• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.717-724
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• 2003

A newly isolated Citrobacter sp. Y19 catalyzes the CO-dependent $H_2$ production (biological water-gas shift reaction) by the actions of CO dehydrogenase (CODH) and hydrogenase. Y 19 requires $O_2$ for fast growth, but its $H_2$ production activity is significantly inhibited by $O_2$. In the present study, the effect of $O_2$ on the activities of CODH ard hydrogenase was investigated quantitatively in both whole cells and broken cells, based on CO-dependent or methyl viologen (MV)-dependent $H_2$ production in addition to CO-dependent MV reduction. In crude cell extracts, CODH activity was mostly found in the soluble fraction. Inactivation of CODH and hydrogenase activities by $O_2$ followed the first-order decay kinetics, and the dependence of the rate constants on $O_2$ partial pressure could be expressed by the Michaelis-Menten equation. In whole cells, the maximum deactivation rate constants ($k_{d,max}$ of hydrogenase and CODH were quite similar: $0.07{\pm}0.03 min^{-1}\;and\;0.10{\pm}0.04 min^{-1}$, respectively. However, the first-order rate constant ($k_{d,max}/K_s$) of CODH ($0.25\;min^{-1}\;atm^{-1}$) at low $O_2$ partial pressures was about 3-fold higher than that of the hydrogenase, since the half-saturation constant ($K_s$) of CODH was about half of that of hydrogenase. In broken cells, both enzymes became significantly more sensitive to $O_2$ compared to the unbroken cells, while $k_{d,max}/K_s$ increased 37-fold for hydrogenase and 6.7-fold for CODH. When whole cells were incubated under anaerobic conditions after being exposed to air for 1 h, hydrogenase activity was recovered more than 90% in 2 h suggesting that the deactivation of hydrogenase by $O_2$ was reversible. On the contrary, CODH activity was not recovered once deactivated by $O_2$ and the only way to recover the activity was to synthesize new CODH. This study indicates that $O_2$ sensitivity of $H_2$ production activity of Citrobacter sp. Y19 is an important drawback as in other $H_2-producing$ bactria.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.460-465
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• 2007

Endosulfan-${\alpha}$ endosulfan-${\beta}$ and endosulfan-sulfate, which are classified as pesticides, were degraded by use of UV energy and ultrasonic irradiation. The degradation residuals were analysed by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector and TOC (total oragnic carbon) analysis. The reactions were conducted in a quartz annular reactor equipped with a low pressure mercury multilamp (8Wx2) and a sonic generator. All the aqueous solutions were concentrated as 10 mg/L initially. Endosulfans were degraded each to result in 48.2% (${\alpha}$), 50.0% (${\beta}$) and 76.5% (sulfate) of removal efficiency by UV energy, and 66.9% (${\alpha}$), 55.8% (${\beta}$) and 72.7% (sulfate) by ultrasonic irradiation, respectively. In contrast to the results of the single-component solutions, degradation of the endosulfan-sulfate was greatly suppressed to result in the lowest degradation rate and removal efficiency in the three-component solutions. This finding suggests that there should be a reversible reaction with a substantially low equilibrium constant between endosulfan-${\alpha}$ or -${\beta}$ and -sulfate in the coexistence of the three endosulfans. TOC data showed the endosulfans were decomposed by 20%~40% toward complete mineralization, producing a quantity of intermediates induced by the radical reactions. We found that all the decay reactions considered in this study nicely fell into pseudo first-order rate.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.12
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• pp.1557-1561
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• 2013

Carbonic anhydrase isozymes are a widespread, zinc-containing metalloenzyme family. The enzyme catalyzes the reversible inter-conversion of $CO_2$ and $HCO_3$. This reaction is the main role played by CA enzymes in physiological conditions. This enzyme has been found in virtually all organisms, and at least 16 isozymes have been isolated in mammals. Unlike mammals, there is little information available regarding CA isozymes in the tissues of non-mammalian groups, such as fish. Carbonic anhydrase is very important in the osmotic and acid-base regulation in fish. It is well-known that the gills of fish play the most important role in acid-base relevant ion transfer, the transfer of $H^+$ and/or $HCO_3^-$, for the maintenance of systemic pH. Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is the most important freshwater fish species in the aquaculture industry of Korea, with annual production increasing each year. In addition, environmental toxicology research has shown that rainbow trout is known to be the species that is most susceptible to environmental toxins. Consequently, carbonic anhydrase was detected in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The isolated protein showed the specific band with a molecular weight of 30 kDa and pI of 7.0, and it was identified as being carbonic anhydrase. The immunohistochemical result demonstrated that the carbonic anhydrase was located in the epithelial cells of the gills.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.1125-1132
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• 2000

