• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.25-55
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• 2008

Objectives : The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of Astragali Radix Herbal-Acupuncture Solution(AR-HAS) at $ST_{36}$(jok-samni, $Z\acute{u}s\bar{a}n$ Li) on collagen- II -induced arthritis(CIA) in mice. Methods : DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen(CII) on days 0 and 21 to induce arthritis. The mice were divided into 5 groups : normal group(no CIA), control group(CIA+no treatment), needle prick group(CIA+single prick with an injection needle), saline group(CIA+saline injection) and ARHA group(CIA+ R-HA treatment). The needle prick, saline injection, and AR-HA groups were injected on the right $ST_{36}$(jok-samni) of mice for 9 weeks, 3 times a week, beginning 4 weeks after the booster immunization. Results : 1. The incidence of arthritis, AI(arthritis index), and joint edema decreased in the AR-HA group. 2. Weight gain, hypertrophy of the spleen, adhesion of the tissues, and transformation of the joint were restrained in the AR-HA group. 3. The concentrations of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IFN-{\gamma}$ in CIA mouse serum and $IFN-{\gamma}$, IL-10 in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the AR-HA group. 4. Total cell counts increased significantly, and the ratio of $CD3e^+$ to $CD45R^+$, $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$, and $CD4^+$ to $CD25^+$ cells decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse spleen cell culture of the AR-HA group. 5. Total cell counts decreased significantly, and $CD4^+/CD25^+$ and $CD45R^+/CD69^+$ decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse lymph nodes of the AR-HA group. 6. $CD3e^+/CD69^+$ and $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ cells decreased significantly at $ST_{36}$ in the CIA mouse joints of the AR-HA group. 7. The histological examination showed that cartilage destruction and synoviocyte proliferation decreased in the CIA mouse joints of the AR-HA group, and collagen fiber was expressed similar to that seen in the normal group. Conclusions : Our experiments show that at $ST_{36}$, an anti-inflammatory mechanism of AR-HA controls synovial cell proliferation and protects against cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.15-27
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Ulmus davidiana Planch herbal acupuncture(UA) to inhibit nuclear $factor(NF)-{\kappa}B$ activation on type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods : Using an in vitro test, the synoviocytes picked out from the experimental CIA mice were subcultured. The synoviocyte cells were treated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate(PMA) for 1 hour prior to the addition of indicated concentrations($0.4\;-\;1.0mg/m{\ell}$) of UA, and the cells were further incubated for 24 hours. The in vivo test, $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), vascular cell adhesion molecule(VCAM)-1 production and apoptosis was observed by immunohistochemical staining. Results : The PMA-induced $I{\kappa}B$ kinase(IKK), iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression were dose-dependently decreased in UA treated synoviocytes. Using the in vivo test, the number of eosinophils in mice treated with UA noticeably decreased in the the CIA group(P<0.05 using student t test). In mice treated with UA, there was less cartilage erosion. less bone destruction, mild synovial hyperplasia, mild fibrosis, and mild angiogenesis with less MIP-2 production. By immunohistochemical staining, suppression of $NF-{\kappa}B$ p65, iNOS production, inhibition of COX-2 production, inhibition of VCAM-1 production and inducing apoptosis were observed. Conclusions : These results suggest that UA might be applicable to the therapy of RA to suppress $NF-{\kappa}B$ activation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.52.1-52.8
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• 2019

