• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.644-651
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• 2013

The fermented manure derivative known as Preparation 500 is traditionally used as a field spray in biodynamic agriculture for maintaining and increasing soil fertility. This work aimed at characterizing the product from a microbiological standpoint and at assaying its bioactive properties. The approach involved molecular taxonomical characterization of the culturable microbial community; ARISA fingerprints of the total bacteria and fungal communities; chemical elemental macronutrient analysis via a combustion analyzer; activity assays for six key enzymes; bioassays for bacterial quorum sensing and chitolipooligosaccharide production; and plant hormone-like activity. The material was found to harbor a bacterial community of $2.38{\times}10^8$ CFU/g dw dominated by Gram-positives with minor instances of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. ARISA showed a coherence of bacterial assemblages in different preparation lots of the same year in spite of geographic origin. Enzymatic activities showed elevated values of ${\beta}$-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, chitinase, and esterase. The preparation had no quorum sensing-detectable signal, and no rhizobial nod gene-inducing properties, but displayed a strong auxin-like effect on plants. Enzymatic analyses indicated a bioactive potential in the fertility and nutrient cycling contexts. The IAA activity and microbial degradation products qualify for a possible activity as soil biostimulants. Quantitative details and possible modes of action are discussed.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.83-92
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• 1996

This study was conducted to compare the immunochemical properties of female-specific serum proteins (vitellogenin, VTG) and egg yolk proteins in female fusilier, Caesio diagramma. VTG of fusilier was identified and characterized by using immunochemical analysis. Two types of VTG (VTG1 and VTG2) reacted clearly with antiserum against egg proteins, were confirmed in the serum of mature female. The results of sephacryl S-300 showed that the molecular weights of VTG1 and VTG2 were 560,000 and 410,000, respectively. Yolk proteins, E2 and E3, were isolated from egg extracts, and molecular weights of them were estimated 410,000 and 170,000, respectively. The treatment of $17\beta$-estradiol ($E_2$) to males has induced the synthesis of VTG of which immunological characteristics seems to be similar to the yolk proteins. The results suggest that VTG can be synthesized in the liver by the action of $E_2$ stimulation, and incorporated into the oocytes through the blood circulation. The level of serum $E_2$ was moderately high throughout the spawning period of June. The level of serum VTG was also sustained at high in May and June. The concentration changes of serum $E_2$ and VTG were corelated to the ovarian development in female fusilier. The results indicated that $E_2$ may have some important roles for the vitellogenesis in female fusilier. Also) the VTG can be a precursor protein of yolk not only because it could be synthesized in the liver then incorporated into the oocytes but also because an egg yolk protein had the similiar molecular weights and antigenecity with VTG.

• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.533-544
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• 2015

Unlike the concrete structure built on land, that exposed to the marine environment is greatly degraded in durability due to the exposure to not only the physical action caused by sea wind, tide, and wave, but also the harsh conditions, including the chemical erosion and freeze-thaw which result from $SO_4{^{2-}}$, $Cl^-$ and $Mg^{2+}$ ions in seawater. In the process of the large scaled construction of submerged concrete structures, of course environmental hazardous substance, such as alkaline (pH) and heavy metals, may be leached. Thus, this issue needs to be adequately reviewed and studied. Therefore, this study attempted to develop a CSA (Calcium Sulfo Aluminate) activator using electric arc furnace reducing slags, as well as the eco-friendly concrete for artificial reefs using electric arc furnace oxidizing slag as aggregate for concrete. The strength properties of the eco-friendly concrete exposed to the marine environment were lower than those of the normal concrete by curing 28 days. This suggest that additional studies are needed to improve the early strength of the eco-friendly concrete. With respect to seawater resistance of the eco-friendly concrete, the average strength loss against 1 year of curing days reached 8-9%. the eco-friendly concrete using high volume of ground granulated blast furnace slags and high specific gravity of electronic arc furnace oxidizing slag demonstrated the sufficient usability as a freeze-thaw resistant material. With respect to heavy metal leaching properties of the eco-friendly concrete, heavy metal substances were immobilized by chemical bonding in the curing process through the hydration of concrete. Thus, heavy metal substances were neither identified at or below environmental hazard criteria nor detected, suggesting that the eco-friendly concrete is safe in terms of leaching of hazardous substances.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.87-92
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• 1970

Sericin hydrolyzing enzyme, produced by the selected bacteria, S4-1-1, was studied and following properties were obtained. 1. The activity of this bacterial sericinase was not decreased for 30 days of storage at $5^{\circ}C$. But at $20^{\circ}C$, for 30 hrs. was the maximum period to keep the initial activity of this enzyme. 2. This bacterial enzyme gave only sericinase activity but never indicated fibroin hydrolyzing activity. 3. The chelating reagent of EDTA and Ag or Hg ions were classified as strung inhibitors but Cu and Cd ions were indicated as moderate inhibitors to this enzyme action. 4. This enzyme was not inhibited by the surface active agent, Peretex-N, but strongly activated by this agent at low concentration. In the other hand, by the application of this enzyme to the unwinding works on the mulberry cocoon, the following results were also obtained. 1. On the weight and length, nonbreaking Length, size, colour and unwinding ratio of have, the enzyme appling method was superior to generally used cooking method. 2. The tested results of strength and elongation, bouchon, haririness loops, neatness and evenness of have were also indicated spuerior properties.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.357-364
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• 2008

