• Title/Summary/Keyword: Morphology and migration

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Potential Applications of Low Altitude Remote Sensing for Monitoring Jellyfish

  • Jo, Young-Heon;Bi, Hongsheng;Lee, Jongsuk
    • Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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    • v.33 no.1
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    • pp.15-24
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    • 2017
  • Jellyfish (cnidarian) are conspicuous in many marine ecosystems when in bloom. Despite their importance for the ecosystem structure and function, very few sampling programs are dedicated to sample jellyfish because they are patchily distributed and easily clogged plankton net. Although satellite remote sensing is an excellent observing tool for many phenomena in the ocean, their uses for monitoring jellyfish are not possible due to the coarse spatial resolutions. Hence, we developed the low altitude remote sensing platform to detect jellyfish in high resolutions, which allow us to monitor not only horizontal, but also vertical migration of them. Using low altitude remote sensing platform,we measured the jellyfish from the pier at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Chesapeake Bay. The patterns observed included discrete patches, in rows that were aligned with waves that propagated from deeper regions, and aggregation around physical objects. The corresponding areas of exposed jellyfish on the sea surface were $0.1{\times}10^4pixel^2$, $0.3{\times}10^4pixel^2$, and $2.75{\times}10^4pixel^2$, respectively. Thus, the research result suggested that the migration of the jellyfish was related to the physical forcing in the sea surface.

Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides Target a Fas/Caspase Dependent Pathway to Induce Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells

  • Liang, Zengenni;Guo, Yu-Tong;Yi, You-Jin;Wang, Ren-Cai;Hu, Qiu-Long;Xiong, Xing-Yao
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.9
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    • pp.3981-3986
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    • 2014
  • Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLP) extracted from Ganoderma lucidum have been shown to induce cell death in some kinds of cancer cells. This study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effect of GLP on HCT-116 human colon cancer cells and the molecular mechanisms involved. Cell proliferation, cell migration, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and intracellular free calcium levels ($[Ca^{2+}]i$) were determined by MTT, wound-healing, LDH release and fluorescence assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. For the mechanism studies, caspase-8 activation, and Fas and caspase-3 expression were evaluated. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with various concentrations of GLP (0.625-5 mg/mL) resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability (P< 0.01). This study showed that the antitumor activity of GLP was related to cell migration inhibition, cell morphology changes, intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ elevation and LDH release. Also, increase in the levels of caspase-8 activity was involved in GLP-induced apoptosis. Western blotting indicated that Fas and caspase-3 protein expression was up-regulated after exposure to GLP. This investigation demonstrated for the first time that GLP shows prominent anticancer activities against the HCT-116 human colon cancer cell line through triggering intracellular calcium release and the death receptor pathway.

Effect of Food Simulants on the Properties of LDPE-Nano TiO2 Composite Film in Food Contact Environment (식품 접촉 모사 환경에서 식품유사용매의 LDPE-나노 TiO2 복합필름 재질특성 영향 평가)

  • Lee, Wooseok;Choi, Jae Chun;Park, Se-jong;Kim, MeeKyung;Ko, Seonghyuk
    • KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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    • v.23 no.3
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    • pp.125-132
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    • 2017
  • The effect of food simulants on properties and light barrier function of LDPE-nano $TiO_2$ composite film has been investigated. LDPE-nano $TiO_2$ composite films were prepared with 5.0wt% $TiO_2$ content by melt-extrusion. To simulate food contact environment, according to KFDA standards and specifications for food utensils, containers and packages, food simulants were selected with deionized water, 50% ethanol, 4% acetic acid and n-heptane and composite films were immersed in each food simulant at $70^{\circ}C$, 30 min except n-heptane ($25^{\circ}C$, 60 min). A variety of material properties, including crystallinity, chemical bonds, surface morphology, mechanical, oxygen barrier and optical properties, of LDPE-nano $TiO_2$ composite film were examined with and without the food simulants treatment. As a result, under regulated migration condition, LDPE-nano $TiO_2$ composite showed extremely stable in all properties tested in the study in contact with food simulants indicating that $TiO_2$ nanoparticles are physicochemically stable and quite compatible with LDPE. Results enable us to anticipate migration of $TiO_2$ will probably not occur. To evaluate influence of migration of $TiO_2$ on food stuffs, their color, pH and acidity were observed as well.

