• Food Engineering Progress
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2010

The fibrous material fraction as a by-product from the commercial aloe vera gel processing was obtained and freeze dried. The physicochemical characteristics such as the proximate composition, crystalline/surface structures and several physical functionalities including the water holding capacity (WHC), swelling capacity (SW), oil holding capacity (OHC), emulsion/foam properties and viscosity properties of this powdered sample (100 mesh) were investigated and analyzed by comparison with commercial $\alpha$-cellulose as a reference sample. The total dietary fiber content of powdered sample was very high as much as 87.5%, and the insoluble dietary and soluble dietary fiber content ratios were 77.6 and 22.4%, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum of powdered sample showed a typical polysaccharide property and exhibited a x-ray diffraction pattern for cellulose III and IV like structure. SW (8.24${\pm}$0.15 mL/g), WHC(6.40${\pm}$0.19 g water/g solid) and OHC(10.32${\pm}$0.29 g oil/g solid) of freeze dried aloe cellulose were about 3.3, 1.4 and 2 times higher than those of commercial $\alpha$-cellulose, respectively. Aloe cellulose (~2%, w/v) alone had no foam capacity while improved the foam stability of protein solution (1% albumin+0.5% $CaCl_{2}$) by factor of 300%. Emulsion capacity of 2%(w/v) aloe cellulose was about 70% level of 0.5%(w/v) xanthan gum, but its emulsion stability was about 1.2 times higher than that of xanthan gum. Also, aloe cellulose containing CMC (carboxyl methyl cellulose) of 0.3%(w/v) showed a very good dispersity. Aloe cellulose dispersion of above 1%(w/v) exhibited higher pseudoplasticity and concentration dependence than those of $\alpha$-cellulose dispersion, indicating the viscosity properties for new potential usage such as an excellent thickening agent.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 2023

Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases worldwide. The disease initiates with bacterial adherence to the tooth surface followed by the formation of dental plaques. Mutans streptococci and Candida albicans are principal oral microorganisms involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. Phytochemicals have been shown to possess promising antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Herein, we reviewed literature on plants that are traditionally used for their antimicrobial properties or possess promising anticariogenic activity. We selected aerial parts of Scrophularia striata (S. striata) and galls of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) and investigated their antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. Methods: Water soluble fractions were obtained from hydroalcoholic extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria and their antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans) was evaluated separately and in combination. The extracts were then used for preparing an herbal mouthwash whose stability and tannic acid content were evaluated over 60 days. Results: Q. infectoria gall extract possesses efficient antimicrobial activity that was synergistically enhanced in the presence of S. striata extract. Mouthwash prepared using these extracts showed desirable organoleptic characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and stability. Conclusion: Extracts of S. striata and Q. infectoria galls can be used together for preparing dental products with effective anticariogenic properties. Our study highlights the importance of extensive pharmacological investigations when using herbal products alone or in combination with other chemical substances.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.525-537
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• 2024

Pilins are protein subunits of pili. The pilins of type IV pili (T4P) in pathogenic bacteria are well characterized, but anything is known about the T4P proteins in acidophilic chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms such as the genus Acidithiobacillus. The interest in T4P of A. thiooxidans is because of their possible role in cell recruitment and bacterial aggregation on the surface of minerals during biooxidation of sulfide minerals. In this study we present a successful ad hoc methodology for the heterologous expression and purification of extracellular proteins such as the minor pilin PilV of the T4P of A. thiooxidans, a pilin exposed to extreme conditions of acidity and high oxidation-reduction potentials, and that interact with metal sulfides in an environment rich in dissolved minerals. Once obtained, the model structure of A. thiooxidans PilV revealed the core basic architecture of T4P pilins. Because of the acidophilic condition, we carried out in silico characterization of the protonation status of acidic and basic residues of PilV in order to calculate the ionization state at specific pH values and evaluated their pH stability. Further biophysical characterization was done using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and the results showed that PilV remains soluble and stable even after exposure to significant changes of pH. PilV has a unique amino acid composition that exhibits acid stability, with significant biotechnology implications such as biooxidation of sulfide minerals. The biophysics profiles of PilV open new paradigms about resilient proteins and stimulate the study of other pilins from extremophiles.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.261-272
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• 2004

