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The pore size of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) chip, as well as uniform pore distribution, is one of the key parameters that should be adjusted, by choosing the appropriate etching conditions, in order to enhance the sensitivity of an interferometer. In this study, the pore size of AAO chips was optimized and characterized in order to lower the detection limit of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in an interferometric immunoassay system. After pore widening for 30–50 min, the AAO pore size was increased approximately 2-fold larger than that before pore widening. A large increase in effective optical density (ΔEOT) was obtained from the AAO chip fabricated by pore-widening technique, which thereby lowered the PSA detection limit. The present study results are not sufficiently validated to enable the immediate application to immunoassay for prostate cancer (PCa) screening, but they do demonstrate that controlling pore size can positively affect the sensitivity and lower the detection limit.

More than 80 percent of US growth between 1950 and 1993 can be attributed to transition dynamics (increases in R&D intensity and educational attainment), with less than 20 percent of growth deriving from population growth. Similarly, growth accounting shows that 80 percent of economic growth in Korea can be attributed to transition dynamics. However, the specific factors that have moved Korea far from its steady state are significantly different from the factors that have done so for the USA. In addition to the growth rates of the two countries, we also analyzed the (steady-state) level of output per worker to determine where the Korean economy is headed relative to the USA. In 1960, Korea was characterized as poor (0.111) relative to its own steady state (0.765), and incomes were at 11.1 percent of those in the USA. Since then, however, Korea has been growing more rapidly than the USA. In our analysis, we also consider the extreme case where total factor productivity levels converge completely. Interestingly, in this case, the USA and Korea exhibit unconditional convergence similar to what is generally observed in the OECD. As the economy approaches the steady-state income level, however, the growth rate of output per capita will decline.

The hemolysin of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 CT isolated from sea water was purified and characterized. The purified hemolysin displayed an optimum at and exhibited more than 70% of residual hemolytic activity after incubation at for 120 min. However, the activity dropped dramatically at temperature above . The purified protein showed the highest hemolytic activity at pH 7.0, while the activity was completely lost outside of the pH ranges of 5.0 and 10.0. The activity of hemolysin was inactivated by addition of divalent cations, such as , however, the activity was not completely inhibited by additions of .

To enhance nitrogen removal in an existing microbial contact oxidation (MCO) system with a treatment capacity of 900 m3/d, an upflow multilayer bioreactor (UMBR) was chosen as a preanoxic reactor for the removal of organic matter and nitrate. The removal performance of the retrofitted plant was evaluated during the startup phase at a low temperature in winter. The high removal (>80%) of organic matter and suspended solids in the UMBR provided stable nitrification conditions in the MCO system, as a result of the substantial reduction in organic matter and solids loaded onto the MCO system. This treatment system showed a stable nitrogen removal efficiency of 75.3%, even in the low temperature range 7 to 10 degrees C. Phosphorus was completely removed by chemical precipitation. Production rates of excess sludge, as a function of the loads of influent flowrate and biological oxygen demand (BOD), were 0.022 kg dry solid/m3 wastewater and 0.132 kg dry solid/kg BOD.

To study the possible use of probiotics in fish farming, we evaluated antagonism of antibacterial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H41 against the fish pathogenic bacterium Vibrio anguillarum NCMB1. The purification of growth inhibition factor produced by B. amyloliquefaciens H41 was achieved by obtaining supernatant of this bacterium. The growth inhibition factor was purified to homogeneity by 70% ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-sephadex A-50 ion exchange chromatography, sephadex G-200 gel filtration column chromatography, and sephadex G-50 gel filtration column chromatography with 40.8 fold of purification and 2.9% yield. The molecular weight of the purified growth inhibition factor was 48 kDa as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The optimum pH and temperature for the growth inhibition factor were pH 7.5 and , respectively. The activity of growth inhibition factor was enhanced slightly by some metal ions, such as , , but was inhibited by the addition of , , and . NaCl stability of the growth inhibition factor was observed with 50% residual activity at 3% NaCl concentration. Toxicity test showed that the purified B. amyloliquefaciens H41 growth inhibition factor did not affect the live of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and the effectiveness was 78% of residual lethality compared to commercial antibacterial agents.

The present study was undertaken to characterize neuronal activity-dependent expression and release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from rat hippocampal neurons and its contribution to neuronal functions. Increased levels of VEGF164 mRNA were evident both in cultured neurons and slices, but not astrocytes, following membrane depolarization with KCl. Activity-dependent expression of VEGF, as well as its release, was dependent on the activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors or L-type voltage-activated calcium channels. A brief (10 min) application of recombinant VEGF165 to neurons elicited a slow rise in cytosolic Ca2+ in a VEGFR2 dependent manner. The VEGF-induced Ca2+ responses required Ca2+ influx, phospholipase Cgamma and Ca2+ stores. An inhibitor of transient receptor potential canonical channels reduced the VEGF-induced Ca2+ responses by 50%, suggesting the involvement of transient receptor potential canonical channels in the VEGF-mediated responses. The same brief stimulus with VEGF led to long-term synaptic enhancement dependent on protein synthesis. VEGF had prominent effects on the activation calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II and cAMP responsive element binding protein as well as extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin-all in a VEGFR2 dependent manner. Our findings suggest that VEGF released from neuronal cells plays a local role in Ca2+ influx and synaptic transmission that may influence the generation of long-term changes in synaptic efficacy.

A ground gnaphosid spider, Drassyllus shaanxiensis Platnick and Song, 1986 is reported for the first time in Korea. This species is described with detailed illustrations, leg spination, trichobothrium patterns, and SEM photographs of male palpal organ and female epigynum.

