Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that primarily affects women. Here, we investigate the effects of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in a rodent model of SUI. Female Sprague-Dawley rats at 7 weeks of age were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 per group): sham-operation, SUI-induction by transabdominal urethrolysis, and SUI-induction followed by transplantation of human ADSCs into the urethra. The abdominal leak point pressure at 8 weeks after the operation was markedly decreased by transabdominal urethrolysis, confirming successful induction of SUI. Interestingly, transplantation of human ADSCs into the urethra significantly blunted the decrease of abdominal leak point pressure in SUI-induced rats. Accordingly, we observed expression of ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin in a significant proportion of transplanted ADSCs, indicating differentiation of ADSCs into smooth muscle cells in the urethra. Moreover, the SUI-induced elevations of c-Fos immunoreactivities in the pontine micturition center (PMC) and in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) were clearly suppressed by transplantation of human ADSCs. These results imply that human ADSCs can be an effective therapeutic modality to ameliorate the symptoms of SUI.

Iron uptake in mitochondria and fractionated mitochondria compartments was studied to understand iron transport in heart mitochondria. The inner membrane is most active in iron uptake. Mitochondrial uptake was dependent on iron concentration and the amount of mitochondria. Iron transport was inversely proportional to pH in the range of 6.0 to 8.0. Iron transport reached a maximum after 30 min of incubation at $37^{\circ}C$. Iron uptake was inhibited by 1 mM ATP and stimulated by 1 mM ADP. The oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor oligomycin inhibited iron uptake, but rotenone and antimycin A did not. The divalent ions $Mg^{2+}$, $Cu^{2+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, and $Zn^{2+}$ suppressed iron uptake at $10\;{\mu}M$ and stimulated it at 1 mM. The divalent ion $Ca^{2+}$ stimulated iron uptake at $10\;{\mu}M$ and suppressed it at 1 mM, competing with iron. The uptake of calcium was stimulated by 10 to $1000\;{\mu}M$ ATP, while iron uptake was stimulated reciprocally by 10 to $1000\;{\mu}M$ ADP, suggesting that these ions have movements similar to those of ATP and ADP.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. is widely used in the herbal medicine field. This study describes the antidepressant effect of a flavonoid (chlorogenic acid) isolated from the Artemisia capillaris Thunb. The expression of the pituitary gland and hypothalamic POMC mRNA or plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin levels were increased by extract of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. or its flavoniod administered orally. In addition, antidepressant activity was studied using the tail suspension test (TST), the forced swimming test (FST) and the rotarod test in a chronically restrained immobilization stress group in mice. After restraint stress (2 h/day for 14 days), animals were kept in a cage for 14 days without any further stress, but with drugs. Mice were fed with a diet supplemented for 14 days and during the behavioral test period with chlorogenic acid (30 mg/kg/day). POMC mRNA or the plasma ${\beta}$-endorphin level was increased by the extract of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. and its flavoniod. In addition, the immobility time in TST and FST was significantly reduced by chlorogenic acid. In the rotarod test, the riding time remained similar to that of the control group at 15 rpm. Our results suggest that the flavonoid (chlorogenic acid) isolated from Artemisia capillaris Thunb. shows a potent antidepressant effect.

PC12 cells were differentiated into the cells of chromaffin phenotype by butyrate treatment. Cells were aggregated and formed tight cell adhesion. To investigate the molecular change in this differentiation, we examined expression levels of cell adhesion proteins and extracellular proteins during butyrate induced-differentiation of PC12 cells. Integrin ${\beta}1$, integrin ${\alpha}7$, E cadherin, VCAM, collagen-I, fibronectin, desmoglein and connexin were increased during differentiation. The levels of clusterin and secreted clusterin were also increased. These increased levels of cell adhesion proteins and extracellular proteins appear to induce cell aggregation and tight cell adhesion. The levels of p21, p27 and p16 were increased probably because of differentiation-related growth arrest during differentiation. Prolonged incubation of butyrate up to 1 day was required for differentiation. Signal transduction pathways for this differentiatiom could not be identified since various inhibitors had no effect. The results showed that butyrateinduced differentiation of PC12 cells to chromaffin cells involves tight cell adhesion and induction of extracellular proteins and cell adhesion proteins.

The decrease in sperm quality under heat stress causes a great loss in animal husbandry production. In order to reveal the mechanism underlying the sperm quality decrease caused by heat stress, we first established a mild heat-treated mouse model. Then, the sperm quality was identified. Further, the testicular proteome profile was mapped and compared with the control using 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Finally, the differential expressed proteins involved in the heat stress response were identified by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that heat stress caused a significant reduction in mouse sperm quality (P<0.05). Further, 52 protein spots on the 2D gel were found to differ between the heat-shocked tissues and the control. Of these spots, some repair proteins which might provide some explanation for the influence on sperm quality were found. We then focused on Bag-1, Hsp40, Hsp60 and Hsp70, which were found to be differently expressed after heat shock (P<0.05). Further analysis in this heat-shocked model suggests numerous potential mechanisms for heat shock-induced spermatogenic disorders.

