• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.208-216
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• 2002

Background: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen are produced by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue and can induce mutations in key genes. Normally, this process is prevented by a DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system that maintains sequence fidelity. Key members of the MMR system include MutS${\alpha}$ (comprised of hMSH2 and hMSH6), which can sense and repair single base mismatches and 8-oxoguanine, and MutS${\beta}$ (comprised of hMSH2 and hMSH3), which repairs longer insertion/deletion loops. Methods: To provide further evidence of DNA damage, we analyzed synovial tissues for microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI was examined by PCR on genomic DNA of paired synovial tissue and peripheral blood cells (PBC) of RA patients using specific primer sequences for 5 key microsatellites. Results: Surprisingly, abundant MSI was observed in RA synovium compared with osteoarthritis (OA) tissue. Western blot analysis of the same tissues for the expression of MMR proteins demonstrated decreased hMSH6 and increased hMSH3 in RA synovium. To evaluate potential mechanisms of MMR regulation in arthritis, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were isolated from synovial tissues and incubated with the nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP). Western blot analysis demonstrated constitutive expression of hMSH2, 3 and 6 in RA and OA FLS. When FLS were cultured with SNAP, the RA synovial pattern of MMR expression was reproduced (high hMSH3, low hMSH6). Conclusion: Therefore, oxidative stress can relax the DNA MMR system in RA by suppressing hMSH6. Decreased hMSH6 can subsequently interfere with repair of single base mutations, which is the type observed in RA. We propose that oxidative stress not only creates DNA adducts that are potentially mutagenic, but also suppresses the mechanisms that limit the DNA damage.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.19-33
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• 2013

Microalgae are receiving an increasing attention because of their potential use as $CO_2$ capture method and/or as feedstock for biofuels production. On the other hand the current microalgae-based technology is still not widespread since it is characterized by technical and economic constraints that hinder its full scale-up. In such contest the growth kinetics of Nannochloris eucaryotum (a relatively unknown marine strain) in batch and semi-batch photobioreactors is quantitatively investigated with the aim of obtaining the corresponding kinetic parameters suitable for process engineering and its optimization. In particular the maximum growth rate was evaluated to be 1.99 $10^{-3}\;h^{-1}$. Half saturation concentrations for nitrates ($K_N$) and phosphates uptake ($K_P$) were evaluated as 5.4 $10^{-4}\;g_N\;L^{-1}$ and 2.5 $10^{-5}\;g_P\;L^{-1}$, respectively. Yield factors for nitrogen ($Y_N$) and phosphorus ($Y_P$) resulted to be 5.9 $10^{-2}\;g_N\;g^{-1}$ biomass and 6.0 $10^{-3}\;g_P\;g^{-1}{_{biomass}}$, respectively. The possibility of using 100% (v/v) $CO_2$ gas as carbon source is also evaluated for the first time in the literature as far as N. eucaryotum is concerned. The strain showed a good adaptability to high concentrations of dissolved $CO_2$ as well as to low pH. The lipid content under 100% $CO_2$ is about 16.16 %wt $wt^{-1}$ and the fatty acid methyl esters composition of the extracted oil is in compliance with the European regulation for quality biodiesel.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.523-528
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• 2013

This study investigates the effects of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; valine, leucine, and isoleucine) on the in vitro ruminal fermentation of wheat straw using batch cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. BCAA were added to the buffered ruminal fluid at a concentration of 0, 2, 4, 7, or 10 mmol/L. After 72 h of anaerobic incubation, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia nitrogen ($NH_3$-N) in the ruminal fluid were determined. Dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability were calculated after determining the DM and NDF in the original material and in the residue after incubation. The addition of valine, leucine, or isoleucine increased the total VFA yields ($p{\leq}0.001$). However, the total VFA yields did not increase with the increase of BCAA supplement level. Total branched-chain VFA yields linearly increased as the supplemental amount of BCAA increased (p<0.001). The molar proportions of acetate and propionate decreased, whereas that of butyrate increased with the addition of valine and isoleucine (p<0.05). Moreover, the proportions of propionate and butyrate decreased (p<0.01) with the addition of leucine. Meanwhile, the molar proportions of isobutyrate were increased and linearly decreased (p<0.001) by valine and leucine, respectively. The addition of leucine or isoleucine resulted in a linear (p<0.001) increase in the molar proportions of isovalerate. The degradability of NDF achieved the maximum when valine or isoleucine was added at 2 mmol/L. The results suggest that low concentrations of BCAA (2 mmol/L) allow more efficient regulation of ruminal fermentation in vitro, as indicated by higher VFA yield and NDF degradability. Therefore, the optimum initial dose of BCAA for in vitro ruminal fermentation is 2 mmol/L.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.36 no.1 s.140
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• pp.56-59
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• 2005

