• Mycobiology
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.457-466
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• 2022

Epicoccum nigrum is a saprophytic or endophytic fungus that is found worldwide. Because of the antagonist effects of E. nigrum on many plant pathogens, current studies on E. nigrum have focused on the development of biological control agents and the utilization of its various metabolites. In this study, E. nigrum was collected from a wheat field, and its genetic diversity was analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses identified 63 isolates of E. nigrum divided into seven groups, indicating a wide genetic diversity. Isolates antagonized the wheat pathogen Fusarium graminearum, and reduced disease symptoms caused by F. graminearum in wheat coleoptiles. Moreover, pretreatment of wheat coleoptiles with E. nigrum induced the upregulation of pathogen-related (PR) genes, PR1, PR2, PR3, PR5, PR9, and PR10 in wheat coleoptiles responding to F. graminearum invasion. Overall, this study indicates that E. nigrum isolates can be used as biological pathogen inhibitors applied in wheat fields.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.224-237
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• 2021

Purpose: Paeonia Radix Alba is a traditional herbal medicine used to treat the liver and the spleen. Many studies have reported that Paeonia Radix Alba extract (PR) affects liver injury, but there has been no study on liver injuries induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the effect of PR on a TAA-induced acute liver injury (ALI) model. Methods: The antioxidant activity of PR was assayed by the content of total polyphenol, total flavonoid, 1,1-diphenyl-2'-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities in vitro test. ALI was induced via-intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg body weight) for three consecutive days. Also, silymarin (100 mg/kg body weight) and PR (100 or 200 mg/kg body weight) were administered at 1 hours 30 minutes prior to TAA treatment. The levels of ammonia, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) were analyzed using an assay kit. The expressions of antioxidant proteins including Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2 and oxidative stress-related proteins including NOX2, p47^phox, and p22^phox were evaluated by the western blot analysis. Results: PR showed excellent antioxidant activity in vitro. TAA administration increased the levels of ammonia, GOT, and GPT in the ALI control group compared to the normal group, whereas it was significantly reduced by PR pretreatment. Moreover, NADPH oxidase protein expressions were upregulated after TAA treatment, while the elevated expressions were inhibited by PR pretreatment. The expressions of antioxidant protein were downregulated in the ALI control group, whereas Nrf2 activation in the PR group was accompanied by increased levels of antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: PR administration increased the antioxidant enzymes via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and inhibited the protein levels of NADPH oxidase factors. Taken together, these results showed that PR treatment may be considered to ameliorate acute liver injury induced by TAA.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.15 no.10
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• pp.876-882
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• 2002

The microstructure and electrical characteristics of ZPCD (ZnO-$Pr_{6}O_{11}$-CoO-$Dy_2O_3$) -based varistor ceramics were investigated with various $Pr_{6}O_{11}$/CoO ratios and sintering temperatures. The density of varistor ceramics with $Pr_{6}O_{11}$=1.0 was almost constant with sintering temperature, whereas it was increased noticeably in $Pr_{6}O_{11}$=0.5. Increasing $Pr_{6}O_{11}$ content enhanced the densification for any CoO content and the density was greatly affected not by CoO content but by $Pr_{6}O_{11}$ content. The varistor ceramics with $Pr_{6}O_{11}$/CoO=0.5/l.0 exhibited a higher nonlinearity than any other composition ratios. In particular, the varistor ceramics sintered at $1350^{\circ}C$ exhibited the best electrical properties, with nonlinear exponent of 37.8, leakage current of 7.6 ${\mu}$A, and tan $\delta$ of 0.059.

• Asian Journal of Turfgrass Science
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.179-191
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• 2004

