• Interdisciplinary Bio Central
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.13.1-13.6
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• 2012

The advanced glycation endproducts receptor (AGER) is a multiligand signal transduction receptor. One of its ligands, S100b molecules activates vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells via its receptor, thus triggering activation of signaling cascades and generation of cytokines and proinflammatory molecules. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc9 is an E2 conjugating enzyme that transfers the activated small ubiquitin-related modifier to protein substrates, and thus it plays a critical role in SUR-Mylation-mediated cellular pathways. Previous studies have shown that both AGE-R and Ubc9 play roles in diverse cellular signaling pathways. However, until recently, little attention has been paid to interactions between AGE-R and Ubc9. In this study, sequence database searches allowed us to identify a potential interaction motif between AGE-R and Ubc9. The subsequent biochemical and molecular biological analysis suggested that there may be specificity in AGE-R and Ubc9 complex signaling in atherosclerosis and cancer cells in a cell-type specific manner. Although the determinant for specificity in AGE-R and Ubc9 complex signaling in cancer cells and atherosclerosis is yet to be determined, this study provides the basis to develop a specific therapeutic application of AGE-R, SURM (small ubiquitin-related modifier)-1, and Ubc9 complex activation pathways in atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.11
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• pp.641-646
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• 2012

It has been reported that ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9), the unique enzyme2 in the sumoylation pathway, is up-regulated in many cancers. However, the expression and regulation of UBC9 in glioma remains unknown. In this study, we found that Ubc9 was up-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines compared to a normal control. UBC9 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) affected cell proliferation and apoptosis in T98G cells. Further experiments revealed that microRNA (miR)-214 directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of UBC9 and that there was an inverse relationship between the expression levels of miR-214 and UBC9 protein in glioma tissues and cells. miR-214 overexpression suppressed the endogenous UBC9 protein and affected T98G cell proliferation. These findings suggest that miR-214 reduction facilitates UBC9 expression and is involved in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.192-197
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• 2001

Purpose: Urinary cytology and cystoscopic exam are effective methods for diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma(TCC). But the former shows drawbacks such as the need for a well-trained examiner, and wide imprecision related to the variability of microscopic exam; the latter is an invasive method. $UBC^{TM}$ test detects the epitope on specific cytokeratin fragments released from epithelium of bladder cancer by immunoradiometric assay. We compared $UBC^{TM}$ test with urinary cytology for diagnosis of TCC to evaluate the utility of $UBC^{TM}$ test. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four patients with hematuria were included in our study. $UBC^{TM}$ tests (IDL Biotech, Sweden) were assayed in mid-stream urine according to the ordinary assay protocol. Nineteen patients were confirmed as TCC by cystoscopic examination and underwent transurethral resection (Group A). Other patients had various benign urinary tract conditions (Group B). Samples were considered positive as the $UBC^{TM}$ concentration was greater than $12{\mu}g/L$. Results: $UBC^{TM}$ levels were significantly different between group A ($95.9{\pm}166.4\;{\mu}g/L$) and group B ($19.2{\pm}85.6{\mu}g/L$) (P<0.001). Sensitivity for diagnosis of TCC was 89.5% (17/19) in UBC test and 47.4% (9/19) in cytology (p<0.05). Specificity for diagnosis of TCC was 81.5% (53/65) in $UBC^{TM}$ test and 100% (65/65) in cytology. $UBC^{TM}$ test was significantly more sensitive in stage Ta, $T_1$ tumors (84.6 vs 38.5%, p<0.05) and in grade I (83.3% vs 16.7%, p<0.05) than cytology. $UBC^{TM}$ test showed a tendency to be more sensitive as the grade was higher (83.3% in Grade I, 90% in Grade II and 100% in Grade III). Conclusion: $UBC^{TM}$ test could be a useful method in distinguishing TCC from other benign genitourinary diseases. Moreover, $UBC^{TM}$ test could be an especially valuable marker for diagnosis of TCC in patients with early TCC of low grade TCC compared to urinary cytology. Therefore, mbined use of $UBC^{TM}$ test in association with cytology is helpful to overcome the limited sensitivity of cytology.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.13 no.1 s.19
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• pp.147-152
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• 2007

