The development of hollow carbon balls by CO2 oxidation of two types of carbon blacks was studied. Super P (SP) and Denka Black (DB) were used for this study. Specificsurface area (SSA), structural parameters, and microstructures were examined using Brunauer, Emmett and Teller apparatus, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The SSAs of both oxidized carbon blacks increased after oxidation. The SSAs of raw DB and SP were 73 m2/g and 60 m2/g, respectively. Maximum SSAs of oxidized DB and SP were 152 m2/g and 253 m2/g, respectively. The d002 of DB and SP showed almost no change after oxidation. The Lc of raw DB (38Å) and SP (19Å) increased with increasing weight loss. The Lc of SP increased up to 254 at 96% weight loss. The SSA increased about twice in DB (148 m2/g) and about four times in SP (254 m2/g) after 3 h oxidation compared with the original carbon blacks. Through TEM observation the outer parts of the oxidized carbon blacks showed a rigid shell structure and the inner parts looked empty. Generally it looked like an angular soccer ball, so we named it ‘hollow carbon ball.’ It is expected that the hollow carbon ball can be used as catalyst supports.

The anti-diabetes mechanism of silkworm Bombyx mori L. powder and extracts was found to inhibit the activity of α-glycosidase. The major functional component of silkworm powder was 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), which exerts a blood glucose-lowering effect. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of the supplements, including red ginseng extract on the functional components of silkworm. Fifty silkworm larvae were divided into the control group (Con, N=50), group A (A, artificial diet 95% and mulberry leaf powder 5%), group B (B, artificial diet 95% and mulberry powder 5%), group C (C, artificial diet 95% and Rubus coreanus remainders 5%), group D (D, artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%), and group E (E, artificial diet 95% and yeast powder (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Body weights and length of silkworm larvae showed significant improvement in group A, D. In particular, the growth rate in group D (artificial diet 95% and red ginseng extract 5%) was larger than that of Con. In addition, the results showed that 1-DNJ concentration was significantly largest in group D. From these results, it is concluded that the addition of red ginseng extract may be effective for larval growth and 1-DNJ accumulation in silkworm rearing with an artificial diet.

In Korea, wide spread use of whole cottonseed, which is primarily a GMO plant imported from foreign countries and being fed to animals as raw state, has aroused concern that it may disturb the existing ecology of the country unless dispersion of the seed is under proper control. The objective of this study was to elucidate the changes in various nutritive parameters due to heat treatment and to determine the effective condition for removing germination ability of whole cottonseed (WCS). Of the various temperatures applied (76, 78, 80, 85, 100°C/30 min) 85°C for 30 min was confirmed to be the lowest temperature treatment which resulted in a complete removal of the germination ability of WCS. Therefore, based on the determined temperature condition (85°C 30 min) we tried to examine the changes of various nutritional parameters, including nutrient composition, in vitro digestibilities and ruminal protein degradabilities, comparing raw whole cotton seed (RWCS) and heated whole cotton seed (HWCS). Some changes in amino acid composition were observed with heat treatment of WCS, but these were regarded to originate from the variation in plant quality and seed morphology, which are usually affected by different environmental factors during the vegetation period. As for fatty acid composition, no significant differences were observed to occur during heat treatment. However, WCS heated at 85°C for 30 min in a circulating oven showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) of in situ rumen degradability in both dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP), as compared to raw WCS. Overall results obtained in the study indicate that the heating condition used in this study, which was proven to be the most appropriate and economic to remove germination ability of WCS, may also improve the nutritional value of the ruminant with regard to reducing its protein degradability within the rumen.

As a specialty oil, furan fatty acids have gained special attentions since they are known to play important roles in biological systems including human. Although several studies reported chemical synthesis of furan fatty acids, their synthesis consisted of complicated chemical multistep with chemical catalysts. Recently, a simple one-step heat treatment method was developed to produce a novel furan fatty acid, 7,10-epoxy-octadeca-7,9-dienoic acid (7,10-EODA) from a dihydroxyl fatty acid 7,10-dihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid (DOD). In this report we studied about optimization of environmental conditions for the maximum production of 7,10-EODA from DOD by heat treatment. Production of 7,10-EODA was maximized at over 85℃ for at least over 48 hour in hexane. Solvent volume for maximum production should be over 300 mL per 10 mg DOD.

