• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.277-285
• /
• 2022

To investigate the adverse effects of clozapine on cardiovascular ion channels, we examined the inhibitory effect of clozapine on voltage-dependent K⁺ (Kv) channels in rabbit coronary arterial smooth muscle cells. Clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels occurred in a concentration-dependent manner with an half-inhibitory concentration value of 7.84 ± 4.86 µM and a Hill coefficient of 0.47 ± 0.06. Clozapine did not shift the steady-state activation or inactivation curves, suggesting that it inhibited Kv channels regardless of gating properties. Application of train pulses (1 and 2 Hz) progressively augmented the clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels in the presence of the drug. Furthermore, the recovery time constant from inactivation was increased in the presence of clozapine, suggesting that clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels is use (state)-dependent. Pretreatment of a Kv1.5 subtype inhibitor decreased the Kv current amplitudes, but additional application of clozapine did not further inhibit the Kv current. Pretreatment with Kv2.1 or Kv7 subtype inhibitors partially blocked the inhibitory effect of clozapine. Based on these results, we conclude that clozapine inhibits arterial Kv channels in a concentration-and use (state)-dependent manner. Kv1.5 is the major subtype involved in clozapine-induced inhibition of Kv channels, and Kv2.1 and Kv7 subtypes are partially involved.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.81-88
• /
• 2014

Salt cress (Thellungiella halophila or Thellungiella parvula), species closely related to Arabidopsis thaliana, represents an extremophile adapted to harsh saline environments. To isolate salt-tolerance genes from this species, we constructed a cDNA library from roots and leaves of salt cress plants treated with 200 mM NaCl. This cDNA library was subsequently shuttled into the destination binary vector [driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter] designed for plant transformation and expression via recombination- assisted cloning. In total, 305,400 pools of transgenic BASTA-resistant lines were generated in Arabidopsis using either T. halophila or T. parvula cDNA libraries. These were used for functional screening of genes involved in salt tolerance. Among these pools, 168,500 pools were used for primary screening to date from which 7,157 lines showed apparent salt tolerant-phenotypes in the initial screen. A secondary screen has now identified 165 salt tolerant transgenic lines using 1,551 (10.6%) lines that emerged in the first screen. The prevalent phenotype in these lines includes accelerated seed germination often accompanied by faster root growth compared to WT Arabidopsis under salt stress condition. In addition, other lines showed non-typical development of stems and flowers compared to WT Arabidopsis. Based on the close relationship of the tolerant species to the target species we suggest this approach as an appropriate method for the large-scale identification of salt tolerance genes from salt cress.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.432-438
• /
• 2013

A study was conducted to examine the effect of maturity and precooling ($60%/0^{\circ}C$ and $80%/4^{\circ}C$), and light illumination on the storage life of 'Maehyang' strawberry meant for export. Fruits at 60% and 80% ripened stage were harvested from a commercial greenhouse in Jinju on April 3, 2012. Harvested fruits were transported to the precooling system within 30 minutes. Transported fruits were precooled the $4^{\circ}C$ for 2 hours and $0^{\circ}C$ for 5 hours by a forced draft cooling system, and then stored at $6^{\circ}C$. During the storage, the fruits were examined for their changes in hardness, soluble solid content, quality grade, acidity, Hunter value, weight loss, and the incidence of gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) at an interval of two days from April 5 to April 17. Hardness was decreased until 7th days and it was changed to increase at 9th days. Treatment of 60% maturity, $0^{\circ}C$ precooling and no light illumination of strawberry were shown the highest value in freshness. The soluble solid content harvested in 80% maturity strawberry was higher than 60% maturity strawberry until the third day. Quality grade decreased rapidly in 80% maturity stage with light illumination strawberry in comparison to the 60% maturity stage of strawberry. Hunter value 'L' and 'a' showed a rapid change in 60% maturity stage of strawberry. Weight loss decreased rapidly in 80% maturity, $0^{\circ}C$ precooling, and no light illumination of strawberry treatments. Gray mold incidence was found the most at 60% maturity, $4^{\circ}C$ precooling, and light illumination of strawberry. The results from our study indicate that effectiveness for keeping the freshness of strawberry was best achieved by harvesting in low maturity, precooling at $0^{\circ}C$, and with no light illumination.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.401-410
• /
• 2016

