• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.5
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• pp.1094-1109
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• 2023

Purpose To investigate whether CT-based tumor regression grade (ctTRG) can be used to predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in colon cancer. Materials and Methods A total of 53 patients were enrolled. Two radiologists independently assessed the ctTRG using the length, thickness, layer pattern, and luminal and extraluminal appearance of the tumor. Changes in tumor volume were also analyzed using the 3D Slicer software. We evaluated the association between pathologic TRG (pTRG) and ctTRG. Patients with Rödel's TRG of 2, 3, or 4 were classified as responders. In terms of predicting responder and pathologic complete remission (pCR), receiver operating characteristic was compared between ctTRG and tumor volume change. Results There was a moderate correlation between ctTRG and pTRG (ρ = -0.540, p < 0.001), and the interobserver agreement was substantial (weighted κ = 0.672). In the prediction of responder, there was no significant difference between ctTRG and volumetry (Az = 0.749, criterion: ctTRG ≤ 3 for ctTRG, Az = 0.794, criterion: ≤ -27.1% for volume, p = 0.53). Moreover, there was no significant difference between the two methods in predicting pCR (p = 0.447). Conclusion ctTRG might predict the response to NAC in colon cancer. The diagnostic performance of ctTRG was comparable to that of CT volumetry.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.221-230
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• 2024

Pesticide residues were monitored in dried red pepper and pepper powder samples purchased in Northern Gyeonggi-do and from domestic online markets. The QuEChERS method was used to prepare 88 samples. GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS were used to analyze 338 pesticide residues. In the study, pesticide residues were detected in 70 samples (79.5%), with residues exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRL) in 4 samples (4.5%). Pesticide levels exceeded the MRL in imported samples, with two samples of dried red pepper and two samples of pepper powder showing elevated levels. Among the 61 pesticides detected, tebuconazole, a fungicide was most frequently detected (52 times). Tricyclazole, which is used to control the main disease affecting rice, exceeding the MRL in 3 of 12 Vietnam-origin samples. Ethion exceeded the MRL in one Indian-origin sample. Both tricyclazole and ethion are banned for use in pepper products in Korea and are regulated under the positive list system (PLS). Conversely, pesticides detected in domestic samples were within the MRLs. Therefore, authorities should monitor pesticide residues in imported red pepper products.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.54-66
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Dementia subtypes, including Alzheimer's dementia (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), pose diagnostic challenges. This review examines the effectiveness of ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET) in differentiating these subtypes for precise treatment and management. Methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted using databases like PubMed and Embase to identify studies on the diagnostic utility of ¹⁸F-FDG PET in dementia. The search included studies up to November 16, 2022, focusing on peer-reviewed journals and applying the goldstandard clinical diagnosis for dementia subtypes. Results: From 12,815 articles, 14 were selected for final analysis. For AD versus FTD, the sensitivity was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.98) and specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.70-0.92). In the case of AD versus DLB, ¹⁸F-FDG PET showed a sensitivity of 0.93 (95% CI 0.88-0.98) and specificity of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70-0.92). Lastly, when differentiating AD from non-AD dementias, the sensitivity was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91) and the specificity was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91). The studies mostly used case-control designs with visual and quantitative assessments. Conclusions: ¹⁸F-FDG PET exhibits high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating dementia subtypes, particularly AD, FTD, and DLB. This method, while not a standalone diagnostic tool, significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy in uncertain cases, complementing clinical assessments and structural imaging.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.392-400
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• 2024