Chunghyul-dan (CHD) is a combinatorial drug known to exert anti-inflammatory effects in endothelial cells. In this study, we employed global transcriptional profiling using cDNA microarrays to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of CHD in endothelial cells. An analysis of the microarray data revealed that transcript levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and activated leukocyte cell-adhesion molecule were dramatically altered in CHD-treated endothelial cells. These changes in gene expression were confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Chronic CHD treatment also appeared to decrease MCP-1 secretion, probably as a result of decreased MCP-1 expression. In addition, we determined that chronic CHD treatment inhibited lipopolysaccharide-stimulated adhesion of THP-1 leukocytes to endothelial cells. The inhibitory effect of CHD on LPS-stimulated adhesion resulted from downregulation of VCAM-1 expression. Transmigration of THP-1 leukocytes through endothelial cells was also inhibited by chronic CHD treatment. In conclusion, CHD controls a variety of inflammatory activities by regulating MCP-1 and VCAM-1 gene expression.

Ssanghwa-tang (SHT) is a traditional Korean herbal medicine widely prescribed to decrease fatigue following an illness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of SHT on osteoclast differentiation in vitro, and on bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats in vivo. SHT significantly reduced the receptor activator for the nuclear factor ${\kappa}B$ (NF-${\kappa}B$) ligand (RANKL)-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity, and multinucleated osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells without affecting cell viability. In addition, SHT significantly attenuated RANKL-induced mRNA expression levels of c-Src and cathepsin K. To examine the in vivo effect of SHT on OVX-induced bone loss in OVX rats, we administered SHT (0.6 g/kg BID) orally to OVX rats for 12 weeks. SHT administration significantly blocked OVX-induced decrease of femoral bone mineral density (BMD) and femoral trabeculae in OVX rats. In conclusion, these results suggest that SHT treatment effectively prevents OVX-induced bone loss, and this effect may result from its inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation.

Population ecological characteristics of growth and mortality play an important role in understanding the population dynamics of marine mammals. The instantaneous coefficients of natural and bycatch mortality were estimated for minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in Korean waters using a population assessment model composed of bycatch and abundance data. The survivorship curve of this population was fitted to the data, and then the curve was revised using age-specific relative bycatchability coefficients ($q_t$). Instantaneous coefficients of natural and bycatch mortality of minke whales were estimated as 0.024/year and 0.076/year, respectively, and from this the survival rate was estimated as 0.905. This estimated survival rate was comparable to other cetaceans in other regions. The $q_t$ for this population ranged from 0.020 to 0.193. The revised survival rates were higher when the $q_t$ was taken into account. The mortality coefficient, survival rate, $q_t$ and survivorship curves had not previously been determined for minke whale in this area. This estimate could serve as fundamental information to assess the status of this population and for conservation and rational management.

To document the basic ecological aspects of Chaoborus species, which has never been reported in Korea, we attempted to identify the species, to monitor seasonal and vertical dynamics, and to elucidate trophic relations of the species in Sang-Chun reservoir. Using morphological characteristics, we identified the collected samples as C. flavicans. Also, we compared the distribution of C. flavicans, Daphnia rosea and chlorophyll a to observed seasonal dynamics. The increase of C. flavicans was observed 1-2 weeks after the increase of D. rosea. Survey of diel vertica migration patterns in the summer season showed that C. flavicans were in hypolimnion at daytime, but moved to the epilimnion at night. Finally, to determine trophic relationships in Sang-Chun reservoir, additional studies on the food web were undertaken by stable isotope analysis. Chaoborus flavicans I-II instars appear to be filter feeders based on carbon isotope values. Trophic levels of C. flavicans III-IV instars were shown to be higher than other zooplankto based on nitrogen isotope values.

Pacific abalone Haliotis discus discus is an important fisheries resource in Jeju, Korea. For basic information about its current genetic status in relation to stock enhancement, the level and distribution of genetic variation between wild and released stocks of Pacific abalone in Jeju were examined at nine cross-species microsatellite markers including the use of two novel primers. High levels of polymorphism were observed between the two populations. A total of 146 different alleles were found at all loci, with some alleles being unique. The allelic variability ranged from five to 27 in the wild population and from four to 16 in the released sample. The average observed and expected heterozygosities were estimated to be 0.74 and 0.84 in the wild sample and 0.70 and 0.78 in the released sample, respectively. Although a considerable loss of rare alleles was observed in the released sample, no statistically significant reductions were found in heterozygosity or allelic diversity in the released sample compared to the wild population. Low but significant genetic differentiation was found between the wild and released populations. These results suggest that the intensive breeding practices for stock enhancement may have resulted in a further decrease in genetic diversity, and that the cross-species microsatellite markers used in this study represent a potentially efficient means for further genetic studies, providing beneficial information for the protection and management of H. discus discus.

