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Generation of solid dye waste during wastewater purification especially in coagulation/precipitation steps and its detoxification is a major issue since it again leachate in the ground water from the landfills because of rains. The semisolid textile waste (sludge) showed 99 and 97% decolourization at flask and reactor scale within 72 h, respectively when treated with consortium ARBR (Azotobacter vinelandii MTCC 1241, Rhodobacter erythropholis MTCC 4688, B. megaterium NCIM 2054 and Rhizobium meliloti NCIM 2757). The decolourization rate of textile sludge majorly affects by the pH, temperature and moisture content of the sludge. At the optimum conditions of pH (6), temperature (30 oC) and moisture content (90%) the consortium showed maximum decolourization of 81, 84 and 97, respectively. A significant increase in the activities of oxidoreductase enzymes such as lignin peroxidase (5 fold), laccase (2.6 fold), veratryl alcohol oxidase (4.7 fold) and tyrosinase (2.9 fold) was observed; while azo reductase (-1.3 fold) showed a decrease in the activity during sludge treatment. In addition, a noteworthy reduction in the concentration of macromolecules N (45%), P (70%), K (50%) and C (63%), and microelements B (59%), Cu (50%), Fe (59%) and Mn (75%) were also observed after treatment with sludge bed reactor. Bio-transformed sludge showed less toxic effects on plants. The outcome from the sludge bed bioreactor (solid state bioreactor) was found to be more effective and can be used using sugar industry waste like sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for composting.

A new species Curculigo konkanensis, is described from the lateritic plateaus of the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The new species is allied with C. brevifolia and C. orchioides but differs in the characters of rootstock, height of plant, leaves, bracts, capsules and seeds. Cytological parameters, Karyotype formula, total haploid chromosome length (THCL), Value of CVCL and MCA also supported the distinctness of C. konkanensis, C. brevifolia and C. orchioides. Based on plastid DNA data, the new species is placed in Curculigo orchoides subclade and shows phylogenetic affinity with Curculigo brevifolia.

The evergreen, broad-leaved, Ligustrum japonicum and the deciduous Cornus officinalis are distributed in the central and southern parts of Korea and are widely used as landscape plants. In this study, we observed changes in the physiological characteristics of the two species across seasons by observing the changes in leaf photosynthesis; chlorophyll fluorescence; chlorophyll, carotenoid, and carbohydrate contents, osmolality and total ions. With a low soil moisture content due to low rainfall in June, the deciduous C. officinalis showed a 0.3 mmol m−2 s−1 stomatal conductance and open stomata allowing for photosynthesis. However, the evergreen L. japonicum showed a 0 mmol m−2 s−1 stomatal conductance and almost completely closed stomata, indicating a high water use efficiency. Cornus officinalis exhibited a higher leaf net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and carbon fixation efficiency (CE) than L. japonicum in all months except for November at which time its leaves fell from senescence. In winter, L. japonicum showed a dramatic decrease in its photosynthetic rate and Fv/Fm ratio under conditions of lower than average air temperature and soil moisture; furthermore, it showed a high ratio of the photochemical quantum yield Y(NO) and almost no photosynthetic activity despite it having leaves. Ligustrum japonicum appears to be tolerant to water stress and low temperature by a maintenance of osmosis through the increase and accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in winter. In conclusion, the two species showed different physiological characteristics under a water stress environment.

Fimbristylis dichotoma, Ipomoea aquatica, Pluchea tomentosa and their co-plantation (consortium FIP) autonomously degrade Orange 3 R. Consortium FIP showed 84% removal of Orange 3 R within 48 h, which is a higher dye elimination rate than individual plant systems. Oxidoreductase enzymes like tyrosinase (76%), varatryal alcohol oxidase (85%), lignin peroxidase (150%), riboflavin reductase (151%), laccase (171%), NADH-DCIP reductase (11%) and azo reductase (241%) were expressed in consortia FIP during Orange 3 R degradation. UV-vis spectroscopy, enzyme activities, HPTLC, FTIR and GC-MS confirmed mineralization of Orange 3 R into its metabolites. Microscopic investigation of root tissue revealed the harsh effect of dye on root tissues. Toxicity assessment on the HepG2 cell line demonstrated the toxic nature of Orange 3 R, which gets reduced after phyto-treatment with consortia FIP. Floating wetpark of consortia FIP was found more efficient for the treatment of industrial textile waste and accomplished 87, 86, 75, 49 and 46% removal of COD, BOD, color, TSS and TDS of effluent.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. Recent studies suggest relevance between cysteine protease cathepsin S (CTSS) expression and SLE. To investigate the mechanism of CTSS in SLE, CTSS-overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice were generated, and induced lupus-like symptoms. Eight months later, the TG mice spontaneously developed typical SLE symptoms regardless of the inducement. Furthermore, we observed increased toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression with increased monocyte and neutrophil populations in the TG mice. In conclusion, overexpression of CTSS in mice influences TLR7 expression, autoantibodies and IFN-α, which leads to an autoimmune reaction and exacerbates lupus-like symptoms.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs. Recent studies suggest relevance between cysteine protease cathepsin S (CTSS) expression and SLE. To investigate the mechanism of CTSS in SLE, CTSS-overexpressing transgenic (TG) mice were generated, and induced lupus-like symptoms. Eight months later, the TG mice spontaneously developed typical SLE symptoms regardless of the inducement. Furthermore, we observed increased toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression with increased monocyte and neutrophil populations in the TG mice. In conclusion, overexpression of CTSS in mice influences TLR7 expression, autoantibodies and IFN-α, which leads to an autoimmune reaction and exacerbates lupus-like symptoms.

