• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.661-673
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• 2023

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has always been challenged by the development of resistance. We investigated the antiproliferative activity of licochalcone H (LCH), a regioisomer of licochalcone C derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, in oxaliplatin (Ox)-sensitive and -resistant CRC cells. LCH significantly inhibited cell viability and colony growth in both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells. We found that LCH decreased epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and AKT kinase activities and related activating signaling proteins including pEGFR and pAKT. A computational docking model indicated that LCH may interact with EGFR, AKT1, and AKT2 at the ATP-binding sites. LCH induced ROS generation and increased the expression of the ER stress markers. LCH treatment of CRC cells induced depolarization of MMP. Multi-caspase activity was induced by LCH treatment and confirmed by Z-VAD-FMK treatment. LCH increased the number of sub-G1 cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase. Taken together LCH inhibits the growth of Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting EGFR and AKT, and inducing ROS generation and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, LCH could be a potential therapeutic agent for improving not only Ox-sensitive but also Ox-resistant CRC treatment.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.590-600
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• 2024

Angelica keiskei, a perennial herb from Apiaceae family, has been reported to improve diabetes, inhibit thrombosis, alleviate dyslipidemia, and prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis. In this study, the protective effects of A. keiskei extract (AKE) against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced oxidative stress and vascular inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were investigated through cell viability analysis, antioxidant enzyme analysis, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. The results demonstrated that pretreatment of Angelica keiskei with AKE significantly inhibited the expression of key adhesion molecules such as E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 induced by TNF-α. AKE also showed a substantial reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, indicating potential antioxidant capabilities. This study further explained that AKE interfered with the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by inhibiting phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB, thereby preventing nuclear translocation. Additionally, AKE selectively inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, revealing a specific action mechanism. These findings collectively suggest that AKE possesses multi-faceted protective properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for inflammatory conditions and early atherosclerosis.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2007

The kinds and quantity of antimicrobial agents used for cattle (animal industry) may be considerable, suggesting the possibility that pathogenic bacteria which cannot be extirpated by the existing antimicrobial agents could appear. Ten cattle, pig and chicken farms, respectively, were randomly selected from 5 provinces in Korea and the samples were collected from excrement, manure, underground water, farmers' hands and the neishboring environment. h total of 299 samples were examined and 197 of Escherichia coli, 13 of Campylobacter jejun/coli, 223 of Enterococcus faecium/faecalis and 42 of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected. All isolates were screened for antimicrobial resistance: 69.4% of E. coli (137/197 strains), 78.6% of S. aureus (33/42 strains), and 82.1% of E. faecium/faecalis (183/223 strains) were resistant to one antimicrobial agent and all of C. jejuni/coli Isolates showed the resistance to one antimicrobial agent. Meanwhile, the multiple resistance ratio for more than 4 lines of antimicrobial agent was 19.2% of E. coli (38/197 strains), 11.9% of S. aureus (5/42 strains), 15.4% of C. jejuni/coli (2/13 strains) and 6.2% of E. faecium/faecalis (14/223 strains). The antimicrobial resistance ratio of bacteria isolated from the cattle farm showed lower than that of bacteria isolated from the pig or chicken farm, which might be related to the quantify of antimicrobial agents consumed. And one strain of vancomycin resistant E..faecium (VREF) were isolated from the excrement of chicken and stream, respectively. Generally, the ratio of VREF collected in animal farm environments is lower than that of VREF collected in medical environment.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.647-656
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to investigate the shear bond strength and marginal microleakage of composite to enamel and dentin according to different treatment methods when the applied bonding agent was contaminated by artificial saliva. For the shear bond strength test, the buccal and occlusal surfaces of one hundred twenty molar teeth were ground to expose enamel(n=60) and dentin surfaces(n=60). The specimens were randomly assigned into control and 5 experimental groups with 10 samples in each group. In control group, a bonding system(Scotchbond$^{TM}$ Multi-Purpose plus) and a composite resin(Z-100$^{TM}$) was bonded on the specimens according to manufacture's directions. Experimental groups were subdivided into 5 groups. After polymerization of an adhesive, they were contaminated with at artificial saliva on enamel and dentin surfaces: Experimental group 1 ; artificial saliva was dried with compressed air. Experimental group 2 ; artificial saliva was rinsed with air-water spray and dried. Experimental group 3 ; artificial saliva was rinsed, dried and applied an adhesive. Experimental group 4 ; artificial saliva was rinsed, dried, and then etched using phosphoric acid followed by an adhesive. Experimental group 5, artificial saliva was rinsed, dried, and then etched with phosphoric acid followed by consecutive application of both a primer and an adhesive. Composite resin(Z-100$^{TM}$) was bonded on saliva-treated enamel and dentin surfaces. The shear bond strengths were measured by universal testing machine(AGS-1000 4D, Shimaduzu Co. Japan) with a crosshead speed of 5mm/minute under 50kg load cell. Failure modes of fracture sites were examined under stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. For the marginal microleakage test, Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of sixty molars. The specimens were divided into control and experimental groups. Cavities in experimental group were contaminated with artificial saliva and those surfaces in each experimental groups received the same treatments as for the shear test. Cavities were filled with Z-100. Specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 hours and embedded in transparent acrylic resin and sectioned buccolingually with diamond wheel saw. Four sections were obtained from the one specimen. Marginal microleakages of enamel and dentin were scored under streomicroscope and averaged from four sections. The data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Fisher's LSD. The results of this study were as follows. 1. The shear bond strength to enamel showed lower value in experimental group 1(13.20${\pm}$2.94MPa) and experimental group 2(13.20${\pm}$2.94MPa) than in control(20.03${\pm}$4.47MPa), experimental group 4(20.96${\pm}$4.25MPa) and experimental group 5(21.25${\pm}$4.48MPa) (p<0.05). 2. The shear bond strength to dentin showed lower value in experimental group 1(9.35${\pm}$4.11MPa) and experimental group 2(9.83${\pm}$4.11MPa) than in control group(17.86${\pm}$4.03MPa), experimental group 4(15.04${\pm}$3.22MPa) and experimental group 5(14.33${\pm}$3.00MPa) (p<0.05). 3. Both on enamel and dentin surfaces, experimental group 1 and 2 showed many adhesive failures, but control and experimental group 3, 4 and 5 showed mixed and cohesive failures. 4. Enamel marginal microleakage was the highest in experimental group 1 and there was a significant difference in comparison with other groups (p<0.05). 5. Dentin marginal microleakages of experimental group 1 and 2 were higher than those of other groups (p<0.05). This result suggests that treatment methods, re-etching with 35% phosphoric acid followed by re-application of adhesive or repeating all adhesive procedures, will produce good effect on both shear bond strength and microleakage of composite to enamel and dentin if the polymerized bonding agent was contaminated by saliva.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.17 no.3 s.83
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• pp.435-443
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• 2007

