• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2011

Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) signals have been implicated in regulating plant development and responses to the environmental stresses including a programmed cell death pathway. In animals and plants, cytosolic $Ca^{2+}$ signals have been involved in the activation of programmed cell death (PCD). Recently, we reported that disruption of Arabidopsis vacuolar $\b{A}$utoinhibited $\underline{C}a^{2+}$-$\b{A}$TPases (ACAs), ACA4 and ACA11, resulted in the activation of a salicylic acid-dependent programmed cell death pathway. Although extensive studies have revealed various components of a PCD in plants, executors to directly induce PCD are well unknown. Here, we provide that the vacuolar processing enzymes (VPEs) are involved in a PCD induced by the double knockout mutant of vacuolar $Ca^{2+}$-ATPases in Arabidopsis. The gene expression of VPE was rapidly up-regulated and the enzyme activity of VPE was increased in the double mutant plants. We also generated aca4/aca11/avpe, aca4/aca11/${\gamma}$vpe and aca4/aca11/avpe/${\gamma}$vpe mutant plants. Although cell death phenotype of the double mutant plants was not completely disappeared in the triple and quadruple mutant plants, the triple and quadruple mutant plants showed to significantly delay cell death phenotype of the double mutant plants. These results suggest that the VPE is involved in the HR-like cell death in the double mutant of vacuolar $Ca^{2+}$-ATPases in Arabidopsis.

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.249-268
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• 2005

Drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) play central roles in the metabolism, elimination and detoxification of xenobiotics and drugs introduced into the human body. Most of the tissues and organs in our body are well equipped with diverse and various DMEs including phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes and phase III transporters, which are present in abundance either at the basal unstimulated level, and/or are inducible at elevated level after exposure to xenobiotics. Recently, many important advances have been made in the mechanisms that regulate the expression of these drug metabolism genes. Various nuclear receptors including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), orphan nuclear receptors, and nuclear factor-erythoroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) have been shown to be the key mediators of drug-induced changes in phase I, phase II metabolizing enzymes as well as phase III transporters involved in efflux mechanisms. For instance, the expression of CYP1 genes can be induced by AhR, which dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator (Arnt) , in response to many polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs). Similarly, the steroid family of orphan nuclear receptors, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), both heterodimerize with the ret-inoid X receptor (RXR), are shown to transcriptionally activate the promoters of CYP2B and CYP3A gene expression by xenobiotics such as phenobarbital-like compounds (CAR) and dexamethasone and rifampin-type of agents (PXR). The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR), which is one of the first characterized members of the nuclear hormone receptor, also dimerizes with RXR and has been shown to be activated by lipid lowering agent fib rate-type of compounds leading to transcriptional activation of the promoters on CYP4A gene. CYP7A was recognized as the first target gene of the liver X receptor (LXR), in which the elimination of cholesterol depends on CYP7A. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was identified as a bile acid receptor, and its activation results in the inhibition of hepatic acid biosynthesis and increased transport of bile acids from intestinal lumen to the liver, and CYP7A is one of its target genes. The transcriptional activation by these receptors upon binding to the promoters located at the 5-flanking region of these GYP genes generally leads to the induction of their mRNA gene expression. The physiological and the pharmacological implications of common partner of RXR for CAR, PXR, PPAR, LXR and FXR receptors largely remain unknown and are under intense investigations. For the phase II DMEs, phase II gene inducers such as the phenolic compounds butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), green tea polyphenol (GTP), (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and the isothiocyanates (PEITC, sul­foraphane) generally appear to be electrophiles. They generally possess electrophilic-medi­ated stress response, resulting in the activation of bZIP transcription factors Nrf2 which dimerizes with Mafs and binds to the antioxidant/electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE) promoter, which is located in many phase II DMEs as well as many cellular defensive enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), with the subsequent induction of the expression of these genes. Phase III transporters, for example, P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2) are expressed in many tissues such as the liver, intestine, kidney, and brain, and play crucial roles in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion. The orphan nuclear receptors PXR and GAR have been shown to be involved in the regulation of these transporters. Along with phase I and phase II enzyme induction, pretreatment with several kinds of inducers has been shown to alter the expression of phase III transporters, and alter the excretion of xenobiotics, which implies that phase III transporters may also be similarly regulated in a coordinated fashion, and provides an important mean to protect the body from xenobiotics insults. It appears that in general, exposure to phase I, phase II and phase III gene inducers may trigger cellular 'stress' response leading to the increase in their gene expression, which ultimately enhance the elimination and clearance of these xenobiotics and/or other 'cellular stresses' including harmful reactive intermediates such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), so that the body will remove the 'stress' expeditiously. Consequently, this homeostatic response of the body plays a central role in the protection of the body against 'environmental' insults such as those elicited by exposure to xenobiotics.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.333-337
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• 2009