Background 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) has demonstrated therapeutic effects in many types of cancers. We aimed to investigate the potential anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms of G-Rh2 in oral cancer cells. Materials and methods The antigrowth effect of G-Rh2 in oral cancer cells was stimulated by cell proliferation, soft agar colony formation, and migration and invasion assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The underlying mechanism of G-Rh2 in oral cancer cells was explored by immunoblotting. Results G-Rh2 significantly inhibited oral cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle G0/G1-phase arrest. G-Rh2 inhibited oral cancer cell migration and invasion through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. G-Rh2 inhibited the Src/Raf/ERK signaling pathway in YD10B and Ca9-22 cells. Conclusion G-Rh2 exerted anticancer activity in vitro by inhibiting the Src/Raf/ERK signaling pathway in oral cancer. G-Rh2 is a potential therapeutic drug for oral cancer treatment.

Fungal endophytes are symbiotic microorganisms that are often found in asymptomatic plants. This study describes the genetic diversity of the fungal endophytes isolated from the roots of plants sampled from the west coast of Korea. Five halophytic plant species, Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda australis, Suaeda maritima, Suaeda glauca Bunge, and Phragmites australis, were collected from a salt marsh in Gochang and used to isolate and identify culturable, root-associated endophytic fungi. The fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 was used as the DNA barcode for the classification of these specimens. In total, 156 isolates of the fungal strains were identified and categorized into 23 genera and two phyla (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota), with Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes as the predominant classes. The genus Alternaria accounted for the largest number of strains, followed by Cladosporium and Fusarium. The highest diversity index was obtained from the endophytic fungal group associated with the plant P. australis. Waito-C rice seedlings were treated with the fungal culture filtrates to analyze their plant growth-promoting capacity. A bioassay of the Sm-3-7-5 fungal strain isolated from S. maritima confirmed that it had the highest plant growth-promoting capacity. Molecular identification of the Sm-3-7-5 strain revealed that it belongs to Alternaria alternata and is a producer of gibberellins. These findings provided a fundamental basis for understanding the symbiotic interactions between plants and fungi.

Placental growth factor (PlGF), a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) sub-family, plays a major role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Previous study demonstrated that PlGF-overexpressing transgenic (Tg) mice had gestational loss. In addition, PlGF secretion was up-regulated in isolated T lymphocytes (T-cell) upon CD3/CD28 stimulation, suggesting that PlGF could be a regulator of T-cell differentiation and development. T-cells are well known to play a critical role in obesity-induced inflammation. Therefore, to verify the possible link of diet-induced obesity (DIO) with inflammation and related metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, we fed high-fat diet (HFD) to Tg mice for 16 weeks. Adiposity and glucose intolerance significantly increase in Tg mice fed a HFD (Tg HFD) compared to wild-type (WT) mice fed HFD (WT HFD). In addition, macrophage infiltrations were significantly higher in the epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT), liver, and pancreatic islets of Tg HFD mice compared to WT HFD mice. In the in vitro study, we showed that isolated CD4+ T-cells from Tg mice further differentiate into type 1 (Th1) and type 17 (Th17) helper T-cells via CD3/CD28 stimulation. Furthermore, we observed that the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17, and TNFα, are remarkably increased in Tg mice compared to WT mice. These findings demonstrate that PlGF overexpression in T-cells might lead to inflammatory T-cell differentiation and accumulation in adipose tissue (AT) or metabolism-related tissues, contributing to the development of systemic metabolic disorders. Thus, PlGF may provide an effective therapeutic target in the management of obesity-induced inflammation and related metabolic disorders.

Four plant species, Elymus mollis Trin., Carex kobomugi Ohwi, Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq., and Vitex rotundifolia L.f., are dominant perennial species in coastal sand dunes of Korea. We examined a physiological adaptation of these species by measurements of diurnal variation in photosynthesis and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence and solute patterns in leaves during one season (June), which is favorable for plant growth of all four species. All four species adopted different strategies in order to utilize radiation and to maintain water status under a fluctuating microclimate. Although the lowest water contents among four plant species was found, E. mollis with a high Chl and K+ content showed better photosynthetic performance, with high stomatal conductance (g s), net photosynthetic rate (P N), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (CE), and water-use efficiency. Midday depression of P N in E. mollis and G. littoralis, without a reduction of gs, was associated with a reduction in CE and maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, indicating nonstomatal limitation. Photosynthesis depression in both C. kobomugi and V. rotundifolia, with relatively low g s values, could be attributed to both stomatal and nonstomatal limitations. The high storage capacity for inorganic ions in E. molli, C. kobomugi, and G. littoralis may play an efficient role in regulating photosynthesis and maintaining leaf water status through stomatal control, and can also play an important role in osmotic adjustment.

