• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.12
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• pp.1882-1888
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• 2010

To develop probiotics, a kind of Lactobacillus sp. was isolated from infant feces. The bacterium was identified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus through 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The strain was a facultative anaerobe which grew better in aerobic conditions. The bacterium lowered the pH of the culture solution down to 2.4 during 48 hr in the MRS medium. The strain inhibited the growth of 6 pathogens - S. aureus, L. monocytogens, S. typhimurium, E. coli O-157, V. parahaemolyticus and P. aeruginosa. When the Lactobacillus were fed to chickens, along with commercial feed, for one month, amounts of $H_2S$ and $NH_3$ in the feces of the chicken decreased to 50% and 70%, respectively, compared to those of control group chickens. Amounts of other bad smells such as $(CH_3)SH$, $(CH_3)_2S$ and $(CH_3)_2S_2$ were not much different in the Lactobacillus-fed chickens compared to the control group. On the other hand, egg weights of the chickens fed Lactobacillus were higher by about $5{\pm}1\;g$ than those in the control group.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.169-176
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• 1985

Six analytial methods for determing the available nitrogen in soils were tested to predict the optimum fertilizer rate for the flue-cured tobacco and to test the fertility level of soils for tobacco. All methods, nitrifiable $NO_3-N$ value for 2 and 4 weeks incubation, UV absorption value at 260nm and N-value in acid digestion of 0.01 M-$NaHCO_3$ extracts, N-value extracted in boiling with $CaCl_2$ solution, and autoclave-extractable $NH_4-N$ value in 0.01 M-$CaCl_2$, were closely correlated with total nitrogen uptake as well as yield. Therefore available nitrogen indices determined from above 6 analysis method could be used for the predicting of tobacco yield without fertilizer, criteria for fertility class, and recommendable range of optimum fertilization.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.1213-1222
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• 2009

The search for diverse plant growth-promoting (PGP) diazotrophic bacteria is gaining momentum as efforts are made to exploit them as biofertilizers for various economically important crops. In the present study, 17 diazotrophic strains belonging to eight different genera isolated from rice paddy fields were screened for multiple PGP traits and evaluated for their inoculation effects on canola and rice plants. All of the strains tested positive for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity and production of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and ammonia ($NH_3$). Additionally, four of the strains were able to solubilize phosphorus (P), five tested positive for zinc (Zn) solubilization and sulfur (S) oxidation, and eight strains produced siderophores. Based on the presence of multiple PGP traits, 10 strains were selected for inoculation studies. Treatment with Herbaspirillum sp. RFNB26 resulted in maximum root length (54.3%), seedling vigor, and dry biomass in canola, whereas Paenibacillus sp. RFNB4 exhibited the lowest activity under gnotobiotic conditions. However, under pot culture conditions, Paenibacillus sp. RFNB4 significantly increased plant height and dry biomass production by 42.3% and 29.5%, respectively. Canola plants and rhizosphere soils inoculated with Bacillus sp. RFNB6 exhibited significantly higher nitrogenase activity. In greenhouse experiments, Serratia sp. RFNB18 increased rice plant height by 35.1%, Xanthomonas sp. RFNB24 enhanced biomass production by 84.6%, and rice rhizosphere soils inoculated with Herbaspirillum sp. RFNB26 exhibited the highest nitrogenase activity. Our findings indicate that most of the selected strains possess multiple PGP properties that significantly improve the growth parameters of the two plants when tested under controlled conditions.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.254-259
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• 1998

This study was focused on finding out the potential problems associated with organic farming system. The effect of composted animal manures subsequent inoculation of microbes on growth and yield of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. 'Minicarol') were examined to develop a proper organic farming practice. Plant heights were greater in composted manure treatment than in conventional practice, whereas widths of leaves were higher in conventional field. Chlorophyll contents between various amount of composted manure application were gradually decreased and showed no significant differences after 45 days of planting. The yield in the treatment applied 12 ton of composted animal manure per 10a as pre-planting fertilizer and following microbial inoculation were only 50-60% compared to that of conventional farming. However, yield increased up to 80% when additional composts were applied to the treatment received 6 ton of composted animal manure per 10a in the middle of cultivation. Microbial inoculation followed by composted manure application induced rapid decrease of nitrogen content in soil. However, the density of microorganisms was significantly increased. Tomatoes produced through organic farming were clear in color, Further, soluble solid and acid content were increased. The highest level of acid and solids were observed in the treatment applied 12 ton of digested swine manure per 10a. Although nitrogen content including ammonium and nitrate rapidly increased after application of composts, these were significantly reduced approximately 4-5 weeks after planting. The level of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium showed gradual decrease compared to nitrogen.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.705-712
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• 2006

