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We introduce an improved particle collection method for uranium isotopic analysis using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). A new design was applied to a vacuum-suction impactor to promote the dispersibility of collected particles and the air flow rate was adjusted to maximize the particle recovery yield. The improved method remarkably mitigated the ‘mixing effect’. Materials from a nuclear forensic exercise were also employed to evaluate the method applicability. This innovation will be useful to improve the accuracy of SIMS uranium particle analysis, especially for overloaded samples with mixed isotope compositions.

Pesticides are emergent toxins often identified in aquatic environments. In the present study, microplasma was employed to reduce the pesticide content in water. The degradation efficacy, rate, and pathways of standard organophosphorus pesticides (namely, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos oxone, and diazinone) and an organochlorine pesticide (namely, DDT solution) were evaluated using microplasma. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to elucidate the degradation efficiency of pesticides as a function of plasma-produced substances that originally contributed to the main reduction procedure. Microplasma produces several types of radicals or reactive substances, for instance dissolved ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides, hydroxyl radicals (OH radicals), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The removal potential differs due to the existence or absence of varieties of plasma-produced substances. The functions of major plasma-produced species on pesticide removal were determined by a passive technique. Nitrogen oxides showed a key role in organophosphorus pesticide removal, whereas dissolved ozone and OH radicals played major roles in DDT degradation. HPLC data showed that plasma-induced pesticide removal showed first-order reaction kinetics. The pesticide removal pathways through microplasma were validated by investigating the achieved data from LC-MS and GC-MS.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of cytostatic agents available for the treatment of various cancers and diseases. Although numerous clinical and pre-clinical trials on the anticancer effects of panobinostat have been conducted, only a few reports have investigated its efficacy in gastric cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of panobinostat in gastric cancer cells. Panobinostat significantly inhibited the cell viability and proliferation of the gastric cancer cell lines SNU484 and SNU638 in a dose-dependent manner, it reduced the colony-forming ability of these cells. Moreover, it induced apoptosis as indicated by increased protein levels of cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase and cleaved caspase-3. Panobinostat induced the G2/M cell cycle arrest in SNU484 and SNU638 cells and subsequently decreased the G2/M phase regulatory-associated protein expression of p-Wee1, Myt1, and Cdc2. Furthermore, panobinostat significantly inhibited the metastasis of SNU484 and SNU638 cells by regulating the expression of MMP-9 and E-cadherin. Further, it decreased the protein levels of p-Akt and forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1). These effects were reversed by the Akt agonist SC79 and were accelerated by the Akt inhibitor LY2940002. Moreover, tumor growth in xenograft animal experiments was suppressed by panobinostat. These results indicated that panobinostat inhibits the proliferation, metastasis, and cell cycle progression of gastric cancer cells by promoting apoptosis and inactivating Akt/FOXM1 signaling. Cumulatively, our present study suggests that panobinostat is a potential drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Introduction: Hepatoid carcinoma of the ovary (HCO) is a rare disease that originates from the ovarian surface epithelium. It is histologically characterized as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a hepatocyte-rich granular cytoplasm. Patient concerns: A 65-year-old female patient was admitted with complaints of indigestion, abdominal bloating, and pain. Diagnosis: The patient showed an elevated level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) with abdominal bloating and pain. After surgery and histopathology analysis, she was finally diagnosed with HCO, Figo stage IC. Interventions: After cytoreductive surgery, she underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Although the disease was diagnosed at an early stage, it recurred 6 months after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. Elevation of serum AFP level and removal of a mass from the lumbar vertebra confirmed the recurrence of this disease. Subsequently, the patient underwent radiation therapy and palliative chemotherapy. Outcomes: She died 31 months after the diagnosis due to disease progression. Conclusion: The aggressive nature of HCO was clearly observed in this case despite early diagnosis and treatment. Further studies are needed to understand the proper treatment and prognostic factors of HCO.

Co-electrodeposition of uranium and molybdenum from a LiCl-KCl melt was investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical study showed that the electrodeposition of Mo occurred from a molten LiCl-KCl eutectic at potentials more negative than −0.3 V vs. Ag|Ag+. Electrodeposition at a low overpotential range (between −0.3 V and −0.35 V) resulted in flat, thin Mo films, whereas greater overpotentials led to the growth of 3D films. Conditions for simultaneous electrodeposition of U and Mo were then optimized by varying the concentrations of UCl3 and MoCl3 and the electrodeposition method applied. At a constant potential of −1.58 V, a melt containing 1.3 wt% UCl3 and 1.5 wt% MoCl3 resulted in the co-electrodeposition of dendrites due to the high overpotential for Mo electrodeposition. However, diffusion-controlled electrodeposition using the same potential and concentration resulted in a uniform and flat U-Mo film. This co-electrodeposition of U-Mo films could be applied to the preparation of low-cost U-Mo nuclear fuel.

