Design Approach of Lifetime Extending Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Sensitizers for Highly Efficient Fluorescence Devices.

In this work, a design approach of three thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters to extend the device lifetime of the TADF sensitized fluorescent devices was studied. Three TADF materials, 5-{4,6-bis[4-(tert-butyl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl}-2-(10,15-diphenyl-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindolo[3,2-a:3',2'-c]carbazol-5-yl)benzonitrile (tTCNTruX), 4-[3-cyano-4-(10,15-diphenyl-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindolo[3,2-a:3',2'-c]carbazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (PCNTruX) and 4-(4-{10,15-bis[4-(tert-butyl)phenyl]-10,15-dihydro-5H-diindolo[3,2-a:3',2'-c]carbazol-5-yl}-3-cyanophenyl)-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (PCNtTruX), were synthesized as sensitizers for TADF-sensitized fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes. The two tTCNTruX and PCNtTruX TADF emitters were designed to have Dexter energy transfer with blocking groups either in the donor or acceptor unit of the donor-acceptor-type TADF sensitizer. The TADF materials showed small singlet-triplet energy splitting and a high reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) rate for effective sensitization of the fluorescent emission of the fluorescent emitter. tTCNTruX- and PCNtTruX-sensitized fluorescent devices showed maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 17.7 % and 11.5 % in the yellow and red devices, respectively, which were higher than those of TADF-sensitized devices with the corresponding TADF sensitizer without a blocking group. Moreover, the device lifetime was also extended by employing the tTCNTruX and PCNtTruX sensitizers. This work demonstrated that the tTCNTruX and PCNtTruX sensitizers are effective to improve the maximum EQE and device lifetime of TADF-sensitized fluorescent devices.

Comparative effects of dry-aging and wet-aging on physicochemical properties and digestibility of Hanwoo beef.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aging methods (AM) i.e. dry-aging (DA) and wet-aging (WA) on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of proteins in beef short loin. METHODS: Short loins (M. longissmus lumborum), were trimmed and boned-out on the fifth day postmortem, from a total of 18 Hanwoo, which were purchased from a commercial slaughterhouse. Short loins were separated randomly grouped into one of the three treatments: control, WA (1°C, 7 days), and DA (1°C, 0.5 m/s, 85% relative humidity [RH], 30 days). RESULTS: Dry-aged beef (DAB) exhibited higher pH, water holding capacity (WHC), myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), and digestibility, however lower lightness, redness, and yellowness values, cooking loss, and shear force (SF), than those of wet-aged beef (WAB) (p<0.05). The myosin light chain band intensity of DAB was higher than that of control and WAB in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The in vitro digestibility of aged beef was highly (p<0.001) correlated to physicochemical properties except WHC. The correlation coefficient between AMs and WHC was higher than that between AM and SF (p<0.05) or MFI (p<0.001). A high correlation was observed between SF and MFI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Thus, we believe that DAB is more advantageous than WAB owing to its high digestibility and WHC and low SF.

Design of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Assistant Dopants to Suppress the Nonradiative Component in Red Fluorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes.

