• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.422-431
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• 2019

Severe droughts in spring have occurred frequently in Korea in recent years, exerting a critical impact on corn yield. Therefore, it is necessary to find physiological and/or molecular indicators of the response to drought stress in maize plants. In this study, we investigated the effects of water-deficit stress on two Korean elite F₁ maize hybrids, Ilmichal and Gwangpyeongok, by withholding water for 10 days at tassel initiation. The water deficit drastically reduced the relative leaf water content, leaf number, leaf area, and stem length, leading to dry matter reduction. Moreover, it reduced the SPAD values and stomatal conductance of leaves in drought-stressed plants of both hybrids. Importantly, the number of leaves and SPAD value were non-destructive and easy to investigate in response to water-deficit stress, suggesting that they may be useful indicators for screening drought-tolerant genetic resources. We detected more than 100 spots that were differentially accumulated under drought stress. Of these spots, a total of 21 protein spots (≥1.5-fold) from drought-exposed maize leaves were successfully analyzed by MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrometry. Functional annotation using Gene Ontology analysis revealed that most of the identified proteins were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, stress response fatty acid catabolism, photosynthesis, energy metabolism, and transport. The protein expression levels were increased in both Ilmichal and Gwangpyeongok, except for triosephosphate isomerase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, and an uncharacterized protein. The lactoylglutathione lyase delta (3,5)-delta (2,4)-dienoyl-CoA isomerase was overexpressed in Gwangpyeongok only. The results obtained from this study suggest that the drought-specific genes may be useful as molecular markers for screening drought-tolerant maize genotypes.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2014

In general, whey obtained from various cheese batches is being reused, so as to improve the texture and to increase the yield and the nutrient value of the various final milk-based products. In fact, re-usage of whey proteins, including whey cream, is a common and routine procedure. Unfortunately, most bacteriophages can survive heat treatments such as pasteurization. Hence, there is a high risk of an increase in the bacteriophage population during the cheese-making process. Whey samples contaminated with bacteriophages can cause serious problems in the cheese industry. In particular, the process of whey separation frequently leads to aerosol-borne bacteriophages and thus to a contaminated environment in the dairy production plant. In addition, whey proteins and whey cream reused in a cheese matrix can be infected by bacteriophages with thermal resistance. Therefore, to completely abolish the various risks of fermentation failure during re-usage of whey, a whey treatment that effectively decreases the bacteriophage population is urgently needed and indispensable. Hence, the purpose of this review is to introduce various newly developed methods and state-of-the-art technologies for removing bacteriophages from contaminated whey and whey products.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.283-293
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• 2002

Purpose : A PC based brachytherapy planning system was developed to display dose distributions on simulation images by 2D isodose curve including the dose profiles, dose-volume histogram and 30 dose distributions. Materials and Methods : Brachytherapy dose planning software was developed especially for the Ir-192 source, which had been developed by KAERI as a substitute for the Co-60 source. The dose computation was achieved by searching for a pre-computed dose matrix which was tabulated as a function of radial and axial distance from a source. In the computation process, the effects of the tissue scattering correction factor and anisotropic dose distributions were included. The computed dose distributions were displayed in 2D film image including the profile dose, 3D isodose curves with wire frame forms and dosevolume histogram. Results : The brachytherapy dose plan was initiated by obtaining source positions on the principal plane of the source axis. The dose distributions in tissue were computed on a $200\times200\;(mm^2)$ plane on which the source axis was located at the center of the plane. The point doses along the longitudinal axis of the source were $4.5\~9.0\%$ smaller than those on the radial axis of the plane, due to the anisotropy created by the cylindrical shape of the source. When compared to manual calculation, the point doses showed $1\~5\%$ discrepancies from the benchmarking plan. The 2D dose distributions of different planes were matched to the same administered isodose level in order to analyze the shape of the optimized dose level. The accumulated dose-volume histogram, displayed as a function of the percentage volume of administered minimum dose level, was used to guide the volume analysis. Conclusion : This study evaluated the developed computerized dose planning system of brachytherapy. The dose distribution was displayed on the coronal, sagittal and axial planes with the dose histogram. The accumulated DVH and 3D dose distributions provided by the developed system may be useful tools for dose analysis in comparison with orthogonal dose planning.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.245-258
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• 1991

