Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) native to Africa can be used as fiber, food, feedstock and bio plastic. This study was carried out to evaluate the mineral, amino acid and vitamin contents of six selected kenaf cultivars which are enable to produce seed under Korean circumstance. The leaves of three mutant cultivars (Jangdae, Jeokbong and Baekma), two original cultivars (Jinju, C14) and one Chinese cultivar (Auxu) were harvested at flowering time. Mineral components of kenaf leaves, such as calcium, potassium, and mineral, did not showed significant differences among the cultivars. As major amino acids including proline and phenylalanine, significant differences were found in these kenaf cultivars. The Auxu cultivar contained the highest amount of essential amino acid (Phenylalanine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Methionine and Lysine). The amount of vitamin displayed significant differences such as vitamin E and vitamin K among these cultivars. Especially, Jangdae cultivar contained the highest amount of vitamin E and vitamin K. Thus, these data suggested that Jangdae and Auxu is the most desirable cultivar containing high amount of vitamin and amino acid.

Rice, as a model system of monocotyledon plants for genomic studies, is a main staple food for over half of the world population. A rice retrotransposon, Tos17, is active during tissue culture and its ability was wildly used in insertional mutagenesis. In this study we have produced 2,000 non-GM mutants induced by Tos17 in rice. We analyzed >2,000 flanking sequences of newly transposed Tos17 copies by the adaptor-ligation PCR method. The frequencies of Tos17 insertions in the genic and intergenic regions were 60.3% and 36.6%, respectively. We also selected four Tos17 insertion mutant lines for three TF genes which can be considered to be considered to be involved in rice seed development based on expression microarray data: osrem3, osta1, osbhlh1-1, and osbhlh1-2 mutant lines. According to Quadruple 9-mer-based protein binding microarray (Q9-UPBM) experiment, we found that the OsREM3, OsTA1, and OsbHLH1 bound to the ACACCAC, CACGTG, and GTAACA motifs, respectively. In combination of Q9-UPBM, RiceArrayNet analysis, and expression microarray data, we identified 8, 20, and 9 putative target genes of OsREM3, OsTA1, and OsbHLH1, respectively. We have been screening and characterizing the mutations by extensive phenotypic analysis as well as the functional analysis of genes.

Salt and drought stresses affect virtually every aspect of plant physiology and metabolism and thus limiting the productivity of crop plants worldwide. Salt and drought tolerance and adaptation in rice has been improved by engineering various genes related to transcription, signaling, accumulation of antioxidants and compatible solutes etc. Previously, we have produced 2,000 non-GM mutants induced by Tos17 in rice. We analyzed >2,000 flanking sequences of newly transposed Tos17 copies by the adaptor-ligation PCR method. We also identified significantly up- or down-regulated genes under drought, salt, or ABA stress in rice based on expression microarray data, which previously were performed from leaf at different developmental stages and conditions. For screening and characterizing the salt or drought tolerance mutations by extensive phenotypic analysis as well as the functional analysis of genes, we selected 133 mutant lines. To evaluate rice phenotypic traits under abiotic stress condition, we plan to investigate phenomics, which integrates technologies such as photonics, biology, computers, and robotics.

To define whole genome-level of structural variation by ionization energies and radiation doses in plant, the seeds of Ilpum rice cultivar were acutely irradiated with gamma rays (100Gy, 200Gy, and 400Gy) and ion-beams (20Gy, 40Gy, and 80Gy), respectively. Six M1 rice plants were re-sequenced by Hi-Seq2500 with Ilpum cultivar as control. The average sequencing coverage of the individuals was 10.6X, and the average mapping rate to the rice reference genome (IRGSP-1.0) sequence was 96.95%. The individual plants were irradiated with gamma-400Gy and ion-50Gy had highest variation of SNP with 471,837 and 469,147, respectively. The number of insertion/deletion was 77,500 and 77,106, the synonymous and frame-shift were 7,859 and 7,763 in above two individuals. Although high genome variation shown between Ilpum cultivar and irradiated individuals, there were non-correlation between number of variation and radiation doses. However, five individuals, except ion-20Gy, showed 33 common variant blocks (CVBs) spanning 6 Mb in whole rice genome (1.6%). The CVBs were distributed on 12 rice chromosomes, Chromosome 6 had biggest CVB (5 blocks, 1.3Mb), whereas chromosome 9 had smallest CVB (0.01Mb). Total five hundred fifty one genes were in CVBs which can regard radiation sensitive genes or may be regarded as radiation hot spots in rice genome. This study will contribute to the improvement of the radiation mutation breeding research in genetic and genomic aspect.

