• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2004

Objectives : This study was conducted to investigate the association of the COMT polymorphism with the TD in Korean sample of families with TD probands. The relationship between risk alleles and specific clinical features (tic severity, comorbidity, drug response) was also explored. Method : Patients were recruited from the Tic Disorder clinic at the Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Division of Seoul National University Hospital and assessed through 2 stage evaluation. Firstly, all the patients and parents received semistructured interview using Korean version of K-SADS-PL. Secondly all the patients received clinical interview and tic severity assessment with Korean version of YGTSS. The subjects in control group were recruited from the health promotion center in out hospital and were evaluated by SCL-90 and SCID-IV. Through these process, total of 42 children and adolescents with TD, their 84 parents and 86 control subjects were finally recruited. Genotyping for The Val158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene was done by standardized method. After collection of genetic data of all the patients, parents and control subjects, case-control comparison and tranmission dysequilibrium test was executed by SPSS version 11. Result : From the case-control comparison, the frequency of L-allele and LL genotype was significantly higher in TD group. However, no differences were found from the TDT. No significant differences were found in in family history of tic, ADHD, OCD, drug response and comorbid conditions among the three different genotypes in patients with TD. Conclusion : Though this study results should be interpreted cautiously due to small sample size and negative finding in TDT test, this study is the first report that there is positive association between the functional polymorphism of COMT gene the TD.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.58-70
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• 2016

An investigation was carried out to study the diversity of aquatic insects, functional feeding groups (FFGs), habitat oriented groups (HOGs), and species-specific distribution in the Taean area in Korea from June to August, 2015. As a result, a total of 72 species belonging to 30 families and six orders were identified in all the investigated regions. Odonata (22 spp.: 30.56%) was the largest group in species richness followed by Coleoptera (21 spp.: 29.16%), Hemiptera (17 spp.: 23.61%) and Diptera (8 spp.: 11.11%) while for Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera, only two species (2.78%) were found. In addition, Plecoptera and Megaloptera inhabiting clean and flowing waters were not found. In the FFGs, predators (48 spp.: 66.67%) were relatively larger as represented by Odonata, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera, whereas shredders and scrapers were lower in proportion. The dominant groups of HOGs were swimmers (24 spp.: 33.33%), climbers (18 spp.: 25.0%), and sprawlers (12 spp.: 16.67%), which were characterized as aquatic insects community of island. Four species: Cybister lewisianus Sharp, Helophorus auriculatus Sharp, Agrypnia pagetana Curtis, Diplonychus esakii Miyamoto & Lee that are designated as Endangered, Near Threatened, and Vulnerable (Korean Red List) have been found to inhabitthe Taean area. Also, two species belonging to the exportable species group (Ceriagrion auranticum Fraser, Paracercion melanotum (Selys)) and one species belonging to the climate-sensitive biological indicator group (Ischnura elegans (Van der Linden)) were identified. In this study, four significant species including the Endangered are presented on the Korean distribution map based on the information in the national ecosystem survey accumulated for 7 years (2006-2012) by the Ministry of Environment.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.291-307
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• 2016

Evaluation of the extinction risk of endangered plants at international, national as well as at regional levels is essential to the implementation of plans for direct conservation activities. Reports indicate that 34 endangered plants are distributed in the middle eastern area of Korea. For each endangered plant, we investigated the sites, area of extents, population size, and factors that affect population extinction. We assessed risk factors based on 10 evaluation criteria including the results from the investigation and the life traits each endangered plant has. As a result of evaluating the risk factors, these 34 endangered plants are classified into 3 groups: the first category comprises 12 endangered plants that require active and urgent conservation of habitats due to multiple risk factors; the second group has 16 endangered plants that should be able to persist with the removal of a few direct risk factors; the third category has 6 endangered plants that can persist with minimal management due to comparatively large distributed area and numerous individuals. It was found that most major risk factors in the population of endangered plants are caused by disruption of habitats and population extinction due to the increase of human habitation in the concerned areas, development and illegal harvesting. Futhermore, ecological collapse from decreasing habitats and malfunctioning mechanism of extinction and regeneration due to the changes of vegetational environment can be the other causes. From the area of the present investigations, we selected 5 regions according to the number of species and the frequency of appearance and importance of conservation measures. Also, we suggested a conservation strategy according to the regional characteristics. We suggest that the method for evaluating extinction risk of endangered plants includes distributional data and life traits of species. In addition, we underscore the necessity for understanding population dynamics and ecological niche of the each target species.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.385-397
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• 2015

Harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) are chemical compounds in tobacco smoke that cause harm to smokers and non-smokers. This study established and validated methods for the analysis of HPHCs from mainstream cigarette smoke. The analyzed HPHCs were categorized into seven groups: aromatic amines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), ammonia, and carbonyl compounds. The methods were validated by specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), accuracy, precision, and recovery. These validated methods were then applied to the reference cigarettes (1R5F, 3R4F). The correlation coefficients (r²) for the calibration curves of the seven groups were over 0.995. The LODs showed values of 0.01-0.04 ng/cig cig for aromatic amines, 0.01-0.16 μg/cig for VOCs, 0.01-1.27 ng/cig for heavy metals, 0.06-0.28 ng/cig for TSNAs, 0.04 ng/cig for benzo[a]pyrene, 0.08 μg/cig for ammonia, and 0.78-1.77 μg/cig for carbonyl compounds. The precisions obtained from the intra and inter-day batches were less than 15%. The accuracy and the recovery range were less than 15% and 79.2-117.5%, respectively. The proposed methods can therefore be applied for determining HPHCs in tobacco mainstream smoke.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.319-332
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• 2016

Alien turtles belonging to Genus Trachemys have been designated as Invasive Alien Species since 2001 and their import has been banned in Korea. However, current status of import and distribution of the other alien turtles have not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the taxa of alien turtles introduced into Korea, to assess their potential risks to the natural ecosystems and to suggest the future management directions of them in Korea. We identified 73 species of alien turtles belonging to 9 families. Since 2008, more than 6,000 kg of turtles have been imported annually and widely distributed through the pet shops, traditional markets and individual transactions. From the survey of natural habitats, we found that 8 species belonging to 3 families including Chrysemys picta, Pseudemys concinna, P. nelsoni, P. peninsularis, P. rubriventris, Mauremys sinensis, Macrochelys temminckii and Trachemys scripta have inhabited in 12 study sites. Out of 73 alien turtles, the potential adverse impacts of 13 species to ecosystems are serious when we considered status of designation of invasive alien species in other countries. For the management of alien turtles, it is required to register alien turtles in the import list and share general information such as import purpose, distribution and management condition among relevant authorities. The breeders and distributors must be obliged to identify turtles and to record management. The government must check transfer and migration of turtles periodically to prevent their introduction and spread into natural environments. The change of alien turtle populations in natural habitats should be monitored and their management plan should be developed to control the alien turtles in areas where the impacts are significant.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2020

Termitomyces albuminosus has been recognized to have the best mushrooms in China, in terms of taste and aroma. The efficacy of these mushrooms has been recorded in the botanical list. However, research on the development of their artificial culture methods is necessary. In this study, we prepared an organic solvent extract and a hot water extract to understand the development of compounds and functional foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The IC₅₀ value of DPPH radical scavenging activity of the hot water extract (TA4) was 1.5 mg/mL and the IC₅₀ value of the MeOH fraction (TA2) was 1.93 mg/mL. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by the inhibition of NO production. EtOAc fraction (TA1) is a crude extract, but 79% of NO production was inhibited at 100 ㎍/mL. NO was not produced at 200 ㎍/mL. TA1-5-6, from TA1 inhibited NO production by 15% as compared to the positive control at 15 ㎍/mL, and completely inhibited NO production at 30 ㎍/mL. No cytotoxicity was observed at 50 ㎍/mL. TA2-1-5 from the MeOH fraction (TA2) inhibited more than 75% of NO production at 30 ㎍/mL; cytotoxicity was very low even at 50 ㎍/mL. In conclusion, by selective solvent selection, it was possible to manufacture an extract with no cytotoxicity and excellent biological activities. Furthermore, the extracts showed potential for developing various functional foods and drugs.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.143-152
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• 2010