In order to determine the antigenic localization in the tissues of the adult Metagonimus yokegawai, immunogoldlabeling method was applied using serum immunoglobulins (IgG) of cats which were infected with isolated metacercariae from Plecoglossus altivelis. The sectioned worm tissue was embedded in Lowicryl HM 20 medium and stained with infected serum IgG and protein A gold complex (particle size: 12 nm) , It was observed by electron microscopy at each tissue of the worm. The gold particles were observed on the tegumental syncytium as well as cytoplasm of tegumental cells and epithelial lamella of the caecum. The gold particles were not observed on the basal lamina of the tegument, interstitial matrix of the parenchyma, the muscle tissue and mitochondria of the tegument. The gold particles were specifically labeled in the secretory granules in the vitelline cells. They were also labeled on the lumen of bladder and egg shell. The above findings showed that antigenic materials in the tissue of adult worms were specifically concentrated on the tegumental syncytium as well as cytoplasm of tegumental cells and epithelial lamella of the caecum.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.79-92
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• 2007

Oxidative stress have known to be a risk factor for the degenerative processes and closely related to a lot of diseases. It is well established that antioxidants are good in protection and therapeutic means against oxidative damage. There is increasing interest in natural antioxidants and many natural antioxidants have been found and utilized as the possible protection for various diseases and skin aging. We have screened natural antioxidant agents for cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and drugs as therapeutic and preventive means against oxidative stress, and have developed a number of novel antioxidants from various natural sources. A novel melanin synthesis inhibitor, Melanocin A, isolated from the metabolite of a fungal strain Eupenicillium shearii F80695 inhibited mushroom tyrosinase and melanin biosynthesis of B16 melanoma cells with $IC_{50}$ value of 9.0 nM and MIC value of $0.9\;{\mu}M$, respectively. Melanocin A also exhibited potent antioxidant activity by scavenging of DPPH and superoxide anion radicals. UV was found to increase the level of hydrogen peroxides and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin tissues. This increase in ROS may not only alter the structure and function of many genes and proteins directly but may also modulate their expressions through signal transduction pathways and, ultimately, lead to skin damage. We investigated the effect of Melanocin A on UV-induced premature skin aging. Firstly, the effect of Melanocin A on UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT in vitro was investigated. Acute UV irradiation induced MMP-9 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels and Melanocin A suppressed this expression in a dose-dependent manner. We then investigated UV-induced skin changes in hairless mice in vivo by Melanocin A. Chronic exposure of hairless mouse dorsal skin to UV increased skin thickness and induced wrinkle formation and the gelatinase activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, Melanocin A significantly suppressed UV-induced morphologic skin changes and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. These results show that Melanocin A can prevent the harmful effects of UV that lead to skin aging. Therefore, we suggest that Melanocin A should be viewed as a potential therapeutic agent for preventing and/or treating premature skin aging. Terrein is a bioactive fungal metabolite isolated from Penicillium species. Terrein has a relatively simple structure and can be easily synthesized. However, the biologic effects of terrein are comparatively unknown. We found for the first time that terrein potently inhibit melanin production in melanocytes and has a strong hypopigmentary effect in a spontaneously immortalized mouse melanocyte cell line, Mel-Ab. Treatment of Mel-Ab cells with terrein (10-100 mM) for 4 days significantly reduced melanin levels in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, terrein at the same concentration also reduced tyrosinase activity. We then investigated whether terrein influences the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway and the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which is required for tyrosinase expression. Terrein was found to induce sustained ERK activation and MITF down-regulation, and luciferase assays showed that terrein inhibits MITF promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate the correlation between ERK pathway activation and a decreased MITF transcriptional level, PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK pathway, was applied before terrain treatment and found to abrogate the terrein-induced MITF attenuation. Terrein also reduced the tyrosinase protein level for at least 72 h. These results suggest that terrain reduces melanin synthesis by reducing tyrosinase production via ERK activation, and that this is followed by MITF down-regulation.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.spc
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• pp.48-56
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• 2014

