• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.220-225
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• 2016

Cancer cells have different characteristics due to the genetic differences where these unique features may strongly influence the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Here, we show that the spontaneous reactivation of extracellular signalregulated kinase (ERK), distinct from conventional ERK activation, represents a potent mechanism for cancer cell survival. We studied ERK1/2 activation in vitro in SW480 colorectal cancer cells. Although ERK signaling tends to be transiently activated, we observed the delayed reactivation of ERK1/2 in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated SW480 cells. This effect was observed even after EGF withdrawal. While phosphorylated ERK1/2 translocated into the nucleus following its primary activation, it remained in the cytoplasm during late-phase activation. The inhibition of primary ERK1/2 activation or protein trafficking, blocked reactivation and concurrently increased caspase 3 activity. Our results suggest that the biphasic activation of ERK1/2 plays a role in cancer cell survival; thus, regulation of ERK1/2 activation may improve the efficacy of cancer therapies that target ERK signaling.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.272-276
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• 2016

To investigate the optimum x-ray tube design for the dental radiology, factors affecting x-ray beam characteristics such as tungsten target thickness and anode angle were evaluated. Another goal of the study was to addresses the anode heel effect and off-axis spectra for different target angles. MCNPX has been utilized to simulate the diagnostic x-ray tube with the aim of predicting optimum target angle and angular distribution of x-ray intensity around the x-ray target. For simulation of x-ray spectra, MCNPX was run in photon and electron using default values for PHYS:P and PHYS:E cards to enable full electron and photon transport. The x-ray tube consists of an evacuated 1 mm alumina envelope containing a tungsten anode embedded in a copper part. The envelope is encased in lead shield with an opening window. MCNPX simulations were run for x-ray tube potentials of 70 kV. A monoenergetic electron source at the distance of 2 cm from the anode surface was considered. The electron beam diameter was 0.3 mm striking on the focal spot. In this work, the optimum thickness of tungsten target was $3{\mu}m$ for the 70 kV electron potential. To determine the angle with the highest photon intensity per initial electron striking on the target, the x-ray intensity per initial electron was calculated for different tungsten target angles. The optimum anode angle based only on x-ray beam flatness was 35 degree. It should be mentioned that there is a considerable trade-off between anode angle which determines the focal spot size and geometric penumbra. The optimized thickness of a target material was calculated to maximize the x-ray intensity produced from a tungsten target materials for a 70 keV electron energy. Our results also showed that the anode angle has an influencing effect on heel effect and beam intensity across the beam.

• Journal of Korean Society for Quality Management
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.995-1002
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of composite resins used for splinting teeth by comparing a self-cure resin cement (Superbond C&B, SB), a flowable composite resin (G-aenial Universal Flo A2, GU), and a composite resin exclusively used for splinting teeth (G-Fix, GF) before and after aging in NaOCl. Methods: Resin samples were fabricated to a size of 2 mm thickness and 8.5 mm diameter and light-cured with an LED light curing unit (G-Light, n = 12). Immediately after fabrication, CIE L*a*b* values of the resin samples were measured with a spectrophotometer (CM-5) as baseline. Then, the resin samples were immersed in 5% NaOCl at $60^{\circ}C$ and the color was measured after 23 hours every day for 4 days. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan post hoc test (p<0.05), and color differences (${\Delta}E$) of resin samples before and after NaOCl aging were also calculated. Results: For SB, there were no changes in L* and a* values but changes were observed in b* values. For GU, there were no changes in L* and b* values but in a* values. For GF, changes were observed in L*, a*, and b* values. All resin samples showed highest ${\Delta}E$ between baseline and the 1st day of NaOCl immersion. ${\Delta}E$ of SB, GU, and GF was 4.6 - 5.8, 4.9 - 7.9, and 9.9 - 16.9, respectively. GF showed highest color change during NaOCl aging. Conclusion: The results of this color quality evaluation showed that the composite resin exclusively used for splinting teeth might be more vulnerable to color change during intraoral service.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.233-239
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• 2001