This study was conducted to find the flowering and growth characteristics according to the different altitudes (plains and mid-mountain regions) and cultivation methods (field and plastic houses cultivation) of Elsholtzia splendens. Experimental regions located at 12 meters and 500 meters above sea level were selected for the plains and the mid-mountain, respectively, and the same method was applied for cultivation management by different altitudes and cultivation methods. In the mid-mountain region, flower bud emergence (2-3 days), flowering (9 days), and full bloom (6-7 days) stages of Elsholtzia splendens were earlier than in the plains, and field cultivation was earlier than plastic house cultivation. The plant height, the main stem diameter, and the number of branches tended to increase gradually after an initial rapid growth at 59 to 69 days after planting date. The days of duration of sunshine (less than 8 hours) from the rainy season (June 20) to the period when vegetative growth increases gradually (59 to 69 days after planting) was 22 to 29 days and 26 to 35 days in the plains and the mid-mountain regions respectively, and this period was estimated time of transition from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. The spikes growth of Elsholtzia splendens by cultivation altitudes was higher in the mid-mountain region than in the plains, and there were no statistically significant differences in growth characteristics except for the main stem diameter, the number of branches, and the dry matter. Also, the amount of flowering and growth was higher in the plastic house cultivation compared to the field cultivation. As a result, some differences in flowering amount were observed when cultivating Elsholtzia splendens for landscaping purposes, but it was considered possible to cultivate in both plains and mid-mountain regions. This study therefore provides ecological information for understanding the relationship between weather characteristics and growth of Elsholtzia splendens.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.51-67
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• 2024

Objective : This study investigated trends in the use of assessment tools by occupational therapists working with adults and older adults. Methods : Occupational therapists were surveyed to gather data on general characteristics, assessment tool usage, assessment time and frequency, usage trends by area, and education. The tools were categorized by the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) into Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and play and leisure for occupations, and cognitive functions, motor functions, and psychosocial aspects for client factors. Data from 98 respondents were analyzed using frequency analysis and one-way ANOVA with SAS. Results : Most surveyed occupational therapists worked in university or general hospitals (40.82%). The assessment time per patient was under 30 min (62.25%), and re-assessment frequency was one~three months (68.38%). The most frequently used assessment tools by the OTPF were as follows: ADL: Modified Barthel Index (94.90%), IADL: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (31.63%), cognitive functions: Mini-Mental Status Examination (89.80%), visual perception: Motor-free Visual Perception Test (56.12%), dementia: Global Deterioration Scale (63.27%), motor functions: Jamar Dynamometer & Pinch Gauge (59.18%), dysphagia: Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study (28.57%), physical examination: Range of Motion (59.18%), and psychosocial: Geriatric Depression Scale (33.67%). Conclusion : This study identified the use and rationale of assessment tools for occupational therapy in adults and older adults. These findings aim to enhance the curriculum and continuing education of occupational therapists.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.504-510
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• 2024

Background: As a physiological function of body, immunity can maintain health by identifying itself and excluding others. With economic development and increasingly fierce social competition, the number of sub-healthy population is gradually increasing, and the most basic problem exposed is human hypoimmunity. Hypoimmunity can be manifested as often feeling tired, catching colds, mental depression, etc. In order to enhance immunity, eating healthy foods with the effect of enhancing immunity may become an effective choice. KRG has pharmacological effects of enhancing immunity. Because the screening and evaluation method of immune population are not unified, there are relatively few KRG immunity tests for sub-health population. It is of great significance to study the effect of KRG on people with hypoimmunity to improve sub-health status. Methods: This was a 180-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. According to the trial scheme design, 119 qualified subjects were included and randomly divided into the test group taking KRG and the placebo control group. Subjects need to check safety indicators (blood pressure and heart rate, blood routine, liver and kidney function, urine routine and stool routine) and efficacy indicators (main and secondary) inspection at baseline, efficacy indicators inspection during the mid-term of the test (90th days of administration), safety and efficacy indicators inspection after the test (180th days of administration). Results: After the test, the safety indicators of placebo control group and KRG test group were basically within the normal range, and there is no significant difference in fireness score between the two groups. Through follow-up interviews, it was found that the subjects in the test group and the control group had no adverse reactions and allergic reactions such as nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain during the test period. Self-comparison of the test group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were significantly improved in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) CD3 and CD4/CD8 increased significantly after the test (P < 0.05), (3) IgG, IgA, IgM and WBC increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) TNF-α decreased significantly in the midterm (P < 0.05), IFN-γ decreased significantly in the mid-term (P < 0.01), (2) NK increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), (3) monocyte increased significantly in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01). Inter-group comparison of the test group and the control group, the results of the main efficacy indicators: (1) immune related health scores were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.01), (2) IgA of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05); the results of the secondary efficacy indicators: (1) WBC of the test group was higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05); (2) monocytes of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term and after the test (P < 0.05), neutrophils of the test group were higher than that of the control group in the mid-term (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taking KRG has no adverse effects on the health of the subjects. According to the standard of clinical trial scheme, the immune related health scores and IgA in the main efficacy indicators were positive, which shows that KRG is helpful in enhancing human immunity.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.236-247
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• 2024

