• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.6
• /
• pp.825-830
• /
• 2010

Two diallelic markers at candidate gene loci, the prolactin receptor 3 (PRLR3) gene and the retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene were evaluated for their association with growth and litter size traits in Berkshire. Genetic evaluation was conducted for 5,919 pigs with pedigree information, which included 3,480 growth performance records and 775 litter size records of 224 sows. From the same herd, genotyping was carried out on 144 and 156 animals for PRLR3 and RBP4, respectively. After assigning a genotype to subjects in which both parents had a homozygous genotype, numbers of genotyped animals increased to 474 and 338, for the PRLR3 gene and RBP4 gene, respectively. The genotype effects of two markers were estimated with breeding values of the genotyped animals. The additive effects of total number of piglets born and number of piglets born alive in the PRLR3 locus were -0.28 and -0.13, respectively. The dominance effect of the RBP4 locus on average daily gain was -10.58 g. However, the polymorphism of the RBP4 locus in total number of piglets born and number of piglets born alive has shown -0.34 and -0.33 of the additive genetic effects. In view of the results, MAS (marker-assisted selection) favoring B alleles of RBP4 and PRLR3 loci could potentially accelerate the rate of the genetic improvement in the litter size traits.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.15-23
• /
• 2013

AprE51 from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CH51 is a 27 kDa subtilisin-like protease with fibrinolytic activity. AprE51-6 showing increased catalytic activity was produced previously. To enhance the thermostability of AprE51-6, 2 residues, Gly-166 and Asn-218 based on B. subtilis subtilisin E were mutated by site-directed mutagenesis. The results of the mutational analysis showed that substitution of arginine for Gly-166 (AprE51-7) increased the fibrinolytic activity 1.8-fold. An N218S mutant (AprE51-8) also increased the fibrinolytic activity up to 4.5-fold in a fibrin plate assay. Purified AprE51-7 and AprE51-8 mutants had a 1.9- and a 2.5-fold higher $k_{cat}$, respectively, and a 2.1-1.9-fold lower $K_m$, respectively. This resulted in a 3.8- and a 4.7-fold increase in catalytic efficiency ($k_{cat}/K_m$), respectively, relative to that of wild-type AprE51. AprE51-8 had a broader pH range than AprE51-6 and nattokinase, especially at an alkaline pH value. In addition, AprE51-8 showed higher thermostability than AprE51-6 at $60^{\circ}C$. The half-lives of AprE51-7 and AprE51-8 at $50^{\circ}C$ were 21.5 and 27.3 min, respectively, which are 2.0 and 2.6 times longer, respectively, than that of the wild-type AprE51.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.202-210
• /
• 2017

As an effort to find a potential biopreservative, we isolated bacterial strains producing bacteriocin from fermented foods. A strain was finally selected and characteristics of the bacteriocin were investigated. The selected strain was identified as Bacillus subtilis E9-1 based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis. The culture supernatant of B. subtilis E9-1 showed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Subtilisin A, ${\alpha}$-chymotrypsin, trypsin and proteinase K inactivated the antimicrobial activity, which means its proteinaceous nature, a bacteriocin. The bacteriocin activity was fully retained at the pH range from 2.0 to 8.0 and stable at up to $100^{\circ}C$ for 60 min. Solvents such as ethanol, isopropanol and methanol had no effect on the antimicrobial activity at the concentration of 100% but acetone and acetonitrile reduced the activity at up to 100% concentration. Cell growth of four indicator strains was dramatically decreased in dose-dependent manner. Listeria monocytogenes was the most sensitive, but Enterococcus faecium was the most resistant. Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus showed the medium sensitivity. The bacteriocin showed its antimicrobial activity against B. cereus and L. monocytogenes via bactericidal action. The number of viable cells of L. monocytogenes started to reduce after addition of bacteriocin to the minced beef. The bacteriocin was purified through acetone concentration, gel filtration chromatography and RP-HPLC. The whole purification step led to a 6.82 fold increase in the specific activity and 6% yield of bacteriocin activity. The molecular weight of the purified bacteriocin was determined to be 3.3 kDa by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.180-186
• /
• 2017