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the current status of hospice palliative care facilities in Korea. Based on the result, we attempted to suggest activation plans of hospice palliative in Korea. Methods: To conduct a survey, we obtained a list of hospice palliative care facilities from related agencies and academic societies. A survey was conducted from February, 2009 to March, 2009. The survey was consisted of general characteristics of organizations, manpower, facilities & equipments, and so on. In addition, we used data from Statistics Korea to estimate the number of beds required and the bed occupancy rate. Results: Total number of facilities responded to the questionnaire were 53. Forty-two facilities were general hospitals and 6 facilities were clinics among the total 53 facilities, and 18.8% of facilities were located in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggido. Overall bed occupancy rate was rather low as 21.9%, and there were 4 provinces where bed occupancy rates were 0%. Deaths in hospice palliative care facilities during 2008 were 6.3% of total deaths from cancers. As for the questions about the financial status of facilities, 86% of facilities were answered financial insufficiency. Also more than half of the facilities gave financial insufficiency as the reason for shortage of human resource supplies and inability to achieve the standard for authorization by the government. Facilities answered in order to activate the hospice palliative care, governmental support is needed, mostly in financial support (71.2%), donation tax deduction (43.1%), and setting up a public utility foundation (23.5%). Conclusion: This study showed low rates of hospice palliative care use and bed occupancy in Korea. Regional variance in bed occupancy rate was significantly high. As a roadblock for these problems, most of the facilities cited financial insufficiency. Therefore, there must be some action plans to boost financial support to activate hospice palliative care in Korea. Finally, efforts to improve these circumstances including lack of understanding about hospice and palliative care, are needed as well.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.297-310
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• 2021

Lonicera harae is a species of shrub in the Caprifoliaceae family, mostly distributed in East asia. So far, the related research on the genus of Lonicera is insufficient compared to the Lonicera japonica belonging to the same genus, which requires attention to domestic native plants. Therefore, this study aims to provide baseline data for cultivation and utilization through the growth environment and vegetation structure of the natural habitat. Lonicera harae, which plant found throughout the Korean Peninsula. The natural habitats of Lonicera harae is the forest, valley and lowland areas of the southern region. study examined 24 quadrats in 11 regions, including Gwangju, Wanju and Namhae. As a result, environmental condition of Lonicera harae was 8 to 483 m above sea level, normally distributed over 173 m, Slope was 5 to 25 degree with 8.5 degree on average. The list of plants were classified as a total of 229 taxa comprising 80 families, 166 genus, 198 species, 3 subspecies, 24 varieties, 4 forma. As a result of the clustering analysis, the three clusters were divided into three groups; Robinia pseudoacacia, Zelkova serrata, Larix kaempferi. Species diversity was 1.399 and Dominance and Evenness were found to be 0.978 and 0.022 respectively.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.220-227
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• 2021

Fluoroimide is a fungicide and is also used as a pesticide for persimmons and potatoes. The established fluoroimide pesticide analysis method takes a long time to perform and uses benzene, a carcinogen. In addition, a lower limit of quantification is required due to enforcement of the Positive List System. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the analysis method for residual fluoroimide to resolve the problems associated with the current method. The analytical method was improved with reference to the increased stability of fluoroimide under acidic conditions. Fluoroimide was extracted under acidic conditions by hydrogen chloride (4 N) and acetic acid. MgSO₄ and NaCl were used with acetonitrile. C₁₈ (octadecylsilane) 500 mg and graphitized carbon black 40 mg were used in the purification process. The experiment was conducted with agricultural products (hulled rice, potato, soybean, mandarin, green pepper), and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry was used for the instrumental analysis. Recovery of fluoroimide was 85.7-106.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 15.6%. This study reports an improved method for the analysis of fluoroimide that might contribute to safety by substituting the use of benzene, a harmful solvent. Furthermore, the use of QuEChERS increased the efficiency of the improved method. Finally, this research confirmed the precise limit of quantification and these results could be used to improve the analysis of other residual pesticides in agricultural products.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.376-388
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• 1996