Background: A compact passive oxide layer can grow on tantalum (Ta). It has been reported that this oxide layer can facilitate bone ingrowth in vivo though the development of bone-like apatite, which promotes hard and soft tissue adhesion. Thus, Ta surface treatment on facial implant materials may improve the tissue response, which could result in less fibrotic encapsulation and make the implant more stable on the bone surface. The purposes of this study were to verify whether surface treatment of facial implant materials using Ta can improve the biohistobiological response and to determine the possibility of potential clinical applications. Methods: Two different and commonly used implant materials, silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), were treated via Ta ion implantation using a Ta sputtering gun. Ta-treated samples were compared with untreated samples using in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Osteoblast (MG-63) and fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell viability with the Ta-treated implant material was assessed, and the tissue response was observed by placing the implants over the rat calvarium (n = 48) for two different lengths of time. Foreign body and inflammatory reactions were observed, and soft tissue thickness between the calvarium and the implant as well as the bone response was measured. Results: The treatment of facial implant materials using Ta showed a tendency toward increased fibroblast and osteoblast viability, although this result was not statistically significant. During the in vivo study, both Ta-treated and untreated implants showed similar foreign body reactions. However, the Ta-treated implant materials (silicone and ePTFE) showed a tendency toward better histological features: lower soft tissue thickness between the implant and the underlying calvarium as well as an increase in new bone activity. Conclusion: Ta surface treatment using ion implantation on silicone and ePTFE facial implant materials showed the possibility of reducing soft tissue intervention between the calvarium and the implant to make the implant more stable on the bone surface. Although no statistically significant improvement was observed, Ta treatment revealed a tendency toward an improved biohistological response of silicone and ePTFE facial implants. Conclusively, tantalum treatment is beneficial and has the potential for clinical applications.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.201-208
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• 2013

Objective: To investigate changes in the invasive capacity of gastric cancer cells in vitro after expression inhibition of T lymphoma invasion and metastasis inducing factor 1 (Tiam 1) and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Using adhesion selection, two subpopulations with high ($M_H$) or low ($M_L$) invasive capacity were separated from the human gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 ($M_0$). Tiam 1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) was transfected into $M_H$ cells with liposomes, and expression of Tiam 1 mRNA and protein was determined by RT-PCR and quantitative cellular-ELISA. Changes in the cytoskeleton, invasive capacity in vitro and expression of ras-related $C_3$ botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac 1), integrin ${\beta}1$ and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) between Tiam 1 ASODN transfected $M_H$ cells and non-transfected cells were observed by HE staining, cytoskeletal protein staining, scanning electron microscopy, Boyden chamber tests and cyto-immunohistochemistry. Results: A positive correlation existed between the expression level of Tiam l mRNA or protein and the invasion capacity of gastric cancer cells. After ASODN treatment ($0.43{\mu}M$ for 48 h), Tiam 1 mRNA transcription and protein expression in $M_H$ cells were decreased by 80% and 24% respectively (P < 0.05), compared with untreated controls, while invasive capacity in vitro was suppressed by 60% (P < 0.05). Morphologic and ultrastructural observation also showed that ASODN-treated $M_H$ cells exhibited smooth surfaces with obviously reduced filopodia and microspikes, which resembled $M_0$ and $M_L$ cells. Additionally, cytoskeletal distribution dramatically altered from disorder to regularity with reduced long filament-like structure, projections, pseudopodia on cell surface, and with decreased acitn-bodies in cytoplasm. After Tiam 1 ASODN treatment, the expression of Rac 1 and Integrin ${\beta}1$ in $M_H$ cells was not affected (P > 0.05), but that of MMP 2 in $M_H$ cells was significantly inhibited compared with untreated cells (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Over-expression of Tiam-1 contributes to the invasive phenotype of gastric cancer cells. Inhibition of Tiam 1 expression could impair the invasive capacity of gastric cancer cells through modulating reconstruction of the cytoskeleton and regulating expression of MMP 2.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1715-1720
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• 2013