A new malting barley variety, "Daho", was developed from the cross between "Milyang85 and Suwon335" at the Department of Rice and Winter Cereal Crop (DRWCC) NICS, in 2007. An elite line, YMB2064-B-8-2-4-1-1, was selected in 2004 and designated as "Milyang134". It showed good agronomic performance in the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT) from 2005 to 2007 and was released with the name of "Daho", having high yielding and BaYMV resistance. The average heading and maturing dates of "Daho" were April 19 and May 27, which were 2 days later and 1 day earlier than those of "Jinyang", leading variety, at the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT), respectively. "Daho" had longer culm length (84 cm), more spikes per $m^2$ (915) and higher 1,000 grain weight (39.2 g) than those of "Jinyang" in paddy field condition. "Daho" was showed resistance to BaYMV at the regions of Naju, Jinju, and Milyang but moderately resistance at Iksan. However, the response of "Daho" to other environmental stresses was similar to "Jinyang". The yields of "Daho" at upland and paddy fields were about 5.20 MT/ha, 4.81 MT/ha, respectively, which is about 38%, 25% higher than those of "Jinyang" in the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT), respectively. It has higher grain assortment, germination capacity, water sensitivity and Kolback index but lower malt extract, diastatic power and filtration speed than those of "Jinyang".

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.328-332
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• 2009

A new malting barley variety, "Oreum", was developed from the a cross between 'Kinuyutaka' and 'Samdobori' at the Honam Agricultural Research Institute (HARI) in 2006. An elite line, YMB2077-2B-24-1-2, was selected in 2003 and designated as 'Milyang132'. It showed good agronomic performance in the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT) from 2004 to 2006, and was released with the name of "Oreum" having high yielding and BaYMV resistance. The average heading and maturing dates of "Oreum" were April 18 and May 24, which were 2 days later than 'Jinyang', a leading variety, at RYT. "Oreum" had longer culm length (75 cm), more spikes per $m^2$ (990), and lighter 1,000 grain weight (35.2 g) than those of 'Jinyang' in paddy field conditions. It was showed resistance to BaYMV at the regions of Naju, Jinju and Milyang but moderate resistance at Iksan. However, the response to other environmental stresses of was similar to 'Jinyang' The yield potential of "Oreum" was about 5.43 MT/ha, 4.93 MT/ha in upland and paddy fields which was about 80%, 35% higher than Jinyang in the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT), respectively. It has good malting quality including high grain assortment, germination capacity ratio, water sensitivity and high the malt production and the extract and short filtration speed than those of 'Jinyang'.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.484-489
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• 2008

A new whole crop silage barley cultivar, "Youngyang", was developed from the cross between "Bunong and Milyang55 at the Yeongnam Agricultural Research Institute (YARI) in 2002. An elite line, YB3882-3B-17-1-3-1, was selected in 1999 and designated as "Milyang111". It showed good agronomic performance in the regional adaptation yield trials (RYT) from 2000 to 2002 and was released by the name of "Youngyang" with higher yield and better animal feed quality than that of Olbori. The average heading and maturing dates of Youngyang were May 2 and June 6, which were late by 2 & 1 days than those of Olbori, respectively, in Suwon. Youngyang had longer culm length, 83cm but it had lesser spikes per $m^2$ 637 than that of Olbori, respectively, in RYT from 2000 to 2002. The rate of leaf sheath/whole length (culm+leaf) and the rate of the grains/whole crop weight was similar to Olbori. It showed resistance to BaYMV at the regions of Naju, Jinju, Milyang andt Iksan. however, the response of Youngyang to other environmental stresses (tolerance of cold and wet) was similar to Olbori. The dried whole crop yield potential of Youngyang in the RYT was about 11.67 MT/ha in paddy fields which was about 18% higher than that of Olbori. The grain yield potential was 6.32 MT/ha in paddy fields which was about 5% higher than that of Olbori. Youngyang had lower rate of shattering, higher content of protein and NDF, lower ADF and TDN, and better quality of silage than those of Olbori.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.719-728
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• 2021