We investigated the antioxidant activities of water and ethanol extracts from Spirodela polyrhiza (SP) through in vitro assays. The total phenolic contents of SP water and ethanol extracts were 52.75-293.4 and 60.12-398.4 mg/g, respectively. The total flavonoid content of SP ethanol extract (38.25-159.4 mg/g) was higher than that of SP water extract (38.25-67.75 mg/g). The water and ethanol extracts from SP scavenged the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and 2,2'-azino-di-2-ethyl-benzothia-zoline sulfonate (ABTS) radical in a dose-dependent manner in the concentration range of $100-2,500{\mu}g/ml$. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the SP ethanol extract (2.87%-59.5%) was higher than that of the water extract (4.12%-81.52%). The $IC_{50}s$ of the DPPH radical scavenging activity of water and ethanol extracts were 2,100 and $1,034{\mu}g/ml$ respectively. The ABTS radical scavenging activities of SP water and ethanol extracts were 8.30%-83.16% and 13.11%-8.34% respectively. The $IC_{50}s$ of the ABTS radical scavenging activity of SP water and ethanol extracts were 798.7 and $457.1{\mu}g/ml$, respectively. The reducing power activities of SP water and ethanol extracts were 0.055-1.122 and 0.140-1.428, respectively ($500-4,000{\mu}g/ml$). The soybean lipoxygenase (SLO) radical scavenging activities of SP water and ethanol extracts were 157.7%-168.0% and 148.0%-169.4%, respectively. These results suggest that the water and ethanol extracts of SP may be useful as a potential antioxidant.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.27 no.11
• /
• pp.1315-1323
• /
• 2017

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant (Curcuma longa (CL)) of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. A yellow-pigmented fraction isolated from the rhizomes of CL contains curcuminoids belonging to the dicinnamoyl methane group. Curcumin is an important active ingredient responsible for the biological activity of CL. However, CL is not usually used as a food source due to its bitter taste. The present study was designed to determine the effect of the CL fermented by Rhizopus oryzae (FCL) on pro-inflammatory factors such as nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$), tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin $E_2$ ($PGE_2$), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cell line. The cell viability was determined by MTT assay. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of FCL 80% EtOH extracts, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ were measured by ELISA kit. Also, the amount of $NO/PGE_2/NF-{\kappa}B$ was measured using the $NO/PGE_2/NF-{\kappa}B$ detection kit and the iNOS/COX-2 expression was measured by Western blotting. The results showed that the FCL reduced NO, $PGE_2$, iNOS, COX-2, $NF-{\kappa}B$, IL-6 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ production without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that FCL extracts may be a developed the functional food related to anti-inflammation due to the significant effects on inflammatory factors.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.158-169
• /
• 2005

This study was done to evaluate the shear bond strength between light-cured glass ionomer cement (GIC) base and resin cement for luting indirect resin inlay and to observe bonding aspects which is produced at the interface between them by SEM. Two types of light cured GIC (Fuji II LC Improved, GC Co. Tokyo, Japan and Vitrebond$^{TM}$, 3M, Paul Minnesota U.S.A) were used in this study. For shear bond test, GIC specimens were made and immersed in 37$^{\circ}C$ distilled water for 1 hour, 24 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks. Eighty resin inlays were prepared with Artglass$^{(R)}$ (Heraeus Kultzer Germany) and luted with Variolink$^{(R)}$ II (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Shear bond strength of each specimen was measured and fractured surface were examined. Statistical analysis was done with one-way ANOVA. Twenty four extracted human third molars were selected and Class II cavities were prepared and GIC based at axiopulpal lineangle. The specimens were immersed in 37$^{\circ}C$ distilled water for 1 hour, 24 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks. And then the resin inlays were luted to prepared teeth. The specimens were sectioned vertically with low speed saw. The bonding aspect of the specimens were observed by SEM (JSM-5400$^{(R)}$, Jeol, Tokyo, Japan) .There was no significant difference between the shear bond strength according to storage periods of light cured GIC base. And cohesive failure was mostly appeared in GIC On scanning electron micrograph, about 30 - 120 $\mu$m of the gaps were observed on the interface between GIC base and dentin. No gaps were observed on the interface between GTC and resin inlay.