Mylabris is the dried body of the chinese blister beetle. The species used in medicine are Mylabris phalerata and M. cichorii. In recent studies, it has been found that Mylabris possesses antitumor properties, increases the number of leukocytes, and has irritant effects on the urinary organs. The crude extracts of Mylabris have been noted for their highly irritant action and other traditional uses of Mylabris include treatment of poor local blood circulation. The active constituent of Mylabris is cantharidin. The chemical is notable for its vesicant properties, but with severe side effects such as nephrotoxicity. This experiment examined the effect of extracts and fractions, obtained from Mylabris phalerata Pall. on hair growth activity of the C57BL/6N mice after topical application to skin. First, we examined the effect of an extracts, obtained from the alcohol extracts of dried Mylabris phalerata Pall. on hair growth activity of the C57BL/6N mice after topical application to skin. Second, we examined on hair growth activity of the cantharidin fraction of Mylabris phalerata Pall. compared to the control and 1% minoxidil groups. Third, we investigated the number of hair follicle and mast cells after topical application of extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall. to skin for 16 days. The results were as follows: Hair growth effect from the extracts of Mylabris phalerata Pall.(0.312%) was observed in 80% of mice whose hair had been removed in 13 days. Hair growth effect from the extract of Mylabris phalerata Pall.(0.312 and 0.625%) and 1% minoxidil group was observed in 100% of mice whose hair had been clipped in 20 days. Hair growth effect from the cantharidin fraction(0.5%) and water fraction(0.5%) of Mylabris phalerata Pall. was observed in 100% of mice whose hair had been clipped in 24 days. The hair growth effect on the cantharidin fraction(0.125%) was observed to be strong compared with the minoxidil(3%) group, commercial hair growth agents, in mice whose hair had been clipped in 19 days. In the spontaneous alopecia mice model, the hair growth effect from the cantharidin fraction (0.125%) was observed to be strong as compared with the states before the 13 days experiment. These experiments suggest that extracts and fractions of Mylabris phalerata Pall. may stimulate the topical hair growth activity in low doses.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.502-507
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• 2016

This study was conducted to develop novel antimicrobial nano-composites, with the aim of fully utilizing antimicrobial properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), nickel (Ni) and zinc oxide (ZnO). Ni coated-MWCNTs (Ni-CNT) were prepared and evaluated for their potential application as an antimicrobial material for inactivating bacteria. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the Ni coating and morphology of Ni-CNT. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coil (E. coil) were employed as the target bacterium on antimicrobial activities. Comparing with the nitric acid treated MWCNTs and Ni-CNT which have been previously reported to possess antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus and E. coil, Ni-CNT/ZnO exhibited a stronger antimicrobial ability. The nickel coating was confirmed to play an important role in the bactericidal action of Ni-CNTs/ZnO composites. Also, the addition of ZnO to the developed nanocomposite is suggested to improve the antimicrobial property.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced when tissues are damaged. Thus, pain sensation in some way protects body from imminent threat or injury. Peripheral sensory nerves innervated to peripheral tissues initially respond to multiple forms of noxious or strong stimuli, such as heat, mechanical and chemical stimuli. In response to these stimuli, electrical signals for conducting the nociceptive neural signals through axons are generated. These action potentials are then conveyed to specific areas in the spinal cord and in the brain. Sensory afferent fibers are heterogeneous in many aspects. For example, sensory nerves are classified as $A{\alpha}$, $-{\beta}$, $-{\delta}$ and C-fibers according to their diameter and degree of myelination. It is widely accepted that small sensory fibers tend to respond to vigorous or noxious stimuli and related to nociception. Thus these fibers are specifically called nociceptors. Most of nociceptors respond to noxious mechanical stimuli and heat. In addition, these sensory fibers also respond to chemical stimuli [Davis et al. (1993)] such as capsaicin. Thus, nociceptors are considered polymodal. Recent advance in research on ion channels in sensory neurons reveals molecular mechanisms underlying how various types of stimuli can be transduced to neural signals transmitted to the brain for pain perception. In particular, electrophysiological studies on ion channels characterize biophysical properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. Furthermore, molecular biology leads to identification of genetic structures as well as molecular properties of ion channels in sensory neurons. These ion channels are expressed in axon terminals as well as in cell soma. When these channels are activated, inward currents or outward currents are generated, which will lead to depolarization or hyperpolarization of the membrane causing increased or decreased excitability of sensory neurons. In order to depolarize the membrane of nerve terminals, either inward currents should be generated or outward currents should be inhibited. So far, many cationic channels that are responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons are introduced recently. Activation of these channels in sensory neurons is evidently critical to the generation of nociceptive signals. The main channels responsible for inward membrane currents in nociceptors are voltage-activated sodium and calcium channels, while outward current is carried mainly by potassium ions. In addition, activation of non-selective cation channels is also responsible for the excitation of sensory neurons. Thus, excitability of neurons can be controlled by regulating expression or by modulating activity of these channels.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.111-117
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• 2008

