• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2016

Ion channels in carcinoma and their roles in cell proliferation are drawing attention. Intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ ($[Ca^{2+}]_i$)-dependent signaling affects the fate of cancer cells. Here we investigate the role of $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channel (SK4) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (HNSCCs) of dif-ferent cell lines; SNU-1076, OSC-19 and HN5. Treatment with $1{\mu}M$ ionomycin induced cell death in all the three cell lines. Whole-cell patch clamp study suggested common expressions of $Ca^{2+}$-activated $Cl^-$ channels (Ano-1) and $Ca^{2+}$-activated nonselective cation channels (CAN). 1-EBIO, an activator of SK4, induced outward $K^+$ current (ISK4) in SNU-1076 and OSC-19. In HN5, ISK4 was not observed or negligible. The 1-EBIO-induced current was abolished by TRAM-34, a selective SK4 blocker. Interestingly, the ionomycin-induced cell death was effectively prevented by 1-EBIO in SNU-1076 and OSC-19, and the rescue effect was annihilated by combined TRAM-34. Con-sistent with the lower level of ISK4, the rescue by 1-EBIO was least effective in HN5. The results newly demonstrate the role of SK4 in the fate of HNSCCs under the $Ca^{2+}$ overloaded condition. Pharmacological modulation of SK4 might provide an intriguing novel tool for the anti-cancer strategy in HNSCC.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2004

Fluoxetine, a widely used anti-depressant compound, has several additional effects, including blockade of voltage-gated ion channels. We examined whether fluoxetine affects ATP-induced calcium signaling in PC12 cells by using fura-2-based digital calcium imaging and assay for $[^3H]-inositol$ phosphates (IPs). Treatment with ATP $(100\;{\mu}M)$ for 2 min induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases. The ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases were significantly decreased by removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and treatment with the inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ ATPase thapsigargin $(1\;{\mu}M)$. Treatment with fluoxetine for 5 min blocked the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase concentration-dependently. Treatment with fluoxetine $(30\;{\mu}M)$ for 5 min blocked the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increase following removal of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and depletion of intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ stores. While treatment with the L-type $Ca^{2+}$ channel antagonist nimodipine for 10 min inhibited the ATP-induced $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases significantly, treatment with fluoxetine alone blocked the ATP-induced responses. Treatment with fluoxetine also inhibited the 50 mM $K^+-induced$ $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases completely. However, treatment with fluoxetine did not inhibit the ATP-induced $[^3H]-IPs$ formation. Collectively, we conclude that fluoxetine inhibits ATP-indueed $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ increases in PC12 cells by inhibiting both an influx of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ and a release of $Ca^{2+}$ from intracellular stores without affecting IPs formation.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.105-112
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• 2001

Insect pests can be controlled through direct application of insecticides. Insect control by residual protectants is relatively inexpensive and has an advantage of destroying all stages of infestations. The efficacy of control is largely determined by the concentration of insecticides to which the pest species is exposed. A reduction in the period of control in the field afforded by a specific level of a protectant indicates that resistance has developed. An increase in the level of protectant is required to maintain control, and the efficacy of currently used insecticides has been severely reduced by insecticide resistance in pest species. Development of resistance to particular insecticide varies with species because insecticide resistance is often correlated with increased levels of certain enzymes, which are cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and esterases. Some sections of insecticide molecules can be modified by one or more of these primary enzymes. A reduction in the sensitivity of the action site of a xenobiotic also constitutes a mechanism of resistance. Acetylcholinesterase is a major target site for insecticide action, as are axonal sodium ion channels and ${\gamma}$-aminobutyric acid receptors. Development of reduced sensitivity of these target sites to insecticides usually occurs. This review not only may contribute to a better understanding of insecticide resistance, but also illustrates the gaps still present for a full biochemical understanding of the resistance.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.497-503
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• 2017

Recent reports claimed that glucosylsphingosine (GS) is highly accumulated and specifically evoking itch-scratch responses in the skins of atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. However, it was unclear how GS can trigger itch-scratch responses, since there were no known molecular singling pathways revealed yet. In the present study, it was verified for the first time that GS can activate mouse serotonin receptor 2a (mHtr2a) and 2b (mHtr2b), but not 2c (mHtr2c) that are expressed in HEK293T cells. Specifically, effects of GS on all mouse serotonin receptor 2 subfamily were evaluated by calcium imaging techniques. The GS-induced intracellular calcium increase was dose-dependent, and antagonists such as ketanserin (Htr2a antagonist) and RS-127445 (Htr2b antagonist) significantly blocked the GS-induced responses. Moreover, the proposed GS-induced responses appear to be mediated by phospholipase C (PLC), since pretreatment of a PLC inhibitor U-73122 abolished the GS-induced responses. Additionally, the GS-induced calcium influx is probably mediated by endogenous TRPC ion channels in HEK293T cells, since pretreatment of SKF-96365, an inhibitor for TRPC, significantly suppressed GS-induced response. In conclusion, the present study revealed for the first time that GS can stimulate mHtr2a and mHtr2b to induce calcium influx, by utilizing PLC-dependent pathway afterwards. Considering that GS is regarded as a pruritogen in AD, the present study implicates a novel GS-induced itch signaling pathway.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.11
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• pp.473-476
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• 2011

Primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOKPP) is an autosomal dominant disorder manifesting as recurrent periodic flaccid paralysis and concomitant hypokalemia. HOKPP is divided into type 1 and type 2 based on the causative gene. Although 2 different ion channels have been identified as the molecular genetic cause of HOKPP, the clinical manifestations between the 2 groups are similar. We report the cases of 2 patients with HOKPP who both presented with typical clinical manifestations, but with mutations in 2 different genes ($CACNA1S$ p.Arg528His and $SCN4A$ p.Arg672His). Despite the similar clinical manifestations, there were differences in the response to acetazolamide treatment between certain genotypes of $SCN4A$ mutations and $CACNA1S$ mutations. We identified p.Arg672His in the $SCN4A$ gene of patient 2 immediately after the first attack through a molecular genetic testing strategy. Molecular genetic diagnosis is important for genetic counseling and selecting preventive treatment.