Target biomolecules in immunosensing, either antigens or antibodies, were detected using competitive reaction with enzyme-tagged antibody. The enzyme-tagged antibody was prepared through covalent conjugation reaction between antibody and glucose oxidase (GOX), as an electrochemical signaling molecule. By adopting dinitrophenyl (DNP) group as a target, the conjugation reaction of GOX-tagged anti-DNP antibody was performed and confirmed by liquid chromatography. The detectable concentration range of GOX-tagged anti-DNP antibody (from 0.1 μg/ml to 0.1 mg/ml) was registered by using electrochemical signaling under competitive reaction. Target biomolecules, including DNP antigen and anti-DNP antibody, were detected by using competitive immuno-reaction with the GOX-tagged anti-DNP antibody on the antigen (DNP)-functionalized sensing surface. Sensing interface was prepared by using dendrimer-assisted self-assembled monolayer. From immunosensor measurements under competition reaction format, target antigen and antibody exhibited linear detection ranges of 200 nM–2 mM and 1 μg/ml–0.1 mg/ml, respectively.

We describe the modulation of biointerface by an external stimulus with a smart polymer-modified electrode. Poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) shows a rapid reversible hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition of its conformation in response to the temperature variation across its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). This phenomenon changes the physical appearance of the polymer, helical and linear form, at the biorecognition interface. The chip surface was double functionalized with the PNIPAAm and a model ligand, biotin, and the antigen–antibody affinity reaction was observed and traced by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The amount of anti-biotin antibody binding on the chip surface was controlled specifically by the structural transformation of PNIPAAm by the temperature variation. By using two reaction channels on a single SPR sensor chip, the difference of the bound antibody concentration in the consequence of the structural transformation was found to be 3.73 × 10 −13 mol cm −2 , supporting the possibility of site-selective protein immobilization/patterning for multiplexed analysis.

The effects of a reductant and carbon source on the decolorization of the disazo dye C.I. Reactive Black 5 and real textile wastewater were investigated in an anaerobic sludge system. The color removal without sulfide in this process was about 94% at 35 °C during 72 h. The intermittent addition of sulfide (10 mg/L) led to an increase in the microbial decolorization of more than 9% during 48 h in comparison with the case where no sulfide was added. The LC/MS and spectrophotometric analysis indicated that the microbial decolorization of the azo dye with anaerobic sludge was attributed to the reduction of the azo bonds. The decolorization rates were about 40% without an additional substrate and about 20% with methanol (10 −3 M), which were about 2- to 3-fold lower than that obtained with the favorite C-source, glucose. In the treatment of real textile wastewater, the unsatisfactory removal of COD (57.8%) and color was obtained during 12 h, due to the lack of readily degradable COD for the azo dye decolorization and the toxic effect of the wastewater.

A new species of Cybaeus spiders collected from Mt. Odaesan, C. aratrum sp. nov., is described with detailed illustrations, leg spination, trichobothrium patterns and SEM photographs. This species can be distinguished from other Cybaeus species by male palpal conductor largely developed plow-like with twisted distal part, embolar tip injector-like, and patellar apophysis with 44 protuberances on the distal part. A key to the species of Korean cybaeid spiders is provided.

A three-dimensional modelling approach is used to study the effects of operating and ambient conditions on the thermal behaviour of a NESSCAP 2.7 V/3500 F ultracapacitor cell for a 42-V automotive electrical system. The rate of heat generation of the ultracapacitor during charge and discharge is measured with a calorimeter. The transient temperature distribution of the ultracapacitor during cycling is obtained by using the finite element method with an implicit predictor-multicorrector algorithm. The results show that the temperature of the ultracapacitor cell increases during the first 50 cycles after which it reaches a periodic steady-state value that increases with increasing ambient temperature.

The present study investigated the protective effect of naturally purified 4-(3,4- dihydroxyphenyl)-3-buten-2-one (DHP) from Phellinus linteus against naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcers in rats. To verify the protective effect of DHP on naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcers, various doses (1, 5, and 10 μg/kg) of DHP were pretreated for 3 days, and then gastric damage was caused by 80 mg/kg naproxen applied for 3 days. DHP prevented naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, 10 μg/kg DHP showed the best protective effect against naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcers. Moreover, DHP significantly attenuated the naproxen-induced lipid peroxide level in gastric mucosa and increased the activities of radical scavenging enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, in a dose-dependent manner. A histological examination clearly demonstrated that the gastric antral ulcer induced by naproxen nearly disappeared after the pretreatment of DHP. These results suggest that DHP can inhibit naproxen-induced gastric antral ulcers through prevention of lipid peroxidation and activation of radical scavenging enzymes.

The kleptoparasitic spider subfamily Argyrodinae in Korea is reviewed with detailed illustrations and SEM photographs of male palpal organs. Five species belonging to four genera of Korean Argyrodinae spiders are redescribed and Argyrodes miltosus Zhu and Song, 1991 is synonymized with A. miniaceu. A key to the species of the Korean Argyrodinae spiders are also provided.

A new species of coelotin spider from forests of Busan city, South-eastern Korea, Ambanus cochlea sp. nov., is described with detailed illustrations, leg spination, trichobothrium patterns, and scanning electron micrographs. This species can be distinguished from other Ambanus spiders by embolus with large distal part, wound snail-like and embolus tip in male and genital opening situated in the middle of atrium, copulationary ducts oblique linear, spermathecal heads long cylindrical processes in female. A key to the species of genus Ambanus is provided.

