• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.737-744
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• 2007

An experiment was conducted to compare the ME values of imported corns measured by In vivo(TME) and In vitro(MEn, ME and MEpc) methods and to investigate the true amino acid availability(TAAA) and the true nutrient availability(TNA) of imported corns. For TME assay, twenty four 57-weeks-old Hy-Line roosters were assigned to fasting group(4 roosters) and four corn groups(5 roosters each): USA; corn produced in the United States, ARG; corn produced in Argentina, CHN; regular corn produced in China, CHNP; premium corn produced in China. The MEn, ME and MEpc values were determined by equations based on chemical analysis. The TME value of USA(3,745kcal/kg) in as fed basis was significantly (P<0.01) higher than ARG(3,555kcal/kg) and CHNP(3,518kcal/kg) but was not significantly different from CHN(3,671kcal/kg). The TME value of USA(4,144kcal/kg) in DM basis was not significantly different from CHN(4,060kcal/kg) and CHNP(4,008kcal/kg) but was significantly(P<0.05) higher than ARG(4,001kcal/kg). There were significant differences in TAAA of phenylalanine, histidine and arginine among imported corns. Those of USA were highest but overall TAAA was not significantly different among imported corns. True availability of NFE of USA, ARG and CHN was significantly(P<0.05) higher than that of CHNP. However, true availability of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and crude ash were not significantly different among corns. The correlation coefficient between TME and MEn value was 0.91 which was significant at P<0.1 but correlation coefficient between TME and ME value and between TME and MEpc value was 0.90 and 0.83, respectively which was not significant at P<0.1. In conclusion, US corn was highest in TME values and Chinese premium corn was not significantly different from regular Chinese corn. The MEn value obtained by equation based on chemical analysis may be used as a tool to evaluate TME value of corn.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.101-110
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• 2009

The regulation of gene expression plays an important role in cell cycle controls. In this study, a novel $mas2^+$ (mitosis associated protein) gene, a homolog of human SMARCAD1 was isolated and characterized from a fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) using gene-specific polymerase chain reaction. The isolated gene contained a complete open reading frame capable of encoding 922 amino acid residues with a typical promoter, as judged by nucleotide sequence analysis. It was also found that an SNF2 domain is located, which is involved in the chromosome remodeling. The quantitative analysis of the $mas2^+$ transcript against $adh1^+$ showed that the expression level of $mas2^+$ is high before septum formation in S. pombe. When $mas2^+$ null mutant cells were grown at 27 and $35^{\circ}C$, the cytokinesis of $mas2^+$ null mutant was greatly delayed and a large number of multi-septate and mis-segregated cells were produced. In addition, the number of multi-septate cells significantly increased. When cells were cultured in YES rich medium to increase proliferation, the abnormal phenotypes $mas2^+$ null mutant dramatically increased. These phenotypes could be rescued by an over-expression of the mast gene. The Mas2 protein localized in the nuclei of S. pombe, as evidenced by Mas2-EGFP signals. These results suggest that the $mas2^+$ is homologous to human SMARCAD1 gene and involved in septum formation and chromosome remodeling control.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.163-172
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• 2007

This study was designed to investigate that inorganic germanium $(GeO_2)$ did not exist in germanium-fortified yeast or obtained to non-detectable value by current analytical methods and equipments. For this purpose, we achieved $GeO_2$ qualitative analysis protocol which could be the scientific basis of the study. Since reddish brown precipitate was formed from the reaction of $GeO_2$ with 1 equiv $NaBH_4$, and dark brown precipitate was also formed from the reaction of $GeO_2$ with 2 equiv $NaBH_4$, $GeO_2$ was qualitatively analyzed by observing these particular colored-precipitates. Because no color change was showed from the reaction between $NaBH_4$ and $SiO_2$, the color change could be caused by charge transfer transition on Ge-O and B binding properties. The reaction between $NaBH_4$ and germanium-fortified yeast did not show any color change and precipitate formation which meant no $GeO_2$ existed in germanium-fortified yeast. The reaction between $NaBH_4$ and supernatant specimen collected from the outside of dialysis membrane (MWCO 1,200 dalton) did not show any color change and precipitate formation. Therefore, we considered that the both germaniums in and outside of the dialysis membrane were organic germaniums. Germanium-fortified yeast which was biosynthesized organic germanium can be applied not only as a new functional material for improving health, prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases including cancers, and the regulation of immune system, but also as a new materials.

• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.263-268
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• 2016

Metallothionein (MT) family of metal-binding proteins are involved in maintaining homeostasis and heavy metal poisoning. Recently, MT has been considered as a biomarker that can identify a particular species, very similar to the use of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. Satsuma myomphala species of land snails have been reported from North-East Asia, including South Korea and Japan. In particular, the land snail species have been known from only a limited area of Geoje Island, Gyeongsangnam-do province of South Korea. Genetic studies of S. myomphala has been limited with only 6 nucleotide, 2 protein registered on the NCBI server. For elucidating the genetic information of S. myomphala, we conducted RNA sequencing analysis using Illumina HiSeq 2500 next-generation platform. We screened the MT gene from the RNA-Seq database to confirm the molecular phylogenetic relationship. After sequencing, the de novo analysis and clustering generated 103,774 unigenes. After annotation against PANM database using BLAST program, we obtained MT sequence of 74 amino acid residues containing the coding region of 222 bp. Based on this sequence, we found about 53 sequences using the BLAST program in NCBI nr database. Using ClustalX alignment, Maximum-Likehood Tree of MEGA program, we confirmed the molecular phylogenetic relationships that showed similarity with mollusks such as Helix pomatia and H. aspersa, Megathura crenulata.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.477-482
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• 2008

The quality characteristics of Goami by-product under the mixed enzyme treatment condition of $\alpha$-amylase and cellulase have been compared, and found the highest amount of soluble solids and reducing sugars at the $\alpha$-amylase treated group (A), and the contents revealed to show gradual decrease with the increase of cellulase content. The amounts of total dietary fiber and total sugars did not show large difference by both of enzyme concentration. The result of sugar analysis revealed the presence of all $G{\sim}G5$ in all treatment groups, and the content of malto-oligosaccharide recorded the highest content of 2,200 mg% at the $\alpha$-amylase treatment group (A). When the quality characteristic of the hydrolyzed powders manufactured by the optimum hydrolysis condition was compared, no significant color difference was found between samples. Among the contents of dietary fibers, insoluble dietary fiber was found to present in the lowest content of 6.95% at the Goami flour (GF) and the Goami by-product powder (GBPP) and Goami by-product hydrolysate powder (GBPHP) resulted the similar content around 14% and the highest soluble dietary fibers content was found in Goami by-product hydrolysate powder (GBPHP), which was followed by in the order of Goami by-product powder (GBPP) and Goami flour (GF), but the content variation was not large. The free amino acid was found to be highest in Goami by-product hydrolysate powder (GBPHP) followed by in the order of Goami by-product powder (GBPP) and Goami flour (GF). In the sugar analysis, the Goami by-product hydrolysate powder (GBPHP) was found with all $G{\sim}G5$ sugars by showing the highest amount of 1,800 mg% At the Goami by-product powder (GBPP), $G{\sim}G2$ sugars were detected with about 66 mg% and malto-oligosaccharides were not detected at the Goami flour (GF). Based upon the results, the functionality of Goami by-product hydrolysate powder (GBPHP) was found to be enforced compared to Goami flour (GF) and Goami by-product powder (GBPP), which allow us to expect it to be used as the various rice processing food source.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.192-201
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• 2016

Recently, Psychrobacter sp. ArcL13 strain showing the extracellular lipase activity was isolated from the Chuckchi Sea of the Arctic Ocean. However, due to the low expression levels of the enzyme in the natural strain, the production of recombinant lipase is crucial for various applications. Identification of the gene for the enzyme is prerequisite for the production of the recombinant protein. Therefore, in the present study, a novel lipase gene (ArcL13-Lip) was isolated from Psychrobacter sp. ArcL13 strain by gene prospecting using PCR, and its complete nucleotide sequence was determined. Sequence analysis showed that ArcL13-Lip has high amino acid sequence similarity to lipases from bacteria of some Psychrobacter genus (84-90%) despite low nucleotide sequence similarity. The lipase gene was cloned into the bacterial expression plasmid and expressed in E. coli. SDS-PAGE analysis of the cells showed that ArcL13-Lip was expressed as inclusion bodies with a molecular mass of about 35 kDa. Refolding was achieved by diluting the unfolded protein into refolding buffers containing various additives, and the highest refolding efficiency was seen in the glucose-containing buffer. Refolded ArcL13-Lip showed high hydrolytic activity toward p-nitrophenyl caprylate and p-nitrophenyl decanoate among different p-nitrophenyl esters. Recombinant ArcL13-Lip displayed maximal activity at $40^{\circ}C$ and pH 8.0 with p-nitrophenyl caprylate as a substrate. Activity assays performed at various temperatures showed that ArcL13-Lip is a cold-active lipase with about 40% and 73% of enzymatic activity at $10^{\circ}C$ and $20^{\circ}C$, respectively, compared to its maximal activity at $40^{\circ}C$.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2024

