• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.463-475
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• 2020

Presence of microplastics in soil and groundwater has recently been reported and environmental concerns are raised as to the plastic pollution. In the subsurface environment, clay minerals and metal oxide minerals are commonly found as finely dispersed states. Because the minerals have high sorption capacities for diverse pollutants, interactions with mineral surface play an important role in the transport of microplastics in groundwater. Accordingly, environmental mineralogy investigating the interactions between microplastics and mineral surfaces is the essential research area to understand the fate and transport of microplastics in the subsurface environment. The microplastic-mineral surface research requires molecular- to nano-scale analyses to be able to probe the relatively weak interactions between them. The current report introduces a nano-scale analysis tool called quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) that can measure the sorbed/desorbed mass of nanoplastics on mineral surfaces at the level of a few nanograms (~10-9 g). This report briefly reviews the main principles in the QCM measurement and discusses applications of QCM to the environmental mineralogy research.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.468-475
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• 2022

The functional distinction between stem and progenitor cells is well established in several tissues, particularly in the blood. There, hematopoietic stem cells preserve their self-renewal potential and reconstitution ability in the bone marrow niche. Bone marrow represents a unique setting in which to examine how stroma influences tissue function. It was the setting in which the experimental definition of a niche was first provided in mammalian stem cell biology and where clear evidence for non-cell-autonomous oncogenesis was first defined. The relationship between bone and blood is ancient as all animals since the divergence of fish that have bones and blood, make blood in their bones. This long coevolution engendered complex interrelationships, including the first proposed and first experimentally defined niche for stem cells in mammals. Multiple bone marrow stromal cell types serve as regulators of hematopoiesis, and the dysfunction of some causes myelodysplasia and leukemia. However, no comprehensive atlas of stromal subpopulations exists. Therefore, we think these data point to something of importance, such as how the needs and challenges of the organism become translated down to distinct cell types that critically govern specific functions within tissues and do so at the level of a single molecule. We think this will be of broad interest to those focusing on systems biology and the physiology of organisms, particularly those seeking a molecular basis for understanding cell and tissue behavior. We summarized the current and emerging concepts of hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow niche.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2022

Mercury (Hg) is a major concern in marine environment because of their bioaccumulation and biomagnification properties, and adverse effects to aquatic organisms at even a trace amount. However, little information on the effects of Hg, compared to other heavy metals, is available in marine small crustaceans. Here, we investigated the transcriptional modulation of metabolism-related genes in the brackish water flea, Diaphanosoma celebensis after exposure to sublethal concentration (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 ㎍/l) of HgCl₂ for 48 h. Relative mRNA expression levels of five detoxification enzyme-coding genes (cytochrome P450; cyp360A1, cyp361A1, cyp4AP3, cyp4C122, and cyp370C5) and six digestive enzyme-coding genes [alpha amylase (AMY), alpha amylase related protein (AMY-like), trypsin (TRYP), chymotrypsin-like protein (CHY), lipase (LIP), pancreatic lipase-related protein (PLRP)] were analyzed using quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). As results, Hg increased the mRNA level of cyp370C5 (clan2) and cyp4AP3 (clan4) in a concentration dependent manner. A significant increase in TRYP mRNA was also concentration-dependently observed after exposure to Hg. These findings suggest that cyp370C5 and cyp4AP3 play a key role in Hg detoxification in D. celebensis, and Hg can affect energy metabolism by modulating the transcription of digestive enzyme. This study will provide better understanding the molecular effects of Hg in marine small crustacean.

• Journal of Marine Life Science
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2021

Bisphenol A is a representative endocrine disruptor and continuously detected in aquatic environment due to wide use, resulting in adverse effects on growth, development, and reproduction in diverse organisms as well as human. Structural analogs have been developed to substitute BPA are also suspected to have endocrine disrupting effects. In the present study, the time-dependent expression patterns of ecdysteroid synthesis (nvd, cyp314a1), receptors (EcRA, EcRB, USP, ERR), and downstream signaling pathway - related genes (HR3, E75, Vtg, VtgR) were investigated using quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the brackish water flea Diaphanosoma celebensis exposed to Bisphenol analogs (BPs; BPA, BPF, and BPS) for 6, 12, and 24 h. As results, the expression of nvd, cyp314a1, EcRs, USP, ERR and E75 mRNA was upregulated at 6 h exposure to BPF, which is earlier than BPA and BPS (12 h). On the other hand, HR3, E75 and VtgR mRNA levels were elevated at 6 h earlier at BPS and BPF than at BPA (12 h), but Vtg mRNA level was slightly changed within 24 h. These findings suggest that like BPA, BPF and BPS can also modulate the transcription of ecdysteroid pathway - related genes with different mechanisms, and have a potential as endocrine disruptors. This study will provide a better understanding the molecular mode of action of bisphenols on ecdysteroid pathway in the brackish water flea.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1827-1838
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• 2022

