• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.585-594
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• 2018

Virtual currencies have emerged along with new technologies such as block chain, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data. This study examines the benefits of a security-enhanced block chain resulting from individual trading, decentralized from governments, as well as the problems associated with misuse of virtual currencies. Virtual currencies, due to its anonymity, is vulnerable to financial crimes, such as ransom-ware, fraud, drug trafficking, tax evasion and money laundering. Use of virtual currencies can facilitate criminals avoid detection from investigative agencies. Government regulatory policy continues to address these concerns, and the virtual currency exchange has also announced a self-regulation proposal. However, a fundamental solution remains necessary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problems regarding abuse of virtual currency and to identify a practical system for transactions involving virtual currencies. However, in order to promote transactions involving virtual currencies and to institutionalize a governance system, multilateral cooperation is required. Although the restricting the use of virtual currencies regarding minors and foreign trade, as well as the introduction of a real-name system are considered promising prospects, many problems remain. Virtual currency is not a simple digital item but a method of redesigning the function of money. Coordinated efforts are needed globally to be able to further activate the positive aspects concerning the use of virtual currencies.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1134-1142
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• 2008

Cationic amino acid transporter $b^{0,+}AT$ (HGMW-approved gene symbol SLC7A9, solute carrier family 7, member 9) plays a crucial role in amino acid nutrition. In the present study, we describe the cloning and sequencing of porcine $b^{0,+}AT$. Based on the sequence of porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ deposited in the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnological Information), we identified a putative porcine homologue. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), the full-length cDNA encoding porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ was isolated. The porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ cDNA was 1,680 bp long, encoding a 487 amino acid trans-membrane protein. The predicted amino acid sequence was found to have 88.9% and 87.1% identity with human and mouse $b^{0,+}AT$, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR indicated porcine $b^{0,+}AT$ transcripts expressed in heart, kidney, muscle and small intestine. The small intestine had the highest $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA abundance while the muscle had the lowest (p<0.05). Along the longitudinal axis, the ileum had the highest $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA abundance while the colon had the lowest (p<0.05). The $b^{0,+}AT$ mRNA level was highest on day 7 and 90 in the duodenum (p<0.05). It increased from day 1 to day 26 in the jejunum (p>0.05) and had the highest abundance on day 60 (p<0.05). There was, however, no difference between day 1, 7, 26, 30, 90 and 150 (p>0.05). The strongest $b^{0,+}AT$ expression appeared on day 7 in the ileum before weaning, and then decreased till day 30 but rose gradually again from day 60 to 150 (p<0.05).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2045-2049
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• 2012

Objective: To investigate the effect of down-regulation of Sentrin/SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) expression on the apoptosis of human Burkitt lymphoma cells (Daudi cells) and potential mechanisms. Methods: Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting SENP1 was designed and synthesized and then cloned into a lentiviral vector. A lentiviral packaging plasmid was used to transfect Daudi cells (sh-SENP1-Daudi group). Daudi cells without transfection (Daudi group) and Daudi cells transfected with blank plasmid (sh-NC-Daudi group) served as control groups. Flow cytometry was performed to screen GFP positive cells and semiquantitative PCR and Western blot assays were employed to detect the inference efficiency. The morphology of cells was observed under a microscope before and after transfection. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot assays were conducted to measure the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis related molecules (caspase-3, 8 and 9). After treatment with $COCl_2$ for 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor -$1{\alpha}$ (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) was determined. Results: Sequencing showed the expression vectors of shRNA targeting SENP1 to be successfully constructed. Following screening of GFP positive cells by FCM, semiqualitative PCR showed the interference efficiency was $79.2{\pm}0.026%$. At 48 h after transfection, the Daudi cells became shrunken, had irregular edges and presented apoptotic bodies. Western blot assay revealed increase in expression of caspase-3, 8 and 9 with prolongation of transfection (P<0.05). Following hypoxia treatment, mRNA expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged in three groups (P>0.05) but the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ markedly increased (P<0.05). However, in the sh-SENP1-Daudi group, the protein expression of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ remained unchanged Conclusion: SENP1-shRNA can efficiently inhibit SENP1 expression in Daudi cells. SENP1 inhibition may promote cell apoptosis. These findings suggest that SENP1 may serve as an important target in the gene therapy of Burkitts lymphoma.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.259-271
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• 2021

