• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1049-1054
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• 2006

Activation of Sphingosine kinase (Sphk) increases a bioactive lipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and has been observed in a variety of cancer cells. Therefore, inhibition of Sphk activity was an important target for the development of anticancer drugs. As a searching tool for Sphk inhibitor, we developed fluorescent Sphk activity assay combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Previously we established murine teraticarcinoma mutant F9-12 cells which lack S1P lyase and stably express Sphk1. By using F9-12 cells, optimal assay conditions were established as follows; $100\;{\mu}M\;of\;C_{17}-Sph\;and\;30\;{\mu}g$ protein of F9-12 cells lysate in 20 min. Sphingosine analog $C_{17}-Sph$ was efficiently phosphorylated by Sphk activity ($K_{m}:67.08\;{\mu}M,\;V_{max}\;:1507.5\;pmol/min/mg$). New product $C_{17}-S1P$ was separated from S1P in reversed-phase HPLC. In optimized conditions, 300 nM of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased Sphk activity approximately twice while $20\;{\mu}M$ of N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) reduced 70% of Sphk activity in F9-12 cells lysate. In conclusion, we established non-radioactive but convenient Sphk assay system by using HPLC and F9-12 cells.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.549-554
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• 2006

To standardize a manufacturing method and improve the quality of traditional kochujang, eight-types of meju with different shapes (brick, grain) were prepared using Aspergillus oryzae (A.o) or Aspergillus sojae (A.s) alone or in combination with Bacillus subtilis (B.s). The physicochemical characteristics and enzyme activities of the various meju were compared during fermentation for 12 days at $28^{\circ}C$. The moisture content of both the brick- and grain-shaped meju were gradually decreased from an initial content of 50.47 to 54.89% to a content of 12.91 to 16.25% on day 12 of fermentation. The neutral protease activities of the brick-shaped meju ranged from $1.19{\pm}0.12$ to $1.25{\pm}0.28\;unit/mL$, and were similar for all treatments. The ${\alpha}$-amylase activities in A.s+B.s treatment of brick-shaped and grain-shaped meju were the highest, $11{\pm}0.6$ and $9{\pm}0.7\;unit/mL$, respectively. The ${\beta}$-amylase activities ranged from $1.53{\pm}0.01$ to $1.56{\pm}0.02\;unit/mL$, and were similar for all treatments. The amino type nitrogen content of A.o+B.s brick-shaped meju was the highest, $0.39{\pm}0.03%$. We confirmed that the brick-shaped meju prepared with A. oryzae and B. subtilis could be used to prepare traditional kochujang to improve the quality of the product.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.416-429
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• 2021

Raru is a lesser-known plant species originating from North Sumatra, Indonesia. Information on the characteristics is still limited, especially its chemical component. Therefore, this study aims to examine the chemical composition information of Cotylelobium lanceolatum, Cotylelobium melanoxylon, and Vatica pauciflora woods based on their axial log positions (bottom, middle, and top). The wood chemical analysis was performed in terms of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) method. Furthermore, the analysis measured holocellulose, 𝛼-cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content, alcohol benzene extractive content, the extractive substance in hot and water, and solubility in NaOH 1%. The results indicated that the species and their log axial positions affected different chemical components, which included 𝛼-cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of C. lanceolatum amounting to 41.88%, 19.39%, and 28.68% respectively. Meanwhile, for C. Melanoxylon, they were 42.01%, 21.11%, and 24.76% respectively; and for V. pauciflora wood, they were 42.95%, 23.24%, and 30.11% respectively. The average values of the extractive contents including the solubility in 1: 2 ethanol benzene, NaOH, and hot water for C. lanceolatum, C. melanoxylon, and V. pauciflora wood were (10.58%, 27.62%, 8.13%), (14.54%, 28.22%, 7.82%), and (10.95%, 28.60%, 7.57%) respectively. The wood species had a significant effect on chemical components including lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, and extractive solubility in cold water. Furthermore, the axial log position had a significant effect on all the parameters of the chemical composition of the wood being tested.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.327-341
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• 2021