Antimicrobial susceptibility test of the 116 strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolates were performed by a broth micro-dilution method against to moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin minocycline, erythromycin, josamycin, and tetracycline. The initial-minimum inhibitory concentration (I-MIC) was evaluated as the lowest concentration of antimicrobial agents that prevented a color change in the medium at that time when the drug-free growth control, about 7 days after incubation, and the final-minimum inhibitory concentration (F-MIC) was defined a color change about 14 days after incubation. The evaluation to the drug-resistant M. pneumoniae isolates were determined the $MIC{\pm}1.0$ ${\mu}g/ml$ of each antimicrobial agent. According to the I-MIC, single drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains to ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, clarithromycin and erythromycin were 79.3, 53.5, 10.3, and 7.8%, respectively. Two kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin were 42.2 and 9.5%. Three kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains to erythromycin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, or ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin were 6.9 and 6.0% . According to the F-MIC, single drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, minocycline,erythromycin, josamycin, clarithromycin and sparfloxacin were 91.4, 91.4, 91.4, 89.7, 68.1, 52.6, 28.5, and 11.2%, respectively. The incidence of two kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were from 20.7% to 91.4%, three kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were from 28.5% to 89.7%, four kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were 2.6%, five kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae were from 2.6% to 21.6%, six kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were from 0.9% to 24.1%, seven kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were from 0.9% to 2.6%, and eight kinds of drug-resistant M. pneumoniae strains were 1.7%. These results suggest that sparfloxacin, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin might be promising antimicrobial agents for the treatment of M. pneumoniae infection in Korea. However, most strains of M. pneumoniae isolates were single or multi-resistance pattern to the other tested antimicrobial agents. Therefore, tetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and second-generation quinolones are more carefully used to patients with M. pneumoniae infection in Korea.

