• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.343-351
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• 2020

Sorbus commixta Hedl. has traditionally been used as a remedy for cough, asthma, and other bronchial disorders. In this study, three major triterpenoids-lupeol, β-sitosterol, and ursolic acid and a coumarin, scopoletin, were isolated from a CHCl₃-soluble fragment of the bark of S. commixta. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses, including mass spectrometry (MS), 1D-, and 2D- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), as well as by comparing the data with data reported in the literature. Scopoletin was isolated from this plant for the first time. It is a nutraceutical compound contained in many plants that has been reported to exert diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the inhibitory effect of scopoletin on TNF-α-induced vascular endothelial inflammation. Unlike the marginal impact of other compounds against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and vascular endothelial inflammation, scopoletin showed remarkable activity on LDL oxidation (IC₅₀ = 10.2 μM) and exerted vascular anti-inflammatory effects in EA.hy926 human endothelial cells activated by TNF-α. It suppressed the expression of adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin, and blocked the adhesion between THP-1 monocytes and EA. hy926 endothelial cells. It also inhibited TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus. Moreover, IκBα phosphorylation, which was increased by TNF-α treatment, was reduced after treatment with scopoletin. Thus, scopoletin inhibited TNF-α-induced vascular inflammation in endothelial cells by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that owing to its anti-inflammatory activity in the vascular endothelium, scopoletin has the potential to inhibit atherosclerosis development.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.71-85
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• 2018

A recent topic of interest within ecology is ecosystem services that are importantly connected with biodiversity. Biodiversity is a fundamental component of ecological studies and has been the subject of many studies worldwide. However, studies on the diversity and distribution of freshwater fish were not undertaken in earnest until 2000, and the number of internationally available studies is therefore still limited. In this study, we used data from "The Survey and Evaluation of Aquatic Ecosystem Health (hereafter SEAEH)" within the framework of which whole water systems on the Korean peninsula are annually monitored to investigate and determine the current status of the diversity and distribution of freshwater fish, as well as to elucidate major factors impacting freshwater fish. A total of 130 species from 28 families were identified at around 953 sites in the SEAEH investigation of 2014. The species Zacco platypus (relative abundance: 28.2%) and Z. koreanus (19.3%) were identified as the most abundant species on the Korean peninsula, and besides these 20 endangered species, 51 endemic species and 4 exotic species were also collected. Highest (96 species) and lowest (72 species) diversity were identified in the Han River Watershed and the Yeongsan/Seomjin River Watershed, respectively. The mean endemic rate was 32.7%, which is higher than the previous rate determined in 1995. The exotic species Micropterus salmoides, Lepomis macrochirus and Carassius cuvieri were found in the whole river system except north Yeongdong, whereas Oreochromis niloticus occurred only at three sites due to the cold water temperatures in winter. Totally, 28 species were found to be translocated to different water systems not connected with known original habitats, most translocations occurring in the Nakdong River and the Yeongdong region. Among the translocated species, Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis, and Erythroculter erythropterus were dominantly distributed in the mid- to lower reaches of Nakdong River where they may be harmful to the native fish assemblages due to their strong predation. The construction of weirs in connection with the "4 River Project" generated changes in fish assemblages before, during and after the project, resulting in altered habitat condition. Especially, a decrease in the number of endemic species and an increase in the abundance of lentic species were seen. Human-induced global warming will allow exotic species requiring high water temperatures to adapt to the environmental conditions of the Korean peninsula, which may enhance the diversity of native fishes and create changes in distribution. For the establishment of realistic and efficient management and protection strategies for Korean freshwater fish, SEAEH, which produces fundamental and quantitative data for Korean streams, is an important and necessary tool.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 2018

Knowledge of the optimum cultivation period for Chinese cabbage would help growers especially in spring in Korea. Growth and yield of Chinese cabbage in a temperature gradient chamber was evaluated for the growing periods of 64 days from three set of transplanting dates including March 6, March 20, and April 3 in 2017. Air temperature in the chamber was elevated step-by-step, by $2^{\circ}C$ above the ambient temperature. This increment was divided into three phases; i.e. low (ambient+$2^{\circ}C$, A), medium (ambient+$4^{\circ}C$, B), and high temperature (ambient+$6^{\circ}C$, C). The fresh weight of Chinese cabbage was greater under B and C conditions in the first period and A in the second period, which indicated that GDDs affected the fresh weight considerably. However, leaf growth (number, area, length, and width) did not differ by GDDs. Bolting appeared under A condition in the first period, which was caused by low temperature in the early growth stage. Soft rot was developed under C condition in the second period and all temperature conditions in the third period, which resulted from high temperature in the late stage. Fresh weight increased when GDDs ranged from 587 to 729. However, it decreased when GDDs > 729. The maximum expected yield (16.3 MT/10a) was attained for the growing period of 64 days from transplanting date during which GDDs reached 601. The GDDs for optimum cultivation ranged from 478-724 under which the yield was about 95% (15.5 MT/10a) of maximum fresh weight. Such an optimum condition for GDDs was validated at five main cultivation regions including Jindo, Haenam, Naju, Seosan, and Pyeongtaek in Korea. In these regions, GDDs ranged from 619-719. This suggested that the optimum GDDs for Chinese cabbage cultivation would range from 478-724, which would give the useful information to expect the cultivation periods for ensuring maximum yield.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.65-74
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• 1981

