• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.64-72
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• 1980

Industrial wastes from pulp and food plants were treated with microorganisms to clarify organic waste-water and to produce cells as animal feed, and results were summarized as follows. (1) Waste-water from pulp, beer, bread yeast, and ethanol distillation plants contained $1.4{\sim}1.5%$ of total sugar, $0.25{\sim}0.35%$ nitrogen, and biological oxygen demand (BOD) was $400{\sim}25,000$, chemical oxygen demand (COD), $500{\sim}28,000$, and pH, $3.8{\sim}7.0$. The BOD and COD were highest in waste-water from ethanol distillation plants among others. (2) Bacterial and yeast counts were $4{\times}10^4-1{\times}10^9,\;2{\times}10^2-7{\times}10^4/ml$ in waste-water. (3) Bacteria grew better in pulp waste and yeasts in beer, bread yeast, and ethanol distillation waste. (4) Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAFM 1008 and Candida curvata SAFM 70 were the most suitable microorganisms for clarification of ethanol distillation waste. (5) When liquid and solid waste from ethanol distillation were treated with microbial cellulase, xylanase, and pectinase, solid waste was reduced by 36%, soluble waste was increased, and recuding sugar content was increased by 1.3 times which provided better medium than untreated waste for cultivation of yeasts. (6) Optimum growth conditions of the two species of yeast in ethanol distillation waste were pH 5.0, $30^{\circ}C$, and addition of 0.2% of urea, 0.1% of $KH_2PO_4$ and 0.02% of $MgSO_4$. (7) Minimum number of yeast for proper propagation was $1.8{\times}10^5/ml$. (8) C. curvata70 was better than cerevisae for the production of yeast cells from ethanol distillation waste treated with microbial enzymes. (9) S. cerevisiae produced 16 g of dried cell per 1,000ml of ethanol distillation waste and reduced BOD by 46%. C. curvata produced 17.6g of dried cell and reduced BOD by 52% at the same condition. (10) Yeast cells produced from the ethanol distillation waste contained 46-52% protein indicating suitability as a protein source for animal feed.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.325-330
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• 2007

RNase E is an essential Escherichia coli endoribonuclease that plays a major role in the decay and processing of a large fraction of RNAs in the cell and expression of N-terminal domain consisted of 1-498 amino acids (N-Rne) is sufficient to support normal cellular growth. By utilizing these properties of RNase E, we developed a genetic system to screen for amino acid substitutions in the catalytic domain of the protein (N-Rne) that lead to various phenotypes. Using this system, we identified three kinds of mutants. A mutant N-Rne containing amino acid substitution in the S1 domain (I6T) of the protein was not able to support survival of E. coli cells, and another mutant N-Rne with amino acid substitution at the position 488 (R488C) in the small domain enabled N-Rne to have an elevated ribonucleolytic activity, while amino acid substitution in the DNase I domain (N305D) only enabled N-Rne to support survival of E. roli cells when the mutant N-Rne was over-expressed. Analysis of copy number of ColEl-type plasmid revealed that effects of amino acid substitution on the ability of N-Rne to support cellular growth stemmed from their differential effects on the ribonucleolytic activity of N-Rne in the cell. These results imply that the genetic system developed in this study can be used to isolate mutant RNase E with various phenotypes, which would help to unveil a functional role of each subdomain of the protein in the regulation of RNA stability in E. coli.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.490-497
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• 2005