Local drug delivery by using biocompatible polymers has been developed in the treatment of periodontitis for many years. In the field of dental therapy, doxycycline is usually a first choice because of its broad-spectrum antibiotic activity. The strip releases antibiotics for a week, and the polymer should be degradable after a week. In this study, we prepared and evaluated the chitosan strips and nanoparticle strips containing doxycycline hydrochloride, and studied their antiacterial activity, dissoultion, and degrability in vitro. The weight of cast strip containing a 5 mg of doxycycline hydrochloride and a 45 mg of chitosan polymer was $57.67{\pm}0.17\;mg$. The release rate of doxycycline hydrochloride from the strip was measured by HPLC. The drug released from chitosan strip and nanoparticle strip was shown to be $50\;{\mu}g/mL$ in first 24 hours. In antibacterial test showed growth inhibitory activity after 24 hrs anaerobic incubation. In vitro degradability showed demolished weight of $93.74{\pm}0.08%$ chitosan strip, $82.48{\pm}1.29%$ chitosan nanoparticle strip, $2.47{\pm}1.99%$ polycarprolactione strip (control). These results showed that, with this doxycycline hydrochloride strip, it is feasible to obtain a sustained release of the drug within the periodontal pocket for seven days which may be improve for local drug delivery system for treatment of periodontal disease.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.299-307
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• 2015

Objective: The aims of this study were to compare the shear bond strength between orthodontic metal brackets and glazed zirconia using different types of primer before applying resin cement and to determine which primer was more effective. Methods: Zirconia blocks were milled and embedded in acrylic resin and randomly assigned to one of four groups: nonglazed zirconia with sandblasting and zirconia primer (NZ); glazed zirconia with sandblasting, etching, and zirconia primer (GZ); glazed zirconia with sandblasting, etching, and porcelain primer (GP); and glazed zirconia with sandblasting, etching, zirconia primer, and porcelain primer (GZP). A stainless steel metal bracket was bonded to each target surface with resin cement, and all specimens underwent thermal cycling. The shear bond strength of the specimens was measured by a universal testing machine. A scanning electron microscope, three-dimensional optical surface-profiler, and stereoscopic microscope were used to image the zirconia surfaces. The data were analyzed with one-way analyses of variance and the Fisher exact test. Results: Group GZ showed significantly lower shear bond strength than did the other groups. No statistically significant differences were found among groups NZ, GP, and GZP. All specimens in group GZ showed adhesive failure between the zirconia and resin cement. In groups NZ and GP, bonding failed at the interface between the resin cement and bracket base or showed complex adhesive and cohesive failure. Conclusions: Porcelain primer is the more appropriate choice for bonding a metal bracket to the surface of a full-contour glazed zirconia crown with resin cement.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.117-126
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• 2003

Due to excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, austenitic stainless steel is widely used as the material for chemical plants. nuclear power plants, and food processing facilities. But, the zone affected by heat in the range of 400 to $800^{\circ}C$ during welding loses corrosion resistance and tensile strength since Cr-carbide precipitation like $Cr_{23}C_6$ forms at the grain boundary and thereby takes place the intergranular corrosion. In this study, AISI 304 stainless steel with the added Nb of 0.3 to 0.7 wt% was solutionized at $1050^{\circ}C$ and sensitized at $650^{\circ}C$. Specimen was welded by MIG. The phase and the microstructure of the specimens were examined by an optical microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and a x-ray diffractometer. The corrosion characteristics of specimens were tested by electrolytic etching and by double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation method(EPR) in the mixed solution of 0.5M $H_2SO_4$ + 0.01M KSCN. The melting zone had dendritic structure constituted of austenitic phase and $\delta$-ferrite phase. Cr carbide at the matrix did not appear, as Nb content increased. At the grain boundaries of the heat affected zone, the precipitates decreased and the twins appeared. The hardness increased, as Nb content increased. The hardness was highest in the order of the heat affected zone>melted zone>matrix. According to EPR curve, as the Nb content decreased, the reactivation current density(Ir) and the activation current density(la) were highest in the order of the melted zone

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.24-28
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• 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis, that the effectiveness of irrigation in removing smear layer in the apical third of root canal system is dependent on the depth of placement of the irrigation needle into the root canal and the enlargement size of the canal. Materials and Methods: Eighty sound human lower incisors were divided into eight groups according to the enlargement size (#25, #30, #35 and #40) and the needle penetration depth (3 mm from working length, WL-3 mm and 9 mm from working length, WL-9 mm). Each canal was enlarged to working length with Profile.06 Rotary Ni-Ti files and irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl. Then, each canal received a final irrigation with 3 mL of 3% EDTA for 4 min, followed by 5 mL of 5.25% NaOCl at different level (WL-3 mm and WL-9 mm) from working length. Each specimen was prepared for the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Photographs of the 3mm area from the apical constriction of each canal with a magnification of ${\times}250$, ${\times}500$, ${\times}1,000$, ${\times}2,500$ were taken for the final evaluation. Results: Removal of smear layer in WL-3 mm group showed a significantly different effect when the canal was enlarged to larger than #30. There was a significant difference in removing apical smear layer between the needle penetration depth of WL-3 mm and WL-9 mm. Conclusions: Removal of smear layer from the apical portion of root canals was effectively accomplished with apical instrumentation to #35/40 06 taper file and 3 mm needle penetration from the working length.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.296-303
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• 2016

