• BMB Reports
• /
• v.43 no.5
• /
• pp.362-368
• /
• 2010

Dermcidin is a human antibiotic peptide that is secreted by the sweat glands and has no homology to other known antimicrobial peptides. As an initial step toward understanding dermcidin's mode of action at bacterial membranes, we used homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR to determine the conformation of the peptide in 50% trifluoroethanol solution. We found that dermcidin adopts a flexible amphipathic $\alpha$-helical structure with a helix-hinge-helix motif, which is a common molecular fold among antimicrobial peptides. Spin-down assays of dermcidin and several related peptides revealed that the affinity with which dermcidin binds to bacterial-mimetic membranes is primarily dependent on its amphipathic $\alpha$-helical structure and its length (>30 residues); its negative net charge and acidic pI have little effect on binding. These findings suggest that the mode of action of dermcidin is similar to that of other membrane-targeting antimicrobial peptides, though the details of its antimicrobial action remain to be determined.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.641-644
• /
• 2005

Nucleophilic addition reactions of benzylamines $(XC_6H_4CH_2NH_2)\;to\;{\beta}$-cyanostilbenes ($YC_6H_4CH=C(CN)C_6H_4$Y’) have been studied in acetonitrile at 30.0 oC. A greater degree of N-$C_{\alpha}$ bond formation (larger ${\beta}_X$) is obtained with a stronger electron-withdrawing substituent in either ${\alpha}-\;(\delta\sigma_Y\;{\gt}\;0)\;or\;{\beta}-ring\;(\delta\sigma_{Y'}\;{\gt}$ 0). A stronger charge development is observed in the TS on $C_{\beta}\;(\rho_{Y'}$= 1.06 for X=Y=H) rather than on $C_{\alpha}\;(\rho_{Y}$ = 0.62 for X=Y’H) indicating the lag in the resonance development into the activating group (CN) on $C_{\beta}$ in the transition state. Similarly, the magnitude of $\rho$$_{XY'}$(−0.72) is greater than $\rho_{XY}$ (−0.66) due to a stronger interaction of the nucleophile with $\beta$-ring than $\alpha$-ring. The positive sign of $\rho_{YY'}$correctly reflects $\pi$ bond cleavage between the two rings in the TS. Relatively large kinetic isotope effects ($k_H/k_D\;{\geq}$ 2.0) involving deuterated nucleophiles ($XC_6H_4CH_2ND_2$) suggest a four-membered cyclic TS in which concurrent N-C$_{\alpha}$ and H(D)-C$_{\beta}$ bond formation occurs.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.35 no.6
• /
• pp.1749-1753
• /
• 2014

Pseudo-first-order rate constants ($k_{obsd}$) have been measured spectrophotometrically for the nucleophilic substitution reaction of Y-substituted-phenyl picolinates (7a-f) with potassium ethoxide (EtOK) in anhydrous ethanol at $25.0{\pm}0.1^{\circ}C$. The plot of $k_{obsd}$ vs. [EtOK] curves upward while the plot of $k_{obsd}/[EtO^-]_{eq}$ vs. $[EtO^-]_{eq}$ is linear with a positive intercept in all cases. Dissection of $k_{obsd}$ into $k_{EtO^-}$ and $k_{EtOK}$ (i.e., the second-order rate constants for the reactions with the dissociated $EtO^-$ ion and ion-paired EtOK, respectively) has revealed that the ion-paired EtOK is more reactive than the dissociated $EtO^-$. The ${\sigma}^{\circ}$ constants result in a much better Hammett correlation than ${\sigma}^-$ constants, indicating that the reaction proceeds through a stepwise mechanism in which departure of the leaving group occurs after the rate-determining step (RDS). $K^+$ ion catalyzes the reaction by increasing the electrophilicity of the reaction center through formation of a cyclic transition state (TS). The catalytic effect decreases as the substituent Y becomes a stronger electron-withdrawing group (EWG). Development of a positive charge on the N atom of the picolinyl moiety through resonance interactions is responsible for the decreasing $K^+$ ion catalysis.

