• BMB Reports
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• v.42 no.7
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• pp.444-449
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• 2009

Different neurodegenerative disorders like prion disease, is caused by protein misfolding conformers. Reverse-transfected cytosolic prion protein (PrP) and PrP expressed in the cytosol have been shown to be neurotoxic. To investigate the possible mechanism of neurotoxicity due to accumulation of PrP in cytosol, a PrP mutant lacking the signal and GPI (CytoPrP) was introduced into the SH-SY5Y cell. MTT and trypan blue assays indicated that the viability of cells expressing CytoPrP was remarkably reduced after treatment of MG-132. Obvious apoptosis phenomena were detected in the cells accumulated with CytoPrP, including loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, increase of caspase-3 activity, more annexin V/PI-double positive-stained cells and reduced Bcl-2 level. Moreover, DNA fragmentation and TUNEL assays also revealed clear evidences of late apoptosis in the cells accumulated CytoPrP. These data suggest that the accumulation of CytoPrP in cytoplasm may trigger cell apoptosis, in which mitochondrial relative apoptosis pathway seems to play critical role.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.583-591
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• 2002

Biodegradation of fat, oil, and grease (FOGs) plays an Important role in wastewater management and water pollution control. However, many industrial food-processing and food restaurants generate FOG-containing waste waters for which there Is no acceptable technology for their pretreatment. To solve these problems, this study evaluated the feasibility of effective FOG-degrading microorganisms on the biodegradation of olive oil and FOG-containing wastewater. Twenty-two strains capable of degrading FOGs were isolated from five FOG-contaminated sites for the evaluation of their FOG degradation capabilities. Among twenty-two strains tested, the lipase-producing Pseudomonas sp. strain D2D3 was selected for actual FOG wastewater treatment. Its biodegradability was performed at 3$0^{\circ}C$ and pH 8. The extent of FOG removal efficiency was varied for each FOG tested, being the highest for olive oil and animal fat (94.5% and 94.4%), and the lowest for safflower oil (62%). The addition of organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract, soytone, and peptone enhanced the removal efficiency of FOGs, but the addition of the inorganic nitrogen nutrients such as $NH_4$Cl and $(NH_4)_2SO_4$ did not increase. The $KH_2PO_4$ sources in 0.25% to 0.5% concentrations showed more than 90% degradability. As a result, the main pathway for the oxidation of fatty acids results in the removal of two carbon atoms as acetyl-CoA with each reaction sequence: $\beta$-oxidation. Its lipase activity showed 38.5 U/g DCW using the optimal media after 9 h. Real wastewater and FOGs were used for determining the removal efficiency by using Pseudomonas sp. strain D2D3 bioadditive. The degradation by Pseudomonas sp. strain D2D3 was 41% higher than that of the naturally occurring bacteria. This result indicated that the use of isolated Pseudomonas sp. strain D2D3 in a bioaugmentating grease trap or other processes might possibly be sufficient to acclimate biological processes for degrading FOGs.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.170-175
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• 2008

The present study was performed to investigate the anesthetic or analgesic effect of tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) and electro acupuncture analgesia (EAA) in cats. Twelve healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive either TZ or EA. TZ group cats with weight of $3.65{\pm}0.48kg$ received 10.0 mg/kg of TZ intramuscularly. EA group cats with weight of $3.62{\pm}0.52kg$ received 5V, 30Hz and 60 minutes of EA. The acupoints used were Tian-ping (GV-5, +), Bai-hui (GV-20, -). Therefore, after and before experiment, some serum chemistry profiles (alkaline phospatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose and total protein) and change of vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) were examined. All cats were examined pre, and 5, 25, 65 and 105 minutes after administration of TZ or operation of EA. The cats in EA group showed a smaller change in rectal temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate than in the TZ group (p<0.05). In both groups, total protein concentration was constant throughout the period of anesthesia, and the serum glucose increased gradually throughout the period of anesthesia. However, the cats in EA group showed a smaller change in alkaline phospatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase within the limit of safety than in the TZ group (p<0.05). While coming to induction, the TZ group took a mean $2.4{\pm}0.7$ minutes to achieve sternal recumbency, compared with $10.5{\pm}2.1$ minutes by the EA group, and $3.2{\pm}0.6$ minutes to achieve lateral recumbency, compared with $18.8{\pm}1.9$ minutes by the EA group (p<0.05). When recovering from anesthesia, the TZ group took $164.3{\pm}17.9$ minutes to achieve sternal position time, compared with $67.7{\pm}4.6$ minutes by the EA group, and $202.0{\pm}15.7$ minutes to stand, compared with $73.0{\pm}6.1$ minutes for the EA group (p<0.05). In this study, the cats anesthetized with EA showed a more rapid recovery rather than the cats under TZ anesthesia. Also, there do not appear to be any negative physiologic effects associated with acupuncture-induced surgical analgesia. So, it was considered that EAA may be used effectively in shock, debilitated cats, as compared to TZ.