The aim of this study was to estimate of ovulation time and parturition day at the same time as breeding in small dog by vaginal cytology and to confirm the accuracy by comparing the expected parturition day and the real one. Characteristic features of vaginal cytology during the estrous cycle were the high proportion of large intermediate cell, superficial cell, anuclear cell and erythrocyte in proestrus, superficial cell and anuclear cell in estrus, parabasal cell, small intermediate cell, large intermediate cell and leukocyte in diestrus, parabasal cell and small intermediate in anestrus, respectively. When day 0 was the parturition day, the period of pregnancy is 67.45(64～75) days when the cornification index (CI) is over 90%. Also, on the basis of ovulation day, 63.65(59～66) days was confirmed, and 57.0(52～60) days was confirmed based on the first day of diestrus. There are the gap of 4 days between the day being over 90% in CI and ovulation day. On the basis of this, when expecting parturition day based on the day being over 90% in CI by vaginal cytology, 18.1% was produced in the same of the expected parturition day and the real one, 30.3% and 33.3% were produced in the gap of one day and two days, respectively so, the accuracy within two days was 81.7%. In addition, based on the first day of diestrus, it also was identified to 81.7% as the difference between the expected parturition day and the real one within 2 days. It demonstrated there are any difference between any expected parturition day by vaginal cytology. Thus on the basis of the day of being over 90% CI, it is fully thought to using clinically due to the possibility of prediction the parturition day at the same time as the determination of the proper time of the optimal mating time.

The aim of this study was to evaluate immunopotentiating activities of β-glucan derived from Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae and to select new strains having possibility as an immune-enhancing substance. We examined SB20 strains derived from commercial product as a control, and extracted β-glucans from the four strains of S. cerevisiae. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with heat-killed yeasts, β-glucans, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1β were then quantified. When macrophages were induced directly by in vitro addition of β-glucan, little production of NO and IL-1β was observed. When pretreated with strong stimulants, i.e., LPS, most yeasts showed down-modulation of NO and IL-1β production. However, TNF-α secretion was triggered by β-glucans and even more increased by the mixture effect of LPS and β-glucans. In particular, S6 strain induced TNF-α secretion more than other strains. Therefore, we can conclude that the S6 strain has possibility as an immune-enhancing substance.

한국산 애기버섯벌레과(Ciidae, Leach)에 속한 애기버섯속(Cis Latreille) 분류학적으로 검토하였다. 이 속에 속한 Cis boleti (Scopoli, 1763); Cis seriatopilosus Motschulsky, 1861; Cis mikagensis Nobuchi & Wada, 1955; Cis jezoensis Nobuchi, 1960; Cis sasajii Kawanabe, 2001; Cis hieroglyphicus Reitter, 1877 등 6종을 국내에서 처음으로 분류학적으로 검토하여 보고하였다. 또한 야외관찰과 실내사육을 통해 6종에 대한 숙주버섯을 처음으로 밝혀 보고 하였다. 따라서 이번 연구에서는 한국산 애기버섯벌레속에 대한 분류학적 정보와 더불어 한국산 종들의 숙주버섯에 대한 생태적 정보를 제공하였다.

To investigate the effects of co-solvents on the morphology of nano-scale zein materials, zein solutions were electrospun with different co-solvent ratios of EtOH/H2O. Different zein solution concentrations were used to study the effects of the zein content on the electrospun materials. The resulting electrospun materials were all characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The diameters of the electrospun nanoparticles and nanofibers were found to increase when increasing the EtOH ratio at certain zein concentrations. Furthermore, increasing the zein content changed the morphology of the electrospun materials from nanoparticles to nanofibers.

Oil spills have occurred throughout the years of industrialization and represent a global challenge as they affect vast areas of the ocean. The toxicity of crude oil to aquatic organisms has been extensively investigated, but the potential impacts of crude oil on vertebrate development remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of dispersants used in treating a recent oil spill, as well as that of crude oil, on vertebrates by using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model species, which has been widely used in empirical studies of both early embryonic development and adult physiology. Chronic exposure to crude oil resulted in marked developmental abnormalities, including pericardial edema, abnormal trunk vessel development, retardation of axonal branching, and abnormal jaw development. Embryonic development was affected more severely by exposure to the oil-dispersant combination than to the oil alone. Thus, the zebrafish in vivo model system suggests that dispersant treatment can have detrimental developmental effects on vertebrates and its potential impact on marine life, as well as humans, should be carefully considered in clean-up efforts at the site of an oil spill.

We describe the preparation of superparamagnetic nanoclusters (SNCs) by fine-tuning of the seed Fe3O4 nanoparticle sizes to enhance and their T2 relaxivity can be increased by > 4-fold. Therefore, with 11 nm seed core and PVA coating, SNC-11 exhibit a higher T2 relaxivity than other cluster condition. So fabricating the cluster, seed size is the most important influence the T2 relaxivity. As well as, in vitro cellular imaging results demonstrated the strong potential of SNCs for clinical applications by targeting affinity. According to the experiments, with 11 nm seed core and PVA coating, SNC-11 exhibited the highest T2 relaxivity of 454 mM-1s-1 due to the strong seed size effect on their magnetic sensitivity, indicating superior magnetic resonance (MR) contrast efficiency. Further in vitro cellular imaging results demonstrated the strong potential of SNCs for clinical applications.