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of proanthocyanidin (PAC), a crosslinking agent, on the physical properties of a collagen hydrogel and the behavior of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) cultured in the scaffold. Materials and Methods: Viability of hPDLCs treated with PAC was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The physical properties of PAC treated collagen hydrogel scaffold were evaluated by the measurement of setting time, surface roughness, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The behavior of the hPDLCs in the collagen scaffold was evaluated by cell morphology observation and cell numbers counting. Results: The setting time of the collagen scaffold was shortened in the presence of PAC (p < 0.05). The surface roughness of the PAC-treated collagen was higher compared to the untreated control group (p < 0.05). The thermogram of the crosslinked collagen exhibited a higher endothermic peak compared to the uncrosslinked one. Cells in the PAC-treated collagen were observed to attach in closer proximity to one another with more cytoplasmic extensions compared to cells in the untreated control group. The number of cells cultured in the PAC-treated collagen scaffolds was significantly increased compared to the untreated control (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results showed that PAC enhanced the physical properties of the collagen scaffold. Furthermore, the proliferation of hPDLCs cultured in the collagen scaffold crosslinked with PAC was facilitated. Conclusively, the application of PAC to the collagen scaffold may be beneficial for engineering-based periodontal ligament regeneration in delayed replantation.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.203-209
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• 2016

Recently, increased attention has been directed toward medicinal extracts and their active ingredients as potential new drug candidates for androgenic alopecia. Resina Pini (RP), a resinous exudation obtained from Pinus sp. (Pinaceae), has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of infection, pain related to dental caries, and periodontal disease. Previously, we suggested that RP and its main constituent, abietic acid (abieta-7,13-dien-18-oic acid; AA), may play important roles against androgenic alopecia as $5{\alpha}$-reductase inhibitors. However, to date, there is no evidence that AA has hair growth-promoting effects in vivo. In this study, we found that 10 ~ 300 mg/kg RP and 3 ~ 30 mg/kg AA significantly promoted hair growth in a C3H/HeN mouse model of alopecia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the hair growth-promoting effects of RP and AA in vivo. From these results, RP and its main constituent AA can promote hair growth in mouse by inhibiting $5{\alpha}$-reductase activity and may be effective alternative therapies for androgenic alopecia.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.412-418
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• 2008

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in combination with stem cells gain more significance for their use in bone tissue engineering. The mesenchymal stem cell can be differentiated into osteoblast by the treatment of BMP. The aim of this study is to characterize the osteogenic differentiation process of adult stem cells derived from buccal fat pad according to BMP-2 within culture media and decide the appropriate concentration of BMP-2 to facilitate osteogenesis. The authors procured the stem cell from buccal fat pad and analyzed for presence of stem cell by flow cytomety against CD-34, CD-105 and STRO-1. The buccal fat derived stem cells (BFDC) were treated by application of the different concentration with BMP-2 of 0, 10, 50, 100 and 200ng/ml, respectively. And their ability to differentiate into osteogenic pathway were checked by alkaline phosphatase(ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining and RT-PCR for osteocalcin(OC) gene expression at 7, 14 and 21day of culture. Flow cytometric analysis and biochemical assays demonstrated that BFDC might be a distinguished stem cells, and mineralization was accompanied in proportion to BMP-2 concentration. However, with 100ng/ml concentration of BMP-2, the BFDC demonstrated most efficient staining pattern of ALP and Alizarin red. The feasibility of the osteogenic differentiation in the group of both 50ng/ml and 200ng/ml of BMP-2 showed similar activity and relatively weaker than that of 100ng/ml. These results suggest that the BMP-2 stimulate osteogenesis by BFDC effectively and that bone induction might be controlled through negative regulatory feedback in higher concentration.