Clubroot is a devastating disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae and results in severe losses of yield and quality in Brassica crops including Brassica oleracea. Therefore, it is important to identify resistance gene for CR disease and apply it to breeding of Brassica crops. In this study, we applied genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technique to construct high resolution genetic map and mapping of clubroot resistance (CR) genes. A total of 18,187 GBS markers were identified between two parent lines resistant and susceptible to the disease, of which 4,103 markers were genotyped in all 78 F2 plants generated from crossing of both parent lines. The markers were clustered into nine linkage groups spanning 879.9 cM, generating high resolution genetic map enough to refine reported reference genome of cabbage. In addition, through QTL analysis using 78 F2:3 progenies and mapping based on the genetic map, two and single major QTLs were identified for resistance of race 2 and race 9 of P. brassicae, respectively. These QTLs did not show collinearity with CR loci found in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) but roughly overlapped with CR loci identified in cabbage for resistance to race 4. Taken together, genetic map and QTLs obtained in this study will provide valuable information to improve reference genome and clubroot resistance in cabbage.

Anthocyanins are responsible for vivid colors of flowers, fruits and vegetative tissues and biosynthesis of it is primarily controlled by several structural and regulatory genes. The regulatory mechanism of this pathway is still unknown. This study identified 19 transcription factors of Brassica rapa and investigated their regulatory function in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway genes and cold and/or freezing tolerance in B. rapa. Expression analysis of these genes in the pigmented and non-pigmented portion of leaves of different lines of B. rapa revealed that BrMYB2-2 and BrTT8 showed responses contrasting with anthocyanin accumulation and cold stress. Sequences of these genes were analyzed and compared with similar gene sequences from other species and a high degree of homology with their respective functions was found. Co-regulated cis -elements were found in promoters of BrPAL1, BrCHS, BrF3H1, BrF3’H1, BrFLS, BrBAN, BrDFR8, BrANS1, and BrMYB2-2 and BrTT8 had binding sites of the promoters of those structural genes. Thus, the above results suggest the association of BrMYB2-2 and BrTT8 with regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway genes and cold and freezing stress tolerance and might be useful resources for development of cold resistant Brassica crops with desirable colors as well.

The TIFY family is composed of a plant-specific group of genes with diversity of functions. This family represents four subfamily of proteins viz. ZML, TIFY, PPD and JASMONATE ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins. TIFY proteins especially, JAZ proteins have been reported to perform different biological processes, such as developmental and stresses and hormone responses in Arabidopsis and rice. However, there is no information about this family genes in Brassicaceae. This study identifies 36 TIFY genes in Brassica rapa, an economically important crop species from this family. An extensive in silico analysis through phylogenetic grouping, protein motif organization and intron-exon distribution also confirmed 4 subfamilies of BrTIFY proteins. Out of 35 BrTIFY genes, we identified 21 under JAZ subfamily besides 7 TIFY, 6 ZML and 2 PPD. An extensive expression profiling of 21 BrTIFY JAZs both in tissues and organs of B. rapa revealed differential expression patterns. Almost all the BrTIFY JAZs predominantly expressed in leaves and flower buds. Besides, in a flower stage specific expression analysis we observed 14 BrTIFY JAZs with constitutive expression patterns. This indicates BrTIFY proteins have a strong involvement in the development of B. rapa flowers. Our protein interaction study also reveals the strong association of these proteins with the fertility and defense processes of B. rapa. To elucidate the stress responsiveness of BrTIFY genes, we analyzed the low temperature-treated whole-genome microarray data set and found almost all the BrTIFY JAZs were having variable transcript abundance in two contrasting inbred lines of B. rapa. Subsequently, all 21 BrTIFY JAZs were validated in response to cold stress in the same two lines via qPCR, where 9 genes were found to show up- regulation. And, a high and differential qPCR expression pattern of all the BrTIFY JAZs was also recorded against JA. Additionally, BrTIFY JAZs were tested against salt, drought, Fusarium, ABA and SA treatments and a considerable number of genes were found to be induced. The extensive annotation and transcriptome profiling reported in this study will be useful for understanding the involvement of TIFY genes in stress resistance and different developmental functions, which ultimately provides the basis for functional characterization and exploitation of the candidate genes for genetic engineering of B. rapa.