• Carbon letters
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.192-197
• /
• 2015

In the present work, we propose a molecule (C₁₄H₁₄) that can be used as a building block of hexagonal diamond-type crystals and nanocrystals, including wurtzite structures. This molecule and its combined blocks are similar to diamondoid molecules that are used as building blocks of cubic diamond crystals and nanocrystals. The hexagonal part of this molecule is included in the C₁₂ central part of this molecule. This part can be repeated to increase the ratio of hexagonal to cubic diamond and other structures. The calculated energy gap of these molecules (called hereafter wurtzoids) shows the expected trend of gaps that are less than that of cubic diamondoid structures. The calculated binding energy per atom shows that wurtzoids are tighter structures than diamondoids. Distribution of angles and bonds manifest the main differences between hexagonal and cubic diamond-type structures. Charge transfer, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet-visible spectra are investigated to identify the main spectroscopic differences between hexagonal and cubic structures at the molecular and nanoscale. Natural bond orbital population analysis shows that the bonding of the present wurtzoids and diamondoids differs from ideal sp³ bonding. The bonding for carbon valence orbitals is in the range (2s^0.982p^3.213p^0.02)-(2s^0.942p^3.313p^0.02) for wurtzoid and (2s^0.932p^3.293p^0.01)-(2s^0.992p^3.443p^0.01) for diamantane.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.20
• /
• pp.8981-8985
• /
• 2014

Objective: To explore the effect of lysine-coated oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Lys@MNPs) on viability and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Zeta potentiometric analyzer were employed to characterize Lys@MNPs. Then Lys@MNPs and lung cancer A549 cells were co-cultured to study the effect of Lys@MNPs on cell viability and apoptosis. The pathway of Lys@MNPs entering A549 cells was detected by TEM and cell imaging by 1.5 T MRI. Results: Lys@MNPs were 10.2 nm in grain diameter, characterized by small size, positive charge, and superparamagnetism. Under low-dose concentration of Lys@MNPs (< $40{\mu}g/mL$), the survival rate of A549 cells was decreased but remained higher than 95% while under high-dose concentration ($100{\mu}g/mL$), the survival ratewas still higher than 80%, which suggested Lys@MNPs had limited influence on the viability of A549 cells, with good biocompatibility and and no induction of apoptosis. Moreover, high affinity for cytomembranes, was demonstrated presenting good imaging effects. Conclusion: Lys@MNPs can be regarded as a good MRI negative contrast agents, with promising prospects in biomedicine.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.2335-2340
• /
• 2014

Paclitaxel is hydrophobic in nature and is recognized as a highly toxic anticancer drug, showing adverse effects in normal body sites. In this study, we developed a polymeric nano drug carrier for safe delivery of the paclitaxel to the cancer that releases the drug in a sustained manner and reduces side effects. N-isopropylacrylamide/vinyl pyrrolidone (NIPAAm/VP) nanoparticles were synthesized by radical polymerization. Physicochemical characterization of the polymeric nanoparticles was conducted using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance, which confirmedpolymerization of formulated nanoparticles. Drug release was assessed using a spectrophotometer and cell viability assays were carried out on the MCF-7 breast cancer and B16F0 skin cancer cell lines. NIPAAm/VP nanoparticles demonstrated a size distribution in the 65-108 nm range and surface charge measured -15.4 mV. SEM showed the nanoparticles to be spherical in shape with a slow drug release of ~70% in PBS at $38^{\circ}C$ over 96 h. Drug loaded nanoparticles were associated with increased viability of MCF-7 and B16F0 cells in comparison to free paclitaxel. Nano loaded paclitaxel shows high therapeutic efficiency by sustained release action for the longer period of time, i increasing its efficacy and biocompatibility for human cancer therapy. Therefore, paclitaxel loaded (NIPAAm/VP) nanoparticles may provide opportunities to expand delivery of the drug for clinical selection.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2010.05a
• /
• pp.54.2-54.2
• /
• 2010