• KSBB Journal
• /
• v.20 no.5 s.94
• /
• pp.376-382
• /
• 2005

Avermectin (AVM) $B_{1a}$ produced by Streptomyces avermitilis via polyketide pathway is a secondary metabolite with powerful anthelmintic and insecticidal activities, thus being used as an efficient agent in the field of agriculture and animal health. It has been reported that a precursor for AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthesis was isoleucine and the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$ was closely similar to that of fatty acid. Based on understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$, we intended to screen various mutants resistant against O-methyl threonine (OMT), an isoleucine-anti metabolite, and/or mutants resistant against p-fluoro phenoxy acetic acid (pFAC), an inhibitor of fatty acid biosynthesis. It was inferred that these mutants could produce AVM $B_{1a}$ more efficiently, due to the acquired capability of not only overproducing isoleucine intracellularly but also channelling metabolized carbon-sources into the polyketide pathway, thus leading to enhanced biosynthesis of AVM $B_{1a}$. The resulting mutant (PFA-1 strain) resistant against 100 ppm of pFAC was able to produce approximately 42 fold higher amount of AVM $B_{1a}$ compared to the parallel mother strain (4,200 vs. 100 units/l). In addition, through the process of continuous strain improvement program carried out by gradually increasing the OMT concentration, it was possible to obtain a more attractive mutant with greater AVM $B_{1a}$ production capacity (9,000 units/l). Notable was that significantly higher producer (12,000 units/l) could be selected through further screening of the resistant mutants, this time, to even higher concentration of PFAC. Meanwhile, through the analysis of AVM Bla production histograms (i.e., number of strains according to their AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthetic ability) for the earlier strains in comparison with the high producers having the characteristics of resistance to OMT and pFAC, it was found that production stability of the high-yielding producers were remarkably improved, as demonstrated by the fact that larger proportion of the mutated strains had greater capability of AVM $B_{1a}$ biosynthesis ($71\%$ in the range between 5,000 and 7,000 units/L; $47\%$ in the range between 6,000 and 7,000 units/l). Based on these consequences, it was concluded that the rational screening strategy based on the understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of AVM $B_{1a}$ was very effective in obtaining high-yielding mutants with the features of enhanced production stability.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.65-74
• /
• 2009

It is expected that the number of apartment complexes in Korea that are over 20 years old will rapidly increase to more than 3,500,000. Consequently, the remodeling of these buildings is being revitalized throughout the country. Among the requirements for such remodeling, the expansion of parking lots has considerable weight. When enlarging a parking lot, the access route from an underground floor to the main building (i.e., the means of entry into the main building) determines the possibility of vertical enlargement for elevators, the size of the parking lot, the construction period, and construction expenses, etc. When enlarging an underground parking lot of an apartment complex, the access between the main building and the parking lot, as well as the inhabitants' requirements for entering the main building, are generally determined based on the designer's experience, rather than on the exact estimation of the peculiarity of the complex. In order to resolve such a problem, when enlarging an underground parking lot, a systematic and rational method is needed for selecting the means of entry into the main building. In this study, a selection model is derived for the method of selecting an access route into the main building when constructing an underground parking lot, in order to provide a reasonable decision-making process. A research method was investigated for determining the access route into the main building when enlarging a parking lot. On the basis of research carried out through in-depth interviews with experts, the characteristics for each means of entry into the main building were analyzed and the factors affecting the selection of the access route were deduced. The affecting factors selected were construction efficiency, convenience efficiency and economic efficiency. Weight values were then estimated for the selected affecting factors by applying the AHP method. Results showed that convenience efficiency, which gained the highest value, is the most important factor in selecting the means of entry into the main building. The most suitable means of entry into the main building was also suggested after estimating the applicability of the site by selecting complexes with remodeling possibility. This study will be applied as a reference for selecting the means of entry into the main building when constructing an underground parking lot particularly for older apartment complexes.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.28 no.2
• /
• pp.119-126
• /
• 2012

