cm3 for methyl carbonate, and with a=13.683(1), b=11.864(2), c=18.904(2)Å, β=106.30(1)°, Z=4, V=2945.4Å3, Dc=1.06 g/cm3, Dm=1.06 g/cm3 for propyl carbonate. The intensity data were collected on an Enraf-Nonius CAD-4 diffractometer with a graphite monochromated Cu-Kα radiation. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined by full matrix least-squares methods. The final R factor was 0.051 for 2323 observed reflections for methyl carbonate and 0.074 for 3323 observed reflections for propyl carbonate. Compared with other cholesteryl derivatives, the cholesteryl ring and tail region of the molecules are normal. The molecules are stacked in clearly separated layers. At center of the layer, there are cholesteryl-C(17) side chain interactions. The interface region between layers is occupied by the loosely packed methyl carbonate chains. The structure of cholesteryl propyl carbonates have two propyl carbonates have two molecules(A, B) that are not related by crystal symmetry and have their tetracyclic system almost parallel to each other. Cholesteryl-cholesteryl interactions between symmetry related A-molecules, and cholesteryl-C(17) side chain interactions between symmetry related B-molecules occur at the center of the layers and these molecules stack along 2₁ screw axes. There are also C(17)chain-carbonate chain and C(17)chain-C(17)chain interactions in the interface region between layers. There is efficient packing between cholesteryl ring systems in propyl carbonates. Temperature ranges of cholesteric mesophases of cholesteryl alkyl cargonates are narrow for methyl, pentyl and hexyl carbonates, and rather broader for ethyl and propyl carbonates. Cholesteryl-isotropic transitions change very little with chain length.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.564-572
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• 2004

Modem applications could benefit from multifunctional materials having anisotropic optical, electrical, thermal, or mechanical properties, especially when coupled with locally controlled distribution of the directional response. Such materials are difficult to engineer by conventional methods, but the electric field-aided technology presented herein is able to locally tailor electroactive composites. Applying an electric field to a polymer in its liquid state allows the orientation of chain- or fiber-like inclusions or phases from what was originally an isotropic material. Such composites can be formed from liquid solutions, melts, or mixtures of pre-polymers and cross-linking agents. Upon curing, a 'created composite' results; it consists of these 'pseudofibers' embedded in a matrix. One can also create oriented composites from embedded spheres, flakes, or fiber-like shapes in a liquid plastic. Orientation of the externally applied electric field defines the orientation of the field-aided self-assembled composites. The strength and duration of exposure of the electric field control the degree of anisotropy created. Results of electromechanical testing of these modified materials, which are relevant to sensing and actuation applications, are presented. The materials' micro/nanostructures were analyzed using microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2000

The valiclity of the simple mathematical model for facilitated transport in a solid state membrane developed previously has been examined againsts the carrier concentration and membrane thick-ness. Membranes are prepared with copolymer of styrene and 4-vinylpyridine as a matrix and Co(salen) as a carrier. 4-Vinylpyridine is incorporated to provide the coordination site for Co(salen) carrier. Oxygen permeability through the facilitated transport membrane is linearly increased with the square of its thick-ness, as predicted by the mathematical model. However, the oxygen permeability does not increase linearly with the carrier concentration. This seems to be due to the deactivation of the carrier by dimerization at high carrier concentrations as well as the reduced chain mobility by coordination of bulky Co(salen) carrier.