The first and the second "Discussion Contest of Scientific Investigation" was evaluated in this study. This contest was a part of 'Korean Youth Science Festival' held in 1993 and 1994. The evaluation was based on the data collected from the middle school students of final teams, their teachers, a large number of middle school students and college students who were audience of the final competition. Questionnaires, interviews, reports of final teams, and video tape of final competition were used to collect data. The study focussed on three research questions. The first was about the preparation and the research process of students of final teams. The second was about the format and the proceeding of the Contest. The third was whether participating the Contest was useful experience for the students and the teachers of the final teams. The first area, the preparation and the research process of students, were investigated in three aspects. One was the level of cooperation, participation, support and the role of teachers. The second was the information search and experiment, and the third was the report writing. The students of the final teams from both years, had positive opinion about the cooperation, students' active involvement, and support from family and school. Students considered their teachers to be a guide or a counsellor, showing their level of active participation. On the other hand, the interview of 1993 participants showed that there were times that teachers took strong leading role. Therefore one can conclude that students took active roles most of the time while the room for improvement still exists. To search the information they need during the period of the preparation, student visited various places such as libraries, bookstores, universities, and research institutes. Their search was not limited to reading the books, although the books were primary source of information. Students also learned how to organize the information they found and considered leaning of organizing skill useful and fun. Variety of experiments was an important part of preparation and students had positive opinion about it. Understanding related theory was considered most difficult and important, while designing and building proper equipments was considered difficult but not important. This reflects the students' school experience where the equipments were all set in advance and students were asked to confirm the theories presented in the previous class hours. About the reports recording the research process, students recognize the importance and the necessity of the report but had difficulty in writing it. Their reports showed tendency to list everything they did without clear connection to the problem to be solved. Most of the reports did not record the references and some of them confused report writing with story telling. Therefore most of them need training in writing the reports. It is also desirable to describe the process of student learning when theory or mathematics that are beyond the level of middle school curriculum were used because it is part of their investigation. The second area of evaluation was about the format and the proceeding of the Contest, the problems given to students, and the process of student discussion. The format of the Contests, which consisted of four parts, presentation, refutation, debate and review, received good evaluation from students because it made students think more and gave more difficult time but was meaningful and helped to remember longer time according to students. On the other hand, students said the time given to each part of the contest was too short. The problems given to students were short and open ended to stimulate students' imagination and to offer various possible routes to the solution. This type of problem was very unfamiliar and gave a lot of difficulty to students. Student had positive opinion about the research process they experienced but did not recognize the fact that such a process was possible because of the oneness of the task. The level of the problems was rated as too difficult by teachers and college students but as appropriate by the middle school students in audience and participating students. This suggests that it is possible for student to convert the problems to be challengeable and intellectually satisfactory appropriate for their level of understanding even when the problems were difficult for middle school students. During the process of student discussion, a few problems were observed. Some problems were related to the technics of the discussion, such as inappropriate behavior for the role he/she was taking, mismatching answers to the questions. Some problems were related to thinking. For example, students thinking was off balanced toward deductive reasoning, and reasoning based on experimental data was weak. The last area of evaluation was the effect of the Contest. It was measured through the change of the attitude toward science and science classes, and willingness to attend the next Contest. According to the result of the questionnaire, no meaningful change in attitude was observed. However, through the interview several students were observed to have significant positive change in attitude while no student with negative change was observed. Most of the students participated in Contest said they would participate again or recommend their friend to participate. Most of the teachers agreed that the Contest should continue and they would recommend their colleagues or students to participate. As described above, the "Discussion Contest of Scientific Investigation", which was developed and tried as a new science contest, had positive response from participating students and teachers, and the audience. Two among the list of results especially demonstrated that the goal of the Contest, "active and cooperative science learning experience", was reached. One is the fact that students recognized the experience of cooperation, discussion, information search, variety of experiments to be fun and valuable. The other is the fact that the students recognized the format of the contest consisting of presentation, refutation, discussion and review, required more thinking and was challenging, but was more meaningful. Despite a few problems such as, unfamiliarity with the technics of discussion, weakness in inductive and/or experiment based reasoning, and difficulty in report writing, The Contest demonstrated the possibility of new science learning environment and science contest by offering the chance to challenge open tasks by utilizing student science knowledge and ability to inquire and to discuss rationally and critically with other students.