• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.256-266
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• 2016

A total of 13,000 individuals of Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw. artificially propagated in laboratories and greenhouses were restored in their natural habitat of Bogildo Island, Wandogun, in the southern part of Korea in June of 2013. The growing conditions of the individuals were monitored for two years. The parental individuals for the restoration were obtained from a wild population in southern Korea, from which seeds were produced via artificial crossings. These seeds were germinated and cultivated in growing media and two-year-old plants were then grown in greenhouse beds. The genetic diversity among the propagated individuals was confirmed by examining DNA sequences of five regions of the chloroplast genome and the nuclear ITS region. The diversity values were as high as the average values of natural populations. All propagated individuals were transplanted into two different sites on Bogildo by research teams with local residents and national park rangers. After restoration, we counted and measured the surviving individuals, vegetative propagated stems, and growth rates in June of both 2014 and 2015. There was no human interference, and 97% of the individuals survived. The number of propagules increased by 227% in two years. In contrast, the average length of the stems decreased during the period. In addition, different survival and propagation rates were recorded depending on the host plants and the restored sites. The shaded sides of rock cliffs and the bark of Quercus salicina showed the best propagation rates, followed by the bark of Camellia japonica. A few individuals of D. moniliforme successfully flowered, pollinated, and fruited after restoration. Overall, our monitoring data over two years indicate that the restored individuals were well adapted and vigorously propagated at the restored sites. In order to prevent human disturbance of the restored sites, a CCTV monitoring system powered by a solar panel was installed after the restoration. In addition, a human surveillance system is operated by national park rangers with local residents.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.149-157
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• 2015

We examined taxonomic characteristics and safety of eight Nuruk molds that are widely used for making soybean paste, soy sauce and alcoholic beverages in Korea. HK1 from Hakyeong Fermentation Co., SW101 from Suwon Fermentation Co., CF1001, CF1002, CF1003 from Chungmoo Fermaentation Co. and KACC 93210 are yellow-Nuruk molds, and SW201 from Suwon Fermentation Co. and CF1005 from Chungmoo Fermentation Co. are white-Nuruk molds. Six strains of yellow-Nuruk molds were identified as Aspergillus oryzae. HK1, SW101, CF1001 and CF1003 of yellow-Nuruk molds have middle length of stipes ($711{\sim}1,121{\mu}m$), and CF1003 (for sake) produced less conidia and more hyphae than HK1, SW101 and CF1001 (for soybean paste). CF 1002 used for soy sauce has shorter stipes ($543{\mu}m$) and is clustered into IBLB-group based on omtA gene analysis although the other yellow-Nuruk molds are clustered into ICAo group. KACC 93210 isolated from traditional Korean Meju has very short stipes (average $270{\mu}m$), and showed velvety colonies although the others showed floccose colonies. The strain has different DNA sequences of omtA gene from other strains in NCBI GenBank as well as strains used in Korea, suggesting that it is unique from other strains published. SW201 and CF1005 of white-Nuruk molds were identified as Aspergillus luchuensis or A. luchuensis mut. Kawachii that is known as safe, non-toxigenic fungus. The six strains of yellow-Nuruk molds did not produce mycotoxins including aflatoxin, cyclopiazonic acid, and sterigmatocystin. Therefore, eight strains of Nuruk molds used for making soy sauce, soybean paste and alcoholic beverages in Korea were proved to be safe in this study.

• Journal of KIISE:Software and Applications
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• v.30 no.5_6
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• pp.444-453
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• 2003