As a result to amplifying 12 samples of 'Sok-dan' through an random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method using eighteen DEC and URP primers, distinct band forms enabling discrimination of Phlomus umbrosa and Dipsacus asperoides were observable in the UBC 320 primer, UBC 367 primer, UBC 385 primer, UBC 414 primer, UBC 423 primer, URP 3 primer, URP 5 primer and URP 9 primer. The polymorph result amplified with a random primer was evaluated through Gelcompar II, showing a result dividable into two groups. The divided groups were the dried sample group of Dipsacus asperoides and the group of Phlomis umbrosa. In order to recognize the distinction between Dipsaci Radix types, the genetic variation of 'Sok-dan' produced domestically and imported was evaluated through RAPD, and the potential to distinguish these in forms of dried medicine was identified, presenting a method to authentification of Phlomis umbrosa and Dispacus asperoides.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.58-64
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to observe unicameral bone cyst (UBC) outcome after the fracture has healed and if there is any identifiable prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: 13 UBC patients with pathologic fracture from 2001 to 2010 were reviewed. The mean follow up were 26 months (3-90 months). There were 11 male and 2 female patients and the mean age of the patients were 10.2 years old (6-16 years). 9 involved proximal humerusand 2 involved humerus shaft and 1 involved proximal femur and 1 involved proximal tibia. The treatment of UBC fracture was conservative cast application to heal the fracture initially, and 1 patient was treated with primary auto bone graft and open reduction with internal fixation. 5 patients were treated with steroid injection during follow up period and 2 patients with auto bone graft. We analyzed the change of UBC during pathologic fracture healing period and prognostic factor about age, the size of UBC, the involvement of physis. Results: The mean duration of the fracture healing was 8.2 months. Complete healing were occurred at 4 patients (31%). No statiscal difference was checked with age about UBC healing (p=0.42). But, more larger size about UBC and more closer to physis, the healing was difficult (p=0.05, p=0.03). Conclusion: While pathologic fracture of UBC was possibly healed, active treatment should be applied especially those cysts that involvescloser area of the physis or large size.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.502-508
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the methods of identifying zygotic seedlings of crosses between 'Morita unshiu' (Citrus. unshiu Marc.) and 'Ponkan' (C. reticulata Blanco). In order to investigate the frequency and position of zygotic seedlings and to determine the efficiency of zygotic seedling identification, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) were performed using UBC (9, 27, 229, 230, and 254) primers and F4/R27, F7/R14, F12/R10, and F44/R62 primer sets, respectively. A total of 37 putative zygotic seedlings out of 55 individuals were selected by RAPD and SRAP. The F7/R14 primer pair showed a screening ability of 45.5% (25/55), whereas the primer UBC27 revealed the highest efficiency of zygotic seedling identification (50.9%, 28/55). When both UBC27 and F7/R14 were properly used for selection of hybridized seedlings of 'Morita unshiu' (C. unshiu Marc.) and 'Ponkan' (C. reticulata Blanco), screening efficiency was increased to 60% (33/55) for putative zygotic seedlings. Thus, it is possible to select putative hybrid zygotic seedlings in an accurate and effective manner by RAPD and SRAP.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.521-524
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• 2004

This experiment was carried out to analyze genetic characteristics and to develop the breed specific DNA marker for Cheju-native horse. If this marker contains high repetitive sequences, it is possible to convert a RAPD marker of interest into a single-locus PCR marker called a sequence characterized amplified region(SCAR). Twenty six Cheju-native horse and Fifty thoroughbred genomic DNA were pooled and PCR. were accomplished using 800 random primers. Comparing the pooled DNA from Cheju-native horse and thoroughbred, we found 9 primers which identified markers present in the pooled DNA from breed but absent in the other breed. Among 9 random primers, 6 primers were thoroughbred specific and 3 primers were Cheju-native horse specific. Testing individual horse revealed that 5 marker showed the similar band pattern between Cheju-native horse and Thoroughbred. However, 4 marker were wholly absent in breed while present in the other breed. UBC $126_{3500bp}$, UBC $162_{500bp}$, and UBC $244_{1200bp}$ was detected only Thoroughbred and UBC $562_{560bp}$was detected Cheju-native horse, respectively. After determining of the cloned breed-specific fragment sequence, we designed the SCAR-primers and carried out PCR. Compared to random primer, RAPD-SCAR primer didn't show significantly higher specific band. However, RAPD analysis is useful for genetic characterization of Cheju-native horse.

• Computational Structural Engineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.91-96
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• 1992

Earthquake resistant design is evolutionary, and, although great progress has been made since seismic design was made mandatory by building codes, it is still not completely understood. In this paper, a 10 story steel building is analyzed and its results are compared by applying two different actual ground motions to the structure. 12 sets of Loma Prieta, California, earthquake data which occurred in 1989, and recorded 7.1 on the Richter scale and 9 sets of Valparaiso, Chile, earthquake data which occurred in 1985, and recorded 7.8 on the Richter scale were scaled to zone 2B level of UBC-88. By applying earthquake ground motions which had similar Richter scale magnitude, it was found that the Chile earthquake which had long duration of ground motion affected about twice bigger than that of California earthquake which had relatively short duration of ground motion. In addition to the peak ground motion, the duration of the ground motion is a very important factor in structural design.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2011

Recently, new ginseng cultivars having superior agricultural traits have been developed in Korea. For newly developed plant cultivars, the identification of distinctiveness is very important factors not only in plant cultivar management but also in breeding programs. Thus, eighty-five inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers were applied to detect polymorphisms among six major Korean ginseng cultivars and two foreign ginsengs. A total of 197 polymorphic bands with an average 5.8 polymorphic bands and 2.9 banding patterns per assay unit across six Korean ginseng cultivars and foreign ginsengs from 236 amplified ISSR loci with an average 6.9 loci per assay unit were generated by 34 out of 85 ISSR primers. Three species of Panax ginseng including the Korean ginseng cultivars, P. quinquefolius, and P. notoginseng, could be readily discriminated using most tested primers. UBC-821, UBC-868, and UBC-878 generated polymorphic bands among the six Korean ginseng cultivars, and could distinguish them from foreign ginsengs. Sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker system was introduced in order to increase the reproducibility of the polymorphism. One SCAR marker, PgI821C650, was successfully converted from the randomly amplified polymorphism by UBC-821. It showed the expected dominant polymorphism among ginseng samples. In addition, the specific polymorphism for Sunwon was generated by treating Taq I restriction enzyme to polymerase chain reaction products of PgI821C650. These results will serve as useful DNA markers for identification of Korean ginseng, especially Sunwon cultivar, seed management, and molecular breeding program supplemented with marker-assisted selection.

• Resources Recycling
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.3-10
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• 2000

Used aluminum beverage can(UBC) is an important secondary resource. Domestic recycling rate of UBC should be increased from the standpoint of resource savings and environmental protection. Aluminum can to can recycling is divided into two steps. The first step was composed of the processes such as collection of used beverage cans, shredding, magnetic separation, de-lacquring, melting and casting. The second is remelting and casting, heat treatment, hot and cold rolling, annealing, and can making. With brief discussion about this recycling technology, this article covers aluminum can consumption, the present state of aluminum can recycling in Korea, Japan, USA, and Europe.