• 한국정보디스플레이학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2007.08b
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• pp.1253-1256
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• 2007

A display device combining plasma display panel (PDP) and field emission display (FED) is proposed to achieve high luminous efficiency. The device can avoid the main energy loss channels of both PDP (ion loss) and FED (low CL efficiency). $2{\sim}6$”-diagonal test panels with carbon nano-tube (CNT) electron emitter and Xenon ambient gas showed the luminous efficiency of 4.14lm/W and brightness of $263cd/m^2$ at 35V (1kHz, 1% duty), indicating that it is a good candidate for the low voltage driven, highly efficient next generation display.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2005

TRPV2 is a non-specific cation channel expressed in sensory neurons, and activated by noxious heat. Particularly, TRPV2 has six transmembrane domains and three ankyrin repeats. TRPV2 has been cloned from various species such as human, rat, and mouse. Oocytes of Xenopus laevis - an African clawed frog ­have been widely used for decades in characterization of various receptors and ion channels. The functional property of rat TRPV2 was also identified by this oocyte expression system. However, no TRPV2 orthologue of Xenopus laevis has been reported so far. Hence, we have focused to clone a TRPV2 orthologue of Xenopus laevis with the aid of bioinformatic tools. Because the genome sequence of Xenopus laevis is not available until now, a genome sequence of Xenopus tropicalis - a close relative species of Xenopus laevis - was used. After a number of bioinformatic searches in silico, a predicted full-length sequence of TRPV2 orthologue of Xenopus tropicalis was found. Based on this predicted sequence, various approaches such as RT-PCR and 5' -RACE technique were applied to clone a full length of Xenopus laevis TRV2. Consequently, a full-length Xenopus laevis TRPV2 was cloned from heart cDNA.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.958-962
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• 2002

This paper reports on the fabrication of free-standing microstructures by DRIE (deep reactive ion etching). SOI (Si-on-insulator) structures with buried cavities are fabricated by SDB (Si-wafer direct bonding) technology and electrochemical etch-stop. The cavity was formed the upper handling wafer by Si anisotropic etch technique. SDB process was performed to seal the formed cavity under vacuum condition at -760 mmHg. In the SDB process, captured air and moisture inside of the cavities were removed by making channels towards outside. After annealing (100$0^{\circ}C$, 60 min.), the SDB SOI structure with a accurate thickness and a good roughness was thinned by electrochemical etch-stop in TMAH solution. Finally, it was fabricated free-standing microstructures by DRIE. This result indicates that the fabrication technology of free-standing microstructures by combination SDB, electrochemical etch-stop and DRIE provides a powerful and versatile alternative process for high-performance bulk micromachining in MEMS fields.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2003.06a
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• pp.1186-1190
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• 2003

In this paper, a valveless bubble-actuated fluid micropump was has been developed and its performance was tested. The valveless micropump consists of the lower plate, the middle plate, the upper plate and a resistive heater. The lower plate includes the nozzle-diffuser elements and the double-chamber. Nozzle-diffuser elements and a double-chamber are fabricated on the silicon wafer by the DRIE(Deep Reactive Ion Etching) process. The lower plate also has inlet/outlet channels for fluid flow. The middle plate is made of glass and plays the role of the diaphragm. The chamber in the upper plate is filled with deionized water, and which contacts with the resistive heater. The resistive heater is patterned on a silicon substrate by Ti/Pt sputtering. Three plates and the resister heater are laminated by the aligner and bonded in the anodic bonder. Since the bubble is evaporated and condensed periodically in the chamber, the fluid flows from inlet to outlet with respect to the diffusion effect. In order to avoid backflow, the double chamber system is introduced. Analytical and experimental results show the validity of the developed double-chamber micropump.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.454-484
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• 1996

There are many factors to evoke pain, for example cold, heat, seven emotion, digestion, fatigue, venemous worms, deficiency of blood etc., and its pathogenesis is complicated. Treatments for pain in oriental medicine are as follows. 1. Pharmacotherapy is a method to treat pain by different effects of herbal medicine, for example, regulating vital energy, activating blood circulation, eliminating phlegm, and dispelling the cold evil etc. 2. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is a kind of external application, it has a distinct effect in relieving pain. Recently its operation method has been more developed, so new acupuncture therapies are used in clinics. There are electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture and injection of drugs at an acupuncture points etc. 3. Oriental physiotherapy is a treatment method to stimulate acupuncture points and meridians. (1) Hot pack, Paraffin bath, Microwave, Ultrasound, Short wave, Infra-red etc. are used to treat cold syndrome by dispersing cold by warming the channels. (2) E.S.T., I.C.T., T.E.N.S., S.S.P., cupping treatment etc. are used to treat disorders of vital energy. (3) Health ion, Carbon, T.D.P., etc are used to treat conic and deficiency syndrome.