Recently, a great interest of bio-technology(BT) is concentrated and the image analysis technique for electrophoresis gels is highly requested to analyze genetic information or to look for some new bio-activation materials. For this purpose, the location and quantity of each band in a lane should be measured. In most of existing techniques, the approach of peak searching in a profile of a lane is used. But this peak is improper as the representative of a band, because its location does not correspond to that of the brightest pixel or the center of gravity. Also, it is improper to measure band quantity in most of these approaches because various enhancement processes are commonly applied to original images to extract peaks easily. In this paper, we adopt an approach to measure accumulated brightness as a band quantity in each band region, which Is extracted by not using any process of changing relative brightness, and the gravity center of the region is calculated as a band location. Actually, we first extract lanes with an entropy-based threshold calculated on a gel-image histogram. And then, three other methods are proposed and applied to extract bands. In the MER method, peaks and valleys are searched on a vertical search line by which each lane is bisected. And the minimum enclosing rectangle of each band is set between successive two valleys. On the other hand, in the RG-1 method, each band is extracted by using region growing with a peak as a seed, separating overlapped neighbor bands. In the RG-2 method, peaks and valleys are searched on two vertical lines by which each lane is trisected, and the left and right peaks nay be paired up if they seem to belong to the same band, and then each band region is grown up with a peak or both peaks if exist. To compare above three methods, we have measured the location and amount of bands. As a result, the average errors in band location of MER, RG-1, and RG-2 were 6%, 3%, and 1%, respectively, when the lane length is normalized to a unit value. And the average errors in band amount were 8%, 5%, and 2%, respectively, when the sum of band amount is normalized to a unit value. In conclusion, RG-2 was shown to be more reliable in the accuracy of measuring the location and amount of bands.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.8
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• pp.1132-1139
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• 2008

A CpG island is a short stretch of DNA in which the frequency of the CG dinucleotide is higher than other regions. CpG islands are present in the promoters and exonic regions of approximately $30{\sim}60$% of mammalian genes so they are useful markers for genes in organisms containing 5-methylcytosine in their genomes. Recent evidence supports the notion that the hypermethylation of CpG island, by silencing tumor suppressor genes, plays a major causal role in cancer, which has been described in almost every tumor types. In this respect, CpG island search by computational methods is very helpful for cancer research and computational promoter and gene predictions. I therefore developed a window program (called CpGi) on the basis of CpG island criteria defined by D. Takai and P. A. Jones. The program 'CpGi' was implemented in Visual C++ 6.0 and can determine the locations of CpG islands using diverse parameters (%GC, Obs (CpG)/Exp (CpG), window size, step size, gap value, # of CpG, length) specified by user. The analysis result of CpGi provides a graphical map of CpG islands and G+C% plot, where more detailed information on CpG island can be obtained through pop-up window. Two human contigs, i.e. AP00524 (from chromosome 22) and NT_029490.3 (from chromosome 21), were used to compare the performance of CpGi and two other public programs for the accuracy of search results. The two other programs used in the performance comparison are Emboss-CpGPlot and CpG Island Searcher that are web-based public CpG island search programs. The comparison result showed that CpGi is on a level with or outperforms Emboss-CpGPlot and CpG Island Searcher. Having a simple and easy-to-use user interface, CpGi would be a very useful tool for genome analysis and CpG island research. To obtain a copy of CpGi for academic use only, contact corresponding author.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.51 no.spc1
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• pp.185-192
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• 2006

This experiment was conducted to assess genetic diversity of waxy corn inbred lines and to identify SSR markers related to major characteristics affected kernel quality for improving waxy corn $F_1$ hybrid with good quality. Diversity of 64 waxy com inbred lines was evaluated using 30 microsatellite markers. The 30 microsatellite markers representing 30 loci in the maize genome detected polymorphisms among the 64 inbred lines and revealed 225 alleles with a mean of 7.5 alleles per primer. The polymorphism Information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.14 to 0.87, with an average of 0.69. Based on Nei's genetic distances, the 64 inbred lines were classified into 9 groups by the cluster analysis. The group I included 26 inbred lines (41%), other groups included 3 to 9 inbred lines. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to identify significant relationship between individual markers and major characteristics that affect kernel quality. The analysis showed that umc1019 was related to amylopectin and crude protein content, me 1020 to amylopectin content and peak viscosity, and bnlg1537 to 100-kernel weight, kernel length, and kernel width.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.160-166
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• 2007

