MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, small non-coding RNAs which are critical for gene regulatory networks by directing the translational repression or degradation of complementary target mRNAs. They can be divided into two subclasses: canonical and non-canonical miRNAs. Canonical miRNAs are produced from long primary transcripts by sequential complex events in which RNA III enzymes such as Drosha and Dicer and accessory factors such as DGCR8 and Argonautes work cooperatively. DGCR8 is a RNA-binding protein that assists Drosha to process canonical miRNAs in the nucleus. To understand function of canonical miRNAs in uterine physiology, we have characterized uterine phenotypes of uterine-specific DGCR8 knock-out mice (uDGCR8 KO, DGCR8flox/flox; PRcre/+), and hormonal regulation of expression profiles of major factors working for miRNA biogenesis in the uterus. Gross morphological and histological analyses, immunohistochemistry, PCR and realtime RT-PCR were performed. While DGCR8 and Drosha do not seem to be regulated by ovarian steroid hormones, expression of Dicer, Exportin 5 and Argonaute 2 was transiently increased by E2 but not by P4. Combination of E2+P4 did not have any additional effects on their expression profiles. Genomic DNA PCR analyses showed that while DGCR8 gene is not completely deleted in the uterus, DGCR8 is specifically deleted in the uterus where PR is strongly expressed. uDGCR8 KO females bred with fertile males did not produce any offspring, suggesting that these mice are infertile. Vaginal smear analyses provided evidence that these mice do not undergo estrous cycle. Whereas gross morphology and histological analyses of uteri of 3-week-old uDGCR8 KO mice is similar to that of DGCR8flox/flox mice (control), uteri of 5- and 8-week-old mice are extremely thinner and shorter than those of control mice. These results were supported by significant decrease in uterine weight/body weight of uDGCR8 KO mice at 5-week-old age onward. Interestingly, this phenotype is reflected by significant increase of PR expression in the uteri of 4-week-old mice. Expression of DGCR8 and Dicer is significantly increased after birth. BrdU incorporation experiments showed that cell proliferation governed by ovarian steroid hormones does not normally occur in these mutant mice. Furthermore, artificial decidualization does not occur in these mice. Collectively, these results conclude that canonical miRNAs plays critical roles in normal uterine development and steroid hormone-dependent uterine function.

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a chaperone protein that involves in oxidative protein folding by acting as catalysts and folding assistants in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Genome database showed that rice contains three PDI-like genes. But, their functions and subcellullar localization are not clearly identified. Here, we show possible functions of rice PDI (OsPDI) during seed development. Seeds of OsPDI T-DNA insertion mutants which were identified by genomic DNA PCR and western blot display chalky phenotype. Electron microscope analysis revealed that endosperms of the OsPDIL1-1Δ mutant show imperfect packing of round starch granules, causing floury-white color. Abnormal form of protein body I (PB-I) containing prolamin and thick aleurone layer were also observed in the OsPDIL1-1Δ mutants. Protein content per seed was significantly low in the OsPDIL1-1Δ mutant. However, free sugar content was high in the OsPDIL1-1Δ mutant seed. Northern and western blot analyses showed that during seed development, OsPDI protein is steadily accumulated in the seed until maturation while its transcript level was highest at 10 days after flowering and rapidly decreased to basal level. In addition, OsPDI strongly interacts with cysteine protease OsCP1 and chaperone BiP protein accumulates in OsPDIL1-1Δ mutant. Besides, proteomic analysis of the OsPDIL1-1Δ mutant seed showed that OsPDI is post-translationally regulated and its loss causes accumulation of many types of seed proteins. Our results indicate that OsPDI plays a critical role in seed development through its regulatory activity for various proteins.

This study deals with the design of a spring backboned soft arm, which will be employed for generation of human gesture as an effective means of Human‐Robot interaction. The special features of the proposed mechanism are the light weight and the flexibility of the whole mechanism by using a spring backbone. Thus, even in the case of collision with human, this device is able to absorb the impact structurally. The kinematics and the design for the soft arm are introduced. The performance of this mechanism was shown through experiment emulating several human gestures expressing human emotion and some service contents. Finally, this soft arm was implemented as the wing mechanism of a penguin robot.