Purpose: Water is magnetically charged upon contact with a magnet. Although magnetic water products have been promoted since the 1930's, they have not received wide acceptance since their effectiveness is still in question; however, some have reported their therapeutic effects on the body, especially the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. Methods: In this study, the effect of magnetized water on glycemic control of 14 diabetic mice (CB57BK/KsJ-db/db) in comparison with 10 control mice (CB57BK/KsJ-db/+(db/+)) was investigated. Seven diabetic control (DMC) mice and seven diabetic mice + magnetized water (DM+MW) were kept for 16 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Weekly blood glucose was measured from tail veins. Blood obtained from heart puncture was used for HbA1c analysis. Results: Blood glucose level showed a significant difference starting from the $10^{th}$ week of study ($496.1{\pm}10.2mg/dl$ in DMC vs. $437.9{\pm}76.9mg/dl$ in DM+MW). Blood glucose followed by IPGTT showed no significant difference between groups at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, although glucose level at 180 min was significantly reduced in DM+MW mice. Plasma insulin level in DM+MW groups was only 39.5% of that of DMC groups ($5.97{\pm}1.69ng/ml$ in DMC vs. $2.36{\pm}0.94ng/ml$ in DM+MW). Levels of HbA1c were 12.4% and 9.7% in DMC and DM+MW groups, respectively. Conclusion: These results show the promising therapeutic effect of magnetized water in regulating blood glucose homeostasis; however, long-term supplementation or mechanistic study is necessary.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.144-154
• /
• 2018

Metabolic disease is associated with abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Physical activity has beneficial effects on a variety of diseases. This study examined the relationship between metabolic diseases and physical activity according to age. Among a total of 7,295 subjects, the data from 382 individuals in the normal group and 1,525 persons in the metabolic disease group were analyzed. The data were analyzed statistically by one-way ANOVA, the Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The levels of hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), and creatinine (CR), were elevated when a high-intensity physical activity was performed, but they were reduced when a low-intensity physical activity was performed in the normal group aged 10~29 years and the metabolic disease group aged 50~69 years. In the normal group and metabolic disease group aged 30~49 years, the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was elevated when high-intensity physical activity was conducted, whereas it was reduced when low-intensity physical activity was performed. No difference in the level of HDL-C depending on age and exercise intensity was observed in the normal group; the level of HDL-C decreased with age and increased with exercise intensity in the metabolic disease group. Physical activity has different effects in metabolic disease depending on age.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
• /
• v.45 no.6
• /
• pp.656-662
• /
• 2007

Fuel reformer using plasma and shift reactor for CO oxidation were designed and manufactured as $H_2$ supply device to operate a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). $H_2$ selectivity was increased by non-thermal plasma reformer using GlidArc discharge with Ni catalyst simultaneously. Shift reactor was consisted of steam generator, low temperature shifter, high temperature shifter and preferential oxidation reactor. Parametric screening studies of fuel reformer were conducted, in which there were the variations of the catalyst temperature, gas component ratio, total gas ratio and input power. and parametric screening studies of shift reactor were conducted, in which there were the variations of the air flow rate, stema flow rate and temperature. When the $O_2/C$ ratio was 0.64, total gas flow rate was 14.2 l/min, catalytic reactor temperature was $672^{\circ}C$ and input power 1.1 kJ/L, the production of $H_2$ was maximized 41.1%. And $CH_4$ conversion rate, $H_2$ yield and reformer energy density were 88.7%, 54% and 35.2% respectively. When the $O_2/C$ ratio was 0.3 in the PrOx reactor, steam flow ratio was 2.8 in the HTS, and temperature were 475, 314, 260, $235^{\circ}C$ in the HTS, LTS, PrOx, the conversion of CO was optimized conditions of shift reactor using simulated reformate gas. Preheat time of the reactor using plasma was 30 min, component of reformed gas from shift reactor were $H_2$ 38%, CO<10 ppm, $N_2$ 36%, $CO_2$ 21% and $CH_4$ 4%.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.153-159
• /
• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate effect of $GA_{3}$ foliar application on the growth and flowering of Limonium spp. 'Ocean Blue' to develop an effective $GA_{3}$ treatment method for a year round commercial production. Plants were treated with different concentrations of $GA_{3}$ 0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg.$L^{-1}$ in summer, and 0, 100,200, and 400 mg.$L^{-1}$ in winter at seven weeks after transplanting. The effects of $GA_{3}$ treatment time (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after planting) and plant age (raising during 3, 5, 7, and 9 weeks) was investigated. The $GA_{3}$ treatment advanced bolting and flowering with little difference between the two seasons. In a summer culture the effective concentration of $GA_{3}$ ranged from 200 to 400 mg. $L^{-1}$, while in winter it was found to be 400 mg. $L^{-1}$. The $GA_{3}$ treatment at 10 days after planting significantly reduced days to flowering. However, the greatest cut flower yield was observed in plants treated at 20 days after planting. The $GA_{3}$ treatment to different age plants did not show a significant effect, except in the oldest (nine weeks old plants). In conclusion, to induce early flowering in Limonium spp. 'Ocean Blue', the proper concentration and time of application of $GA_{3}$ was 400 mg.$L^{-1}$ $GA_{3}$ treated to nine weeks old plants at 20 days after transplanting.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.19-27
• /
• 2017