This study was conducted to investigate indices affecting composts maturity for swine manure compost produced in a commercial composting facility with air-forced from the bottom. The composting was made of swine manure mixed with puffing rice hull(6: 4) and turned by escalating agitator twice a day. Composting samples were collected periodically during a 45-d composting cycle at that system, showing that indices of Ammonium-N to Nitrate-N ratio were sensitive indicators of composting quality. Pile temperature maintained more than 62$^{\circ}C$ and water contents decreased about 20% for 25days of composting. A great variety and high numbers of aerobic thermophilic heterotropic microbes playing critical roles in stability of composts have been examined in the final composts, sbowing that they were detected $10^8$ to $10^{10}$ $CFUg^{-1}$ in mesophilic bacteria, $10^3$ - $10^4$ in fungi and $10^6$ - $10^8$ in actinomycetes, respectively. The results of this study for detennining a factor affecting compost stability evaluations based on composting steps were as follows; 1. Ammonium-N concentrations were highest at the beginning of composting, reaching approximately 421mg/kg. However Ammonium-N concentrations were lower during curing, reaching approximately l04mg/kg just after 45 day. The ratio between $NH_4-N$ and $NO_3-N$ was above II at the beginning of composting and less than 2 at the final step(45 day). 2. Seed germination Index was dependent upon the compost phytotoxicity and its nutrition. The phytotocity caused the GI to low during the period of active composting(till 25 days of composting time) depending on the value of the undiluted. After 25 days of composting time, the GI was dependent upon compost nutrition. The Gennination index of the final step was calculated at over 80 without regard to treatments. 3. E4: E6 ratio in humic acid of composts was correlatively decreased from 8.86 to 6.76 during the period of active composting. After 25 days of composting time, the E4: E6 was consistently decreased from 6.76 to 4.67($r^2$ of total composting period was 0.95). 4. Water soluble carbon had a tendency to increase from 0.54% to 0.78%during the period of active composting. After 25 days of composting time, it was consistently decreased from 0.78% to 0.42%. Water soluble nitrogen increased from 0.22% to 0.32% during the period of 15 days after initial composting while decreased from 0.32% to 0.21% after 15days of composting. In consequence, the correlation coefficient($r^2$) between water soluble carbon and water soluble nitrogen was 0.12 during the period of active composting mule was 0.50 after 25 days of composting time

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.259-270
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• 1992

The changes in life style today appear many ways. Many housewives turn away from home preparation of the time consuming traditional foods, such as 'Andong sikhe'. The importance, however, of succeeding the traditional cuisines is getting appreciated widely nowadays. This study aimed to investigate the preparation of Andong sikhe by use of pure culture inoculation and the improvement of storage stability by the addition of stabilizers to the product. Lactobacillus delbreuckii was selected for the pure culture inoculation in the fermentation. The changes in chemical composition such as total acidity, sugar content, amino acid and various forms of nitrogen during fermentation were determined. The changes in pH of the product, the enzyme activities and the population of lactic acid bacteria were also followed in the process of fermentation. The Lactobacillus dominated in the beginning of the fermentation but the Streptococcus out numbered the former as the fermentation proceeded. The crude protein content increased up to the 4th day of fermentation but slowly decreased there after. The pH of the product rapidly decreased to 4.2 by the 2nd day of fermentation. The total acidity reached to the 0.38% by the 2nd day of fermentation and kept on increasing slowly during the fermentation. The free sugar consisted of 6 kinds including maltose and one unknown sugar. The amino form nitrogen increased up to 38.5mg% at the 2nd day of fermentation and the product tasted best at this time. The ammonia form nitrogen, water soluble and salt soluble protein decreased during fermentation. Proline and aspartic acid were the two major free amino acids. The free methionine increased while the free lysine decreased in the process of fermentation. The major amino acids of water soluble and salt soluble protein were glutamic acid and aspartic acid. The arginine content of salt soluble protein increased as the fermentation proceeded. Linoleic, palmitic and oleic acid were the three major fatty acids and occupy 90% or more of the total fatty acids. The activities of acid protease and liquefying amylase reached to the maximum at the 4th day of fermentation while those of saccharogenic amylase and lipase reached to the peak at the 2nd day of fermentation.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.4041-4048
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• 2011

High molecular weight tetrasulfonated poly(arylene biphenylsulfone ether) (TsPBPSEH) copolymers containing up to four pendant sulfonate groups per repeat unit were synthesized via aromatic nucleophilic displacement condensation from 4,4'-bis(4-chloro-3-sulfonatophenylsulfonyl)biphenyl-2,2'-disulfonate (SBCSBPD), 4,4'-dichlorodiphenylsulfone (DCDPS) and 4,4'-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (6F-BPA). The synthesized copolymers were structurally characterized using $^1H$ NMR and FT-IR techniques. They were analytically pure, amorphous and were readily soluble in a wide range of organic solvents. Electrolyte membranes were successfully cast using the synthesized polymers with various sulfonation levels and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone. This new class of polymer membranes exhibited elevated thermal and physical stabilities and reduced swelling at high temperatures. An increase of acidic functional groups in the copolymer yielded high ion exchange capacity and moderate ionic conductivity values even at higher temperatures, which makes them potential ion conducting candidates.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.1637-1642
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• 2013

