• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.11
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• pp.1514-1524
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• 2011

A total of 4,752 monthly lactation records of Friesian cows during the period from 2000 to 2005 were used to estimate genetic parameters and to determine the effect of udder health on milk production traits. Three milk production traits were studied: 305-day milk yield (305-dMY), 305-day fat yield (305-dFY) and 305-day protein yield (305-dPY). Four udder health traits were studied: somatic cell count (SCC), mastitis (MAST), udder health status (UDHS) with 10 categories and udder quarter infection (UDQI) with 7 categories. Mixed model least square analysis was used to estimate the fixed effects of month and year of calving and parity (P) on different studied traits. Sire and dam within sire were included in the model as random effects. Data were analyzed using Multi-trait Derivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood methodology (MTDFREML) to estimate genetic parameters. Unadjusted means of 305-dMY, 305-dFY, 305-dPY and SCC were 3,936, 121, 90 kg and 453,000 cells/ml, respectively. Increasing SCC from 300,000 to 2,000,000 cells/ml increased UDQI from 5.51 to 23.2%. Losses in monthly and lactationally milk yields per cow ranged from 17 to 93 and from 135 to 991 kg, respectively. The corresponding losses in monthly and lactationally milk yields return per cow at the same level of SCC ranged from 29.8 to 163 and from 236 to 1,734 Egyptian pounds, respectively. Heritability estimates of 305-dMY, 305-dFY, 305-dPY, SCC, MAST, UDHS, UDQI were 0.31${\pm}$0.4, 0.33${\pm}$0.03, 0.35${\pm}$0.05, 0.23${\pm}$0.02, 0.14${\pm}$0.02, 0.13${\pm}$0.03, and 0.09${\pm}$0.01, respectively. All milk production traits showed slightly unfavorable negative phenotypic and genetic correlations with SCC, MAST, UDHS and UDQI. There were positive and high genetic correlations between SCC and each of MAST (0.85${\pm}$0.7), UDHS (0.87${\pm}$0.10) and UDQI (0.77${\pm}$0.06) and between MAST and each of UDHS (0.91${\pm}$0.11) and UDQI (0.83${\pm}$0.07). It could be concluded that the economic losses from mastitis and high SCC are considerable. The high genetic correlation between SCC and clinical mastitis (CM) suggest that the selection for lower SCC would help to reduce or eliminate the undesirable correlated responses of clinical mastitis associated with selection for increasing milk yield. Additionally, it is recommended also that if direct information on under health traits is not available, measures of SCC can be inclusion in a selection criteria to improve the income from dairy cows.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.107-113
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• 2011

Benzylideneacetone (BZA) is a compound derived from culture broth of an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila (Xn). Its immunosuppressive activity is caused by its inhibitory activity against eicosanoid biosynthesis. This BZA is being developed as an additive to enhance control efficacy of other commercial microbial insecticides. This study was focused on the enhancement of the immunosuppressive activity of BZA by generating its chemical derivatives toward decrease of its hydrophobicity. Two hydroxylated BZA and one sugar-conjugated BZA were chemically synthesized. All derivatives had the inhibitory activities of BZA against phospholipase $A_2$ ($PLA_2$) and phenoloxidase (PO) of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, but BZA was the most potent. Mixtures of any BZA derivative with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) significantly increased pathogenicity of Bt. BZA also inhibited colony growth of four plant pathogenic fungi. However, BZA derivatives (especially the sugar-conjugated BZA) lost the antifungal activity. These results indicated that BZA and its derivatives inhibited catalytic activities of two immune-associated enzymes ($PLA_2$ and PO) of P. xylostella and enhanced Bt pathogenicity. We suggest its use to control plant pathogenic fungi.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.644-651
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• 2013

The fermented manure derivative known as Preparation 500 is traditionally used as a field spray in biodynamic agriculture for maintaining and increasing soil fertility. This work aimed at characterizing the product from a microbiological standpoint and at assaying its bioactive properties. The approach involved molecular taxonomical characterization of the culturable microbial community; ARISA fingerprints of the total bacteria and fungal communities; chemical elemental macronutrient analysis via a combustion analyzer; activity assays for six key enzymes; bioassays for bacterial quorum sensing and chitolipooligosaccharide production; and plant hormone-like activity. The material was found to harbor a bacterial community of $2.38{\times}10^8$ CFU/g dw dominated by Gram-positives with minor instances of Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. ARISA showed a coherence of bacterial assemblages in different preparation lots of the same year in spite of geographic origin. Enzymatic activities showed elevated values of ${\beta}$-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase, chitinase, and esterase. The preparation had no quorum sensing-detectable signal, and no rhizobial nod gene-inducing properties, but displayed a strong auxin-like effect on plants. Enzymatic analyses indicated a bioactive potential in the fertility and nutrient cycling contexts. The IAA activity and microbial degradation products qualify for a possible activity as soil biostimulants. Quantitative details and possible modes of action are discussed.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.127-133
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• 2002