This study was to investigate the effect of salt stress on physiological characteristics such as plant growth, photosynthesis, solutes related to osmoregulation of Beta vulgaris. A significant increase of dry weight was observed in 50 mM and 100 mM NaCl. The contents of Chl a, b and carotenoid were lower in NaCl treatments than the control. On 14 day after NaCl treatment, photosynthetic rate (PN), the transpiration rate (E) and stomatal conductance of CO2 (gs) were reduced by NaCl treatment. On 28 day after NaCl treatment, the significant reduction in g s and E was shown in NaCl 200 mM. However, PN and water use efficiency (WUE) in all NaCl treatments showed higher value than that of control. Total ion contents (TIC) and osmolality were higher than the control. On 14 day after treatment, the contents of proline (Pro) increased signifi cantly in 200 mM and 300 mM NaCl concentration compared with control, whereas on 28 day in all treatments it was lower than that of the control. The contents of glycine betaine (GB) increased with the increase of NaCl concentration. The contents of Na + , Cl , GB, osmolality and TIC increased with the increase of NaCl concentrations. These results suggested that under severe NaCl stress conditions, NaCl treatment did not induce photochemical inhibition on fluorescence in the leaves of B. vulgaris, but the reduction of chlorophyll contents was related in a decrease in leaf production. Furthermore, increased GB as well as Na + and Cl contents resulted in a increase of osmolality, which can help to overcome NaCl stress.

Five halophytic plant species, Suaeda maritima, Limonium tetragonum, Suaeda australis, Phragmites australis, and Suaeda glauca Bunge, which are native to the Muan salt marsh of South Korea, were examined for fungal endophytes by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region containing ITS1, 5.8S rRNA, and ITS2. In total, 160 endophytic fungal strains were isolated and identified from the roots of the 5 plant species. Taxonomically, all 160 strains belonged to the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota. The most dominant genus was Fusarium, followed by the genera Penicillium and Alternaria. Subsequently, using 5 statistical methods, the diversity indices of the endophytes were determined at genus level. Among these halophytic plants, P. australis was found to host the greatest diversity of endophytic fungi. Culture filtrates of endophytic fungi were treated to Waito-C rice seedlings for plant growth-promoting effects. The fungal strain Su-3-4-3 isolated from S. glauca Bunge provide the maximum plant length (20.1 cm) in comparison with wild-type Gibberella fujikuroi (19.6 cm). Consequently, chromatographic analysis of the culture filtrate of Su-3-4-3 showed the presence of physiologically active gibberellins, GA1 (0.465 ng/mL), GA3 (1.808 ng/mL) along with other physiologically inactive GA9 (0.054 ng/mL) and GA24 (0.044 ng/mL). The fungal isolate Su-3-4-3 was identified as Talaromyces pinophilus.

Mitochondrial NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) is a major NADPH-producing enzyme which is essential for maintaining the mitochondrial redox balance in cells. We sought to determine whether IDH2 deficiency induces mitochondrial dysfunction and modulates auditory function, and investigated the protective potential of an antioxidant agent against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cochlear damage in Idh2 knockout (Idh2−/−) mice. Idh2 deficiency leads to damages to hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea and ultimately to apoptotic cell death and progressive sensorineural hearing loss in Idh2−/− mice. Loss of IDH2 activity led to decreased levels of NADPH and glutathione causing abnormal ROS accumulation and oxidative damage, which might trigger apoptosis signal in hair cells and SGNs in Idh2−/− mice. We performed ex vivo experiments to determine whether administration of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants might protect or induce recovery of cells from ROS-induced apoptosis in Idh2-deficient mouse cochlea. MitoQ almost completely neutralized the H2O2-induced ototoxicity, as the survival rate of Idh2−/− hair cells were restored to normal levels. In addition, the lack of IDH2 led to the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and the depolarization of ΔΨm, resulting in hair cell loss. In the present study, we identified that IDH2 is indispensable for the functional maintenance and survival of hair cells and SGNs. Moreover, the hair cell degeneration caused by IDH2 deficiency can be prevented by MitoQ, which suggests that Idh2−/− mice could be a valuable animal model for evaluating the therapeutic effects of various antioxidant candidates to overcome ROS-induced hearing loss. Keywords: Idh2, NADP+, ROS, Hearing loss, Antioxidant, MitoQ

Due to the advancement of CMOS image sensors (CIS), camera module on the mobile platform has paved way for very high quality photos and video shooting capability. In order to improve picture quality, the CIS technology has been also scaling aggressively to provide more Mega-Pixels (MP) but it also must be less susceptible and immune to noise sources, particle and defect-free, and highly reliable. In this report, we'll discuss the reliability characterization done on the 3D stack sensor with in-pixel DTI. By optimization of both process and design, noise immune and very high quality advanced CIS products have been successfully qualified and manufactured for volume production.