We studied and compared the age structure, body size, and growth rates of field populations of two Korean salamander species (Hynobius yangi and Hynobius quelpaertensis) to elucidate important aspects of basic population dynamics of these two endemic Hynobius species. In both populations, females were sexually mature at three years of age, while H. yangi and H. quelpaertensis males matured at two and three years of age, respectively. Both males and females of H. yangi and H. quelpaertensis attained a maximum age of 11 years and 10 years, respectively. In both species, the snout-vent length (SVL) and body weight (BW) of the females were greater than those of the males. The SVL, BW, and asymptotic SVL of both male and female H. yangi were smaller than those of H. quelpaertensis. The adult growth rates after sexual maturation of male and female H. yangi were lower than those of H. quelpaertensis, possibly resulting in the smaller body size of the former, although overall growth coefficients were not significantly different between the two species. We also compared the age structure and growth rates of three Korean and three Japanese species of Hynobius.

Ovigerous crabs of Erimacrus isenbeckii were collected from the northeastern coast of South Korea and their larvae were reared in the laboratory. Two zoeal stages were described and illustrated in detail. The first zoeal characteristics between the present material and Sasaki and Mihara's (1993: J Crust Biol. 13:511 522) were different especially in the setations of the endopods of the maxillipeds. The zoea of Erimacrus isenbeckii strongly resembled those of two Telmessus species in the Cheiragonidae, but the former could be distinguished from the latter by having spinulate carapace spines, a lateral process on the abdominal somite 3, and longer lateral spines on the telson fork.

The larvae of Scyra acutifrons are described and illustrated for the first time. The larval stage consists of two zoeal and a megalopal stages. The zoea of S. acutifrons is compared with those of other known species of the Epialtidae from the northern Pacific. The zoea of Scyra acutifrons can be easily distinguished from that of S. compressipes by having a longer rostral carapace spine and an endopod of maxillule with three setae. It is found that the genus Scyra (Pisinae) shows a great similarity to Pisoides bidentatus (Pisinae) and the genus Pugettia (Epialtinae) in the family Epialtidae; especially, S. acutidens coincides well with two Pugettia species (Pugettia incisa and P. gracilis) in the characteristics of the zoeal mouthpart appendages. To facilitate the study of plankton-collected material, a provisional key to the known zoeae of the Epialtidae from the northern Pacific is provided.

Ultrastructural studies of vitellogenesis in oocytes and follicle cells during oogenesis in female Protothaca (Notochione) jedoensis were investigated by histological and transmission electron microscope observations. In early vitellogenic oocytes, combined activities of the Golgi complex, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm are associated with autosynthetic vitellogenesis. Furthermore, at this time, many coated vesicles at the basal region of the oolemma of the oocyte lead to the formation of vesicles through endocytosis in the cytoplasm. Through the formation of the coated pits on oolemma during vitellogenesis, the uptake of extrafollicular precursors (nutritive materials) occurs in coated vesicles by endocytosis. Therefore, it is assumed that these exogenous materials are involved in heterosynthetic vitellogenesis. During late oogenesis, exogenous yolk precursors (yolk granules), lipid droplets and proteinaceous yolk granules are present in the cytoplasm of late vitellogenic oocytes. In mature oocytes, small yolk granules appear intermingled and form large mature yolk granules. Thus, two processes of vitellogenesis occur in oocytes by way of endogenous autosynthesis and exogenous heterosynthesis. The follicle cells attached to the oocytes appear to play an integral role in vitellogenesis in this study.

A new species of the Cletopsyllidae belonging to the genus Isocletopsyllus Huys and Lee, 1999 is described from the materials collected from subtidal sandy bottoms at Jeju Island and Ulleung Island, Korea. So far, only two species of the genus Isocletopsyllus, viz. I. tertius (Por, 1964) from Israel and I. quartus (Soyer, 1966) from Banyuls-sur-Mer (France) are recorded, both from the Mediterranean Ocean. The new species can be clearly distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: (1) female antennule with a large process on the outer margin of first segment, (2) caudal rami with a bulbous proximal inner expansion, and shorter than those of other species (about four times long as wide in the new species), (3) second segment of P1 exopod with a short rod-like inner seta, (4) sexual dimorphism presented in the second endopodal segment of male P2, not in exopod of P4, and (6) female P5 with a very long exopod with very short second outer seta. A table comparing the modifications of swimming legs in the family Cletopsyllidae Huys and Lee, 1999 is presented. This is the first record of this family from Korea.