• Journal of Distribution Research
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.55-80
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• 2012

I. Introduction Developing the relationships between companies is very important issue to ensure a competitive advantage in today's business environment (Bleeke & Ernst 1991; Mohr & Spekman 1994; Powell 1990). Partnerships between companies are based on having same goals, pursuing mutual understanding, and having a professional level of interdependence. By having such a partnerships and cooperative efforts between companies, they will achieve efficiency and effectiveness of their business (Mohr and Spekman, 1994). However, it is difficult to expect these ideal results only in the B2B corporate transaction. According to agency theory which is the well-accepted theory in various fields of business strategy, organization, and marketing, the two independent companies have fundamentally different corporate purposes. Also there is a higher chance of developing opportunism and conflict due to natures of human(organization), such as self-interest, bounded rationality, risk aversion, and environment factor as imbalance of information (Eisenhardt 1989). That is, especially partnerships between principal(or buyer) and agent(or supplier) of companies within supply chain, the business contract itself will not provide competitive advantage. But managing partnership between companies is the key to success. Therefore, managing partnership between manufacturer and supplier, and finding causes of conflict are essential to improve B2B performance. In conclusion, based on prior researches and Agency theory, this study will clarify how business hazards cause conflicts on supply chain and then identify how developed conflicts have been managed by two control mechanisms. II. Research model III. Method In order to validate our research model, this study gathered questionnaires from small and medium sized enterprises(SMEs). In Korea, SMEs mean the firms whose employee is under 300 and capital is under 8 billion won(about 7.2 million dollar). We asked the manufacturer's perception about the relationship with the biggest supplier, and our key informants are denied to a person responsible for buying(ex)CEO, executives, managers of purchasing department, and so on). In detail, we contact by telephone to our initial sample(about 1,200 firms) and introduce our research motivation and send our questionnaires by e-mail, mail, and direct survey. Finally we received 361 data and eliminate 32 inappropriate questionnaires. We use 329 manufactures' data on analysis. The purpose of this study is to identify the anticipant role of business hazard (environmental dynamism, asset specificity) and investigate the moderating effect of control mechanism(formal control, social control) on conflict-performance relationship. To find out moderating effect of control methods, we need to compare the regression weight between low versus. high group(about level of exercised control methods). Therefore we choose the structural equation modeling method that is proper to do multi-group analysis. The data analysis is performed by AMOS 17.0 software, and model fits are good statically (CMIN/DF=1.982, p<.000, CFI=.936, IFI=.937, RMSEA=.056). IV. Result V. Discussion Results show that the higher environmental dynamism and asset specificity(on particular supplier) buyer(manufacturer) has, the more B2B conflict exists. And this conflict affect relationship quality and financial outcomes negatively. In addition, social control and formal control could weaken the negative effect of conflict on relationship quality significantly. However, unlikely to assure conflict resolution effect of control mechanisms on relationship quality, financial outcomes are changed by neither social control nor formal control. We could explain this results with the characteristics of our sample, SMEs(Small and Medium sized Enterprises). Financial outcomes of these SMEs(manufacturer or principal) are affected by their customer(usually major company) more easily than their supplier(or agent). And, in recent few years, most of companies have suffered from financial problems because of global economic recession. It means that it is hard to evaluate the contribution of supplier(agent). Therefore we also support the suggestion of Gladstein(1984), Poppo & Zenger(2002) that relational performance variable can capture the focal outcomes of relationship(exchange) better than financial performance variable. This study has some implications that it tests the sources of conflict and investigates the effect of resolution methods of B2B conflict empirically. And, especially, it finds out the significant moderating effect of formal control which past B2B management studies have ignored in Korea.

• Fiber Technology and Industry
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.490-508
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• 1998