Although there are some questions about the venues of adult neurogenesis, it is undoubtedly accepted that new neurons are born in adult brains. Adult neurogenesis is regulated by a wide array of factors. Insults harmful to brain, such as neurodegenerative diseases, seizure, ischemia and exposure to drugs of abuse, are intricately related to adult neurogenesis. Whereas neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by death or functional loss of specific neurons, recent studies report that they can be accompanied by neurogenesis. In addition, alcohol and drugs of abuse which have been reputed to cause irreversible damage to brain can also generate newly born cells in adult brain. As yet, however, we have little knowledge of the functional significance and roles of adult neurogenesis under pathological settings, not to mention under physiological settings. Accordingly, in this review we briefly summarize the results of studies which focus on adult neurogenesis in insulted brain, instead of trying to draw hurried conclusion regarding the relationship between adult neurogenesis and brain insults.

A culture of anaerobic sludge was bioaugmented withDesulfovibrio desulfuricans for the color removal of authentic textile wastewater containing a substantial amount of sulfate, in order to improve the decolorization process. The sulfide produced by sulfate respiration ofD. desulfuricans can chemically reduce azo bonds to produce a colorless metabolite in the form of aromatic amines. In the case where the culture of anaerobic sludge was bioaugmented withD. desulfuricans, the decolorization of C.I. Reactive Black 5 showed an increase of more than 14% after 48 h in comparison with that in the culture of anaerobic sludge alone. In the decolorization of authentic textile wastewater, the color removal (about 69.0%) was improved by the mixed culture of anaerobic sludge andD. desulfuricans, compared with results obtained with only anaerobic sludge as reported in our previous work, suggesting that bioaugmentation byD. desulfuricans can be useful for the decolorization of wastewater that contains complex dye compounds and sulfate.

The prolonged effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation on the proliferation and differentiation of hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs) were studied. Under conditions of mitogen-mediated proliferation, a single NMDA pulse (5 μM) increased the fraction of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive (BrdU+) cells after a delay of 72 hours. Similarly, a single systemic injection of NMDA (100 mg/kg) increased the number of BrdU+ cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) after 28 days, but not after 3 days. NMDA receptor activation induced an immediate influx of Ca2+ into the NPCs and the NPCs expressed and released vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner within 72 hours. With repetitive stimulation at the same dose, NMDA stimulated the acquisition of a neuronal phenotype accompanied by an increase in the expression of proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Together these findings suggest that neurogenesis in the developing brain is likely to be both directly and indirectly regulated by complex interactions between Ca2+ influx and excitation-releasable cytokines, even at mild levels of excitation. In addition, our results are the first to show that stimulation of NPCs may lead to either proliferation or neuronal differentiation, depending on the level of NMDA receptor activation.

BACKGROUND: Non-uniform distribution of pore size and depth of porous Si chip for a Fabry–Perot interferometer, in a previous study, led to relatively low sensitivity with poor reproducibility when its surface was immobilized with calyx crown derivative (Prolinker A). In this study, porous anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) was used as an alternative biochip substrate for detecting β-galactosidase, and chip fabrication and surface functionalization methods were optimized. RESULTS: According to structural and spectral analysis of the AAO surface, an optimal operating voltage for anodization was determined as 40 V, which gave the best uniformity in pore size (about 30 nm) and fringe pattern. The ΔEOT (difference in effective optical thickness) showed a linear relationship (R2 = 0.9932) with β-galactosidase concentration in the range 0.05–5 units enzyme mL−1, corresponding to 0.07–7.0 µg protein mL−1. CONCLUSIONS: With uniformly porous AAO immobilized with Prolinker A, sensitivity was enhanced about 200 times compared with the lowest detection concentration of 10 units mL−1 with the porous Si chip used in the previous study. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

ZnGa 2 O 4 phosphors were prepared by both SCM (solution combustion method) and SSRM (solid state reaction method). The properties of the both ZnGa 2 O 4 phosphors were investigated by TGA (Thermogravimetric analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscope), BET (Brunauer Emmett Teller), PL (photoluminescence) and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The particle size of SCM phosphor was about one-hundredth of SSRM phosphor. The PL intensity of SCM phosphor was about 1.5-fold higher than that of SSRM phosphor. The SCM phosphor was also tried to be doped with Mn 2+ ions. The highest PL peak was observed with Mn 2+ ions of 0.003 mol fraction. The peak was shifted from blue (470 nm) to green (513 nm) color. These results might be very useful for high efficiency phosphors for displays such as field emission displays and plasma display panels.

Two species of the genus Xysticus from Korea are revised with detailed illustrations, spination of each leg, trichobothrium patterns and SEM photographs. The female of X. concretus Utochkin, 1968 is described for the first time and Xysticus lepnevae Utochkin, 1968 from Korea represent the species’ southernmost known records. The latter species is distinguished by its male palpal organs with hooked median apophysis, developed ventral tibial apophysis and expanded retrolateral tibial apopysis, two tegular sutures and by it epigynum with triangular atrium and large copulatory ducts circled, with broadly transparent membrane. Furthermore, the Xysticus spiders, previously misidentified in Korea as male of X. dichotomus Paik, 1973 and female of X. bifurcus Paik, 1973 are in fact the true X. concretus.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the age-standardized incidence rate of ocular melanoma and its subtypes in South Korea from 1999 to 2011. Methods The national cancer registry in South Korea was reviewed to ascertain all ocular melanoma incidents between 1999 and 2011, which covered the entire South Korean population. Age-standardized incidence rates of ocular melanoma and its subtypes were calculated. Trends in incidence were analyzed by the use of Joinpoint regression. Analyses were stratified by tumor type, sex, age, and year of cancer diagnosis. Results A total of 464 ocular melanoma cases (227 men [48.9%]) were identified from 1999 to 2011. The age-standardized incidence rate for 1999 to 2011 was 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.66) per million people. Among ocular melanomas, uveal melanoma had the highest age-standardized incidence rate for 1999 to 2011 (0.42 [95% CI: 0.38-0.47] per million people), followed by conjunctival melanoma (0.12 [95% CI: 0.09-0.14] per million people). The age-standardized incidence rate was higher in 2006 to 2011 than in 1999 to 2005, and increasing incidence trends were observed throughout the study period. Conclusions Incidence rate of ocular melanoma for 1999 to 2011 is relatively lower in South Korean population than in that reported in white population. Although ocular melanoma is still considered a rare cancer in South Korea, our findings suggest increasing incidence trends. This may warrant future in-depth study.

