• Proceedings of the Optical Society of Korea Conference
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• 2000.08a
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• pp.28-29
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• 2000

Optical power splitters and/or couplers are important components for optical signal distribution between channels both in wavelength division multiplexing(WDM) systems and photonic integrated circuits(PICs). Since polarization is usually not known after propagation in an optical fiber, passive WDM components have to be polarization insensitivity, Compared to alternatives such as directional couplers or Y-junction splitters, splitters based on multimode interference(MMI) have found a growing interest in recent yens because of their desirable characteristics, such as compact size, low excess loss, wide bandwidth, polarization independence, and relaxed fabrication tolerances$^{(1)}$ . These devices have been fabricated in polymers, silica, or III-V semiconductor materials. A1 $\times$ 4 MMI power splitter on InP materials that were suitable for application in the 1.55-${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ region$^{(2)}$ . However, the fabrication process of the structure is too complicated and the photolithography tolerance is very tight. Also, a 1 $\times$ 16 InGaAsP/InP MMI power splitter with an excess loss of 2.2dB and a splitting ratio of 1.5dB was demonstrated by using deep etching$^{(3)}$ . The deep etching of the sidewalls through the entire guide layer of the slab waveguide resulted in a number of drawbacks$^{(4)}$ . (omitted)

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1993.04a
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• pp.177-177
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• 1993

뇌모세혈관내피세포로 구성된 혈액-뇌관문(BBB)은 tight junction으로 구성되어 있을뿐만 아니라 fenestra가 없는 등 BBB가 가진 특성으로 인해 물질 수송에 장벽역할을 하기 때문에 주로 중추신경계 질환시의 약물요법에 많은 제한이 따른다. 따라서 뇌로의 효율적인 약물 송달방법에 대해 많은 연구가 진행중에 있는데 본 연구에서는 BBB의 hyperosmotic opening법을 이용하여 뇌로 잘 수송되지 않는 약물의 뇌송달 방법에 대해 연구하고자 하였다. 먼저 수용성으로 인해 BBB 에 잘 통과하지 않는 물질로 신장 및 뇌영상 촬영시 사용되는 방사성 의약품이 Tc-DTPA를 이용하여, hyperosmotic opening법에 의한 뇌투과 증가정도를 검토하였으며, 실험방법이 확립됨에 따라 뇌암의 항암요법을 위해 뇌로의 투과가 적은 항암제(5-Fluorouracil, 5-FU)의 뇌송달에 대해 본 방법을 적용하여 검토하였다. 실험동물로는 S.D.계 웅성 랫트를 사용하였으며, 실험방법은 다음과 같이 하였다. 랫트의 좌측 외경동맥(left external carotid artery)에 혈류의 역방향으로 혈관 분지점에서 1-2mm 전까지 PE-50 catheter를 삽입하고, 1.6 molal L－(＋)－ arabinose 고장액(1580mOsm)을 0.12ml/sec의 일정한 속도로 30초간 infusion함으로 BBB를 opening 한 다음, 5분 후에 Tc-DTPA를 대퇴 정맥으로 주사하여 0, 10, 30초, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 및 10분 간격으로 대퇴동맥에 설치한 카테타로부터 혈액을 채취하고 마지막 혈액을 취한 후 즉시 단두하여 뇌를 적출하였다. 채취한 뇌를 액체질소에 담근 후 tissue Tek으로 고정하고 autoradiography를 하기 위한 slice와 농도측정을 위해 필요한 부위를 취한 후 감마카운터로 Tc-DTPA의 brain각 부위별 및 혈장농도를 측정하였다. 뇌조직중 혈액부피의 측정은 Tc-albumin를 이용하여 구하였다. 같은 방법으로 5-FU에 대한 실험도 행하였고, 이때 각 혈장 및 조직중의 5-FU함량은 HPLC로 하였다.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.313-320
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to evaluate on the interfacial morphology between dentin and restorative materials. In this in vitro study, the cavity wall restorated with 3 different kinds of tooth colored restorative materials [resin-modified Glass Ionomer cement (Fuji II LC), composite resin (Z-100), compomer (Dyract)]. The thirty extracted human molar teeth without caries and/or restorations are used. The experimental teeth were randomly divided into three groups of ten teeth each. In each group, Wedge shaped cavities (width: 3mm, length: 2mm, depth: 1.5mm) were prepared at the cementoenamel junction on buccal and lingual surfaces. The adhesive of composite resin were mixed with rhodamine B. Primer of composite resin, Prime & Bond 2.1 of Dyract and liquid of Fuji II LC were mixed with fluorescein. In group 1, the cavity wall was treatment with dentin conditioner, and then restorated with Fuji II LC. In group 2, the cavity wall was treatment with Prime & Bond 2.1 and then restorated with Dyract. In group 3, the cavity wall was etching with 10% maleic acid, applied with primer and bonding agent and then restorated with Z-100. The interface between dentin and restorative materials was observed by fluoresence imaging with a confocal laser scanning microscope. The results were as follows : 1. In Glass ionomer group, adaptation of resin modified Glass-ionomer restoration against cavity wall is tight, but the crack formed inside of restoration were observed. 2. In Dyract group, the penetration of resin tag is shorter and the width of hybrid layer is narrower than composite resin group. 3. In Z-100 group, primer penetrated deeply through dentinal tubule. Also bonding agent was penetrated along the primer, but the penetration length is shorter than primer part, and in 3-D image, the resin tag is conical shape and lateral branch is observed.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2015

Our previous study has shown berberine prevents damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier during early phase of sepsis in rat through mechanisms independent of the NOD-like receptors signaling pathway. In this study, we explored the regulatory effects of berberine on Toll-like receptors during the intestinal mucosal damaging process in rats. Male Sprague-Dawlay (SD) rats were treated with berberine for 5 d before undergoing cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce polymicrobial sepsis. The expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR 2), TLR 4, TLR 9, the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B ($NF-{\kappa}B$), the levels of selected cytokines and chemokines, percentage of cell death in intestinal epithelial cells, and mucosal permeability were investigated at 0, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after CLP. Results showed that the tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level were significantly lower in berberine-treated rats compared to the control animals. Conversely, the expression level of tight junction proteins, percentage of cell death in intestinal epithelial cells and the mucosal permeability were significantly higher in berberine-treated rats. The mRNA expression of TLR 2, TLR 4, and TLR 9 were significantly affected by berberine treatment. Our results indicate that pretreatment with berberine attenuates tissue injury and protects the intestinal mucosal barrier in early phase of sepsis and this may possibly have been mediated through the TLRs pathway.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.180-192
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• 2000

One bottle system was recently developed in order to simplify the clinical skills and save chair time after continuous improvements on dentin bonding agents. There has been many studies to measure the bond strength of one bottle systems but no actual work has been done on micromorphologic study of resin-dentin interdiffusion zone after one bottle system application. To evaluate the bonding patterns of various commercially available one bottle systems to dentin, observation of resin-dentin interdiffusion zone under TEM was performed. Caries-free human third molars within one month of extractions were chosen for the experiments. The molars were sectioned 1mm above the cementoenamel junction and got rid of the root portions. Crown portions of the teeth were sectioned parallel to occlusal surface so that dentin discs of 1mm in thickness were remained. 7 one bottle systems and 1 two bottle system were applied according to manufacturer's instructions and followings were the results. 1. In every experimental groups, cross bandings of collagen fiber were distinguishable and tight bon dings between the bonding agents and dentin were observed. 2. Hybrid layer was clearly observed in ONE-STEP$^{(R)}$, Prime & Bond$^{(R)}$ 2.1, Syntac$^{(R)}$ SC, MAC-BOND II groups but it was not clear in Single Bond, D-Liner Dual PLUS, ONE COAT BOND groups. 3. Electron-density of hybrid layer was uniform in pattern in MAC-BOND II, Prime & Bond$^{(R)}$ 2.1 groups but not so uniform in ONE-STEP$^{(R)}$ group. 4. Electron-dense amorphous phase in most superior layer of the resin-dentin interdiffusion zone was characteristically observed in Single Bond, Syntac$^{(R)}$ SC, ONE COAT BOND groups. It can be concluded that bondings between the dentin bonding agents and dentin can be various in pattern according to their chemical compositions and the condition during applications.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.95-104
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has rapidly escalated in Asia (including Korea) due to increasing westernized diet patterns subsequent to industrialization. Factors associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are demonstrated to be one of the major causes of IBD. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum) on ER stress. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and polarized Caco-2 human intestinal epithelial cells were treated with crude extract of the L. chinense fruit (LF). Paracellular permeability was measured to examine the effect of tight junction (TJ) integrity. The regulatory pathways of ER stress were evaluated in MEF knockout (KO) cell lines by qPCR for interleukin (IL) 6, IL8 and XBP1 spliced form (XBP1s). Immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP), XBP1s and CCAAT/enhancer-binding homologous protein (CHOP) expressions were measured by RT-PCR. Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) at high resolution was applied to observe morphological changes after treatments. RESULTS: Exposure to LF extract strengthened the TJ, both in the presence and absence of inflammation. In polarized Caco-2 pretreated with LF, induction in the expression of proinflammatory marker IL8 was not significant, whereas ER stress marker XBP1s expression was significantly increased. In wild type (wt) MEF cells, IL6, CHOP and XBP1 spliced form were dose-dependently induced when exposed to $12.5-50{\mu}g/mL$ extract. However, absence of XBP1 or $IRE1{\alpha}$ in MEF cells abolished this effect. CONCLUSION: Results of this study show that LF treatment enhances the barrier function and reduces inflammation and ER stress in an $IRE1{\alpha}$-XBP1-dependent manner. These results suggest the preventive effect of LF on healthy intestine, and the possibility of reducing the degree of inflammatory symptoms in IBD patients.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.222-230
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• 2019

Intestinal barrier dysfunction always accompanies cirrhosis in patients with advanced liver disease and is an important contributor facilitating bacterial translocation (BT), which has been involved in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and its complications. Several studies have demonstrated the protective effect of Vitamin D on intestinal barrier function. However, severe cholestasis leads to vitamin D depletion. This study was designed to test whether vitamin D therapy improves intestinal dysfunction in cirrhosis. Rats were subcutaneously injected with 50% sterile $CCl_4$ (a mixture of pure $CCl_4$ and olive oil, 0.3 mL/100 g) twice a week for 6 weeks. Next, $1,25(OH)_2D_3$ ($0.5{\mu}g/100g$) and the vehicle were administered simultaneously with $CCl_4$ to compare the extent of intestinal histologic damage, tight junction protein expression, intestinal barrier function, BT, intestinal proliferation, apoptosis, and enterocyte turnover. Intestinal heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and oxidative stress were also assessed. We found that vitamin D could maintain intestinal epithelial proliferation and turnover, inhibit intestinal epithelial apoptosis, alleviate structural damage, and prevent BT and intestinal barrier dysfunction. These were achieved partly through restoration of HO-1 and inhibition of oxidative stress. Taken together, our results suggest that vitamin D ameliorated intestinal epithelial turnover and improved the integrity and function of intestinal barrier in $CCl_4$-induced liver cirrhotic rats. HO-1 signaling activation was involved in these above beneficial effects.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.7
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• pp.1157-1168
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different amounts of wheat bran (WB) inclusion and postbiotics form by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and phytase co-fermented wheat bran (FWB) on the growth performance and health status of broilers. Methods: Study randomly allocated a total of 300 male broilers to a control and 4 treatment groups (5% WB, 5% FWB, 10% WB, and 10% FWB inclusion, respectively) with each pen having 20 broilers and 3 pens per treatment. Results: The WB does not contain enzymes, but there are 152.8, 549.2, 289.5, and 147.1 U/g dry matter xylanase, protease, cellulase and β-glucanase in FWB, respectively. Furthermore, FWB can decrease nitric oxide release of lipopolysaccharide stimulated chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells by about two times. Results show that 10% FWB inclusion had significantly the highest weight gain (WG) at 1 to 21 d; 5% FWB had the lowest feed conversion rate at 22 to 35 d; 10% WB and 10% FWB inclusion have the highest villus height and Lactobacillus spp. number in caecum; and both 5% and 10% FWB can increase ash content in femurs. Compared to control group, all treatments increase mucin 2, and tight junction (TJ), such as occludin, claudin-1, zonula occludens-1, and mRNA expression in ileum by at least 5 folds. In chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase-1 mRNA expression decreases from 2 to 5 times, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit mRNA expression also increases in all treatment groups compared to control group. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-κB, and IL-1β, decreases in 5% and 10% FWB groups compared to control group. Conclusion: To summarize, both WB and FWB inclusion in broilers diets increase TJ mRNA expression and anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation, but up to 10% FWB groups have better WG in different stages of broiler development.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.44 no.11
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• pp.784-794
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• 2021

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a mesenchymal malignancy with a complex karyotype. Despite accumulated evidence, the factors contributing to the development of LMS are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of tight-junction protein 1 (TJP1), a membrane-associated intercellular barrier protein during the development of LMS and the tumor microenvironment. We orthotopically transplanted SK-LMS-1 cells and their derivatives in terms of TJP1 expression by intramuscular injection, such as SK-LMS-1 Sh-Control cells and SK-LMS-1 Sh-TJP1. We observed robust tumor growth in mice transplanted with LMS cell lines expressing TJP1 while no tumor mass was found in mice transplanted with SK-LMS-1 Sh-TJP1 cells with silenced TJP1 expression. Tissues from mice were stained and further analyzed to clarify the effects of TJP1 expression on tumor development and the tumor microenvironment. To identify the TJP1-dependent factors important in the development of LMS, genes with altered expression were selected in SK-LMS-1 cells such as cyclinD1, CSF1 and so on. The top 10% of highly expressed genes in LMS tissues were obtained from public databases. Further analysis revealed two clusters related to cell proliferation and the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, integrated analyses of the gene expression networks revealed correlations among TJP1, CSF1 and CTLA4 at the mRNA level, suggesting a possible role for TJP1 in the immune environment. Taken together, these results imply that TJP1 contributes to the development of sarcoma by proliferation through modulating cell-cell aggregation and communication through cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and might be a beneficial therapeutic target.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.700-709
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• 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rd is a natural compound with promising neuroprotective effects. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not well-understood. In this study, we explored whether ginsenoside Rd exerts protective effects on cerebral endothelial cells after oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment and its potential docking proteins related to the underlying regulations. Method: Commercially available primary human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs) were used for in vitro OGD/R studies. Cell viability, pyroptosis-associated protein expression and tight junction protein degradation were evaluated. Molecular docking proteins were predicted. Subsequent surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology was utilized for validation. Flow cytometry was performed to quantify caspase-1 positive and PI positive (caspase-1+/PI+) pyroptotic cells. Results: Ginsenoside Rd treatment attenuated OGD/R-induced damage of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in vitro. It suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation (increased expression of NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and GSDMD-N terminal (NT)) and subsequent cellular pyroptosis (caspase-1+/PI + cells). Ginsenoside Rd interacted with SLC5A1 with a high affinity and reduced OGD/R-induced sodium influx and potassium efflux in HBMECs. Inhibiting SLC5A1 using phlorizin suppressed OGD/R-activated NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis in HBMECs. Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rd protects HBMECs from OGD/R-induced injury partially via binding to SLC5A1, reducing OGD/R-induced sodium influx and potassium efflux, thereby alleviating NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.