The pH effect of the precursor solution on the preparation of $LiCoO_2$ by a solution phase reaction containing malonic acid was carried out. Layered $LiCoO_2$ powders were obtained with the precursors prepared at the different pHs (4, 7, and 9) and heat-treated at $700^{\circ}C(LiCoO_2-700)$ or $850^{\circ}C(LiCoO_2-850)$ in air. pHs of the media for precursor synthesis affects the charge/discharge and electrochemical properties of the $LiCoO_2electrodes.$ Upon irrespective of pH of the precursor media, X-ray diffraction spectra recorded for $LiCoO_2-850$ powder showed higher peak intensity ratio of I(003)/I(104) than that of $LiCoO_2-700$, since the better crystallization of the former crystallized better. However, $LiCoO_2$ synthesized at pH 4 displayed an abnormal higher intensity ratio of I(003)/I(104) than those synthesized at pH 7 and 9. The surface morphology of the $LiCoO_2-850$ powders was rougher and more irregular than that of $LiCoO_2-700$ made from the precursor synthesized at pH 7 and 9. The $LiCoO_2electrodes$ prepared with the precursors synthesized at pH 7 and 9 showed a better electrochemical and charge/discharge characteristics. From the AC impedance spectroscopic experiments for the electrode made from the precursor prepared in pH 7, the chemical diffusivity of Li ions (DLi+) in $Li0.58CoO_2determined$ was 2.7 ${\times}$10-8 $cm^2s-1$. A cell composed of the $LiCoO_2-700$ cathode prepared in pH 7 with Lithium metal anode reveals an initial discharge specific capacity of 119.8 mAhg-1 at a current density of 10.0 mAg-1 between 3.5 V and 4.3 V. The full-cell composed with $LiCoO_2-700$ cathode prepared in pH 7 and the Mesocarbon Pitch-based Carbon Fiber (MPCF) anode separated by a Cellgard 2400 membrane showed a good cycleability. In addition, it was operated over 100 charge/discharge cycles and displayed an average reversible capacity of nearly 130 mAhg-1.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.355-361
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• 2019

The red pigment extracted from Serratia marcescens 2354 (ATCC 25419) was prodigiosin (PG), which was dissolved in methanol and measured for ultraviolet and visible light absorption spectra. It was the typical absorption spectrum of PG in an acid solution with ${\lambda}_{max}=537nm$. When the concentration of PG was increased from $1.0{\times}10-5M$ to $9.0{\times}10-5M$ in the methanol solution, the absorption intensity at 537 nm was increased, the absorption intensity at 467 nm was decreased, and the isosbestic point at 500 nm was observed. This phenomenon can be regarded as a result of reversible acid-base equilibrium reaction considering 537 nm and 467 nm of PG absorption band in acid and base solution respectively and isosbestic point of 500 nm. On the other hand, when the concentration of PG was reduced from $6.0{\times}10-4$ to $1.0{\times}10-4M$ in acetic acid buffer solution at pH 4.75, a new absorption band with ${\lambda}$ max at 500 nm appeared. This absorption band appears only in the aqueous solution of pH 4.75 and does not appear in the pure methanol solution of the same pH. This is due to the conversion of the PG molecule from the ${\alpha}$-isomer to the ${\beta}$-isomer by $H_2O$. In other words, it was confirmed that the color change of the PG can be caused by the concentration of the solution and the characteristics of the solvent.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.65-73
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• 2006

Regulatory mechanism for endogenous levels of castasterone (CS) and its biosynthetic precursors in shoots of maize was investigated by the use of enzyme solution prepared from the plant tissue. When [$^2H_0$]- and [$^2H_6$]-CS was used as substrates, [$^2H_0$]-26-norCS and [$^2H_3$]-28-norCS were identified as products, indicating that [$^2H_0$]- and [$^2H_6$]-CS are differently metabolized into [$^2H_0$]-26-norCS and [$^2H_3$]-28-norCS by C-26 and C-28 demethylation, respectively. This suggests that both C-26 and C-28 demethylation can be involved in CS catabolism. In fact that C-28 demethylation only occurred when isotope labeled substrate was used, however, C-26 demethylation is thought be a natural reaction occurred in the maize shoots. When 6-deoxoteasterone (6-deoxoTE) was used, 6-deoxo-26-norTE and 3-dehydro-6-deoxo-26-norTE as well as 6-deoxo-3-dehydroTE and 6-deoxotyphasterol (6-deoxoTY) were identified as enzyme products. When 6-deoxoTY was added, 6-deoxo-26-norTY as well as 6-deoxo-3-dehydroTE and 6-deoxoTE was identified as products. These indicate that C-26 demethylation of 6-deoxoTE, 6-deoxo-3-dehydroTE and 6-deoxoTY as well as a reversible C-3 epimerization from 6-deoxoTE to 6-deoxoTY intermediated by 6-deoxo-3-dehydroTE are operative in the maize shoots, demonstrating that endogenous levels of biosynthetic precursors of CS are also controlled by C-26 demethylation. Therefore, it is thought that C-26 demethylation is an important and a common deactivation process which functions to maintain steady state levels of endogenous brassinosteroids in the maize shoots.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2006

