• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2012

Differential capacity of the parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (PESCs) is still under controversy and the mechanisms of its neural induction are yet poorly understood. Here we demonstrated neural lineage induction of PESCs by addition of insulin-like growth factor-2 (Igf2), which is an important factor for embryo organ development and a paternally expressed imprinting gene. Murine PESCs were aggregated to embryoid bodies (EBs) by suspension culture under the leukemia inhibitory factor-free condition for 4 days. To test the effect of exogenous Igf2, 30 ng/ml of Igf2 was supplemented to EBs induction medium. Then neural induction was carried out with serum-free medium containing insulin, transferrin, selenium, and fibronectin complex (ITSFn) for 12 days. Normal murine embryonic stem cells derived from fertilized embryos (ESCs) were used as the control group. Neural potential of differentiated PESCs and ESCs were analyzed by immunofluorescent labeling and real-time PCR assay (Nestin, neural progenitor marker; Tuj1, neuronal cell marker; GFAP, glial cell marker). The differentiated cells from both ESC and PESC showed heterogeneous population of Nestin, Tuj1, and GFAP positive cells. In terms of the level of gene expression, PESC showed 4 times higher level of GFAP expression than ESCs. After exposure to Igf2, the expression level of GFAP decreased both in derivatives of PESCs and ESCs. Interestingly, the expression level of $Tuj1$ increased only in ESCs, not in PESCs. The results show that IGF2 is a positive effector for suppressing over-expressed glial differentiation during neural induction of PESCs and for promoting neuronal differentiation of ESCs, while exogenous Igf2 could not accelerate the neuronal differentiation of PESCs. Although exogenous Igf2 promotes neuronal differentiation of normal ESCs, expression of endogenous $Igf2$ may be critical for initiating neuronal differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. The findings may contribute to understanding of the relationship between imprinting mechanism and neural differentiation and its application to neural tissue repair in the future.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.371-377
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the physiological and structural damages to cadmium (Cd) in Acorus calamus var. angustatus as a native aquatic species in Korea. In addition to the physiological responses such as plant growth, photosynthesis, and root activity, the structural damages in leaf and root tissues were observed through light and scanning electronic microscopy. The five-leaf plants were treated with different Cd concentrations 0, 10, 25, and 50 ${\mu}M$ for 15 days. The plant damages to Cd were significant at 10-25 ${\mu}M$ Cd physiologically and at 25-50 ${\mu}M$ Cd structurally. The physiological damages in the shoot part (photosynthesis) started at 10 ${\mu}M$ Cd whereas those in root part (root activity) were serious above 25 ${\mu}M$ Cd. On the other hand, the structural damages began at 25 ${\mu}M$ Cd in the leaf and root tissues similarly, but the plant tissue destruction was more serious in the roots than in leaves. Based on the plant physiological and structural damages, 10 ${\mu}M$ was assumed to be the limited concentration for sustainable growth and landscaping ability in Acorus calamus var. angustatus to Cd.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.735-742
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• 2010

Objective of this research was to investigate the influence of liming fertilizers on changes in soil chemical properties and growth of pansy 'Melody Yellow' in plug production. To achieve this, dolomite (DO) with 0, 1.0, 3.5, 8.0 or $13.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ and calcium carbonate (CC) with 0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or $4.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ in application rate were incorporated into peatmoss + vermiculite (1:1, v/v) during the formulation. The treatments of $3.5g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of DO and 2.5 or $3.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of CC had acceptable range of soil solution pH such as 5.6-6.2. Faster rising of pH was observed in root media containing CC rather than those of DO, indicating higher solubility of CC. The soil Ca concentrations in all treatments of CC were 2 times as high as those of DO. The treatments of 3.5 or $8.0g{\cdot}L^{-1}$ of DO had the highest soil Mg concentrations, but all treatments of CC had lower soil Mg concentrations than control indicating that additional applications of Mg fertilizers are required. The elevated application rate of DO or CC resulted in the increase of fresh and dry weight; however, plant heights were not influenced by application of liming fertilizers. The results of tissue analysis showed that application of DO or CC influenced the Ca and Mg contents, but did not influence the contents of other nutrients such as N, P, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.337-343
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• 2002

Objectives: To investigate the distribution of $ER{\alpha}$, $ER{\beta}$, c-fos and c-jun in the uterine myoma and myometrium in oder to know how the tamoxifen cause the growth of myoma. Methods: Myoma and myometrial tissue were obtained from the postmenopausal women treated with tamoxifen in the patients with breast cancer and in the premenopausal patients, who were undergoing myoma of uterus from 1998 through 2000. The espression of each gene was quantitated with quantitative RT-PCR. Results: The expression of $ER{\alpha}$ was slightly increased in the myoma than the myometrium in the proliferative phase, and was slightly decreased in the myometrium than the myoma in the secretory phase. However it was not significant statistically. In the postmemopausal women treated with tamoxifen, $ER{\alpha}$ was expressed in all myoma and myome1rial tissues and the expression was not statistically significant. The expression ofER~ was slightly increased in the myome1rium than the leiomyoma in the proliferative and secretory phase, but it was not significant statistically. In the postmemopausal women treated with tamoxifen, the expression of ER~ was significantly incresed in the myome1rium than the leiomyoma. The expression of c-fos was significantly increased in the myome1rium than the leiomyoma in the proliferative and secretory phase. In the postmemopausal women treated with tamoxifen, the expression of c-fos was slightly increased in the leiomyoma than the myomelrium, however, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Tamoxifen may cause the growth of leiomyoma by $ER{\alpha}$ with AP-l pathway reducing the counteraction of 6$ER{\beta}$ to $ER{\alpha}$.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.27-33
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• 2016

This study investigated the effect of heat treatments on the quality characteristics of fresh-cut 'Romaine' lettuce by treating in hot water (45, 50, and $55^{\circ}C$) for 2 minutes. Sensory properties, respiration rate, ethylene production, microbial growth, browning index, total phenolics (TP), vitamin C, and antioxidant properties (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) of samples were evaluated after 5 days at $5^{\circ}C$. All heat treatment conditions tested in this study did not affect the change in TP after storage. Treatment at $45^{\circ}C$ enhanced respiration rate and ethylene production wheres decreased vitamin C content and antioxidant activities. There was no significant difference in browning index at $45^{\circ}C$ treatment. The rapid tissue softening occurred when treated with $55^{\circ}C$ hot water for 2 minutes. The $50^{\circ}C$ heat treatments exhibited the best quality index including texture and color, and inhibited microbial growth and browning after storage. In addition, the $50^{\circ}C$ heat treatment showed the highest vitamin C content and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assay) after storage. Therefore, the $50^{\circ}C$ heat treatment can be used to maintain quality and antioxidant property of fresh-cut 'Romain' lettuce.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.285-292
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• 2012

Self-incompatibility (SI) system is a genetic barrier that prevents self-fertilization and promotes cross-pollination among different S genotypes. In many of these species, SI is controlled by a single genetic locus known as S locus, which prevents the fertilization by pollen with same locus. S RNases are the products of the S-locus expressed in the stylar tissue of Fuji Apple with gametophytic self-incompatibility system. This study investigated the various types of chemicals in order to select more effective inhibitors and activators. The effect on the inhibition of S RNase of Fuji apples was investigated $in$ $vitro$. The result showed that the enzyme activity was reduced 24.3% by Iron(II) Sulfate, significantly. $In$ $vitro$ studies of pollen growth tube showed that pollen tube growth had a higher germination rate (90%) in 10% Sucrose than in 2% sucrose extension medium. Data on the fruit set of apples treated with inhibitor and activator. Double application of $A^+$(Apple Plus, ISTECH Co. Ltd.,)+Vitamin B6 had the highest central fruit set as 86.1%(Andong). One time application of $A^{++}$Vitamin B1 in Yeongju obtained the highest central fruit set (91.9%).

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2002

Background and Objectives : Sulfur dioxide gas is one of the major airborne Pollutants noxious to human in industrialized countries. The most vulnerable areas in the human respiratory system were the trachea and main bronchi and a gradient of decreasing damage was observed in the peripheral tracheobronchial tree. Induced functional alteration was increased mucosal permeability, and morphological changes were epithelial sloughing, intracellular edema, mitochondrial swelling, widened intercellular spaces, and ciliary cytoplamic extrusions. The laminins are a family of extracellular matrix glycoproteins localized in the basement membrane. Their primary role is cell-matrix attachment, but many additional biologic activities, including Promoting cell growth and migration, tumor growth and metastasis, wound repair, and graft survival, have been demonstrated. Materials and Methods : Histologic changes and expression of laminin in tracheal mucosa sacrificed at 1 day, 2 day, 3 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after continued SO2 exposure of 250 ppm for 30 minutes a day(to 7week) were studied in rats. In this study, mild immune reaction for laminin was noted at the apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells and basement membrane one day after a 7 week $SO_2$ exposure. The cilia and nucleoi of epithelial cells were normal and no immune reaction was noted in Goblet cells. The lamina propria of the tracheal tissue was infiltrated by monocytes and lymphocytes. Results : At 24 hours after exposure, all tracheal cells except Goblet cells revealed a mild immune reaction for laminin. No immune reactions were noted in the basement membrane. At 72 hours after exposure, mild or moderate immune reactions for laminin was seen in the tracheal cell cytoplasm. Irregular faint immune reaction for laminin was noted in the basement membrane. At 1 week after exposure, strong immune reaction for laminin was detected over all tracheal cells, and the basement membrane was seen clearly. At 2~3 weeks after exposure, strong immune reaction for laminin was seen in all tracheal epithelial cells except Goblet cells and a mild immune reaction was partly revealed in the basement membrane. Conclusion : Our study suggests that 502 produces histologic damage on the tracheal mucosa. Longer duration after exposure of $SO_2$ makes more progressive healing on the tracheal mucosa and increased immunoreactivity for laminin.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.393-408
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• 1996

The effect of various levels of ascidian tunic extracts and carophyll pink on the growth rate, pigmentation, lipid and total cholesterol accumulation, and fatty acid compositions were studied in kuruma prawn, Penaeus japonicus. The kuruma prawn was fed the purified diets with or without ascidian tunic extract and carophyll pink at the levels of 100, 200, and 400 ppm for 8 weeks. In the experiment diet with ascidian tunic extracts or carophyll pink, the values of daily growth rate were ranged between $1.065\;to\;1.292%$, compared with control group. The content of astaxanthin in kuruma prawn was not significantly affected by the feeding levels of tunic extracts. Feeding of the tunic extracts, on the other hand, increased the kuruma prawn lipid and total cholesterol content, and pigment deposition in concentration-dependent manners without influencing the free astaxanthin concentration of prawn flesh and heads between two feeding groups(200 and 400 ppm). And it was also demonstrated that the dietary astaxanthin was deposited in kuruma prawn body tissue mainly as astaxanthin esters. The results suggest that the best feeding strategy for pigmentation in kuruma prawns is the diets with ascidian tunic extracts at the level of 4g/kg feed (200 ppm) for 8 weeks.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.76 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 1987

Simulated acid rain (pH 4.0, pH 2.0) containing sulfuric and nitric acid in the ratio of 60:40 (chemical equivalent basis) diluted with underground water, and underground water (pH 6.5) as control were treated on potted Pines koraiensis seeds during the growing season (May 1 to August 31) in 1985. The regime of artificial acid rain, in terms of spray frequency and amount per plot, was simulated on the basis of climatological data averaged for 30 years of records. The seedling growth, contents of chemical substances in needles and chemical properties of the tested soil were compared among the various pH levels of acid rain on October 31, 1985. Following results were obtained. 1. With decreasing pH levels of acid rain, S and $K_2O$ contents in leaf tissue were increased, but MgO and $P_2O_5$ contents were decreased. 2. Soil pH was dropped, and exchangeable aluminum content in the tested soil was dramatically increased as the pH levels of acid rain decreased. 3. Exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium contents, and base saturation degree of the soil were significantly decreased with decreasing pH levels of acid rain. 4. Sulfate concentrations in the soil were significantly increased as rain pH decreased, but total nitrogen and available phosphate contents were not influenced by acid rain.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.99 no.3
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• pp.292-297
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• 2010

This study was carried out to provide preliminary data to purify contaminated sites by nickel (Ni). After rooted cuttings of Salix reichardtii had been grown in Ni solution (hydroponic culture), pH changes in the solution and the accumulated Ni amount in plant parts were measured and analyzed. When the Ni concentration was low enough for S. reichardtii cuttings to grow well, the pH value of the solution decreased considerably. As the Ni concentration got higher, the plant growth got poorer and the pH value decreased slowly. Roots accumulated the highest Ni amount. Leaves and stems followed after. When stems were older, the accumulated Ni amount was lower. more Ni was accumulated in the plant parts which had more flexible tissue and live cells. As the Ni concentration in solution got higher up to 50.0 ${\mu}mol$/L, so did the Ni accumulation in the plant parts. However, the plant individuals nearly died and the Ni accumulation tended to drop when the Ni concentration in solution was 100.0 ${\mu}mol$/L. The rooted cuttings of S. reichardtii grew poorer as the Ni concentration in solution got higher. The plants in solution with 100.0 ${\mu}mol$/L of Ni were practically dead in four weeks.