• Molecules and Cells
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.7-20
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• 2006

The major event in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is the death of many cells related to host immune response. The demise of these cells is normally explained by cell suicide mechanism, apoptosis. Interestingly, the decrease in the number of immune cells, such as non-CD4+ cells as well as CD4+ T cells, in HIV infection usually occurs in uninfected bystander cells, not in directly infected cells. It has, therefore, been suggested that several soluble factors, including viral protein R (Vpr), are released from the infected cells and induce the death of bystander cells. Some studies show that Vpr interacts directly with adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) to induce mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP). The MMP results in release of some apoptogenic factors such as cytochrome-c (cyt-c) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). Vpr also has indirect effect on mitochondria through enhancing the level of caspase-9 transcription and suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$). The involvement of p53 in Vpr-induced apoptosis remains to be studied. On the other hand, low level of Vpr expression has anti-apoptotic effect, whereas it's high level of expression induces apoptosis. Extracellular Vpr also exhibits cytotoxicity to uninfected bystander cells through apoptotic or necrotic mechanism. The facts that Vpr has cytotoxic effect on both infected cells and bystander cells, and that it exhibits both proand anti-apoptotic activity may explain its role in viral survival and disease progression.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.102-114
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• 2022

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) is a gram-negative, broad host range bacterial pathogen which causes soft rot disease in potatoes as well as other vegetables worldwide. While Pectobacterium infection relies on the production of major cell wall degrading enzymes, other virulence factors and the mechanism of genetic adaptation of this pathogen is not yet clear. In the present study, we have performed an in-depth genome-wide characterization of Pcc strain ICMP5702 isolated from potato and compared it with other pathogenic bacteria from the Pectobacterium genus to identify key virulent determinants. The draft genome of Pcc ICMP5702 contains 4,774,457 bp with a G + C content of 51.90% and 4,520 open reading frames. Genome annotation revealed prominent genes encoding key virulence factors such as plant cell wall degrading enzymes, flagella-based motility, phage proteins, cell membrane structures, and secretion systems. Whereas, a majority of determinants were conserved among the Pectobacterium strains, few notable genes encoding AvrE-family type III secretion system effectors, pectate lyase and metalloprotease in addition to the CRISPR-Cas based adaptive immune system were uniquely represented. Overall, the information generated through this study will contribute to decipher the mechanism of infection and adaptive immunity in Pcc.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.37.1-37.11
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• 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory-autoimmune disease with a complex multi-organ pathogenesis, and it is known to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Various genetic, immunological, endocrine, and environmental factors contribute to SLE. Genomic variants have been identified as potential contributors to SLE susceptibility across multiple continents. However, the specific pathogenic variants that drive SLE remain largely undefined. In this study, we sought to identify these pathogenic variants across various continents using genomic and bioinformatic-based methodologies. We found that the variants rs35677470, rs34536443, rs17849502, and rs13306575 are likely damaging in SLE. Furthermore, these four variants appear to affect the gene expression of NCF2, TYK2, and DNASE1L3 in whole blood tissue. Our findings suggest that these genomic variants warrant further research for validation in functional studies and clinical trials involving SLE patients. We conclude that the integration of genomic and bioinformatic-based databases could enhance our understanding of disease susceptibility, including that of SLE.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.99 no.5
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• pp.686-692
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• 2010

This study described the general pattern of genetic variation among ten teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) provenances in Myanmar and determined the most suitable seed sources for the plantation program in Bago Yoma region. Seeds of ten provenances were collected to cover the whole teak natural distribution in Myanmar and planted at four trial sites in Bago Yoma region in 1998. Seven years after planting, variation was assessed for growth, morphological characteristics and their correlation with geoclimatic factors. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that there were significant differences in most of the traits measured among provenances, trial sites and provenance ${\times}$ site interaction at five percent level. A positive significant correlation (p<0.01) was found among most of the traits. The regression analyses between all traits and geoclimatic factors indicated the existence of ecoclinal variation in teak. Most of the traits were negatively correlated with the latitude while a positive significant correlation was found between longitude and C/B ratio, crown-diameter, average branch angle and leaf-remain. There was no significant correlation between the mean temperature and any other traits in this study. Furthermore, growth traits and crown diameter were positively correlated with the mean annual rainfall while negative correlation was found between the geographical distance and growth traits. Results indicate that the latitudinal pattern of teak genetic variations in growth performance was attributed to the limit of mean annual rainfall. Comparative assessment showed that local provenances were generally the best and could be use as suitable seed sources for the plantation program in the Bago Yoma region.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.160-166
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• 2017