Organic light-emitting diodes are currently under research to achieve high efficiency and long life by using thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. In particular, many studies have focused on ensuring high efficiency in fluorescent devices by introducing TADF materials. Herein, four kinds of orange-colored TADF materials were synthesized and introduced into 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylbisbenz[5,6]indeno[1,2,3-cd:1',2',3'-lm]perylene (DBP) red fluorescent devices as assistant dopants. These TADF materials assisted in achieving high efficiency in DBP devices by reducing nonradiative process by Dexter energy transfer and harvesting singlet excitons by a Förster resonance energy transfer process. Among the four TADF materials, 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-6-(9,9-diphenylacridin-10(9H)-yl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (DtBIQAP) showed a higher reverse intersystem crossing rate and a smaller nonradiative rate constant than the other two materials, which can reduce the exciton loss process. As a result, the DtBIQAP-assisted DBP device showed a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 18.2 % and color coordinates of (0.63, 0.37) in red fluorescent organic light-emitting diodes. This study provided a strategy of developing assistant dopants for high external quantum efficiency in TADF-assisted fluorescent devices.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of commercial, frozen, dry, and wet-aged Hanwoo sirloins.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory and taste characteristics of commercial, frozen, dry, and wet aged Hanwoo sirloin. Methods: Grade 2 sirloin from 6 Hanwoo steers (about 30 months old) were obtained after 5 days postmortem. Samples assigned into the following four groups commercial beef (CON), frozen beef (HF/40 days in -18°C freezer), wet-aged beef (HW/21 days), and dry-aged beef (HD/40 days) were stored in a 80±5% relative humidity cooler at 1 °C. Results: The HF group showed a significantly higher cooking loss and expressible drip with significantly higher pH compared to other groups. In addition, protein and fat contents in the HD group were higher than those in other groups (p < 0.05). The shear forces in the HW and HD groups were significantly lower than those in the CON group. The HD group had significantly higher omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with other groups. Glutamic acid levels in the HD group were significantly higher compared with those in other groups. Electronic tongue analysis revealed that sourness of the HD group was lower than that of other groups, whereas the HD group showed significantly higher umami, richness, and saltiness compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Sensory test results revealed that the HW group had significantly higher tenderness, while the HD group had significantly higher chewiness, juiciness, and overall acceptability scores. Conclusion: These results suggest that both wet- and dry-aging treatments can effectively improve sensory characteristics, and dry-aging was much more useful to enhance umami tastes and meat quality of 2 grade Hanwoo sirloins.

Effect of aged garlic powder on physicochemical characteristics, texture profiles, and oxidative stability of ready-to-eat pork patties.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aged garlic powder (AGP) on physicochemical characteristics, texture profiles, and oxidative stability of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork patties. METHODS: There were five treatment groups: a control; 1% fresh garlic powder (T1); 0.5%, 1%, and 2% AGP (T2, T3, and T4). Pork patties with vacuum packaging were roasted at 71°C for core temperature, stored at 4°C for 14 d, and then reheated for 1 min using a microwave. RESULTS: The AGP groups showed a lower the level of lipid oxidation and higher thiol contents than the control and T1. The pH value of the control increased whereas that of aged garlic groups decreased after re-heating process. In addition, the redness significantly increased with increasing level of AGP whereas the redness of the control and T1 decreased after re-heating process. T4 added patties improved textural and sensory properties compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that AGP addition to RTE pork patties can improve their sensory characteristics and oxidative stability.

Effect of dietary processed sulfur supplementation on water-soluble flavor precursors, free amino acids, and taste characteristics of pork during refrigerated storage.

BACKGROUND: A total of 60 three-way crossbred (Landrace, Duroc, and Yorkshire) pigs were divided into two groups (processed sulfur-fed pigs (SFPs) and nonprocessed sulfur-fed pigs, (NSFPs)) and used to determine the effect of supplementation with 3 g kg-1 processed sulfur on water-soluble precursors, free amino acids, and taste of meat using an electronic tongue, during refrigerated storage. RESULTS: Glycogen and glucose levels of SFP were significantly higher than in NSFPs. Glycogen levels decreased and glucose levels increased during storage (P < 0.001). The pH and moisture content of SFPs were higher than in NSFPs. Inosine of SFPs was higher than in NSFPs (P < 0.05). Hence, umami and richness tastes of SFPs were higher than in NSFPs and increased during storage. The total free amino acid content of both groups was not different, although it increased during storage (P < 0.001). The umami taste of water-soluble precursors was improved in meat derived from SFPs during refrigeration. CONCLUSION: The storage time and dietary supplementation with processed sulfur increased the taste components of meat. Application of an electronic tongue system can be used to distinguish the taste characteristics of different types of pork, based on differential supplementation and aging. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of heat stress and probiotic supplementation on protein functionality and oxidative stability of ground chicken leg meat during display storage.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat stress and probiotic supplementation on protein functionality and oxidative stability of ground chicken leg during display storage. Two hundred and forty, 1-day-old male chicks (5 birds per pen) were subjected to four treatments in a 2 (thermoneutral condition at 21 °C and cyclic heat stress at 32-21-32 °C for 10 h day-1 ) × 2 (regular diet with 0 or 0.25 g kg-1 Bacillus subtilis) factorial design. Chickens were harvested at day 46, and pairs of whole legs were collected at 1 day postmortem. The chicken legs were deboned, ground, tray-packaged with oxygen-permeable film, and displayed for 3 days. RESULTS: Heat stress and probiotic supplementation had no impact on pH, water-holding capacity, color, protein functionality, lipid lipolysis and lipid/protein oxidation stability (P > 0.05). Display storage increased the pH and lipid oxidation of ground chicken legs (P < 0.05). In addition, protein oxidation occurred during display storage, as determined via an increased carbonyl group (P = 0.0109) and reduced thiol group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that chronic heat stress and probiotic supplementation had no practical adverse impact on protein functionality and oxidative stability of ground chicken leg meat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing quality characteristics of salami sausages formulated with whole buckwheat flour during storage.