Levosulpiride is the 1evo-enantiomer form of racemic sulpiride, a benzamide derivative selectively inhibiting dopaminergic $D_2$ receptors at the trigger zone both in the central nervous system and in the gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequiva1ence of two levosulpiride tablets, Levopride (SK Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) and Levopid (Dae Won Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The levosulpiride release from the two levosulpiride tablets in vitro was tested using KP VII Apparatus II method with various different kinds of dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution and water). Twenty eight normal male volunteers, $23.82{\pm}3.26$ years in age and $69.13{\pm}8.58$ kg in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2{\times}2$ cross-over study was employed. After one tablet containing 25 mg of levosulpiride was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of levosulpiride in serum were determined using HPLC method with fluorescence detector. The dissolution profiles of two levosulpiride tablets were very similar at all dissolution media. Besides, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences in $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ between two tablets based on the Levopride were -1.17%, 1.20% and -1.09%, respectively. There were no sequence effects between two tablets in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25) $(e.g.,\;log(0.93){\sim}log(1.07)\;and\;log(0.90){\sim}log(1.14)\;for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$, respectively). The 90% confidence interval using untransformed data was within ${\pm}20%$ $(e.g.,\;-19.47{\sim}16.20\;for\;T_{max})$. All parameters met the criteria of KFDA guideline for bioequivalence, indicating that Levopid tablet is bioequivalent to Levopride tablet.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.37-44
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• 2016

Objectives: This study examined the relative efficacies of a derivative of betulinic acid (dBA) and its poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nano-encapsulated form in A549 lung cancer cells in vivo and in co-mutagen [sodium arsenite (SA) + benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)]-induced lung cancer in mice in vivo. Methods: dBA was loaded with PLGA nanoparticles by using the standard solvent displacement method. The sizes and morphologies of nano-dBA (NdBA) were determined by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and their intracellular localization was verified by using confocal microscopy. The binding and interaction of NdBA with calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT-DNA) as a target were analyzed by using conventional circular dichroism (CD) and melting temperature (Tm) profile data. Apoptotic signalling cascades in vitro and in vivo were studied by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the ability of NdBA to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was also examined. The stage of cell cycle arrest was confirmed by using a fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) data analysis. Results: The average size of the nanoparticles was ~ 110 nm. Confocal microscopy images confirmed the presence of NdBA in the cellular cytoplasm. The bio-physical properties of dBA and NdBA ascertained from the CD and the Tm profiles revealed that NdBA had greater interaction with the target DNA than dBA did. Both dBA and NdBA arrested cell proliferation at G0/G1, NdBA showing the greater effect. NdBA also induced a greater degree of cytotoxicity in A549 cells, but it had an insignificant cytotoxic effect in normal L6 cells. The results of flow cytometric, cytogenetial and histopathological studies in mice revealed that NdBA caused less nuclear condensation and DNA damage than dBA did. TEM images showed the presence of NdBA in brain samples of NdBA fed mice, indicating its ability to cross the BBB. Conclusion: Thus, compared to dBA, NdBA appears to have greater chemoprotective potential against lung cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.11
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• pp.1500-1508
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• 2013

Ebosin, a novel exopolysaccharide produced by Streptomyces sp. 139, has obvious antirheumatic arthritis activity in vivo, and its biosynthesis gene cluster (ste), consisting of 27 open reading frames, has been identified. This paper reports our study of the gene functionality of ste8, the predicted protein product of which is homologous to some bacterial chain length determinant Wzz proteins. For characterization of Ste8, ste8 was cloned and expressed in the mutant strain E. coli 086:H2 (${\Delta}wzz$). The functional complementation of wzz by ste8 was demonstrated by the restoration of wild-type lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and increased levels of serum resistance of E. coli 086:H2 (${\Delta}wzz$) (pET30a-ste8). To examine the function of ste8 in ebosin biosynthesis, the gene was knocked out with a double crossover via homologous recombination. The molecular weight of the ebosin derivative EPS-8m produced by the mutant Streptomyces sp. 139 ($ste8^-$) was much lower than that of ebosin, and the binding activity of EPS-8m for IL-1R decreased significantly compared with ebosin. These results demonstrate that ste8 encodes a chain length determinant (Wzz) that functions in ebosin biosynthesis.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.41
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• pp.47.1-47.10
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• 2019