Melanin pigments are abundantly distributed in mammalian skin, hair, eyes, and nervous system. Under normal physiological conditions, melanin protects the skin against various environmental stresses and acts as a physiological redox buffer to maintain homeostasis. However, abnormal melanin accumulation results in various hyperpigmentation conditions, such as chloasma, freckles, senile lentigo, and inflammatory pigmentation. Tyrosinase, a copper-containing enzyme, plays an important role in the regulation of the melanin pigment biosynthetic pathway. Although several whitening agents based on tyrosinase inhibition have been developed, their side effects, such as allergies, DNA damage, mutagenesis, and cytotoxicity of melanocytes, limit their applications. In this study, we synthesized 4-chromanone derivatives (MHY compounds) and investigated their ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity. Of these compounds, (E)-3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)chroman-4-one (MHY1294) more potently inhibited the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 5.1±0.86 μM) than kojic acid (14.3±1.43 μM), a representative tyrosinase inhibitor. In addition, MHY1294 showed competitive inhibitory action at the catalytic site of tyrosinase and had greater binding affinity at this site than kojic acid. Furthermore, MHY1294 effectively inhibited α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin synthesis and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 melanoma cells. The results of the present study indicate that MHY1294 may be considered as a candidate pharmacological agent and cosmetic whitening ingredient.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.117-131
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• 2020

Although most species in genus Zostera inhabit shallow coastal areas and bays with weak wave energy, the Asian eelgrass, Zostera asiatica is distributed in deep water depth (8-15 m) unlike other seagrasses on the eastern coast of Korea. To examine factors limiting distribution Z. asiatica in relatively deep coastal areas, a transplantation experiment was conducted on October 2011, in which Z. asiatica shoots were transplanted from the reference site (donor meadow, ~9 m) to the shallow transplant site (~3 m). We compared shoot density, morphology, and productivity of Z. asiatica as well as environmental factors (underwater irradiance, water temperature, and nutrients) between the reference and transplant sites from October 2011 to September 2012. Shoot density and shoot height of transplants dramatically decreased within a few months after transplantation, but were similar with Z. asiatica in the reference site during spring. Shoot productivity were significantly higher in the transplant site than in reference site because of high light availability and nutrient concentrations. Transplants showed photoacclimatory responses such as higher rETR_max and E_k and lower photosynthetic efficiency in the transplant site than those in the reference site. Most of Z. asiatica transplant in the shallow transplant site disappeared in summer, which may be due to the high wave energy and physical damages induced by typhoons (TEMBIN and SANBA) in August and September 2012. According to the results of this study, Z. asiatica could not survive in shallow areas despite of more favorable light and nutrient conditions. Thus, Z. asiatica may restrictively occur in deep areas to avoid the intense physical stresses in the shallow area on the east coast of Korea.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.152-161
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• 2023

In general, large-capacity hydrogen storage vessels, typically in the form of vertical cylindrical vessels, are constructed using steel materials. These vessels are anchored to foundation slabs that are specially designed to suit the environmental conditions. This anchoring method involves pre-installed anchors on top of the concrete foundation slab. However, it's important to note that such a design can result in concentrated stresses at the anchoring points when external forces, such as seismic events, are at play. This may lead to potential structural damage due to anchor and concrete damage. For this reason, in this study, it selected an vertical hydrogen storage vessel based on site observations and created a 3D finite element model. Artificial seismic motions made following the procedures specified in ICC-ES AC 156, as well as domestic recorded earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 5.0, were applied to analyze the structural behavior and performance of the target structures. Conducting experiments on a structure built to actual scale would be ideal, but due to practical constraints, it proved challenging to execute. Therefore, it opted for an analytical approach to assess the safety of the target structure. Regarding the structural response characteristics, the acceleration induced by seismic motion was observed to amplify by approximately ten times compared to the input seismic motions. Additionally, there was a tendency for a decrease in amplification as the response acceleration was transmitted to the point where the centre of gravity is located. For the vulnerable components, specifically the sub-system (support columns and anchorages), the stress levels were found to satisfy the allowable stress criteria. However, the concrete's tensile strength exhibited only about a 5% margin of safety compared to the allowable stress. This indicates the need for mitigation strategies in addressing these concerns. Based on the research findings presented in this paper, it is anticipated that predictable load information for the design of storage vessels required for future shaking table tests will be provided.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.56 no.12
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• pp.993-1003
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• 2023