• Proceedings of the Materials Research Society of Korea Conference
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• 2003.11a
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• pp.235-235
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• 2003

The development of a buffer layer is an important issue for the second -generation wire, YBCO coated metal wire. The buffer layer demands not only on the prohibition of the reaction between YBCO and metal substrate, but also the proper lattice match and conductivity for high critical current density (Jc) of YBCO superconductor, In order to satisfy these demands, we suggested CaRuO3 as a useful candidate having that the lattice mismatches with Ni (200) and with YBCO are 8.2% and 8.0%, respectively. The CaRuO3 thin films were deposited on Ni substrates using various methods, such as e-beam evaporation and DC and RF magnetron sputtering. These films were investigated using SEM, XRD, pole-figure and AES. In e-beam evaporation, the deposition temperature of CaRuO3 was the most important since both hi-axial texturing and NiO formation between Ni and CaRuO3 depended on it. Also, the oxygen flow rate had i[n effect on the growth of CaRuO3 on Ni substrates. The optimal conditions of crystal growth and film uniformity were 400$^{\circ}C$, 50 ㎃ and 7 ㎸ when oxygen flow rate was 70∼100sccm In RF magnetron sputtering, CaRuO3 was deposited on Ni substrates with various conditions and annealing temperatures. As a result, the conductivity of CaRuO3 thin films was dependent on CaRuO3 layer thickness and fabrication temperature. We suggested the multi-step deposition, such as two-step deposition with different temperature, to prohibit the NiO formation and to control the hi-axial texture.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.519-525
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• 2016

This paper reports on analyzing the free and restrained shrinkage characteristic of ternary grout used cementitious admixture. In this study, the cementitious admixture was used such as fly ash, ziricania silica fume by combination of expansive additive (a, b) and shrinkage reducing agent. And a number of basic performance tests were conducted to investigate bleeding, volume change, fluidity and compressive strength behavior. According to the results, within appropriate mixing ratio, even the fluidity is not influenced by expansive additive and shrinkage reducing agent, the resistant properties of bleeding, volume change, shrinkage and compressive strength are increased. Comparing with plain grout, the free shrinkage reduced by a minimum of 29% which specimens are added expansive additive and shrinkage reducing agent. The combination of expansive additive a and shrinkage reducing agent is the most effective for reduction of shrinkage. And increasing the mixing ratio of expansive additive and shrinkage reducing agent extended cracking time. Nevertheless, combined addition of expansive additive a 2.0% and shrinkage reducing agent 0.50% has best shrinkage reduction behavior and not appeared cracking. From the above, the mixing ratio of 2.0% of expansive additive a and 0.50% of shrinkage reducing agent is high performance ternary grout for PSC bridge.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.381-387
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• 2013

Nitrogen and phosphorus removal was investigated in an UASB-ABF (Up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket - aerated bio-filter) anaerobic sewage treatment system. Successful removal of nitrogen and phosphorus with organic matters was possible in the UASB-ABF system from the results of 160 days operation with the influent raw domestic sewage. Removal efficiencies of organic matter (as TCOD) showed 64% in UASB without recycle of the ABF effluent, however, they increased to 92%, 95%, 96% with 120%, 180% and 240% recycle of the ABF effluent, respectively. Increasement of the organic matter removal was not prominent at recycle ratio above 180%. Apparent increase in TN removal occurred with recycle of the ABF effluent. TN removal efficiency was 18% without recycle, but it increased to 82% with 240% recycle of the ABF effluent. And stable nitrification above 95% was possible as a result of efficient removal of organic matter in the UASB with and without recycle of the effluent. Removal of both TP and $PO{_4}^{3-}$-P also increased remarkably with recycle of the effluent. Without recycle of the effluent, that is at strict anaerobic condition in UASB, TP was not removed, however, its removal efficiency increased to 51%, 63%, 71% at recycle ratios of 120%, 180%, 240%, respectively mainly at UASB.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2001