Background: The discovery that microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate proliferation, invasion and metastasis provides a principal molecular basis of tumor heterogeneity. Microvessel distribution is an important characteristic of solid tumors, with significant hypoxia occurring in the center of tumors with low blood flow. The distribution of miR-374a in breast tumors was examined as a factor likely to be important in breast cancer progression. Methods: Breast tissue samples from 40 patients with breast cancer were classified into two groups: a highly invasive and metastatic group (HIMG) and a low-invasive and metastatic Group (LIMG). Samples were collected from the center and edge of each tumor. In each group, six specimens were examined by microRNA array, and the remaining 14 specimens were used for real-time RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Correlation analysis was performed for the miRNAs and target proteins. Follow-up was carried out during 28 months to 68 months after surgery, and survival data were analyzed. Results: In the LIMG, the relative content of miR-374a was lower in the center of the tumor than at its edge; in the HIMG, it was lower at the edge of the tumor, and miR-374a levels were lower in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues. There was no difference between VEGF-A and VCAM-1 mRNA levels at the edge and center of the tumor; however, we observed a significant difference between VEGF-A and VCAM-1 protein expression levels in these two regions. There was a negative correlation between miR-374a and target protein levels. The microvessel density (MVD) was lower in the center of the tumor than at its edge in HIMG, but the LIMG vessels were uniformly distributed. There was a significant positive correlation between MVD and the number of lymph node metastases (Pearson correlation, r=0.912, P<0.01). The median follow-up time was 48.5 months. LIMG had higher rate of disease-free survival (100%, P=0.013) and longer median survival time (66 months) than HIMG, which had a lower rate of 75% and shorter median survival time (54 months). Conclusions: Our data demonstrated miR-374a to be differentially distributed in breast cancer; VEGF-A and VCAM-1 mRNA had coincident distribution, and the distribution of teh respective proteins was uneven and opposite to that for the miR-374a. These data might explain the differences in the distribution of MVD in breast cancer and variation in breast cancer prognosis.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Telematics and Electronics D
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• v.36D no.7
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• pp.17-25
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• 1999

Tungsten nitride($WN_x$) films were deposited by PECVD method on silicon nitride($WSi_3N_4$) substrate. The characteristics of $WN_x$ film were investigated with changing various processing parameters ; substrate temperature, gas flow rate, rf power, and different nitrogen sources. The nitrogen composition in $WN_x$ film varied from 0 to 45% according to the $NH_3$ and $N_2$ flow rate. The highest deposition rate of 160 nm/min was obtained for the $NH_3$ gas and relatively low deposition rate of $WN_x$ films were formed by $N_2$ gas. $WN_x$ films deposited on $WSi_3N_4$ substrate had higher deposition rate than that of TiN and Si substrates. The purity of $WN_x$ film were analyzed by AES and higher purity $WN_x$ films were deposited using $NH_3$ gas. The XRD analysis indicates a phase transition from polycrystalline tungsten(W) to amorphous tungsten nitride($WN_x$), showing improved etching profile of $WN_x$ films Thick $WN_x$ films were deposited on various substrates such as Tin, NiCr and Al and maximum thickness of $1.6 {\mu}m$ was obtained on the Al adhesion layer.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2001

We investigate the via-size dependance of as-electroplated- and reflow-bump shapes for realizing both high-density and high-aspect ratio of solder bump. The solder bump is fabricated by subsequent processes as follows. After sputtering a TiW/Al electrode on a 5-inch Si-wafer, a thick photoresist for via formation it obtained by multiple-codling method and then vias with various diameters are defined by a conventional photolithography technique using a contact alinger with an I-line source. After via formation the under ball metallurgy (UBM) structure with Ti-adhesion and Cu-seed layers is sputtered on a sample. Cu-layer and Sn/pb-layer with a competition ratio of 6 to 4 are electroplated by a selective electroplating method. The reflow-bump diameters at bottom are unchanged, compared with as-electroplated diameters. As-electroplated- and reflow-bump shapes, however, depend significantly on the via size. The heights of as-electroplated and reflow bumps increase with the larger cia, while the aspect ratio of bump decreases. The nearest bumps may be touched by decreasing the bump pitch in order to obtain high-density bump. The touching between the nearest bumps occurs during the overplating procedure rather than the reflowing procedure because the mushroom diameter formed by overplating is larger than the reflow-bump diameter. The arrangement as zig-zag rows can be effective for realizing the flip-chip-interconnect bump with both high-density and high-aspect ratio.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.69-76
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• 2014