This study was performed to investigate the quality characteristics of salami sausages added with different levels of whole buckwheat flour (BWF) during storage. Samples included the control (Con), addition of 1% BWF (T1), 3% BWF (T2), and 5% BWF (T3). Water activity (aw) and pH decreased with increased level of BWF. Salami sausage samples containing 5% BWF demonstrated significantly lower 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values than the control. Changes in TBA values between day 0 and 21 for T2 and T3 were less than that for control. Total plate count (TPC) of all groups significantly decreased, whereas lactic acid bacteria significantly increased after 21 days. TPC of samples added with BWF was significantly lower during storage. Inclusion of BWF seemed to be an effective means of retarding lipid oxidation and enhancing storability of salami sausages.

Physicochemical and textural properties of pork patties as affected by buckwheat and fermented buckwheat.

This study was investigated to assess the effects of buckwheat (BW) and fermented buckwheat (FBW) on the proximate compositions, pH change, cooking quality, lipid oxidation, textural properties, and sensory characteristics of pork patties. Pork patties treated with BW and FBW were divided into six groups; Con, non-treated patties; T0, reduced fat patties; T1 and T2, addition of 1 and 3 % BW; FT1 and FT2, addition of 1 and 3 % FBW. FBW showed significantly higher antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents than BW (P < 0.05). FT2 had significantly lower level of lipid oxidation than other groups (P < 0.05). The addition of BW and FBW increased the crude fiber content in pork patties, whereas it decreased the crude fat content compared to the control group (P < 0.05). BW and FBW significantly reduced expressible drip and cooking loss (P < 0.05). Pork patties prepared with BW and FBW exhibited higher redness value of uncooked and cooked patties. Texture profile analysis of patties revealed that the addition of BW and FBW significantly decreased the hardness and increased tenderness. The results suggested that BW and FBW exhibited substantial effects on improving the quality of pork patties. The 1 % BW (T1) and FBW (FT1) appeared to be the most effective means of improving the overall properties of pork patties.

Achievements in and Challenges of Tuberculosis Control in South Korea.

After the Korean War (1950-1953), nearly 6.5% of South Korea's population had active tuberculosis (TB). In response, South Korea implemented the National Tuberculosis Program in 1962. From 1965 to 1995, the prevalence of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB in South Korea decreased from 940 to 219 cases per 100,000 population. Astounding economic growth might have contributed to this result; however, TB incidence in South Korea remains the highest among high-income countries. The rate of decrease in TB incidence seems to have slowed over the past 15 years. A demographic shift toward an older population, many of whom have latent TB and various concurrent conditions, is challenging TB control efforts in South Korea. The increasing number of immigrants also plays a part in the prolonged battle against TB. A historical review of TB in South Korea provides an opportunity to understand national TB control efforts that are applicable to other parts of the world.

STAP Refinement of the NMR database: a database of 2405 refined solution NMR structures.

According to several studies, some nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structures are of lower quality, less reliable and less suitable for structural analysis than high-resolution X-ray crystallographic structures. We present a public database of 2405 refined NMR solution structures [statistical torsion angle potentials (STAP) refinement of the NMR database, http://psb.kobic.re.kr/STAP/refinement] from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). A simulated annealing protocol was employed to obtain refined structures with target potentials, including the newly developed STAP. The refined database was extensively analysed using various quality indicators from several assessment programs to determine the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) completeness, Ramachandran appearance, χ(1)-χ(2) rotamer normality, various parameters for protein stability and other indicators. Most quality indicators are improved in our protocol mainly due to the inclusion of the newly developed knowledge-based potentials. This database can be used by the NMR structure community for further development of research and validation tools, structure-related studies and modelling in many fields of research.