Purpose : The ${\beta}$-adrenoceptors are pharmacologically classified into ${\beta}_1$-, ${\beta}_2$- and ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor. The gene of each subtype has polymorphisms related to their function (${\beta}_1$-adrenoceptor: Ser49Gly, ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor: Gln27Glu, ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor: Trp64Arg). The objectives of this study were to analyse the allelic and genotypic distribution of the representative polymorphism of ${\beta}$-adrenoceptors in preeclampsia and to investigate whether combined genotype of ${\beta}$-adrenoceptors may be associated with preeclampsia. Methods : Blood samples were collected from a Korean population (159 preeclamptic pregnancies and 168 normotensive pregnancies). The ${\beta}_1$-, ${\beta}_2$- and ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor genotypes was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results : There were no differences in allelic and genotypic distribution of ${\beta}_1$- and ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor polymorphisms between the two groups. However, the Arg allele of ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor polymorphism were more frequent in preecalmpsia than in controls (P<0.05, OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.01-2.46). Moreover, prevalence of genotype carrying heterozygote of ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor polymorphism was increased in preeclampsia compared with controls (P<0.05, OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06-2.92). When combination of the three polymorphisms were evaluated, pregnancies with the particular combined genotype that is consisted of heterozygote of ${\beta}_1$-, ${\beta}_3$-adrenoceptor and wild homozygote of ${\beta}_2$-adrenoceptor (Ser/Gly, Gln/Gln, Trp/Arg), showed a significant increase in the risk of preeclampsia (P<0.05, OR=3.01, 95% CI 1.12-8.08). Conclusion : A particular combined genotype (Ser/Gly, Gln/Gln, Trp/Arg) of - adrenoceptors was associated with the risk of preeclampsia.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.241-247
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• 2004

Recently, we reported a satellite RNA (Paf-satRNA) which is encapsidated in a pepper isolate of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-Paf) regulated symptom attenuation of the helper virus. To characterize mild symptom domain of Paf-satRNA, a series of chimeric cDNAs of satRNAs were created by using full-length cDNA clones of Paf-satRNA and a Pep-satRNA, chlorosis-inducing satRNA in pepper plants, and analyzed for determinants of symptom attenuation. When compared the nucleotide sequences, the 3' and 5' terminal sequences of the two wild-type (wt) satRNAs contained relatively conserved sequences which are the typical to CMV satRNA. Ten bases insertions were found in PepY-satRNA, and two variable regions, 81st to 113th and 183rd to 265th from the 5'-end, were located in the middle parts of the satRNAs. To delineate the attenuated symptom-related domain for the Paf-satRNA, in vitro transcripts RNAs transcribed from the wt cDNAs and constructed chimeric cDNAs were combined with genomic RNAs, RNA1, RNA2 and RNA3, of CMV-Fny and inoculated onto Nicotiana benthamiana plants. These transcripts were fully infectious onto the N. benthamiana and infectivity was confirmed by the RT-PCR. Chimeric Paf(H/N)-satRNA and PepY(N/A)-satRNA as well as Paf-satRNA induced very mild mosaic or symptomless infection on N. benthamiana. By contrast, typical mosaic symptom and stunting of infected plants were induced when PepY-satRNA, PepY(H/N)-satRNA and Paf(N/A)-satRNA were infected to N. benthamiana. Paf-satRNA coinfected with CMV-Fny RNAs induced very mild to sympomless on pepper plants whereas PepY-satRNA-infected pepper expressed typical chlorosis mosaic symptom. Two kinds of chimeric mutants, Paf(H/N)-satRNA and PepY(N/A)-satRNA, induced mild mosaic or symptomless infection onto pepper plants, while PepY(H/N)-satRNA and Paf(N/A)-satRNA showed typical chlorosis and mosaic symptom with stunting. This results suggest that mild symptom-related domain for the Paf-satRNA was located on HpaI-NarI region.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.465-473
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• 2004

