• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.189-206
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• 2015

The present study was conducted to investigate the oceanic characteristics of the northern East China Sea through identification of long-term variation patterns of oceanic environment factors, for the objective of gaining understanding of oceanic environment characteristics of the northern waters of East China Sea, which closely influence the oceanic environments of waters nearby South Korea. The study methodology included the use of oceanographic data (water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and chlorophyll-a) on the northern East China Sea from the Korea Oceanographic Data Center (KODC), collected by season for 20 years between 1995 and 2014. Moreover, for the study on the distribution of nutrients, chlorophyll-a. The main water masses that affected the northern East China Sea during the study period were classified as Changjiang diluted water (CDW), Tiawan current warm water (TCWW), Yellow Sea cold water (YSCW), and Kuroshio source water (KW). The forces of CDW and TCWW that forms on the surface and sub-surface layers had weakened for 20 years and the force of KW that forms on the intermediate layer showed a distinctively decreasing trend. However, YSCW showed a trend of expanding its force. Phosphate and silicate exhibited a decreasing tendency and phosphate showed a pattern of being depleted on the surface layer after 2009. It is determined that one of the reasons for this is the concentration of nutrients introduced through CDW and TCWW being too low. The concentration of chlorophyll-a exhibited an increasing tendency during the study period, the reasons for which are determined to be the influences of increase in water temperature, supply of nutrients via YSCW, and increases in light transmission from decrease in suspended solid due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.548-561
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• 2019

The surfgrass Phyllospadix japonicus is a dominant seagrass species playing critical ecological roles on the eastern coast of Korea. However, few studies have been conducted on the ecological characteristics of this species, generally due to the turbulent water conditions in its habitat. In this study, to examine the growth dynamics of P. japonicus, we investigated monthly changes in morphological characteristics, density, biomass, and leaf productivity as well as changes in the underwater irradiance, water temperature, and water column nutrient concentrations of its habitat from August 2017 to July 2018. Underwater irradiance and water temperature showed clear seasonal changes increasing in spring and summer and decreasing in fall and winter. Nutrient availability fluctuated substantially, but did not display any distinct seasonal trend. Morphological characteristics, shoot density, biomass, and leaf productivities of P. japonicus exhibited significant seasonal variations, increasing in spring and decreasing in fall months. Spadix of P. japonicus occurred from March to August, with the maximum spadix percentage(15.8%) occurred in May 2018. The average leaf productivity of P. japonicus per shoot and area were 2.1 mg sht^-1 d^-1 and 7.5 g m^-2 d^-1, respectively. The optimum water temperature for the growth of P. japonicus in this study was between 13-14℃. The productivity of P. japonicus was not correlated with underwater irradiance, water temperature and nutrient concentrations. These results suggest that the study site provide sufficient amount of underwater irradiance, suitable water temperature range and nutrients for the growth of P. japonicus.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.36 no.2 s.103
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• pp.172-180
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• 2003

For a biological assessment of Pyeongtaek Reservoir and its major influent streams, an algal growth potential test (AGPT) was conducted with the blue-green algae Microcystis aeruginosa in March, June, September and December, 2000. The range and average value of AGPT were from 0 to 463 mg dw/l and 90 mg dw/l, respectively. For the influent streams in particular, the average of AGPT was the in the Hwangguchi Stream (343 mg dw/l). It decreased to 158, 66, 29, 21, and 21 mg dw/l in the Sojong Stream, Songhwan Stream, Osan Stream, Chinwi Stream, and Ansong Stream, respectively. The AGPT values in the reservoir ranged from 0 to 138 mg dw/1(mean 54 mg dw/1) with a tendency to increase in the upstream, which was close to the influent streams. In general, the AGPT values decreased further in the downstream. Immediately after the abrupt increase in influent discharge in summer, the AGPT value in the downstream almost doubled due to the proliferation of blue-green algae. The water quality of Pyeongtaek Reservoir and its influent streams further deteriorated during the drought period. Similarly, the AGPT value was the highest during this period. The AGPT values showed the closest correlation with the content of P (r = 0.999, p<0,001). Thus, it could be concluded that the content of P is highly effective in the growth of algae. In the Pyeongtaek Reservoir Watershed, the AGPT values varied in space and time. It was also closely related to the nutrient content of influent streams. The AGPT values revealed that the water quality state was hypertrophic (> 20 mg dw/1). Thus, control of the aquatic environment is essential. AGPT is very useful in evaluating the fertility and pollution state of the water as well as determining the nutrients that limit the growth of algae.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.337-348
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• 2007