In this study, we aimed to confirm the protective effects of garlic saponins against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms in mouse-derived C2C12 myoblasts. Relative cell viability was determined by 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Comet assay was used to measure DNA damage and oxidative stress was determined using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate to measure intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Western blot analysis and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based knockdown were used in order to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms. Our results revealed that garlic saponins prevented hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced growth inhibition and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS. We also observed that garlic saponins prevented H2O2-induced comet tail formation and decreased the phosphorylation levels of γH2AX expression, suggesting that they can prevent H2O2-induced DNA damage. In addition, garlic saponins increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a potent antioxidant enzyme associated with the induction and phosphorylation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol into the nucleus. However, the protective effects of garlic saponins on H2O2-induced ROS generation and growth inhibition were significantly reduced by zinc protoporphyrin Ⅸ, an HO-1 competitive inhibitor. In addition, the potential of garlic saponins to mediate HO-1 induction and protect against H2O2‑mediated growth inhibition was adversely affected by transient transfection with Nrf2-specific siRNA. Garlic saponins activated extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, whereas a specific ERK inhibitor was able to inhibit HO-1 upregulation, as well as Nrf2 induction and phosphorylation. Taken together, the findings of our study suggest that garlic saponins activate the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by enabling ERK to contribute to the induction of phase Ⅱ antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes, including HO-1 in C2C12 cells.

Obesity is a serious medical condition causing various diseases such as heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. Fat cells (adipocytes) play an important role in the generation of energy through hydrolysis of lipids they accumulate. Therefore, induction of lipolysis (breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol), is one of the ways to treat obesity. In the present study, we investigated the lipolytic effect of widdrol in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and its mechanism. Widdrol considerably increased the amount of glycerol released from 3T3-L1 adipocytes into the medium in a time- and dose-dependent manner. To determine the mechanism of this effect, we investigated the alterations in glycerol release and protein expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with widdrol alone or widdrol and inhibitors of proteins involved in the cAMP-dependent pathway or cAMP-independent PKC–MAPK pathway, which are known to induce lipolysis in adipocytes. The adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ-22536, PLA2 inhibitor dexamethasone, PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, and PKA inhibitor H-89, which were used to investigate the involvement of the cAMP-dependent pathway, did not affect the lipolytic effect of widdrol. Widdrol-induced phosphorylation of PKC, MEK, and ERK, which are related to the PKC–MAPK pathway, and their phosphorylation was inhibited by their inhibitors (H-7, U0126, and PD-98059, respectively). Moreover, the increase in glycerol release induced by widdrol was almost completely blocked by PKC, MEK, and ERK inhibitors. These results suggest that widdrol induces lipolysis through activation of the PKC–MEK–ERK pathway.

Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in marine algae and brown seaweeds, has been shown to inhibit the in vitro growth of human cancer cells. This study was conducted in cultured human bladder cancer EJ cells to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which fucoidan exerts its anti-proliferative activity, which until now has remained poorly understood. Fucoidan treatment of EJ cells resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and induced apoptotic cell death. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that fucoidan led to G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. It was associated with down-regulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin-dependent-kinases (Cdks) in a concentration-dependent manner, without any change in Cdk inhibitors, such as p21 and p27. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) by this compound was associated with enhanced binding of pRB with the transcription factors E2F-1 and E2F-4. Overall, our results demonstrate that fucoidan possesses anticancer activity potential against bladder cancer cells by inhibiting pRB phosphorylation. Keywords: Fucoidan, EJ cells, G1 arrest, Apoptosis, pRB

Summary Background Superficial fungal infections are a very common problem in dermatological clinics. The diagnostic method of fungal culture is time-consuming and has inconsistent sensitivity. Therefore, a practical method for rapid and accurate identification of the species causing superficial fungal infections is needed. Aim To compare PCR–reverse blot hybridization assay (PCR-REBA) with conventional fungal diagnostic methods so as to determine the reliability of PCR-REBA for the diagnosis and species identification in superficial fungal infections. Methods Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation, fungal culture, conventional real-time PCR and PCR-REBA were used to assess 83 specimens, and the results from each method were compared. Results Of the 83 specimens, 44 specimens that were positive by fungal culture had 62.7% agreement with PCR-REBA. Compared with real-time PCR, there was 68.7% agreement with fungal culture, but 91.6% agreement with PCR-REBA. When the comparison was made using the 55 specimens that gave positive results in both KOH preparation and fungal culture, there was 85.5% agreement with real-time PCR for fungal culture, but 94.5% agreement with PCR-REBA. Conclusions Compared with KOH preparation or fungal culture, PCR-REBA has higher sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, PCR-REBA could be a useful method in clinical settings because it can identify species quickly and accurately, and can also determine the existence of pathogens.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) is utilized in Korean medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of Fructus sophorae extract (FSE) isolated from the dried ripe fruit of S. japonicum (L.) on the development of type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in BALB/c mice. The CIA mice were orally administered FSE or saline daily for 2 weeks. The incidence and severity of disease and the inflammatory response in the serum and the joint tissues were assessed. Macroscopic and histological investigation indicated that FSE protected against CIA development. FSE was associated with a significant reduction in the levels of total immunoglobulin G2a and proinflammatory cytokines and mediators in the serum. In addition, FSE suppressed the gene expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, the mediator of osteoclastic bone remodeling, the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand and matrix metalloproteinases in the joint tissues. The present results suggest that FSE may protect against inflammation and bone damage, and would be a valuable candidate for further investigation as a novel anti-arthritic agent.