Objective: This study identifies single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) or gene combinations that affect the flavor and quality of Korean cattle (Hanwoo) by using the SNP Harvester method. Methods: Four economic traits (oleic acid [C18:1], saturated fatty acids), monounsaturated fatty acids, and marbling score) were adjusted for environmental factors in order to focus solely on genetic effects. The SNP Harvester method was used to investigate gene combinations (two-way gene interactions) associated with these economic traits. Further, a multifactor dimensionality reduction method was used to identify superior genotypes in gene combinations. Results: Table 3 to 4 show the analysis results for differences between superior genotypes and others for selected major gene combinations using the multifactor dimensionality reduction method. Environmental factors were adjusted for in order to evaluate only the genetic effect. Table 5 shows the adjustment effect by comparing the accuracy before and after correction in two-way gene interactions. Conclusion: The g.3977-325 T>C and (g.2988 A>G, g.3977-325 T>C) combinations of fatty acid-binding protein4 were the superior gene, and the superior genotype combinations across all economic traits were the CC genotype at g.3977-325 T>C and the AACC, GACC, GGCC genotypes of (g.2988 A>G, g.3977-325 T>C).

• International Journal of Automotive Technology
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.181-191
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• 2003

Since the nonlinearity and uncertainties which inherently exist in vehicle system need to be considered in active suspension control law design, this paper proposes a new control strategy for active vehicle suspension systems by using a combined control scheme, i.e., respectively using a genetic algorithm (GA) based self-tuning PID controller and a fuzzy logic controller in two loops. In the control scheme, the PID controller is used to minimize vehicle body vertical acceleration, the fuzzy logic controller is to minimize pitch acceleration and meanwhile to attenuate vehicle body vertical acceleration further by tuning weighting factors. In order to improve the adaptability to the changes of plant parameters, based on the defined objectives, a genetic algorithm is introduced to tune the parameters of PID controller, the scaling factors, the gain values and the membership functions of fuzzy logic controller on-line. Taking a four degree-of-freedom nonlinear vehicle model as example, the proposed control scheme is applied and the simulations are carried out in different road disturbance input conditions. Simulation results show that the present control scheme is very effective in reducing peak values of vehicle body accelerations, especially within the most sensitive frequency range of human response, and in attenuating the excessive dynamic tire load to enhance road holding performance. The stability and adaptability are also showed even when the system is subject to severe road conditions, such as a pothole, an obstacle or a step input. Compared with conventional passive suspensions and the active vehicle suspension systems by using, e.g., linear fuzzy logic control, the combined PID and fuzzy control without parameters self-tuning, the new proposed control system with GA-based self-learning ability can improve vehicle ride comfort performance significantly and offer better system robustness.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.40-49
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• 2020

The objectives of this study were to evaluate total phenolic content (TPC) and individual phenolic compounds in leaves of perilla genetic resources, assess whether they could be used as distinguishing factor among germplasms, and evaluate their relationship with some quantitative and qualitative morphological characters. TPC and individual phenolic compounds were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method and UPLC-PDA system, respectively. Wide variations in TPC (7.99 to 133.70 mgGAE/g DE), rosmarinic acid (ND to 21.05 mg/g DE), caffeic acid (ND to 1.17 mg/g DE), apigenin-7-O-diglucuronide (ND to 2.21 mg luteolin equivalent (mgLUE)/g DE), scutellarein-7-O-glucuronide (ND to 5.25 mg LUE/g DE), and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide (ND to 2.81 mg LUE/g DE) were observed. Intensities of green pigment at abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces were positively correlated with phenolic compounds whereas leaf length and width had negative correlation. Purple pigmented accessions were shorter in leaf length and width but exhibited higher amount of phenolic compounds compared to green pigmented accessions in most cases. Leaf shape was not related with content of phenolic compounds, color of leaves, and length/width of leaves. TPC and individual phenolic compounds along with morphological characters could be useful distinguishing factors for perilla genetic resources.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6519-6522
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• 2013

