• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.154-158
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• 2015

In this study, the catalytic activity of ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ was investigated for the decomposition of $NF_3$. Reactions for $NF_3$ decomposition were carried out in the range of reaction temperature of $330{\sim}730^{\circ}C$ and GHSV of $3,000{\sim}15,000mL/g-cat{\cdot}h$ in a fixed-bed catalytic reactor system. Thermal decomposition of $NF_3$ was also performed in order to compare with the catalytic decomposition of $NF_3$. The conversion of $NF_3$ by the catalytic decomposition at $400^{\circ}C$ was four times higher than that of the thermal decomposition. It was confirmed that the reaction behavior of $NF_3$ over ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ exhibited two reaction pathways in the presence of steam. Fluorine in $NF_3$ over ${\gamma}-Al_2O_3$ was chemically absorbed to $AlF_3$ by the gas-solid reaction in the absence of steam. The catalytic decomposition of $NF_3$ occurred by hydrolysis with steam. It was also confirmed by FT-IR analysis that $NF_3$ was completely decomposed to NOx and HF above $500^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.245-252
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and Allium tuberosum intake on blood lipids, MDA and antioxidant enzyme in rats. Twenty four male Sprague-Dawley rats, 4 weeks old, were used. Experimental groups were aerobic exercise with Allium tuberosum intake group (A, n=6), aerobic exercise group (B, n=6), Allium tuberosum intake group (C, n=6), and the control group (D, n=6). Aerobic exercise was administered through a treadmill running program (14~15 m/min, $0^{\circ}$ grade, 25~30 min/day, 5 day/wk) and these rats were given 5% Allium tuberosum for 2 wk. The results of this study are as follows: TC and TG didn't show change; groups A, B, C showed a significant increase in HDL-C compared to the D group; groups A, B, and C showed a significant decrease in LDL-C compared to the D group; groups B and C showed a significant decrease in MDA level compared to the D group; groups B and C showed a significant increase in SOD activity compared to the D group; and the A group showed a significant increase in CAT activity compared to the D group. In conclusion, low intensity aerobic exercise and intake of the natural antioxidant Allium tuberosum seem to have the health promoting effect of retarding oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.1 s.68
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• pp.55-60
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• 2005

The murine dopamine receptor regulating factor (DRRF) gene is transcribed from a TATA-less promoter that has several putative Sp1 binding sites. The present investigation identifies functional transcription factors that modulate the expression of this gene, In the $D_2-expressing$ NB41A3 cells, Spl potently activates transcription from the DRRF promoter in pCAT-DRRF-1153/+17, but DRRF effectively inhibits it. Deletion of the 31 bp fragment between -1153 and -1122 decreased transcription down to about $60\%$. This fragment contains a functional API binding site. In addition, deletion of the 129 bp region between -901 and -772 further decreased transcription. The latter region has a functional AP2 binding site. Using a DRRF_AP1 (bases -1153 to -1121) probe, a specific retarded band was observed, and the unlabeled AP1 consensus competitor could effectively compete away this retarded band. In addition, using a DRRF_AP2 (bases -873 to -846), a specific retarded band was observed, and the unlabeled AP2 consensus competitor could effectively compete away this retarded band. The present observations suggest that Spl and DRRF regulate the DRRF promoter and that both API and AP2 also modulate this gene.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.11
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• pp.1290-1297
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• 2015

Studies of the inactivation of a gene encoding pyruvate decarboxylase, pdc, in an ethanol-producing bacterium, Zymomonas mobilis, identified a mutant strain with 50% reduced PDC activity. To evaluate the possibility of a carbon-flux shift from an ethanol pathway toward higher value fermentation products, including pyruvate, succinate, and lactate, fermentation studies were carried out. Despite attempts to silence pdc expression in the wild-type strain ZM4 using cat-inserted pdc and pdc-deleted homologs by electroporation, the strain isolated showed partial gene activation. Fermentation experiments with the PDC mutant strain showed that the reduced expression level of PDC activity resulted in decreased rates of substrate uptake and ethanol production, together with increased pyruvate accumulation of 2.5 g l^-1 , although lactate and succinate concentrations were not significantly enhanced in these modified strains. Despite numerous attempts, no strains were isolated in which complete pdc inactivation occurred. This result indicates that the ethanol fermentation pathway of this bacterium is totally dependent on the activity of the PDC enzyme. To ensure a redox balance of intracellular NAD and NADH levels, other enzymes, such as lactate dehydrogenase for lactate, and enzymes involved in the production of succinic acid, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and malic enzymes, may be needed for their increased end-product production.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.139-150
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• 1984