Purpose: ¹⁸F-FET, a radiopharmaceutical based on a Tyrosine amino acid derivative using the Sodium-Potassium Pump-independent Transporter (System L) for non-invasive evaluation of primary, recurrent, and metastatic brain tumors, exhibits distinct characteristics. Unlike the widely absorbed ¹⁸F-FDG in both tumor and normal brain tissues, ¹⁸F-FET demonstrates specific uptake only in tumor tissue while almost negligible uptake in normal brain tissue. This study aims to compare and evaluate the usefulness of ¹⁸F-FDG and ¹⁸F-FET Brain PET/CT quantitative analysis in brain tumor diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In 46 patients diagnosed with brain gliomas (High Grade: 34, Low Grade: 12), Brain PET/CT scans were performed at 40 minutes after ¹⁸F-FDG injection and at 20 minutes (early) and 80 minutes (delay) after ¹⁸F-FET injection. SUV_max and SUV_peak of tumor areas corresponding to MRI images were measured in each scan, and the SUV_max-to-SUV_peak ratio, an indicator of tumor prognosis, was calculated. Differences in SUV_max, SUV_peak, and SUV_max-to-SUV_peak ratio between ¹⁸F-FDG and ¹⁸F-FET early/delay scans were statistically verified using SPSS (ver.28) package program. Results: SUV_max values were 3.72±1.36 for ¹⁸F-FDG, 4.59±1.55 for ¹⁸F-FET early, and 4.12±1.36 for ¹⁸F-FET delay scans. The highest SUV_max was observed in ¹⁸F-FET early scans, particularly in HG tumors (4.85±1.44), showing a slightly more significant difference (P<0.0001). SUV_peak values were 3.33±1.13 for ¹⁸F-FDG, 3.04±1.11 for ¹⁸F-FET early, and 2.80±0.96 for ¹⁸F-FET delay scans. The highest SUV_peak was in ¹⁸F-FDG scans, while the lowest was in ¹⁸F-FET delay scans, with a more significant difference in HG tumors (P<0.001). SUV_max-to-SUV_peak ratio values were 1.11±0.09 for ¹⁸F-FDG, 1.54±0.22 for ¹⁸F-FET early, and 1.48±0.17 for ¹⁸F-FET delay scans. This ratio was higher in ¹⁸F-FET scans for both HG and LG tumors (P<0.0001), but there was no statistically significant difference between ¹⁸F-FET early and delay scans. Conclusion: This study confirms the usefulness of early and delay scans in ¹⁸F-FET Brain PET/CT examinations, particularly demonstrating the changes in objective quantitative metrics such as SUV_max, SUV_peak, and introducing the SUV_max-to-SUV_peak ratio as a new evaluation metric based on the degree of tumor malignancy. This is expected to further contributions to the quantitative analysis of Brain PET/CT images.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.31-44
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• 1976