A total of 120 pigs were used to investigate the effects of yucca extracts on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and excretion of growing pigs fed different levels of dietary protein. Pigs were allotted into $2{\times}3$ factorial design by the supplementation with yucca extract (YE, 0 and 120 mg/kg) and 3 levels of dietary protein (16, 18, 20%). During the whole experimental period (18 to 52 kg body weight), there were no significant differences in ADG, ADFI or F/G by YE addition or different protein levels among treatments (p>0.05). Overall, although addition of YE to the diet and elevation of protein level showed better ADG, there were no significant differences in growth performance among treatments. Pigs fed diets with YE showed significantly (p<0.05) higher dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA) and crude protein (CP) digestibility than did the others during the growing period. Concerning the levels of dietary protein, only the CP digestibility was significantly higher in pigs fed high protein diet. Pig fed the low protein diet without YE showed a significantly low CP digestibility (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in crude fat (CF), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) digestibilities regardless of YE supplementation or dietary protein levels. Pigs fed YE supplemented diets showed significantly (p<0.05) higher amino acid digestibility. Also, high CP level diets showed a higher amino acid digestibility than low CP diets (p<0.05). DM and N excretion did not show any significant differences among treatments, there was a slightly lower excretion with increase in dietary protein level. Supplementation with YE significantly decreased the DM and N excretion. Interaction (YE$\times$protein) was found in P excretion. Pigs fed a medium protein diet without YE showed the lowest P excretion during the growing period. The NH3-N content in the feces tended to be increased by the increased dietary protein levels and with YE supplementation. During the whole experimental period, the cost for YE supplementation was similar to value of the improvements of performance obtained. The cost of feeding high level protein was significantly higher than that of medium level protein by 10% and low level protein by 9% (p<0.05). It could be concluded that the effects of dietary protein level and yucca extract on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and excretion might play a role to some extent in growing pigs from the aspect of pollution control.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.9
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• pp.1559-1567
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• 2015

The combination of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) has been shown to be active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in clinical tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, the mechanism of action of TMP-SMX against Mtb is still unknown. To unravel this, we have studied the effect of TMP and SMX by deleting the folP2 gene in Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm), and overexpressing the Mtb and Msm folP1/2 genes in Msm. Knocking out of the folP2 gene in Msm reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration of SMX 8-fold compared with wild type. Overexpression of the folP1 genes from Mtb and Msm increased the MICs by 4- and 2-fold in Msm for SMX and TMP, respectively. We show a strong correlation between the expression of folP1 and folP2 genes and TMP-SMX resistance in mycobacteria. This suggests that a combination of FolP2 inhibitor and SMX could be used for TB treatment with a better outcome.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.238-249
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• 2009

The genus Listeria consists of six closely related species and forms three phylogenetic groups: L. monocytogenes-L. innocua, L. ivanovii-L. seeligeri-L. welshimeri, and L. grayi. In this report, we attempted to examine the evolutionary relationship in the L. monocytogenes-L. innocua group by probing the nucleotide sequences of 23S rRNA and 16S rRNA, and the gene clusters lmo0029-lmo0042, ascB-dapE, rplS-infC, and prs-ldh in L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a, 4a, and 4b, and L. innocua. Additionally, we assessed the status of L. monocytogenes-specific inlA and inlB genes and 10 L. innocua-specific genes in these species/serovars, together with phenotypic characterization by using in vivo and in vitro procedures. The results indicate that L. monocytogenes serovar 4a strains are genetically similar to L. innocua in the lmo0035-lmo0042, ascB-dapE, and rplS-infC regions and also possess L. innocua-specific genes lin0372 and lin1073. Furthermore, both L. monocytogenes serovar 4a and L. innocua exhibit impaired intercellular spread ability and negligible pathogenicity in mouse model. On the other hand, despite resembling L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b in having a nearly identical virulence gene cluster, and inlA and inlB genes, these serovar 4a strains differ from serovars 1/2a and 4b by harboring notably altered actA and plcB genes, displaying strong phospholipase activity and subdued in vivo and in vitro virulence. Thus, by possessing many genes common to L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b, and sharing many similar gene deletions with L. innocua, L. monocytogenes serovar 4a represents a possible evolutionary intermediate between L. monocytogenes serovars 1/2a and 4b and L. innocua.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.101-109
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• 1996

This study was done to find out the methods of long-term use of liquid boar semen in 100 ml plastic bottle for artificial insemination and to investigate differences between Lactose-Egg yolk and Biitschwiler diluents according to storage temperature, and effect of final glycerol concent ration in Lactose-Egg yolk diluent. Liquid boar semen diluted with Lactose-Egg yolk diluent showed significantly higher sperm motility (p<0.05) after 0.5 and 2h incubation at 37$^{\circ}C$,than Butschwiler diluent at all storage length when it was preserved in the 5$^{\circ}C$ refrigerator. The NAR acrosome in Lactose-Egg yolk diluent a after 0.5 and 2h incubation at 37$^{\circ}C$, respectively, during preservation periods was similar to that in Biitschwiler diluent. When liquid boar semen was preserved at 15$^{\circ}C$, liquid boar semen in the Butschwiler diluent showed significantly higher percentages of sperm motility and NAR acrosome from third day to seventh than that in Lactose-Egg yolk diluent. In the effect of final glycerol concentration of liquid boar semen in the Lactose-Egg yolk diluent, the final glycerol concentration of 2% showed higer percentages of sperm motility and NAR acrosome than that of 0, 1, 3, and 5%. Farrowing rate, litter size and average pig weight at birth did not differ significantly between Lactose-Egg yolk and But schwiler diluents. As a result of this study, we found out that liquid boar semen can be stored for 6-7 days at 5$^{\circ}C$ in Lactose-Egg yolk diluent and at 15$^{\circ}C$ in Butschwiler diluent.