This survey was made to determine the overall health situation on (1) the status of sickness; (2) the medical care utilization; (3) the medical cost in Mi-Kum Myun, Nam Yang Ju Gun, Kyung-Gi Do. The survey with questionnaire was carried out with 2,840 peoples in 560 households from August 9th to 16th, 1979. The findings from the survey were as follows; 1. Annual morbidity rate of the prolonged ill cases was 97.2 per 1,000 population (male 94.7, female 99.6), The highest age specific morbidity rate was 274.5 of the 45-to 64-year group and the lowest was 21.9 of the 5-to 14-year group. 2. Annual morbidity rate of the new patients was 777.5 per 1,000 population(male 644.5, female 909.5). 3. The chief complaints distribution of the prolonged ill cases was: local pain 36.6%, indigestion 22.4%, and coughing 7.3%, respectively, In terms of age and sex distribution, a large number of female of the 45-to 64-year group complained of local pain or general pain and a large number of both sexes of the 25-to 44-year group complaned of indigestion. 4. The major diseases of the new patients which classified with International Classfication of Diseases (I.C.D.) were disease of the respiratory system, disease of the digestive system, and disease of the musculo-skeletal system and connective tissue for male, disease of the respiratory system, disease of the digestive system, and accident, poisoning, violence for female. 5. Total ill days of the 92 new patients were 536 days and average ill days per case were $6{\pm}38.3$ days. 6. The rate of receiving treatment in the prolonged ill cases was 82.2%(medical facilities 46.4%, drug stores 27.5%, herb medicine 8.3%). 7. The rate of receiving treatment by first choice of the new patients was 88.0% (drug stores 57.%, medical facilities 28.2%, and herb medicine 2.2%), and the rate of receiving treatment by second choice was 30.9% of first treatment cases (medical facilities 44.0%, drug store 44.0% and herb meicine 12.0%). 8. Annual hospitalization rate per 1,000 population was 12.0 (male 12.0, female 11.9). 9. The locations of medical facilities utilized by out-patients were: in the prolonged ill cases Seoul or other places 66.4%, Nam Yang Ju Gun 33.6%, in cases of the new patients Seoul or other places 35.1% and Nam Yang Ju Gun 64.9% respectively. 10. The satisfaction rate of the new patients by mode of receiving treatment was: in cases of primary utilization by first choice herb medicine 100.0%, medical facilities 88.5%, and drug stores 69.8%, in cases of secondary utilization medical facilities 100.0%, herb medicine 100.0%, and drug stores 72.7% respectively. 11. The medical cost per utilized facilities was as follows; in average medical fee per case out-patient 8.947 won, in-patient 266,000 won, drug stores 1,532 won, and herb medicine 15,607 won, in average medical fee per day out-patient 4,829 won, in patient 14,178 won, drug stores 891 won, and herb medicine 4,906 won respectively. 12. The sources of the hospital charges paid out were: there own expense 50.0%, debt 35.3%, and security of medical care 14.7% respectively.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.2-15
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• 1982

In this report, a total domestic demand for major commercial fertilizer for crop production in Korea up to 1996 was estimated. The agricultural products and area for demand for both 1982 and 1986 was quoted from the estimate of the 5th Five-year Economic plan. And the demands estimated for 1991 and 1996 reflected possible changes of diet from cereal to meat and their indirect effects on the increase of cereal consumption. As the advanced countries followed, consequently, the demands for soybean, corn and other feed grains were expected to be increased as well as the land for growing those crops. 1. Total annual demands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were estimated 1,050,000M/T, 1,110,000M/T, 1,280,000M/T and 1,010,000M/T for the year 1982, 1986, 1991, and 1996 respectively. 2. It was assumed that there would be difficulties in self-sufficiency of grains at the cost of the maximum utilization of land and fertilizers in 1996. 3. It was clear that the increase of the productivity per unit area is possible by improving the conditions of arable land which could resulted a self-sufficiency of food in Korea. As a consequence, the demand for fertilizers at that time would exceed the level of estimates. 4. The recent decrease in demand for commercial fertilizers (currently estimated 850,000M/T) was due to an inadequate application of fertilizers for respective crop reqirement. This inadequacy should be checked and encouraged the consumptions of fertilizers to be increased by supporting the price of grain.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.328-333
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• 2005

