• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.171-179
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• 2014

In this study, a novel method was proposed to test the integrity of water treatment system specifically equipped with membrane filtration process. We applied the silica particles coated with a fluorescent agent (rhodamine B isothiocyanate) as a surrogate to detect a membrane process integrity and evaluate the reliability of effluent quality in the system. Additionally, a series of experiments was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of the method through the laboratory scale experiment. The laboratory scale experiments showed that the feasibility of application of proposed method to detect a breach or damaged part on the membrane surface. However, the sensitivity on predicting the area of a breach was significantly influenced by the testing conditions such as a concentration of surrogate, filtration flux, and detection time. The lowest error of predicting the area of breach was 3.5% at the testing condition of surrogate concentration of 80 mg/L injected with flux of $20L/m^2/hr$ for 10 minutes of detection time for the breach having the actual area of $7.069mm^2$. However, the error of estimation was increased at the small breach with area less than $0.785mm^2$. A future study will be conducted to estimate a damaged area with more accuracy and precision.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.255-260
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ticlopidine on the pharmacokinetics of diltiazem and its active metabolite, desacetyldiltiazem, in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem and desacetyldiltiazem were determined in rats after oral administration of diltiazem (15 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$) with ticlopidine (3 or 9 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$). The effects of ticlopidine on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 activities were also evaluated. Ticlopidine inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity in a concentrationdependent manner with a 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) of 35 ${\mu}M$. In addition, ticlopidine did not significantly enhance the cellular accumulation of rhodamine-123 in NCI/ADR-RES cells overexpressing P-gp. Compared with the control (given diltiazem alone), ticlopidine significantly altered the pharmacokinetic parameters of diltiazem. The peak concentration ($C_{max}$) and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of diltiazem were significantly (9 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, p<0.05) increased in the presence of ticlopidine. The AUC of diltiazem was increased by 1.44-fold in rats in the presence of ticlopidine (9 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$). Consequently, the absolute bioavailability (A.B.) of diltiazem in the presence of ticlopidine (9.3-11.5%) was signifi cantly higher (9 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$, p<0.05) than that in the control group (8.0%). Although ticlopidine significantly (p<0.05) increased the AUC of desacetyldiltiazem, the metabolite-parent AUC ratio (M.R.) in the presence of ticlopidine (9 $mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$) was significantly decreased compared to that in the control group, implying that ticlopidine could effectively inhibit the metabolism of diltiazem. In conclusion, the concomitant use of ticlopidine significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of diltiazem in rats by inhibiting CYP3A4-mediated metabolism in the intestine and/or liver rather than by inhibiting intestinal P-gp activity or renal elimination of diltiazem.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.10
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• 2018

Objectives: To determine the effect of size and insertion depth of irrigation needle on the amount of apical extruded debris and the amount of penetration depth of sealer using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Twenty maxillary premolars were assigned to 2 groups (n = 10), according to the size of needle tip, 28 G or 30 G. Buccal roots of samples were irrigated with respective needle type inserted 1 mm short of the working length (WL), while palatal roots were irrigated with respective needle type inserted 3 mm short of the WL. Prepared teeth were removed from the pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. Canals were filled with F3 gutta-percha cone and rhodamine B dye-labeled AH 26 sealer. Teeth were transversally sectioned at 1 and 3 mm levels from the apex and observed under a CLSM. Eppendorf tubes were incubated to evaporate the irrigant and were weighed again. The difference between pre- and post-weights was calculated, and statistical evaluation was performed. Results: Inserting needles closer to the apex and using needles with wider diameters were associated with significantly more debris extrusion (p < 0.05). The position of needles and level of sections had statistically significant effects on sealer penetration depth (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusions: Following preparation, inserting narrower needles compatible with the final apical diameter of the prepared root canal at 3 mm short of WL during final irrigation might prevent debris extrusion and improve sealer penetration in the apical third.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.381-387
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• 2020