One of the latest fields of research in the area of output devices is tactual display devices [13,31]. These tactual or haptic devices allow the user to receive haptic feedback output from a variety of sources. This allows the user to actually feel virtual objects and manipulate them by touch. This is an emerging technology and will be instrumental in enhancing the realism of wearable augmented environments for certain applications. Tactual displays have previously been used for scientific visualization in virtual environments by chemists and engineers to improve perception and understanding of force fields and of world models populated with the impenetrable. In addition to tactual displays, the use of wearable audio displays that allow sound to be spatialized are being developed. With wearable computers, designers will soon be able to pair spatialized sound to virtual representations of objects when appropriate to make the wearable computer experience even more realistic to the user. Furthermore, as the number and complexity of wearable computing applications continues to grow, there will be increasing needs for systems that are faster, lighter, and have higher resolution displays. Better networking technology will also need to be developed to allow all users of wearable computers to have high bandwidth connections for real time information gathering and collaboration. In addition to the technology advances that make users need to wear computers in everyday life, there is also the desire to have users want to wear their computers. In order to do this, wearable computing needs to be unobtrusive and socially acceptable. By making wearables smaller and lighter, or actually embedding them in clothing, users can conceal them easily and wear them comfortably. The military is currently working on the development of the Personal Information Carrier (PIC) or digital dog tag. The PIC is a small electronic storage device containing medical information about the wearer. While old military dog tags contained only 5 lines of information, the digital tags may contain volumes of multi-media information including medical history, X-rays, and cardiograms. Using hand held devices in the field, medics would be able to call this information up in real time for better treatment. A fully functional transmittable device is still years off, but this technology once developed in the military, could be adapted tp civilian users and provide ant information, medical or otherwise, in a portable, not obstructive, and fashionable way. Another future device that could increase safety and well being of its users is the nose on-a-chip developed by the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee. This tiny digital silicon chip about the size of a dime, is capable of 'smelling' natural gas leaks in stoves, heaters, and other appliances. It can also detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. This device can also be configured to notify the fire department when a leak is detected. This nose chip should be commercially available within 2 years, and is inexpensive, requires low power, and is very sensitive. Along with gas detection capabilities, this device may someday also be configured to detect smoke and other harmful gases. By embedding this chip into workers uniforms, name tags, etc., this could be a lifesaving computational accessory. In addition to the future safety technology soon to be available as accessories are devices that are for entertainment and security. The LCI computer group is developing a Smartpen, that electronically verifies a user's signature. With the increase in credit card use and the rise in forgeries, is the need for commercial industries to constantly verify signatures. This Smartpen writes like a normal pen but uses sensors to detect the motion of the pen as the user signs their name to authenticate the signature. This computational accessory should be available in 1999, and would bring increased peace of mind to consumers and vendors alike. In the entertainment domain, Panasonic is creating the first portable hand-held DVD player. This device weight less than 3 pounds and has a screen about 6' across. The color LCD has the same 16:9 aspect ratio of a cinema screen and supports a high resolution of 280,000 pixels and stereo sound. The player can play standard DVD movies and has a hour battery life for mobile use. To summarize, in this paper we presented concepts related to the design and use of wearable computers with extensions to smart spaces. For some time, researchers in telerobotics have used computer graphics to enhance remote scenes. Recent advances in augmented reality displays make it possible to enhance the user's local environment with 'information'. As shown in this paper, there are many application areas for this technology such as medicine, manufacturing, training, and recreation. Wearable computers allow a much closer association of information with the user. By embedding sensors in the wearable to allow it to see what the user sees, hear what the user hears, sense the user's physical state, and analyze what the user is typing, an intelligent agent may be able to analyze what the user is doing and try to predict the resources he will need next or in the near future. Using this information, the agent may download files, reserve communications bandwidth, post reminders, or automatically send updates to colleagues to help facilitate the user's daily interactions. This intelligent wearable computer would be able to act as a personal assistant, who is always around, knows the user's personal preferences and tastes, and tries to streamline interactions with the rest of the world.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.77-90
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• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this review Is to provide an update on novel radiation treatments for head and neck cancer Recent Findings: Despite the remarkable advances In chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques, the management of advanced head and neck cancer remains challenging. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Is an appealing target for novel therapies In head and neck cancer because not only EGFR activation stimulates many important signaling pathways associated with cancer development and progression, and importantly, resistance to radiation. Furthermore, EGFR overexpression Is known to be portended for a worse outcome in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Two categories of compounds designed to abrogate EGFR signaling, such as monoclonal antibodies (Cetuxlmab) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ZD1839 and 051-774) have been assessed and have been most extensively studied In preclinical models and clinical trials. Additional TKIs In clinical trials include a reversible agent, Cl-1033, which blocks activation of all erbB receptors. Encouraging preclinical data for head and neck cancers resulted In rapid translation Into the clinic. Results from Initial clinical trials show rather surprisingly that only minority of patients benefited from EGFR inhibition as monotherapy or In combination with chemotherapy. In this review, we begin with a brief summary of erbB- mediated signal transduction. Subsequently, we present data on prognostic-predictive value of erbB receptor expression in HNC followed by preclinlcal and clinical data on the role of EGFR antagonists alone or in combination with radiation In the treatment of HNC. Finally, we discuss the emerging thoughts on resistance to EGFR biockade and efforts In the development of multiple-targeted therapy for combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Current challenges for investigators are to determine (1 ) who will benefit from targeted agents and which agents are most appropriate to combine with radiation and/or chemotherapy, (2) how to sequence these agents with radiation and/or cytotoxlc compounds, (3) reliable markers for patient selection and verification of effective blockade of signaling in vivo, and (4) mechanisms behind intrinsic or acquired resistance to targeted agents to facilitate rational development of multi-targeted therapy, Other molecuiar-targeted approaches In head and neck cancer were briefly described, Including angloenesis Inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, and gene therapy Summary: Novel targeted theraples are highly appealing in advanced head and neck cancer, and the most premising strategy to use them Is a matter of intense Investigation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.310-321
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• 1999