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system, which is part of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a vital role in immune responses by differentiating between itself and foreign cells and antigens. The significant diversity of alleles affects disease susceptibility and immune responses within different populations. Specifically, the HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with various immune-related diseases, and understanding the frequency and haplotype associations of these alleles is vital for genetic and immunological research. To investigate the distribution of these characteristics in Koreans, we isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from blood samples donated by volunteers at the Seoul Central Blood Bank and performed HLA typing on 790 samples. Our study found that the HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles are widely distributed within the Korean population, with HLA-A^*24:02 (21.7%) and HLA-DRB1*09:01 (9.9%) being the most frequent. Significant haplotype associations between specific HLA-A and HLA-DRB1 alleles were identified using the Chi-square test, suggesting that certain genetic combinations may influence disease onset. This insight could contribute to the development of predictive and preventative strategies for various diseases. The unique genetic characteristics of the Korean population highlight the importance of studying the HLA allele and the haplotype distributions in this group as key indicators for understanding disease susceptibility.

• Journal of the Korea Organic Resources Recycling Association
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.31-41
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• 2024

Food waste compost with high salt content produced by aerobic digestion, but concerns about application of cropland. To address this issue, food waste is being composted by mixing it with livestock manure, which has a lower salt content. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the growth characteristics of red pepper and soil chemical properties for continuous application with different amounts of food waste compost with manure (FWC). Treatments were consisted of no fertilizer (NF), inorganic fertilizer (N-N-P₂O₅-K₂O, 19.0-11.2-14.9 kg 10a^-1), and inorganic fertilizer + food waste compost with manure (NPKFWC). FWC treatment was applied at three treatment rates based on soil organic matter content: 900 kg 10a^-1, 1,800 kg 10a^-1, and 2,700 kg 10a^-1 ( referred to a s FWC 1, 2, 3 , respectively). As a r esult of the red pepper yield was about 1.8 times higher in NPKFWC 1 and NPKFWC 2 than that in the NF, but decreased in the NPKFWC 3, 300% of the recommended FWC application rate. Yield decreased in all FWC treatments with continuous application for three year and also decreased about 40% from 3,265 kg 10a^-1 in the first year to 1,948 kg 10a^-1 in the third year. For the soil chemical properties, the content of soil organic matter, available P₂O₅, and exchangeable cations increased in the FWC treatments, and were higher than the NF. Exchangeable sodium in all treatments was increased slightly compared to the soil before used, and no significant salinization was observed in the FWC. This study confirmed that excessive use of FWC not only reduced nutrient use efficiency, but also decreased the red pepper yield. Therefore, it is concluded that optimum usage of FWC is effective for agroecological impacts.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.189-213
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• 1980