Ursolic acid (UA) possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antitumorigenic and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of UA against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) (TE-8 cells and TE-12 cells). The cell viability assay showed that UA decreased the viability of ESCC in a dose-dependent manner. In the soft agar colony formation assay, the colony numbers and size were reduced in a dose-dependent manner after UA treatment. UA caused the accumulation of vacuoles and LC3 puncta, a marker of autophagosome, in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy induction was confirmed by measuring the expression levels of LC3 and p62 protein in ESCC cells. UA increased LC3-II protein levels and decreased p62 levels in ESCC cells. When autophagy was hampered using 3-methyladenine (3-MA), the effect of UA on cell viability was reversed. UA also significantly inhibited protein kinase B (Akt) activation and increased p-Akt expression in a dose-dependent manner in ESCC cells. Accumulated LC3 puncta by UA was reversed after wortmannin treatment. LC3-II protein levels were also decreased after treatment with Akt inhibitor and wortmannin. Moreover, UA treatment increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ESCC in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Diphenyleneiodonium (an ROS production inhibitor) blocked the ROS and UA induced accumulation of LC3-II levels in ESCC cells, suggesting that UA-induced cell death and autophagy are mediated by ROS. Therefore, our data indicate that UA inhibits the growth of ESCC cells by inducing ROS-dependent autophagy.

쿼럼센싱은 세포 간의 의사소통 방법이며 박테리아의 병원성과 관련된 유전자들의 조절메커니즘이다. 박테리아는 다양한 생리학적 과정들을 제어하기 위해 이 쿼럼센싱 시스템을 활용한다. 본 연구에서 석류(Punica granatum L.) 껍질 추출물이 바이오 리포터 균주인 Chromobacterium violaceum 과 C. violaceum CV026에서 쿼럼센싱 억제능을 갖는 것으로 1차 선별되어 식중독균인 Y. enterocolitica에서 편모에 의한 운동능과 바이오필름형성 억제능에 대한 석류껍질 추출물의 효과에 대한 다음 실험을 수행하였다. 추가로 N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs)의 합성(yenI and yenR)과 편모 레귤론(fliA, fleB and flhDC) 에 관련된 특정유전자의 발현변화를 역전사 중합효소연쇄반응법으로 평가하였다. 결과는 석류껍질 추출물이 C. violaceum CV026에서 쿼럼센싱으로 제어되는 바이오레신 생산을 78.5%까지 억제하였으며, Y. enterocolitica에서는 세포의 성장에 영향을 주지 않고 바이오필름 형성과 편모 운동성을 현저히 감소시키는 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 이러한 억제 효과는 AHLs의 합성과 운동성에 관여하는 유전자 발현을 down-regulation 하는 결과와도 일치하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 석류껍질 추출물의 임상 적용을 위하여 생체 내 특성에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요하다는 것뿐 아니라 석류껍질 추출물이 사람의 위장관염을 방지하기 위한 잠재적인 치료제가 될 수 있다는 것을 보여준다. 【Quorum sensing (QS) is involved in the process of cell-to-cell communication and as a gene regulatory mechanism, which has been implicated in bacterial pathogenicity. Bacteria use this QS system to control a variety of physiological processes. In this study, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel extract (PPE) was first screened for its ability to inhibit QS in bio-reporter strains (Chromobacterium violaceum and C. violaceum CV026). Next, the ability of PPE to inhibit swimming motility and biofilm formation was examined in Y. enterocolitica. Additionally, changes in the expression of specific genes involved in the synthesis of the N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs; yenI and yenR) and in the flagellar regulon (fliA, fleB and flhDC) were evaluated by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The results show that PPE specifically inhibited and reduced QS-controlled violacein production by 78.5% in C. violaceum CV026, and decreased QS-associated biofilm formation and swimming motility in Y. enterocolitica without significantly affecting bacterial growth. These inhibitory effects were also associated with the down-regulation of gene expression involved in the synthesis of AHLs and in motility. Our results suggest that PPE could be a potential therapeutic agent to prevent enteropathogens in humans, as well as highlight the need to further investigate the in vivo properties of PPE for clinical applications.】

Background. A combination of serotonin receptor (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 3) antagonists, NK-1 receptor antagonist, and steroid improves the complete response (CR) of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in cancer patients. Ramosetron's efficacy in this triple combination regimen has not been investigated. This prospective, multicenter, single-blind, randomized, phase III study compares a combination of ramosetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone (RAD) with a combination of ondansetron, aprepitant, and dexamethasone (OAD) to prove the noninferiority of RAD in controlling highly emetogenic CINV. Methods. Aprepitant and dexamethasone were orally administered for both arms. Ramosetron and ondansetron were intravenously given to the RAD and OAD groups. The primary endpoint was no vomiting and retching and no need for rescue medication during the acute period (day 1); the noninferiority margin was −15%. Results. A total of 299 modified intention-to-treat cancer patients who received RAD (144 patients) and OAD (155 patients) were eligible for the efficacy analysis. The CR rates of RAD versus OAD were 97.2% versus 93.6% during the acute period, 77.8% versus 73.6% during the delayed period (day 2–5), and 77.1% versus 71.6% during the overall period. Furthermore, RAD was noninferior to OAD in subgroups stratified by age, cancer type, chemotherapeutic agents, and schedule. Repeated measures analysis showed that in male patients, RAD was superior to OAD. Profiles of adverse events were similar in both groups. Conclusion. RAD is as effective and tolerable as OAD for CINV prevention in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Ramosetron could be considered one of the best partners for aprepitant.

When electronic connectors in mobile devices are miniaturized, the thickness of plating decreases. However, this thin plating is expected to decrease the life of the connector due to problems with corrosion. In this study, salt spray aging tests were performed on miniaturized nickel-plated stainless steel electronic connectors to observe failure mechanisms in realistic environments. The tests were performed three times using a 5% NaCl solution in an atmosphere of 45 °C; each test included several cycles where one cycle was one 24-h period consisting of 8 h of salt spray and 16 h without salt spray. The nickel-plating layers were periodically observed by electron probe X-ray micro-analyzer, wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy to analyze and identify the corrosion mechanism. We found that the primary failure mode of the nickel plating is blistering and delamination. The corrosion mechanism is typically a chain reaction of several corrosion mechanisms: pitting corrosion → stress corrosion cracking → hydrogen-induced cracking → blistering and delamination. Finally, we discuss countermeasures to prevent corrosion of the nickel layer based on the corrosion mechanisms identified in this study.

We prepared neptunium chloride complexes electrochemically and performed spectroelectrochemical measurements of neptunium ions in LiCl–KCl eutectic melts at 450 °C, where the neptunium concentrations studied were in the range of 0.1–1 mM. We observed a highly absorbing f–d transition band of Np3+ at 383 nm, which was used to determine an formal potential of the Np4+|Np3+ redox couple (E°′ = 0.45 V vs. Ag|Ag+) with a solution of concentration as low as ~0.1 mM. This result agreed well with the value (E°′ = 0.42 V vs. Ag|Ag+) determined by cyclic voltammetry with a ~15 mM solution.

Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, B&C Biopharm Co. Ltd., Suwon 443-270, KoreaReceived May 8, 2014, Accepted July 15, 2014Mollugin has been reported to have various biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviralagainst the hepatitis B virus, anti-aging and antimutagenic activities. An effective and concise synthesis ofmollugin in two steps including kinetic control from the cheap starting material 1,4-naphthoquinone has beenintroduced, and mollugin derivatives thus prepared are screened for their inhibition ability against the hepatitisC virus (HCV) and the dihydrobenzochromene structure might be an additional anti-HCV agent as a newleading compound.Key Words : Mollugin, Hepatitis C virus, Rubiaceae, Kinetic control, DihydrobenzochromeneIntroductionMollugin 1a was isolated and characterized from the driedroot of Rubia cordifolia L. (Rubiaceae)

The objectives of this study was to improve poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) production by Bacillus subtilis D7 isolated from a Korean traditional fermented food and to assess its antioxidant activity for applications in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Strain D7 produced γ-PGA in the absence of L-glutamic acid, indicating L-glutamic acid-independent production. However, the addition of L-glutamic acid increased γ-PGA production. Several tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and amino acids could serve as the metabolic precursors for γ-PGA production, and the addition of pyruvic acid and D-glutamic acid to culture medium improved the yield of γ-PGA markedly. The maximum yield of γ-PGA obtained was 24.93 ± 0.64 g/l in improved medium, which was about 5.4-fold higher than the yield obtained in basal medium. γ-PGA was found to have 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (46.8 ± 1.5 %), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (52.0 ± 1.8 %), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (42.1 ± 1.8 %), nitric oxide scavenging activity (35.1 ± 1.3 %), reducing power (0.304 ± 0.008), and metal chelating activity (91.3 ± 3.5 %). These results indicate that γ-PGA has a potential use in the food, cosmetics, and biomedical industries for the development of novel products with radical scavenging activity. As far as we are aware, this is the first report to describe the antioxidant activityof γ-PGA produced by bacteria.

We investigated the functionality of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), which is produced by Bacillus subtilis D7, for its potential applications in medicine and cosmetics. The γ-PGA had angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activity. ACE inhibition activity was dependent on the γ-PGA concentration; the highest ACE inhibition activity was observed at 1.25mg/l of γ-PGA. IC50 (0.108mg/ml) of the γ-PGA was lower than that of standard ACE inhibitory drug, N-[(S)-mercapto-2-methylpropionyl]-L-proline (0.247mg/ml). The γ-PGA also had water-holding capacity and hygroscopicity. Furthermore, the γ-PGA inhibited growth of some pathogenic bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Esherichia coli. The γ-PGA exhibited a good metal adsorption capacity; Cr (VI) adsorption capacity of γ-PGA increased with decreasing pH, and the maximal adsorption was observed at pH 2. Our results suggest that γ-PGA may be expected to be widely applied in cosmetics, biomedical and environmental industries with the feature of being less harmful to humans and the environment.

Iindium-tin-oxide (ITO) material was had to use in display application as transparent electrode. However it would be problems comes up, the depletion of indium, tin and energy consumption of production process. Therefore recently trend was demanded alternative ITO material and recycling/reused ITO. In this conditions, the environmental impact have to express correct value about recycling/reused ITO process. The life cycle assessment was valuable method in this process. Thus first step was carried out separating in/out put (material) sources and then, exactive data base (DB) was applied. The result of environment impact was calculated by affect categories and recycling rate was set to 34% (This value was measured in previous project). The rate (g) of ITO material was calculated by chemical equivalent. In result, environmental impact were revealed acidification potential and abiotic depletion and if do not recycle/reuse ITO, $ 476 per 1 ton waste in land.

Metal hydrides based on Mg are very promising materials for hydrogen storage applications because Mg hydride has a high hydrogen storage capacity, reversible hydriding behavior, light weight and low cost. However Mg hydride is difficult for practical uses because it requires high temperature and has a slower rate of hydrogen absorption/desorption. Therefore, various catalysts as the main factor for the adsorption of hydrogen have been actively studied. SCZY (Sr(Ce0.9Zr0.1)0.95Yb0.05O3−δ), as one of the best proton conducting ceramics, has both high proton conductivity and high chemical stability. SCZY is expected to have a good influence as catalyst on the kinetics of hydrogenation behavior. In this study, we were prepared MgHx–SCZY composites using ball-milling. SCZY powder prepared by the sol–gel method was added to 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% of Mg hydride. The fabricated MgHx–SCZY composites were characterized by TG/DSC, XRD, SEM and BET. The hydrogenation behaviors were evaluated using a Sievert’s type automatic PCT apparatus.

Chemical absorption/stripping technologies using an amine-based solvent have a lot of advantages for capturing carbon dioxide in post-combustion capture system. However, the higher energy demand for the solvent recovery makes the technology difficult to retrofit to existing plants. To overcome this obstacle, an alternative stripping process using an organic acid was studied to decrease the solubility of carbon dioxide and save the energy demand, but further research is necessary to recover the amine solvent and an organic acid effectively. In this study, a new amine recovery method using an organic acid is proposed and the method suggests a two-step of reaction crystallization process to separate the amine and the acid. This study demonstrates that an amine solvent (monoethanolamine, MEA) and an organic acid (oxalic acid) could be recycled effectively by reaction crystallization experiment. MEA and oxalic acid recovery efficiencies were also obtained using the experimental data in this study. The percentages of MEA recovery and the acid losses were estimated through these data. In addition, the energy demands for two recovery processes were estimated.

In contrast to the well known immunostimulatory roles of IL-12, little has been known about its immunosuppressive roles. In the present study, IL-12-activated lymphocyte-mediated macrophage apoptosis was investigated by employing murine lymphocyte/macrophage cocultures. IL-12-activated lymphocytes and their culture supernatants induced an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-mediated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in macrophages. The NO synthesis was markedly inhibited by blocking antibodies to IFN-γ and TNF-α, suggesting the key role of these lymphocyte cytokines in mediating the NO synthesis. The endogenously produced NO inhibited macrophage proliferation, and induced apoptosis in concordance with the accumulation of p53, phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and DR5, and the activation of caspase-3, processes that were inhibited by N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine, aminoguanidine (NO synthase inhibitors) and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide (an NO scavenger). These results were further supported by the findings obtained from the experiments employing IFN-γ-knockout and iNOS-knockout mice. Our study demonstrated a novel, non-contact-dependent mechanism of macrophage suppression by IL-12-activated lymphocytes: induction of growth inhibition and apoptosis of macrophages due to endogenous NO synthesis induced by cytokines secreted from IL-12-activated lymphocytes.

This study was carried out to investigate changes of protease and amylase activities and nitrogen content in Chungkookjang prepared by Bacillus subtilis S8 and different soybean. Amino-type nitrogen and ammonia-type nitrogen contents increased with an increase in fermentation time and was the highest in black soybean Chungkookjang. The number of viable cells increased up to 24 h of fermentation at all temperatures tested; especially, their levels were the highest at 40. Protease activity was the highest in black soybean Chungkookjang. α-amylase activity increased significantly up to 6 h of fermentation at 30and 40and then maintained constantly. It also increased up to 30-36 h of fermentation at 45and then decreased. β-amylase activity was the highest in black soybean Chungkookjang at 35and 40and in yellow soybean Chungkookjang at 45. Production pattern of reducing sugar was similar to that of β-amylase. Amino-type nitrogen, viable cell number and reducing sugar content and β-amylase activity was the highest in Chungkookjang fermented at 40. Considering amino-type and ammonia-type nitrogen contents, Chungkookjang fermentation using yellow soybean was favorable. However, the fermentation using black soybean was favorable, considering protease and amylase activities and reducing sugar content.Key words: Bacillus subtilis, Chungkookjang, Fermentation, Soybean cultivar

Ceramic membrane has high permeation rate of hydrogen and chemical stability. Al 2 O 3 indicates stable at high temperature and a relatively large surface area. In addition, Al 2 O 3 of porous is used as hydrogen separation membranes support, because of the high hydrogen permeability based on Knudsen diffusion mechanism. In this work, metal alkoxides as starting materials was used Aluminum isopropoxide powder. Then CeO 2 as catalyst at the partial oxidation and Graphene Oxide as electrical conductivity are added, Al 2 O 3 –CeO 2 –Graphene oxide (ACG) composites are synthesized by sol–gel process. ACG membrane was fabricated type of disk by Hot Press Sintering. A synthesized ACG composite material was characterized by EDS, SEM, TG/DTA, XRD, BET. The hydrogen permeation property of ACG membrane was measured by Sievert's type hydrogen permeation membrane equipment. The hydrogen permeability of ACG membranes was examined at RT-673 K under increasing pressure. Results, hydrogen permeability was obtained to 2.62 × 10 −7 mol/ms Pa 1/2 at 673 K under 0.3 MPa.

In order to investigate changes in quality and enzyme activity during Chungkookjang fermentation, germinated- and nongerminated yellow soybeans were fermented by Bacillus subtilis and traditional methods. When the soybean was soaked for 6 h and then watered for 4 days with 2 h-interval at , the highest germination rate was obtained. The germinated soybeans had a higher total isoflavone () than that of the nongerminated soybeans (). Amino type nitrogen contents, protease and amylase activities were higher in germinated soybean Chungkookjang, which was fermented with B. subtilis, than nongerminated soybean Chungkookjang, which was fermented with B. subtilis and traditional methods. Reducing sugar and amino type nitrogen contents, the number of viable cells and protease and amylase activities, were higher for Chungkookjang fermented with B. subtilis, than Chungkookjang fermented by traditional methods. ALP and SOD activities in the Chungkookjang diet group were considerably higher than in the control group. AST activity in the germinated soybean Chungkookjang diet group was higher than in the nongerminated soybean Chungkookjang diet group. In conclusion, it is suggested that Chungkookjang prepared with germinated soybeans using B. subtilis D7 could be practically used as a functional product.

This study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of Chungkookjang depending on different soybeans and fermentation temperatures using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C2 isolated from homemade Chungkookjang. The highest protease activity was 854 U/g in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 847 U/g in black soybean Chungkookjang at . The highest amylase activity was 3.87 U/g at in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 4.96 U/g at in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest reducing sugar content was 16.11 mg/g at in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 19.08 mg/g at in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest amino type nitrogen content was 420 mg%/g in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 194 mg%/g in black soybean Chungkookjang at . The highest pH was 7.92 at in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 7.59 at in black soybean Chungkookjang. The highest number of viable cell was 9.3 log CFU/g at in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and at in black soybean Chungkookjang. On the other hand, the lowest ammonia type nitrogen content was 225 mg%/g at in yellow soybean Chungkookjang and 80 mg%/g at in black soybean Chungkookjang. Yellow soybean Chungkookjang showed high protease activity, pH and amino type nitrogen, whereas black soybean Chungkookjang showed high amylase activity and reducing sugar.

>> Mg and Mg-based alloys are regarded as strong candidate hydrogen storage materials since their hydrogen capacity exceeds that of known metal hydrides. One of the approaches to improve kinetic is additionof metal oxide. In this paper, we tried to improve the hydrogenation properties of Mg-based hydrogen storage composites. The effect of transition metal oxides, such as Nb 2 O 5 on the kinetics of the Magnesium hydrogen absorption kinetics was investigated. MgH x -5wt.% Nb 2 O 5 composites have been synthesized by hydrogen induced mechanical alloying. The powder fabricated was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission-ScanningElectron Microscopy (Fe-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), BET and simultaneous Thermo Gravimetric Analysis / Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG/DSC) analysis. The Absorption / desorption kinetics of MgH x -5wt.%Nb 2 O 5 (type I and II) are determined at 423, 473, 523, 573 and 623 K. Key words : Hydrogen storage alloy (수소저장합금), Mechanical alloying (기계적 합금화법), Hydride (수소화물),Kinetics(반응속도)

We investigated usefulness of chicken feather as bioadsorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium[Cr( Ⅵ )] and oil from aqueous solution. Chicken feather was chemically treated with DTPA, EDTA, NaOH and SDS, respectively. Among them, EDTA was the most effective in adsorbing Cr( Ⅵ ). Cr( Ⅵ ) uptake by chicken feather was increased with decreasing pH; the highest Cr( Ⅵ ) uptake was observed at pH 2.0. By increasing Cr( Ⅵ ) concentration, Cr( Ⅵ ) uptake was increased, and maximum Cr( Ⅵ ) uptake was 0.34 mmol/g. Cr( Ⅵ ) adsorption by chicken feather was well described by Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich constant(1/ n ) was 0.476. As the concentration of chicken feather was increased, Cr( Ⅵ ) removal efficiency was increased but Cr( Ⅵ ) uptake was decreased. Most of Cr( Ⅵ ) was adsorbed at early reaction stage(1 h) and adsorption equilibrium was established at 5 h. On the other hand, chicken feather adsorbed effectively oils including bunker-A and bunker-C. In conclusion, our results suggest that chicken feather waste could be used to remove heavy metal and oil; it is a potential candidate for biosorption material.

In this study, we isolated and characterized plant-associated lactic acid bacteria which are able to produce angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidative activities. Five lactic acid bacteria were isolated from plants (grape and leek), a plant-associated fermentative product (Kimchi) and Korean traditional alcohol (Dongdongju). Strains K-1 and K-21 from Kimchi, strain L-5 from leek, strain G-3 from grape, and strain D-3 from Dongdongju were identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Weissella cibaria, L. plantarum, and L. brevis, respectively, by 16S rRNA gene analysis. ACE inhibitory activities of isolated strains ranged from 44.3 to 71.9% in the MRS broth. G-3, L-5 and K-1 strains especially showed high ACE inhibitory activities (59.8-98.69%) in the MRS broth containing skim milk. DPPH radical scavenging activities of the strains were in the range of 42.5-82.7%. All strains showed varying levels of resistance in artificial gastric fluid (pH 2.5), retaining viability ranging from 42.2 to 88.1% after 3 hr of incubation. All strains showed high resistance to 0.3% oxgall after 24 hr of incubation; survival rates were in the range of 55.4-112.8%. Isolated strains were found to be antagonistic to some pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In order to develop bacterial cellulose (BC) with antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms, silver and chitosan were incorporated into BC, respectively. Experiment results showed that antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms was improved with increasing silver concentration. Chitosan also showed a direct proportion between its concentration and antimicrobial activity. These results suggest that antimicrobial effects of BC using silver and chitosan are well proven to be effective. We also tested the stainability of BC with natural colorant for the application of food industry. Stainability of BC was enhanced with increasing natural colorant concentration. Decolorization of BC stained was observed by dipping it into distilled water with one hour-intervals. As a result, there was no significant difference. Combination of natural colorant-stainability and antibiosis of BC is expected to be useful in making colored antibiotic BC in various industrial application areas, considering its antimicrobial activity, high stainability and low decolorization tendency.

The most promising methods for high purity hydrogen production are membranes separation such as polymer, metal, ceramic and composites. It is well known that Pd and Pd-alloys membranes have excellent properties for hydrogen separation. However, it has hydrogen embrittlement and high cost for practical applications. Therefore, most scientists have studied new materials instead of Pd and Pd-alloys. On the other hand, ceramic materials are great in resistance to acids and chemically stable under high operating temperature. Recent research in cermet materials for membrane applications interests to permeability and selectivity of hydrogen. High purity hydrogen can be produced through simple process by membrane. Recently, research in ceramic composites for membrane applications attract to hydrogen separation. Porous ceramic membrane process which has high permeability and hydrogen flux is chemically and thermally stable. Therefore, they are attractive for applications in hydrogen production process. However, porous ceramic membrane had low selectivity, hard to produce high purity hydrogen. Many studies were carried out Pd and Pd alloys coating, they were fabricated dense cermet membrane. In this work, ACZ ceramic membrane was fabricated disk type membrane by cold isostatic press (CIP) and then coated Pd and Pd-alloys.. It was characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX and BET. Also, we estimated the hydrogen permeability by Sievert's type hydrogen permeation membrane equipment.

E-mail: jgjun@hallym.ac.krReceived November 23, 2010, Accepted January 4, 2011Key Words : Licochalcone E, Claisen-Schmidt condensation, Water-accelerated [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrange-ment, Claisen rearrangement, Co-solvent system Retrochalcones (licochalcones A-E, echinatin) were iso-lated and characterized from the roots of oriental herb, G.inflata.

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesis is strongly induced during interleukin (IL)-2 treatment of mice and humans. Although this free radical can act as a cytotoxic effector molecule against cancer cells, immunosuppressive effects have also been suggested. We evaluated the effects of curcumin on IL-2-induced NO synthesis and IL-2-induced antitumor responses in a mouse ascites tumor model. Curcumin inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO production, and thereby enhanced the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of cocultured lymphocytes and macrophages during IL-2 stimulation which we earlier established as an in vitro model of IL-2-induced NO synthesis. Curcumin also decreased apoptosis of cocultured lymphocytes and macrophages during IL-2 stimulation. In contrast, the curcumin-induced changes in proliferation and apoptosis were not observed in cultures of lymphocytes alone, macrophages alone, and cocultured lymphocytes/iNOS-knock out macrophages, all of which produced little nitrite during IL-2 stimulation. In conjunction with IL-2 treatment, oral curcumin administration significantly inhibited IL-2 therapy-induced urinary nitrite/nitrate excretion and iNOS expression of tumor tissues, and further increased the IL-2 therapy-induced prolongation of survival in a murine Meth-A ascites tumor model. Curcumin may be useful as an adjunct to increase the antitumor activity of IL-2 therapy.

This study was conducted to isolate and characterize a novel feather-degrading bacterium producing keratinase activity. A strain K9 was isolated from soil at poultry farm and identified as Xanthomonas sp. K9 by phenotypic characters and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The cultural conditions for the keratinase production were 0.3% fructose, 0.1% gelatin, 0.04% K 2 HPO 4 , 0.06% KH 2 PO 4 , 0.05% NaCl and 0.01% FeSO 4 with an initial pH 8.0 at 30 ℃ and 200 rpm. In an optimized medium containing 0.1% chicken feather, production yield of keratinase was approximately 8-fold higher than the yield in basal medium. The strain K9 effectively degraded chicken feather meal (67%) and duck feather (54%), whereas human nail and human hair showed relatively low degradation rates (13-22%). Total free amino acid concentration in the cell-free supernatant was about 25.799 mg/l. Feather hydrolysate produced by the strain K9 stimulated growth of red pepper, indicating Xanthomonas sp. K9 could be not only used to increase the nutritional value of chicken feather but also a potential candidate for the development of natural fertilizer applicable to crop plant soil. Key Words :Feather, Fertilizer, Keratin, Keratinase

This study was performed to investigate the nutritional conditions controlling keratinase activity in Bacillus megaterium F7-1. B. megaterium F7-1 produced keratinase using chicken feather as a sole source of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. Addition of the feather medium with glucose enhanced keratinase production (68.9 U/ml), compared to control without glucose (63.2 U/ml). The synthesis of keratinase was repressed by addition of in B. megaterium F7-1. The highest keratinase production (70.9 U/ml) was obtained with the feather medium containing glucose and . Keratinase was produced in the absence of feather (4.9 U/ml), indicating its constitutive synthesis. Feather degradation resulted in free SH group formation. B. megaterium F7-1 effectively degraded chicken feather meal (86%), whereas duck feather, human nail, human hair and sheep wool displayed relatively low degradation rates (8-34%).

In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel feather-degrading bacterium that shows keratinolytic, antifungal and plant growth-promoting activities. A bacterium S8 was isolated from forest soil and confirmed to belong to Bacillus subtilis by BIOLOG system and 16S rRNA gene analysis. The improved culture conditions for the production of keratinolytic protease were 0.1% (w/v) sorbitol, 0.3% (w/v) KNO(3), 0.1% (w/v) K(2)HPO(4), 0.06% (w/v) KH(2)PO(4) and 0.04% (w/v) MgCl(2)·6H(2)O (pH 8.0 and 30°C), respectively. In the improved medium containing 0.1% (w/v) feather, keratinolytic protease production was around 53.3 ± 0.3 U/ml at 4 day; this value was 10-fold higher than the yield in the basal feather medium (5.3 ± 0.1 U/ml). After cultivation for 5 days in the improved medium, intact feather was completely degraded. Feather degradation resulted in free -SH group, soluble protein and amino acids production. The concentration of free -SH group in the culture medium was 15.5 ± 0.2 μM at 4 days. Nineteen amino acids including all essential amino acids were produced in the culture medium; the concentration of total amino acid produced was 3360.4 μM. Proline (2809.9 μM), histidine (371.3 μM) and phenylalanine (172.0 μM) were the major amino acids released in the culture medium. B. subtilis S8 showed the properties related to plant growth promotion: hydrolytic enzymes, ammonification, indoleacetic acid (IAA), phosphate solubilization, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Interestingly, the strain S8 grown in the improved medium produced IAA and antifungal activity, indicating simultaneous production of keratinolytic and antifungal activities and IAA by B. subtilis S8. These results suggest that B. subtilis S8 could be not only used to improve the nutritional value of feather wastes but also is useful in situ biodegradation of feather wastes. Furthermore, it could also be a potential biofertilizer or biocontrol agent applicable to crop plant soil.

The catalytic enantioselective electrophilic fluorinations of active methine compounds promoted chiral palladium complexes have been developed. Treatment of β-keto phosphonates and β-ketoesters with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide as the fluorine source under mild reaction conditions afforded the corresponding α-fluorinated adducts in high yields with excellent enantiomeric excesses (up to 99% ee). These reactions can be conducted in alcoholic solvents without any precaution to exclude water and moisture.

Hydrophilic and flexible polyurethane foams were prepared using sodium alginate as a polyol, and characterized by optical microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, density measurements, volume swelling, and water absorbency. Optical microscopy revealed that the resulting cells were closed with round and elongated shapes. FT-IR confirmed that the urethane linkages were formed between the isocyanate and sodium-alginate. As an indirect measurement of porosity, the apparent density indicated an initial decrease followed by an increase with increasing glycerin content. The volume-swelling ratio was initially constant, followed by a gradual decrease with glycerin content. The volume swelling ratio increased with PEG molecular weight. The water absorbency initially increased, followed by a decrease with increasing glycerin content. The correlation-ships between water absorbency, density, and volume-swelling ratio indicated that the absorbency was predominantly influenced by density when the PEG molecular weight was low and was greatly affected by the volume-swelling ratio when the PEG molecular weight was relatively high.

The aim of the present paper is to report results on hydrogenation behavior of a new composite material, MgHx-BCY10. Rare earth element-doped ABO3 perovskite oxides have been studied for their possibility use in hydrogen storage. Especially, materials based on BaCeO3 are known not only for their proton conductivity in hydrogen but also for the fact that they have higher hydrogen solubility than that of other metal oxides. So, the admixing of perovskite-type oxide in storage materials has to consider the possibility of MgHx leading to sorption kinetics. And, these materials can be new materials for hydrogen storage. This research considers Pressure-Composition-Isothermal behavior according to perovskite-type oxide powder ratio and hydrogen pressure. The effects of added amount of BCY show a temperature of dehydrogenation that has decreased.From the results shown in the P-C-T curves, the MgHx-5wt% BCY composite was evaluated as having a 2.81 wt% maximum hydrogen storage capacity at 623 K. The absorption curves show that the MgHx-10wt% BCY was composite evaluated at a maximum 0.43wt%/s hydrogen absorption rate at 623 K. From the results of the hydrogenation behavior observed, the role of BCY as a catalyst in hydrogen absorption is confirmed.

The catalytic enantioselective electrophilic fluorinations of active methine compounds promoted chiral palladium complexes have been developed. Treatment of β-keto phosphonates and β-ketoesters with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide as the fluorine source under mild reaction conditions afforded the corresponding α-fluorinated adducts in high yields with excellent enantiomeric excesses (up to 99% ee). These reactions can be conducted in alcoholic solvents without any precaution to exclude water and moisture.

The chemistry of organic fluorine compounds is a rapidly developing area of research because of their importance in biochemical and medicinal applications and material science. Introduction of fluorine atom into biologically active compounds often leads to improvement of chemical and physical properties of the parent compounds due to unique properties of the fluorine atom. Chiral organofluorine compounds containing a fluorine atom bonded directly to a stereogenic center have been utilized in studies of enzyme mechanisms and as intermediates in asymmetric syntheses. The development of effective methodologies for the preparation of stereoselectively fluorinated compounds having a fluorine atom at a stereogenic carbon center is critical in order to further advances of fluorine chemistry. Until now, a number of enantioselective fluorinations have been achieved by reagent-controlled and catalytic enantioseletive fluorination. Recently, several groups have been reported the catalytic enantioselective fluorination of active methine derivatives using chiral Lewis acids such as Binap-Pd(II) and transition metal-bis(oxazoline) complexes and organocatalysts such as cinchonine-derived quaternary ammonium salt, imidazolidinone, and proline derivatives. A few synthetic methods for the preparation of α-chloroα-fluoro-β-ketoesters have been reported. In general, αchloro-α-fluoro-β-ketoesters were prepared by the electrophilic fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters using NFSI or F2 in the presence of formic acid. Togni has recently reported the first catalytic enantioselective synthesis of α-chloro-αfluoro-β-ketoesters using chiral titanium complexes with up to 65% selectivity. As part of research program related to the development of synthetic methods for the enantioselective construction of stereogenic carbon centers, we reported the catalytic enantioselective α-fluorination and α-amination of β-ketoesters with excellent enantioselectivity which promoted by chiral ammonium salts and chiral palladium complexes. In this letter, we wish to report the catalytic enantioseletive electrophilic α-fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters using chiral palladium complexes 3 which are airand moisturestable. To determine suitable reaction condition for the catalytic enantioselcetive fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters 1, we first examined electrophilic fluorination of 1-chloro benzoylacetate 1a with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) in the presence of 5 mol% of 3a in MeOH at room temperature (Table 1). As can be seen from Table 1, the fluorinated