Influences of urea treated corncobs (UTC) ensiled with or without different additives on ruminal characteristics, in situ digestion kinetics, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen metabolism were examined in a $5{\times}5$ Latin square design using five ruminally cannulated buffalo bulls. Five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated to contain 30% dry matter (DM) from concentrate and 70% DM from 5% UTC ensiled without any additive (U) or with 5% enzose (EN), 5% acidified molasses (AM), 5% non-acidified molasses (NM) and 5% acidified water (AW), respectively. These diets were fed to buffalo bulls at 1.5% of their body weight daily. Ruminal $NH_3$-N concentration at 3 hours (h) post feeding was significantly higher in bulls fed U, NM and AW diets, however, at 6, 9 and 12 h post feeding it was significantly higher in bulls fed EN and AM diets. Ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate concentrations were significantly higher with EM and AM diets compared with other diets at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h post feeding. Ruminal pH at 6 and 9 h post feeding was higher with EN and AM diets; however; it was notably lower with these diets at 3 h post feeding. Total ruminal bacterial and cellulolytic bacterial counts were higher in bulls fed EN and AM diets than in those fed the other diets. In situ ruminal DM and NDF degradabilities and total tract digestibilities were significantly higher with UTC ensiled with enzose and acidified molasses than those ensiled without any additive or other additives. Nitrogen balance was significantly higher in bulls fed EN and AM diets than those fed U, AW and NM diets. The UTC ensiled with enzose or acidified molasses resulted in better digestibility and N utilization than those ensiled without any additive, with non-acidified molasses and acidified water in buffaloes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.1073-1079
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• 2010

Forty-eight ((Duroc${\times}$Yorkshire)${\times}$Landrace) pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of $48.47{\pm}1.13\;kg$ were used in a 12-week growth trial to investigate the influence of Anion (silicate) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, meat quality and fecal noxious gas content in growing-finishing pigs. Pigs were allotted into three dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design according to sex and initial BW. Each dietary treatment consisted of four replications with four pigs per pen. Dietary treatments included: i) CON (basal diet), ii) HCI (basal diet+3 g/kg Anion), iii) HCII (basal diet+6 g/kg Anion). No significant difference (p>0.05) was detected for average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain/feed ratio (G/F) throughout the experiment, although dietary supplementation of Anion numerically increased these characteristics compared with CON. The dietary HCI group significantly (p<0.05) increased the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and energy compared with the CON group (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed in meat quality except that meat firmness was linearly (p<0.05) increased by the Anion supplementation, while an increased tendency in meat color and a decreased tendency in 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was also observed (p<0.10). Anion supplementation linearly (p<0.05) decreased the fecal $NH_3$ compared with the CON group. However, dietary Anion supplementation at 3 g/kg decreased the $H_2S$ concentration compared with CON, while no significant difference was detected in the HCII group, although the $H_2S$ emission was numerically decreased compared with CON. In conclusion, supplementation of the diet with 3 g/kg Anion was found to exert a beneficial effect on nutrient digestibility and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs, and concomitantly decreased the noxious gas emission without negative effect on growth performance.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.145-152
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• 2013

The culture conditions to maximize the production of endoglucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) from the brown rot fungus Fomitopsis pinicola MKACC 54347 mycelia were investigated. Among the tested media for endoglucanase production, Mandel's mineral salts medium (MSM; 1% cellulose, 0.1% peptone, 0.14% $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, 0.03% urea, 0.2% $KH_2PO_4$, 0.03% $MgSO_4{\cdot}7H_2O$, 0.03% $CaCl_2$, and 0.1% trace metal solution (19.8 mM $FeSO_4$, 13.0 mM $MnSO_4$, 12.2 mM $ZnSO_4$, and 15.4 mM $CoCl_2$)) produced the highest activity of the enzyme. To optimize the medium composition for enzyme activity, the effects of various carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and inorganic sources were investigated in MSM. Maximal enzyme production was accomplished using a medium containing 2% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), 2% yeast extract, 0.2% $KH_2PO_4$, 0.03% $MnSO_4$, and 0.3% trace metal solution. Different physiological conditions, like incubation period and temperature, were also examined to assess their influence on enzyme production. Enzyme production from F. pinicola reached its highest level after cultivation for 8 days at $25^{\circ}C$. Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), followed by the endoglucanase activity staining using CMC as the substrate, was performed to identify the endoglucanase under the culture conditions studied. Zymogram analysis of the culture supernatant revealed an endoglucanase band with a molecular mass of 52 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were $55^{\circ}C$ and pH 5.0, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.3-10
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• 2000

