• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.259-266
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• 2005

Steers (n=335) of known genetic backgrounds from four fundamentally different growth types were subjected to two production systems to study differences in carcass traits. Growth types were animals with genetic potential for large mature weight-late maturing, intermediate mature weight-late maturing, intermediate mature weight-early maturing and small mature weight-early maturing. Each year, in a nine-year study, calves of each growth type were weaned and five steers of each growth type were developed on pasture or feedlot and slaughtered at approximately 20 and 14 months of age, respectively. Data collected were pre-slaughter shrunk body weight (SBW); hot carcass weight (HCW); dressing percentage (DRESS); fat thickness at the $12^{th}$ and $13^{th}$ rib interface (FAT); percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH); longissimus muscle area (LMA); marbling score (MARB); quality grade (QG); and yield grade (YG). Year and growth type were significant for all carcass traits. The growth type${\times}$production system interaction was an important source of variation in SBW, HCW; FAT, YG and MARB. The same interaction was non-significant for DRESS, KPH, LMA and QG. Carcass differences in measures of fatness were greater in the feedlot system than in the pasture system. These data could aid producers in matching beef growth type to the production system most suitable for efficient use of resources.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.68-73
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• 2018

Substitution of hip and knee joints by CoCr alloys is in great demand due to their high wear resistance and good biocompatibility. Understanding of tribocorrosion in joint replacements requires study of variables such as coefficient of friction and the choice of a proper corrosive medium in wear-corrosion tests carried out in the lab. The objective of this study was to characterize tribocorrosion behaviour of CoCr alloy with low (LCCoCr) and high carbon (HCCoCr) contents in several corrosive media: NaCl, Phosphate Buffer Solution (PBS), and PBS with hyaluronic acid (PBS-HA). Tribocorrosion tests were carried out on a pin-on-disk tribometer with an integrated electrochemical cell. A normal load of 5N was applied on the alumina ball counterpart at a rotation rate of 120 rpm. Coefficient of friction (COF) was measured and tribocorrosion behaviour was characterized by in situ application of electrochemical techniques. HCCoCr alloy immersed in PBS-HA showed the best tribocorrosion behaviour with the lowest COF. In this case, in situ measurement of corrosion potential and the impedance data under wear corrosion process showed an active state while passive film was continuously destroyed without possibility of regeneration.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제24권8호
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• pp.1015-1025
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• 2014

Microorganisms that live in the rhizosphere play a pivotal role in the functioning and maintenance of soil ecosystems. The study of rhizospheric cyanobacteria has been hampered by the difficulty to culture and maintain them in the laboratory. The present work investigated the production of the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the potential of biofilm formation on the rhizoplane of pea plants by two cyanobacterial strains, isolated from rice rhizosphere. The unicellular cyanobacteria Chroococcidiopsis sp. MMG-5 and Synechocystis sp. MMG-8 that were isolated from a rice rhizosphere, were investigated. Production of IAA by Chroococcidiopsis sp. MMG-5 and Synechocystis sp. MMG-8 was measured under experimental conditions (pH and light). The bioactivity of the cyanobacterial auxin was demonstrated through the alteration of the rooting pattern of Pisum sativum seedlings. The increase in the concentration of L-tryptophan and the time that this amino acid was present in the medium resulted in a significant enhancement of the synthesis of IAA (r > 0.900 at p = 0.01). There was also a significant correlation between the concentration of IAA in the supernatant of the cyanobacteria cultures and the root length and number of the pea seedlings. Observations made by confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the presence of cyanobacteria on the surface of the roots and also provided evidence for the penetration of the cyanobacteria in the endorhizosphere. We show that the synthesis of IAA by Chroococcidiopsis sp. MMG-5 and Synechocystis sp. MMG-8 occurs under different environmental conditions and that the auxin is important for the development of the seedling roots and for establishing an intimate symbiosis between cyanobacteria and host plants.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.497-504
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• 2020

For control of brucellosis in small ruminants, attenuated B. melitensis Rev1 is used but it can be virulent for animals and human. Based on these aspects, it is essential to identify potential immunogens to avoid these problems in prevention of brucellosis. The majority of OMPs in the Omp25/31 family have been studied because these proteins are relevant in maintaining the integrity of the outer membrane but their implication in the virulence of the different species of this genus is not clearly described. Therefore, in this work we studied the role of Omp31 on virulence by determining the residual virulence and detecting lesions in spleen and testis of mice inoculated with the B. melitensis LVM31 mutant strain. In addition, we evaluated the conferred protection in mice immunized with the mutant strain against the challenge with the B. melitensis Bm133 virulent strain. Our results showed that the mutation of omp31 caused a decrease in splenic colonization without generating apparent lesions or histopathological changes apparent in both organs in comparison with the control strains and that the mutant strain conferred similar protection as the B. melitensis Rev1 vaccine strain against the challenge with B. melitensis Bm133 virulent strain. These results allow us to conclude that Omp31 plays an important role on the virulence of B. melitensis in the murine model, and due to the attenuation shown by the strain, it could be considered a vaccine candidate for the prevention of goat brucellosis.