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitously distributed and play important functions in diverse cellular signaling systems. The proteins are largely classified into three groups, such as typical 2-Cys Prx, atypical 2-Cys Prx, and 1-Cys Prx, that are distinguished by their catalytic mechanisms and number of Cys residues. From the three classes of Prxs, the typical 2-Cys Prx containing the two-conserved Cys residues at its N-terminus and C-terminus catalyzes $H_2O_2$ with the use of thioredoxin (Trx) as an electron donor. During the catalytic cycle, the N-terminal Cys residue undergoes a peroxide-dependent oxidation to sulfenic acid, which can be further oxidized to sulfinic acid at the presence of high concentrations of $H_2O_2$ and a Trx system containing Trx, Trx reductase, and NADPH. The sulfinic acid form of 2-Cys Prx is reduced by the action of sulfiredoxin which requires ATP as an energy source. Under the strong oxidative or heat shock stress conditions, 2-Cys Prx in eukaryotes rapidly switches its protein structure from low-molecular-weight species to high-molecular-weight protein structures. In accordance with its structural changes, the protein concomitantly triggers functional switching from a peroxidase to a molecular chaperone, which can protect its substrate denaturation from external stress. In addition to its N-terminal active site, the C-terminal domain including 'YF-motif' of 2-Cys Prx plays a critical role in the structural changes. Therefore, the C-terminal truncated 2-Cys Prxs are not able to regulate their protein structures and highly resistant to $H_2O_2$-dependent hyperoxidation, suggesting that the reaction is guided by the peroxidatic Cys residue. Based on the results, it may be concluded that the peroxidatic Cys of 2-Cys Prx acts as an '$H_2O_2$-sensor' in the cells. The oxidative stress-dependent regulation of 2-Cys Prx provides a means of defense systems in cells to adapt stress conditions by activating intracellular defense signaling pathways. Particularly, 2-Cys Prxs in plants are localized in chloroplasts with a dynamic protein structure. The protein undergoes conformational changes again oxidative stress. Depending on a redox-potential of the chloroplasts, the plant 2-Cys Prx forms super-molecular weight protein structures, which attach to the thylakoid membranes in a reversible manner.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.780-787
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• 2006

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, which characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reversible airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms. Internationally, the prevalence of asthma has been increased over last 3 decades. Recently, several studies of asthma have been reported with gradually increasing importance. To tesify the hypothesis that interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 may be an important determinant of the severity of airway inflammation, their expression was studied in mouse model of asthma. BALB/c mouse, IL-4 Knockout (KO) mouse and IL-10 KO mouse were sensitized with intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin adsorbed to aluminum potassium sulfate, followed by challenges with intranasal ovalbumin on 3 consecutive days. The severity of pulmonary inflammation was assessed by eosinophilia in BAL fluid, number of total BAL cells, histopathological changes in lung tissues, and immunohistochemical staining against IL-4 and IL-10. In BAL fluid, the number of total cells was significantly increased in asthma induced mouse compare to the control. In asthma induced mouse, eosinophil was increased to 56% and neutrophil was 0.2%. In H &E stains, eosinophilic infiltration and epithelium hyperplasia were clearly noticed in asthma induced mouse. In immunohistochemical staining for IL-4 and IL-10, there was no positive reaction in control group. However, very strong reactions were appeared in asthma induced group. In this research, IL-4 and IL-10, which seem to play a central role in allergic asthma, KO mouse was utilized to test the causative relationship between airway inflammation and role of specific cytokine. Asthma induced IL-4 and IL-10 KO mice showed much decreased inflammatory reactions in the number of total BAL cells, in eosinophilic infiltration, and in immunohistochemical stains against diverse inflammatory proteins. These results suggest that IL-4 and IL-10 increase the asthmatic reactions in vivo mice model.