• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.347-358
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• 2016

Brassinosteroid (BR), a plant steroid hormone, plays key roles in numerous growth and developmental processes as well as tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stress. To understand the biological networks involved in BR-mediated signaling pathways and stress tolerance, we performed comparative genome-wide transcriptome analysis of a constitutively activated BR bes1-D mutant with an Agilent Arabidopsis $4{\times}44K$ oligo chip. As a result, we newly identified 1,091 (562 up-regulated and 529 down-regulated) significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The combination of GO enrichment and protein network analysis revealed that stress-related processes, such as metabolism, development, abiotic/biotic stress, immunity, and defense, were critically linked to BR signaling pathways. Among the identified gene sets, we confirmed more than a 6-fold up-regulation of NB-ARC and FLS2 in bes1-D plants. However, some genes, including TIR1, TSA1 and OCP3, were down-regulated. Consistently, BR-activated plants showed higher tolerance to drought stress and pathogen infection compared to wild-type controls. In this study, we newly developed a useful, comprehensive method for large-scale identification of critical network and gene sets with global transcriptome analysis using a microarray. This study also showed that gain of function in the bes1-D gene can regulate the adaptive response of plants to various stressful conditions.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 2007

Ethane 1,2-dimethane sulfonate(EDS), a Leydig cell specific toxicant, has been widely used to create the reversible testosterone withdrawal rat model. Though the maintenance of epididymal structure and function is highly dependent on the testosterone secreted from testis, its derivatives, dihydroxytestosterone(DHT) and estrogen, might have crucial roles. The aim of present study was to monitor the expression patterns of sex steroid receptors, cytochrome P450 aromatase(P450arom) and $5{\alpha}$-reductase in the rat epididymis up to 7 weeks after EDS injection. Adult male rats($350{\sim}400g$) were injected with a single does of EDS(75 mg/kg i.p.) and sacrificed on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The transcriptional activities of the target genes were evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCRs. The transcript level of estrogen receptor alpha($ER{\alpha}$) in EDS group was significantly higher than control level on week 1(P<0.01). After week 2, there was no significant difference in $ER{\alpha}$ levels between EDS group and control. The transcript level of estrogen receptor beta($ER{\beta}$) in EDS group was significantly higher than control level on week 1(P<0.05), lowered on weeks 2 and 3(P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), fluctuated during weeks 4 and 6, and elevated on week 7(P<0.05). The androgen receptor (AR) message levels increased significantly week 2(P<0.01), then returned to control level on week 3. In contrast, expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase(P450arom) decreased sharply during weeks $1{\sim}3$(P<0.01 on weeks 1 and 2; P<0.05 on week 3), then went back to control level on week 4. The mRNA level of $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2($5{\alpha}$-RT2) increased significantly on week 4(P<0.01), then returned to control level. The present study indicated that EDS administration could induce reversible alterations in the transcriptional activities of sex steroid hormone receptors and androgenconverting enzymes in rat epididymis. EDS injection model will be useful to clarify the regulation mechanism of mammalian epididymal physiology.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.333-342
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to define the toxic effects of phenanthrene (PAHs) on the fertilization and normal embryogenesis rates in the two species of sea urchin (Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus and Mesocentrotus nudus). The sperm and fertilized eggs of both sea urchin species were exposed to serial dilutions of phenanthrene for 10 min and 48 hours, respectively. The fertilization rate and normal embryogenesis rate of H. pulcherrimus and M. nudus were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The EC₅₀ for the fertilization rate of H. pulcherrimus and M. nudus was 17.48 mg L^-1 and 16.21 mg L^-1, and the EC₅₀ for the normal embryogenesis rate was 2.99 mg L^-1 and 0.36 mg L^-1, respectively. Between the two species, H. pulcherrimus was more sensitive to phenanthrene exposure, and 48 h normal embryogenesis was the more sensitive endpoint. Therefore, the results of this study demonstrated that the exposure of both sea urchin species to phenanthrene caused alterations in egg fertilization and the early developmental stages.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.479-491
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• 1999