Many bacteria metabolize aromatic compounds via catechol as a catabolic intermediate, and possess multiple genes or clusters encoding catechol-cleavage enzymes. The presence of multiple isozyme-encoding genes is a widespread phenomenon that seems to give the carrying strains a selective advantage in the natural environment over those with only a single copy. In the naphthalene-degrading strain Pseudomonas putida ND6, catechol can be converted into intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle via either the ortho- or meta-cleavage pathways. In this study, we demonstrated that the catechol ortho-cleavage pathway genes (catBICIAI and catBIICIIAII) on the chromosome play an important role. The catI and catII operons are co-transcribed, whereas catAI and catAII are under independent transcriptional regulation. We examined the binding of regulatory proteins to promoters. In the presence of cis-cis-muconate, a well-studied inducer of the cat gene cluster, CatRI and CatRII occupy an additional downstream site, designated as the activation binding site. Notably, CatRI binds to both the catI and catII promoters with high affinity, while CatRII binds weakly. This is likely caused by a T to G mutation in the G/T-N11-A motif. Specifically, we found that CatRI and CatRII regulate catBICIAI and catBIICIIAII in a cooperative manner, which provides new insights into naphthalene degradation.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.39-45
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• 2016

Objectives : Abnormal regulation of glucose and impaired lipid metabolism that result from a defective or deficient insulin are the key etiological factor in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The our study investigated the effects of Gamioknyeo-jeon (GO) on blood glucose and lipid metabolism improved by it in db/db mice (a murine model of type 2 diabetes mellitus).Methods : The animals were divided into 3 groups: Normal groups were not-treated C57BL/6 mice; Control groups were treated orally with DW in db/db mice; GO groups were treated orally with GO (200 ㎎/㎏/day) in db/db mice. After mice were treated with GO for 5 weeks, we measured AST, ALT, creatinine, BUN, body weight, food intake, blood glucose, insulin and lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol and atherogenic index(AI) and cardiac risk factor(CRF).Results : Serum AST, ALT, creatinine, BUN levels were not changed by GO do not show any toxic effects. GO groups were decreased in body weight, food intake and blood glucose level among compared to Control groups. Also, GO groups were found to have atherogenic Index and cardiac risk factor as well as lipid metabolism improvement (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decrease). Finally, GO groups were increased the insulin compared to Normal and control groups.Conclusions : We suggest that GO may have the control effects of diabetes mellitus by improving blood glucose control and lipid metabolism.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.15-20
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• 2006

Concerns remain regarding the biocompatibility and adverse effects of dental casting alloys. The aim of this study was to understand the cytopathogenic effect of metal ions, which might be released from dental alloys, on oral squamous carcinoma(OSC) cells. The cellular morphology, viability, the type of cell death and molecular change in response to metal ion salt solutions including aluminum(Al), cobalt(Co), copper(Cu) and nickel(Ni) were examined. The $TC_{50}$ values for the metal ions with the exception of AI were estimated to be between 400 and $600{\mu}M$. The cells treated with the metal ions showed apoptotic change with the exception of Al ions. Metal ion-induced apoptosis was further confirmed using flow cytometric analysis. This study showed that the cytotoxicity and the mode of cell death by metal ions clearly depend on the cell type, the type of metal ion and the duration of exposure. The protein level of Rb, a tumor suppressor that affects apoptosis para-doxically, was higher in the cells treated with Co, Cu and Ni. It is believed that apoptosis and cell damage in the OSC cells treated with Co, Cu or Ni can be evoked by the regulation of Rb.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.235-240
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• 2010

This study was performed to comprehend the plasma proteins expressed specifically during early pregnancy in pregnant or non-pregnant Hanwoo using proteomic analysis technique. Plasma samples (0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 11 weeks after AI) were obtained from pregnant (P, n=3) or non-pregnant (NP, n=4) Hanwoo, respectively. To evaluate proteins differentially expressed, 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) was conducted. Normalized protein spots were selected for the significant expression variation deviated over two fold in its expression level between two groups; Molecular functions of the proteins were DNA binding, protein binding, hemoglobin binding, ferrochelatase and transporter activity and arylestera, respectively. According to western blotting, haptoglobin was specifically expressed only in NP group during early pregnancy; however, paraoxonase 1 was highly expressed in pregnant group. Based on these results, pregnancy was maintained successfully by the activation of specific plasma proteins associated with immune system and antioxidant regulation during early pregnancy in Hanwoo.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.1-10
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• 2016

Objectives: In Korean medicine, Curculiginis Rhizoma was treated for arthritis in remedy. But efficacy of Curculiginis Rhizoma on collagen induced arthritis was not revealed.Methods: Anti inflammatory effect of Curculiginis Rhizoma was researched in vitro with RAW264.7 cell and cell toxicity, levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-12) and PGE2 were analyzed by ELISA assay. Inflammatory protein were analyzed by western blotting assay (JNK, ERK, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β). In vivo, collagen induced arthritis mice model was used to evaluate anti-inflammation effect through arthritis index, immune cell number and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) in serum.Results: ECR(Extract of Curculiginis Rhizoma) has not shown cell toxicity in 200 ㎍/㎖ on RAW264.7 cell. ECR suppressed releases of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and PGE2 on RAW264.7 cell treated with lipopolysacharide (1 ㎍/㎖). And ECR inhibited regulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA, reduced protein release of JNK, ERK, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and TNF-α. AI of group treated with ECR 200 ㎎/㎏ and 100 ㎎/㎏ were significantly decreased compared to vihicle arthritis mice, the number of immune cell in foot joint was increased on control mice but those of group treated with ECR 200 ㎎/㎏ and 100 ㎎/㎏ were significantly reduced. This results correspond with contens of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in serum.Conclusions: Curculiginis Rhizoma has anti-inflammation effect on RAW264.7 cell in vitro and collagen induced arthritis in vivo. So it is necessary to research more mechanism for cascade imfact.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute Of Construction Engineering and Management
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• 2008.11a
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• pp.540-545
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• 2008

The purpose of this study is to suggest problems and improving plan of process of calculating escalation rate of the Historical Cost by price fluctuation. In order to implement this research, we analyzed problems by calculating the rate of price fluctuation with Historical Cost and measurement applying method making on-site with historical cost data were included as samples and suggested improving plan to the adjustment of contract cost. The results of research according to this are same as followings:1) Of all construction details, it is more appropriate to calculate price fluctuation by applying measurement method to the contents of historical cost unit. 2) To avoid confusion in calculating method, it was indicated that amendment in part should be achieved in order to calculate by measuring the part of calculating escalation rate of Historical Cost at related law and regulation.

• BMB Reports
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.163-168
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• 2013

The AML1 gene is an essential transcription factor regulating the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into mature blood cells. Though at least 12 different alternatively spliced AML1 mRNAs are generated, three splice variants (AML1a, AML1b and AML1c) have been characterized. Here, using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with outward-facing primers, we identified a novel non-polyadenylated transcript from the AML1 gene, with exons 5 and 6 scrambled. The novel transcript resisted RNase R digestion, indicating it is a circular RNA structure that may originate from products of mRNA alternative splicing. The expression of the novel transcript in different cells or cell lines of human and a number of other species matched those of the canonical transcripts. The discovery provides additional evidence that circular RNA could stably exist in vivo in human, and may also help to understand the mechanism of the regulation of the AML1 gene transcription.