Background : The paraoxonase enzyme plays a significant role in the detoxification of various organophosphorous compounds in mammals, and paraoxonase (PON) 1 is one of the endogenous free-radical scavenging systems in the human body. In this study, we investigated the interaction between cigarette smoking and the genetic polymorphism of PON1 with lung cancer in Korean males. Methods : Three hundred thirty five patients with lung cancer and an equal number of age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Every subject was asked to complete a questionnaire concerning their smoking habits and alcohol drinking habits. A 5' exonuclease assay (TaqMan) was used to genotype the PON1 Q192R polymorphism. The effects of smoking habits and drinking habits, the PON1 Q192R polymorphism and their interactions were statistically analyzed. Results : Cigarette smoking and the Q/Q genotype of PON1 were significant risk factors for lung cancer. Individuals carrying the Q/Q genotype of PON1 were at a higher risk for lung cancer as compared with those individuals carrying the Q/R or R/R genotype (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.69 - 4.79). When the groups were further stratified by the smoking status, the Q/Q PON1 was associated with lung cancer among the current or ex-smokers (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.52 - 4.31). Current smokers or ex-smokers who had the Q/Q genotype showed an elevated risk for lung cancer (odds ratio: 15.50, 95% confidence interval: 6.76 - 35.54) as compared with the group of subjects who never smoked, and had the Q/R or R/R genotype. The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of smokers with the PON1 Q/Q type compared to the nonsmokers with the PON1 Q/R or R/R type were 53.77 (6.55 - 441.14) for squamous cell carcinoma, 6.25 (1.38 - 28.32) for adenocarcinoma, and 59.94 (4.66 - 770.39) for small cell carcinoma, and these results were statistically significant. Conclusion : These results suggest that cigarette smoking and the PON1 Q/Q genotype are risk factors for lung cancer. The combination of cigarette smoking and the PON1 Q/Q genotype significantly increased the lung cancer risk irrespective of the histologic type of cancer.

• Composites Research
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.18-31
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• 2001

Interfacial and microfailure properties of the modified steel, carbon and glass fibers/cement composites were investigated using electro-pullout test under tensile and compressive tests with acoustic emission (AE). The hand-sanded steel composite exhibited higher interfacial shear strength (IFSS) than the untreated and even neoalkoxy zirconate (Zr) treated steel fiber composites. This might be due to the enhanced mechanical interlocking, compared to possible hydrogen or covalent bonds. During curing process, the contact resistivity decreased rapidly at the initial stage and then showed a level-off. Comparing to the untreated case, the contact resistivity of either Zr-treated or hand-sanded steel fiber composites increased to the infinity at latter stage. The number of AE signals of hand-sanded steel fiber composite was much more than those of the untreated and Zr-treated cases due to many interlayer failure signals. AE waveforms for pullout and frictional signals of the hand-sanded composite are larger than those of the untreated case. For dual matrix composite (DMC), AE energy and waveform under compressive loading were much higher and larger than those under tensile loading, due to brittle but well-enduring ceramic nature against compressive stress. Vertical multicrack exhibits fur glass fiber composite under tensile test, whereas buckling failure appeared under compressive loading. Electro-micromechanical technique with AE can be used as an efficient nondestructive (NDT) method to evaluate the interfacial and microfailure mechanisms for conductive fibers/brittle and nontransparent cement composites.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.77-82
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• 2014

The present study was conducted to establish an effect and a proper concentration for treatment with gibberellic acid ($GA_3$) and thidiazuron (TDZ), resulting with increase berry size and yield in Gaeryangmeoru grapes. Berry size was increased by treatment with $GA_3$, and the fruit clusters obtained for the groups treated with $GA_3$ concentrations of 100 and $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ were bigger. The berry number was also enhanced in $GA_3$ treated groups, but the soluble solid content and acidity was not significantly different. Damage caused by $GA_3$ treatment, such as peel pollination and berry shatter, was observed in the group with $200mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$. The berry size was larger in group treated with a high concentration of $GA_3$ and TDZ respectively than in those treated with low concentrations in the treatment mixed $GA_3$ and TDZ; however, fruit with low soluble solid content and high acidity was harvested after $GA_3$ and TDZ treatment due to delay of berry ripening. The pericarp tissue layers were not changed, but the distance from the epidermis layer to vascular bundle tissue was increased as a result of $GA_3$ and TDZ treatment. Therefore, $GA_3$ and TDZ did not affect an cell division but not cell size, resulting in an enlarged berry size. It is necessary to treat plant growth regulators 2~3 times and immediately after berry set to enhance berry set rate, because the period of berry set is short. This study suggests that the proper concentration for enhancing berry size and set were up to $100mg{\cdot}L^1$ $GA_3$ or $50mg{\cdot}L^{-1}GA_3+1.25mg{\cdot}L^{-1}$ TDZ, and it is necessary to pay attention to harvest mature fruits because of the delay of ripening caused by the usage of TDZ.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.229-241
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• 2008