Recent studies have demonstrated that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a newly identified tyrosine kinase receptor B agonist, is a potent antioxidant agent. The present study was designed to confirm the cytoprotective effects of 7,8-DHF against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms in C2C12 myoblasts. We found that 7,8-DHF attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced growth inhibition and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that were induced by H2O2. We also observed that 7,8-DHF significantly attenuated H2O2-induced comet tail formation, and decreased the phosphorylation levels of the histone, H2AX, as well as the number of Annexin V-positive cells, suggesting that 7,8-DHF prevents H2O2-induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, 7,8-DHF increased the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is a potent antioxidant enzyme associated with the induction and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as well as the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus. However, the protective effects of 7,8-DHF against H2O2 -induced ROS generation and growth inhibition were significantly diminished by zinc protoporphyrin IX, an HO-1 competitive inhibitor. Moreover, the potential of 7,8-DHF to mediate HO-1 induction and protect the cells against H2O2 -mediated growth inhibition was abrogated by transient transfection with Nrf2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). In addition, 7,8-DHF induced the activation of Akt, a downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and also that of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), while specific inhibitors of PI3K and ERK, but not a p38 MAPK inhibitor, abolished the 7,8-DHF induced HO-1 upregulation and Nrf2 induction and phosphorylation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 7,8-DHF augments the cellular antioxidant defense capacity through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, which also involves the activation of the PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways, thereby protecting C2C12 myoblasts from H2O2-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.

It has been shown that neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-induced neuronal differentiation is extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent. However, an involvement of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK), an upstream kinase of ERK, has not been directly demonstrated in this process. Therefore, we investigated whether the MEK1 plays a critical role in the NCAM-induced neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). NPCs were transiently transfected with expression plasmids encoding activated or dominant negative (DN) forms of MEK1. The expression of DN MEK1 inhibited neuronal phenotype acquisition and soluble NCAM rescued the defect in the neuronal phenotype acquisition in DN-MEK1-transfected cells, suggesting that NCAM might contribute to the neuronal differentiation via distinct, parallel pathways including the MEK pathway. In cells expressing wild type MEK1 or constitutively active MEK1 on the other hand, the percentage of cells positive for beta-tubulin type III (Tuj1), a marker for early postmitotic neurons, was higher than seen in vector-transfected cells. These results suggest that the activation of MEK1 is required for obtaining neuronal phenotype in NPCs.

Two poorly known spider species of the genus Ambanus from Korea are revised with detailed illustrations, leg spination, trichobothrium patterns, and SEM photographs. Ambanus lunatus (Paik, 1976), previously misidentified in Korea as Ambanus spp., is redescribed with the first description of the male. The type species of the monotypic genus Alloclubionoides Paik, 1992 (Clubionidae), Alloclubionoides coreana, described only from the male holotype, is transferred to Ambanus with the first description. Furthermore, the female paratype of Coelotes paikwunensis and female specimens described as A. lunatus in Korea are in fact the females of A. coreana.

To understand antitumor activity of Albizzia julibrissin Durazz (Leguminosae), which has been used as a traditional oriental medicine, the mechanism underlying cytotoxic effect of its extract on human acute leukemia Jurkat T cells were investigated. The methanol extract of the stripped barks (3 kg) of Albizzia julibrissin was evaporated, dissolved in water, and then sequentially extracted by chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The substance in the butanol extract containing the most cytotoxic activity was further purified by a series of preparative column chromatography. The active substance obtained (723 mg) was designated as HaBC18. When Jurkat T cells were treated with HaBC18 (0.5–2 μg/ml), apoptosis along with several biochemical events such as mitochondrial cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9 and -3, degradation of PARP, and DNA fragmentation was induced in a dose-dependent manner. However, the HaBC18-induced apoptosis was abrogated by an ectopic overexpression of Bcl-xL, which is known to block mitochondrial cytochrome c release. Primary cultures of human PBMC were less sensitive to the cytotoxicity relative to Jurkat T cells. These results demonstrate that the cytotoxicity of HaBC18 toward Jurkat T cells is attributable to apoptosis mediated by mitochondria-dependent death-signaling pathway regulated by Bcl-xL.

Two spider species of the genus Asiacoelotes collected from various areas of South Korea are reviewed with spination on each leg, detailed illustrations including trichobothrium patterns and SEM photographs of male palpal organs and female epigynum. These two species, A. songminjae (Paik & Yaginuma, 1969) and A. insidiosus (L. Koch, 1878), have been confused in Korea and Japan because they were previously incompletely described. A. songminjae is redescribed from the neotype and is here synonymized with A. tropidosatus (Wang & Zhu, 1991). A. insidiosus is recorded for the first time in Korea.

A new species, Attheyella namkungi sp. nov., is described from Gosu cave at Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. This species bears a superficial resemblance to A. coreana Miura, 1969 in having a 2-segmented mandibular palp with only four smooth apical setae, and in the armature formulae of the antennary exopod and thoracic legs. However the new species is clearly distinguishable by the non-sexually dimorphic caudal rami, two long plumose setae and a short seta on leg 6, and the absence of the setular row at the inner lateral margin of each caudal ramus. The new species is characterized from other congeners by having two adjacent inner spines on female leg 3 endopod-2, the caudal ramus twice as long as its width, absence of a barbed apophysis on male leg 3 endopod-2, and the seta number of legs 5 and 6. A key to the Korean species of the genus Attheyella is provided.