• Membrane and Water Treatment
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• 제7권5호
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• pp.417-431
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• 2016

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) powder was treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide to obtain partially defluorinated fluoropolymers with expected properties such as improving hydrophilicity and fouling resistance. Raman spectrum and FT-IR results confirmed the existence of conjugated carbon double bonds after alkaline treatment. As the concentration increased, the degree of defluorination increased. The morphology and structure of membranes were examined. The permeation performance was investigated. The results showed that membrane's hydrophilicity increased with increase of the percentage of alkaline treated PVDF powder. Moreover, in terms of the water contact angle, it decreased from $92^{\circ}$ to a minimum of $68^{\circ}$; while water up take increased from 128 to 138%. Fluxof pure water and the cleaning efficiency increased with the increase of alkaline treated PVDF powder. The fouling potential also decreased with the increase of the percentage of alkaline treated PVDF powder. The reason that makes blending PVDF show different characteristics because of partial defluorination, which led the formation of conjugated C = C bonds and the inclusion of oxygen functionalities. The polyene structure followed by hydroxide attack to yield hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. Therefore, the hydrophilicity of blending membrane was improved. The SEM and porosity measurements showed that no obvious variations of the pore dimensions and structures for blend membranes were observed. Mechanical tests suggest that the high content of the alkaline treated PVDF result in membranes with less tolerance of tensile stress and higher brittleness. TGA results exhibited that the blend of alkaline treated PVDF did not change membrane thermal stability.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제31권1호
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• pp.34-43
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• 2007

Background: Previous research has suggested that single doses of a standardised Panax ginseng extract can decrease fasted blood-glucose levels and modulate cognitive performance in healthy young volunteers. The latter has generally been seen in terms of improved secondary memory performance. However, both the cognitive effects of chronic administration of ginseng and the potential modulation of working memory have received comparatively little research attention. Aims: The current double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced cross-over study investigated the effects of 8-weeks administration of Korean ginseng extract (200 mg) on cognitive performance, gluco-regulatory parameters and ratings of subjective mood and 'quality of life'. Methods: 'Eighteen healthy young participants were assessed pre-dose and 3 hours post-dose on the mornings of Day 1, Day 29 and Day 57 of 8 week treatment regimens of both placebo and ginseng. A four-week placebo wash-out separated the treatment phases. Each assessment included the Cognitive Drug Research battery, computerised working memory tasks, and Bond-Lader mood scales. The WHO Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF) was completed once per visit. Gluco-regulatory parameters were assessed with assays of blood glucose, insulin and HbA1c. Results: Data from the 16 participants that completed the study showed that there were no significant, acute treatment related differences on Day 1 of treatment, or in gluco-regulatory parameters throughout the study. However, time related performance improvements were evident following chronic administration of ginseng on the '3-Back' and 'Corsi-block' computerised working memory tasks. Ginseng was also associated with an improved score on the 'social relations' subscale of the WHOQOL-100, and a significant shift on the 'calm' factor of the Bond-Lader mood scales (from calm/relaxed towards excited/tense). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that Korean ginseng extract can modulate working memory performance and subjective ratings of 'quality of life' and mood. Replication with a larger sample size may further elucidate the actions of this product.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권12호
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• pp.1736-1740
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• 2004

Since the application of relatively high levels of heavy metals in the compost poses a potential hazard to plants and animals, the content of heavy metals in the compost with animal manure is important to know if it is as a fertilizer. Measurement of heavy metals content in the compost by chemical methods usually requires numerous reagents, skilled labor and expensive analytical equipment. The objective of this study, therefore, was to explore the application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS), a nondestructive, cost-effective and rapid method, for the prediction of heavy metals contents in compost. One hundred and seventy two diverse compost samples were collected from forty-seven compost facilities located along the Han river in Korea, and were analyzed for Cr, As, Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb levels using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The samples were scanned using a Foss NIRSystem Model 6500 scanning monochromator from 400 to 2,500 nm at 2 nm intervals. The modified partial least squares (MPLS), the partial least squares (PLS) and the principal component regression (PCR) analysis were applied to develop the most reliable calibration model, between the NIR spectral data and the sample sets for calibration. The best fit calibration model for measurement of heavy metals content in compost, MPLS, was used to validate calibration equations with a similar sample set (n=30). Coefficient of simple correlation (r) and standard error of prediction (SEP) were Cr (0.82, 3.13 ppm), As (0.71, 3.74 ppm), Cd (0.76, 0.26 ppm), Cu (0.88, 26.47 ppm), Zn (0.84, 52.84 ppm) and Pb (0.60, 2.85 ppm), respectively. This study showed that NIRS is a feasible analytical method for prediction of heavy metals contents in compost.