Characteristics in distributions of T, S, nutrients, chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations and meso-zooplankton abundances and the relations among these parameters were investigated with the data collected in Asan Bay around the rainy season from May 24 till August 25, 2006 at about 10 days interval. Freshwater input during the rainy season clearly affected the distributions of zooplankton and phytoplankton (chlorophyll ${\alpha}$). Freshwater discharge resulted in high nutrients decreased zooplankton abundances. On the contrary, chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations increased at the end of the rainy season. It seemed that the increase of chlorophyll ${\alpha}$ concentrations was the result of the decreased zooplankton and enriched nutrients caused by freshwater discharges. Seawater temperatures were certainly the reason for the zooplankton succession. However, overall abundance of zooplankton and abundances of some zooplankton such as Noctiluca scintillans, Acartia pacifica, and Sagitta crassa seemed to be influenced by lowered salinity caused by heavy rain rather than seawater temperatures.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.199-209
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• 2003

Background : Unexplained weight loss, which commonly occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), is important because weight loss is an independent risk factor of mortality and morbidity in these patients. Leptin is known to play an important role in regulating body weight. In addition, the tumor necrosis factor($TNF-{\alpha}$) might also play a potential role in the weight loss experienced in chronic wasting disease. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of plasma leptin and the circulating $TNF-{\alpha}$ system to the difference in the body compositions in patients with COPD. Methods : Spirometry, body composition analysis and the plasma concentrations of leptin, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and a soluble TNF receptor (STNF-R55, -R75) were measured in 31 patients with chronic bronchitis and 10 patients with emphysema. The COPD subtype was classified by the transfer coefficient of carbon monoxide, DLco/VA. Results : The circulating levels of leptin were significantly lower in those patients with emphysema($108.5{\pm}39.37pg/ml$) than those with chronic bronchitis($180.9{\pm}57.7pg/ml$). The circulating levels of sTNF-R55 were significantly higher in the emphysema patients($920.4{\pm}116.4pg/ml$) than in those with chronic bronchitis($803.2{\pm}80.8pg/ml$). There was no relationship between the circulating leptin levels and the activated TNF system in patients with chronic bronchitis and emphysema. However, the circulating leptin levels correlated well with the BMI and fat mass in both patient groups. Conclusion : These results suggest that the weight loss noted in emphysema patients may be associated with the activation of the $TNF-{\alpha}$ system rather than the plasma leptin level.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 2019

Purpose: Ulcerative colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease. Prolonged colitis can be a risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Mulberry twig (MT, Sangzhi), a dry branch of Morus alba L., which is widely distributed throughout East Asia, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activities in the cells. However, the effects of MT extracts on colitis in in vivo are limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of MT extracts in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis model. Methods: Six week-old, male ICR mice were divided into 3 groups: Control (n = 5), DSS (n = 7), and DSS+MT (n = 7) groups. Mice in the DSS and DSS+MT groups were administrated 3% DSS in drinking water for 5 days to induce colitis. At the same time, water extracts of MT (5 g/kg body weight/day) were orally administered to mice in the DSS+MT groups for 5 days. Results: The MT extracts significantly reduced the clinical and pathological characteristics of colitis. Disease activity index, mucosal thickness, and colonocyte proliferation were significantly reduced in the DSS+MT group compared with the DSS group. Furthermore, MT administration reduced the levels of plasma $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and the colonic myeloperoxidase activity as well as mRNA expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, Cox-2, and iNOS. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that MT water extracts have potent anti-colitis activities in the mouse colitis model.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.89-100
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• 2023

We investigated the spatial distribution of heterotrophic bacteria associated with different water masses in the northern East China Sea(ECS) in summer. The surface water masses were divided into the Changjiang Diluted Water (CDW) and high salinity water (HSW). In the CDW region, the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and micro Chl-a contribution were high; and bacterial abundance (BA) and ciliate abundance (CA) were also high. In the HSW region with relatively low DIN concentrations, Chl-a concentration and micro Chl-a contribution were low, but pico Chl-a contribution was increased compared to those in the CDW region. BA did not show any significant difference from the CDW region, but CA was decreased. BA showed a positive correlation with Chl-a concentration in the CDW region; however, it did not show a significant correlation with Chl-a concentration in the HSW region. The ratio of bacterial carbon biomass/phytoplankton carbon biomass was exponentially increased with a decrease in the Chl-a concentration. Compared to the past (1990-2000s), the surface phosphate concentrations and the size of dominant phytoplankton have recently decreased in the ECS. Considering this trend of nutrient decrease and miniaturization of the phytoplankton, our results indicate that changes in the strength of the oligotrophic water mass could alter the function of the microbial food web.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.87-98
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• 2016

During the period between July 3 and 27 of 2009, water samples were collected from the Russian coast at a depth of 30m from 26 stations (including Ulleung and Japan basins) onboard the Russian survey vessel R/V Lavrentyev following 4 lines (D, R, E, and A). The samples were analyzed for nutrients and chlorophyll a contents. All parameters exhibited higher values in warm waters than in cold waters ($NH_4:1.8-fold$, $PO_4:1.8-fold$, $SiO_2:1.2-fold$, and chlorophyll-${\alpha}$:1.9-fold), except nitrates, which was 1.4-fold higher in cold waters than in warm waters. The horizontal distribution of ammonia, phosphate, and chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ was very similar to each other and showed the highest values in the waters near Russia, where a upwelling influence of cold current and bottom water prevails, while relatively low distribution was observed at the Ulleung Basin. On the other hand, nitrates showed the highest concentration at the Ulleung Basin, which is under the direct influence of the Tsushima warm water, and showed a gradual decrease northward. The N/P ratio showed the highest value in the Tsushima middle water, rather than in the North Korean Cold Water, the Tsushima Warm Water was the primary source of nitrate flow into the East Sea. However, the average concentration of phosphate in the warm waters was < $0.2{\mu}M$, thereby limiting phytoplankton growth, while a high concentration of phosphate in cold waters showed a direct correlation with chlorophyll-${\alpha}$. The results of principal component analysis for the identification of primary factors that influence the marine environment showed that principal component I was water temperature and principal component II was influenced chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ and nutrients. Therefore, Study area has greatest influenced by water temperature, and clearly distinct cold and warm water regions were observed in the East Sea.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.238-252
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• 2015

The effect of weir construction (2009~2011) was investigated on algal bloom dynamics and surrounding conditions in the Youngsan River by analyzing the long-term (2001~2014) data provided by the Water Information System, Ministry of Environment. The data include chlorophyll a and water properties such as total suspended solids (TSS), ammonium ($NH_4{^+}$), nitrate ($NO_3{^-}$), orthophosphate ($PO{_4}^{3-}$), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and DIN/DIP molar ratio collected from 12 stations along the channel of the river. Temporal variations were examined using data collected monthly from 2001~2014 and Box-Whisker plot was used to examine the difference in algal bloom dynamics between before (2006~2008) and after (2012~2014) the weir construction. Pearson's correlation analysis was also used to analyze the correlation of parameters. The results showed that TSS affecting water turbidity increased during the construction but decreased especially at the stations located in the upper and middle regions of the river after the construction. Ammonium concentrations increased whereas the concentrations of other nutrients decreased after the construction inducing an increase in N:P molar ratio. Chlorophyll a decreased suddenly during the construction but increased clearly after the construction at the stations where TSS decreased. This indicates that algal blooms can develop in the Youngsan River due to a decrease in turbidity that increases light penetration in water column although the concentrations of nutrients such as orthophosphate were reduced after the weir construction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.666-673
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• 2012

The effects of bamboo salt on quality of traditional Jeju fermented fish, $Jari-Jeot$ were investigated. Bamboo salt suppressed the activity of microorganism more effectively than salt. pH of $Jari-Jeot$ prepared with both of salt and bamboo salt increased gradually during storage. During fermentation there were little changes in color between salt and bamboo salt fermented $Jari-Jeot$. Salinity did not show obvious differences between samples. Water content increased in salt and bamboo salt fermented $Jari-Jeot$ due to the decrease of salinity. Hypoxanthine was the major component of ATP-related compounds in both salt and bamboo salt fermented $Jari-Jeot$. In $Jari-Jeot$ fermented with salt or bamboo salt, lysine, glutamic acid, proline, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine and histidine were dominant amino acids which marked 69%~74% of total free amino acids, while trace amounts of taurine were detected.