The effect of in situ photodeposited ferric ion onto TiO2 surface on the degradation of alachlor was investigated in the presence of the UV radiation. The photodegradation rate of alachlor could be described as an apparent first order. The rate constant (K(a)) of alachlor increased from 0.021 to 0.060 h(-1) as the number of coating times increased from 1- to 5-times in the absence of ferric ion, where the corresponding thicknesses of the TiO2 film were 67 and 174 nm. The rate constant (K(a)) increased from 0.030 to 0.060 h(-1) as pH value decreasd from pH 9 to 5 in the presence of only TiO2 immobilised with 5-times of coating. The rate constant increased slightly from 0.031 to 0.050 h(-1) as the concentration of ferric ion increased from 0.75 to 7.5 mg Fe3+ l(-1) in the absence of TiO2. However, those increased from 0.051 to 0.110 h(-1) in the presence of both TiO2 and ferric ion. In situ photodeposition of ferric ion onto the TiO2 surface enhanced the rate constant of photodegradation of alachlor by about 80% with an adding 7.5 mgFe3+ l(-1). During the alachlor photodegradation, three kinds of non-toxic organic compounds derived from alachlor were detected in 1 h.

A fibrinolytic metalloprotease gene from Bacillus subtilis has been cloned in Escheridria coliXL1-Blue and the bacterial expressed enzyme was purified. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned fibrinolytic enzyme gene revealed a single open reading frame of 1023 bp coding for 341 amino acids (Mr 37708.21 Da). N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the fibrinolytic enzyme excreted from E. coli host cells revealed that the mature fibrinolytic enzyme consists of 288 amino acids (Mr 31391.1 Da). The deduced amino acid sequence showed significant homology with Erwina carotovora neutral metalloprotease and Serratia marcescens minor metalloprotease by 65 and 58% amino acid sequence identity, respectively. The protein showed significant alignments with the conserved domain of catalytic activity and the α-helix domain in Bacillus anthracisthermolysis metalloprotease. The biochemical properties of the purified enzyme suggested that the enzyme is a fibrinolytic metalloprotease, which has optimal activity at pH 7.0 and 50 °C.

Photodegradation experiments of bisphenol-A (BPA) were performed with TiO 2 particles as a photocatalyst, where particles were immobilized using a titanium sol-solution synthesized by a sol–gel method. The effects of immobilized TiO 2 -film thickness, UV radiation intensity, and pH on the photodegradation of BPA were investigated. Apparent rate constant of the first order increased with increasing TiO 2 -coating time from 1 to 3, however, decreased over 4-coating time. Rate constant ( K ) increased with increasing the UV light intensity, which was related with the number of inserted UV lamps. Rate constant ( K ) increased as the pH value shifted from basic to acidic regions. Four kinds of byproducts were derived during the photodegradation of BPA, which were identified as 1.1-ethenylidenebis-benzene, 4-isopropylphenol, 4-tert-butylphenol, and phenol.

RecombinantE. coli ACV 1003 (recA::lacZ) releasing β-galactosidase by a SOS regulon system, when exposed to DNA-damaging compounds, have been used to effectively monitor endocrine disruptors. Low enzyme activity of less than 10 units/mL, corresponding to a μg/L (ppb) range of an endocrine disruptor (tributyl tin, bisphenol A,etc.), can be rapidly determined, not by a conventional time-consuming and tedious enzyme assay, but by an alternative interferometric biosensor. Heavily boron-doped porous silicon for application as an interferometer, was fabricated by etching to form a Fabry-Perot fringe pattern, which caused a change in the refractive index of the medium including β-galactosidase. In order to enhance the immobilization of the porous silicon surface, a calyx crown derivative (ProLinker A) was applied, instead of a conventional biomolecular affinity method using biotin. This resulted in a denser linked formation. The change in the effective optical thickness versus β-galactosidase activity, showed a linear increase up to a concentration of 150 unit β-galactosidase/mL, unlike the sigmoidal increase pattern observed with the biotin.

Experiments were performed to investigate the effect of operating parameters on the photodegradation efficiency of paraquat in a TiO2-suspended photoreactor with immersed UV lamps. TiO2 particles were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The removal rate of paraquat in the reactor was 0.54 mg/l/h with only air-sparging. The removal rate in 24 h with both the UV radiation and air-sparging was 50% higher than that with only the UV radiation. Variations of the paraquat concentration at the UV intensities of 4 and 8 W/m2 decreased slowly with time, but that at 12 W/m2 decreased more rapidly. The removal efficiency at the air-sparging flow rate of 1 //min increased as a UV light intensity increased. pH value in the reactor at the UV intensity of 12 W/m2 decreased with time until 12 h and then increased with time over 12 h.

A laboratory study was conducted on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from piggery wastewater during growth of Botryococcus braunii UTEX 572, together with measurements of hydrocarbon formation by the alga. The influence was tested of the initial nitrogen and phosphorus concentration on the optimum concentration range for a culture in secondarily treated piggery wastewater. A high cell density (> 7 g L−1 d. wt) was obtained with 510 mg L−1 NO3-N. Growth increased with nitrogen concentration at the basal phosphorus concentration (14 mg P L−1). The growth rate was nearly independent (μ = 0.027 ∼ 0.030 h−1) of the initial phosphate concentration, except under conditions of phosphate deficiency (μ = 0.019 h−1). B. braunii grew well in piggery wastewater pretreated by a membrane bioreactor (MBR) with acidogenic fermentation. A dry cell weight of 8.5 mgL−1 and hydrocarbon level of 0.95 gL−1 were obtained, and nitrate was removed at a rate of 620 mg NL−1. These results indicate that pretreated piggery wastewater provides a good culture medium for the growth and hydrocarbon production by B. braunii.