The knowledge management was considered as the inevitable result of the rule of knowledge in this era, and its importance became clear in being the main source for achieving success, the need to consider and manage knowledge as an independent field that must be addressed with a clear scientific methodology has become intangible - they are very valuable and a strategic asset. On the other hand, the innovation process relates to all parts of the organization, and helps to improve the behavioral patterns of individuals and their attitudes towards adopting modern and innovative ideas, it is a purposeful process adopted by the senior management and works to provide the capabilities and requirements for embodying the innovative behavior in it. In the field of dealing with the market, it is a product of the organization's innovative approach, which aims at advancement, change, and intended and organized renewal. The main objective of this article is to determine the most appropriate ways to integrate knowledge management mechanisms to employ innovation factors within universities based on the role of universities in supporting innovation. This was achieved through reviewing many relevant research and listing the most prominent concepts of knowledge management, its importance, objectives, and processes determining the stages of knowledge management application, the requirements for applying knowledge management, and the obstacles that impede its application; Then the statement "Innovation in universities, through which it addressed the concept of innovation, its importance, stages, and requirements for its application, as well as identifying the most prominent models of innovation, and obstacles to innovation, in addition to that the role of universities in supporting innovation will be identified. From the surveyed study done in this article, we concluded that the relationship among organizational culture, knowledge management and innovation capability can provide useful insights for managers regarding developing a strong culture, promote knowledge management practices effectively and eventually enhance the whole organization's innovation capability. Also, we found that different components of Knowledge Management as Knowledge activities, Knowledge types, transformation of knowledge and technology have a significant positive effect in bringing innovation through transformation of knowledge into knowledge assets in universities.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.95-101
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• 2019

Objectives: Angiotensin II (AngII), a major product of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has important role in induction of hypertension and antihypertensive effect of several medicinal plant was mediated by effect on this agent. Therefore, this study examined the possible effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Crocus sativus (C. sativus) on hypertension induced by AngII. Methods: Six groups (n = 6) of rats were used as follow: 1) Control, 2) AngII (300 ng/kg), 3) Losartan (Los, 10 mg/kg) + AngII and 4-6) C. sativus extract (10, 20 & 40 mg/kg,) + AngII. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for recording cardiovascular parameters and drugs administration, respectively. All drugs were injected intravenously (i.v). Los and all doses of C. sativus injected 10 min before AngII. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout the experiment and those peak changes (${\Delta}$) were calculated and compared to control and AngII. Results: AngII significantly increased ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$ and ${\Delta}HR$ than control (P < 0. 01 to P < 0.001) and these increments were significantly attenuated by Los. All doses of C. sativus significantly reduced peak ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$, and ${\Delta}HR$ than AngII group (P < 0. 05 to P < 0.001). In addition, peak ${\Delta}MAP$, ${\Delta}SBP$ in doses 10 and 20 were significant than Los + AngII group (P<0.05 to P< 0.01) but in dose 40 only MAP was significant (P<0.05). Peak ${\Delta}HR$ in all doses of C sativus was not significant than Los+ AngII. Conclusion: Regarding the improving effect of the C. sativus extract on AngII induced hypertension, it seems that this ameliorating effect partly mediated through inhibition of RAS.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.339-344
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• 2022

The development of drug resistance is one of the most severe concerns of malaria control because it increases the risk of malaria morbidity and death. A new candidate drug with antiplasmodial activity is urgently needed. This study evaluated the efficacy of different dosages of aqueous extract of Strychnos ligustrina combined with dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine phosphate (DHP) against murine Plasmodium berghei infection. The BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into 6 groups, each consisting of 10 mice. The growth inhibition of compounds against P. berghei was monitored by calculating the percentage of parasitemia. The results showed that the mice receiving aqueous extract and combination treatment showed growth inhibition of P. berghei in 74% and 94%, respectively. S. ligustrina extract, which consisted of brucine and strychnine, effectively inhibited the multiplication of P. berghei. The treated mice showed improved hematology profiles, body weight, and temperature, as compared to control mice. Co-treatment with S. ligustrina extract and DHP revealed significant antimalarial and antipyretic effects. Our results provide prospects for further discovery of antimalarial drugs that may show more successful chemotherapeutic treatment.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.36-44
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• 2021

