• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2019

The objective of this research was to compare loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the rapid detection of pathogens in foods. In this study, the limits of detection (LODs) for Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Cronobacter sakazakii were evaluated in various foods. Among 11 samples tested for S. Typhimurium, LAMP and real-time PCR had the same LODs in beef and duck meat whereas real-time PCR was more sensitive than the LAMP in 8 samples. However, S. Typhimurium in chocolate samples was not detected by real-time PCR. The sensitivity of real-time PCR was high in all samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes and C. sakazakii whereas LAMP was more sensitive than real-time PCR in oil-rich foods. Therefore, LAMP can be shown as an easrer, more convenient method, as well as effective analytical method for testing difficult samples when employed in PCR.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.993-1005
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• 2021

Objective: Zearalenone (ZEA) has estrogen-like effects. Our previous study has shown that ZEA (0.5 to 1.5 mg/kg) could induce abnormal uterine proliferation through transforming growth factor signaling pathway. To further study the other regulatory networks of uterine hypertrophy caused by ZEA, the potential mechanism of ZEA on porcine endometrial epithelial cells (PECs) was explored by the Illumina Hiseq 2000 sequencing system. Methods: The PECs were treated with ZEA at 0 (ZEA0), 5 (ZEA5), 20 (ZEA20), and 80 (ZEA80) µmol/L for 24 h. The collected cells were subjected to cell cycle, RNA-seq, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis. Results: The proportion of cells in the S and G2 phases decreased (p<0.05), but the proportion of cells in the G1 phase increased (p<0.05) in the ZEA80 treatment. Data analysis revealed that the expression of Wnt pathway-related genes, estrogen-related genes, and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway-related genes increased (p<0.05), but the expression of genetic stability genes decreased (p<0.05) with increasing ZEA concentrations. The relative mRNA and protein expression of WNT1, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) were increased (p<0.05) with ZEA increasing, while the relative mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) was decreased (p<0.05). Moreover, our immunofluorescence results indicate that β-catenin accumulated around the nucleus from the cell membrane and cytoplasm with increasing ZEA concentrations. Conclusion: In summary, ZEA can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by up-regulating WNT1 and β-catenin expression, to promote the proliferation and development of PECs. At the same time, the up-regulation of GSK-3β and down-regulation of CCND1, as well as the mRNA expression of other pathway related genes indicated that other potential effects of ZEA on the uterine development need further study.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.532-542
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the body's strategy through kinematic variables of the lower extremities and ground reaction forces to maintain the club-head speed and ball accuracy despite the three stances during the golf swing. Ten male golfers who official handicap two were participate in the experiment. All subjects performed swing after maintaining the address posture according to stance conditions(square; SS, open: OS, closed: CS). Using a 3D motion analysis system and force plateform, the results were calculated with the 7-iron full swing each stance. In result, there was no difference in center of displacement, and left and right hip and knee joint angle displacement. Left ankle joint was largely plantar-flexed in OS, and right ankle joint was largely performed in CS from the address to the downswing. From address to take-back, right foot had a large left direction and the left foot had a right direction were greater in OS than in CS. Therefore, despite various stances, maintaining the same posture at impact is thought to have a positive effect on club head speed and ball direction.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.257-263
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• 2021

For this survey, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing was conducted using 14 species-specific primers to monitor the labeling of allergy-causing substances in various foods. Sixty samples from stationary stores near elementary schools and imported confectionery shops were tested, including snacks, candies, and chocolate. Allergens of milk, wheat, eggs, tomatoes, almonds and peanuts were detected in 30 cases (50.0%). In addition, many products were detected as either containing unlabeled substances or not showing allergen-related information and labeling in Korean. In order to ensure that consumers are able to purchase products safely and securely, a system for thorough guidance and monitoring of allergen-related labeling by domestic manufacturing and processing companies and import-related companies is required.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.520-526
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• 2021

Microbial protein is one of the sources of protein in the rumen and can also be the source of glutamate production. Glutamic acid is used as fuel in the metabolic reaction in the body and the synthesis of all proteins for muscle and other cell components, and it is essential for proper immune function. Moreover, it is used as a surfactant, buffer, chelating agent, flavor enhancer, and culture medium, as well as in agriculture for such things as growth supplements. Glutamic acid is a substrate in the bioproduction of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This review provides insights into the role of glutamic acid and glutamic acid-producing microorganisms that contain the glutamate decarboxylase gene. These glutamic acid-producing microorganisms could be used in producing GABA, which has been known to regulate body temperature, increase DM intake and milk production, and improve milk composition. Most of these glutamic acid and GABA-producing microorganisms are lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB), such as the Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus species. Through GABA synthesis, succinate can be produced. With the help of succinate dehydrogenase, propionate, and other metabolites can be produced from succinate. Furthermore, clostridia, such as Clostridium tetanomorphum and anaerobic micrococci, ferment glutamate and form acetate and butyrate during fermentation. Propionate and other metabolites can provide energy through conversion to blood glucose in the liver that is needed for the mammary system to produce lactose and live weight gain. Hence, health status and growth rates in ruminants can be improved through the use of these glutamic acid and/or GABA-producing microorganisms.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.171-179
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• 2020

Purpose: In Korea, seasonal influenza is an important respiratory illness afflicting children every year. We aimed to investigate the childhood epidemiology in Jeju during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. Methods: Children aged <13 years, who were tested for influenza at the Jeju National University Hospital during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 influenza seasons, were included. Demographics and the influenza test results were retrospectively reviewed from their medical records. Results: This study included 5,219 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) (2017-2018: n=2,279; 2018-2019: n=2,940). The mean age of the eligible children was 2.85±2.79 years, and the most common age among ILI patients in each season was 1 year group. There were 902 (17.3%, 902/5,219) confirmed influenza cases during the 2 seasons. The rate of influenza confirmed by rapid influenza diagnostic test or polymerase chain reaction among ILI patients in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons was 10.4% (236/2,279) and 10.3% (303/2,940) for influenza A, and 9.1% (208/2,279) and 5.3% (155/2,940) for influenza B, respectively. The mean age of influenza-confirmed cases was 4.09 years and 5.05 years in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons, respectively (P<0.05). Weekly distribution of influenza was similar to that of ILI in the clinical sentinel surveillance system in both seasons. Conclusion: The difference in the influenza epidemic trend and age-group distribution between the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons was distinct in Jeju. Steady epidemiological studies on influenza in Jeju are needed for comparison with other regions of Korea.