Estrogens are ubiquitous signaling molecules that influence nearly every cell type, and exert profound effects on embryonic development, and differentiation. Wnt pathway, which recruits β-catenin into nuclei, and activates The Wnt-dependent transcription factors, also plays an important role in embryonic development and stem cell maintenance, and differentiation. Accumulating evidences indicate that potential convergence between these two pathways in carcinoma cells. However, physiological roles of estrogens in development and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are relatively unknown. Here, we demonstrated that estrogenic compounds 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and genistein (GEN) significantly increased β-catenin expression in undifferentiated hESCs cultured in feeder-free media. Interestingly, GEN treatement induced an increased trend of mesendodermal gene expressions, and significantly inhibited ectodermal gene expressions (Nestin and Pax6) in embrioid body (EB). Expectantly, GEN increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related gene expression (Snail2, and Twist), whereas decreased E-cadherin on day 6 of EB development. Taken together, these suggest that estrogens may in part the powerful effects on normal hESC differentiation. Mechanistic studies of estrogen signaling continue to suggest novel drug targets for stem cells and will also improve screening methods of developmental toxicity.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), also known as scab, caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum is a devastating disease of wheat in regions that are warm and humid during flowering. In addition to significant yield and quality losses, the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol produced by the pathogen in infected wheat kernels is a serious problem for food and feed safety. Twenty- three Korean cultivars and "Sumai 3", which is a FHB-resistant Chinese cultivar were tested for Type I, Type II resistances of FHB. Three cultivars were identified as resistant in Type I assessment, and two cultivars were resistant in Type II assessment. Genetic variation and relationship among the cultivars were evaluated on the basis of 11 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and 29 Sequence Tagged Site (STS) markers that were linked to FHB resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) on chromosome 3BS. One SSR and 7 STS markers detected polymorphisms. Especially, using a STS marker (XSTS3B-57), 32.4% of the variation for Type II FHB resistance could be explained. Genetic relationship among Korean wheat cultivars was generally consistent with their released year. These markers on chromosome 3BS have the potential for accelerating the development of Korean wheat cultivars with improved Fusarium head blight resistance through the use of marker-assisted selection.

This study was carried out to compare the physicochemical characteristics of vinegars fermented from cereal crops such as glutinous and nonglutinous foxtail millet, proso millet, sorghum and adlay, and Incalgyun. The crude protein, minerals and P2O5 contents of vinegars fermented from cereal crops and Incalgyun were higher than circulation brown rice vinegar. Brix degree, turbidity and pH of vinegar fermented from cereal crops and Incalgyun were higher, and total acidity was lower than circulation brown rice vinegar. The glucose content of circulation brown rice vinegar was 4.89 mg/mL, and vinegars fermented from cereal crops were 0.00-5.62 mg/mL. The total organic acid content of circulation brown rice vinegar was 41.92 mg/mL, and vinegars fermented from cereal crops were 12.14-42.31 mg/mL. The major organic acids were acetic acid, succinic acid and citric acid. The total polyphenol content of circulation brown rice vinegar was 0.023 mg/mL, vinegars fermented from cereal crops were 0.286-0.413 mg/mL, and vinegars fermented from cereal crops and Incalgyun were 0.266-0.396 mg/mL. The ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of vinegars fermented from cereal crops were higher than circulation brown rice vinegar.

Triterpene saponins (ginsenosides) are main bioactive compounds in Panax ginseng. From mevalonic acid pathway, the isoprene units was synthesized that is precusor of triterpene saponin. This study provides the complete nucleotide sequence of the full-length cDNA involved in mevalonic acid biosynthesis pathway. We had a full-length cDNA sequences as followed; HMGS (1944bp, 1407bp ORF), HMGR (2120bp,1728bp ORF) and MDD (1760bp, 1263bp ORF) with partial poly (A). We were used real time PCR and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to analysis the expression level of the gene involved in MVA pathway and to ginsenoside contents, respectively. All cloned genes are constitutively expressed in all tested tissues but at different levels with the highest expression in fine roots. But ginsenoside contents is highest in leaf > fine root> lateral root > red berry> main root > petiol > stem. After treantment of methyl Jasmonate (MeJA), MVA pathway genes are highly expressed and ginsenoside contents was high at 72h.