1. Aiming at supply of basic informations on tree species siting and forest fertilization by understanding of soil properties that are demanded by each tree species through studies of forest soil's morphological, physical and chemical properties in relation to tree growth in our country, the necessary data have been collected in the last 10 years, are quantified according to quantification theory and are analyzed in accordance with multi-variate analysis. 2. Test species, larch and the Korean white pine, are plantable in extensive areas from mid to north in the temperate zone and are the two most recommended reforestation tree species in Korea. However, their respective site demands are not known and they have been in confusion or considered demanding the same site during reforestation. When the Korean white pine is planted in larch sites, it has shown relatively good growth. But, when larch is planted in the Korean white pine site it can be hardly said that the larch growth is good. To understand on such a difference soil factors have been studied so as to see how the soil's morphological, physical and chemical factors affect tree growth helped with the electronic computer. 3. All the stands examined are man-made mature forests. From 294 larch plots and 259 white pine plots dominant trees are cut as samples and through stem analysis site index is determined. For each site index soil profiles are made in the related forest-land for analysis. Soil samples are taken from each profile horizon and forest-land productivity classification tables are worked out through physical and chemical analysis of the soil samples for each tree species for the study of relationships between physical, chemical and the combined physical/chemical properties of soil and tree growth. 4. In the study of relationships between physical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the order of deposit form, soil depth, soil moisture, altitude, relief, soil type, depth of A-horizon, soil consistency content of organic matter soil texture bed rock gravel content aspect and slope. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is soil type, soil consistency bed rock aspect depth of A-horizon soil moisture altitude relief deposit form soil depth soil texture gravel content and slope. 5. In the study of relationships between chemical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the order of base saturation organic matter CaO C/N ratio, effective $P_2O_5$ PH.exchangeable $K_2O$ T-N MgO C E C Total Base and Na. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is effective $P_2O_5$ Total Base T-N Na C/N ratio PH CaO base saturation organic matter exchangeable $K_2O$ C E C and MgO. 6. In the study of relationships between the combined physical and chemical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the order of soil depth deposit form soil moisture PH relief soil type altitude T-N soil consistency effective $P_2O_5$ soil texture depth of A-horizon Total Base exchangeable $K_2O$ and base saturation. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is soil type soil consistency aspect effective $P_2O_5$ depth of A-horizon exchangeable $K_2O$ soil moisture Total Base altitude soil depth base saturation relief T-N C/N ratio and deposit from. 7. In the multiple regression of forest soil's physical properties larch's correlation coefficient is 0.9272 and for the Korean white pine it is 0.8996. With chemical properties larch has 0.7474 and the Korean white pine has 0.7365. So, the soil's physical properties are found out more closely related with tree growth than chemical properties. However, this seems due to inadequate expression of soil's chemical factors and it is proved that the chemical properties are not less important than the physical properties. In the multiple regression of the combined physical and chemical properties consisting of important morphological and physical factors as well as chemical factors of forest soils larch's multiple correlation coefficient is found out to be 0.9434 and for the Korean white pine it is 0.9103 leading to the highest correlation. 8. As shown in the partial correlation coefficients larch needs deeper soil depth than the Korean white pine and in the deposit form colluvial and creeping soils are demanded by the larch. Adequately moist to too moist should be soil moisture and PH should be from 5.5 to 6.1 for the larch. Demands of T-N soil texture and soil nutrients are higher for the larch than the Korean white pine. Thus, soil depth, deposit form, relief soil moisture PH N altitude and soil texture are good indicators for species sitings with larch and the Korean white pine while soil type and soil consistency are indicative only limitedly of species sitings due to their wide variation as plantation environments. For larch siting soil depth deposit form relief soil moisture PH soil type N and soil texture are indicators of good growth and for Korean white pine they are soil type soil consistency effective $P_2O_5$ and exchangeable $K_2O$, which is demanded more by the Korean white pine than larch generally. 9. Physical properties of soil has been known as affecting tree growth to greatest extent so far. However, as a result of this study it is proved through computer analysis that chemical properties of soil are not less important factors for tree growth than chemical properties and site demands for larch and the Korean white pine that have been uncertain So far could be clarified.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.1-26
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• 1981