As part of studies on functional food development from the acorn (Quercus acutissima CARRUTHERS), this study investigated the antioxidant properties of the acorn using response surface methodology. Optimal extraction conditions were established by monitoring total phenol levels, electron donating ability, antioxidant ability and nitrite-scavenging action using response surface analysis under a central composite design. The extraction temperature varied in the $30-70^{\circ}C$, the extraction time between 1-5 h, and the solvent ratio was in the interval 5-25mL/g of sample. Extracted total phenols were highest at $57.91^{\circ}C$, 4.08 h, and 22.39 mL/g. This extraction was influenced by solvent ratio, but not by extraction time or temperature. Electron donating ability was found to be highest at $60.37^{\circ}C$, 2.85h, and 6.47 mL/g. The highest antioxidant level was 2.09 AI at $37.11^{\circ}C$, 1.67 h, and 18.84 mL/g, and this value was greatly influenced by all of extraction temperature, extraction time, and solvent ratio. Nitrite-scavenging ability was found to be highest at $47.07^{\circ}C$, 1.24h, and 19.55mL/g. Changes in nitrite-scavenging ability were most influenced by solvent ratio, followed by extraction temperature, but no influence of extraction time within the range tested was found.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1247-1260
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• 2009

This dissertation aims to study the five tastes in the Yellow Emperor's Canon of Internal Medicine. Medicinals as well as Foods are classified by the five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and pungent, which can be tasted by the tongue. With the development of the theory dealing with the medicinal properties, some flavors are summarized out of clinical actions of medicinals, therefore, there is a little difference between the flavors of medicinal herbs and the tastes got by tongue. Each taste acts on or has direct influence on a specific vital organ, and each of which has different physiologic actions. Taste also has a long-term or post digestive effect on the body and its metabolism. When each taste is consumed in moderation, it benefits the corresponding organ. Over-indulgence in any taste harms the organ and creates imbalance among the five vital organ systems. The Korean medicinal herbs with same flavor mostly possess similar actions while the medicinal herbs with different flavors show different actions in the treatment, which are shown as follows. Sour has absorbing, consolidating and astringent actions and acts on the liver. Bitter has the actions of drying or resolving dampness, purging and lowering and acts on the heart. Sweet has the nourishing, harmonizing and moistening actions and acts on the spleen. Pungent has an action of dispersing and promoting circulation of gi and blood and acts on the lungs. Salty has the effects of softening hard nodes or masses and promoting defecation, etc and acts on the kidneys. The five organ systems control and support each other. Proper coordination only exists when there is no one organ stronger or weaker than the rest. Since the five tastes have direct influences on the five organs, the diet we take should have a good combination of the five tastes in order to promote internal balance and harmony. They control our well-being and create dietary balance. Excessive consumption of any of these could result in adverse effects. In a word, when the properties of the five tastes respectively are distinguished, their natures and flavors cannot be separately considered. I think the harmonization of food and medicinals should be stressed on good nutritional diet to maintain good health. The traditional belief that food and medicine share the same origin is a part of Korean medicine tradition.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.71-78
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• 2001

Capsaicin, a pungent ingredient of hot pepper, elicits an intense burning pain when applied cutaneously and intradermally. Activation of capsaicin-gated channel in C-type dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons produces nonselective cationic currents. Although electrophysiological and biochemical properties of capsaicin-activated current $(I_{CAP})$ were studied, the regulatory mechanism and intracellular signaling pathway are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the modulations of $I_{CAP}$ by DAMGO $({\mu}-opioid\;agonist)$ and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8). In 18 out of 86 cells, the amplitude of $I_{CAP}$ was significantly increased by DAMGO and completely reversed after washout, while $I_{CAP}$ was decreased by DAMGO in 25 cells. In 43 cells, DAMGO had no effect on $I_{CAP}$. Mean action potential duration was significantly different between 'increased-by-DAMGO' group and 'decreased-by-DAMGO' group. Mean amplitudes of $I_H$ were not significantly different between both groups. CCK-8 reversibly enhanced the amplitude of $I_{CAP}$ (5/13). DAMGO also increased $I_{CAP}$ amplitude significantly in the same cells. The amplitude of $I_{CAP}$ was increased in additive manner by combined applications of DAMGO and CCK-8 in these cells. These results suggest that DAMGO and CCK-8 can either increase or decrease $I_{CAP}$ presumably depending on the subtypes of DRG cells and classified by electrophysiological properties.