In this work, TiO₂ 3D nanostructures (TF30) were prepared via a facile wet chemical process using ammonium hexafluorotitanate. The synthesized 3D TiO₂ nanostructures exhibited well-defined crystalline and hierarchical structures assembled from TiO₂ nanorods with different thicknesses and diameters, which comprised numerous small beads. Moreover, the maximum specific surface area of TiO₂ 3D nanostructures was observed to be 191 ㎡g^-1, with concentration of F ions on the surface being 2 at%. The TiO₂ 3D nanostructures were tested as photocatalysts under UV irradiation using Rhodamine B solution in order to determine their photocatalytic performance. The TiO₂ 3D nanostructures showed a higher photocatalytic activity than that of the other TiO₂ samples, which was likely associated with the combined effects of a high crystallinity, unique features of the hierarchical structure, a high specific surface area, and the advantage of adsorbing F ions.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 1995

Despite the frequent incidence of embryo fragmentation in early human embryos, the reason of the embryo fragmentation has not been known yet. This study was conducted to investigate the histological difference(s) between fragmented (FR) and non-fragmented (NFR) human embryos focusing on comparison of mitochondrial distribution and protein synthesis. Multi-pronuclei zygotes (MPZ) such as three or more pronuclei containing in human in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program were used for this study. MPZ were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% of human fetal cord serum (hFCS) in 5% $CO_2$ incubator at $37^{\circ}C$ for 24 hours. The cleaved embryos to 2-4 cells after 24 hours were grouped by their grade of fragmentation. Embryos were stained with Rhodamine123 (Rh123) and fluorescence was evaluated under the fluorescence microscope through PB 450-490 filter (Leitz). Regarding to protein synthesis during early human embryogenesis, there is no significant difference in the amount of synthetic proteins between FR and NFR embryos. Distribution of cytoplasmic organelles in embryos was evaluated by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The cytoplasmic distribution of mitochondria was different between FR and NFR embryos. The mitochondrial distribution was even in NFR, whereas severely aggregated in FR. It is not able to clarify in the present study whether this uneven mitochondrial distribution in FR embryo is the reason for embryo fragmentation or is the result from fragmentation. Physiological disparity related to the mitochondrial distribution may be one of the reasons for embryo fragmentation. Further studies should be addressed to investigate the physiological differences between FR and NFR embryos.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.1137-1144
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• 2013

$TiO_2$ composites with seven different carbon materials (activated carbons, graphite, carbon fibers, single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides, and reduced graphene oxides) that are virgin or treated with nitric acid are prepared through an evaporation method. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared samples are evaluated in terms of $H_2$ production from aqueous methanol solution (photo-catalytic reduction: PCR) and degradation of aqueous pollutants (phenol, methylene blue, and rhodamine B) (photocatalytic oxidation: PCO) under AM 1.5-light irradiation. Despite varying effects depending on the kinds of carbon materials and their surface treatment, composites typically show enhanced PCR activity with maximum 50 times higher $H_2$ production as compared to bare $TiO_2$. Conversely, the carbon-induced synergy effects on PCO activities are insignificant for all three substrates. Colorimetric quantification of hydroxyl radicals supports the absence of carbon effects. However, platinum deposition on the binary composites displays the enhanced effect on both PCR and PCO reactions. These differing effects of carbon materials on PCR and PCO reactions of $TiO_2$ are discussed in terms of physicochemical properties of carbon materials, coupling states of $TiO_2$/carbon composites, interfacial charge transfers. Various surface characterizations of composites (UV-Vis diffuse reflectance, SEM, FTIR, surface area, electrical conductivity, and photoluminescence) are performed to gain insight on their photocatalytic redox behaviors.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.1369-1376
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• 2006