Vanadate is a potent inhibitor of Na-K-ATPase. Ouabain, the another specific inhibitor of Na-K-ATPase, induces the contraction in cardiac muscle and smooth muscle. But, some investigators observed the discrepancies between vanadate and ouabain-induced contraction in cardiac muscle. The difference of vanadate and ouabain-induced contraction was investigated in the cat ileal smooth muscle. The following results were obtained. 1) Ouabain-induced contraction was biphasic, but vanadate-induced contraction had one peak. 2) Atropine inhibited ouabain·induced contraction, but did not inhibit vanadate-induced contraction. 3) Changes in external $Ca^{++}$concentration or $Ca^{++}$ antagonists had a greater influence on the contraction induced hy vanadate than by ouabain. 4) Removal of $Na^+$ from incubation medium and high $K^+$ abolished ouabain-induced contraction, but had no effect on vanadate-induced contraction. 5) Vanadate-induced contraction was potentiated in the presence of ouabain. 6) After 3 hrs incubation with vanadate, there was no change in intracellular $Na^+$ concentrations in contrast with ouabain. These results suggest that vanadate contracts ileal smooth muscle through the mechanism different from ouabain, and this is independent of the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase activity.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.529-534
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• 2003

This study was done to investigated the phytosterol compositions of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seed. The phytoestrogen activity was also determined using CAT-ELISA Kit in ethanol extract of safflower seed. The phytosterol of safflower seeds was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after saponification of the oils. The phytosterol content and composition of safflower seed oils were 4% and identified stigmast-5-en-3-ol (3$\beta$, 24S)-form, ${\gamma}$-sitosterol (clionasterol) with Wiley MS spectrum library. The synergistic effect of human estrogen receptor (hER) has been investigated using a minimal chimeric promoters composed of the TATA region of the adenovirus-2 major late promoter (A22MLP) and two consensus perfectly polindromic Xenopus vitellogenin A2 gene estrogen responsive elements (XVEREl19). Transient transfection experiments in tile human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7, which is known to express the estrogen receptor endogenously, revealed that phytoestrogen from Carthamus tinctorius L. acts as estrogen. We have observed the transcriptional activities stimulated methanol and ethanol extract of safflower seed in MCF-7, were 0.43 and 0.37 respectively, compared to that by $\beta$-estradiol as 1.0. Our data showed that safflower seeds have estrogenic activity methanol and ethanol extracts and ethanol lower than that of $\beta$-estradiol. This result provides the first evidence that the beneficial effect of safflower seeds may be mediated, at least in part, by the stimulating effect of phytoestrogen ell bone-protecting.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2022

The profer salinity range for aquaculture of hybrid grouper (Epinephleus bruneus♀ × Epinephleus lanceolatus♂) were evaluated in terms of their survival, growth, feed intake and physiological responses after 30 days of exposure to different salinities (0 psu, 3 psu, 5 psu, 10 psu, 15 psu, 20 psu, 25 psu, 30 psu). Hybrid grouper all died at 0 psu salinity on the 4th day of exposure but all hybrid survived at a salinity of 5 psu or higher during the exposure period. Body length and weight increased above 5 psu salinity and the growth rate was the highest at 30 psu. Hybrid exposed to 3 psu did not eat the feed pellet. Feed intake did not show a significant difference between salinity 20 psu, 25 psu and 30 psu. Plasma osmolality of the juvenile hybrids exposed to different salinities was 341~368 mg Osmol/kg above 5 psu. The oxygen consumption rate was the highest at 30 psu with 163.6±22.3 mg O₂/kg fish/h. SOD, CAT and GSH-PX were significantly higher at 15 psu. Therefore, the critical salinity for survive of the juvenile hybrid was 5 psu, and the proper salinity for optimal culture was analyzed with 20~30 psu.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.15-28
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• 2024