To investigate the solute pattern of salt marsh plants in Suncheon Bay in Korea, plants and soil samples were collected at three sites from July to September 2011. The soil pH around the investigated species was weakly alkaline, 6.9–8.1. The total ion and Cl content of site 1 gradually increased, while those of site 2 and site 3 were lowest in August and highest in September. The exchangeable Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and K + in the soil were relatively constant during the study period, but the soil exchangeable Na + content was variable. Carex scabrifolia and Phragmites communis had constant leaf water content and very high concentrations of soluble carbohydrates during the study period. However, Suaeda malacosperma and S. japonica had high leaf water content and constant very low soluble carbohydrate concentrations. Carex scabrifolia accumulated similar amounts of Na + and K + ions in its leaves. Phragmites communis contained a high concentration of K

Twelve plant species were collected from the east coast of Korea to identify culturable endophytes present in their roots. The fungal internal transcribe spacer (ITS) region (ITS1-5.8SrRNA-ITS2) was used as a DNA barcode for identification of fungi. A total of 194 fungal strains were identified and categorized into 31 genera. The genus Penicillium accounted for the largest number of strains, followed by the genus Aspergillus. Furthermore, using 5 statistical methods, the diversity indices of the fungi were calculated at the genus level. After comprehensive evaluation, the endophytic fungal group from Phragmites australis ranked highest in diversity analyses. Several strains responsible for plant growth and survival (Penicillium citrinum, P. funiculosum, P. janthinellum, P. restrictum, and P. simplicissimum), were also identified. This study provides basic data on the sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between coastal plants and fungi.

Forty-two endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of coastal plants, such as Aster sphathulifolius Maxim., Astertripolium L., Phragmites austral is, and Puccinellia nipponica Ohwi, naturally growing in Taean peninsula. The identity of theendophytic fungal strains was analyzed using the sequence of internal transcribed spacer regions. All fungi belonged to the phylum Ascomycota, and they were classified into eight orders (Botryosphaeriales, Capnodiales, Diaporthales, Dothideales, Eurotiales, Heloti ales, Hypocreales, and Pleosporales) and thirteen genera (Altern aria, Aureobasidium, Cadophora, Cladosporium,Davidiella, Diaporthe, Fusarium, Gibberella, Macrophomina, Metarhizium, Neosartorya, Penicillium, and Phoma). Among the analyzed fungi, the fungi belonging to the genus Penicillium in Eurotiales were the most widely distributed. The host plant Astertripolium L. was found to contain the most diverse endophytic fungal species among the coastal plants.

This study was conducted to determine the extent of drought resistance based on physiological responses of Calystegia soldanella under water deficit. In order to investigate the changes of plant growth, stomatal density, photosynthesis, chlo - rophyll fluorescence, the contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid, osmolality, total ion contents, the contents of carbohy - drate and proline, C. soldanella was grown under well watered and drought stressed conditions for 12 days. In this study, water-deficit resulted in remarkable growth inhibition of C. soldanella. The effect of water-deficit on plant growth was associated with low osmotic potential of soil. On day 12 after drought treatment, dry weight, relative water contents, num- ber and area of leaves and stem length were lower than those of control. The stomatal conductance and net photosyn- thetic rate were significantly reduced in water stressed plant to regulate inner water contents and CO 2 exchange through the stomatal pore. Chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll contents were not different in comparison with the control, indicating that the efficiency of photosystem II was not affected by drought stress. This results could be explained that water-deficit in C. soldanella limits the photosynthetic rate and reduces the plant's ability to convert energy to biomass. A significant increase in total ion contents and osmolality was observed on day 7 and day 12. Accumulation of proline in leaves is associated with the osmotic adjustment in C. soldanella to soil water-deficit. Consequently, this increase in osmolality in water stressed plant can be a result in the increase of ion contents and proline.

In this study, plant samples of five species were collected from the Dokdo islands in South Korea. Plant samples such as Asparagus schoberioides, Corydalis platycarpa, Festuca rubra, Sedum oryzifolium, and Setaria viridis were collected from the Dongdo and Seodo. Endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the roots of five plants from the Dokdo islands. Thirty-three fungal strains were isolated from these native plants. All the endophytic fungi were analyzed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing (ITS containing ITS1, 5.8s, and the ITS2 region). Waito-c rice seedlings were treated with fungal culture filtrates to test their plant growth-promoting activity. A bioassay of the D-So-1-1 fungal strain isolated from S. oryzifolium confirmed that it has the highest plant growth-promoting activity. All the endophytic fungi belong to four orders: Eurotiales (86%), Capnodiales (3%), Hypocreales (4%), and Incertae sedis (7%). The endophytic fungi were classified as Ascomycota, which contained Aspergillus (12%), Cladosporium (3%), Eurotium (3%), Fusarium (18%), Microsphaeropsis (6%), and Penicillium (58%) at the genus level.

Eighty-four endophytic fungal strains were isolated and identified from the roots of halophytes collected in Buan salt marsh. All halophyte samples, such as Suaeda japonica, and Suaeda maritima were isolated from Buan salt marsh. All endophytic fungi isolated were analyzed by sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) containing ITS1, 5.8s and ITS2 region. All endophytic fungi expressed that fungal strains belong to eight orders; Pleosporales (45%), Eurotiales (27%), Incertae sedis (11%), Dothideales (6%), Capnodiales (5%), Hypocreales (5%), and Agaricales (1%). All endophytic fungi were confirmed at the genus level of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, containing Alternaria, Ascomycota, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Eupenicillium, Fusarium, Gibberella, Hypocrea, Lewia, Macrophoma, Penicillium, Peyronellaea, Phoma, Pleospora, Pleosporales, Pseudeurotium, Schizophyllum, and Talaromyces. Alternaria (21%) and Penicillium (13%) were the dominant endophytic fungal strains. In this study, endophytic fungal strains analyzed from S. japonica and S. maritime, Alternaria (21%), and Penicillium (13%) of Pleosporales and Eurotiales in halophytes were very abundant.