Urease plays an important role in the urea metabolism and the effect of urease activity on human and environment is enormous. For instance, urease acts as a virulence factor of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts infections in human and animal, being involved in kidney stone formation, catheter encrusatation, pyelonephritis, ammonia encephalopathy, hepatic coma, and urinary tract infections. Widespread urease activity in soil induces a plant damage due to ammonia toxicity and pH increase. Therefore, urease activity regulation through urease inhibitors would lead to an enhanced efficiency of urea nitrogen uptake in plants and to the improved therapeutic strategies for ureolytic bacterial infections. To search for new inhibitory compounds on urease activity from herbs, MeOH extracts of herbs were screened. Among of them, the MeOH extracts of Areca catechu exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on urease activity. Two compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction by the activity guided fractionation. Their chemical structures were identified as (+)-catechin(compound I) and allantoin(compound II) by spectroscopic evidence, respectively. Compound I showed a stronger inhibitory effect on urease activity than compound II.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.129-135
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• 2002

Several kinds of thermophilic, aerobic microorganisms (Bacillus genus), metal leaching microorganisms (Thiobacillus, T. ferooxidans), and other nondegradable chemical-degrading microorganisms (Pseudomonas genus) were utilized to study the effect on composting livestock manure. Under the Carbon-Nitrogen ratio (C/N) of 35∼40 and water content of 50∼65% conditions, the composting in the cycling drum reactor showed slower composting and lower temperature increase than that of the manual reactor. Element analysis after composting indicated relatively high levels of mineral contents with the substitutional effect of chemical fertilizer. Metal analysis before and after composting showed lower As in all, Cr in pig, Pb in cow, Hg in chicken, and Cu in cow manure compost than the regulation values. Compost maturity was ascertained by the several maturity tests. Salmonella and E. cozi detection test by SS or EMB agar plate confirmed the safety from the pathogenic microorganisms. The results suggest that the inoculation of metal and some other chemical degrading microorganisms during composting might decrease metal contamination and increase composting rate.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.83-89
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• 2011

Diesel engines can produce higher fuel efficiency and lower $CO_2$ emission, they are subject to ever more stringent emission regulation. However, there are two major emission concerns fo diesel engines like such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Moreover, it is not easy to satisfy the regulations on the emission of NOx and PM, which are getting more strengthened. One of the solutions is to apply the new combustion concept using multistage injection such as HCCI and PCCI. The other solution is to apply after-treatment systems. For example, lean NOx trap catalyst, Urea-SCR and others have various advantages and disadvantages Especially, Urea-SCR system have advantages such as a high conversion efficiency and a wide operation conditions. Hence the key factor to implementation of Urea-SCR technology, good mixing of urea(Ammonia) and gas, reducing Ammonia slip. Urea mixer components are required to facilitate evaporation and mixing because the liquid state of urea poses significant barriers for evaporation, and the distance to mixer is the most critical that affect mixer performance. In this study, to find out the distance from injector to mixer and simulation factor, a laser diagnostics and high speed camera are used to analyze urea injector spray characteristics and to present a distribution of urea solution in transparent manifold In addition, Droplet Uniformity Index is calculated from the acquired images by using image processing method to clarify the distribution of spray.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Automotive Engineers
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.88-96
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• 2008

Currently, due to the serious world-wide air pollution by substances emitted from vehicles, emission control is enforced more firmly and it is expected that the regulation requirements for emission will become more severe. A new concept combustion technology that can reduce the NOx and PM in relation to combustion is urgently required. This study used a split injection method at a 4 cylinder common-rail direct injection diesel engine in order to apply the partially premixed charge compression ignition combustion method without significantly altering engine specifications And it is investigated that the effects of the injection ratio and SCV(swirl control valve) to emission characteristics. From these tests, soot(g) and NOx(g) emission could be reduced to 40% and 92% compared to base engine performance at specified engine driving conditions(6 points with weight factors) according to application of split injection and SCV(swirl control valve).