• 대한기계학회논문집A
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• 제40권6호
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• pp.581-585
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• 2016

최근 고령화 사회에 진입과 소득수준이 향상됨에 따라 의료 수요가 빠르게 증가되고 있다. 이중 신약 개발은 의료분야의 핵심 분야 중 하나로 전 세계적으로 많은 투자가 연구가 이루어지고 있다. 신약 개발의 중요한 과제 중 하나는 다양한 후보를 빠르고 정확하게 발굴하는 자동화 시스템을 개발하는 것이다. 고속으로 후보물질을 발굴하는 기술 중 대표적 기술이 세포 기반 고집적 스크리닝 시스템(High Contents Screening, 이하 HCS) 기술이다. 이 HCS 시스템에서 다양한 물질을 한꺼번에 스크리닝하기 위해서는 다기능 고정밀 디스팬서 제작이 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 기존의 HCS 디스팬서 시스템이 가지고 있는 단점을 보완하기 위해 에어건과 압력 구동식 펌프를 이용한 새로운 컨셉의 비접촉식 디스팬서를 개발하고 그 가능성을 확인한다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제41권2호
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• pp.188-194
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• 2017

Background: Fermented black ginseng (FBG) is processed ginseng by the repeated heat treatment and fermentation of raw ginseng. The protective effect and mechanism of FBG on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated to evaluate its therapeutic potential. Methods: The free radical scavenging activity of FBG was measured using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). In addition, the protective effect against cisplatin-induced renal damage was tested in rats. FBG was orally administered every day at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight for 10 d, and a single dose of cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally (7.5 mg/kg body weight) with 0.9% saline on the $4^{th}$ d. Results: The DPPH radical-scavenging activity of FBG ($IC_{50}=384{\mu}g/mL$) was stronger than that of raw ginseng. The improved DPPH radical-scavenging activity was mediated by the generation phenolic compounds. The decreased cell viability by cisplatin was recovered significantly after treatment with FBG in a dose-dependent manner. Then, the protective effect of FBG on cisplatin-induced oxidative renal damage was investigated in rats. The decreased creatinine clearance levels, which are a reliable marker for renal dysfunction in cisplatin-treated rats, were reduced to the normal level after the administration of FBG. Moreover, FBG showed protective effects against cisplatin-induced oxidative renal damage in rats through the inhibition of $NF-{\kappa}B/p65$, COX-2, and caspase-3 activation. Conclusion: These results collectively show that the therapeutic evidence for FBG ameliorates the nephrotoxicity via regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제22권3호
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• pp.283-291
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• 2012

Bioremediation efforts often rely on the application of surfactants to enhance hydrocarbon bioavailability. However, synthetic surfactants can sometimes be toxic to degrading microorganisms, thus reducing the clearance rate of the pollutant. Therefore, surfactant-resistant bacteria can be an important tool for bioremediation efforts of hydrophobic pollutants, circumventing the toxicity of synthetic surfactants that often delay microbial bioremediation of these contaminants. In this study, we screened a natural surfactant-rich compartment, the estuarine surface microlayer (SML), for cultivable surfactant-resistant bacteria using selective cultures of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Resistance to surfactants was evaluated by colony counts in solid media amended with critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of either surfactants, in comparison with non-amended controls. Selective cultures for surfactant-resistant bacteria were prepared in mineral medium also containing CMC concentrations of either CTAB or SDS. The surfactantresistant isolates obtained were tested by PCR for the Pseudomonas genus marker gacA gene and for the naphthalene-dioxygenase-encoding gene ndo. Isolates were also screened for biosurfactant production by the atomized oil assay. A high proportion of culturable bacterioneuston was tolerant to CMC concentrations of SDS or CTAB. The gacA-targeted PCR revealed that 64% of the isolates were Pseudomonads. Biosurfactant production in solid medium was detected in 9.4% of tested isolates, all affiliated with genus Pseudomonas. This study shows that the SML is a potential source of surfactant-resistant and biosurfactant-producing bacteria in which Pseudomonads emerge as a relevant group.