The studies were carried out to examine the effects of supplementation of nutritional substances and physical conditions in substrate on the mycelial growth and yield of fresh sporophores of winter mushroom, Flammulina velutipes(Curt. ex Fr.) Sing. and to obtain further informations on the nutritional requirements of the fungus with reference to improvement of substrate through [analysis of chemical composition of the substrates during the cultivation period. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. The best yield of fresh sporophores, 84.4 g per 280 g substrate in a bottle, was obtained from the mixture of poplar sawdust 10 and rice bran 3 by volume when Flammulina velutipes was cultivated on the poplar sawdust supplemented by rice bran, wheat bran, cattle manure and various combinations of these materials as nutrient sources. The substrates of poplar sawdust 10 plus rice bran 3 and 2 or wheat bran 3 with a higher yield of fresh sporophores showed a comparatively higher content of total nitrogen. total sugar, and potassium. 2. The mycelial growth of the fungus was compared on the substrates of poplar sawdust supplemented by the several nutrient sources and poplar sawdust alone. The fastest linear growth occurred on substrates of poplar sawdust alone and poplar sawdust plus cattle manure deficient in sugar and nitrogen sources, but mycelial density was more sparse on the substrates. Also, growth in a solution extracted from these substrates was very meager. 3. In the substrates which varied with bulk density and moisture content optimum bulk density and moisture content for mycelial growth was 0.2g/cc and 72% on a dry weight basis, respectively, but the highest yield of fresh sporophores was obtained at the bulk density of 0.3g/cc and moisture content of 67%. 4. By increasing the ratio of rice bran in poplar sawdust the loss of total weight and ash, content at each stage was increased, and during the cultivation period of 75 days, loss of total weight of the substrates at inoculation was 17.8 to 28.8% and ash content increased about 12%. 5. 11 to 14% of the cellulose and 3 to 4% of the lignin content per original substrate were decreased without a great difference depending of the mixing ratio of rice bran. The soluble glucose concentration in the substrates was increased during the same period. 6. In the process of vegetative and reproductive growth of the fungus upon the substrates, the total nitrogen was increased in quantity per dry weight of sample but was reduced in absolute quantity to a minute extent. There is no great changes in content of organic nitrogen including amino acid nitrogen, and hydrolysable ammonium nitrogen during the vegetative growth period, but occurrence of sporophores resulted in a decrease in the nitrogen content of these forms. On the one hand, by an increase of additive amounts of rice bran, nitrogen contents of these forms were higher and the reduction range during the reproductive growth period became wider. 7. Mycelial growth of the fungus was accelerated in various liquid media supplemented with organic nitrogen sources such as peptone and yeast extract in comparison with addition of inorganic nitrogen sources. Furthermore, mycelial growth was mere vigorous in the media with higher content of organic nitrogen sources.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.556-564
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• 2007

Purpose : We hypothesized that the persisting bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) of adolescents with asthma remission may be controlled mainly by genetic factors, and the BHR of symptomatic asthma by airway inflammation. ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor gene is considered to be a candidate gene in the development of BHR. Thus, ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor gene polymorphism may be associated with the BHR of adolescents with asthma remission, but not with the BHR of symptomatic asthma. To evaluate this hypothesis, ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor gene polymorphism at 2 sites (Arg16-Gly, Gln27-Glu) were examined. Methods : Two hundred two adolescents with BHR ($PC_{20}<18\;mg/mL$) and long term remission (neither asthma-related symptoms nor medication during the previous 2 years) of their asthma (remission group), 182 adolescents with symptomatic asthma (symptomatic group), and 200 healthy adolescents (control group) were studied. Asthma phenotypes were determined using methacholine bronchial provocation test and skin prick test. Genotypes of ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor polymorphism were evaluated by PCR-based methods. Results : Gly/Gly allele and Gly16-Gln27 haplotype were more prevalent in the remission group than in the control group (P=0.01, P=0.02), although there was no difference between the symptomatic group and the control group. In the remission group, there was significant difference in geometric mean of $PC_{20}$ among the 3 groups subdivided by the number of Gly16-Gln27 haplotype, showing that the Gly16-Gln27 haplotype was positively associated with BHR. However, no association was found between Gly16-Gln27 haplotype and BHR in the symptomatic group. Conclusion : This study demonstrates that ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor polymorphism at amino acid 16 and 27 was associated with BHR persisting in adolescents with asthma remission.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2016

This study is aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Gastrodiae rhizoma and steamed, dried & fermented Gastrodiae rhizoma on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic injury in the mice model. Sample was selected to GR0F0 (not processed gastrodia rhizome) and GR6F4 (fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae before steamed and dried 6 times) based on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and High-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups - Normal group, vehicle group (LPS treated), GR0F0 group (fed GR0F0 before LPS treated) and GR6F4 group (fed GR6F4 before LPS treated) with 6 mice in each group. GR0F0 group and GR6F4 group were fed each extract 200 mg/kg/day during 8 days. LPS 20 mg/kg injected to the experimental groups as abdominal injection. We measured aspartate aminotransferase, alanine amino-transferase in serum. GR0F0 and GR6F4 showed a significant decrease compared to the vehicle group. As a result of measuring the ROS, GR6F4 group showed a significant reduction in both the serum and liver tissues compared to the vehicle group. GR0F0 group showed a significant reduction only in the liver tissues. Activator protein-1, cyclooxygenase-2, and Inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly decreased GR0F0 group and GR6F4 group. But tumor necrosis factor alpha only showed a significant reduction in GR6F4 group. GR0F0 and GR6F4 groups against liver damage in mice with LPS. That showed significant effects on anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The effects of GR6F4 group showed superior results compared to GR0F0 group. Therefore, Steamed, dried & fermented Gastrodia rhizoma was might have a protective effect on liver injury.