최근까지는 주로 비정질 실리콘이 디스플레이의 채널층으로 상용화 되어왔다. 비정질 실리콘 기반의 박막 트랜지스터는 제작의 경제성 및 균일성을 가지고 있어서 널리 상용화되고 있다. 하지만 비정질 실리콘의 구조적인 문제인 낮은 전자 이동도(< $1\;cm^2/Vs$)로 인하여 디스플레이의 대면적화에 부적합하며, 광학적으로 불투명한 특성을 갖기 때문에 차세대 디스플레이의 응용에 불리한 점이 있다. 이런 문제점의 대안으로 현재 국내외 여러 연구 그룹에서 산화물 기반의 반도체를 박막 트랜지스터의 채널층으로 사용하려는 연구가 진행중이다. 산화물 기반의 반도체는 밴드갭이 넓어서 광학적으로 투명하고, 상온에서 증착이 가능하며, 비정질 실리콘에 비해 월등히 우수한 이동도를 가짐으로 디스플레이의 대면적화에 유리하다. 특히 Zinc Oxide의 경우, band gap이 3.4eV로써, transparent conductors, varistors, surface acoustic waves, gas sensors, piezoelectric transducers 그리고 UV detectors 등의 많은 응용에 쓰이고 있다. 또한, a-Si TFTs에 비해 ZnO-based TFTs의 경우 우수한 소자 성능과 신뢰성을 나타내며, 대면적 제조시 우수한 균일성 및 낮은 생산비용이 장점이다. 그러나 ZnO-baesd TFTs의 경우 일정한 bias 아래에서 threshold voltage가 이동하는 문제점이 displays의 소자로 적용하는데 매우 중요하고 문제점으로 여겨진다. 특히 gate insulator와 channel layer사이의 interface에서의 defect에 의한 charge trapping이 이러한 문제점들을 야기한다고 보고되어진다. 본 연구에서는 Zinc Oxide 기반의 박막 트랜지스터를 DC magnetron sputtering을 이용하여 상온에서 제작을 하였다. 또한, $Si_3N_4$ 기판 위에 electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) $O_2$ plasma 처리와 plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)를 통하여 $SiO_2$ 를 10nm 증착을 하여 interface의 개선을 시도하였다. 그리고 TFTs 소자의 출력 특성 및 전이 특성을 평가를 하였고, 소자의 field effect mobility의 값이 향상을 하였다. 또한 Temperature, Bias Temperature stability의 조건에서 안정성을 평가를 하였다. 이러한 interface treatment는 안정성의 향상을 시킴으로써 대면적 디스플레의 적용에 비정질 실리콘을 대체할 유력한 물질이라고 생각된다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.30 no.4 s.59
• /
• pp.805-814
• /
• 1997

Injuries to the menisci occur in a variety of ways, most commonly with a twist, pivot, squat, or valgus stress to the knee. Tear patterns are classified to longitudinal, horizontal, or transverse features according to the mechanism of injury. Work-related meniscal tear usually occurs with a repetitive usage of the foot, hence it can be classified as a cumulative traumatic disorder. We found a 47 year-old female worker who had been taking charge of repetitive foot-switch stepping for 8 years. She suffered from pain in the right knee since 5 months ago. Tenderness along the medial joint line of the right knee was observed and pain was aggravated with full flexion of the right knee. On magnetic resonance imaging, high signal intensity was observed at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus of the right knee. Degenerative longitudinal and transverse complex tear in the medial meniscus was observed on arthroscopy. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was performed. We surveyed the work process and the health status of co-workers. It turned out that the work process was compatible to injure the meniscus and nine out of fourteen co-worker(64.3%) complained pain of the knee. No other factors related to her meniscal tear could be found except for the situation at her work. Therefore, we conclude that meniscal tear is related to the repetitive stepping of foot switch.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.170-177
• /
• 1989

In order to seek the molecular basis of higher insecticidal activity of the carbamates with two methyl groups, m-xylyl-N-methylcarbamate(MXNMC) than the corresponding unsubstituted phenyl N-methylcarbamate(PNMC), these two derivatives have been studied by molecular orbital(MO) theoretically using extended $H\ddot{u}ckel$ theory(EHT), and analysis of regression and linear free energy relationship(LFER). The most stable stereo structure(Z, Z) shows that the phenyl group occupies vertical(${\theta}=90^{\circ}$) position on the plane of the N-methylcarbamyl group. Regression analysis shows that especially good correlation exists between the $pI_{50}$ values and the calculated MO quantities when the hydrogen atomic charge of metaposition and of m-methyl groups, and LUMO energy are taken as variables. The LFER analysis on the carbamylation indicates that field(F) effect(60%) is slightly larger than resonance(R) effect(40%) in PNMC(E>R), whereas, in case of MXNMC, R effect(98.6%) is much larger than F effect(1.4%)($R{\gg}F$). From the basis on the findings, the enhancement of insecticidal activity of MXNMC may be the result of hyperconjugation by m-methyl groups.

• 전자공학회논문지 IE
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.40-46
• /
• 2011

In this study, PZT-5A green sheet were prepared by using tape casting technique, and the piezoelectric properties of PZT-5A by variation of sintering temperature was investigated. After, design and piezoelectric properties of 2-2 piezocomposite ultrasonic transducers by menas of the FEA. The acoustic impedance and piezoelectric charge constant of the 2-2 type piezocomposite transducer decreased proportionally due to the density decrease caused by the PZT volume fraction decrease. The piezocomposite acoustic impedance were 7~3 MRayl between 0.6 and 0.2 allowing it to be used for a ultrasonic transducer. The resonance characteristics and the electro-mechanical coupling factor were the best when the volume fraction PZT was 0.6. The PZT volume fraction shows the fixed value, 0.6~0.65, approximately within the range between 0.2 and 0.6 while it is increased to decreased over the range. The result of the experiment above confirmed that the 2-2 piezoelectric composites could be used as the ultrasonic transducers.