Algal blooms in potable water supplies are becoming an increasingly prevalent and serious water quality problem around the world. In addition to precipitating taste and odor problems, blooms damage the environment, and some classes like cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) release toxins that can threaten human health, even causing death. There is a recognized need in the water industry for models that can accurately forecast in real-time algal bloom events for planning and mitigation purposes. In this study, using data for an interconnected system of rivers and reservoirs operated by a New Jersey water utility, various ANN models, including both discrete prediction and classification models, were developed and tested for forecasting counts of three different algal classes for one-week and two-weeks ahead periods. Predictor model inputs included physical, meteorological, chemical, and biological variables, and two different temporal schemes for processing inputs relative to the prediction event were used. Despite relatively limited historical data, the discrete prediction ANN models generally performed well during validation, achieving relatively high correlation coefficients, and often predicting the formation and dissipation of high algae count periods. The ANN classification models also performed well, with average classification percentages averaging 94 percent accuracy. Despite relatively limited data events, this study demonstrates that with adequate data collection, both in terms of the number of historical events and availability of important predictor variables, ANNs can provide accurate real-time forecasts of algal population counts, as well as foster increased understanding of important cause and effect relationships, which can be used to both improve monitoring programs and forecasting efforts.

The purposes of this study were to develop a new orthosis controlling ankle and knee joint motion during the gait cycle and to identify the effects of the newly designed orthosis on gait kinematics and tempospatial parameters, including coordination of the extremities in stroke patients. Fifteen individuals who had sustained a stroke, onset was 16 months, participated in this study. Before application of the measurement equipment the subjects were accustomed to walking on the ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) or stance control knee with knee flexion assisted-oil damper ankle-foot orthosis (SCKAFO) for 5 minutes. Fifteen patients were investigated for 45 days with a 3-day interval between sessions. Measurements were walking in fifteen stroke with hemiparesis on the 3D motion analysis system. Comparison of AFO and SCKAFO are gait pattern. The difference between the AFO and SCKAFO conditions was significant in the gait velocity, step length of the right affected side, stance time of both legs, step-length asymmetry ratio, single-support-time asymmetry ratio, -thigh angle and -shank angle in the mid swing (p<.001). Using a SCKAFO in stroke patients has shown similar to normal walking speeds can be attained for walking efficiency and is therefore desirable. In this study, the support time of the affected leg with the SCKAFO was longer than with the AFO and the asymmetry ratio of single support time decreased by more than with the AFO. This indicates that the SCKAFO was effective for improving gait symmetry, single-support-time symmetry. This may be due to the decrease of gait asymmetry. Thus, the newly designed SCKAFO may be useful for promoting gait performance by improving the coordination of the extremity and decreasing gait asymmetry in chronic stroke patients.

This study investigated the effects of axillary crutch length on trunk muscle activity and lumbo-pelvic-hip complex movements during crutch gait. Eleven healthy men participated in this study. The participants performed a three-point gait with optimal, shorter, and longer crutch lengths. Weight-bearing (WB) side was determined as the dominant leg side. The electromyography (EMG) activity of the bilateral rectus abdominis (RA) and erector spinae (ES) muscles and lumbo-pelvic-hip complex movements were monitored using a three-dimensional motion system with wireless surface EMG. Differences in the EMG activity of RA and ES muscles and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip among conditions were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, and a Bonferroni correction was conducted. There was less RA muscle activity on the WB side under the optimal crutch length condition compared with shorter and longer crutch length conditions (p<.05). The EMG activity of the RA muscle on the non-WB side and ES muscle on the WB side were significantly decreased under the optimal crutch length condition compared with shorter crutch length condition (p<.05). No significant differences in the EMG activity of the ES muscle on the non-WB side and ROM of lumbo-pelvic-hip complex were found among conditions (p>.05). These findings indicate that the optimal crutch length improves the trunk muscle efficiency during crutch gait.

The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of upper trapezius muscle stretching in more tensed position (MTP) and less tensed position (LTP) on the change of range of motion (ROM) for neck rotation, and the ROM for conjunct neck motions at end-range of neck rotation toward the painful side in patients with unilateral neck pain. Eighteen patients with unilateral neck pain were recruited for the study's MTP group, and 18 age-, weight- and gender-matched patients with unilateral neck pain were recruited for LTP group. The ROM changes in active neck primary and conjunct motions were measured using a cervical ROM inclinometer in the sitting position. Our results showed that both upper trapezius stretching method in MTP and LTP were significantly effective in increasing the ROM of neck rotation toward painful side in patients with unilateral neck pain. However, a significantly greater increase in the ROM for neck rotation and a further decrease in conjunct neck extension during neck rotation toward the painful side were shown in MTP group, compared to LTP group. The upper trapezius stretching in MTP is useful in increasing the ROM of neck rotation and decreasing the range of conjunct neck extension during neck rotation toward the painful side in patients with unilateral neck pain.