This study was conducted to investigate the optimum transplanting method for increasing the rice yield and quality by early transplanting cultivation in Gyeongnam plain area. This examination used of the transplanting method of planting distance($30{\times}14$ and $30{\times}18cm$) with number of seedlings(3, 5 and 7 plants). In high planting density($30{\times}14cm$), the number of tillers was increased while plant height was decreased as the planting number increases. On the other hand, the plant height and number of tillers were increased as planting number increases in low planting density($30{\times}18cm$). However, the number of grain per panicle was increased while the number of panicle was decreased as the planting number decreases. The number of panicle and the number of grain per panicle was increased as the planting distance increase. The yield of rice, when transplanted in the distance of $30{\times}14cm$ with 3 plants, was higher than the other treatment. Head rice ratio and head rice yield was the highest when transplanted in the distance of $30{\times}18cm$ with 3 plants(403 kg/10 a). The protein content was decreased and Toyo taste value was improved when transplanted in the distance of $30{\times}18cm$. Taken together, the best transplanting method for early transplanting cultivation was low planting density($30{\times}18cm$) with 3 plants in Gyeongnam plain area.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
• /
• v.66 no.4
• /
• pp.307-317
• /
• 2021

In recent years, global warming has led to frequent climate change-related problems, and elevated temperatures, among adverse climatic factors, represent a critical problem negatively affecting crop growth and yield. In this context, the present study examined the physiological traits of wheat plants grown under high temperatures. Specifically, the effects of elevated temperatures on seed development after heading were evaluated, and the vegetation indices of different organs were assessed using hyperspectral analysis. Among physiological traits, leaf greenness and OJIP parameters were higher in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment. Similarly, the leaf photosynthetic rate during seed development was higher in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment. Moreover, temperature by organ was higher in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment; consequently, the leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were higher in the control treatment than in the high-temperature treatment. On all measuring dates, the weight of spikes and seeds corresponding to the sink organs was greater in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment. Additionally, the seed growth rate was higher in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment 14 days after heading, which may be attributed to the higher redistribution of photosynthates at the early stage of seed development in the former. In hyperspectral analysis, the vegetation indices related to leaf chlorophyll content and nitrogen state were higher in the high-temperature treatment than in the control treatment after heading. Our results suggest that elevated temperatures after the booting stage positively affect wheat growth and yield.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.55 no.3
• /
• pp.241-259
• /
• 2022

In general, the REE were produced by mining conventional deposits, such as the carbonatite or the clay-hosted REE deposits. However, because of the recent demand increase for REE in modern industries, unconventional REE deposits emerged as a necessary research topic. Among the unconventional REE recovery methods, the REE-bearing coal deposits are recently receiving attentions. R-types generally have detrital originations from the bauxite deposits, and show LREE enriched REE patterns. Tuffaceous-types are formed by syngenetic volcanic activities and following input of volcanic ash into the basin. This type shows specific occurrence of the detrital volcanic ash-driven minerals and the authigenic phosphorous minerals focused at narrow horizon between coal seams and tonstein layers. REE patterns of tuffaceous-types show flat shape in general. Hydrothermal-types can be formed by epigenetic inflow of REE originated from granitic intrusions. Occurrence of the authigenic halogen-bearing phosphorous minerals and the water-bearing minerals are the specific characteristics of this type. They generally show HREE enriched REE patterns. Each type of REE-bearing coal deposits may occur by independent genesis, but most of REE-bearing coal deposits with high REE concentrations have multiple genesis. For the case of the US, the rare earth oxides (REO) with high purity has been produced from REE-bearing coals and their byproducts in pilot plants from 2018. Their goal is to supply about 7% of national REE demand. For the coal deposits in Korea, lignite layers found in Gyungju-Yeongil coal fields shows coexistence of tuff layers and coal seams. They are also based in Tertiary basins, and low affection from compaction and coalification might resulted into high-REE tuffaceous-type coal deposits. Thus, detailed geologic researches and explorations for domestic coal deposits are required.