Objective: The semen quality of stallions including sperm motility is an important target of selection as it has a high level of individual variability. However, effects of the molecular architecture of the genome on the mechanisms of sperm formation and their preservation after thawing have been poorly investigated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the sperm motility of cryopreserved semen in stallions of various breeds. Methods: Semen samples were collected from the stallions of 23 horse breeds. The following semen characteristics were examined: progressive motility (PM), progressive motility after freezing (FPM), and the difference between PM and FPM. The respective DNA samples from these stallions were genotyped using Axiom Equine Genotyping Array. Results: We performed a GWAS search for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and potential genes related to motility properties of frozen-thawed semen in the stallions of various breeds. As a result of the GWAS analysis, two SNP markers, rs1141327473 and rs1149048772, were identified that were associated with preservation of the frozen-thawed stallion sperm motility, the relevant putative candidate genes being NME/NM23 family member 8 (NME8), olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily AP member 1 (OR2AP1), and olfactory receptor family 6 subfamily C member 4 (OR6C4). Potential implications of effects of these genes on sperm motility are herein discussed. Conclusion: The GWAS results enabled us to localize novel SNPs and candidate genes for sperm motility in stallions. Implications of the study for horse breeding and genetics are a better understanding of genomic regions and candidate genes underlying stallion sperm quality, and improvement in horse reproduction and breeding techniques. The identified markers and genes for sperm cryotolerance and the respective genomic regions are promising candidates for further studying the biological processes in the formation and function of the stallion reproductive system.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.3
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• pp.147-166
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• 2023

Seed color is controlled by several genes and is a key trait in determining the metabolite content and biological activities of legume genotypes. In this study, 296 adzuki bean accessions, including 159 grey, 99 red, and 38 white adzuki beans, were grown in Korea. Variations in total phenolic content (TPC), total saponin content (TSC), DPPH^• scavenging activity, ABTS^•+ scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were assessed and were reported to be in the ranges of 1.52-8.24 mg GAE/g, 14.36-114.22 mg DE/g, 0.23-12.84 mg AAE/g, 1.05-17.66 mg TE/g, and 0.59-13.14 mg AAE/g, respectively, with a wide variation across adzuki beans. Except for DPPH^• scavenging activity, the average values declined in the order gray > red > white adzuki beans, each demonstrating a significant variation (p < 0.05). White adzuki beans, which showed low metabolite content and antioxidant activity, were clearly separated from the gray and red genotypes using principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses. Moreover, TPC, TSC, and antioxidant activities were strongly correlated, regardless of seed color. Overall, the diversity of the TPC, TSC, and antioxidant activity in a broad population of adzuki bean genotypes was determined. Furthermore, this study found that seed color variation in adzuki beans had a significant effect on the metabolite content and antioxidant activity. Superior accessions with high levels of TPC, TSC, and antioxidant activity were also discovered and could be used for functional plant breeding and human consumption. The findings of this study may be useful for understanding the relationship between seed coat color and metabolite concentration in adzuki beans, paving the way for molecular-level analyses.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.522-535
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• 2024

Objective: Transition period is considered from 3 weeks prepartum to 3 weeks postpartum, characterized with dramatic events (endocrine, metabolic, and physiological) leading to occurrence of production diseases (negative energy balance/ketosis, milk fever etc). The objectives of our study were to analyze the periodic concentration of serum beta-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), glucose and oxidative markers along with identification, and validation of the putative markers of negative energy balance in buffaloes using in-silico and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. Methods: Out of 20 potential markers of ketosis identified by in-silico analysis, two were selected and analyzed by qRT-PCR technique (upregulated; acetyl serotonin o-methyl transferase like and down regulated; guanylate cyclase activator 1B). Additional two sets of genes (carnitine palmotyl transferase A; upregulated and Insulin growth factor; downregulated) that have a role of hepatic fatty acid oxidation to maintain energy demands via gluconeogenesis were also validated. Extracted cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) from the blood of the buffaloes were used for validation of selected genes via qRTPCR. Concentrations of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers were identified with their respective optimized protocols. Results: The analysis of qRT-PCR gave similar trends as shown by in-silico analysis throughout the transition period. Significant changes (p<0.05) in the levels of BHBA, glucose and oxidative stress markers throughout this period were observed. This study provides validation from in-silico and qRT-PCR assays for potential markers to be used for earliest diagnosis of negative energy balance in buffaloes. Conclusion: Apart from conventional diagnostic methods, this study improves the understanding of putative biomarkers at the molecular level which helps to unfold their role in normal immune function, fat synthesis/metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. Therefore, provides an opportunity to discover more accurate and sensitive diagnostic aids.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2009