The essential oils from the aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Spiraea hypericifolia L. (Rosaceae), collected in Northern Kazakhstan, were obtained by distillation in two dispersion media (distilled water and 15% NaCl solution). The chemical composition of the essential oils was evaluated by GC-MS for the first time. The yield of the essential oil was 0.04% (in fresh growth conditions) and 0.02% (in dry growth conditions) respectively regardless of which dispersion media (H2O or 15% NaCl solution) was used at the isolation of essential oil. The main compounds were aliphatic hydrocarbons (alkanes) (40.6-53.2%), aldehydes (8.4-17.4%), diterpenoids (9.1-16.7%) and ketones (6.2-8.7%). Content of monoterpenoids was depended on dispersion media (2.2-3.6% where H2O was dispersion media and 8.4-8.5% where 15% NaCl solution was dispersion media). n-Heneicosane (17.4-34.1%) and n-tricosane (14.3-19.5%) were the main constituents of the essential oil of S. hypericifolia. There were many insects from different classes in S. hypericifolia at flowering. Important components such as α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (0.8-2.8%), benzyl cyanide (0.7-1.1%), β-damascenone (1.2-2.9%), (E,E)-4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (1.8-2.7%), β-ionone (0.5-1.8%) and others were detected in small amounts.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1834-1845
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• 2018

The lactobacilli associated with a fermented goat milk product from Tajikistan were isolated to characterize their technological properties and antibiotic resistances in order to assess their suitability for development as starter cultures. In this study, twenty three strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as typical dairy-associated lactic acid bacterial strains, i.e. L. plantarum, L. pentosus, L. delbrueckii, L. helveticus and L. paracasei. These strains were generally susceptible to most antibiotics tested in this study and this allowed a selection of strains as safe starters. The draft genomes of four representative strains were sequenced and the number of contigs of the four assembled genomes ranged from 51 to 245 and the genome sizes ranged from 1.75 to 3.24 Mbp. These representative strains showed differences in their growth behavior and pH-reducing abilities in in vitro studies. The co-inoculation of these Lactobacillus spp. strains together with a yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus MBT-5698, or together with the yeast and an additional Streptococcus thermophilus MBT-2, led to a pH reduction to 3.4 after 48 h. Only in the case of fermentation inoculated with the co-culture, the viscosity of the milk increased noticeably. In contrast, fermentations with single strains did not lead to gelation of the milk or to a decrease in the pH after 24h. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the predominant lactobacilli related to Tajikistani fermented milk products.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1612-1616
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• 2007

Physiological activities of the 70% ethanol extract from boiled-water of Enteroctopus dofleini (BE) upon a gamma irradiation were determined to examine the possible use of the food processing by-product as a functional material for food or cosmetic composition. Electron donating ability and the content of total phenolic compounds increased from 65% to 72% and from 406 ppm to 476 ppm, respectively, by 10 kGy gamma irradiation. A Salmonella mutagenicity assay indicated that the gamma-irradiated BE did not show any mutagenicity. Tyrosinase inhibition activity of the irradiated BE also increased from 57% to 86% with irradiation doses. These results show that irradiation can be used to increase the physiological activities of BE for its potential use as food or cosmetic materials.

• Fourth Industrial Review
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2021

Purpose - This case study analyzes the internationalization strategy and innovation strategy as key factors contributing to the business success of CAP, a small and medium-sized manufacturing company in Korea producing auto parts such as wipers. This study describes the diversification strategies conducted by CAP Corporation and highlights the company's core competencies that have largely contributed to their global competitive success. Research design, data, and methodology - This paper provides in-depth case study on how CAP was able to grow into a hidden champion company, focusing on their strategies since its establishment. In particular, by analyzing the success factors centering on CAP's aggressive innovation strategy and internationalization strategy, it presents guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises in Asian countries to become a Hidden Champion company. Result - CAP's product technology has successfully established innovative system on their product called 'vertebra spring' to distribute uniform pressure to the rubber to ensure performance as well as durability of their products. In order to continue benefiting from utilizing core competence and to continue pursuing technological advancement in the wiper industry, CAP has launched a wide range of products (flat blade, conventional blade, hybrid blade) applicable to 95% of the vehicle in the market. Conclusion - Taken together, CAP has many aspects of a hidden champion company by investing in R&D up to 8% of its annual sales to R&D investment even during the crises situation. This number is about 3.36 times higher than the average ratio of listed companies in Korea. Furthermore, the leadership of the management team as well as their vision toward the global market and strong commitment to innovation enabled CAP to become the world's fifth-largest wiper and Asia's No. 1 wiper manufacturer.