This study was conducted to find out the effect of sodding and seeding time and rate of seed mixtures on the establishment of cool-season turfgrasses by evaluating the turf coverage rates for two years. In fall planting, the required establishment period of full coverage($100\%$) was 1.5 months with a rolled turf sodding(Kentucky bluegrass $100\%$, Kentucky bluegrass $80\%$+perennial ryegrass $20\%$). The $100\%$ turf establishment was achieved in 7 months with Perennial ryegrass $100\%$, and 7.5 months by seeding with Kentucky bluegrass $100\%$(KB 100), Kentucky bluegrass $80\%$+perennial ryegrass $20\%$(KB80+PR20), Kentucky bluegrass $70\%$+perennial ryegrass $30\%$(KB70+PR30). In spring planting, the establishment periods far sod with KB 100 or KB80+PR20 were taken one month. However, in the case of seeding, the establishment periods were 3 months, 3.5 months, 3.5 months and 4 months with PR100, KB80+PR20, KB70+PR30, and KB 100, respectively Comparing the turf establishment vigor between fall and spring planting, the vigor was higher In spring planting than in fall planting in both sodding and . seeding. In the case of spring planting, the most proper time for turf establishment was tested on April, May, and June trials. The effect was significant in establishment vigor. The result showed highest on April planting. On May and June trials, establishment vigors were decreased gradually As the mixture rate of PR increased, ryegrass, establishment vigor was decreased with the rates. These results indicated that perennial ryegrass has relatively less tolerant to summer heat than Kentucky bluegrass. Number of shoots in 95 days after seeding was higher in KB100 by 16,600 per $m^2$ than in PR100 by 12,400 per $m^2$, while the lowest number showed in KB50+PR50 by 3,300 per $m^2$. Those in KB80:PR20, KB70:PR30 were 6,700 and 4,900 per $m^2$, respectively. The ratios of tillers according to mixture rates between Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass were KB80:PR20=87:13, KB70:PR30=78:22, and KB50:PR50=48:52. According to results in this study, Ideal seeding time might be spring (April) than in fall (September), and proper mixture rate was $80\%$ of Kentucky bluegrass with $20\%$ of perennial ryegrass.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.406-413
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• 2015

Background: Pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) proteins are small, cytosolic proteins with a similar three-dimensional structure. Crystal structures for several PR-10 homologs have similar overall folding patterns, with an unusually large internal cavity that is a binding site for biologically important molecules. Although structural information on PR-10 proteins is substantial, understanding of their biological function remains limited. Here, we showed that one of the PgPR-10 homologs, PgPR-10.3, shares binding properties with flavonoids, kinetin, emodin, deoxycholic acid, and ginsenoside Re (1 of the steroid glycosides). Methods: Gene expression patterns of PgPR-10.3 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The three-dimensional structure of PgPR-10 proteins was visualized by homology modeling, and docking to retrieve biologically active molecules was performed using AutoDock4 program. Results: Transcript levels of PgPR-10.3 expressed in leaves, stems, and roots of 3-wk-old ginseng plantlets were on average 86-fold lower than those of PgPR-10.2. In mature 2-yr-old ginseng plants, the mRNA of PgPR-10.3 is restricted to leaves. Ginsenoside Re production is especially prominent in leaves of Panax ginseng Meyer, and the binding property of PgPR-10.3 with ginsenoside Re suggests that this protein has an important role in the control of secondary metabolism. Conclusion: Although ginseng PR-10.3 gene is expressed in all organs of 3-wk-old plantlets, its expression is restricted to leaves in mature 2-yr-old ginseng plants. The putative binding property of PgPR-10.3 with Re is intriguing. Further verification of binding affinity with other biologically important molecules in the large hydrophobic cavity of PgPR-10.3 may provide an insight into the biological features of PR-10 proteins.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.158-166
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• 2010

Objective: It has been reported that Polygonati rhizoma (Pr) has anti-hyperglycemia, anti-triglycemia, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumor activity. Total extract of Pr was tested to identify anti-adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 differentiation and molecular mechanism of Pr in 3T3-L1 differentiation. Methods: Differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte was induced in the presence of Pr extract and kaempferol. The level of lipid accumulation was measured by Oil Red O staining. The expression of genes associated with adipocyte differentiation was measured by RT-PCR. Results: Extract of Pr and its component kaempferol reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 during adipogenesis and also reduced mRNA levels of genes associated with adipogenesis, such as adipsin, aP2, LPL, SERBP-1c and $PPAR{\gamma}$. Conclusions: In this study, we showed that the molecular mechanism of Pr and kaempferol activity is related to regulation of $PPAR{\gamma}$ expression and activation.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.85-93
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• 2004

This study was carried out to find out the effect of cool-season turfgrass overseeding onto zoysiagrass(Zoysia japonica L.) for extending green color and solving traffic problem during dormant periods. Overseeding rates of cool-season turfgrasses were $10g/m^2$ of Kentucky bluegrass(KB1), $20g/m^2$of Kentucky b1uegrass(KB2), $60g/m^2$ of perennial ryegrass(PR), $80g/m^2$ of Tall fescue(TF), and $10g/m^2$ of Kentucky bluegrass + $10g/m^2$ of perennial ryegrass mixture(KB+PR) onto 2m${\times}$2m(width${\times}$length) zoysiagrass plots with 3 replications.1 to 9-sca1e of visual quality and visual color were measured after treatment, Consequently cool-season turfgrass overseeding gave a good performances of extending the green periods and enhancing the turf grass quality. KB1 and KB2 were found to be excellent performances for visual quality and visual color compared to PR, TF, KB+PR and control. KB2 showed better turf performances than KB1 within Kentucky bluegrass overseedings. Turfgrass color was kept up for 10 months by overseeding of cool-season turfgrasses(KB1, KB2, PR, TP, KB+PR) compared to about 5~6 months by zoysiagrass(Control). The visual quality and visual color of PR and TF showed good performances during a green-up period of spring, but decreasing tendencies through the summer.Percent diseases data revealed also higher ratings for PR and TF compared to for KB1 and KB2.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.217-222
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• 1982

A lactic starter organism, Lactobaciilus casei YIT 9018 was treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (NTG) to obtain phage-resistant mutants. Freshly grown cells suspended in citrate buffer were exposed to NTG of 50 g/$m\ell$ for 40 min. Among 88 colonies isolated eight colonies showed distinct resistance to phages isolated previously from milk plants. The eight new colonies showed character similar to the original L. casei except that they responded differently to phage of different sources and thus were designated as eight different mutants of L casei. From the phage resisting toaether with the fermentative ability equivalent to the mother organism the mutants may be considered to be used as starter cultures for fermented milk.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.115-125
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• 2005

Objectives : Polygalae Radix (PR) from Polygalae tenuifolia (Polygalaceae) has been clinically used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial agent. To extend pharmacological effects of PR in the central nervous system (CNS) on the basis of its CNS protective effect, the present study was conducted to identify the effect of PR, whether it shows the neuroprotective action against excitatory neurotoxicity. Methods : To identify the protective effect of PR to excitatory neuro-toxic agent, the present study was focused on the PR effect on cell death, that was caused by applying NMDA to nerve cell, elevation of $(Ca^{2+})_i$, releasement of glutamate, and ROS generation. Result : 1. PR methanol extract, at the concentration range of 0.05 to 5 g/ml, significantly inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced neuronal cell death as well as MK-801 (non competitive NMDA antagonist). 2. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited NMDA (1 mM)-induced elevation of cytosolic calcium concentration $[Ca^{2+}]_i$. NMDA application in the presence of MK-801 $(10\;{\mu}M)$ failed to produce the increase of $[Ca^{2+}]_i$ through all the measurement time. 3. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of glutamate release. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. 4. PR methanol extract $(0.5\;{\mu}g/ml)$ inhibited the NMDA-induced elevation of ROS generation. Also, MK-801 showed similar protective effects. Conclusion : The present study provides the availability of PR to exert its protective effect on the neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative pathophysiological conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.173-179
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• 1997

Change in phases, microstructures, and magnetic properties by the variation of quench rate and heat treatment were investigated for melt-spun $Fe_{77}Pr_{15}C_8$ ribbons. The amorphization of as-spun ribbons increased as the quench rate increased. As a result, the ribbon quenched at 40 m/s was almost entirely amorphous. Similarly to cast alloys, the primary phase in crystalline ribbons quenched at 10 m/s was $\alpha$-Fe followed by the secondary $Fe_{17}Pr_2C_x$. Crystalline phases were still dominant in the ribbon spun at 20 m/s, but in this case crystallization of $Fe_{17}Pr_2C_x$ was remarkable with a little suppression of $\alpha$-Fe. At 30 m/s an amorphous phase obviously dominated in the as-spun ribbons with small fraction of crystals. Therefore, substantial amount of hard magnetic $Fe_{14}Pr_2C$ was not obtained from the as-spun state but, as in cast alloys, produced only by a solid-state transformation. Within a few minutes fine grains of $Fe_{14}Pr_2C$ were easily obtained at relatively low temperature when the degree of amorphization of as-spun ribbons was higher. The grain size of $Fe_{14}Pr_2C$ was well less than 1${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$. The ribbons quenched at 20 or 30 m/s yielded higher coercivities after heat treatment.