Changes of growth and histopathological feature in the mantle structure of the equilateral venus, Gomphina veneriformis exposed to tribultyltin chloride (TBTCl) for 36 weeks were observed. Concentrations of TBTCl were 0, 0.4, 0.6, and $0.8{\mu}g/L$. A regression analysis by power function of SPSS was shown that the growth of experimental groups was significantly decreased after 12 weeks of exposure. For histological analysis, mantle tissues were characterized using H-E stain, AB-PAS (pH 2.5) reaction and Masson's trichrome stain, and epidermal layer thickness and mucous cell distribution were analysed using the image analyser. The mantle had 4-folds (inner-inner, inner-outer, middle, and outer) and its epidermal layer consisted of simple epithlia. A periostracum was observed in the periostracal groove between middle and outer fold. Inner epidermal layer consisted of simple ciliated columnar epithelia, but the outer epidermal layer consisted of simple non-ciliated columnar epithelia. Alcian blue positive mucous cells showed blue color (7462c, 653c) in the inner fold, violet color (2583c) in the middle fold, and blue color (647c, 7455c) in inner epidermal layer (numbers in the parenthesis are codes of Pantone process coated color). Hemolymph sinus in the mantle was extended, and mucous cells in inner plica of the middle fold were stained as blue (7455c) and violet (2587c), after 12 weeks of TBTCI exposure. Cilia and striated border were disappeared, and number of mucous cells in the inner epidermal layer was reduced. Serious histopathological changes in middle and outer fold near the periostracum were observed after 36 weeks. Moreover, epidermal layer thickness and mucous cell distribution were showed decreasing tendency as exposure time to TBTCI was increased. Results of this study suggested that TBTCl induced growth disorder with histopathological changes.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.299-307
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• 2020

This study reported on the phytoplankton community and seasonal changes in the Seoul passage section and downstream in the Han River in 2012. Field samples were collected monthly from the upper (Paldang), middle (Cheongdam), and downstream(Seongsan) areas of the Seoul passage section. Water temperature, DO, pH, and conductivity were measured at each station. All environmental factors measured were recorded similarly at the three stations. The water temperature ranged from 2 to 30℃ and the dissolved oxygen ranged from 4.8 to 9.1 mg L^-1, showing typical patterns of temperate regions. The phytoplankton cell concentrations ranged from 990 cells mL^-1 (Paldang, December) to 2.9×10⁴ cells mL^-1 (Seongsan, March), and the chlorophyll-a content showed similar patterns to the cell numbers. The phytoplankton community was comprised of 75 genera and 95 species, including 37 diatoms, 29 Chlorophyta, 11 cyanobacteria, and two dinoflagellates. The number of species that appeared seasonally varied greatly, from nine species (Paldang, May) to 35 species (Cheongdam, December). Diatoms were the most dominant in all stations and seasons, except in summer. In contrast, chlorophytes and cyanobacteria showed sporadic high numbers in the summer and fall seasons. Four diatoms Stephanodiscus hantzschii f. tenuis, S. hantzschii, Fragilaria sp., and Aulacoseira spp., a chlorophyte Actinastrum hantzschii, and a cyanobacterium Microcystis sp. were each present in proportions greater than 10%. This study provides fundamental data from phytoplankton communities and environmental factors in the Han River for understanding water quality for long-term environmental monitoring.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2008

To examine the effect of the electrolyzed alkaline reduced water (ERW) on animal immunity, by employing Echinostoma hortense that is a parasite in the small intestine, the immune response of C57BL/6 was examined. To C57BL/6 mice, Echinostoma hortense metacercaria 15 per animal was in oculate dorsally, the worm was collected after 2 weeks, and the change of goblet cells and mast cells in the mucosa of small intestine was examined, and by using a protein chip, the change of cytokines in the serum was compared and observed. As a result, average 8.3 worms were collected from the C57BL/6 mice infected with E. hortense, and in the group fed with the ERW, average 10 worms were collected. In regard to the examination of the change of goblet cells, in the experimental group infected with E. hortense and fed with the ERW, average 4.3 worms per villus were detected, hence, it was found that the expression of goblet cells was low (p<0.001). Regarding the examination of the change of mast cells, similarly, in the group infected with E. hortense and fed with the ERW, average 11 worms per villus were detected, and it appears to be less than control group (p<0.001). Regarding the expression of cytokines in mouse serum, in comparison of the experiment group infected with E. hortense and control group, in the expression of the Th1 cytokines IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, TNF-${\alpha}$, and IL-2, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13, a significant difference was not detected. In our study, it was found that in the infection of E. hortense, the ERW mediates its effect on the number of goblet cells and mast cells in the intestinal mucosa, and simultaneously, the worm expulsion was delayed, and thus the conclusion that the ERW mediated its effect on the intestinal immunity of mice was obtained.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2002