Weekly changes of water environments and phytoplankton community with the salinity gradients were investigated at Gyoungpo Lake from April to November in 1998 and 2012. Underwater crossam in Gyoungpo Lake was removed in 2004. Thereafter, average salinity of Gyoungpo lake increased from 7.5 ppt in 1998 to 20 ppt in 2012. A total of 99 and 80 species of phytoplankton was observed from the sampled in 1998 and 2012, respectively. The number of common species during the 2 separate years was 40. Transparency, SS, $NO_3-N$ concentration and N/P ratio in 2012 were lower than those in 1998. During the period of water shortage (April, May) of 2012 transparency decreased due to decreased salinity and increased SS and Chl. a. Correlation coefficients between species and community scores of DCA ordination based on data matrix of the phytoplankton revealed larger variation among sampling seasons in 1998 than in 2012. The increase of seawater influx and conversion rates following the removal of the underwater crossbeam might explain such a differential variation. Gymnodium sp., Peridinium sp., Prorocentrum sp., Nitzschia longissima, Schroederia setigera, Lyngbya sp., Asterococcus limneticus, Asterococcus superbus and Cyclotella meneghiniana were found to well adapt at the high salinities in 2012. Comparatively, Asterrionella formosa, Nitzschia frustulum, Chlorella ellipsoidea, Scenedesmus bijuga and Scenedesmus ellipsoideus were observed at lower salinities in 1998. Two quite contrasting phytoplankton communities were found in the two seasons of a year, spring with limited precipitation and summer, the flood season.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.272-280
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• 2015

A simultaneous official method was developed for the determination of phorate and its metabolites (phorate sulfoxide, phorate sulfone, phorate oxon, phorate oxon sulfoxide, phorate oxon sulfone) in livestock samples. The analytes were quantified and confirmed via liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Phorate and its metabolites were extracted from beef and milk samples with acidified acetonitrile (containing 1% acetic acid) and partitioned with anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Then, the extract was purified through primary secondary amine (PSA) and C18 dispersive sorbent. Matrix matched calibration curves were linear over the calibration ranges (0.005-0.5 mg/L) for all the analytes into blank extract with $r^2$ > 0.996. For validation purposes, recovery studies were carried out at three different concentration levels (beef 0.004, 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg; milk 0.008, 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg, n = 5). The recoveries were within 79.2-113.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 19.2% for all analytes. All values were consistent with the criteria ranges requested in the Codex guidelines. The limit of quantification was quite lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (0.05 mg/kg). The proposed analytical method was accurate, effective and sensitive for phorate and its metabolites determination and it will be used to as an official analytical method in Korea.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.179-186
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• 1992

Dietary intakes of 57 college women were measured by 7-day weight food records(7WR) Nutrient intakes of 7WR were compared with results of using 1-day weighted food records(1WR) and 2-day weighed food records(2WR), 7WR were recorded for 7 consecutive days by subjects and its first two days were chosen to provide 1WR and 2WR Mean nutrient intakes of the group were not significantly different between 1WR or 2WRand 7WR. Within-person variations were found to be greater than between-person variations. The ratio of within- and between-person variability was lowest for the vitamin A and highest for the calcium. Data on 7WR were analyzed to estimate the number of recording days needed to ensure r$\geq$0.9 between observed and turn mean intakes. The 11 to 13 days needed for energy sugar protein and vitamin A and 20 days for calcium The results indicated that the number of days needed varied substantially among individuals for the same nutrient and within individuals for different nutrients.

• Korean Journal of Dental Materials
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.273-280
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• 2017

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of specimen dimension on the flexural properties and testing reliability of dental composite resin. The composite resin was prepared experimentally by mixing a resin matrix with silanated micrometer glass filler at 50 vol%. Flexural specimens with various dimension in specimen's width were fabricated by light curing using a split metal mold; $25{\times}2{\times}2mm$, $25{\times}2{\times}4mm$, $25{\times}2{\times}6mm$ in length ${\times}$ height ${\times}$ width. The flexural strength and modulus were determined according to ISO 4049 test protocol at a span length of 20 mm (normal-flexural strength; NFS). Another flexural test was conducted using mini-sized specimens ($12{\times}2{\times}2mm$, $12{\times}2{\times}4mm$, $12{\times}2{\times}6mm$) from the broken specimens at a span length of 10 mm (mini-flexural strength; MFS). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and Duncan's post-hoc test and the test reliability was evaluated by Weibull analysis. Results showed that there are generally no significant difference in flexural strength with the increase in the specimen width in NFS and MFS tests. However, the test reliability of flexural strength based on Weibull analysis was largely changed with the variables in the dimension of width and span length. The flexural modulus of NFS was increased as the dimension of specimens width increased while there was no trend in flexural modulus of MFS test. Overall results recommend that the evaluation of flexural properties and the reliability of dental composite resins should be performed with more than one test method.