1. Aiming at supply of basic informations on tree species siting and forest fertilization by understanding of soil properties that are demanded by each tree species through studies of forest soil's morphological, physical and chemical properties in relation to tree growth in our country, the necessary data have been collected in the last 10 years, are quantified according to quantification theory and are analyzed in sccordance with multi-variate analysis. 2. Test species, japanese larch (Larix leptolepis Gord) and the Korean white pine, (pinus koraiensis S et Z.) are plantable in extensive areas from mid to north in the temperate forest zone and are the two most recommended reforestation tree species in Korea. However, their respective site demands are little known and they have been in confusion or considered demanding the same site during reforestation. When the Korean white pine is planted in larch sites, it has shown relatively good growth, but, when Japanese larch is planted in Korean white pine site it can be hardly said that the Japanese Larch growth is good. To understand on such a difference soil factors have been studied so as to see how th soil's morphological, physical and chemical factors affect tree growth helped with the electronic computer. 3. All the stands examined are man-made mature forests. From 294 Japanese larch plots and 259 Korean white pine plots dominant trees are cut as samples and through stem analysis site index is determined. For each site index soil profiles are made in the related forest-land for analysis. Soil samples are taken from each profile horizon and forest-land productivity classification tables are worked out through physical and chemical analyses of the soil samples for each tree species for the study of relationships between physical, chemical and the combined physical/properties of soil and tree growth. 4. In the study of relationships between physical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that Japanese larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the decreasing order of weight deposit form, soil depth, soil moisture, altitude, relief, soil type, depth a A-horizon, soil consistency, content of organic matter, soil texture, bed rock, gravel content, aspect and slope. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is soil type, soil consistency, bed rock, aspect, depth of A-horizon, soil moisture, altitude, relief, deposit form, soil depth, soil texture, gravel content and slope. 5. In the study of relationships between chemical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that Japanese larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the order of base saturation, organic matter, CaO, C/N ratio, effective $P_2O_5$, PH, exchangeable, $K_2O$, T-N, MgO, CEC, Total Base and Na. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is effective $P_2O_5$, Total Base, T-N, Na, C/N ratio, PH, CaO, base saturation, organic matter, exchangeable $K_2O$, CEC and MgO. 6. In the study of relationships between the combined physical and chemical properties of soil and tree growth it is found out that Japanese larch growth is influenced by the following factors in the order of soil depth, deposit form, soil moisture, PH, relief, soil type altitude, T-N, soil consistency, effective $P_2O_5$, soil texture, depth of A-horizon, Total Base, exchangeable $K_2O$ and base saturation. For the Korean white pine the influencing factors' order is soil type, soil consistency, aspect, effective $P_2O_5$, depth of A-horizon, exchangeable $K_2O$, soil moisture, Total Base, altitude, soil depth, base saturation, relief, T-N, C/N ratio and deposit form. 7. In the multiple correlation of forest soil's physical properties larch's correlation coefficient for Japanese Larch is 0.9272 and for Korean white pine, 0.8996. With chemical properties larch has 0.7474 and Korean white pine has 0.7365. So, the soil's physical properties are found out more closely related with tree growth than chemical properties. However, this seems due to inadequate expression of soil's chemical factors and it is proved that the chemical properities are not less important than the physical properties. In the multiple correlation of the combined physical and chemical properties consisting of important morphological and physical factors as well as chemical factors of forest soils larch's multiple correlation coefficient is found out to be 0.9434 and for Korean white pine it is 0.9103 leading to the highest correlation. 8. As shown in the partial correlation coefficients Japanese larch needs deeper soil depth than Korean white pine and in the deposit form of colluvial and creeping soils are demanded by the larch. Moderately moist to not moist should be soil moisture and PH should be from 5.5 to 6.1 for the larch. Demands of T-N, soil texture and soil nutrients are higher for the larch than the Korean white pine. Thus, soil depth, deposit form, relief, soil moisture, PH, N, altitude and soil texture are good indicators for species sitings with larch and the Korean white pine while soil type and soil consistency are indicative only limitedly of species sitings due to their wide variations as plantation environments. For the larch siting soil depth, deposit form, relief, soil moisture, pH, soil type, N and soil texture are indicators of good growth and for the Korean white pine they are soil type, soil consistency, effective $P_2O_5$ and exchangeable $K_2O$. In soil nutrients larch has been found out demanding more than the Korean white pine except $K_2O$, which is demanded more by the Korean white pine than Japanese larch generally. 9. Physical properties of soil has been known as affecting tree growth to the greatest extent so far. However, as a result of this study it is proved through computer analysis that chemical properties of soil are not less important factors for tree growth than chemical properties and site demands for the Japanese larch and the Korean white pine that have been uncertain so far could be clarified.