An International Cooperative Biodiversity Group (ICBG) program based at the University of Illinois at Chicago initiated its activities in 1998, with the following specific objectives: (a) inventory and conservation of of plants of Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam and of medicinal plants of Laos; (b) drug discovery (and development) based on plants of Vietnam and Laos; and (c) economic development of communities participating in the ICBG project both in Vietnam and Laos. Member-institutions and an industrial partner of this ICBG are bound by a Memorandum of Agreement that recognizes property and intellectual property rights, prior informed consent for access to genetic resources and to indigenous knowledge, the sharing of benefits that may arise from the drug discovery effort, and the provision of short-term and long-term benefits to host country institutions and communities. The drug discovery effort is targeted to the search for agents for therapies against malaria (antimalarial assay of plant extracts, using Plasmodium falciparum clones), AIDS (anti-HIV-l activity using HOG.R5 reporter cell line (through transactivation of the green fluorescent protein/GFP gene), cancer (screening of plant extracts in 6 human tumor cell lines - KB, Col-2, LU-l, LNCaP, HUVEC, hTert-RPEl), tuberculosis (screening of extracts in the microplate Alamar Blue assay against Mycobacterium tuberculosis $H_{37}Ra\;and\;H_{37}Rv),$ all performed at UIC, and CNS-related diseases (with special focus on Alzheimer's disease, pain and rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma), peformed at Glaxo Smith Kline (UK). Source plants were selected based on two approaches: biodiversity-based (plants of Cuc Phuong National Park) and ethnobotany-based (medicinal plants of Cuc Phuong National Park in Vietnam and medicinal plants of Laos). At mc, as of July, 2001, active leads had been identified in the anti-HIV, anticancer, antimalarial, and anti- TB assay, after the screening of more than 800 extracts. At least 25 biologically active compounds have been isolated, 13 of which are new with anti-HIV activity, and 3 also new with antimalarial activity. At GSK of 21 plant samples with a history of use to treat CNS-related diseases tested to date, a number showed activity against one or more of the CNS assay targets used, but no new compounds have been isolated. The results of the drug discovery effort to date indicate that tropical plant diversity of Vietnam and Laos unquestionably harbors biologically active chemical entities, which, through further research, may eventually yield candidates for drug development. Although the substantial monetary benefit of the drug discovery process (royalties) is a long way off, the UIC ICBG program provides direct and real-term benefits to host country institutions and communities.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 1985

Seven different strains of lactic bacteria and 13 combinations of these microorganisms were tested for their acid forming capacity on a vegetable milk made from lupinseed protein concentrate(LPC). L acidophilus, L casei, S. lactis, L. mesenteroides, mixed culture of L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus, and mixed culture of S. lactis and L. mesenteroides were selected and further tested for their growth pattern and acid forming property on lupinseed milk both untreated and partly hydrolized one with carbohydrate decomposing enzymes. The enzyme hydrolized lupinseed milk had 1.5 folds of total free sugar, 8.2 folds of fructose, 3 folds glucose, 2.3 folds maltose, compared to the untreated lupinseed milk. For the untreated lupinseed milk, L. mesenteroides was appeared to be most suitable microorganism having the maximum cell concentration of 1.0 $\times$ 10$^{9}$ $m\ell$ and the final pH 4.40 with the acidity 0.46％. For the enzyme treated lupinseed milk, mixed culture of L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus showed the best performance having 1.9$\times$10$^{9}$ $m\ell$ maximum cell number and the final pH and acidity were 3.69 and 1.13％, respectively. Lactic acid fermentation altered the physical property of lupinseed milk; by fermentation the viscosity generally increased with untreated lupinseed milk, but decreased with enzyme hydrolized one. The viscosity change and sedimentation rate of fermented milk varied with the type of lactic bacteria. The results of sensory evaluation indicated that S. lactis, L. casei, mixed culture of S. lactis and L. mesenteroides, and mixed culture of L. acidophilus and S. thermophilus, grown on enzyme hydrolized lupinseed milk, could produce acceptable lactic beverage.