• BMB Reports
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2016

microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of cell state transition and retention during stem cell proliferation and differentiation by post-transcriptionally downregulating hundreds of conserved target genes via seed-pairing in their 3' untranslated region. In embryonic and adult stem cells, dozens of miRNAs that elaborately control stem cell processes by modulating the transcriptomic context therein have been identified. Some miRNAs accelerate the change of cell state into progenitor cell lineages—such as myoblast, myeloid or lymphoid progenitors, and neuro precursor stem cells—and other miRNAs decelerate the change but induce proliferative activity, resulting in cell state retention. This cell state choice can be controlled by endogenously or exogenously changing miRNA levels or by including or excluding target sites. This control of miRNA-mediated gene regulation could improve our understanding of stem cell biology and facilitate their development as therapeutic tools. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(1): 3-10]

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.40 no.12 s.403
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• pp.981-987
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• 2002

• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.11
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• pp.725-730
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• 2009

Cyclin E1 (CCNE1), a positive regulator of the cell cycle, controls the transition of cells from G1 to S phase. In numerous human tumors, however, CCNE1 expression is frequently dysregulated, while the mechanism leading to its dysregulation remains incompletely defined. Herein, we showed that CCNE1 expression was subject to post-transcriptional regulation by a microRNA miR-16-1. This was evident at protein level of CCNE1 as well as its mRNA level. Further evident by dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that two evolutionary conserved binding sites on 3' UTR of CCNE1 were the direct functional target sites. Moreover, we showed that miR-16-1 induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest by targeting CCNE1 and siRNA against CCNE1 partially phenocopied miR-16-1-induced cell cycle phenotype whereas substantially rescued anti-miR-16-1- induced phenotype. Together, all these results demonstrate that miR-16-1 plays a vital role in modulating cellular process in human cancers and indicate the therapeutic potential of miR-16-1 in cancer therapy.

• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.78-88
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• 2000

The effect of post-weld heat treatment(PWHT) of SCM440 steel was investigated with parameters such as micro-Vickers hardness, corrosion potential, polarization behaviors, galvanic current, Al anode generating current and Al anode weight loss, etc. Each hardness of three parts(HAZ, BM, WM) by PWHT is lower than each of as-welded parts. However, hardness of WM area was the highest among those three parts in case of both PWHT and as-welded. Corrosion potential of WM part was the highest among those three parts and WM area was also acted as cathode without regard to PWHT. The magnitude of corrosion potential difference among three parts by PWHT was larger than that of three parts of as-welded, and corrosion current by galvanic cell of these three parts by PWHT was also larger compared to as-welded. Therefore, it is suggested that corrosion resistance property of SCM440 steel is decreased by PWHT than as-welded. However, both Al anode generating current and anode weight loss were also increased by PWHT compared to as-welded when SCM400 steel is cathodically protected by Al anode.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.40 no.10
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• pp.697-705
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• 2017

The maintenance of inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis is essential for plant growth and yield. Plants have evolved strategies to cope with Pi starvation at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels, which maximizes its availability. Many transcription factors, miRNAs, and transporters participate in the Pi starvation signaling pathway where their activities are modulated by sugar and phytohormone signaling. Environmental stresses significantly affect the uptake and utilization of nutrients by plants, but their effects on the Pi starvation response remain unclear. Recently, we reported that Pi starvation signaling is affected by abiotic stresses such as salt, abscisic acid, and drought. In this review, we identified transcription factors, such as MYB, WRKY, and zinc finger transcription factors with functions in Pi starvation and other environmental stress signaling. In silico analysis of the promoter regions of Pi starvation-responsive genes, including phosphate transporters, microRNAs, and phosphate starvation-induced genes, suggest that their expression may be regulated by other environmental stresses, such as hormones, drought, cold, heat, and pathogens as well as by Pi starvation. Thus, we suggest the possibility of cross-talk between Pi starvation signaling and other environmental stress signaling pathways.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.45.1-45.11
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• 2018

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate fluoride release and the micro-shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-remineralized caries-affected dentin (CAD). Materials and Methods: Exposed dentin surfaces of 30 human third molar teeth were divided into 2 equal groups for evaluating fluoride release and the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC to CAD. Each group was subdivided into 3 equal subgroups: 1) control (sound dentin); 2) artificially demineralized dentin (CAD); 3) CPP-ACP remineralized dentin (remineralized CAD). To measure fluoride release, 15 disc-shaped specimens of RMGIC (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were bonded on one flat surface of the dentin discs of each group. Fluoride release was tested using ion chromatography at different intervals; 24 hours, 3, 5, 7 days. RMGIC micro-cylinders were built on the flat dentin surface of the 15 discs, which were prepared according to the assigned group. Micro-shear bond strength was measured after 24 hours water storage. Data were analyzed using 1- and 2-way analysis of variance and the post hoc least significant difference test (${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: Fluoride detected in solutions (at all intervals) and the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC bonded to CPP-ACP-remineralized dentin were significantly higher than those bonded to artificial CAD (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Demineralized CAD consumes more fluoride released from RMGIC into the solution for remineralization than CPP-ACP mineralized dentin does. CPP-ACP increases the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC to CAD.

• Journal of Korea Foundry Society
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.218-225
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• 2022

For hydrogen-vehicle applications (air pressure control valve housing, APCVH), an investigation was conducted to determine how micro-defects in a high- pressure die-casted Al alloy (industrial code: ALDC12) could be controlled by means of a post-treatment using an organic-based impregnation solution in order to improve the air- tightness of the die-casted Al sample. Two different impregnation solutions were proposed and its test results were compared to a imported product from Japan with respect to the processing variables used. A structural investigation of the components under study was conducted by means of computer tomography and 3D X-ray micro-CT. These observations revealed that the use of the impregnation treatment to seal micro-defects led to highly significant and beneficial changes which were attributed mainly to interconnections among inherent micro-pores. A leak test after impregnation revealed that the performance improvement rate of the die-casted Al sample was ~70% for INNO-01. Therefore, the developed impregnation solutions offer an effective strategy to control the micro-defects found in various vehicle parts via die-casting.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1173-1179
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• 2007

In recent years, research to machine large-surface micro-features has become important because of the light guide panel of a large-scale liquid crystal display and the bipolar plate of a high-capacity proton exchange membrane fuel cell. In this study, in order to realize the systematic design technology and performance improvements of an ultra-precision machine for machining the large-surface micro-features, a structural characteristic analysis was performed using its virtual prototype. The prototype consisted of gantry-type frame, hydrostatic feed mechanisms, linear motors, brushless DC servo motor, counterbalance mechanism, and so on. The loop stiffness was estimated from the relative displacement between the tool post and C-axis table, which was caused by a cutting force. Especially, the causes of structural stiffness deterioration were identified through the structural deformation analysis of sub-models.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.23 no.3 s.180
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• pp.156-162
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• 2006

Direct fabrication of nano patterns has been studied employing a nano-stereolithography (NSL) process. The needs of nano patterning techniques have been intensively increased for diverse applications for nano/micro-devices; micro-fluidic channels, micro-molds. and other novel micro-objects. For fabrication of high-aspect-ratio (HAR) patterns, a thick spin coating of SU-8 process is generally used in the conventional photolithography, however, additional processes such as pre- and post-baking processes and expansive precise photomasks are inevitably required. In this work, direct fabrication of HAR patterns with a high spatial resolution is tried employing two-photon polymerization in the NSL process. The precision and aspect ratio of patterns can be controlled using process parameters of laser power, exposure time, and numerical aperture of objective lens. It is also feasible to control the aspect ratio of patterns by truncation amounts of patterns, and a layer-by-layer piling up technique is attempted to achieve HAR patterns. Through the fabrication of several patterns using the NSL process, the possibility of effective patterning technique fer various N/MEMS applications has been demonstrated.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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• 2001.11b
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• pp.558-561
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• 2001

Vanadium oxide ($VO_x$) thin films are very good candidate material for uncooled infrared (IR) detectors due to their high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at room temperature. But, the deposition of $VO_x$ thin films showing good electrical properties is very difficult in micro bolometer fabrication process using sacrificial layer removal because of its low process temperature and thickness of thin films less than $1000{\AA}$. This paper presents a new fabrication process of $VO_x$ thin films having high TCR and low resistance. Through sandwich structure of $VO_{x}(100{\AA})/V(80{\AA})/VO_{x}(500{\AA})$ by sputter method and post-annealing at oxygen ambient, we have achieved high TCR more than $-2%/^{\circ}C$ and low resistance less than $10K\Omega$ at room temperature.