본 연구는 농업유전자원센터에 보존되어있는 불가리아 재래종 고추 유전자원 61 점을 대상으로 농업형질을 조사하고, 22개의 분자마커(SSR marker)를 이용하여 불가리아 재래종 고추 유전자원의 유전적 다양성 및 집단분석을 통하여, 자원보존 및 효율적인 작물 육종을 위한 기초정보를 제공하고자 본실험을 수행하였으며 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. 파종 후 발아까지 소요일수는 최소 11일에서 최대 26 일,평균 16.9 일이었고 개화 소요일수는 최소 48일, 최대 65일, 평균 56.9일이었으며 성숙까지의 소요일수는 최소 73일, 최대 98일, 평균 90.7일이었다. 2. 농업형질의 특성을 바탕으로 PCA 분석을 이용하여 불가리아 고추의 다양성을 분석한 결과, 파종 후 개화까지의 소요일수에 따라 조생종, 중생종, 만생종 3개의 그룹으로 나눌 수있었다. 3. 61점의 고추자원에 대하여 22개 SSR 마커에 의해 나타난 대립유전자 (allele)수는 총 82개였다. 마커당 평균 allele수는 3.7 개였고, allele 수의 범위는 2개에서 5개로 확인되었다. 유전적 다양성을 나타내는 PIC 값의 범위는 0.061-0.636이었으며 평균 PIC 값은 0.349로 확인되었다. 4. 분자마커(SSR)를 이용하여 UPGMA, PCoA, STUCTURE 분석을 통한 고추의 다양성 및 집단 구조를 분석한 결과, 3개의 그룹으로 나뉘어졌다. 결론적으로, 농업형질 특성을 바탕으로 한 불가리아 재래종고추의 다양성과 분자학적 특성을 이용한 다양성 결과와는 차이가 있었다.

A simple and sensitive analytical method was developed using gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for determination of Picoxystrobin in agricultural products (apple, hulled rice, mushroom, pepper, soybean, and mandarin). Picoxystrobin residues were extracted with acetonitrile, partitioned with saline water, and then they were cleaned up on a florisil solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge to obtain an extract suitable for analysis by GC-ECD and GC-MS. The method was validated using 6 agricultural product samples spiked with Picoxystrobin at different concentration levels (0.02, 0.05 and 0.5 mg/L). Average recoveries of Picoxystrobin (using each concentration three replicates) ranged 64.0~98.3% with relative standard deviations less than 10%, calibration solutions concentration in the range 0.1~5 mg/L, and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.005 and 0.02 mg/L, respectively. The result showed that the developed analytical method is suitable for Picoxystrobin determination in agricultural products.

The language threshold effect on comprehending an L2 (second language) text was experimentally examined, using two types of measurement tool, multiple-choice & true/false questions and a recall task for L2 reading comprehension. Cognitive processes implicated in each measure were delineated to allow a finer analysis on the role of L1 reading competence and L2 proficiency in comprehending an L2 text. In order to observe how one aspect of L2 proficiency, vocabulary knowledge, is related to language threshold effect, thirty-two 9th grade Korean students in Korea were given a vocabulary knowledge acquisition activity in a treatment condition between a pretest and a posttest. The relative contributions that L1 reading competence and L2 proficiency made to L2 reading comprehension were analyzed before the treatment and after the treatment using multiple-regression analysis technique. The findings of this repeated measure design were consistent with previous correlational studies showing that the role of L1 reading competence became stronger as L2 proficiency operationalized via vocabulary knowledge improved. What is elaborated in the present study is the fact that cognitive processes, initiated by a recall task, are more sensitive to the weakening of language threshold effects.

Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) are multipotent, sphere-forming and embryonic neural crest‐related precu- rsor cells that can be isolated from dermis. It is known that the properties of porcine SKPs can be enhanced by leuke- mia inhibitory factor (LIF) which is an essential factor for the generation of embryonic stem cells in mice. In our pre- sent study, to enhance or maintain the properties of murine SKPs, LIF was added to the culture medium. SKPs were treated with 1,000 IU LIF for 72 hours after passage 3. Quantitative real time RT‐PCR was then performed to quantify the expression of the pluripotent stem cell specific genes Oct4, Nanog, Klf4 and c‐Myc, and the neural crest specific genes Snai2 and Ngfr. The results show that the expression of Oct4 is increased in murine SKPs by LIF treatment whereas the level of Ngfr is decreased under these conditions. Interestingly, LIF treatment reduced Nanog exp- ression which is also important for cell proliferation in adult stem cells and for osteogenic induction in mesenchymal stem cells. These findings implicate LIF in the maintenance of stem- ness in SKPs through the suppression of lineage differen- tiation and in part through the control of cell proliferation.