A Drosophila model of FUS-related neurodegeneration reveals genetic interaction between FUS and TDP-43.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons. Fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) and TAR DNA-binding protein (TDP)-43 are DNA/RNA-binding proteins found to be mutated in sporadic and familial forms of ALS. Ectopic expression of human ALS-causing FUS/TLS mutations in Drosophila caused an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, neurodegeneration, larval-crawling defect and early lethality. Mutant FUS/TLS localized to both the cytoplasm and nucleus, whereas wild-type FUS/TLS localized only to the nucleus, suggesting that the cytoplasmic localization of FUS/TLS is required for toxicity. Furthermore, we found that deletion of the nuclear export signal strongly suppressed toxicity, suggesting that cytoplasmic localization is necessary for neurodegeneration. Interestingly, we observed that FUS/TLS genetically interacts with TDP-43 in a mutation-dependent fashion to cause neurodegeneration in vivo. In summary, we demonstrate that ALS-associated mutations in FUS/TLS cause adult-onset neurodegeneration via a gain-of-toxicity mechanism that involves redistribution of the protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and is likely to involve an interaction with TDP-43.

Synthesis and evaluation of nicotinamide derivative as anti-angiogenic agents.

Previously, we have found that BRN-103, a nicotinamide derivative, inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis signaling in human endothelial cells. During our continuous efforts to identify more potent anti-angiogenic agents, we synthesized various nicotinamide derivatives and evaluated their anti-angiogenic effects. We found that 2-{1-[1-(6-chloro-5-fluoropyrimidin-4-yl)ethyl]piperidin-4-ylamino}-N-(3-chlorophenyl) pyridine-3-carboxamide (BRN-250) significantly inhibited human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation, migration, tube formation, and microvessel growth in a concentration range of 10-100 nM. Furthermore, BRN-250 inhibited the VEGF-induced phosphorylation and intracellular tyrosine kinase activity of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and the activation of its downstream AKT pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that BRN-250 be considered a potential lead compound for cancer therapy.

Fimasartan, anti-hypertension drug, suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions via nuclear factor-kappa B and activator protein-1 inactivation.

Since inhibition of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor reduces chronic inflammation associated with hypertension, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potential and the underlying mechanism of fimasartan, a Korean Food and Drug Administration approved anti-hypertension drug, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Fimasartan suppressed the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by down-regulating its transcription, and subsequently inhibited the productions of nitric oxide (NO). In addition, fimasartan attenuated LPS-induced transcriptional and DNA-binding activities of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1). These reductions were accompanied by parallel reductions in the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and AP-1. Taken together, our data suggest that fimasartan down-regulates the expression of the iNOS in macrophages via NF-κB and AP-1 inactivation.

Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives as losartan analogue for new angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonists.

The discovery, in vitro and in vivo studies of the highly potent AT(1) antagonist 12a (BR-A-657, Fimasartan) antagonists are presented. A series of pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives as losartan analogue were synthesized and evaluated for a novel class of AT(1) receptor antagonists. Among them, 12a containing thioamido moiety displayed both high in vitro functional antagonism and binding affinity [IC(50)=0.42 and 0.13 nM, respectively] and inhibited strongly in vivo AngII-induced pressor response in pithed rats with an ED(50) of 0.018 mg/kg. Moreover, in vivo evaluation in furosemide-treated rat and conscious renal hypertensive rat models and the pharmacokinetic study showed that 12a is a highly potent and orally active AT(1) selective antagonist having stronger in vivo potency than losartan.

BRN-103, a novel nicotinamide derivative, inhibits VEGF-induced angiogenesis and proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Anti-angiogenesis is regarded as an effective strategy for cancer treatment, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in the regulations of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. In the present study, the authors synthesized five novel nicotinamide derivatives which structurally mimic the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib and evaluated their anti-angiogenic effects. Transwell migration assays revealed that 2-(1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl) amino-N-(3-chlorophenyl) nicotinamide (BRN-103), among the five derivatives most potently inhibited VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, BRN-103 dose-dependently inhibited VEGF-induced migration, proliferation, and capillary-like tube formation of HUVECs and vessel sprouting from mouse aortic rings. To understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for these activities, the authors examined the effect of BRN-103 on VEGF signaling pathways in HUVECs. BRN-103 was found to suppress the VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGR2) and the activations of AKT and eNOS. Taken together, these results suggest that BRN-103 inhibits VEGF-mediated angiogenesis signaling in human endothelial cells.

