• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2015

Previous phytochemical studies of Vigna angularis (Ohwi) Ohwi & Ohashi (Leguminosae) have shown the presence of saponins and flavonoids. From the seed of V. angularis, genistein-7-O-${\beta}$-D-glucopyranoside (genistin) was isolated. Lifespan-extending effect of genistin was elucidated using Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Genistin showed potent lifespan extension of worms under normal culture condition. This compound also exhibited the protective effects against thermal and oxidative stress conditions. In the case of heat stress, genistin-treated worms exhibited enhanced survival rate, compared to control worms. In addition, genistin-fed worms lived longer than control worms under oxidative stress induced by paraquat. To verify the possible mechanism of genistin-mediated increased lifespan and stress resistance of worms, we investigated whether genistin might alter superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities and intracellular ROS levels. Our results showed that genistin was able to elevate SOD and catalase activities of worms and reduce intracellular ROS accumulation in a dose-dependent manner.

• Journal of Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.52-60
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• 2015

Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. All packed items that are particularly sensitive to static discharge must be protected by antistatic treatment. Otherwise, static electricity generated by an electrical insulator may cause serious damages to some sensitive electronics. In order to remove or prevent a buildup of static electricity, packed items must be treated with the application of an antistatic agent, which helps any excess charge to be evenly distributed. Functional pulp tray used for packing of electronic goods was developed with application of an antistatic agent. As the concentration of the antistatic agent increased, charging voltage and surface resistance of molded pulps decreased. The increase of humidity in surrounding atmosphere around molded pulps led to the decrease of accumulation of static charges. In conclusion, the surface treatment of the antistatic agent not only reduced or eliminated buildup of static electricity in the surface, but also prevented generation of tiny dirts from molded tray.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.254-260
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• 2014

Potato Rpi-blb2 encodes a protein with a coiled-coil-nucleotide binding site and leucine-rich repeat (CC-NBSLRR) motif that recognizes the Phytophthora infestans AVRblb2 effector and triggers hypersensitive cell death (HCD). To better understand the components required for Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD in plants, we used virus-induced gene silencing to repress candidate genes in Rpi-blb2-transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants and assayed the plants for AVRblb2 effector. Rpi-blb2 triggers HCD through NbSGT1-mediated pathways, but not NbEDS1- or NbNDR1-mediated pathways. In addition, the role of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene (ET) in Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD were analyzed by monitoring of the responses of NbICS1-, NbCOI1-, or NbEIN2-silenced or Rpi-blb2::NahG-transgenic plants. Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD in response to AVRblb2 was not associated with SA accumulation. Thus, SA affects Rpi-blb2-mediated resistance against P. infestans, but not Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD in response to AVRblb2. Additionally, JA and ET signaling were not required for Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD in N. benthamiana. Taken together, these findings suggest that NbSGT1 is a unique positive regulator of Rpi-blb2-mediated HCD in response to AVRblb2, but EDS1, NDR1, SA, JA, and ET are not required.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.256-267
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• 2015

The goal is to compare two different aeration strategies for a pilot scale operation of submerged microfiltration with respect to the minimization of membrane fouling. A constant aeration (65 L/min) was examined parallel with a step-wise increase in airflow rate (40 to 65 L/min). The airflow rate was stepped to a higher rate every 5 min and the step-aeration cycles were repeated at regular intervals of 15 min. The comparative filtration runs were conducted with synthetic water containing powdered activated carbon (~10 g/L) and/or kaolin (~20 g/L) at a constant flux of 80 LMH. The extent and mechanisms of fouling in the microfiltration were identified by determining hydraulic resistance to filtration and the fouling reversibility after cleaning. Results showed that the step-aeration effectively alleviated fouling in the microfiltration of synthetic water compared to when using constant aeration. A substantial decrease in fouling was achieved by combining with coagulation using aluminum salts regardless of the aeration strategies. The constant aeration resulted in increased pore blocking likely due to increased accumulation of particles on the surface of membrane.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.493-517
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• 2003

Attempts at improving beam-column joint performance has resulted in non-conventional ways of reinforcement such as the use of the crossed inclined bars in the joint area. Despite the wide accumulation of test data, the influence of the crossed inclined bars on the shear strength of the cyclically loaded exterior beam-column joints has not yet been quantified and incorporated into code recommendations. In this study, the investigation of joints has been pursued on two different fronts. In the first approach, the parameters that influence the behaviour of the cyclically loaded beam-column joints are investigated. Several parametric studies are carried out to explore the shear resisting mechanisms of cyclically loaded beam-column joints using an experimental database consisting of a large number of joint tests. In the second approach, the mechanical behaviour of joints is investigated and the equations for the principal tensile strain and the average shear stress are derived from joint mechanics. It is apparent that the predictions of these two approaches agree well with each other. A design equation that predicts the shear strength of the cyclically loaded exterior beam-column joints is proposed. The design equation proposed has three major differences from the previously suggested design equations. First, the influence of the bond conditions on the joint shear strength is considered. Second, the equation takes the influence of the shear transfer mechanisms of the crossed inclined bars into account and, third, the equation is applicable on joints with high concrete cylinder strength. The proposed equation is compared with the predictions of the other design equations. It is apparent that the proposed design equation predicts the joint shear strength accurately and is an improvement on the existing code recommendations.

• Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.247-260
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• 2014

The impact of folate on health and disease, particularly pregnancy complications and congenital malformations, has been extensively studied. Mandatory folic acid fortification therefore has been implemented in multiple countries, resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects. However, emerging evidence suggests increased folate intake may also be associated with unexpected adverse effects. This literature review focuses on contemporary issues of concern, and possible underlying mechanisms as well as giving consideration the future direction of mandatory folic acid fortification. Folate fortification has been associated with the presence of unmetabolized folic acid (PteGlu) in blood, masking of vitamin $B_{12}$ deficiency, increased dosage for anti-cancer medication, photo-catalysis of PteGlu leading to potential genotoxicity, and a role in the pathoaetiology of colorectal cancer. Increased folate intake has also been associated with twin birth and insulin resistance in offspring, and altered epigenetic mechanisms of inheritance. Although limited data exists to elucidate potential mechanisms underlying these issues, elevated blood folate level due to the excess use of PteGlu without consideration of an individual's specific phenotypic traits (e.g. genetic background and undiagnosed disease) may be relevant. Additionally, the accumulation of unmetabolized PteGlu may lead to inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and other enzymes. Concerns notwithstanding, folic acid fortification has achieved enormous advances in public health. It therefore seems prudent to target and carefully monitor high risk groups, and to conduct well focused further research to better understand and to minimize any risk of mandatory folic acid fortification.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.50-59
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• 2008

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the role of the arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) fungus, Glomus mosseae(BEG 107) in enhancing growth and arsenic(As) and phosphorus(P) uptake of white clover(Trifolium repens) and evening primrose(Oenothera odorata) in soil collected from a gold mine having concentrations of 381.6 mg total As $kg^{-1}$ and 20.5 mg available As $kg^{-1}$. Trifolium repens and O. odorata are widely distributed on abandoned metalliferous mines in Korea. The percent root colonization by the AM fungus was 55.9% and 62.3% in T. repens and O. odorata, respectively, whereas no root colonization was detected in control plants grown in a sterile medium. The shoot dry weight of T. repens and O. odorata was increased by 323 and 117% in the AM plants compared to non-mycorrhizal(NAM) plants, respectively. The root dry weight increased up to 24% in T. repens and 70% in O. odorata following AM colonization compared to control plants. Mycorrhizal colonization increased the accumulation of As in the root tissues of T. repens and O. odorata by 99.7 and 91.7% compared to the NAM plants, respectively. The total uptake of P following AM colonization increased by 50% in T. repens and 70% in O. odorata, whereas the P concentration was higher in NAM plants than in the AM plants. Colonization with AM fungi increased the As resistance of the host plants to As toxicity by augmenting the yield of dry matter and increasing the total P uptake. Hence, the application of an AM fungus can effectively improve the phytoremediation capability of T. repens and O. odorata in As-contaminated soil.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2015

Keratinocytes are first barrier against outer challenges on skin. However, it is still largely unknown about effective protectors against ultraviolet B (UVB), and oxidative stress in human keratinocyte, HaCaT cells. Inducible heme oxygenase (HO)-1 acts against oxidants that are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of skin disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Portulaca oleracea 70% EtOH extracts against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. P. oleracea 70% EtOH extracts showed the potent protective effects on H₂O₂-induced toxicity by induced the expression of HO-1 in human keratinocyte, HaCaT cells. Furthermore, P. oleracea 70 % EtOH extracts caused the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. In addition, we found that treatment with c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125) reduced P. oleracea 70% EtOH extracts-induced HO-1 expression, and JNK inhibitor (SP600125) also inhibited protective effects by P. oleracea 70% EtOH extracts. Therefore, these results suggest that P. oleracea 70 % EtOH extracts increases cellular resistance to H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury in human keratinocyte, HaCaT cells, presumably through JNK pathway-Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.290-298
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• 2014

A bacterial strain with the potential ability to solubilize heavy metals was isolated from heavy metal contaminated soils collected from abandoned mines of Boryeong area in South Korea. The bacterial strain with the highest degree of metal resistance was shown to have close proximity with Shewanella xiamenensis FJ589031, according to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and selected for investigating the mobilization of metals in soil or plant by the strain. The strain was found to be capable of solubilizing metals both in the absence and in the presence of metals (Co, Pb and Cd). Metal mobilization potential of the strain was assessed in a batch experiment and the results showed that inoculation could increase the concentrations of water soluble Co, Pb and Cd by 48, 34 and 20% respectively, compared with those of non-inoculated soils. Bacterial-assisted growth promotion and metal uptake in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was evaluated in a pot experiment. In comparison with non-inoculated seedlings, the inoculation led to increase the growth of H. annuus by 24, 18 and 16% respectively in Co, Pb and Cd contaminated soils. Moreover, enhanced accumulation of Co, Pb and Cd in the shoot and root systems was observed in inoculated plants, where metal translocation from root to the above-ground tissues was also found to be enhanced by the strain. Plant growth promotion and metal mobilizing potential of the strain suggest that the strain could effectively be employed in enhancing phytoextraction of Co, Pb and Cd from contaminated soils.

• Plant Biotechnology Reports
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.323-329
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• 2011

MuSI, a gene that corresponds to a domain that contains the rubber elongation factor (REF), is highly homologous to many stress-related proteins in plants. Since MuSI is up-regulated in the roots of plants treated with cadmium or copper, the involvement of MuSI in cadmium tolerance was investigated in this study. Escherichia coli cells overexpressing MuSI were more resistant to Cd than wild-type cells transfected with vector alone. MuSI transgenic plants were also more resistant to Cd. MuSI transgenic tobacco plants absorbed less Cd than wild-type plants. Cd translocation from roots to shoots was reduced in the transgenic plants, thereby avoiding Cd toxicity. The number of short trichomes in the leaves of wild-type tobacco plants was increased by Cd treatment, while this was unchanged in MuSI transgenic tobacco. These results suggest that MuSI transgenic tobacco plants have enhanced tolerance to Cd via reduced Cd uptake and/or increased Cd immobilization in the roots, resulting in less Cd translocation to the shoots.