In this in vitro study, confocal laser scanning microscopic morphology of dentin-resin interface and its relationship to shear bond strength were investigated after the exposed dentin surfaces were treated with 3 different kinds of dentin adhesive systems[three-step; Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus(SMPP), self-priming bonding resin; Single Bond(SB), self-etching primer; Clearfil Liner Bond 2(LB2)]. 52 extracted human molar teeth without caries and/or restorations. The experimental teeth were randomly divided into three groups of seventeen teeth each. In five teeth of each group, class V cavities(depth: 1.5mm) with 900 cavosurface angles were prepared at the cementoenamel junction on buccal and lingual surfaces. Bonding resins of each dentin adhesive system were mixed with rhodamine B. Primer of SMPP was mixed with fluorescein. In group 1. the exposed dentin was conditioned with etchant, applied with above primer and bonding resin of SMPP. In group 2, with etchant and self-priming bonding agent of SB. In group 3, with self-etching primer and bonding agent of LB2. After treatment with dentin adhesive systems, composite resin were applied and photocured. The experimental teeth were cut longitudinally through the center line of restoration and grounded so that about $90{\mu}m$-thick wafers of buccolingually orientated dentin were obtained. And, $70{\sim}80{\mu}m$-thick wafers sectioned horizontally, thus presenting a dentinal tubules at 900 to the cut surface of a remaining tooth, were obtained. Primer of SMPP mixed with rhodamine B was applied to these wafers. Confocal laser scanning microscopic investigations of these wafers were done within of 24 hours after treatment. To measure shear bond strength, the remaining twelve teeth of each group were grounded horizontally below the dentinoenamel junction, so that no enamel remained. After applying dentin adhesive systems on the dentin surface, composite was applied in the shape of cylinder. The cylinder was 5mm in diameter, and 2mm in thickness. Shear bond strength was measured using Instron with a cross-head speed of 0.5mm/min. It was concluded as follows ; 1. Hybrid layer of SMPP(mean: $4.56{\mu}m$) was thicker than that of any other groups. This value was not statistically significant thicker than that of SB(mean: $3.41{\mu}m$, p>0.05), and significant thicker than that of LB2(mean: $1.56{\mu}m$, p<0.05). There was a statistical difference between SB and LB2(p<0.05). 2. Although there were variations in the length of resin tag even in a sample, and in a group, most samples in SMPP and SB showed resin tags extending above $20{\mu}m$. But samples in LB2 showed resin tags of $10{\mu}m$ at best. 3. Besides primer's infiltration into demineralized peritubular dentin and dentinal tubules, fluorophore of primer was detected in the lateral branches of dentinal tubules. 4. All groups demonstrated statistically significant differences from one another(p<0.05), with shear bond strengths given in descending order as follows: SMPP(18.3MPa), SB(16.0MPa) and LB2(12.4MPa). 5. LB2 having thinnest hybrid layer($1.56{\mu}m$) showed the lowest shear bond strength(12.4MPa).

• Toxicological Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.107-113
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• 2005

[ $BARODON^{(R)}$ ] is a multi-purpose, high functional alkali solution made by mixing and liquid-ionizing silicon, calcium, sodium, borax, organic carbon chemicals and silver. In this study, we have investigated the apoptotic potential and mechanistic insights of $BARODON^{(R)}$ in human gastric cancer cell line (AGS cells). In MTT assay, $BARODON^{(R)}$ reduced cell viability in AGS cells. Morphological features of apoptosis with marked cytoplasmic vacuolation and appearance of apoptotic peaks in flow cytometry were observed in AGS cells with$BARODON^{(R)}$ treatment. In addition, $BARODON^{(R)}$ induced apoptosis of stomach cancer cell is related to bax up-regulation, caspase 7 protease activation and subsequent cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). These results suggest that BARODON can induce the apoptosis of AGS cells through modulation of bcl-2 family and the activation of intrinsic caspase cascades, indicating that it is potentially useful as a anti-cancer agent.