• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.53-58
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• 2008

Background: Molecular mechanisms of natural killer (NK) cell development from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have not been clearly elucidated, although the roles of some genes in NK cell development have been reported previously. Thus, searching for molecules and genes related NK cell developmental stage is important to understand the molecular events of NK cell development. Methods: From our previous SAGE data-base, Gpnmb (Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B) was selected for further analysis. We confirmed the level of mRNA and protein of Gpnmb through RT-PCR, quantitative PCR, and FACS analysis. Then we performed cell-based ELISA and FACS analysis, to know whether there are some molecules which can bind to Gpnmb. Using neutralizing antibody, we blocked the interaction between NK cells and OP9 cells, and checked IFN-${\gamma}$ production by ELISA kit. Results: Gpnmb expression was elevated during in vitro developmental stage and bound to OP9 cells, but not to NK precursor cells. In addition, we confirmed that the levels of Gpnmb were increased at NK precursor stage in vivo. We confirmed syndecan4 as a candidate of Gpnmb's binding molecule. When the interaction between NK cells and OP9 cells were inhibited in vitro, IFN-${\gamma}$ production from NK cells were reduced. Conclusion: Based on these observations, it is concluded that Gpnmb has a potential role in NK cell development from HSCs.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
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• 2003.09b
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• pp.87-107
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• 2003

It was demonstrated that Transactivating transcriptional activator(TAT) protein from HIV-1 shown to enter cells when added to the surrounding media. TAT peptide chemically attached to various proteins was able to deliver these proteins to various cell and even in tissues in mice with high levels in heart and spleen. In this study, the tripeptide GKH(Glycine-Lysine-Histidine) derived from Parathyroid hormone (PTH), which was known as lipolytic peptide, is attached to 9-poly Lysine(TAT) to be used as a cosmetic ingredient for slimming products. When Glycerol release, expressed as extracellular glycerol concentration, is lipolysis index, TAT-GKH at $10^{-5}$mo1/L induces approximately 41.5% maximal lipolytic effects in epididymal adipocytes isolated from rats, compared with basal lipolysis. Epididymal adipose tissues of male rats is assessed ex vivo by microdialysis. Probes are perfused with Ringer solution in which increasing concentrations of TAT-GKH. The perfusion of TAT-GKH induces lipolytic effect. Penetration study showed that TAT-GKH efficiently elevates 36 times higher penetration into the excised hairless mice skin than GKH. in vivo study showed that TAT-GKH had a better effect upon the relative volume of eye bag after 28 days of application on twenty(+2) healthy female volunteers. It was identified that TAT-GKH increases penetration enhancement and lipolytic effects in both in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.304-310
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• 2019

Interleukin-21 is a common ${\gamma}$-chain cytokine that controls the immune responses of B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Targeting IL-21 to strengthen the immune system is promising for the development of vaccines as well as anti-infection and anti-tumor therapies. However, the practical application of IL-21 is limited by the high production cost. In this study, we improved IL-21 production by codon optimization and selection of appropriate signal peptide in CHO-K1 cells. Codon-optimized or non-optimized human IL-21 was stably transfected into CHO-K1 cells. IL-21 expression was 10-fold higher for codon-optimized than non-optimized IL-21. We fused five different signal peptides to codon-optimized mature IL-21 and evaluated their effect on IL-21 production. The best result (a 3-fold increase) was obtained using a signal peptide derived from human azurocidin. Furthermore, codon-optimized IL-21 containing the azurocidin signal peptide promoted $IFN-{\gamma}$ secretion and STAT3 phosphorylation in NK-92 cells similar to codon-optimized IL-21 containing original signal peptide. Collectively, these results indicate that codon optimization and azurocidin signal peptides provide an efficient approach for the high-level production of IL-21 as a biopharmaceutical.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.335-350
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• 2023

Physoderma fungal species cause faba bean gall (FBG) which devastates faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Ethiopian highlands. In three regions (Amahara, Oromia, and Tigray), the relative importance, distribution, intensity, and association with factors affecting FBG damage were assessed for the 2019 (283 fields) and 2020 (716 fields) main cropping seasons. A logistic regression model was used to associate biophysical factors with FBG incidence and severity. Amhara region has the highest prevalence of FBG (95.7%), followed by Tigray (83.3%), and the Oromia region (54%). Maximum FBG incidence (78.1%) and severity (32.8%) were recorded from Amhara and Tigray areas, respectively. The chocolate spot was most prevalent in West Shewa, Finfinne Special Zone, and North Shewa of the Oromia region. Ascochyta blight was found prevalent in North Shewa, West Shewa, Southwest Shewa of Oromia, and the South Gondar of Amhara. Faba bean rust was detected in all zones except for the South Gonder and North Shewa, and root rot disease was detected in all zones except South Gonder, South Wollo, and North Shewa of Amahara. Crop growth stage, cropping system, altitude, weed density, and fungicide, were all found to affect the incidence and severity of the FBG. Podding and maturity stage, mono-cropping, altitude (>2,400), high weed density, and non-fungicide were found associated with increased disease intensities. However, crop rotation, low weed infestation, and fungicide usage were identified as potential management options to reduce FBG disease.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2008.02a
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• pp.171-171
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• 2008

• 대한생식의학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1999.11a
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• pp.110.1-110.1
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• 1999

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.207-221
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• 2023

The increasing demand for clean energy requires considerable effort to find alternative energy sources, such as briquettes. This research aims to develop a charcoal briquette with added pine resin (API) that has excellent combustion speed and distinctive aroma. Briquettes are composed of charcoal, pine resin (concentration: 0%-30%), and starch (up to 7%). They are produced in several stages, including coconut shell pyrolysis in conventional combustion, to obtain charcoal for the briquette precursor. Briquette compaction is conducted by mixing and densifying the charcoal, pine resin, and starch using a hydraulic press for 3 min. The hydraulic press has a total surface area and diameter of 57.7 cm² and 3.5 cm, respectively. The briquettes are dried at different temperatures, reaching 70℃ for 24 h. The study results show that the briquettes have a thickness and diameter of up to 2 and 3.5 cm, respectively; moisture of 2.18%-2.62%; ash of 11.61%-13.98%; volatile matter of 27.15%-51.74%; and fixed carbon content of 40.24%-59.46%. The compressive strength of the briquettes is 186-540 kg/cm². Their calorific value is 5,338-6,120 kcal/kg, combusting at a high speed of 0.15-0.40 s. The methoxy naphthalene, phenol, benzopyrrole, and lauryl alcohol; ocimene, valencene, and cembrene are found in the API. The API briquette has several chemical compounds, such as musk ambrette, ocimene, sabinene, limonene, 1-(p-cumenyl) adamantane, butane, and propanal, which improve aroma, drug application, and fuel production. Accordingly, API briquettes have considerable potential as an alternative energy source and a health improvement product.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.493-497
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• 2016

Glucosyl rubusosides were synthesized by two dextransucrases. LcDexT was obtained from Leuconosotoc citreum, that LlDexT was obtained from Leuconostoc lactis. LcDexT and LlDexT regioselectively transferred a glucosyl residue to the 13-O-glucosyl moiety of rubusoside with high yield of 59-66% as analyzed by TLC and HPLC. Evaluation of the sweetness of these glucosyl rubusosides showed that their quality of taste, in particular, was superior to that of rubusoside. These results indicate that transglucosylation at the 13-O-glucosyl moiety of rubusoside by different regioselective dextransucrases can be applicable for increasing its sweetness and quality of taste.

• 한국초전도학회:학술대회논문집
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• v.11
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• pp.5-5
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• 2001

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.103.1-103.1
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• 2000