Benthic diatoms are very important primary producers in understanding estuary ecosystems and their productions are largely varied by their photo-physiological characteristics. The short-term effects of increased temperature on the photosynthetic and photo-physiological characteristics of cultured different species of benthic diatoms (Navicula sp., Nitzschia sp., Cylindrotheca closterium, and Pleurosigma elongatum) were investigated by measuring their PSII-fluorescence kinetics using a Diving-PAM. Photosynthesis versus irradiance curves were measured every two hours at six different temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and $35^{\circ}C$) for twenty-four hour. The effective quantum yield of PSII ($\Phi_{PSII}$) for most of the species showed a decreasing trend with increased temperature. The relative maximum electron transport rate (rETRmax) was significantly increased up to the optimum temperature level and then sharply decreased. Relative to the values of other parameters, the maximum light use coefficient ($\alpha$) was not substantially changed at lower temperature levels (<$30^{\circ}C$) but significantly decreased only at higher temperatures (30 and $35^{\circ}C$). The light saturation coefficient ($E_K$) mirrored the rETRmax temperature response. In regards to the temperature acclimation abilities of the four species with time, Navicula sp. and C. closterium acclimated to short-term changes in temperature through their photo-physiological adjustments.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1031-1031
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• 2001

The mammary gland is made up of remarkably sensitive tissue, which has the capability of producing a large volume of secretion, milk, under normal or healthy conditions. When bacteria enter the gland and establish an infection (mastitis), inflammation is initiated accompanied by an influx of white cells from the blood stream, by altered secretory function, and changes in the volume and composition of secretion. Cell numbers in milk are closely associated with inflammation and udder health. These somatic cell counts (SCC) are accepted as the international standard measurement of milk quality in dairy and for mastitis diagnosis. NIR Spectra of unhomogenized composite milk samples from 14 cows (healthy and mastitic), 7days after parturition and during the next 30 days of lactation were measured. Different multivariate analysis techniques were used to diagnose the disease at very early stage and determine how the spectral properties of milk vary with its composition and animal health. PLS model for prediction of somatic cell count (SCC) based on NIR milk spectra was made. The best accuracy of determination for the 1100-2500nm range was found using smoothed absorbance data and 10 PLS factors. The standard error of prediction for independent validation set of samples was 0.382, correlation coefficient 0.854 and the variation coefficient 7.63%. It has been found that SCC determination by NIR milk spectra was indirect and based on the related changes in milk composition. From the spectral changes, we learned that when mastitis occurred, the most significant factors that simultaneously influenced milk spectra were alteration of milk proteins and changes in ionic concentration of milk. It was consistent with the results we obtained further when applied 2DCOS. Two-dimensional correlation analysis of NIR milk spectra was done to assess the changes in milk composition, which occur when somatic cell count (SCC) levels vary. The synchronous correlation map revealed that when SCC increases, protein levels increase while water and lactose levels decrease. Results from the analysis of the asynchronous plot indicated that changes in water and fat absorptions occur before other milk components. In addition, the technique was used to assess the changes in milk during a period when SCC levels do not vary appreciably. Results indicated that milk components are in equilibrium and no appreciable change in a given component was seen with respect to another. This was found in both healthy and mastitic animals. However, milk components were found to vary with SCC content regardless of the range considered. This important finding demonstrates that 2-D correlation analysis may be used to track even subtle changes in milk composition in individual cows. To find out the right threshold for SCC when used for mastitis diagnosis at cow level, classification of milk samples was performed using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and different spectral data pretreatment. Two levels of SCC - 200 000 cells/$m\ell$ and 300 000 cells/$m\ell$, respectively, were set up and compared as thresholds to discriminate between healthy and mastitic cows. The best detection accuracy was found with 200 000 cells/$m\ell$ as threshold for mastitis and smoothed absorbance data: - 98% of the milk samples in the calibration set and 87% of the samples in the independent test set were correctly classified. When the spectral information was studied it was found that the successful mastitis diagnosis was based on reviling the spectral changes related to the corresponding changes in milk composition. NIRS combined with different ways of spectral data ruining can provide faster and nondestructive alternative to current methods for mastitis diagnosis and a new inside into disease understanding at molecular level.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2022

To obtain information on the molecular mechanism underlying the low temperature tolerance of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam], the proteome expressed in the sweet potato cultivar Xushu 15-1 with high cold storage tolerance and in the cultivar Xushu 15-4 with low cold storage tolerance was analyzed using 2-D and MALDI-TOF/TOF analyses. Compared with the control (without cold treatment), four protein spots were newly expressed in Xushu 15-1. The expression level of one protein spot was higher in Xushu 15-4 than in Xushu 15-1. Spot 2, which was newly expressed in Xushu 15-1, was identified as sporamin. Assessment of the change in protein expression levels over 8 weeks in the storage roots of the two cultivars treated at 4℃ revealed no significant difference in the expression levels in Xushu 15-1 over time. However, in Xushu 15-4, the expression level of one protein spot increased, while those of four spots decreased. Of the proteins with reduced expression levels, spots 7 and 8 were identified as actin and spots 9 and 10 were identified as fructokinase-like proteins. The present results are expected to enhance the understanding of the complex mechanism underlying the low temperature tolerance of sweet potatoes during storage and can be used to identify candidate genes for the development of new varieties of sweet potatoes with improved low temperature tolerance during cold storage in the future.