Blackleg disease caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is the most devastating disease of Brassica germplam worldwide that causes million tonnes of crop losses per year throughout the world. To date, a total of 12 race-specific resistance genes of Brassica napus to L. maculans have been reported but linkage mapping analysis reveals that all of those loci are located in A genome i.e., in B. rapa chromosomes. B. oleracea has high ancestral synteny with B. rapa through their evolution. We believe that presence of qualitative resistance is possible in B. oleracea germplasm. The present study was therefore planned to find out any race-specific qualitative resistance gene present in C genome of B. oleracea. A total of 16 microsatellite markers were used which are linked to seven different Rlm and Lep genes of B. napus to screen 32 inbred lines of cabbage. Primers were designed based on homology assessment in corresponding nucleotide sequence available in Bolbase (a B. oleracea genome database, http://www.ocri-genomics.org/bolbase/index.html), located in B. oleracea scaffolds/chromosomes. Out of 16 SSR markers, 13 were found polymorphic which indicates possible existence of resistant genes in cabbage lines. The inbred lines are then assessed against two L. maculans stains with known avirulent genes. Some inbred lines were hypersensitive against gene-specific virulent strains of L. maculans that confirmed existence of Rlm1, Rlm2, Rlm4, LepR3 and LepR4 in the cabbage lines. In this way we were able to select out resistant and susceptible lines against each resistant gene. The gene-specific polymorphic SSR marker regions were cloned and sequenced and candidate SNPs were identified for confirmation of their functionality.

Diffuse involvement of the right pulmonary artery (PA) associated with fistula between the PA and coronary artery is report-ed in a woman with Takayasu’s arteritis. Both the subclavian arteries were totally occluded and drained by the meanderinged artery arising from both common carotid arteries. Lung perfusion scan revealed perfusion defect of right lung. Two fistulas were identified. A large fistula was between the right PA and left circumflex artery. A small fistula was between the right PA and left anterior descending artery. This is a rare case of Takayasu’s arteritis presenting with a coronary – pulmonary artery fistula that is secondary to a diffuse unilateral involvement of PA.

Purpose Rhei Rhizoma (RR) is one of the herbal medicines traditionally used to treat diverse inflammatory diseases. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Rhei Rhizoma on experimental reflux esophagitis (RE) in rats. Methods The antioxidant activity of RR in vitro was measured in terms of radical scavenging capacity such as DPPH and ABTS. RE was produced by ligating both the pylorus and the transitional junction between the forestomach and the corpus. Rhei Rhizoma (125 and 250 mg/kg) were administered every day for 7 days, and its effect was estimated on comparison with RE control and normal rats. Results RR scavenged DPPH and ABTS effectively and IC50ofDPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity of RR were 4.8 μg/ml and 15.75 μg/ml. The administration of RR decreased the elevated serum ROS in RE control rats. The RE control rats exhibited the down-regulation of antioxidant-related proteins such as Nrf2 and HO-1expression levels in the esophagitis; however, the level in the RR-treated RE rats was significantly higher than that in the RE control rats. Moreover, RE control rats exhibited the up-regulation of the protein expression related to oxidative stress at the esophagitis, but RR administration significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins through the MAPK-independent signaling pathways. The expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines by NF-κB activation was modulated through blocking the degradation of IκBα. In addition, the oral administration of RR regulated the gastric mucosal damage in RE rats. Conclusion The administration of Rhei Rhizoma effectively ameliorates the inflammatory damage of esophageal mucosa through radical scavenging activity and the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

This study analyzes the buckling safety in the area of circumferentially edge-stiffened door openings without any additional longitudinal stiffeners of offshore tubular steel towers. The tubular steel tower is subjected to six (6) different load situations which are deemed to be normal and abnormal operating cases for the ultimate limit state. Analytical method using parametric equations based on Eurocode 3 - Design of Steel Structures and numerical method of finite element are used to analyze the critical meridional buckling stress. ABAQUS, a finite element program, is used for the numerical method analysis. Buckling safety analysis in the localized area near the opening is studied, and points of interest are defined for comparison between the two aforementioned analyses. Findings are tabulated and shown in illustrative charts, and conclusions are made.

A prototype of the GMT FSM has been developed to acquire and to enhance the key technology – mirror fabrication and tiptilt actuation. The ellipsoidal off-axis mirror has been designed, analyzed, and fabricated from light-weighting to grinding, polishing, and figuring of the mirror surface. The mirror was tested by using an interferometer together with CGHs, which revealed the surface error of 13.7 nm rms in the diameter of 1030 mm. The SCOTS test was employed to independently validate the test results. It measured the surface error to be 17.4 nm rms in the diameter of 1010 mm. Both tests show the optical surface of the FSMP mirror within the required value of 20 nm rms surface error.

Treatment of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage (SRH) is mainly conservative. However, if intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) or abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops, the treatment strategy should be more aggressive. Surgical decompression has been the gold standard; however, it is very invasive and highly morbid. Thus, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) has been introduced as an alternative therapeutic option. We report on a case of successful PCD for prevention of progression of IAH to ACS in a patient with SRH after coronary stent implantation. This case showed that PCD can be an efficacious and safe method for treatment of IAH with impending ACS.

In this paper, a brief but essential development strategy for the lunar orbit determination system is discussed to prepare for the future Korea’s lunar missions. Prior to the discussion of this preliminary development strategy, technical models of foreign agencies for the lunar orbit determination system, tracking networks to measure the orbit, and collaborative efforts to verify system performance are reviewed in detail with a short summary of their lunar mission history. Covered foreign agencies are European Space Agency, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Indian Space Research Organization and China National Space Administration. Based on the lessons from their experiences, the preliminary development strategy for Korea’s future lunar orbit determination system is discussed with regard to the core technical issues of dynamic modeling, numerical integration, measurement modeling, estimation method, measurement system as well as appropriate data formatting for the interoperability among foreign agencies. Although only the preliminary development strategy has been discussed through this work, the proposed strategy will aid the Korean astronautical society while on the development phase of the future Korea’s own lunar orbit determination system. Also, it is expected that further detailed system requirements or technical development strategies could be designed or established based on the current discussions.

The first Korean satellite laser ranging (SLR) system, Daedeok SLR station (DAEK station) was developed by Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) in 2012, whose main objectives are space geodesy researches. In consequence, Korea became the 25th country that operates SLR system supplementing the international laser tracking network. The DAEK station is designed to be capable of 2 kHz laser ranging with precision of a few mm both in daytime and nighttime observation of satellites with laser retro-reflector array (LRA) up to the altitude of 25,000 km. In this study, characteristics and specifications of DAEK station are investigated and its data quality is evaluated and compared with International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS) stations in terms of single-shot ranging precision. The analysis results demonstrated that the DAEK station shows good ranging performance to a few mm precision. Currently, the DAEK station is under normal operations at KASI headquarters, however, it will be moved to Sejong city in 2014 to function as a fundamental station for space geodesy researches in combination with other space geodesy systems (GNSS, VLBI, DORIS, etc.).

Gamma irradiation has been used as a tool for plant mutation breeding to select new cultivar with improved characteristics. Generally, the irradiation of seeds with high doses of gamma rays disturbs the synthesis of protein, hormone balance, and enzyme activity. And also, high dose of gamma rays to reduce plant height, number of tiller, and root length, although the effect of gamma-irradiated plants may depend on the species and cultivar or stress conditions. Biological effects of radiations can be divided into two types according to dose range and periods of exposure. Acute irradiation represents exposure to high-dose of irradiation over short period time, whereas the chronic irradiation is comprised of exposure to low doses of radiation over extended period of time. To compare the effects of acute and chronic exposure to ionizing radiation on two wheat cultivars (K4191 and Geumgangmil), we measured their germination rate, seedling height, and root length. In order to understand the influence of antioxidant-related genes and DNA repair-related genes, we used qRT-PCR methods to identify their expression levels. To study the behavior of a radiation-induced free radical, gamma-irradiated seeds were used for ESR spectroscopy. Plant growth pattern was showed positive correlation with ESR results. This study indicates that low level chronic radiation exposure is even more serious effects than short doses of high level radiation according to different wheat cultivar.

The genus Vicia comprises 166 annual or perennial species distributed mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America, also extending to the temperate regions of South America and tropical. However, utilization of SSR markers have not been investigated extensively in Vicia species as compared to other crop species. Here, we have assessed the potential for transferability (cross-species amplification) of cDNA microsatellites markers developed from common vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa). In total, 226 alleles were detected in 36 microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per marker ranged from one to 20, with an average of 6.3. The gene diversity and polymorphism information content value averaged 0.540 and 0.503, with a range of 0–0.85 and 0–0.84 respectively. For transferability of the SSRs, amplification was carried out with selected from two to 8 accessions of 22 different Vicia species. For individual species, the successful amplification rate ranged from 32.6% in V. ervilia to 81.9% in V. sativa subsp. nigra, with average of 48.8%. As the rate of successful amplification of microsatellite markers generally correlates with genetic distance, these SSR markers are potentially useful in the analysis of genetic relationships between or within Vicia species.