State of problem: Cement-retained implant-supported prostheses are routinely used in dentistry. The use of high strength cements has become more popular with the increasing confidence in the stability of the implant-abutment screw connection and the high survival rates of osseointegrated implants. No clinical data on retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM. To evaluate retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM system bonded to short titanium abutment with four different cements and compare retentive strength of metal copings with sandblasting or without sandblasting before cementation. Forty titanium abutment blocks were fabricated and divided into 4 groups of 10 samples each. Forty metal copings with occlusal hole to allow for retention testing were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. The four cements were Fujicem(Fuji, Japan), Maxcem Elite(Kerr, USA), Panavia F2.0(Kurarary, Japan) and Superbond C&B(Sunmedical, Japan). The copings were cemented on the titanium abutment according to manufacture's recommendation. All samples were stored for 24h at 37oC in 100% humidity and tested for retention using universal testing machine(Instron) at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min. Force at retentive failure was recorded in Newton. The mode of failure was also recorded. Means and standard deviations of loads at failure were analyzed using ANOVA and Paired t-test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Panavia F2.0 provided significantly higher retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(P<0.05). Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The mode of failure was cement remaining principally on metal copings. Within the limitation of this study, Panavia F2.0 showed significantly stronger retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(p<0.05). The Ranking order of the cements to retain the copings was Panavia F2.0, Fujicem = Maxcem Elite. Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The retentive strength of metal copings on implant abutment were influenced by surface roughness and type of cements.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.13-22
• /
• 2009

The composite resin, due to its esthetic quality, is considered the material of choice for restoration of anterior teeth. To get a satisfactory result in the composite resin restorations, it is necessary to choose right shade. At present, most of the commercial composite resins are based on the Vita Lumin shade guides or shade guides that are provided by their company, but color differences among them might be expected even using the same shade in various materials. This study is to measure color differences between various light-cured composite resins and shade guides and to provide the clinicians with information which may aid in improved color match of esthetic restoration. Four kinds of light-cured composite resins (Gradia Direct (GD), Z250 (Z250), Clearfil AP-X (AP-X), Esthet X (E X)) and shade guides with A2 and A3 shade were used. Three specimens of each material and one specimen of each shade guide were made. Each composite resin was filled into the Teflon mold (1.35 mm depth, 8 mm diameter), followed by compression, polymerization and polishing with wet sandpaper. Shade guides were grinded with polishing stones and rubber points to a thickness of approximately 1.35 mm. Color characteristics were performed with a spectrophotometer(color i5, GretagMacbeth, USA). A computer-controlled spectrophotometer was used to determine CIELAB coordinates ($L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$) of each specimen and shade guide. The CIELAB measurements made it possible to evaluate the amount of the color difference values (${\Delta}E^*ab$) between composite resins and shade guides. CIE standard D65 was used as the light source. The results were as follows : 1. Among the $L^*$, $a^*$, $b^*$ values of most of 4 kinds of composite resin specimens which are produced by same shade, there were significant differences(p<0.05). 2. Among all 4 kinds of composite resin specimens which are produced by same shade, there were color differences that is perceptible to human eye(${\Delta}E^*>3.3$). 3. Between most of composite resin specimens investigated and their corresponding shade guides, there were color differences that is perceptible to human eye(${\Delta}E^*>3.3$). 4. In the clinical environment, it is recommended that custom shade guides be made from resin material itself for better color matching. Shade guides supplied by manufacturers or Vita Lumin shade guide may not provide clinicians a accurate standard in matching color of composite resins, and there are perceptible color differences in most of products. Therefore, it is recommended that custom shade guides be made from resin material itself and used for better color matching.