• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2005

Background: IL-18 was originally cloned as a IFN-${\gamma}$ inducing factor in primed T cells. In synergy with IL-12, IL-18 has been shown to induce strikingly high levels of IFN-${\gamma}$ production by T cells and to enhance Th1 development. Also this cytokine exerts induction of Th2 development through IL-4 induction. Methods: Resting $CD4^+$ T cells were sorted by negative selection and activated by anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28 Ab. Expression of IL-12 binding sites, IL-18 binding sites, IL-18R ${\alpha}$, and GATA-3 mRNA were analysed by FACS and RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Resting $CD4^+$ T cells expressed IL-18R ${\alpha}$ chain but not IL-18 binding sites, suggesting a lack of IL-18R ${\beta}$ expression. IL-18R ${\alpha}$ was maintained on the Th1 and Th2 committed cells. IL-18 binding sites were induced on the Th1 but not Th2 cells. Exposure of these cells to IL-18 led to up-regulation of GATA-3 mRNA expression only in Th2 committed cells. To elucidate the relationship between IL-18R ${\alpha}$ expression and GATA-3 induction by IL-18, Th1 and Th2 committed cells were further cultured in medium with or without IL-12 for 2 days. IL-12 binding sites were maintained on the Th1 and Th2 cells regardless of IL-12 treatment, but IL-18R a expression was rapidly down-regulated on the IL12-untreated Th2 cells which did not induce GATA-3 mRNA expression followed by IL-18 stimulation. Conclusion: IL-12 supports expression of IL-18R ${\alpha}$ and GATA-3 mRNA expression was induced by IL-18 through IL-18R ${\alpha}$ without expression of IL-18 binding site in Th2 cells.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.8-16
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• 2013

A GAL4 type transcription factor gene (formally annotated as AN3912) locating downstream of sndA (AN3911) was characterized. The putative transcription factor carries both Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster DNA-binding domain and transcription activator domain. The gene named gtfA (gal4 type transcription factor) had an open reading frame which consisted of 762 amino acids and was disrupted by three introns. The deletion mutant produced reduced amount of conidia but increased amount of fruiting bodies, suggesting that the GtfA make function in decision of asexual preferential to sexual development. The forced over expression of gtfA caused the retardation of fruiting body formation on high glucose concentration. The transcript level of gtfA was kept constant through the life cycle except late vegetative stage and early sexual development stage during which slight increase was found. The expression of gtfA was not significantly affected by sexual or asexual development regulators, such as VeA, NsdD or FluG, FadA, and SfaD. The GtfA repressed the nsdC transcription, which suggested that GftA control sexual development negatively via negative regulation of nsdC expression.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.773-796
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• 2011

This study examined the thinking styles of scientifically gifted students on the basis of Sternberg's theory of mental self-government, and the relationship between thinking styles and self-regulated learning ability of the students and their scientific inquiry ability by the different types of thinking styles. 110 middle school students who belonging to the university science-gifted education center participated in this study. 13 thinking styles were postulated that fall along 5 dimensions which are functions, forms, levels, scopes and leanings of the mental self-government. Scientifically gifted students responded to the Thinking Style Inventory (TSI) that standardized Korean version, Self-regulated Ability Inventory and Test of Science Inquiry Skills Inventory (TSIS). The results indicated that scientifically gifted students prefer legislative, liberal, external, hierarchical and judical thinking styles, rather than conservative style. This result also showed that subscales of thinking styles were significantly correlated with self-regulated learning ability and scientific inquiry ability. The legislative style, hierarchical style, local style and liberal style were significant predictors of self-regulation learning ability. The legislative style was significant predictor, whereas oligarchic style was negative predictor of scientific inquiry ability. The results of k-means clustering analysis and MANOVA showed that the self-regulated learning ability and scientific inquiry ability were significantly correlated with the pattern and level of thinking style.

