MYB proteins are a superfamily of transcription factors (TF) that play regulatory roles in developmental processes and resistance mechanism in plants. We identified 130 and 109 genes in the MYB superfamily from an analysis of the complete Arabidopsis and rice genome sequence. Although microarray based transcriptome analysis approach allows the investigation of the biological networks of MYB TF in DNA level, the underling mechanisms related to their functional role is not fully understood. In this work, we performed meta-analysis of public microarray data that analyzed with Arabidopsis and rice using co-expression analysis. A phylogenetic comparison of the members of this superfamily were performed with Sorghum bicolour to suggested that MYB super family underwent a rapid expansion their evolutionary times. We identified conserved expression pairs which play important role in transcription. Our comprehensive analysis of this huge transcription factor of Arabidopsis and rice may shed further light on the possible biological roles of the MYB TF in various plants.

TILLING (Targeting Induced local Lesions IN Genomes) is known to be an excellent methodology for reverse genetics approach. About 15,000 M3 TILLING lines have been developed after gamma-ray irradiation to the rice seeds of Donganbye. In order to assess genetic diversity of the TILLING population. we have employed a multiple dominant marker technique, such as AFLP. A total of 96 (0.64%) lines including Dongganbye were randomly selected and their genetic diversity was assessed on the basis of AFLP marker polymorphism by using 5 primer combinations. An average of 100.4 loci with a range of 97 to 106 were detected by using the primer combinations, resulting in 173 (34.6%) polymorphic loci among 96 lines. A broad range of similarities with 80% to 96% was evidenced between Donganbye and each of 96 TILLING lines, reflecting genetic diversity of the TILLING population. About 30 polymorphic loci have been cloned and their sequences have been blasted against rice whole genome sequences. The sequences evidenced highly significant matches to each of genes including exons and introns, upstream sequences and downstream of genes, and intergeneic sequences. Therefore, the TILLING rice population would be valuable genetic sources for rice functional genomics.

All aspects of plant life are controlled by the regulated synthesis of new proteins and the precise degradation of preexisting proteins, predicting up to 50% of total plants protein is replaced every week. The ubiquitin/26S proteosome pathway is known to be one of mechanisms to regulate signal pathways, developmental process and abiotic/biotic stress responses via protein degradations. In the previous study, we have identified a large number of the RING ubiquitin ligase proteins whose functions have been clarified in the protein degradation pathway. Curiously, one RING-H2 finger protein gene evidenced striking differences in expression patterns in response to salt and dehydration stress between leaf and culm-node tissues. Characterization of the gene evidenced its function as E3 ubiquitin ligase activity by using an in vitro ubiquitination assay. We have constructed a library with rice culm-node tissues under salt stress for Yeast two hybrid assay and performed primary yeast two-hybrid screening with the gene as a bait. A total of 13 candidate genes were isolated as positive interacting partners. Gene ontology of most candidate genes appears to be related with various abiotic stresses. Therefore, the RING-H2 finger protein genes might function to regulate plant abiotic stress responses via protein degradation pathways.

The management of safety at sea is based on a set of internationally accepted regulations and codes, governing or guiding the design and operation of ships. The regulations most directly concerned with human safety and protection of the environment are, in general, agreed internationally through the International Maritime Organization(IMO). IMO has continuously dealt with safety problems and, recognized that the human element is a key factor in both safety and pollution prevention issues(IMO, 2010). This paper proposes a human error analysis methodology which is based on the human error taxonomy and theories (SHELL model, GEMS model and etc.) that were discussed in the IMO guidelines for the investigation of human factors in marine casualties and incidents. In this paper, a cognitive process model, a human error analysis technique and a marine accident causal chains focused on human factors are discussed, and towing vessel collision accidents are analyzed as a case study in order to examine the applicability of the human error analysis technique to marine accidents. Also human errors related to those towing vessel collision accidents and their underlying factors are discussed in detail.

This study is aimed at identifying how the team teaching for English listening and speaking is affected by the characteristics of the three groups of participants such as the students, native English speaking teachers (NESTs), and Korean teachers of Eng

The present study investigated an ethanol extract (HS0608) of a mixture of three medicinal plants of Curcumalongae radix, Phellinus linteus, and Scutellariae radix for possible neuroprotective effects on neurotoxicity induced by amyloid βprotein (Aβ) (25-35) in cultured rat cortical neurons and antidementia activity in mice. Exposure of cultured cortical neurons to10µM Aβ (25-35) for 36h induced neuronal apoptotic death. At 1-50㎍/㎖, HS0608 inhibited neuronal death, elevation of intra-cellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Aβ (25-35) in primary cul-tures of rat cortical neurons. Memory loss induced by intracerebroventricular injection of ICR mice with 15 nmol Aβ (25-35) wasinhibited by chronic treatment with HS0608 (25, 50 and 100㎎/㎏, p.o. for 7 days) as measured by a passive avoidance test. Fromthese results, we suggest that the antidementia effect of HS0608 is due to its neuroprotective effect against Aβ (25-35)-inducedneurotoxicity and that HS0608 may have a therapeutic role in preventing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Rapid extension of genomic database leads to the remarkable advance of functional genomics. This study proposes a novel methodology of functional analysis using 5-methyltrytophan (5 MT) mutant together with their 2-DE analysis and public microarray database. A total of 24 proteins was changed in 5 MT mutant and four remarkably different expressed proteins were identified. Among them, three spots were converted to Affymetrix probe. A total of 155 microarray samples from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) in NCBI was retrieved and followed by constructing gene co-expression networks over a broad range of biological issues through Self-Organising Tree Algorithm. Three co-expressing gene clusters were retrieved and each functional categorization with differential expression pattern was exhibited from 5 MT resistance mutant rice. It was indicated new co-expression networks in the mutant. This study suggests that on investigating possibility which correspond 2-DE to microarray database with their full potential.