【To investigate the environmental adaptation and ecophysiological characteristics of Suaeda maritima and S. asparagoides under saline conditions, plant growth and density were analyzed according to environmental changes of habitats. The total ion content of soil decreased with time, which was caused by the predominance of exchangeable $Na^+$ and $Cl^-$ in the upper layers. The population of S. maritima was more densely distributed in the region with higher ion contents of $Cl^-$ , $Mg^{2+}$ , $K^+$ and $Na^+$ than the population of S. asparagoides. Both species were showed a decreased population density according to increases in plant growth. Under the conditions of a salt field, S. maritima and S. asparagoides contained high inorganic ions to maintain low water potential, but low water soluble carbohydrate contents. In the case of free amino acid, S. maritima showed an especially high proline content, and contained rather large amounts of free amino acids, whereas S. asparagoides did not. Both species showed high inorganic ion contents in the leaves, which might be a mechanism of avoiding the ionic toxicity by diluting the accumulated ionic concentration with a high ratio of water content to dry weight. This result suggests that S. maritima seems to adapt to saline conditions by accumulating proline in addition to inorganic ions. S. asparagoides seems to adapt by osmoregulation processes, using inorganic ions rather than free amino acids.】

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive abilities. In AD, amyloid β (Aβ) protein aggregates in the brain of patients, forming amyloid plaques. Aβ plaques are known to be surrounded by activated microglial cells. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is elevated from several hundred to 1000-fold as part of the immune response against various injuries, including trauma, infection, and inflammation. Additionally, continuous elevation of SAA is related to the development of amyloidosis. This study was designed to identify the relationship between SAA1 and AD using liver specific SAA1 overexpressing mice (TG), because SAA1 is expressed in the liver during the acute phase. We detected exogenous SAA1 expression in the brain of TG mice. This result implies that liver-derived SAA1 migrates to the brain tissues. Thus, we confirmed that the blood brain barrier (BBB) functioned normally using Evans-blue staining and CARS. Furthermore, our results show an increase in the accumulation of the 87kDa form of Aβ in TG mice compared to wild type mice (WT). Additionally, the number of microglial cells and levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased. Next, we investigated the relationship between SAA1 and depression by performing social interaction tests. The results showed that TG mice have a tendency to avoid stranger mice and an impaired social recognition. In conclusion, the SAA1 TG mouse model is a valuable model to study depression.

Five coastal plant species, Artemisia fukudo, Aster sphathulifolius, Plantago camtschatica, Sedum oryzifolium, and Setaria viridis, were collected from the coastal region of Ulleung Island (Ulleung-Do, South Korea). Thirty-six endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of these plants, and all were identified by using PCR with the following specifications: internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rRNA, and ITS2 regions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all fungal strains belong to the phylum Ascomycota and comprise four orders (Capnodiales, Eurotiales, Hypocreales, and Pleosporales). Among all the identified species, the Eurotiales species were more abundant than species in the other orders. Nine different genera (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Exserohilum, Fusarium, Neosartorya, Penicillium, Phoma, and Pyrenochaeta) in the four orders were confirmed. Penicillium and Aspergillus species were the most dominant species among the endophytic fungi isolated from the coastal plants. Shannon’s diversity index (H’) ranged from 0.684 to 1.609, and the endophytic fungi in S. oryzifolium was more diverse compared to the endophytic fungi in the other plants.

Fourteen endophytic fungi with different colony morphologies were isolated from the roots of Calystegia soldanella. Endophytic fungi isolated from C. soldanella were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. To verify plant growth promotion (PGP), culture filtrates of isolated endophytic fungi were treated in Waito-c rice (WR) and C. soldanella seedlings. Culture filtrates of Cs-8-1 fungal strain had advanced PGP activity. The presence of physiologically bioactive gibberellins (GA) GA(1) (1.213 ng ml(-1)), GA(3) (1.292 ng ml(-1)), GA(4) (3.6 ng ml(-1)), GA(7) (1.328 ng ml(-1)), other inactive GA(9) (0.796 ng ml(-1)) and GA(12) (0.417 ng ml(-1)), GA(20) (0.302 ng ml(-1)), GA(24) (1.351 ng ml(-1)), GA(34) (0.076 ng ml(-1)), and GA(53) (0.051 ng ml(-1)) in culture filtrates of Cs-8-1 fungal strain was detected. The Cs-8-1 fungal strain was confirmed as a producer of GAs. Molecular analysis of sequences showed high similarity of 99% to Cadophora malorum. Consequentially, the Cs-8-1 fungal strain was identified as a new C. malorum producing GAs.