Self-organized nanogels were prepared from pullulan/biotin conjugates (PU/Bio) for the development of an effective anticancer drug delivery system. The degree of biotin substitution was 11, 19, and 24 biotin groups per 100 anhydroglucose units of pullulan. The physicochemical properties of the nanogels (PU/Bio1, 2 and 3) in aqueous media were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The mean diameter of all the samples was less than 300 nm with a unimodal size distribution. The critical aggregation concentrations (CACs) of the nanoparticles in distilled water were $2.8{\times}10^{-2},\;1.6{\times}10^{-2}$, and $0.7{\times}10^{-2}mg/ml$ for the PU/Bio1, 2, and 3, respectively. The aggregation behavior of the nanogels indicated that biotin can perform as a hydrophobic moiety. To observe the specific interaction with a hepatic carcinoma cell line (HepG2), the conjugates were labeled with rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RITC) and their intensities measured using a fluorescence microplate reader. The HepG2 cells treated with the fluorescence-labeled PU/Bio nanoparticles were strongly luminated compared with the control (pullulan). Confocal laser microscopy also confirmed internalization of the PU/Bio nanogels into the cancer cells. Such results demonstrated that the biotin in the conjugate acted as both a hydrophobic moiety for self-assembly and a tumor-targeting moiety for specific interaction with tumor cells. Consequently, PU/Bio nanogels would appear to be a useful drug carrier for the treatment of liver cancer.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.257-269
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• 2002

Objective : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resin infiltration into dentin of one-bottle adhesive systems and self-etching primer bonded to Class V cavities using confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM). Material and Methods : Forty Class V cavities were prepared from freshly extracted caries-free Human teeth. These teeth were divided into two groups based on the presence of cervical abrasion: Group I, cervical abrasion : Group II, wedge-shaped cavity preparation. Resin-dentin interfaces were produced with two one-bottle dentin bonding systems-ONE COAT BOND(OCB; Coltene$^R$) and Syntac$^R$SPrint$^{TM}$(SS; VIVADENT)-, one self-etching priming system-CLEARFIL$^{TM}$ SE BOND (SB : KURARAY)- and one multi-step dentin bonding system-Scotchbond$^{TM}$Multi-Purpose (SBMP, 3M Dental Products)-as control according to manufacturers' instructions. Cavities were restored with Spectrum$^{R}$(Dentsply). Specimens were immersed in saline for 24 hours and sectioned longitudinally with a low-speed diamond disc. The resin-dentin interfaces were microscopically observed using CLSM. The quality of resin-infiltrated dentin layers were evaluated by five dentists using 0~4 scale. Results : Confocal laser scanning microscopal investigations using primer labeled with rhodamine B showed that the penetration of the primer occurred along the cavity margins. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's Multiple Range test revealed that the primer penetration of the group 2(wedge-shaped cavity preparation) was more effective than group 1(cervical abrasion) and that of the gingival interfaces was more effective than the occlusal interfaces. In the one-bottle dentin bonding systems, the resin penetration score of OCB was compatible to SBMP, but those of SS and self-etching priming system, SB were lower than SBMP.

• 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.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.1135-1140
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• 2012

An electrochromatographic microchip with carboxyl-group-derivatized mono-disperse silica packing was prepared from the corresponding colloidal silica solution by utilizing capillary action and self-assembly behavior. The silica beads in water were primed by the capillary action toward the ends of cross-patterned microchannel on a cyclic olefinic copolymer (COC) substrate. Slow evaporation of water at the front of packing promoted the self-assembled packing of the beads. After thermally binding a cover plate on the chip substrate, reservoirs for sample solutions were fabricated at the ends of the microchannel. The packing at the entrances of the microchannel was silver coated to fix utilizing an electroless silver-plating technique to prevent the erosion of the packed structure caused by the sudden switching of a high voltage DC power source. The electrochromatographic behavior of the microchip was explored and compared to that of the microchip with bare silica packing in basic borate buffer. Electrophoretic migration of Rhodamine B was dominant in the microchip with the carboxyl-derivatized silica packing that resulted in a migration approximated twice as fast, while the reversible adsorption was dominant in the bare silica-packed microchip. Not only the faster migration rates of the negatively charged FITC-derivatives of amino acids but also the different migration due to the charge interaction at the packing surface were observed. The electrochromatographic characteristics were studied in detail and compared with those of the bare silica packed microchip in terms of the packing material, the separation potential, pH of the running buffer, and also the separation channel length.