We carried out the melt copolymerization reactions of 1,2-bis(diethylamino)tetramethyldisilane with several aryldiols such as, 4,4'-biphenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, 9H-fluoren-9,9-dimethanol, and 4,4'-(9-fluorenylidene) bis(2-phenoxyethanol) to afford poly[oxy(arylene)oxy(tetramethyldisilylene)]s containing fluorescent aromatic chromophore groups in the polymer main chain: poly[oxy(4,4'-biphenylene)oxy(tetramethyldisilylene)], poly[oxy{(4,4'-isopropylidene) diphenylene}oxy(tetramethyldisilylene)], poly[oxy(9H-fluorene-9,9-dimethylene) oxy(tetramethyldisilylene)], and poly[oxy{4,4'-(9-fluorenylidene)bis(2-phenoxyethylene)}oxy(tetramethyldisilnylene)]. These prepared materials are soluble in common organic solvents such as $CHCl_3$ and THF. The obtained polymers were characterized by several spectroscopic methods such as $^1H$, $^{13}C$, and $^{29}Si$ NMR. Further, FTIR spectra of all the polymers exhibited characteristic Si-O stretching frequencies at 1014-1087 $cm^{-1}$. These polymeric materials in THF showed strong maximum absorption peaks at 268-281 nm, strong maximum excitation peaks at 263-291 nm, and strong maximum fluorescence emission bands at 314-362 nm due to the presence of tetramethyldisilylene and several arylene chromophores in the polymer main chain. TGA thermograms indicated that most of the polymers were stable up to $200^{\circ}C$ with a weight loss of 3-16% in nitrogen.

• Journal of Korean Society of Water and Wastewater
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.249-255
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• 2014

So many drinking water treatment plants are under various difficulties by new reinforced effluent standards. Since the target turbidity, much higher than annual average, for designing sludge thickener have to be set to confront high turbidity season, the sludge at thickener should be put up for a long time during usual days. So the soluble manganese and chloroform may be formed under the anaerobic environment in the sludge thickener when the sludge retention time is longer with low turbidity. This phenomenon results in difficulties to keep regulatory level of the discharged effluent. For an effort to overcome the problems, a sludge aeration was successfully implemented into the thickening process. As a result, the final effluent quality and sludge volume were much improved; 41 % of manganese, 62 % of chloroform and 35 % of sludge volume. Additionally, effluent quality was improved ; 61 % of Manganese on aeration with pH control and we could make sure of stability effluent quality despite a long sludge retention time. We recommended the standard of installation sludge aeration equipment to nationally supply water treatment plant under effluent water quality problem ; Manganese, Chloroform, etc.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.1303-1309
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• 2011

Melt copolymerization reactions of bis(diethylamino)tetramethyldisiloxane with several aryldiols were carried out to afford poly(carbotetramethyldisiloxane)s containing fluorescent aromatic chromophore groups in the polymer main chain: poly{oxy(4,4'-biphenylene)oxytetramethyldisiloxane}, poly{oxy(1,4-phenylene)oxytetramethyldisiloxane}, poly[oxy{(4,4'-isopropylidene)diphenylene}oxytetramethyldisiloxane], poly[oxy{(4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenylene}oxytetramethyldisiloxane], poly{oxy(2,6-naphthalene)oxytetramethyldisiloxane}, poly[oxy{4,4'-(9-fluorenylidene)diphenylene}oxytetramethyldisiloxane], poly{oxy(fluorene-9,9-dimethylene)oxytetramethyldisiloxane}, and poly[oxy{4,4'-(9-fluorenylidene)bis(2-phenoxyethylene)}oxytetramethyldisiloxane]. These materials are soluble in common organic solvents such as $CHCl_3$ and THF. The FTIR spectra of all the polymers exhibit the characteristic Si-O-C stretching frequencies at 1021-1082 $cm^{-1}$. In the THF solution, the polymeric materials show strong maximum absorption peaks at 215-311 nm, with strong maximum excitation peaks at 250-310 nm, and strong maximum fluorescence emission bands at 310-360 nm. TGA thermograms indicate that most of the polymers are stable up to $200^{\circ}C$ with a weight loss of less than 10% in nitrogen.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.1544-1549
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• 2008

MhMTS and MhMTH are trehalose ($\alpha$-D-glucopyranosyl-[1,1]-$\alpha$-D-glucopyranose) biosynthesis genes of the thermophilic microorganism Metallosphaera hakonensis, and encode a maltooligosyltrehalose synthase (MhMTS) and a maltooligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase (MhMTH), respectively. In this study, the two genes were fused in-frame in a recombinant DNA, and expressed in Escherichia coli to produce a bifunctional fusion enzyme, MhMTSH. Similar to the two-step reactions with MhMTS and MhMTH, the fusion enzyme catalyzed the sequential reactions on maltopentaose, maltotriosyltrehalose formation, and following hydrolysis, producing trehalose and maltotriose. Optimum conditions for the fusion enzyme-catalyzed trehalose synthesis were around $70^{\circ}C$ and pH 5.0-6.0. The MhMTSH fusion enzyme exhibited a high degree of thermostability, retaining 80% of the activity when pre-incubated at $70^{\circ}C$ for 48 h. The stability was gradually abolished by incubating the fusion enzyme at above $80^{\circ}C$. The MhMTSH fusion enzyme was active on various sizes of maltooligosaccharides, extending its substrate specificity to soluble starch, the most abundant natural source of trehalose production.