The main purpose of this study were to estimate the benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) from the sediment and denitrification rates in tidal flats of the Keum river estuary. Sediment specimens were collected by a core sampler from three stations along the Keum river estuary in April, August and December, 1999. The sediments were composed of 1.18 %, 29.34 % and 69.49 % of gravel and sand, sand and silt, respectively. The mean ignition loss of the sediment was found 6.7 % and its Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) was measured -12 mV. The total hydrogen sulfides was determined about 0.26 mg/gㆍdry. The estimated outflux of ammonium was found 11.2 m mole N/m²ㆍday from the sediment, whereas -1.09 m mole N/m²ㆍday of influx was obtained for nitrate and nitrite through the incubation experiment of sediment cores. Total DIN flux was 10.2 m mole N/m²ㆍday outflux from the sediment. From the incubation experiments executed with the flux studies, mean denitrification rate was found 30.6 m mole N₂/m²ㆍday measured by the direct assay of N₂ production technique. On the basis that DIN flux and denitrification rate in sediment of tidal flat of the Keum river estuary are may be effects to control the algal biomass in the coastal environment, it seems inevitable to pay more attention to investigate the flux of DIN and denitrification rate in tidal flat of the Keum river estuary.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.6-12
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• 1998

To extract insoluble proteins and to improve functional properties of abolished proteins, a protease producing Aspergillus sp. MS-18 was isolated from soil. The enzyme was purified and its enzymological characteristics were investigated. It was found that production of protease reached to the maximum when the wheat brae medium containing, 3% arabinose, 0.5% polypepton, 0.1% $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ and 0.2% magnesium chloride was cultured for 3 days. Protease was purified 16.9 folds after ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration and the specific activity was 340.4 unit/mg. Purified enzyme was confirmed as a single band by the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of protease was estimated to be 30,000. Crystalization form of purified protease was a stick shape with rounding edges. The optimum pH and temperature for the protease activity were 9.0 and $60^{\circ}C$, respectively. The enzyme was stable in pH 7.0-12.0 at $50^{\circ}C$. The activity of purified enzyme was inhibited by $Hg^{2+}$, $Cu^{2+}$, $Zn^{2+}$ and $Pb^{2+}$, whereas it was activited by $Na^+$, $Mg^{2+}$ and $Mn^{2+}$. The activity of the protease was inhibited by the treatment with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and phenylmethane sulfonyl fluoride. The result suggests that the purified enzyme is a serine protease with metal ion at active site. Km and Vmax of purified protease were $29.33\;{\mu}mole/L$ and $5.13\;{\mu}g/min$, respectively.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.142-150
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• 2002

Streptomyces polychromogenes IFO 13072 was used as a strain producing cholesterol oxidase(EC 1.1.3.6). The conditions of cholesterol oxidase production were investigated. The optimum composition of medium for production of the enzyme was 1% dextrin, 0.5% casamino acid, 0.1% $KH_2$PO$_4$, 0.5% $NaNO_3$ and 0.05% $MgSO_4$(pH 7.3). The enzyme was purified specifically by cholesterol affinity column chromatography with a yield of 23.2%. The purified enzyme showed a single polypeptide on SDS-PAGE and the molecular weight was estimated about 52,000 daltons. The optimum pH and temperature of the cholesterol oxidase were pH 7.0 and $37^{\circ}C$, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the range of pH 6.0~7.0 and $25^{\circ}C$. The cholesterol oxidase activity was strongly inhibited by metal ions such as $Hg^{2＋}$ and $Fe^{2＋}$ and inhibitors such as dithiothreitol, mercaptoethanol and isonicotinic acid. The Michaelis constant(Km) for the cholesterol was found to be 25 mM by Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis.