• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.35 no.2 s.98
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• pp.123-132
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• 2002

Experiments have been carried out in barge enclosure near Bukhangang area and arificially eutrophicated pond. Applied plants are three terrestrial plants (Big cone pine, Pine needles and Ginkgo) and one aquatic plant (Water chestnut). In the experiment pond, applied plants are big cone pine, pine needles and ginkgo at the concentration of 0.5 g/l and water chestnut of 0.3 g/l. And it used pine needles at the concentration of 0.3 g/l in barge enclosure. The dominant species was Microcystis aeruginosa. Chlorophyll a concentration decreased to the extent of average 65% as compared with the beginning of experiment by the input of big cone pine and pine needles in artificially eutrophicated pond. But it was decreased to the extent of average 34% by the input of water chestnut. Especially, pine needles significantly inhibited the growth of algae from the early days in barge enclosure, it was declined at a rate of average 74%. It was proved that pine needles was the most inhibitory to the growth of algae at the treatment with $0.3{\sim}0.5\;g/l$, Ginkgo and water chestnut are needed more study. We purified that the dissolved phenolic compounds from the various plants can affect algal growth.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.783-789
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• 2017

Malus melliana (Hand.-Mazz.) Rehder (M. melliana) is a Chinese plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. There have been no previous reports regarding its bioactivity. In this study, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of M. melliana ethanol extract (MMEE) were evaluated using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity assay, nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity assay, and the analysis of related protein expressions through Western blot hybridization. MMEE showed potent scavenging activity against DPPH, similar to ascorbic acid, a well-known anti-oxidative agent, which was used as a positive control. MMEE also inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced ROS in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, MMEE induced the expression of an anti-oxidative enzyme, heme oxygenase 1, and its upstream transcription factor, nuclear factor E2-related factor-2, in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, MMEE was associated with a reduction in NO production, which was induced by the lipopolysaccharide treatment of RAW 264.7 cells. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which is the upstream regulator of NO production, was also inhibited. Taken together, these results suggest that MMEE has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, thus appearing to be a potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The further identification of active compounds that confer the biological activities of MMEE may be necessary.

• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to survey the high school students' concern levels on decision-making problems based on biology, This study is a exploratory research to develop teaching strategies and curriculum of the common science for the enhancement of the students' decision-making ability in problems involved biological knowledges. The survey subjects were 101 first graders of the high school in Seoul area. The survey instrument developed was 5-point scale of Likert type consisted of 24 question items. The survey results showed that the concern level on selection of method for learning was the highest. The concern levels on selection of method for sports or diet which are the individual faced problems were high, and concern levels on the problems social issued such as decisions about standard for noise, pros and cons of approval for brain death or artificial abortion were high, too. The students' concern levels on problems individual context were significantly higher than concern levels on problems social context (p<0.01). The males' concern levels were higher than females' on 'AIDS', 'incinerator for rubbish', 'atomic power plant', 'protection policy for decreasing species', 'standard for noise' (p<0.05), And the males' concern levels were higher than females' on domain of 'ecosystem and environment pollution'. But the females had higher concern levels than males on 'diet' and 'surrogate mother' (p<0.05). The analyzed results were discussed in respects of implication for teaching strategies and curriculum.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.247-253
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• 2002

Based on accumulated data during 1977-2001, seasonal fluctuations of migrated aphids at Daegwallyeong highlands were analyzed. In addition, rates of PLRV transmission by migrated aphids were investigated by inoculation on indicator plant, Physazis floridana, and ELISA in 2000-2001, and the change of PLRV transmission rates by aphids was compared with that of 1989-1991. The average migrated aphid population densities in 1976-1980, 1991-1995, and 1996-2000 were 575.2, 2959.4 and 2281.6, respectively, showing gradual increase in recent years. The average peak time of aphid migration was from early to mid June during 1977-2001, showing any significant differences over the years. The dominant species, however, changed slowly; before mid 1980s M. persicae flied dominantly, but after mid 1980s Aphis gossypii did. Hahm et al. (1991) reported that PLRV transmission rate of migrated aphids during 1989-1991 was 6.7-10.0%. In 2000-2001, however, migrated aphids at Daegwallyeong highland showed 10.1-11.0%. Although present PLRV transmission rate was slightly higher than that of 10 years ago, taking increased population densities and diversity of migrated aphids into account, there was no significant change of PLRV transmission rate over the years.

• The Korean Journal of Zoology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.89-127
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• 1965

1. This report is on the outcome of observation made up the breeding process of Narcissus flycatcher, Muscicapa narcissina zanthopygia, using 15 ness-boxes at Seoul and Kwang Nung Experimental forest in 1964, and the relevant feeding habit was studied by the collar method of wrapping the necks of thenestlings for 50-60 minutes or more in some cases from 1963 to 1964. 2. The Narcissus flycatcheris a common summer resident throughout Korea arriving at the end of April. The earliest data of arrival of this species in Seoul, is April 26, 1964. They migrate southward from the later part of September to early part of October. 3. In a week after their arrival , they start to build nest after a brief courtship. Male and female prepare their nest ina nestboxes in 4 or 5 days. Nests are usually found in the moss, which provide definite frame-work. The inner side of the nest is usually composed of roots of Gramineae or leaves of pine, oak or other broad leave tree. 4. The laying period is generally from the later part of April to the middle of June : and the number of eggs laid is from 3 to 8 , therefore 5 in average : eggs are pink with traces of milky yellow blending of light auburn and orange red spots and chicken-egg-like in shape. 5.The incubation takes place for 7-12 days from the middle part of May to the middle of June, in the order of male and female . The hatching rate tends to increase in proportion to clutch size. 6. The feeding period usually lasts 15 days in average from the early part of June to the middle of July and the feeding urge tends to increase in proportion to brood size. 7. The animals invading into their nest-boxes are red ants, chipmunks, bees , barkbeetles and philippine red-tailed shirkes, etc. 8. On the basis of analysis covering 714 birds in 31 nests, the food they consumed during the nesting period of nestlings were mostly of animal matters composing of : insect larvae form-39. 88% insect adult form 36.26%, insect pupae-0.19%, spider-17.75% and other animal matters 5.92% , Besides a small amount of plant pieces were found . As to the insect larvae, Lepidoptera was the largest in the content followed by Hymenoptera , Orthoptera and Coleoptera. As to the insect adult, Diptera was the largest in the content followed by Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. In view of forest protection, noxious insect was of 69.38%, useful insect 4.39%, and spider 17.75%. 9. The rich assortment of its food, the ability of acquiring various insect (adults as well as larvae), its destruction of great numbers of harmful insects , and its quick assimilation artificial nesting with the nest-boxes of 2.5-3cm entrance hole employed, allow us to conclude that the flycatcher may be successfully employed in the elimination of fores pests. The above results are only that part obtained near Seoul in the middle of Korea, however, if we would extend the scheme to other broad areas using similar techniques, the nest-boxes could not only be well used by the birds, but also it would help to prevent the increase of harmful. insects.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.93-102
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• 2017

In this study, various plant extracts were screened for the effective and safe skin care ingredient according to the antioxidant activity assay guidelines. We selected an optimized combination herbal extract, Charmzone extract (CZE), which composed of Nelumbo nucifera leaves, Saururus chinensis and Orostachys japonica. CZE exerted free radical scavenging activity. It reduced reactive oxygen species formation and increased total antioxidant capacities in human keratinocyte (HaCaT) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). CZE also leaded procollagen type 1 secretion in NHDF and decreased cellular melanin contents in B16F10. The production of nitric oxide was decreased by CZE in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 in a dose dependent manner. Therefore, it is concluded that CZE can be applied for naturally derived anti-aging functional skin care ingredient for anti-oxidation, wrinkle enhancement, whitening, anti-inflammation and wound healing of skin.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 2009

The vascular flora of Dalmasan and its adjacent regions, located in Haenam-gun, Jellanam-do, is surveyed from Mar. to Oct. 2005. The number of the vascular plant taxa based on voucher specimens is 545 total which belongs to 112 families, 322 genera, 473 species, 3 subspecies, 60 varieties and 9 forms respectively. Among them, 12 taxa of Korean endemics and 4 taxa of rare and endangered plants were investigated in addition to 86 taxa of specially designated plants announced by the Ministry of Environment. A unrecorded taxon, Stellaria neglecta Weihe, is also collected in this area. Furthermore, The habitat of 5 taxa such as Asplenium trichomanes L., Asplenium wilfordii Mett. ex Kuhn, Miscanthus sinensis var. chejuensis Y.N.Lee, Impatiens kojeensisi Y.N.Lee and Digitaria violascens var. intersita Ohwi were newly added to the flora of korea, and 29 taxa of induced and naturalized plants were observed in this area.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.315-324
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• 2016

Background: Biocontrol agents are regarded as promising and environmental friendly approaches as agrochemicals for phytodiseases that cause serious environmental and health problems. Trichoderma species have been widely used in suppression of soil-borne pathogens. In this study, an endophytic fungus, Trichoderma gamsii YIM PH30019, from healthy Panax notoginseng root was investigated for its biocontrol potential. Methods: In vitro detached healthy roots, and pot and field experiments were used to investigate the pathogenicity and biocontrol efficacy of T. gamsii YIM PH30019 to the host plant. The antagonistic mechanisms against test phytopathogens were analyzed using dual culture, scanning electron microscopy, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Tolerance to chemical fertilizers was also tested in a series of concentrations. Results: The results indicated that T. gamsii YIM PH30019 was nonpathogenic to the host, presented appreciable biocontrol efficacy, and could tolerate chemical fertilizer concentrations of up to 20%. T. gamsii YIM PH30019 displayed antagonistic activities against the pathogenic fungi of P. notoginseng via production of VOCs. On the basis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, VOCs were identified as dimethyl disulfide, dibenzofuran, methanethiol, ketones, etc., which are effective ingredients for antagonistic activity. T. gamsii YIM PH30019 was able to improve the seedlings' emergence and protect P. notoginseng plants from soil-borne disease in the continuous cropping field tests. Conclusion: The results suggest that the endophytic fungus T. gamsii YIM PH30019 may have a good potential as a biological control agent against notoginseng phytodiseases and can provide a clue to further illuminate the interactions between Trichoderma and phytopathogens.

• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.62-72
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• 2002

This study has investigated the biosynthesis and function of the heavy metal binding peptides, the phytochelatins, in plants. PCs are synthesised enzymatically from glutathione by the enzyme PC synthase in the presence of heavy metal ions. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism cadmium-sensitive, phytochelatin-deficient mutants have been isolated and characterised in previous studies. The cadl mutants have wildtype levels of glutathione, are PC deficient and lack PC synthase activity. Thus, the CADl gene has been proposed to encode PC synthase. The CADl gene was isolated by a positional cloning strategy The gene was mapped and a candidate identified. Each of four cadl mutants had a single base pair change in the candidate gene and the cadmium-sensitive, cadl phenotype was complemented by the candidate gene. This demonstrated the CADl gene had been cloned. A homologous gene in the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe was identified through database searches. A targeted-deletion mutation of this gene was constructed and the mutant, like cadl mutants of Arabidopsis, was cadmium-sensitive and PC-deficient. A comparison of the redicted amino acid sequences reveals a highly conserved N-terminal region Presumed to be the catalytic domain and a variable C-terminal region containing multiple Cys residues proposed to be involved in activation of the enzyme by metal ions. Similar genes were also identified in animal species. The Arabidopsis CADl/AtPCSl and S. pombe SpbPCS genes were expressed in E. coli and were shown to be sufficient for glutathione-dependent, heavy metal activate PC synthesis in vitro, thus demonstrating these genes encode PC synthase enzymes. Using RT-PCR, AtPCSl expression appeared to be independent of Cd exposure. However, at higher levels of Cd exposure a AtPCSl-CUS reporter gene construct appeared to be more highly expressed. Using the reporter gene construct, AtPCSl was expressed most tissues. Expression appeared to be greater in younger tissues and same higher levels of expression was observed in some regions, including carpels and the base of siliques. AtPCS2 was a functional gene encoding an active PC synthase. However, its Pattern of expression and the phenotype of a mutant (or antisense line) have not been determined. Assuming the gene is functional then it has clearly been maintained through evolution and must provide some selective advantage. This implies that, at least in some cells or tissue, it is likely to be the dominant PC synthase expressed. This remains to be determined

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.462-469
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• 2013

Withaferin A is a steroidal lactone purified from the Indian medicinal plant Withania somnifera. It exhibits a wide variety of activities, including anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, and immunomodulation properties. In this review, we focused on the anti-cancer effects of withaferin A. Withaferin A inhibits cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and angiogenesis in cancer cells. Furthermore, it sensitized irradiation, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-, and doxorubicin-mediated apoptosis. The results showed that multiple mechanisms were involved in withaferin A-mediated anti-cancer effects. First, withaferin A increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and induced ER stress- and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Second, withaferin A inhibited the signaling pathways (Jak/STAT, Akt, Notch, and c-Met), which are important in cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Third, it induced apoptosis and inhibited cancer cell migration through the up-regulation of prostate apoptosis protein-4 (Par-4). Finally, withaferin A up-regulated pro-apoptotic protein expression levels through the inhibition of proteasome activity. Our findings suggested that withaferin A is a potential, potent therapeutic agent.