Objectives We used the D-galactose (D-gal) induced C2C12 myoblast senescence model to investigate whether ethanol extract of Perilla. fructescens leaves (EEPF) could delay cellular senescence and regulate related mechanisms. Methods C2C12 myogenic cells were cultured in an incubator under 37 ℃ and 5% CO₂ conditions. EEPF, dried perilla leaves were pulverized and extracted at 1:10 (v/v) at 50 ℃ for 4 hours. Cell counting kit-8 and western blot analysis was performed. Annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and DAPI staining was applied. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde analysis kits were used. To measure the level of reactive oxygen species generation, staining and flow cytometry was used. To analyze the mitochondrial activity, membrane potential changes were measured using JC-1. 𝛽-gal activity was analyzed using SA-𝛽-gal staining solution, and DNA damage was analyzed by using 𝛾-H2AX. Quantikine ELISA kit was used to analyze inflammatory cytokine production. Results According to the results of this study, EEPF significantly alleviated the decrease in cell viability in C2C12 cells treated with D-gal and suppressed the decrease in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. EEPF also markedly blocked D-gal-induced C2C12 cell apoptosis and restored reduced activity of CAT, GSH-Px, T-AOC, SOD. In addition, EEPF suppressed the decrease in 𝛽-galactosidase activity, the induction of DNA damage and the increase in expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype proteins such as p16, p53 and p21 in D-gal-treated C2C12 cells. Furthermore, EEPF significantly attenuated D-gal-induced production and expression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that EEPF can be used as a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of muscle aging.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.1
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• pp.77-82
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• 2017

Background: Delayed hypersensitivity plays a large role in the pathogenesis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). Macrophages infected with live Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) increase the levels of adenosine deaminase2 (ADA2) in the pleural fluid of TPE patients. However, it is as yet unclear whether ADA2 can be produced by macrophages when challenged with MTB antigens alone. This study therefore evaluated the levels of ADA2 mRNA expression, using monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) stimulated with MTB antigens. Methods: Purified monocytes from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers were differentiated into macrophages using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The MDMs were stimulated with early secretory antigenic target protein 6 (ESAT6) and culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP10). The mRNA expression levels for the cat eye syndrome chromosome region, candidate 1 (CECR1) gene encoding ADA2 were then measured. Results: CECR1 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in MDMs stimulated with ESAT6 and CFP10, than in the unstimulated MDMs. When stimulated with ESAT6, M-CSF-treated MDMs showed more pronounced CECR1 mRNA expression than GM-CSF-treated MDMs. Interferon-${\gamma}$ decreased the ESAT6- and CFP10-induced CECR1 mRNA expression in MDMs. CECR1 mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ and interleukin 10, respectively. Conclusion: ADA2 mRNA expression increased when MDMs were stimulated with MTB antigens alone. This partly indicates that pleural fluid ADA levels could increase in patients with culture-negative TPE. Our results may be helpful in improving the understanding of TPE pathogenesis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1012-1020
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• 2011

A gene coding for an endoglucanase (EglA), of the glycosyl hydrolase family 12 and derived from Aspergillus niger VTCC-F021, was cloned and sequenced. The cDNA sequence, 717 bp, and its putative endoglucanase, a 238 aa protein with a predicted molecular mass of 26 kDa and a pI of 4.35, exhibited 98.3-98.7% and 98.3-98.6% identities, respectively, with cDNA sequences and their corresponding endoglucanases from Aspergillus niger strains from the GenBank. The cDNA was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris GS115 under the control of an AOX1 promoter with a level of 1.59 U/ml culture supernatant, after 72 h of growth in a YP medium induced with 1% (v/v) of methanol. The molecular mass of the purified EglA, determined by SDS-PAGE, was 33 kDa, with a specific activity of 100.16 and 19.91 U/mg toward 1% (w/v) of ${\beta}$-glucan and CMC, respectively. Optimal enzymatic activity was noted at a temperature of $55^{\circ}C$ and a pH of 5. The recombinant EglA (rEglA) was stable over a temperature range of $30-37^{\circ}C$ and at pH range of 3.5-4.5. Metal ions, detergents, and solvents tested indicated a slightly inhibitory effect on rEglA activity. Kinetic constants ($K_m$, $V_{max}$, $k_{cat}$, and $k_{cat}/K_m$) determined for rEglA with ${\beta}$-glucan as a substrate were 4.04 mg/ml, 102.04 U/mg, 2,040.82 $min^{-1}$, and 505.05, whereas they were 10.17 mg/ml, 28.99 U/mg, 571.71 $min^{-1}$, and 57.01 with CMC as a substrate, respectively. The results thus indicate that the rEglA obtained in this study is highly specific toward ${\beta}$-glucan. The biochemical properties of rEglA make it highly valuable for downstream biotechnological applications, including potential use as a feed enzyme.