• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.52-57
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• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the pattern of cerebral response to motor tasks in patients with schizophrenia compared with normal subjects using functional MRI. Materials and methods ; Nine right handed-schizophrenic patients and six right-handed normal subjects were included. We used right hand movement as task. Series of 120 consecutive echo-planar images per section were acquired during three cycles of task and rest activations. Lateralization index of cortical response was measured and compared between patients and normal subjects. Results ; Right hand motor task was associated with greater activation in left sensorimotor cortex than the right in normal subjects. Schizophrenia patients showed relatively decreased activation in left cortex and increased activation in right cortex compared with normal subjects. In one patient, reversed lateralization was noted. Conclusion : Normal hemispheric asymmetry of cortical response to motor task was found in different pattern in schizophrenia. Our result is consistent with functional disturbance of motor circuitry in this disorder. Functional MRI will play an important role in diagnosis and research of this disorder.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1262-1267
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• 2018

The patchiness of local environments within a habitat is assumed to be a primary factor affecting the spatial patterns of plants. In this study, a randomization procedure was developed to test the null hypothesis that only spatial association with patches determines the spatial patterns of plants. Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P. Beauv. var. undulatifolius is an herbaceous plant and a member of the genus Oplismenus in the family Poaceae. Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. undulatifolius occurs in temperate, subtropical, and tropical areas of the world. The spatial pattern of O. undulatifolius var. undulatifolius was analyzed using dispersion indices in different sizes of plots according to several patchiness indexes, population uniformity, or aggregation. Population densities (D) at Mt. Hanwoo varied from 0.453 to 4.375, with a mean of 2.387. The small and mid-sized plots ($2m{\times}2m$, $2m{\times}4m$, $4m{\times}4m$, $4m{\times}8m$, and $8m{\times}8m$) of O. undulatifolius var. undulatifolius were aggregated in the forest community. However, O. undulatifolius var. undulatifolius was uniformly distributed in three large plots ($8m{\times}16m$, $16m{\times}16m$, and $16m{\times}32m$). The greatest mean crowding ($M^*$) and patchiness index (PAI) showed positive values. Aggregation is mainly caused by environmental factors. Many plants on Mt. Hanwoo are being disturbed by climbers, which is preventing these plants from inhabiting their realized niches on Mt. Hanwoo.

• Journal of Naturopathy
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

Background: A validation study is needed to make domestic applications of German Kneipp therapy. Purpose: The study aims to test the effect of a Kneipp therapeutic program in a domestic forest environment on the autonomic nervous system. Methods: The program was made considering the 4 key elements ('exercise', 'regulative therapy', 'nutrition', and 'phytotherapy') of the Kneipp therapy. Total 3 sessions (once a week for 5 hours in each session) were performed to 40 domestic adults divided into four groups (10 in each group). HRV was measured on the subjects before and after the intervention, and its 6 characteristic parameters (TP, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF, CSI: Cumulative Stress Index) were compared for statistical analysis. Results: For 33 subjects excluding 7 who were disturbed by interrupt factors during measurements, significant improvements after the intervention, were observed in TP(8.64%, p < ..001), VLF(6.96%, p < .05), LF(15.86%, p < .001), HF(8.46%, p < .01), LF/HF(5.77%, p < .05) and CSI(-16.06%, p < ..001). Conclusions: The Kneipp therapy performed in the forest environment was shown to activate the autonomic nervous system and in particular the sympathetic and parasympatheric nervous to promote heart activity, and was also shown to most significantly reduce cumulative stress. The present observations would be the first preliminary evidence that the Kneipp therapeutic interventation in a domestic forest environment results in positive responses of the autonomic nervous system including stress relief.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.247-254
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• 2022

To investigate the tolerance limit and critical thermal maximum (CTM), behavioral responses of wild goldeye rockfish Sebastes thompsoni according to exposure to high water temperature were observed using a continuous behavior tracking system. As a result, behavioral index (BI) of S. thompsoni in each temperature (20.0, 25.0, and 30.0℃) showed a significant difference (p<0.05) when compared with the value measured in a stable condition of 15.0℃. The activity level of S. thompsoni exposed to 25.0℃ decreased sharply after 20 hours. Their rest time at the bottom of experiment chamber increased, and their normal swimming and metabolic activities were disturbed. In addition, at a high water temperature of 30.0℃, S. thompsoni reached the limit of resistance and showed a sub-lethal reaction of swimming behavior, with energy consumption in the body increased and all test organisms died. In conclusion, the eco-physiological response of S. thompsoni to water temperature varied greatly depending on the fluctuation range of the exposed temperature and the exposure time. In addition, the tolerance limit of S. thompsoni to high water temperature was predicted to be 25.0-30.0℃. The maximum critical thermal that had a great influence on the survival of this species was found to be around 30.0℃.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.615-630
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• 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the flora of Mt. Seongdeok (Ganghwa-gun) in Korea. From the results of nine field surveys from March 2020 to July 2022, a total of 445 total taxa, representing 397 species, nine subspecies, 35 varieties, two forms and two hybrids were identified, which were placed in 273 genera and 93 families. The plant formation of Mt. Seongdeok is a deciduous broad-leaved and conifer mixed forest, which is common in the middle part of the Korean Peninsula. Most of the mountain is covered by a young secondary forest, which is mainly composed of Quercus ssp. and Pinus ssp. Among them, five taxa were endemic to Korea, one taxon were endangered plant and two taxa were red list plants. The floristic target plants amounted to 27 taxa, specifically one taxon of grade V, four taxa of grade III, seven taxa of grade II, and 15 taxa of grade I. And 43 taxa were northern lineage plants. A total of 46 species of alien plants were identified, with a Naturalized Index of 10.3%, an Urbanization Index of 11.7%, and six plants that disturbed the ecosystem. Our results provide basic data on vascular plants flora, and plant diversity and distributional changes.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.28-45
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• 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the flora of Sonjukdo Island(Yeosu-si), Korea. From results of four field surveys from April 2023 to October 2023, we identified 483 total taxa, representing 440 species, seven subspecies, 35 varieties, and one hybrid. They were placed in 322 genera and 109 families, including 249 taxa newly recorded in this study. Among them, four taxa were endemic to Korea, four taxa were IUCN red list plants, and 22 taxa were climate sensitive indicator plants. Floristic target plants amounted to 99 taxa, including two taxa of grade IV, 41 taxa of grade III, 10 taxa of grade II, and 46 taxa of grade I. A total of 54 taxa of alien plants were identified, with a Naturalized Index of 11.2% and an Urbanization Index of 13.8%. Three plants disturbed the ecosystem. The flora of this surveyed area belongs to the south-coast province among floral provinces of the Korean Peninsula. Our results provide basic data on vascular plants flora, plant species diversity, and distributional changes.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.279-287
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• 2010

This study was to evaluate ecological conditions of Hyeongsan River watershed from April to September 2009. The ecological health assessments was based on Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI), water chemistry during 2000~2009, and the fish multi-metric model, Index of Biological Integrity (IBI). For the study, the models of IBI and QHEI were modified as 8 and 11 metric attributes, respectively. Values of IBI averaged 25.4 (n=6), which is judged as a "fair" condition (C) after the criteria of Barbour et al. (1999). The distinct spatial variation was found in the IBI. Physical habitat health, based on the values of QHEI, varied from 76 in the downriver (H6) to 150.5 in the headwater (H1) and was evidently more disturbed in the downriver reach. Values of BOD and COD averaged 2.4 $mgL^{-1}$ (range: 0.3~13.8 $mgL^{-1}$) and 4.3 $mgL^{-1}$ (scope: 0.6~12.8 $mgL^{-1}$), respectively during the study period. Total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) averaged 3.0 $mgL^{-1}$ and 103.5 ${\mu}gL^{-1}$, respectively, indicating a severe eutrophication, and the nutrients increased more in the downriver than the headwater. Overall, physical, chemical and IBI parameters showed a typical downriver degradation along main axis of the river from the headwater-to-the downriver. This was mainly attributed to livestock waste and residential influences along with industrial discharge from the urban region.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2024

This study conducted a survey to investigate the characteristics of fish communities and the inhabiting status of endangered species in the Byekgye Stream, Korea from April to September 2020. A total of 3,415 fish of 9 families and 31 species were collected from 7 survey stations during the survey period. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus (relative abundance of 31.2%), and the subdominant species was Z. platypus (15.0%), followed by Pungtungia herzi (11.7%), Acheilognathus yamatsutae (5.4%), A. lanceolata intermedia (4.8%), Rhinogobius brunneus (4.4%), and Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa (4.3%). Among the fish species collected, 19 (61.3%) were identified as Korean endemic species, and two cold-water fish species sensitive to climate change (Rhynchocypris kumgangensis and Cottus koreanus) were collected. Four species were designated as class II endangered wildlife by the Ministry of Environment: A. signifer, P. tenuicorpa, Rhodeus pseudosericeus, and C. koreanus. A. signifer and P. tenuicorpa mainly inhabited the mid to lower streams, R. pseudosericeus in the midstream, and R. pseudosericeus in the upstream. P. tenuicorpa inhabited in large numbers, and estimating the age by total length-frequency distribution in July, the total length of the 26-35 mm group was estimated as 0 years old, the 54-75 mm group as 1 year old, 82-97 mm group as 2 years old, 104-109 mm group as 3 years or older. The cluster analysis showed that the dominance index decreased from upstream to downstream, but the diversity, evenness, and richness index increased. The water quality of Byekgye Stream was evaluated as good overall since the river health (fish assessment index, FAI) using fish was evaluated as excellent (5 stations) and good (2 stations). Byekgye Stream has relatively well-preserved habitats, but conservation measures are required as habitats are disturbed by river repair work in some parts of the midstream and downstream areas where many endangered species inhabit.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.135-143
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• 2018

The effect of elevated temperature on temperate paddy rice will be significant for dependable food supply in East Asia. Using temperature gradient field chamber (TGFC), which was designed to make the horizontal air temperature gradient by $0^{\circ}C$ to $3^{\circ}C$ higher than outside, we examined the measurement to understand the effects of extremely high temperature on paddy rice. In particular, the data of the year 2016, the worst heat wave in over 22 years, was analyzed in this study. The rice height in the relatively warmed condition was rapidly increased during early growth stage. However, the average grain weight and number of spikelet per panicle in the warmed chamber condition were gradually declined with increasing air temperature averaged for 40 days after first heading in each chamber. In particular, the grain yield was more dramatically decreased by the raising temperature because the percent ripened grain was quickly dropped as getting over the threshold temperature for pollination. Therefore, the surplus photosynthetic product by such lower grain filling rate may disturbed the decreases of the NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) and SPAD chlorophyll values after first (normal) heading. In addition, the late-emerging head grain were appeared. However, this yield was too small to recover the normal yields decreased by extremely high temperature condition. Our result represented that the warmed condition in 2016 would be the critical limit for the stable yield of temperate paddy rice.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.106-118
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• 2008

Purpose: Disturbed cell cycle regulatory proteins are key events underlying the development and/or progression of human malignancies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the protein expression status involved in G1/S cell cycle in human soft tissue sarcoma. Materials and Methods: We simultaneously evaluated the expression of Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, p16, p27, Rb, E2F1, p53 and Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry in 43 cases of soft tissue sarcoma Results: The Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, E2F1, and p53 were expressed in 25 (58.1%), 18 (41.9%), 13 (30.2%), 33 (76.7%), 20 (46.5%), and 18 cases (41.9%). The p16, p27, and Rb expressions were decreased in 26 (60.5%), 22 (51.2%) and 19 cases (44.2%). All of the cases showed alterations of more than one out of the above proteins. The increased Cyclin E expression and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) were significantly associated with histologic grade. The Cyclin E and E2F-1 expressions were increased in relapsed cases and the CDK4 expression was increased in cases of metastasis. Conclusion: Alterations of G1/S cell cycle regulatory proteins may play an important role in the tumoriogensis of soft tissue sarcomas. Our results suggest that increased expressions of Cyclin E, E2F1, and CDK4 were associated with tumor relapse or metastasis and could be considered as parameters of prognosis of soft tissue sarcoma.