• Clean Technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.286-292
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• 2020

This study confirmed the effect of the Cu/CeO2-X catalyst on the CO oxidation activity at low temperature through the catalyst's structure and reaction characteristics. The catalyst was prepared by the wet impregnation method. Cu/CeO2_X catalysts were manufactured by loading Cu (active metal) using CeO2 (support) formed at different calcination temperatures (300-600 ℃). Manufactured Cu/CeO2_X catalysts were evaluated for the low-temperature activity of carbon monoxide. The Cu/CeO2_300 catalyst showed an activity of 90% at 125 ℃, but the activity gradually decreased as the calcination temperature of the CeO2-X and Cu/CeO2_600 catalysts showed an activity of 65% at 125 ℃. Raman, XRD, H2-TPR, and XPS analysis confirmed the physicochemical properties of the catalysts. Based on the XPS analysis, the lower the calcination temperature of the CeO2 was, the higher the unstable Ce3+ species (non-stoichiometric species) ratio became. The increased Ce3+ species formed a solid solution bond between Cu and CeO2-X, and it was confirmed by the change of the CeO2 peak in Raman analysis and the reduction peak of the solid solution structure in H2-TPR analysis. According to the result, the formation of the solid solution bond between Cu and Ce has been enhanced by the redox properties of the catalysts and by CO oxidation activity at low temperatures.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

This study investigated the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, and strain properties of (0.98-x)Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3-0.02BiFeO3-xSrTiO3 (BNT-BF-100xST, x＝0.20, 0.22, 0.24, 0.26, and 0.28). All samples were successfully synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method and sintered at 1,175℃ for 2 h. The average grain size of the BNT-BF-100x ceramics decreased with increasing ST content. Furthermore, we observed that the ferroelectric- relaxor transition temperature (TF-R) decreased with increasing ST content, which eventually vanished in the BNT-BF-24ST ceramics. The results indicated that a ferroelectric to relaxor phase transition could be induced by ST modification. Consequently, a large electromechanical strain of 633 pm/V at 4 kV/mm was observed for the BNT-BF-26ST ceramics. These results imply that our materials have the competitive advantage of larger strain under lower operating field conditions compared with other BNT-based lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. We expect that BNT-BF-ST lead-free piezoelectric ceramics are promising candidates as a novel ternary BNT-based system and can find potential applications in actuators.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2021

A Leg Mating Unit (LMU) is a device utilized during the float-over installation of offshore structures that include hyperelastic pads and mating part. The hyperelastic pads absorb the loads, whereas the mating part works as guidance between topside and supporting structures during the mating sequence of float-over installation. In this study, the design optimization of an LMU for the float-over installation of floating-type offshore structures is conducted to enhance the performance and to satisfy the requirements defined by classification society regulations. The initial dimensions of the LMU are referred to the dimensions of those used in fixed-type float-over installation because only the location and the number of LMUs are known. The two-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model is adopted to describe the hyperelastic pads under given material parameters. Geometric variables, such as the thickness, height, and width of members, as well as configuration variables, such as the angle and number of members, are defined as design variables and are parameterized. A sampling-based design sensitivity analysis based on latin hypercube sampling method is performed to filter the important design variables. The design optimization problem is formulated to minimize the total mass of the LMU under maximum von Mises stress and reaction force constraints.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.126-137
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• 2022

Objective: Efficient gene editing technology is critical for successful knock-in in domestic animals. RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) gene plays an important role in strand invasion during homologous recombination (HR) in mammals, and is regulated by checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) and CHK2 genes, which are upstream elements of RAD51 recombinase (RAD51). In addition, mismatch repair (MMR) system is inextricably linked to HR-related pathways and regulates HR via heteroduplex rejection. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)-mediated knock-in efficiency of human lactoferrin (hLF) knock-in vector in the bovine β-casein gene locus can be increased by suppressing DNA MMR-related genes (MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2) and overexpressing DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair-related genes (RAD51, CHK1, CHK2). Methods: Bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells were transfected with a knock-in vector, RAD51, CHK1, or CHK2 overexpression vector and CRISPR/sgRNA expression vector to target the bovine β-casein gene locus, followed by treatment of the cells with CdCl₂ for 24 hours. After 3 days of CdCl₂ treatment, the knock-in efficiency was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA expression levels of DNA MMR-related and DNA DSB repair-related genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results: Treatment with CdCl₂ decreased the mRNA expression of RAD51 and MMRrelated genes but did not increase the knock-in efficiency in MAC-T cells. Also, the overexpression of DNA DSB repair-related genes in MAC-T cells did not significantly affect the mRNA expression of MMR-related genes and failed to increase the knock-in efficiency. Conclusion: Treatment with CdCl₂ inhibited the mRNA levels of RAD51 and DNA MMR-related genes in MAC-T cells. However, the function of MMR pathway in relation to HR may differ in various cell types or species.