• BMB Reports
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.304-310
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• 2006

Transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates the induction of Phase II detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in response to many cancer chemopreventive compounds. In this study, we investigated the role of receptor associated coactivator (RAC3) or steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC3) and other nuclear co-regulators including CBP/p300 (CREB-binding protein), CARM1 (Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase), PRMT1 (Protein arginine methyl-transferase 1), and p/CAF (p300/CBP-associated factor) in the transcriptional activation of a chimeric Gal4-Nrf2-Luciferase system containing the transactivation domain (TAD) of Nrf2 in HepG2 cells. The results indicated that RAC3 up-regulated the transactivation activity of Gal4-Nrf2-(1-370) in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement of transactivation domain activity of Gal4-Nrf2-(1-370) by RAC3 was dampened in the presence of dominant negative mutants of RAC3. Next we studied the effects of other nuclear co-regulators including CBP/p300, CARM1, PRMT1 and p/CAF, and the results showed that they had different level of positive effects on this transactivation domain activity of Gal4-Nrf2-(1-370). But importantly, synergistic effects of these co-regulators in the presence of RAC3/SRC3 on the transactivation activity of Gal4-Nrf2-(1-370) were observed. In summary, our present study showed for the first time that the 160 RAC3/SRC3 is involved in the functional transactivation of TAD of Nrf2 and that the other nuclear co-regulators such as CBP/p300, CARM1, PRMT1 and p/CAF can also transcriptionally activate this TAD of Nrf2 and that they could further enhance the transactivation activity mediated by RAC3/SRC3.

• Proceedings of the Zoological Society Korea Conference
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• 1998.10b
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• pp.113-113
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• 1998

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae UV irradiation and a variety of chemical DNA -damaging agents induce the transcription of specific genes, including several involved in DNA repair. One of the best characterized of DNA -damage inducible genes is PHRI, which encodes the apoenzyme for DNA photolyase. Basal-level and damage-induced expression of PHRI require an upstream activation sequence, UASPHRI. Here we report the identification of the UlvIE6 gene of S. cerevisiae as a regulator of UASPHRl activity. Surprisingly, the effect of deletion of UME6 is growth phase dependent. In wild-type cells PHRI is induced in late exponential phase, concomitant with the initiation of glycogen accumulation that precedes the diauxic shift. Deletion of UNIE6 abolishes this induction, decreases the steady-state concentration of photolyase molecules and PHRI mRNA, and increases the UV sensitivity of a rad2 mutant. The results suggest that UM E6 contributes to the regulated expression of a subset of damage-responsive genes in yeast. Furthermore, the upstream repression sequence, URSPHRI, is required for repression and damage-induced expression of PHRl. Here we show identification of YER169W and YDR096W as putative regulators acting through $URS_{PHRI}$. These open reading frames were designated as RPHI (YERl69W) and RPH2 (YDR096W) indicating regulator of PHRI. Simultaneous disruption of both genes showed a synergistic effect, producing a four-fold increase in basal level expression and a similar decrease m the induction ratio following treatment of methyl methanesulfonate(MMS). Mutation of the sequence ($AG_4$) bound by Rphlp rendered the promoter of PHRI insensitive to changes in RPHI or RPH2 status. The data suggest that RPHI and RPH2 act as damage-responsive negative regulators of PHRI. Surprisingly, the sequence bound by Rphlp in vitro is found to be $AG_4$ which is identical to the consensus binding site for the regulators Msn2p and Msn4p involved in stress-induced expression. Deletion of MSN2 and MSN4 has little effect on the induction$.$ ratio following DNA damage. However, all deletions led to a significant decrease in basal-level and induced expression of PHRI. These results imply that MSN2 and MSN4 are positive regulators of P HRI but are not required for DNA damage repression. [Supported by grant from NIH]om NIH]

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.420-425
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• 2016

The present study aimed to calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents were compared with reference values indicated on the nutrition label of nutrition emphasized food. Also, this paper will briefly review and evaluate what is currently known about Fe-Zn and Ca-Fe interaction. Ca, Fe or Zn-emphasized product, including cereal, snack, soy milk, chocolate product, other cocoa product, sugars product, beverage and tea were analyzed. The contents of Ca, Fe, and Zn in samples after dry-ashing were examined by ICP. The measured Ca (n = 42), Fe (n = 13), Zn (n = 6) values were ranged 87~176%, 98~167%, 98~275% of reference value indicated product, respectively. All samples were ranged more than 80% of the reference value, which were complied with food regulation. High intake of Ca has been shown to adversely affect Fe absorption and the negative effect of Fe on Zn absorption is well known. Therefore, it is important to consider Ca-Fe and Fe-Zn absorption interaction, when Ca, Fe or Zn-emphasized product produce and nutrition labeling policy should be managed regularly with continuous monitoring.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.39-52
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• 1989