Purpose : The essential triad for nerve regeneration is nerve conduit, supporting cell and neurotrophic factor. In order to improve the peripheral nerve regeneration, we used polyglycolic acid(PGA) tube and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) gene transfected Schwann cells in sciatic nerve defects of SD rat. Materials and methods : Nerve conduits were made with PGA sheet and outer surface was coated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for mechanical strength and control the resorption rate. The diameter of conduit was 1.8mm and the length was 17mm Schwann cells were harvested from dorsal root ganglion(DRG) of SD rat aged 1 day. Schwann cells were cultured on the PGA sheet to test the biocompatibility adhesion of Schwann cell. Human BDNF gene was obtained from cDNA library and amplified using PCR. BDNF gene was inserted into E1 deleted region of adenovirus shuttle vector, pAACCMVpARS. BDNF-adenovirus was multiplied in 293 cells and purified. The BDNF-Adenovirus was then infected to the cultured Schwann cells. Left sciatic nerve of SD rat (250g weighing) was exposed and 14mm defects were made. After bridging the defect with PGA conduit, culture medium(MEM), Schwann cells or BDNF-Adenovirus infected Schwann cells were injected into the lumen of conduit, respectively. 12 weeks after operation, gait analysis for sciatic function index, electrophysiology and histomorphometry was performed. Results : Cultured Schwann cells were well adhered to PGA sheet. Sciatic index of BDNF transfected group was $-53.66{\pm}13.43$ which was the best among three groups. The threshold of compound action potential was between 800 to $1000{\mu}A$ in experimental groups which is about 10 times higher than normal sciatic nerve. Conduction velocity and peak voltage of action potential of BDNF group was the highest among experimental groups. The myelin thickness and axonal density of BDNF group was significantly greater than the other groups. Conclusion : BDNF gene transfected Schwann cells could regenerate the sciatic nerve gap(14mm) of rat successfully.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.429-439
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• 2011

Objectives: Ethylene oxide (EtO) is classified as a human carcinogen, but EtO is still widely used to sterilize heat-sensitive materials in hospitals. Employees working around sterilizers are exposed to EtO after sterilization. The aim of the present study was to assess the exposure of EtO level, coupled with occupationally induced micronuclei from hospital workers. The influence of genetic polymorphisms of detoxifying genes (GSTT1 and GSTM1) and DNA repair genes (XRCC1 and XRCC3) on the frequencies of micronuclei in relation to exposure of EtO was also investigated. Methods: The study population was composed of 35 occupationally exposed workers to EtO, 18 student controls and 44 unexposed hospital controls in Korea. Exposure to EtO is measured by passive personal samplers. We analyzed the frequencies of micronuclei by performing cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN assay) and GSTM1, GSTT1, XRCC1, and XRCC3 were also genotyped by performing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequencies of micronuclei in EtO exposure group, student controls and hospital controls were $18.00{\pm}7.73$, $10.47{\pm}7.96$ and $13.86{\pm}6.35$ respectively and their differences were statistically significant, but no significant differences according to the level of EtO were observed. There was a dose-response relationship between the frequencies of micronuclei and cumulative dose of EtO, but no significantly differences were observed. We also investigated the influence of genetic polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1, XRCC1, and XRCC3) on the frequencies of micronuclei, but there were no differences in the frequencies of micronuclei by genetic polymorphisms. Conclusions: The frequencies of micronuclei in EtO exposure group was significantly higher than control groups. A dose-response relationship was found between the level of EtO exposure and the frequencies of micronuclei, but no statistically differences were observed. We also found that the frequencies of micronuclei were increased according to cumulative EtO level. There was no association of the genetic GSTM1, GSTT1, XRCC1, and XRCC3 state with the frequency of micronuclei induced by EtO exposure.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.69-76
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• 2008

Objective: The purposes of this study were to determine the distribution of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genotypes in infertile Korean women and to evaluate the relationship between FSHR genotypes and clinical outcomes of IVF-ET cycles. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood in 1, 020 of infertile Korean women. Genotypes of FSHR at Thr307Ala (T/A) and Asn680Ser (N/S) were screened by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Clinical outcomes related to the genotypes of FSHR were evaluated in IVF-ET cycles (n=302) with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) of infertile women under 40 years old. Results: In a population of 1, 020 infertile Korean women, the frequency of TT/NN, TA/NS and AA/SS for the major variant Thr307Ala and Asn680Ser was 44.80%, 41.96% and 10.49%, respectively. There was no significant difference in characteristics of ovarian response and clinical pregnancy rate among the major genotypes of FSHR in IVF-ET cycles with COH. However, implantation rate of AA/SS patients was significantly higher than that of TT/NN patients (24.5% vs 15.7%, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that FSHR genotype was not directly associated with ovarian response in IVF-ET cycles with COH. The relationship between clinical outcomes and FSHR genotypes of patients should be substantiated by further studies.