A dye acid red 114 (C.I. 23635) was photochemically removed by adding ferric ion (Fe3+), TiO2 particles, and H2O2 in the presence of the UV radiation. The removal rates of the acid red 114 (C.I. 23635) dye were 0.183, 0.210, and 0.233 mg/l/min when the concentrations of Fe3+ were 50, 100, and 130 mg/l. The removal rate of the dye increased from 0.173, through 0.200, 0.210 to 0.260 mg/l/min when the H2O2 concentrations were 10, 50, 100, and 150 mg/l, respectively. The removal rates were 0.200, 0.207, 0.210, 0.273, and 0.293 mg/l/min when the concentrations of TiO2 were 40, 60, 100, 500, and 1000 mg/l, respectively. The removal rate at pH 2.5 was higher than any other; pH 3.5, 5.5, and 8.5 and the photodegradation efficiency increased with the flow rate of air in the range from 1 to 10 l/min. From these results, relationships between the removal rate and the concentration of added Fe3+, H2O2, and TiO2 could be expressed as the following second-order equations, respectively, Rremoval=3×10−6 ×(CFe3+)2+5×10−5 ×(CFe3+)+0.1729; Rremoval=2×10−6 ×(CH2O2)2+2×10−3 ×(CH2O2)+0.1759; and Rremoval=−1×10−7 ×(CTiO2)2+2×10−4×(CTiO2)+0.1867.

With the advent of nanotechnology, new functional modules (e.g., nanomotors, nanoprobes) have become essential in several medical fields. Generally, mechanical modulators systems are the principal components of most cutting-edge technologies in modern biomedical applications. However, the in vivo use of motile probes has raised many concerns due to their low sensitivity and non-biocompatibility. As an alternative, biological enzymatic engines have received increased attention. In particular, ATPases, which belong to a class of motile enzymes that catalyze chemical metabolic reactions, have emerged as a promising motor due to their improved biocompatibility and performance. However, ATPases usually suffer from lower functional activity and are difficult to express recombinantly in bacteria relative to their conventional and synthetic competitors. Here, we report a novel functional modified ATPase with both a simple purification protocol and enhanced motile activity. For this mutant ATPase, a new bacterial subcloning method was established. The ATPase-encoding sequence was redesigned so that the mutant ATPase could be easily produced in an Escherichia coli system. The modified thermophilic F1-ATPase (mTF1-ATPase) demonstrated 17.8 unit/mg ATPase activity. We propose that derivatives of our ATPase may enable the development of novel in vitro and in vivo synthetic medical diagnostics, as well as therapeutics.

Background: The migration of vascular smooth muscle cells from the tunica media to the subendothelial region may be a key event in the development of atherosclerosis after arterial injury. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Schisandrae Semen essential oil (SSeo) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Methods: Metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography and gelatinase activity assay kit. The possible mechanisms underlying SSeo-mediated reduction of by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced cell invasion and inhibition of secreted and cytosolic MMP-9 production in HASMCs were investigated. Results: Our results indicate that SSeo treatment has an inhibitory effect on activation as well as expression of MMP-9 induced by TNF-alpha in HASMCs in a dose-dependent manner without significant cytotoxicity. SSeo attenuated nuclear translocation of TNF-alpha-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and blocked degradation of the NF-kappa B inhibitor proteins as well as the production of reactive oxygen species. SSeo also reduced TNF-alpha-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E-2 and inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in HASMCs. Furthermore, the Matrigel migration assay showed that SSeo effectively reduced TNF-alpha-induced HASMC migration compared with that in the control group. Conclusions: Taken together, these results suggest that SSeo treatment suppresses TNF-alpha-induced HASMC migration by selectively inhibiting MMP-9 expression, which was associated with suppression of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that SSeo has putative potential anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Background Sargassum horneri, an edible marine brown alga, is typically distributed along the coastal seas of Korea and Japan. Although several studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidative activity of this alga, the regulatory mechanisms have not yet been defined. The aim of the present study was to examine the cytoprotective effects of S. horneri against oxidative stress-induced cell damage in C2C12 myoblasts. Methods We demonstrated the anti-oxidative effects of a methanol extract of S. horneri (SHME) in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-stimulated C2C12 myoblast model. Cytotoxicity was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium assay and mode of cell death by cell cycle analysis. DNA damage was measured using a comet assay and expression of phospho-histone γH2A.X (p-γH2A.X). Levels of cellular oxidative stress as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were measured using 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. The involvement of selected genes in the oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathway was explored using Western blot analysis. Results SHME attenuated H2O2-induced growth inhibition and exhibited scavenging activity against intracellular ROS that were induced by H2O2. The SHME also inhibited comet tail formation, p-γH2A.X expression, and the number of sub-G1 hypodiploid cells, suggesting that it prevents H2O2-induced cellular DNA damage and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, the SHME significantly enhanced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) associated with induction of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the protective effect of the SHME on H2O2-induced C2C12 cell damage was significantly abolished by zinc protoporphyrin IX, a HO-1 competitive inhibitor, in C2C12 cells. Conclusions These findings suggest that the SHME augments cellular antioxidant defense capacity through both intrinsic free radical scavenging activity and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, protecting C2C12 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative cytotoxicity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Schisandrae semen essential oil (SSeo) on apoptosis events and the mechanisms associated with these effects in human leukemia U937 cells. The treatment of U937 cells with SSeo significantly inhibited survival and induced apoptosis. Schisandrae semen essential oil treatment increased the levels of death receptors and Fas, and activated caspases accompanied by proteolytic degradation of poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase, which was associated with the downregulation of members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family protein expression; however, a pan-caspase inhibitor reversed SSeo-induced apoptosis. Treating the cells with SSeo also caused truncation of Bid, translocation of proapoptotic Bax to the mitochondria, and loss of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, thereby inducing the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. Subsequently, SSeo upregulated the translocation of mitochondrial apoptogenic factors, such as endonuclease G and apoptosis-inducing factor, into the nucleus during the apoptotic process. Notably, SSeo immediately increased the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine, a common ROS quencher, almost completely blocked SSeo-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these findings indicate that SSeo caused ROS- and caspase-dependent cell death involving mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear translocation of mitochondrial proapoptosis proteins. Based on our data, the consumption of Schisandrae semen or its essential oil is a good natural therapeutic agent for anticancer activity and regression.