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.422-430
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• 2007

Clonostachys rosea (syn. Gliocladium roseum) is a well-known biocontrol agent and widely distributed around the world. In this study, an endochitinase gene Crchi1 was isolated from the mycoparasitic fungus C. rosea using the DNA walking strategy. The Crchi1 ORF is 1,746 bp long and interrupted by three introns. The cloned gene Crchi1 encodes 426 amino acid residues and shares a high degree of similarity with other chitinases from entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi. Several putative binding sites for transcriptional regulation of Crchi1 in response to carbon (5'-SYGGRG-3') and nitrogen (5'-GATA-3') were identified in the upstream of Crchi1. Expression of Crchi1 gene in different carbon sources was analyzed using real-time PCR (RT-PCR). We found that the Crchi1 expression was suppressed by glucose but strongly stimulated by chitin or solubilized components of the cell wall from Rhizoctonia solani. Phylogenetic analysis of chitinases from entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi suggests that these chitinases have probably evolved from a common ancestor.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.8-16
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• 2010

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 4-12% of chool-age children worldwide and is characterized by three core symptoms: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Although standard pharmacological treatments, such as methylphenidate and atomoxetine, are available, concerns about drug-induced psychological and cardiovascular problems, as well as growth retardation and sleep disturbances, highlight the continuing need for new therapeutic interventions. Using a neonatal hypoxia-induced hyperactivity model in rats, the potential positive role that oral administration of red ginseng extract may have in relation to the hyperactive phenotype was investigated. Hypoxia was induced in 2-day-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat pups by placing them in a nitrogen chamber for 15 min. The neonatal hypoxia-induced rats showed a significant increase in hyperactivity phenotype, such as increased movement duration, movement distance, and rearing frequency, which was determined by monitoring their spontaneous locomotor activity using the Ethovision video tracking system. One week of oral treatment with red ginseng extract decreased the hyperactivity phenotype of the neonatal hypoxia-induced rats and increased the locomotor activity of the control rats. In the neonatal hypoxia-induced rats, expression of the norepinephrine transporter in the forebrain was increased, and red ginseng treatment partially prevented its up-regulation, while increasing its level in the control rats. Taken together, these results suggest that red ginseng extract decreased the neonatal hypoxia-induced hyperactivity phenotype, although it increased locomotor activity in normal animals.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 1998

This study aimed for the examination of quality characteristics and safety of potassium sorbate-free meat products. Therefore, experiments were carried out on the frankfurter sausage and pressed ham, which were stored at 4 and 30$^{\circ}C$ for up to 40 days. The potassium sorbate concentrations of the frankfurter sausage and pressed ham obtained from local market ranged from 1.087 to 1.449g / kg, which were below the permitted value as prescribed in the Korean Hygienic Regulation. At the 0 day the total aerobic bacterial counts of frankfurter sausage and pressed ham were in the level of around 103.0 and 103.4 CFU / g, respectively. However, they were prominently increased after 20 days at 4$^{\circ}C$ and 10 days at 30$^{\circ}C$ to higher than 105 CFU / g. After 30 days the counts were increased to 106.5 and 107.2 CFU / g, respectively. The growth curve of lactic acid bacteria was shown to be similar with that of total bacteria. the counts of lactic acid bacteria of the products stored at 4$^{\circ}C$ were 101∼102 CFU / g lower than those stored at 30$^{\circ}C$. Coliform bacteria was not detected in both of the products stored at 4$^{\circ}C$ even after 40 days storage, but after 10 days at the 30$^{\circ}C$. No significant differences in the microbial counts examined in this study were observed between frankfurter sausage and pressed ham. The biochemical tests on the isolated colonies from Clostridein agar showed no presence of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium perfringens in the meat products examined. The pH of frankfurter sausage and pressed ham at the beginning was about 6.6, which level was maintained relatively constant during the storage at 4$^{\circ}C$, but it was increased after decrease to about 5.5 during the storage at 30$^{\circ}C$. TBA value was increased slightly till 30 days, but after that time increased sharply. VBN value was increased slowly during the whole storage, but it was more than 30 mg% for the samples stored at 30$^{\circ}C$.