The purpose of this study is to search for effective dopants and their optimal combinations to improve the electrocatalytic activity of the SnO 2 electrode for the remediation of aqueous pollutants. For this purpose, Sb was selected as the primary dopant for SnO 2 and six elements (Fe(III), Ni(II), Co(II), Ru(III), Ce(III), and Pd(II)) were also introduced into the optimized Sb–SnO 2 electrodes. The electrodes were checked for their electrochemical properties at different doping levels and tested for their electrocatalytic activities for the degradation of phenol and Eosin Y. In addition, RNO (N,N-dimethyl-p-nitrosoaniline) was used as a probe molecule for OH radicals to examine the reaction mechanism occurring at the electrodes. Sb with a 5–10 at.% was most effective in making SnO 2 an electrocatalyst and Ni (∼1%) enhanced the degradation rate and TOC removal rate of phenol at the Sb–SnO 2 anode by a factor of 14 and 8, respectively. Fe also increased the activity moderately. Enhanced Ni–Sb–SnO 2 activity was also found for Eosin Y. The other co-dopants exhibited various degrees of positive or negative effects depending on the substrate. The lack of a correlation in the kinetics between substrate degradation and the RNO changes indicated that the primary electrocatalytic reactions may proceed via direct electron transfer and/or organic peroxy radical-mediation, not OH radical-mediation. Detailed analyses of the electrode surfaces (SEM, TEM, XRD, and XPS) and quantification of intermediates were carried out to obtain insight into the heterogeneous electrocatalytic reaction.

독도에 자생하고 있는 6 종류의 식물뿌리로부터 내생균을 분리하였다. 동도에서 갯제비쑥, 명아주, 까마중과 서도에서 도깨비쇠고비, 술패랭이 그리고 번행초를 연구재료로 사용하였다. 총 32 종의 내생균을 분리하였고, universal primers ITS1과 ITS4를 사용하여 ITS 영역을 PCR로 증폭하여 동정하였다. 염기서열 분석결과, 6 종류의 식물의 뿌리에서 모두 32종류의 다양한 내생균류를 분리 및 동정 할 수 있었다. 독도 자생식물인 갯제비쑥 4종, 명아주 8종, 까마중 3종, 도깨비쇠고비 3종, 술패랭이 3종, 번행초 11종의 내생균이 분리되었다. 내생균들의 배양여액은 식물생장촉진활성을 확인하기 위하여 난장이벼의 유묘에 처리되었다. 그 결과, 명아주에서 분리된 Ca-5-2-2 균주가 우수하게 식물생장촉진활성을 나타내었다. 그리고 독도에 자생하는 6종류의 식물에서 Penicillium sp.와 Fusarium sp. 그리고 Aspergillus sp.의 내생균이 가장 많이 존재함을 알 수 있었다. 【Endophytic fungal strains were isolated from the roots of six species plants in the Dokdo islands. Native plant samples, such as Artemisia japonica, Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum were isolated from Dongdo, and those such as Cyrtomium falcatum, Dianthus longicalyx and Tetragonia tetragonoides were isolated from Seodo. In total, thirty two fungal strains were isolated from these native plants. To identify the fungal strains, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of internal transcribed spacer (ITS: containing ITS1, 5.8s and ITS2 region) regions was done with universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. Endophytic fungi of four species were isolated from A. japonica, eight species from C. album, three species from S. nigrum, three species from C. falcatum, three species from D. longicalyx and eleven species from T. tetragonoides. Culture filtrates (CF) of isolated endophytic fungi were used to treatwaito-c rice seedlings to test plant growth-promoting activity. As a result of bioassay, Ca-5-2-2 strain isolated from C. album expressed highest plant growth-promotion activity. Of all the endophytic fungi isolated, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp. and Aspergillus sp. were the most abundantly distributed fungal strains in the six plants used in this study.】

The effect of allelochemicals on growth, root nodule nitrogen fixation activity, and ion patterns of soybeans were inves tigated. We prepared 50 g/L (T50), 100 g/L (T100), and 200 g/L (T200) extract concentrations by soaking fresh red pine needles in a nutrient solution. Adding needles to the nutrient solution increased the content of total phenolic acids, osmolality, and total ions. The total phenolic content in the T50, T100, and T200 extracts were 206 ± 12.61, 335 ± 24.16, and 603 ± 12.30 mg gallic acid equivalents, respectively. The K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and PO 4 3content increased by adding needles to the nutrient solutions, whereas SO 4 2content decreased. The growth inhibition of soybeans was proportional to the needle extract concentrations, and the T100 and T200 concentrations resulted in remarkable growth inhibition. On day 20 after treatment, dry weight and nitrogen fixation activity of the root nodules were reduced by the T100 and T200 treat ments, whereas the T50 treatment was not difference from the control. After day 10, total ion content in all treatment groups was not different in comparison with the control. However, total ionic content in all treatment groups decreased significantly compared with that in the control after day 20. The lowest total ion value was found for the T200 concentra tion. The T200 treatment also resulted in significantly reduced SO 4 2content. The amounts of Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Mn 2+ were higher than those of the control for the T50 treatment on day 10 and for T100 on day 20 after treatment. A significant increase in osmolality was observed in the T200 treatment on day 10 and in the T100 treatment on day 20. These results suggest that under severe allelochemical stress conditions, a remarkable reduction in nodule formation, nitrogen fixa tion activity, and ion uptake eventually resulted in a decrease in leaf production. Furthermore, increased K + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , Mn 2+ , and osmolality in soybeans exposed to lower concentrations of allelochemicals than the critical stress level helped overcome the stress.

Endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of plants growing naturally on the island of Dokdo. Plant samples, such as Miscanthus sinensis, Achyranthus japonica and Echinochloa crusgali were isolated from Dongdo, and those such as Honkenya peploides and Artemsia koidzumii were isolated from Seodo. Twenty one strains of endophytic fungi were isolated from these plants. To identify the strains, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of the partial ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) regions was done with universal primers ITS-1 and ITS-4 to determine the nucleotide sequence of the ITS regions. Of the strains isolated from Miscanthus sinensis, 75% were Penicillium sp. and 25% were Aspergillus sp. Fifty five percent of strains isolated from Achyranthus japonica were Penicillium sp., 30% were Aspergillus sp. and 15% were Zygorhynchus sp. Strains isolated from Echinochloa crusgali were Penicillium sp. (50%), Aspergillus sp. (12%), Giberella sp. (13%), Talaromyces sp. (9%) and Umbelopsis sp. (8%). Of the strains isolated from Honkenya peploides, 76% were Penicillium sp. and 24% were Pestalotiopsis sp. Strains isolated from Artemisia koidzumii were Penicillium sp. (81%) and Mucor sp. (19%). As a result of bioassay, Ec-3-1 strain isolated from Echinochloa crusgalli showed plant growth-promotion activity. Of all the endophytic fungi isolated, Penicillium sp. was the most abundantly distributed fungal strain in all plants used in this study.

Recently, plant growth–promoting endophytic fungi with gibberellins-producing ability were isolated from the roots of coastal sand dune plants. Carex kobomugi Ohwi in coastal sand dunes was treated with the supernatant solution of Penicillium citrinum KACC43900 isolated from Ixeris repens (L.) A. Gray. After treatment, the length of leaf blades, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and soil respiration were measured in the field. The contents of chlorophyll and carotenoid were determined with leaf blades selected for measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence. Fungal culture filtrate (FCF) increased leaf blade length, the contents of chlorophyll a (Chl a) and chlorophyll b (Chl b), total chlorophyll (total Chl [a + b]), and carotenoid in leaf blades of C. kobomugi. FCF also increased net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), and water-use efficiency (A/E). However, the ratio of variable fluorescence to maximal fluorescence (Fv/Fm) did not show signifi...

Coastal sand-dune plants can survive very effectively with the help of various microbes, especially ecto- and endomycorrihizae. Penicillium citrinum KACC43900 was screened according to growth pro-moting activity on sand-dune plants Calystegia soldanella and Ischaemum anthephoroides. In this study, coastal sand-dune plants were treated with a fungal culture filtrate of endophytic fungus P. citrinum KACC43900 to confirm the promotion of plant growth. C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides were used as representative coastal sand-dune plants, and their shoot length, plant length, and dry weight were analyzed. The shoot lengths of control C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides were 8.60 cm and 8.12 cm, and those of samples treated with fungal culture filtrates of C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides for 20 days were 16.30 cm and 10.56 cm, respectively. The plant lengths of control C. soldanella and I. anthe-phoroides were 14.90 cm and 14.80 cm, and those of samples treated with fungal culture filtrates of C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides for 20 days were 24.06 cm and 17.06 cm, respectively. The dry weight of C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides treated with fungal culture filtrates of C. soldanella and I. anthephor-oides for 20 days were 0.163 g and 0.032 g, respectively. It was shown that the growth of shoots in C. soldanella and I. anthephoroides was promoted, 89.54% and 29.60%, by culture filtrate of P. citrinum KACC43900.Keywords : Penicillium citrinum KACC43900, Calystegia soldanella, Ischaemum anthephoroides, gibberellin, endophytic fungus

The response of Picea glehnii, a cold-tolerant species in the boreal zone, to air temperature (T) was investigated for its cold-acclimated needles (i.e. the ones subjected to gradual decrease in T) and nonacclimated needles (i.e. the ones subjected to a sudden decrease in T) were compared under low temperature. Cold-acclimated needles showed a greater increase of zeaxanthin and lutein contents than nonacclimated ones, whereas the nonacclimated needles showed a greater increase of thylakoid-bound ascorbate peroxidase (tAPX) activity than cold-acclimated ones under chilling conditions (after cold acclimation). These results suggest that: (1) low T induces the increase of zeaxanthin and lutein content, and tAPX activity; (2) accumulated zeaxanthin and lutein protect needles from photooxidative stress by dissipating excess energy before the reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed in response to a gradual decrease in T (with cold acclimation and subsequent chilling condition), and by tAPX scavenging ROS formed in the case of a sudden decrease in T (without cold acclimation and chilling condition).