Due to the increasing greenhouse gas emissions, the global mean temperature has risen by 1.1℃ compared to pre-industrial levels, and significant changes are expected in functioning of water supply systems. In this study, we assessed impacts of climate change and instreamflow management on water supply reliability in the Geum River basin, Korea. We proposed univariate climate response functions, where mean precipitation and potential evaporation were coupled as an explanatory variable, to assess impacts of climate stress on multiple water supply reliabilities. To this end, natural streamflows were generated in the 19 sub-basins with the conceptual GR6J model. Then, the simulated streamflows were input into the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) model. The dynamic optimization by WEAP allowed us to assess water supply reliability against the 2020 water demand projections. Results showed that when minimizing the water shortage of the entire river basin under the 1991-2020 climate, water supply reliability was lowest in the Bocheongcheon among the sub-basins. In a scenario where the priority of instreamflow maintenance is adjusted to be the same as municipal and industrial water use, water supply reliability in the Bocheongcheon, Chogang, and Nonsancheon sub-basins significantly decreased. The stress tests with 325 sets of climate perturbations showed that water supply reliability in the three sub-basins considerably decreased under all the climate stresses, while the sub-basins connected to large infrastructures did not change significantly. When using the 2021-2050 climate projections with the stress test results, water supply reliability in the Geum River basin was expected to generally improve, but if the priority of instreamflow maintenance is increased, water shortage is expected to worsen in geographically isolated sub-basins. Here, we suggest that the climate response function can be established by a single explanatory variable to assess climate change impacts of many sub-basin's performance simultaneously.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.217-246
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• 2018

During the selection and characterization of target formations in the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin, we have carefully investigated the possibility of induced earthquakes and leakage of $CO_2$ during the injection, and have designed the storage processes to minimize these effects. However, people in Pohang city have a great concern on $CO_2$-injection-intrigued seismicity, since they have greatly suffered from the 5.4 magnitude earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. The research team of the project performed an extensive self-investigation on the safety issues, especially on the possible $CO_2$ leakage from the target formation and induced earthquakes. The target formation is 10 km apart from the epicenter of the Pohang earthquake and the depth is also quite shallow, only 750 to 800 m from the sea bottom. The project performed a pilot injection in the target formation from Jan. 12 to Mar. 12, 2017, which implies that there are no direct correlation of the Pohang earthquake on Nov. 15, 2017. In addition, the $CO_2$ injection of the storage project does not fracture rock formations, instead, the supercritical $CO_2$ fluid replaces formation water in the pore space gradually. The self-investigation results show that there is almost no chance for the injection to induce significant earthquakes unless injection lasts for a very long time to build a very high pore pressure, which can be easily monitored. The amount of injected $CO_2$ in the project was around 100 metric-tonne that is irrelevant to the Pohang earthquake. The investigation result on long-term safety also shows that the induced earthquakes or the reactivation of existing faults can be prevented successfully when the injection pressure is controlled not to demage cap-rock formation nor exceed Coulomb stresses of existing faults. The project has been performing extensive studies on critical stress for fracturing neighboring formations, reactivation stress of existing faults, well-completion processes to minimize possible leakage, transport/leakage monitoring of injected $CO_2$, and operation procedures for ensuring the storage safety. These extensive studies showed that there will be little chance in $CO_2$ leakage that affects human life. In conclusion, the Small-scale Offshore $CO_2$ Storage Demonstration Project in the Pohang Basin would not cause any induced earthquakes nor signifiant $CO_2$ leakage that people can sense. The research team will give every effort to secure the safety of the storage site.