Effect of L-cysteine, Boswellia serrata, and Whey Protein on the Antioxidant and Physicochemical Properties of Pork Patties.

This study investigated the effects of L-cysteine (C) combined with Boswellia serrata (B) and whey protein (W) on the antioxidant and physicochemical properties of pork patties. Proximate composition, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, texture profile analysis, sensory evaluation, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), DPPH radical-scavenging activity, volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), and color stability were assessed. Patty VBN gradually increased throughout the storage period. However, VBN for the C treatment increased relatively slowly, indicating that cysteine can delay spoilage and extend the shelf life of patties. The protein content of the whey powder treatment group increased to a greater extent than that of the C and control (CON) groups. Pork patties supplemented with antioxidants showed significantly higher WHC and significantly lower cooking loss and hardness than the CON. Moreover, the addition of 2% whey, 1% B. serrata, and 0.25% cysteine (WBC) significantly enhanced the relative DPPH radical-scavenging activity and sensory characteristics of the patties. After 7-day storage, the MetMb and TBARS values of all treatments were significantly lower than those of the untreated. The results indicated that there was synergy among the cysteine, B. serrata, and whey protein. This finding is of great importance to the production of high-quality pork patties with enhanced shelf life.

MitoVariome: a variome database of human mitochondrial DNA.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial sequence variation provides critical information for studying human evolution and variation. Mitochondrial DNA provides information on the origin of humans, and plays a substantial role in forensics, degenerative diseases, cancers, and aging process. Typically, human mitochondrial DNA has various features such as HVSI, HVSII, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), restriction enzyme sites, and short tandem repeat (STR). RESULTS: We present a variome database (MitoVariome) of human mitochondrial DNA sequences. Queries against MitoVariome can be made using accession numbers or haplogroup/continent. Query results are presented not only in text but also in HTML tables to report extensive mitochondrial sequence variation information. The variation information includes repeat pattern, restriction enzyme site polymorphism, short tandem repeat, disease information as well as single nucleotide polymorphism. It also provides a graphical interface as Gbrowse displaying all variations at a glance. The web interface also provides the tool for assigning haplogroup based on the haplogroup-diagnostic system with complete human mitochondrial SNP position list and for retrieving sequences that users query against by using accession numbers. CONCLUSION: MitoVariome is a freely accessible web application and database that enables human mitochondrial genome researchers to study genetic variation in mitochondrial genome with textual and graphical views accompanied by assignment function of haplogrouping if users submit their own data. Hence, the MitoVariome containing many kinds of variation features in the human mitochondrial genome will be useful for understanding mitochondrial variations of each individual, haplogroup, or geographical location to elucidate the history of human evolution.

COMUS: Clinician-Oriented locus-specific MUtation detection and deposition System.

BACKGROUND: A disease-causing mutation refers to a heritable genetic change that is associated with a specific phenotype (disease). The detection of a mutation from a patient's sample is critical for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the disease. There are numerous databases and applications with which to archive mutation data. However, none of them have been implemented with any automated bioinformatics tools for mutation detection and analysis starting from raw data materials from patients. We present a Locus Specific mutation DB (LSDB) construction system that supports both mutation detection and deposition in one package. RESULTS: COMUS (Clinician-Oriented locus specific MUtation detection and deposition System) is a mutation detection and deposition system for developing specific LSDBs. COMUS contains 1) a DNA sequence mutation analysis method for clinicians' mutation data identification and deposition and 2) a curation system for variation detection from clinicians' input data. To embody the COMUS system and to validate its clinical utility, we have chosen the disease hemophilia as a test database. A set of data files from bench experiments and clinical information from hemophilia patients were tested on the LSDB, KoHemGene http://www.kohemgene.org, which has proven to be a clinician-friendly interface for mutation detection and deposition. CONCLUSION: COMUS is a bioinformatics system for detecting and depositing new mutations from patient DNA with a clinician-friendly interface. LSDBs made using COMUS will promote the clinical utility of LSDBs. COMUS is available at http://www.comus.info.