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in graft-versus-tumor-effect (GVT) was evaluated in the present study. GVT was induced by intravenous injection of C57BL/6J (H-2 b ) mouse splenocytes to {C57BL/6J (H-2 b ) × BALB/c (H-2 d )} F1 mice bearing Meth A (H-2 d ) ascites tumors. Induction of GVT increased nitrite production and expression of inducible NO synthase by ascites cells. The increased nitrite production was inhibited by N G -monomethyl- l -arginine (MLA). Experiments employing immunomagnetic depletion of Mac-1+ cells from ascites indicated that macrophages were a major cellular source of the nitrite production. Interferon-γ levels were increased in both serum and ascites fluid during GVT. Induction of GVT prolonged survival of ascites-bearing mice, and increased urinary nitrate excretion. MLA administration inhibited GVT-induced increase in urinary nitrate excretion, and further prolonged GVT-induced increase in survival. These results indicate that NO synthesis is induced in tumors during GVT, and the NO acts as an inhibitor of GVT.

The chemistry of organic fluorine compounds is a rapidly developing area of research because of their importance in biochemical and medicinal applications and material science. Introduction of fluorine atom into biologically active compounds often leads to improvement of chemical and physical properties of the parent compounds due to unique properties of the fluorine atom. Chiral organofluorine compounds containing a fluorine atom bonded directly to a stereogenic center have been utilized in studies of enzyme mechanisms and as intermediates in asymmetric syntheses. The development of effective methodologies for the preparation of stereoselectively fluorinated compounds having a fluorine atom at a stereogenic carbon center is critical in order to further advances of fluorine chemistry. Until now, a number of enantioselective fluorinations have been achieved by reagent-controlled and catalytic enantioseletive fluorination. Recently, several groups have been reported the catalytic enantioselective fluorination of active methine derivatives using chiral Lewis acids such as Binap-Pd(II) and transition metal-bis(oxazoline) complexes and organocatalysts such as cinchonine-derived quaternary ammonium salt, imidazolidinone, and proline derivatives. A few synthetic methods for the preparation of α-chloroα-fluoro-β-ketoesters have been reported. In general, αchloro-α-fluoro-β-ketoesters were prepared by the electrophilic fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters using NFSI or F2 in the presence of formic acid. Togni has recently reported the first catalytic enantioselective synthesis of α-chloro-αfluoro-β-ketoesters using chiral titanium complexes with up to 65% selectivity. As part of research program related to the development of synthetic methods for the enantioselective construction of stereogenic carbon centers, we reported the catalytic enantioselective α-fluorination and α-amination of β-ketoesters with excellent enantioselectivity which promoted by chiral ammonium salts and chiral palladium complexes. In this letter, we wish to report the catalytic enantioseletive electrophilic α-fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters using chiral palladium complexes 3 which are airand moisturestable. To determine suitable reaction condition for the catalytic enantioselcetive fluorination of α-chloro-β-ketoesters 1, we first examined electrophilic fluorination of 1-chloro benzoylacetate 1a with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) in the presence of 5 mol% of 3a in MeOH at room temperature (Table 1). As can be seen from Table 1, the fluorinated

Chronic myeloid leukemia(CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder and increased angiogenesis in bone marrow is a feature of CML. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) is a potent angiogenic peptide and microvessel density(MVD) is increased in bone marrow of CML. In this study, the effect of imatinib mesylate therapy on angiogeneisis was investigated and compared with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation(BMT) with philadelphia chromosome positive/BCR-ABL+ CML in first chronic phase. Immunohistochemical staining for detecting VEGF protein was performed by labeled avidin-biotin method on the formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded bone marrow biopsy samples of 10patients of allogeneic BMT, 20patients of imatinib mesylate therapy and 10normal control. Initial and sequential, after at least 12 months of therapy, bone marrow biopsy examed and all patients achieved complete cytogenetic remission. Microvessel was scored in at least 3 areas(*200 fields) of the highest MVD in representative sections of each bone marrow biopsy specimen using immunohistochemistry for CD32 antigen. Patients with Imatinib mesylate therapy and allogeneic BMT induced a significant reduction of MVD (normalization in comparison with controls). MVD was no significant difference between the patients with imatinib therapy and allogeneic BMT. VEGF was mainly expressed myeloid progenitors and less abundantly megakaryocytes and mature granulomonocytic cells. Expression of VEGF, it was significantly decreased in patients with Imatinib mesylate therapy and allogeneic BMT(normalization in comparison with controls). VEGF expression was no significant difference between the patients with imatinib therapy and allogeneic BMT. First line therapy with imatinib mesylate was normalization of bone marrow vascularity compared with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation of CML in first chronic phase.