To understand the properties of soil in Dokdo, we collected soil samples from 12 locations on Seodo and 23 locations on Dongdo, in Dokdo of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in 2007-2008 and analyzed the soil`s physical and chemical characteristics. Sand comprises the largest component (49.37%) of Dokdo soil, followed by silt (40.70%) and clay (9.93%). The soil structure consists mostly of sand loam, followed by loam and silt loam. The pH level of soils from Dokdo varied dramatically among sampling sites and seasons, ranging from 3.36 to 8.02. The total ion content of Dokdo soil also varies greatly among survey places and periods, but in general the total ion content was high in summer when vegetation develops, and low in spring. The exchangeable cation contents of the soil showed low levels in samples where the soil pH was low, including habitats dominated by Agropyron tsukushiense var. transiens and Echinochloa crus-galli, whereas the exchangeable cation contents were high where the organic contents were high, as in habitats dominated by Liriope platyphylla and Artemisia japonica subsp. littoricola. Soil N contents varied greatly among survey sites and higher N contents were found in soil inhabited by Chenopodiaceous plants than in habitats inhabited by other plants. The substantial differences in phosphorus contents among sites were related to excrement of black-tailed gulls. To understand the basic physical and chemical features of the soil on Dokdo, it will be necessary to conduct seasonal and long-term research on soil pH, ion contents, organic contents, N and P, as well as obtaining precise data from samples collected at different depths.

We investigated photooxidation and responses of antioxidant enzymes involved in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) after light-chilling (4℃) for 2 days and post chilling (25℃) in rice leaves. Chilling leaves indicated a 50% reduction in photosynthetic efficiency (F v /F m ratio) and a 48% increase of H₂O₂, respectively, compared to the control group. In comparison with the control, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) increased at light-chilling and post-chilling. CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD among SOD forms were detected in rice leaves, while Fe-SOD was not found. The increase of SOD and GR activity may serve as a basis for defense against chilling injury as it dismutase superoxide generated by light-chilling. Catalase (CAT) activity decreased during light-chilling, while activity of APX showed remarkable increase during light-chilling in rice leaves. Among CAT isoforms analyzed by 10% native PAGE, activities of isoform -2 and -3 were inhibited during light-chilling. From the elevated APX activity and decreased CAT activity, we suggest that these two enzymes show mutual supplementary relationships, indicating different tendency during light-chilling.

We investigated death rates, growth rates and recruitment of culms in two neighboring bamboo ( Phyllostachys bamboosoides ) stands nested in by two different bird species to analyze stand structure and to design conservation strategies. A third bamboo grove not used by birds, the Taewha stand, was included as a control stand. The bamboo stand occupied by birds in the family Ardeidae (the Ardeidae stand) had an appro-ximately 1.5 times higher culm density than the stand occupied by birds in the family Corvidae (the Corvidae stand). The crude death rate and the number of newly emerged shoots were also higher in the Ardeidae stand than the Corvidae stand. The death rate for bamboo in the Ardeidae stand was not dependent on diameter at breast height (DBH) and was almost 40% for culms of all sizes, whereas most dead culms in the Corvidae stand were < 4 cm DBH. Consequently, we conclude that in the Ardeidae stand, density-independent causes of death are operating, while density-dependent factor are more important in the Corvidae site. The results of soil analysis in these stands suggest that the density-independent death pattern observed in the Ardeidae stand may be due to soil acidification resulting from wastes produced by the birds during breeding. On the other hand, the culm distribution and death patterns in the Corvidae stand suggest that the stand characteristics were not affected by the nesting birds. These results suggest that different conservation strategies must be applied to conserve bamboo groves used by ardeids and corvids for nesting.

P. glehnii, an evergreen conifer found in northern areas, is known as a cold-resistant species. In this experiment, we measured the water content, PSⅡ efficiency, chlorophyll fluorescence, pigments of the xanthophyll-cycle and activity of enzymes of the ascorbate-glutathione cycle during cold acclimation and at subsequent low-temperature conditions to examine the importance of acclimation to cold tolerance. P. glehnii showed a decrease in PS Ⅱ efficiency (especially in Fv) during cold acclimation and at subsequent low tem- peratures. However, cold-acclimated needles showed higher PSⅡ efficiency at low temperatures than non- acclimated needles. In addition, 0-YON (first-year needles) showed an increase in β-carotene and lutein, while 1-YON (one-year-old needles) immediately developed an antioxidant mechanism in the ascorbate-gluthathione cycle as soon as they were exposed to low temperature and both 0-YON and 1-YON showed increased zeaxanthin and de-epoxidation ratios at continuous low temperature. Based on our results, we suggest that P. glehnii maintain PS Ⅱ efficiency at low temperature by effectively protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from photo-damage by rapid induction of an antioxidant mechanism in 1-YON and dissipation of excess energy by

Endophytic fungi predominantly inhabit grasses, and produce a variety of beneficial metabolites for plant growth, as well as help their hosts against pathogens and herbivores. Current study was focused on plant growth promoting activity of endophytic fungi inhabited in the roots of sand dune grasses. We collected 49 fungal isolates from the roots of four most common sand dune grasses and screened them for their growth promoting capacity. Results showed that 37 fungal isolates (75.5%) promoted plant height and shoot length of waito-c rice, 11 fungal isolates (22.5%) suppressed it, while 1 fungus (2%) showed no effect on the growth attributes. The fungal strain Gibberella fujikuroi, along with distilled water and Czapek broth medium, were taken as control for this experiment. It was concluded that a major proportion of endophytic fungi inhabited in the sand dune plants produce metabolites, and thus help in growth and development of the host plant.