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been applied as a primary biomaterial for temporary soft tissue augmentation and as a carrier for cells and the delivery of growth factors to promote tissue regeneration. Although HA derivatives are the most versatile soft tissue fillers on the market, they are resorbed early, within 3 to 12 months. To overcome their short duration, they can be combined with cells or growth factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stimulating effects of human fibroblasts and basic fibroblast growth factors (bFGF) on collagen synthesis during soft tissue augmentation by HA hydrogels and to compare these with the effects of a commercial HA derivative (Restylane^®). Methods: The hydrogel group included four conditions. The first condition consisted of hydrogel (H) alone as a negative control, and the other three conditions were bFGF-containing hydrogel (HB), human fibroblast-containing hydrogel (HF), and human fibroblast/bFGF-containing hydrogel (HBF). In the Restylane^® group (HGF), the hydrogel was replaced with Restylane^® (R, RB, RF, RBF). The gels were implanted subdermally into the back of each nude mouse at four separate sites. Twelve nude mice were used for the hydrogel (n = 6) and Restylane^® groups (n = 6). The specimens were harvested 8 weeks after implantation and assessed histomorphometrically, and collagen synthesis was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: The hydrogel group showed good biocompatibility with the surrounding tissues and stimulated the formation of a fibrous matrix. HBF and HF showed significantly higher soft tissue synthesis compared to H (p < 0.05), and human collagen type I was well expressed in HB, HF, and HBF; HBF showed the strongest expression. The Restylane^® filler was surrounded by a fibrous capsule without any soft tissue infiltration from the neighboring tissue, and collagen synthesis within the Restylane^® filler could not be observed, even though no inflammatory reactions were observed. Conclusion: This study revealed that HA-based hydrogel alone or hydrogel combined with fibroblasts and/or bFGF can be effectively used for soft tissue augmentation.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.307-319
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• 1977

The crystal structure of $N-({\alpha}-dimethyl\;{\beta}-hydroxy)ethyl\;N'-cyclohexyl\;thiourea,\;C_{ll}H_{22}N_2OS)$, has been determined by X-ray diffraction method. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 10.33(3), b = 11.82(3), c = 22.57(4)${\AA}$ and Z = 8. A total of 1414 observed reflections collected by the Weissenberg photographs and was solved by heavy atom method and refined by block diagonal least-squares methods to the R value of 0.13. The cyclohexane ring has a normal chair conformation and the thiourea unit is planar. The primary alcoholic group O-H bonded to C(l) makes an intramolecular hydrogen bond with N(2), which leads to stablize the molecule. There are two independent hydrogen bonds in the structure. One of them is of the type N-H${\cdot}{\cdot}{\cdot}$O intramolecular hydrogen bond with the length 2.71${\AA}$, another is of the type O-H${\cdot}{\cdot}{\cdot}$S intermolecular hydrogen bond with the length 3.21${\AA}$ parallel to the b axis. Apart from the hydrogen bonding system the molecules are held together by van der Waals forces in the crystal.

• Korean Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
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• v.8 no.5
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• pp.161-172
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• 2007

By prosperous condition of construction economy in the early 90s in Korea, the government needed a lot of the qualified professional engineers (PE) to manage the construction site. In order to meet the high demand of P.E., Government has established the admitted engineer systems(AES) in 1995 that give the authority of principal engineers to the admitted engineers who do not take the written examination but have equivalent working experience. Since 2000, professional $engineer^{\circ}{\phi}s$ shortage has been resolved. however, the opposite situation, which is serious over-supply of construction engineers has occurred. Thus, Government announced that would abolish the admitted engineer systems as recognized the existent admitted engineers(about 1,000,000 persons) from 2007. However, Professional Engineers Institution has strongly insisted that Government should not recognize existent admitted engineers. From this point of view, it is critical to make the supply-demand forecast systems as a derivative approach of System Dynamics also, that is useful in comparing the argument between Government and Professional Engineers Institution. This paper describes about principal $engineer^{\circ}{\phi}s$ supply change by admitted engineer system abrogation and suggests the idea to regulate the supply and demand with the improvement of the regal system.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.279-283
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• 2006

This study was conducted to examine the effect of polyphenols from safflower seed on HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity, LDL oxidation and Apo A1 secretion from Hep3B cell. The safflower seed polyphenols were matairesinol (Iignan), enterolactone (lignan metabolite), acacetin (flavone) and serotonin derivative. In addition to safflower polyphenols, mevastatin, ${\alpha}-estradiol,\;{\alpha}-tocopherol$ and soy genistein were tested as reference compounds depending on the type of the test. HMGR source was liver microsome obtained from rat fed 2% cholestyramine for 10 days. Inhibition of HMGR activity was greater with mevastatin (53%) than safflower serotonin derivatives (45%), followed by genistein (35%), but was very small with matairesinol, enterolactone and acacetin. LDL oxidation induced by $CuSO_4$ was suppressed by all the test material used in the present study and in the order of safflower serotonin derivatives> matairesinol > ${\beta}-estradiol$ > genistein > acacetin > enterolactone. Apo A1 secretion from Hep3B cell was significantly stimulated by mevastatin, but moderately (p<0.1) by ${\beta}-estradiol$ and genistein as well as enterolactone. These results suggest that the safflower polyphenols improve body lipid status via inhibition of cholesterol synthesis and suppression of LDL oxidation.