Native Kerean lawngrass (Zeysia japonica steud.) and Manilagrass ( Zeysia matrella Merr.) are frequently used as sport turf and lawn in Kerea and ether Asian countries because of its excellent summer qualities and superior winter-hardiness compared to ether warm-season turfgrass . The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the plant growth retardants ( PGR ) en the inhibition (d the growth of the two Kerean native turfgrasses. Kerean lawngrass and Manilagrass were treated with [2 RS , 3 RS] -1- [4- chlorophenyl ] -4, 4-dimethyl -2- [1 H -1, 2, 4- tiazol -1- y] pentan -3- ol ( PP -333) at 93 and 930 gha -j ; 5-[4- chlorphenyl ]-3, 4, 5, 9, 10- peiitaaza - tetracyclo [5, 4, 1, 0 2 6 . o ~'~I -3, 9- diene ( BAS -106) at 16 and 160 gha ; [ E I-] - cyclohexyl -4, 4- dimethyl -2- [1, 2, 4- triazol -1- yl ]-1-pentene - 3- ol ( NTN -821) at 56 and 560 gha ', and 4- chloro -2- [$\alpha$- hydrozybenzy I isonicotin anilide ( CGR -811) at 92 gha in pot study . All PGR treatments were effective in reducing the plant height, with the exception of BAS -106 at 16 gha for Korean lawngrass ; however , all increased quality to some degree , with the exception of PP -333 at 93 gha . The low PGR rates significantly increased Korean lawngrass height during late jtily aitd mid-August . On the other hand , BAS -106 significantly increased Manilagrass height {rom 24 Septeml)er onwards . All PGR treatments haol higher turfgrass quality than untreatments , and also the high rates of PGIt treatments were more effective in increasing quality than the low rates observed on 8 October . Meanwhile , Manilagrass quality was increased to some extent than Korean lawegrass . PP - 333 was significantly effective in reducing clipping yield and the same results were found with the application of NTN -821 at 560 gha -l for both Korean lawngrass and Manilagrass , BAS -106 at 160 gha for Korean lawegrass , and CGR -811 at 92 gha for Manilagrass . The high PGR rates had higher turfgrass shoot weight observed on 8 October than the low rates , and there were little increases obtained with the low rates of PP -333 for Korean lawngrass and BAS - 1 06 for Manilagrass . Effeets on stolon growth varied between growth retardants , and between retardant treatments ; the high rates of PGR as well as the low rate of NTN -821 elongated stolon of Korean lawngrass and manoilagrass . However , PP -333 at 93 gha and BAS -106 at 16 gha - shortened stolons of Korean lawugrass , resulting in inhibition or little difference of stolon dry weight . NTN -821 at 560 gha and CGR -811 had no positive effect on the stolon length of Manilagrass . 101) -333 and the low rate of BAS -106 and NTN -821 decreased root weight of Korean lawng - rass All PGR rates had negative effect on the root weight of Manilagrass with the exception of BAS -106 CR -811 and the high rate of NTN -821 which made no difference in root weight between retarolant treatments and the control .

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2447-2451
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• 2015

Background: Human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is often associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT); their coexistence improves PTC prognosis. Osteopontin, a secreted glycoprotein, plays a role in cell survival, immunity, and tumor progression, its expression being associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several malignancies. Osteopontin overexpression correlates with aggressive clinicopathological features in PTC. Lymph node metastases and large tumor size positively correlate with osteopontin positivity. This study aimed to: (1) confirm osteopontin overexpression in human PTC samples; (2) compare osteopontin expression levels in PTC cases with and without HT; and (3) identify correlations between tumor aggressiveness and osteopontin expression levels. Materials and Methods: Plasma osteopontin was assessed in 45 patients with PTC, 22 patients with PTC and HT, and 24 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thyroid tissue osteopontin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Plasma osteopontin levels were significantly higher in PTC patients than in healthy controls. Plasma osteopontin, tissue osteopontin mRNA, and tissue osteopontin protein levels were significantly lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. In advanced disease stage cases, osteopontin mRNA and protein expression levels were lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. However, the osteopontin expression level was not significantly associated with the TNM stage. Conclusions: Plasma osteopontin, tissue osteopontin mRNA, and tissue osteopontin protein levels were significantly lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone, suggesting that HT attenuates PTC aggressiveness through negative regulation of osteopontin expression.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.73-79
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• 2014