In this study, we developed an ultra-thin flexible printed circuit board(FPCB) using the sputtered flexible copper clad laminate. In order to enhance the adhesion between copper and polyimide substrate, a NiMoNb addition layer was applied. The mechanical durability and flexibility of the ultra-thin FPCB were characterized by stretching, twisting, bending fatigue test, and peel test. The stretching test reveals that the ultra-thin FPCB can be stretched up to 7% without failure. The twisting test shows that the ultra-thin FPCB can withstand an angle of up to $120^{\circ}$. In addition, the bending fatigue test shows that the FPCB can withstand 10,000 bending cycles. Numerical analysis of the stress and strain during stretching indicates the strain and the maximum von Mises stress of the ultra-thin FPCB are comparable to those of the conventional FPCB. Even though the ultra-thin FPCB shows slightly lower durability than the conventional FPCB, the ultra-thin FPCB has enough durability and robustness to apply in industry.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.454-462
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• 1997

Thermotropic block copolyester(TLCP-b-PBN) based on poly(tetramethylene 2,6-(naphthaloyldioxy)dibenzoates)(TLCP) and poly(butylene 2,6-naphthalate)(PBN) was synthesized by solution polycondensation and melt-blended with poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)(PEN) for in-situ composites. The TLCP domains showed nematic behavior in melt. The composition of block copolymer was determined from $^1H-NMR$ spectroscopy. The DSC thermogram of block copolymer revealed the presence of two major melting transitions, corresponding to the separete melting of PBN and TLCP domains. The glass transition temperature(Tg) of the PEN in the blends decreased with increasing the content of TLCP-b-PBN and the TLCP-b-PBN acted as a nucleating agent for the matrix polymers. In the 20% TLCP-b-PBN blend, well oriented TLCP fibriles were observed at temperature above the melting point of the PEN by optical microscopy. By scanning electron micrographs of cryogenically fractured surfaces of extruded blends, the TLCp domains were found to be finely and uniformely dispersed in 0.15 to $0.2{\mu}m$ size. Interfacial adhesion between the TLCP and matrix polymer was seemed to be good. Under certain condition TLCP formed a fiver structure in the PEN matrix, with thin oriented TLCP fibril in the skin region and spherical TLCP domains in the core.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.299-308
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• 2009

We manufactured PVA-derived hydrogels using a foam generation technique that has been widely used to prepare colloidal gas aphrons(CGA). These gels were differentiated to the conventional gels such as for medical or pharmaceutical applications, which have tiny pores and some crystalline structure. Rather these should be used in de-pollution devices or adhesion of cells or biomolecules. The crosslinkers used in this work were amino acid, organic acid, sugars and lipids(vitamins). The structures of the gels were observed in a scanned electron microscope. Amino acids gels showed remarkably higher swelling ratios probably because their typical functional groups help constructing a highly crosslinked network along with hydrogen bonds. Boric acid and starch would catalyze dehydration while structuring to result in much lower water content and accordingly high gel content, leading to less elastic, hard gels. Bulky materials such as ascorbic acid or starch produced, in general, large pores in the matrices and also nicotinamide, having large hydrophobic patches was likely to enlarge pore size of its gels as well since the hydrophobicity would expel water molecules, thus leading to reduced swelling. Hydrophilicity(or hydrophobicity), functional groups which are involved in the reaction or physical linkage, and bulkiness of crosslinkers were found to be more critical to gel's cross linking structure and its density than molecular weights that seemed to be closely related to pore sizes. Microscopic observation revealed that pores were more or less homogeneous and their average sizes were $20{\mu}m$ for methionine, $10-15{\mu}m$ for citric acid, $50-70{\mu}m$ for L-ascorbic acid, $30-40{\mu}m$ for nicotinamide, and $70-80{\mu}m$ for starch. Also a sensory test showed that amino acid and glucose gels were more elastic meanwhile acid and nicotinamide gels turned out to be brittle or non-elastic at their high concentrations. The elasticity of a gel was reasonably correlated with its water content or swelling ratio. In addition, the PVA gel including 20% ascorbic acid showed fair ability of cell adherence as 0.257mg/g-hydrogel and completely degraded phenanthrene(10 mM) in 240 h.