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine Induces Thrombospondin-1 Secretion in MCF10A Cells via ERK2

  • Kang, June Hee;Kim, Hyun Ji;Park, Mi Kyung;Lee, Chang Hoon
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.25 no.6
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    • pp.625-633
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    • 2017
  • Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) is one of the bioactive phospholipids that has many cellular functions such as cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, angiogenesis, and $Ca^{2+}$ signaling. Recent studies have reported that SPC induces invasion of breast cancer cells via matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) secretion leading to WNT activation. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular and calcium-binding protein that binds to a wide variety of integrin and non-integrin cell surface receptors. It regulates cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in inflammation, angiogenesis and neoplasia. TSP-1 promotes aggressive phenotype via epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). The relationship between SPC and TSP-1 is unclear. We found SPC induced EMT leading to mesenchymal morphology, decrease of E-cadherin expression and increases of N-cadherin and vimentin. SPC induced secretion of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) during SPC-induced EMT of various breast cancer cells. Gene silencing of TSP-1 suppressed SPC-induced EMT as well as migration and invasion of MCF10A cells. An extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, PD98059, significantly suppressed the secretion of TSP-1, expressions of N-cadherin and vimentin, and decrease of E-cadherin in MCF10A cells. ERK2 siRNA suppressed TSP-1 secretion and EMT. From online PROGgene V2, relapse free survival is low in patients having high TSP-1 expressed breast cancer. Taken together, we found that SPC induced EMT and TSP-1 secretion via ERK2 signaling pathway. These results suggests that SPC-induced TSP-1 might be a new target for suppression of metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers as an active wound dressing agent

  • Shin, Dongwoo;Kim, Min Sup;Yang, Chae Eun;Lee, Won Jai;Roh, Tai Suk;Baek, Wooyeol
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.46 no.5
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    • pp.399-404
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    • 2019
  • Background The objectives of this study were to design polycaprolactone nanofibers with a radial pattern using a modified electrospinning method and to evaluate the effect of radial nanofiber deposition on mechanical and biological properties compared to non-patterned samples. Methods Radially patterned polycaprolactone nanofibers were prepared with a modified electrospinning method and compared with randomly deposited nanofibers. The surface morphology of samples was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tensile properties of nanofibrous mats were measured using a tabletop uniaxial testing machine. Fluorescence-stained human bone marrow stem cells were placed along the perimeter of the radially patterned and randomly deposited. Their migration toward the center was observed on days 1, 4, and 7, and quantitatively measured using ImageJ software. Results Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in mechanical properties between the two types of polycaprolactone nanofibrous mats. SEM images of the obtained samples suggested that the directionality of the nanofibers was toward the central area, regardless of where the nanofibers were located throughout the entire sample. Florescence images showed stronger fluorescence inside the circle in radially aligned nanofibers, with significant differences on days 4 and 7, indicating that migration was quicker along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. Conclusions In this study, we successfully used modified electrospinning to fabricate radially aligned nanofibers with similar mechanical properties to those of conventional randomly aligned nanofibers. In addition, we observed faster migration along radially aligned nanofibers than along randomly deposited nanofibers. Collectively, the radially aligned nanofibers may have the potential for tissue regeneration in combination with stem cells.

Development of Hair Keratin Protein to Accelerate Oral Mucosal Regeneration

  • So-Yeon Kim
    • Journal of dental hygiene science
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.369-377
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    • 2023
  • Background: In this study, we investigated the potential use of keratin for oral tissue regeneration. Keratin is well-known for its effectiveness in skin regeneration by promoting keratinization and enhancing the elasticity and activity of fibroblasts. Because of its structural stability, high storability, biocompatibility, and safety in humans, existing research has predominantly focused on its role in skin wound healing. Herein, we propose using keratin proteins as biocompatible materials for dental applications. Methods: To assess the suitability of alpha-keratin protein as a substrate for cell culture, keratin was extracted from human hair via PEGylation. Viabilities of primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) were assessed. Fluorescence immunostaining and migration assays were conducted using a fluorescence microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Wound healing and migration assays were performed using automated software to analyze the experimental readout and gap closure rate. Results: We confirmed the extraction of alpha-keratin and formation of the PEG-g-keratin complex. Treatment of HGFs with keratin protein at a concentration of 5 mg/ml promoted proliferation and maintained cell viability in the test group compared to the control group. HOKs treated with 5 mg/ml keratin exhibited a slight decrease in cell proliferation and activity after 48 hours compared to the untreated group, followed by an increase after 72 hours. Wound healing and migration assays revealed rapid closure of the area covered by HOKs over time following keratin treatment. Additionally, HOKs exhibited changes in cell morphology and increased the expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the potential of hair keratin for soft tissue regeneration, with potential future applications in clinical settings for wound healing.

Mineralogical Characteristics of Calcite observed in the KAERI Underground Research Tunnel (고준위폐기물 지하처분연구시설(KURT)에서 관찰되는 방해석의 광물학적 특징)

  • Lee, Seung-Yeop;Baik, Min-Hoon;Cho, Won-Jin
    • Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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    • v.19 no.4 s.50
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    • pp.239-246
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    • 2006
  • KAERI Underground Research Tunnel (KURT) was recently constructed through the site investigation from the yea. of 2003 at KAERI site, Dukjin-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon city. The geo-logic setting of the site has been slightly metamorphosed. There are small fractures developed in the rock and several kinds of secondary filling minerals exist in the fractures. We examined mineralogical characteristics of fracture-filling calcite, which is not only largely distributed, but also can significantly affect the radionuclides migration. The calcite is found along fractures like other secondary minerals, forming thick veins in part. Most calcite-filled fractures contain quartz, iron oxides, and dolomite as minor minerals. The calcite crystals show an characteristic appearance with an uniformly oriented growth, coated with goethite on the edge and the etch-pit sites of their surface. Some calcite crystals have been newly formed by the precipitation of elements dissolved from the tunnel shotcrete wall, and their morphology changed according to the chemistry and flow of groundwater. The calcite can modify the groundwater chemistry and significantly affect the sorption behavior of radionuclides. The characteristic crystal structure and surface morphology of the calcite examined in the KURT site will be used as important basic data for the radionuclide migration experiment in the future.

The anti-tumor efficacy of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol, an active metabolite of ginseng, according to fasting on hepatocellular carcinoma

  • Li, Wenzhen;Wang, Yifan;Zhou, Xinbo;Pan, Xiaohong;Lu, Junhong;Sun, Hongliu;Xie, Zeping;Chen, Shayan;Gao, Xue
    • Journal of Ginseng Research
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    • v.46 no.1
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    • pp.167-174
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    • 2022
  • Background: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), one of the main active metabolites of ginseng, performs a broad spectrum of anti-tumor effects. Our aims are to search out new strategies to enhance anti-tumor effects of natural products, including 20(S)-PPD. In recent years, fasting has been shown to be multi-functional on tumor progression. Here, the effects of fasting combined with 20(S)-PPD on hepatocellular carcinoma growth, apoptosis, migration, invasion and cell cycle were explored. Methods: CCK-8 assay, trypan blue dye exclusion test, imagings photographed by HoloMonitorTM M4, transwell assay and flow cytometry assay were performed for functional analyses on cell proliferation, morphology, migration, invasion, apoptosis, necrosis and cell cycle. The expressions of genes on protein levels were tested by western blot. Tumor-bearing mice were used to evaluate the effects of intermittent fasting combined with 20(S)-PPD. Results: We firstly confirmed that fasting-mimicking increased the anti-proliferation effect of 20(S)-PPD in human HepG2 cells in vitro. In fasting-mimicking culturing medium, the apoptosis and necrosis induced by 20(S)-PPD increased and more cells were arrested at G0-G1 phase. Meanwhile, invasion and migration of cells were decreased by down-regulating the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in fasting-mimicking medium. Furthermore, the in vivo study confirmed that intermittent fasting enhanced the tumor growth inhibition of 20(S)-PPD in H22 tumor-bearing mice without obvious side effects. Conclusion: Fasting significantly sensitized HCC cells to 20(S)-PPD in vivo and in vitro. These data indicated that dietary restriction can be one of the potential strategies of chinese medicine or its active metabolites against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Investigation of Chemotactic Activities in Differentiated HL-60 Cells by a Time-lapse Videomicroscopic Assay

  • Jung, Yun-Jae;Woo, So-Youn;Ryu, Kyung-Ha;Jang, Myoung-Ho;Miyasaka, Masayuki;Seoh, Ju-Young
    • IMMUNE NETWORK
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    • v.6 no.2
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    • pp.76-85
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    • 2006
  • Background: Chemotaxis is one of the cardinal functions of leukocytes, which enables them to be recruited efficiently to the right place at the right time. Analyzing chemotactic activities is important not only for the study on leukocyte migration but also for many other applications including development of new drugs interfering with the chemotactic process. However, there are many technical limitations in the conventional in vitro chemotaxis assays. Here we applied a new optical assay to investigate chemotactic activities induced in differentiated HL-60 cells. Methods: HL-60 cells were stimulated with 0.8% dimethylformamide (DMF) for 4 days. The cells were analyzed for morphology, flow cytometry as well as chemotactic activities by a time-lapse videomicroscopic assay using a chemotactic microchamber bearing a fibronectin-coated cover slip and an etched silicon chip. Results: Videomicroscopic observation of the real cellular motions in a stable concentration gradient of chemokines demonstrated that HL-60 cells showed chemotaxis to inflammatory chemokines (CCL3, CCL5 and CXCL8) and also a homeostatic chemokine (CXCL12) after DFM-induced differentiation to granulocytic cells. The cells moved randomly at a speed of $6.99{\pm}1.24{\mu}m/min$ (n=100) in the absence of chemokine. Chemokine stimulation induced directional migration of differentiated HL-60 cells, while they still wandered very much and significantly increased the moving speeds. Conclusion: The locomotive patterns of DMF-stimulated HL-60 cells can be analyzed in detail throughout the course of chemotaxis by the use of a time-lapse videomicroscopic assay. DMF-stimulated HL-60 cells may provide a convenient in vitro model for chemotactic studies of neutrophils.

Suppression of Macrostep Formation Using Damage Relaxation Process in Implanted SiC Wafer (SiC 웨이퍼의 이온 주입 손상 회복을 통한 Macrostep 형성 억제)

  • Song, G.H.;Kim, N.K.;Bahng, W.;Kim, S.C.;Seo, K.S.;Kim, E.D.
    • Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers Conference
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    • 2002.07a
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    • pp.346-349
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    • 2002
  • High Power and high dose ion implantation is essentially needed to make power MOSFET devices based on SiC wafers, because the diffusivities of the impurities such as Al, N, p, B in SiC crystal are very low. In addition, it is needed high temperature annealing for electrical activation of the implanted species. Due to the very high annealing temperature, the surface morphology after electrical activation annealing becomes very rough. We have found the different surface morphologies between implanted and unimplanted region. The unimplanted region showed smoother surface morphology It implies that the damage induced by high energy ion implantation affects the roughening mechanism. Some parts of Si-C bonding are broken in the damaged layer, s\ulcorner the surface migration and sublimation become easy. Therefore the macrostep formation will be promoted. N-type 4H-SiC wafers, which were Al ion implanted at acceleration energy ranged from 30kev to 360kev, were activated at 1600$^{\circ}C$ for 30min. The pre-activation annealing for damage relaxation was performed at 1100-1500$^{\circ}C$ for 30min. The surface morphologies of pre-activation annealed and activation annealed were characterized by atomic force microscopy(AFM).

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