Purpose - The Korean government has revised the distribution industry development law to regulate large-scale retailer operations to protecting medium- and small-scale retailers and traditional markets. According to the revised law, large-scale retailers must follow regulations on operating hours and compulsory store closures two days per month. Based on the revised distribution industry development law, most local governments regulate operation hours and they have adopted compulsory closure programs for large-scale retail stores. However, it is argued that fresh food producers suffer from a decrease in sales based on the compulsory closure of stores operated by large-scale retailers. Large-scale retailers reduce their fresh food orders from agricultural and fishery producers because of the compulsory store closures. Fresh food producers also suffer from a decrease in prices because reduced orders lead to a decrease in auction prices based on the availability of excess goods in wholesale markets. This paper investigates the effects of operation regulations for large-scale retailers on agricultural producers by surveying agricultural and fishery producer organizations. Research design, data, methodology - A survey was conducted on 117 producer organizations of fruits and vegetables, cereals, fisheries, and livestock products from September 10 to October 4, 2012. Survey items are annual sales, shares of sales accounted for by large-scale retailers, reduction of orders and prices from large-scale retailers, methods to deal with the sales reduction, unfair trade practices of large-scale retailers, opinion of the large-scale retailer regulations, and so on. The average sales of the sampled producer organizations are 13.7 billion won and the average share of sales accounted for by large-scale retailers is 35.4%. Results - Survey results show that the sample producer organizations' sales decreased 10.1% because of the compulsory closures of stores operated by large-scale retailers. It is estimated that the total sales of producer organizations decreased 371.2 billion won because of the regulations on the operation of large-scale retailers. In addition to the direct effect of a sales decrease due to order reduction, agricultural and fishery producer organizations suffered from the secondary effect of price reduction in wholesale markets. When orders from large-scale retailers decreased, most agricultural and fishery producer organizations shipped redundant products to wholesale markets, decreasing auction prices. It was estimated that the price received decreased 21.9% when sold in other marketing channels. As producer organization sales decreased, it was reported that the labor force employed by producer organizations also decreased by 15.1%. Therefore, we can conclude that the regulations for large-scale retailer operations resulted in negative impacts on agricultural producers. Conclusions - Although the sales reduction due to the regulations for large-scale retailer operations are not great, the cumulative effects due to the continued compulsory closure of stores operated by large-scale retailers could be great. This paper suggests governmental programs that could help agricultural producer organizations to find new and effective marketing channels such as direct marketing, farmers' markets, exports, Internet shopping, and so on.

• The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.93-104
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• 2018

Purpose - This study is to investigate the relationship among emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and job stress of foreign life insurance consultants focusing on the mediating effect of self-efficacy. Regarding job security, in general foreign life insurance companies in Korea have more severe working conditions in terms of required contract performance. For foreign life insurance consultants, they are assumed to need higher level of emotional intelligence and self efficacy to meet the conditions. In this study, focus is cast on these aspects. Research design, data, and methodology - Basically the research is conducted upon questionnaires responded by foreign life insurance consultants. That is, data are collected from 255 sample of insurance consultants who work for a foreign owned life insurance company. The Questionnaire measure the level of emotional intelligence, self-efficacy and job stress of insurance consultants. The data are analyzed using pearson's correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Durbin-Watson test. Results - The general characteristics of respondents are gender, age, marital status, education level, income monthly, career length, change jobs no, working day per week, call no. per week, meeting no. with client per week, contract regularity, contract no. per month and cancellation contract per year. The mean of emotional intelligence is 2.63, self-efficacy is 3.44 and job stress is 2.20. Emotional intelligence is composed with mean value of self emotion appraisal(3.93), other's emotion appraisal(3.78), regulation of emotion(3.29) and use of emotion(3.52). The mean of self efficacy is composed with mean value of self-confidence(3.41), self-regulated efficacy(3.59) and preference task difficulty(3.30). The job stress is composed with mean value of job requirement(2.61), lack of job autonomy(1.99), conflict of personal relations(1.99), job instability(2.38), organizational system(2.19) and inappropriate compensation(2.07). There is a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy. The emotional intelligence and self-efficacy are significantly negative correlation with job stress. The self-efficacy is showed a mediating variable between emotional intelligence and job stress. Conclusions - To decrease job stress level, foreign life insurance company should find the factors to improve the emotional intelligence and self-efficacy of life insurance consultants, and develop appropriate plans using a mediating role of self- efficacy between emotional intelligence and job stress.