Ammonia volatilization is the major form of nitrogen (N) loss from flooded paddy soils and causes low N use efficiency. The effects of controlled release fertilizer (latex coated urea complex fertilizer, LCU) on reducing N loss by ammonia volatilization was measured comparing with urea in rice culture system of direct seeding on dry soil. In the treatment of urea, $NH_4-N$ concentration in surface water after flooding increased rapidly up to $8-10mg\;L^{-1}$ as affected by topdressing, while in the LCU treatment $NH_4-N$ concentration in surface water was less than $1mg\;L^{-1}$ during rice growing season. Relation of $NH_4-N$ concentration in surface water and ammonia volatilization was significant in urea treatment. The amount of ammonia volatilized from rice paddy of LCU treatment was $2.4-3.0kg\;ha^{-1}$ and the rate of ammonia volatilization from N fertilizer applied was only 2.0-2.3% compared with 5.9-7.9% in urea treatment. Therefore, N loss by ammonia volatilization could be reduced by 72-76% with by LCU compared with urea in rice culture system of direct seeding on dry soil.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.405-410
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• 2003

Environmental stress is the major limiting factor in plant productivity. In order to evaluate the stress tolerance of potato plants, leaf discs of two potato cultivars, Atlantic and Superior, were subjected to various stress conditions of high temperature, methyl viologen, H2O2, or $H_2O$$_2$. When potato leaf discs were exposed to high temperature at 37$^{\circ}C$ for 84 hr, Atlantic plants, a cultivar with high sensitivity to heat stress, showed about 20％ higher membrane damage than Superior plants. When exposed to 2$\mu$M methyl violgen (MV), a superoxide generating non-selective herbicide, for 36 hr, Atlantic plants also showed about 38％ higher membrane damage than Superior plants, and were more susceptible up to 10$\mu$M MV concentration tested. On treatment with 0.75M NaCl, Atlantic plants also had about 45％ less chlorophyll contents in leaf discs than Superior plants. There was, however, no difference in chlorophyll content of two cultivars at higher NaCl concentrations. The effect of $H_2O$$_2$ on the two cultivars was mixed. At low $H_2O$$_2$ concentration (25 mM) , Superior plants were more susceptible to $H_2O$$_2$stress after 36 hr. However, at high $H_2O$$_2$ concentration (100 mM), Atlantic plants exhibited higher susceptibility after 36 hr. The results indicate that in vitro leaf discs reflecting the whole plants in this study will be useful for selection and characterization of elite transgenic potato plants with enhanced tolerance to environmental stress.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2014

In order to estimate the effect of nutrients addition for phytoplankton growth and community compositons in spring and summer season, we investigated the abiotic and biotic factors of surface and bottom waters at 20 stations of inner and offshore areas in Gwangyang Bay, Korea. Nutrient additional experiments were also conducted to identify any additional nutrient effects on phytoplankton assemblage using the surface water for the assay. Bacillariophyceae occupied more than 90% of total phytoplankton assembleges. Of these, diatom Eucampia zodiacus and Skeletonema costatum-like species was mainly dominated in spring and summer, respectively. Here, we can offer the season why the two diatom population densities were maintained at high levels in both seasons. First, light transparency of spring season in the euphotic zone was greatly improved in the bay. This improvement is one of important factor as tigger of increase in E. zodiacus population. Second, low salinity and high nutrient sources supplied by Seomjin River discharge are a main cue for strong bottom-up effects on S. costatum-like species during the summer rainy season. Based on the algal bio-assays, although maximum growth rate of phytoplankton communities at inner bay (St.8) were similar to those of outer bay (St.20), half-saturation constant ($K_s$) for phosphate at outer bay was slightly lower than those of inner bay. This implied that adapted cells in low nutrient condition of outer bay may have enough grown even the low phosphate and they also have a competitive advantage against other algal species under low nutrient condition. In particular, efficiency of N (+) addition in summer season was higher compared to control and P added experiments. In the bay, silicon was not a major limiting factor for phytoplankton growth, whereas nitrogen (N) was considered as a limiting factor during spring and summer. Therefore, a sufficient silicate supply form water mixing Si recycled from diatom decomposition and river water is favorable form maintaining diatom ecosystems in Gwangyang Bay.