Background: Genetic polymorphisms of TP63 have been suggested to influence susceptibility to lung adenocarcinoma development in East Asian populations. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between common polymorphisms in the TP63 gene and the risk of lung adenocarcinoma, as well as interactions of the polymorphisms with environmental risk factors in Chinese non-smoking females. Methods: A case-control study of 260 cases and 318 controls was conducted. Data concerning demographic and risk factors were obtained for each subject. The genetic polymorphisms were determined by Taqman real-time PCR and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: For 10937405, carriers of the CT genotype or at least one T allele (CT/TT) had lower risks of lung adenocarcinoma compared with the homozygous wild CC genotype in Chinese nonsmoking females (adjusted ORs were 0.68 and 0.69, 95%CIs were 0.48-0.97 and 0.50-0.97, P values were 0.033 and 0.030, respectively). Allele comparison showed that the T allele of rs10937405 was associated with a decreased risk of lung adenocarcinoma with an OR of 0.78 (95%CI=0.60-1.01, P=0.059). Our results showed that exposure to cooking oil fumes was associated with increased risk of lung adenocarcinoma in Chinese nonsmoking females (adjusted OR=1.58, 95%CI=1.11-2.25, P=0.011). However, we did not observe a significant interaction of cooking oil fumes and TP63 polymorphisms. Conclusion: TP63 polymorphism might be a genetic susceptibility factor for lung adenocarcinoma in Chinese non-smoking females, but no significant interaction was found with cooking oil fume exposure.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.203-208
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• 2013

Although the first case of supernumerary teeth had been documented almost 20 centuries ago, the etiology of supernumerary teeth still remains unclear. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in the general Asian population is between 2.7% and 3.4%. The pathogenesis of supernumerary teeth has been attributed to phylogenetic reversion(atavism), splitting of the tooth bud(dichotomy theory), locally induced hyperactivity of the dental lamina and a combination of genetic and environmental factors(unified etiologic explanation). This report describes 3 cases of monozygotic twins with mesiodens who visited the pediatric dental clinic of Kyungpook national university hospital, and this is significant to support genetic factors involoved in the development of supernumerary teeth.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.6035-6040
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• 2013

Background: Cancer is a complex disease caused by multiple factors, both genetic and environmental. It is a major health concern worldwide, in the Middle East and in Jordan specifically and the fourth most common killer in the Middle East. Hypothesis: The relative genetic homogeneity of the Circassian and Chechan populations in Jordan results in incidences of cancer that differ from the general Jordanian population, who are mostly Arabs. Materials and Methods: National Cancer Registry data were obtained for the years 1996-2005 The Chechen and Circassian cancer cases were identified and cancer registry data were divided into three populations. Crude rates were calculated based on the number of cancer cases and estimated populations. Results: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type constituting about one third of female cancers in all three populations. Higher crude rates are observed in the Circassian and Chechen populations than in the Arab Jordanian population. The rate ratios (95%CI) in Circassians and Chechens with respect to the Arab Jordanian population are 2.1 (1.48, 2.72) and 1.81 (1.16, 2.85), respectively. Lung cancer is the most common cancer in male Arab Jordanians and Chechens with crude rates of 4.2 and 8.0 per 100,000 respectively. The male to female ratio in these two populations in respective order are 5:1 and 7:1. The lung cancer crude rate in Circassians is 6.5 per 100,000 with a male to female ratio of only 1.6:1. The colorectal cancer crude rates in Arab Jordanians and Chechens are similar at 6.2 and 6.0 per 100,000, respectively, while that in Circassians is twice as high. Conclusions: Considerable ethnic variation exists for cancer incidence rates in Jordan. The included inbred and selected populations offer an ideal situation for investigating genetic factors involved in various cancer types.