This study was performed to investigate the distribution and differentiation of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-immunoreactive cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the postnatal and adult rat forebrains, utilizing techniques of immunocytochemistry. According to the cell shape and the ratio of long axis vs short axis of cell soma, the ChAT-immunoreactive nerve cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the adult rat were classified into six types. In the adult rat, the frequency distributions (FD) of round, oval, elongated, fusiform, triangular and polygonal cells were 9.4%, 35.5%, 32.1%, 5.9%, 9.1% and 8.0%, respectively. The FD of oval and round nerve cells on the postnatal day (PND) 14 were observed to be 18.7% and 51.5%, respectively. Those were shown to be progressively decreased during developmental process to the adult. Also, those of elongated and triangular nerve cells on the PND 21 were observed to be 30.4% and 10.1%, respectively. Those were shown to be same phenomenon a,1 those in the round and oval cells. Meanwhile, those of the triangular and polygonal nerve cells were progressively increased from the early postnatal stage to the adult. The total mean volumes of ChAT-immunoreactive cell somata in the PND 7 rat were the lowest $(1,083{\mu}m^3)$ and those in the PND 21 rat were shown to be the highest $(5,045{\mu}m^3)$. But in the adult, those were decreased to $(2,731{\mu}m^3)$. Those in the PND 21 rat were shown to be about 84.7% larger than those in the adult. On the electron micrography, the cell organelles such as ribosomes, polysomes, rough endoplasmic reticula (RER) and mitochondria were well developed in the PND 21 rat forebrains, but Golgi complexes were shown to be proliferating phase. Especially, ribosomes, polysomes and RER were immunoreactive in the tissues treated with 0.05% triton X-100. According to the observations in the present study, it is considered that the ChAT-immunoreactive nerve cells in the basal nucleus of Meynert of the rat forebrains are differentiated throughout the following processes of changes during the postnatal development: 1) increase of cell soma volumes with the differentiation of tell organelles and neurites, 2) increase in the FD of differentiated tell types and 3) cell schrinkage without cell loss. The ribosomes, polysomes and RER are considered to be closely related to the intracellular localization and biosynthesis of the ChAT but not Colgi complex.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2012

This study was carried out to investigate artificial insemination (AI) failure status and frozen semen characteristics in Korean proven bulls' number (KPN) semen used for AI of Hanwoo cows in Gangwon East region (Gangneung, Donghae, Taebaek, Samcheok, Sokcho, Yangyang, Goseong). Among semen used for AI, AI failure rate showed lowest at KPN506 (27.6%), whereas highest at KPN593 (77.2%). Correlations of AI failure in between Korean proven bulls semen and cows was 0.2941, which means that AI failure rate of Korean proven bulls semen may have respectable effect on reproduction of Hanwoo cow. In addition, present study was conducted to investigate spermatozoal viability rate, ruptured acrosome rate and active mitochondria in frozen Korean proven bulls semen with flow cytometry. The semen of KPN593 showed significantly ($p$<0.05) higher viability rate in KPN593 (30.49%) than that in KPN637 (37.34%). Furthermore, percentage of ruptured acrosome was lower in KPN637 as 21.37% than in KPN637 (21.37%), but it was not statistically significant. In conclusion, these results indicate that choice of Korean proven bulls semen may correlate positively with conception rate in Hanwoo cow. Therefore, KPN with high AI failure rate might be avoid to increase conception rate and characteristics of frozen semen might be evaluated before its use for AI.

• Proceedings of the Korea Society of Environmental Biology Conference
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• 2005.12a
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• pp.38-45
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• 2005

The egg bags of Korean salamander(Hynobius leechii) were collected from farmlands in Gyeongsangnam-do area. The assumed breeding time, numerical variation of embryos in each egg bag, mortality and the rates of abnormalities were investigated. The toxicity of benomyl, the metabolite carbendazim and BIC which were frequently spread in agricultural area and caused spontaneous embryonic malformation was investigated. The assumed breeding time between the end of February and the end of March has the difference about a month because of a habitat and it takes about 2 or 3 weeks from laying eggs to hatching. The length of each egg bag and the number of embryos were very varied in each area. It is due to geographical variation. Among egg bags in total study area, only 406 of egg bags(17.70% of total egg bags) developed all of embryos to normal larvae, and 78.49% of total embryos were normally developed. The patterns of spontaneous embryonic malformation were 26 species from A to Z and the abnormal patterns in individual were 8 species and above. the geographical differences about the abnormal pattern were identified and 11 habitats categorized 4 groups. The most frequent abnormality in Gyeongsangnam-do area is the dysplasia of external gill. The caudal dysplasia, abdominal blister and dysplasia of fin were also frequently observed. Individuals showing severe external defect were histologically studied and they showed retinal hypo-pigmentation, thyroid carcinoma, somatic muscular dysplasia, degeneration of cephalic neuron and various organ dysplasia. Benomyl and carbendazim were treated by 10pM$^{\sim}$10uM and BIC was treated by 1$^{\sim}$40ppm to know the effect of toxicity about toxic substance of salamander. After benomyl was treated, a survival rate was sharply dropped from 2 to 8 days. $LC_{100}$ identified in $1{\mu}M$, $LC_{50}$ identified between 100nM and $1{\mu}M$. $EC_{50}$ was assumed between 10nM and 100nM. The prevalent external malformation was abdomen swelled abnormally and histo-pathological effects were abdomen, neural tube and lens hernia. This suggests that benomyl is the toxicitic substance which inhibits the development of digestive system and nervous system. The result of treated carbendazim was similar to that of the treated benomyl. The survival rate is sharply dropped between 2 and 6 days. $LC_{100}$ was identified $1{\mu}M$ and $LC_{50}$ was identified between 10nM and 100nM. This shows that cabendazim has stronger lethal toxicity than benomyl. Ventral blister, eye dysplasia and cephalic dysplasia in the individual of external malformation mean that cabendazim affected nervous system much more than benomyl. Because the toxicity of BIC affected less in the beginning but affected more in the near hatching period, the period causing toxicity is somewhat different. $LC_{100}$ identified near 40ppm and $LC_{50}$ identified near 25ppm. The external defect shows mainly ventral blister and histo-pathological results show intestinal deformities. This result suggests the BIC inhibited strongly the development of digestive system. These abnormal developments may be caused by antimitotic action, inhibition of tubulin complex, destruction of microtubule, inhibitions of neurulation and closing of neural fold, and by the inhibition of movement of neural crest cells of benomyl. These abnormal developments may be caused by the rupture of epithelium, the loss of microtubule, the reduction of spindle size, the inhibition of spindle assembly formation, the destruction of spindle poles of carbendazim. These abnormal developments may be caused cytotoxicity by inhibition of the synthesis of a number of macromolecules and similar reaction the inhibition of benomyl.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.11-27
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• 2013

Objective : This is a descriptive study using a program review collaborative group program by special educator and occupational therapist for supporting children's school tasks, and it is designed to explore how changed school performance skills and to analyze how applied intervention methods including sensory integrative approach. Methods : Participants were 6 male elementary students(5 = 1st grade, 1 = 2nd grade). Pilot program had reviewed and its results used as base for planning main program. Main program was implemented by collaborative process with teacher and occupational therapist for 1 year. School AMPS was used to assess school task participants, and informal motor and process skill observation was used to assess self-help activities. Description of records by professions about intervention strategies through assessments was described as qualitative way. Japanese sensory inventory was used by parents. Results : Through the collaborative process, assessing children, planning and modifying program, establishing intervention strategies were implemented. Self-help abilities in group program were increased much more independently. School task abilities were increased slightly but skills changed irregularly and unexpectedly and their reasons became considered more complex from sensory processing reasons to social and emotional reasons. Conclusion : Sensory integration had benefits for primary group program and more complex intervention strategies became to emerge demands for person- environment-task challenges. Collaborative practice with teacher and occupational therapist was supplement and synergic effect for children and group dynamics. More objective and comprehensive methods for measure collaboration and group effect would be needed in further study.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.162-176
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• 2016

The experience and play activities in forest spaces have played an effective role in children's growth and development, therefore, many studies and projects related to forest activity space have progressed actively. However, the focus of previous research has been merely on the effectiveness of forest activity but little on providing the basis for the spatial design of these types of forest activity spaces. Thus, this study aims to identify the relationship between children's developmental play activity and the physical characteristics of forest activity spaces for evidence-based design. First of all, indicators for Cognitive-Social play(CSP) was selected and forest spaces were categorize into play facility spaces and forest spaces. More detailed environmental characteristics of each space were 'play area' and 'paving materials' for play facilities and 'density of tree and shrub', 'slope', 'paving materials' and 'fixing and type of natural loose parts' for forest space. Through environmental inventory and behavior observation, the types of play behaviors and the occurrence frequency of children aged four to five were collected and analyzed. The results were as follows: 1) In play facility spaces, play behaviors occurred at a high frequency at the facility playground with play facilities and sand area. In terms of CSP, functional-solitary and functional-parallel plays occurred predominantly. 2) In forest spaces, various play behaviors occurred at high frequency in the environment with low density planting and various natural loose parts. For CSP, functional-group and symbolic-group plays occurred at a high frequency. 3) Symbolic-group play appeared to be highly affected by environmental characteristics like tree area of scatter density or less, 10~20 degree slope, and the presence of fixed large stumps. In conclusion, this study provides standards of physical environmental characteristics for forest activity space design through direct observation and analysis of children's play behaviors.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.1263-1272
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• 2002

Purpose : Rett syndrome(RTT) is an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 per 10,000-15,000 female births worldwide. It was initially described by Andreas Rett in 1966. RTT involves developmental regression characterized stereotypic hand movements, tremors, gait apraxia, seizures, deceleration of head growth after the age of 6-18 months. The disease-causing gene was identified as MECP2 on chromosome Xq28. We carried out mutational analysis of MECP2 genes in RTT patients. Methods : Whole blood(5 cc) of 34 sporadic RTT patients was collected in EDTA-anticoagulated tubes. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood using the E.Z.N.A. blood DNA kit. Four exons of the MECP2 gene were amplified by PCR in 34 Korean with RTT. We carried out PCR divided the exon three into two parts and the exon four into five parts. Primer sequences designed by Amir et al. in 1999 were almost used(AF030876). Sequencing primers used were the same as PCR. DNA sequencing reactions were performed using an ABI 377 DNA sequencer and ABI PRISM dye terminator cycle sequencing reaction kit(Perkin-elmer). The results were compared with the normal DNA sequence(X99686). To confirm the change of sequence on novel mutations, RFLP analysis was performed. Results : The MECP2 mutations were detected in 23(67.6%) of the 34 patients. The mutations consisted of 12 different types including nine missense and three nonsense mutations. Of these, three (L100V, G161E and T311M) mutations were newly identified. Most of the mutations discovered are located within MBD(39.1%) and TRD(39.1%). In this study, three(T158M, R270X, R306C) mutations were identified high frequency. Conclusion : MECP2 gene was also an important cause of Korean RTT patients. MECP2 gene study is an important tool for diagnosis of Korean RTT patients.

• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.144-149
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• 2018

The eggs are incubated for 18 days through the generator and incubated in the developing incubator. During the developmental period, the weight loss of the fetus is correlated with the ventricular formation, and the proper ventricular formation is also associated with the healthy embryonic hatching and the egg hatching rate. However, in the incubator period of the domestic hatchery, it is a reality to acquire the resultant side by the Iranian standard weight measurement with the experience of the hatchery and the person concerned and the development period without the apparatus for measuring the present weight. As a result, prevalence of early mortality, hunger and illness during hatching are frequent. Monitoring the reduction of weaning weight is crucial to obtaining chick quality and hatching performance with weight changes within the development machine. Water loss is different depending on the size of eggs, egg shell, and elder group. We can expect to increase the hatching rate by measuring the weight change in real time and optimizing the ventilation change accordingly. There is a need to develop a real-time measurement system that can control 10 to 13% reduction of the total weight during hatching. The system through this study is a way to check the one - time directly when moving the existing egg, and it is impossible to control the measurement of the fetal water evaporation within the development period. Unlike systems that do not affect the hatching rate, four load cells are connected in parallel on the Arduino sketch board and the AT-command command is used to connect the mobile phone and computer in real time. The communication speed of Bluetooth was set to 15200 to match the communication speed of Arduino and Hyper-terminal program. The real - time monitoring system was designed to visually check the change of the weight of the fetus in the artificial incubator. In this way, we aimed to improve the hatching rate and health condition of the hatching eggs.