• Journal of Korea Water Resources Association
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.163-172
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• 2008

Hydrologic regimes play a major role in determining the biotic composition, structure, and function of river ecosystem. In this study, hydrologic regimes were analyzed on down stream effects of the Young-Chun dam construction using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alterations(IHA). The analysis results were as follows ; (1) Monthly mean flows were decreased during drought and flood season on the pre and post dam, (2) Magnitude and Duration of Annual Exterm Conditions, annual minima 1-day means was $3.48m^3/sec$, $0.89m^3/sec$ and annual maxima 1-day mean was $833.1m^3/sec$, $672.1m^3/sec$ on the pre and post dam (3) Timing of Annual Exterm conditions, Julian date of the annual minima 1-day means was 180th(June) in the pre dam, 257th(September) in the post dam, Julian date of the annual maxima 1-day means was 209th(July) in the pre dam, 217th(August) in the post dam, (4) Frequency and Duration of High and Low Pulse, Low Puls counts and duration were 3 times and 23 days in the pre dam, High Pulse counts and duration were 4 times and 2 days in the pre dam. (5) Rate and Frequency of Water Condition Changes, rise rates was 39.27 %, 19.36 % and fall rates -15.85 %, -8.16 % in the pre and post dam, respectively (6) Coefficient of Variation, annual exteram water conditions were decreased from 0.9054 to 0.6314 and from 1.0440 to 0.9617, Timing of Annual Exterm conditions were incereased for minima flow from 0.269 to 0.282, for maxima form 0.069 to 0.153.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.9-44
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• 1993

An explorative and descriptive study in order to determine the effect of family structure and other socio-demographic variables on health behavior, belief, locus, and value and utilization of public health service was carried out. Data were collected from 1,653 subjects randomly sampled in three areas, Seoul, Kyunggi province, and Cheju province. From Seoul 849 subjects were selected, 397 subjects Kyunggi, and 407 subjects from Cheju, respectively. Self-reporting questionaires were administered during the period from March to June, 1992. The major findings were as follows: 1) The subjects visited herb-doctor's at irregular intervals mainly to have tonic medicine prepared. They preferred herb-doctor's rather than with doctors at clinics and hospitals. Statistically significant difference was found among the regions studied (p<0.05). 2) The reason for visiting hospitals was primarily for treatment of diseases. They preferred hospital because they felt that the hospitals offer much highly reliable treatment services as well as medical accessibility. For the purpose of hospital utilization, statistically significant differences existed among sex, educational level, family type and region. However, no significance was found among sex, educational level, and region (p<0.05). 3) The subjects utilized general hospitals mainly for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They preferred general hospitals because of their much better facilities and reliability. Statistical significance was found among sex, educational level, and region (p<0.05). 4) The subjects visited dentist at irregular intervals basis. They visited once half a year or three to four months. their purpose of visit was mainly for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Statistical significance differences were found among educational level, region and economic standard (p<0.05). 5) Whenever their illnesses were mild and the pharmacies was located in nearby they visited to pharmacies. They visited once a month and patient medicines. Statistically significant differences were found among sex, educational level and region (p<0.05). 6) The subjects believed that herb medicine was quite efficacious for treatment of some diseases, particularly by information handed down through time-honored tradition and experience. However, they recognized that the efficacy of folk medicine can vary with type and severity of diseases. Statistical significance was among sex, educational level, region and economic standard (p<0.05). 7) The reason why subjects believed that pray and superstition are effective for treatment of certain type of diseases, particularly in neuropathy, was the belief in God's almighty. Statistically significant differences were found among sex, educational level, regions and economic standard (p<0.05). 8) Most of subjects under same condition preferred western medicine because they believed that it is more scientific and prompts in showing therapeutic effect. Statistical significance was not found in the choice of type of public health service among, regions. But significant differences were found among sex, educational level and region (p<0.05). 9) The subjects looked for pharmacy if they thought the symptom was mild. However, they visited hospitals for chronic disease and general hospitals for emergency treatment. Statistical significances were found among educational level, region and economic standard (p<0.05). 10) Although most of students wanted to have a healthy life as for the component of health standard and value, they think that they are not healthy (p<0.05). As for the health behavior, significant difference was found in the proportion of smoking and drinking between educational level and region (p<0.05). The health locus was affected by educational level, and health behavior was influenced by region, sex and educational level. The utilization of type of public health service was influenced by family type and region, and health belief by region and educational level, and the health values by region and economic standard respectively, most of correlation showed statistical significance. Among them, the highest correlation was seen between locus of control and external/internal locus of control, which is quite obvious. The correlation between health belief and behavior was the next highest, but still low (0.343). All the other variables are low but significant except only a few of those. These findings indicate that health education should be incorporated into the curriculum so as to develop desirable health habit, and ability of self-control in accordance with their growth stages. A systematic and scientific understanding on the herb/folk medicine is needed, and greater reliability of the utilization of public health services are is still required. Health policy for equal distribution of health service throughout the country along the hierarchical health service system and complementary mutual assistance and cooperation among various health organizations are also required.