Ginseng, the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Araliaceae), is a widely known traditional medicine that has been utilized throughout Asia for several thousand years. Ginseng saponins exert various important pharmacological effects regarding the control of a number of diseases. The aim of the present study was to identify the anti-inflammatory effects of total saponins extracted from ginseng (TSG) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages. The inhibitory effects of TSG on LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) protein expression were determined by measuring the levels of nitrite and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of TSG on the mRNA expression levels and localizations of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), IL-1β and TNF-α, and their upstream signaling proteins, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Following stimulation with LPS, elevated levels of NO production were detected in RAW 264.7 cells; however, TSG pretreatment significantly inhibited the production of NO (P

In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ethanol extracts of Fructus Schisandrae (FS), the dried fruit of Schizandra chinensis Baillon, mitigates the development of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy. Adult SPF/VAT outbred CrljOri:CD1 (ICR) mice were either treated with dexamethasone to induce muscle atrophy. Some mice were treated with various concentrations of FS or oxymetholone, a 17α-alkylated anabolic-androgenic steroid. Muscle thickness and weight, calf muscle strength, and serum creatine and creatine kinase (CK) levels were then measured. The administration of FS attenuated the decrease in calf thickness, gastrocnemius muscle thickness, muscle strength and weight, fiber diameter and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in the gastrocnemius muscle bundles which was induced by dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FS also prevented the dexamethasone-induced increase in serum creatine and creatine kinase levels, histopathological muscle fiber microvacuolation and fibrosis, and the immunoreactivity of muscle fibers for nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxynonenal, inducible nitric oxide synthase and myostatin. In addition, the destruction of the gastrocnemius antioxidant defense system was also inhibited by the administration of FS in a dose-dependent manner. FS downregulated the mRNA expression of atrogin-1 and muscle ring-finger protein-1 (involved in muscle protein degradation), myostatin (a potent negative regulator of muscle growth) and sirtuin 1 (a representative inhibitor of muscle regeneration), but upregulated the mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Akt1, adenosine A1 receptor and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4, involved in muscle growth and the activation of protein synthesis. The overall effects of treatment with 500 mg/kg FS were comparable to those observed following treatment with 50 mg/kg oxymetholone. The results from the present study support the hypothesis that FS has a favorable ameliorating effect on muscle atrophy induced by dexamethasone, by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on muscle fibers, which may be due to an increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.

The objective of this study was to assess the possible beneficial skeletal muscle preserving effects of ethanol extract of Schisandrae Fructus (EESF) on sciatic neurectomy- (NTX-) induced hindlimb muscle atrophy in mice. Here, calf muscle atrophy was induced by unilateral right sciatic NTX. In order to investigate whether administration of EESF prevents or improves sciatic NTX-induced muscle atrophy, EESF was administered orally. Our results indicated that EESF dose-dependently diminished the decreases in markers of muscle mass and activity levels, and the increases in markers of muscle damage and fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokines, and apoptotic events in the gastrocnemius muscle bundles are induced by NTX. Additionally, destruction of gastrocnemius antioxidant defense systems after NTX was dose-dependently protected by treatment with EESF. EESF also upregulated muscle-specific mRNAs involved in muscle protein synthesis but downregulated those involved in protein degradation. The overall effects of 500 mg/kg EESF were similar to those of 50 mg/kg oxymetholone, but it showed more favorable antioxidant effects. The present results suggested that EESF exerts a favorable ameliorating effect on muscle atrophy induced by NTX, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects related to muscle fiber protective effects andviaan increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in protein degradation.

Barro and Sala-i-Martin analyzed the empirical determinants of growth. They used a cross-sectional empirical framework that considered growth from two kinds of factors, initial levels of steady-state variables and control variables (e.g., investment ratio, infrastructure). Recent literature suggests that education is important in determining steadystate growth. Sequeira Following Baumol, we also consider the growth regression. We extend the previous research for Asian countries of Kim to developed countries. Following the implications of semi-endogenous growth theory, we regressed output growth on a constant, one-year lagged output (initial income) and the determinants of steady-state income [investment rate, population growth, the quadratic (or linear) function of R&D intensity and human capital measured by years of schooling or enrollment rate in secondary school]. The regression suggests higher significance in research efforts. This contradicts with that of Sequeira, which asserts the speed is determined by only education, preference and technology parameter. The coefficients for the determinants of steady-state income, especially for the quadratic function of R&D intensity, are significant and occur in the expected direction. Our results suggests that adopting appropriate growth policy related with R&D, an economy can grow more rapidly through transition dynamics or changing fundamentals.

Objective : This study was performed to evaluate the treatment of Acupuncture therapy including Herbal Acupuncture theraphy and Korean Bee Venom Theraphy in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome. Methods : We treated 1 case of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome patient with mainly Korean Bee Venom Theraphy, and herbal Acupuncture, acupuncture theraphy from 27th August, 2001 to February, 2003. Results : After 3 weeks of Korean Bee Venom Theraphy, and herbal Acupuncture, acupuncture theraphy, a remarkable improvement was made for Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome. Conclusions : Korean Bee Venom Theraphy and other acupuncture therapies were effective in reducing the symptoms. We think that it need the further study and clinical trial for Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome.