• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.18-29
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• 2012

Purpose: We analyzed how clinical nurses in Korea perceive terminally ill patients' medical decision-making. Methods: The Q-methodology which analyzes the subjectivity of each item was used. We selected 34 Q-statements among those provided by each of 37 subjects and grouped them into a shape of normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data were analyzed using a QUANL PC program. Results: Four types of perception toward medical decision-making were identified. Type I focuses on patient participation, and Type II emphasizes the role of health professionals. Type III is characterized by an open-minded culture toward death, and Type IV values the role of family members. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate the need for development of a multi-disciplinary curriculum medical decision-making and death for medical and nursing students.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.353-359
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• 2000

'Yumyeong' is one of the most popular peach varieties in Korea. This study was conducted to monitor the developments of cells and tissues, and the changes in sugar contents during fruit growth and development. At bloom, there were two rows of vascular tissues, and the number and the position of internal vascular bundles were consistent during the fruit growth, however, the number of vascular tissues were increased and the distribution was irregular in the flesh tissues. The tissues between the inner integument and the internal vascular bundles showed different development characteristics from other parenchyma cells which were consisted of small and dense cells containing tannins. Such observation suggested that the stone of peach was consisted of inner epidermis and cells in the internal vascular tissues. The outer epidermis consisted of single layer cells at bloom differrentiated into 1-2 layers by horizontal cell divisions on 14 days after full bloom. On 30 days after full bloom, the epidermis was consisted of 5-6 layers by vertical cell divisions. The cell layers consisting the outer epidermis were gradually decreased to 1-2 layers at maturity. The observations on the changes in the epidermis confirmed that some of the cells consisting the hypodermis of peach fruit were originated from the cells of outer epidermis. Tylosis was observed from 35 days after full bloom and the size and number of tylosis were increased until full fruit maturity. The sucrose content showed the tendency of sharp increase from 50 days to 120 days after full bloom then decrease slightly. After when stone hardening ended, other solids showed a gradual decrease tendency from 80 days after full bloom.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.781-787
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• 2014

The effects of elevated temperature and $CO_2$ concentration on vine growth and characteristics of fruits of three-year-old 'Campbell Early' grapevine were investigated. The treatment groups consisted of a control group (ambient temperature and $390{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}\;CO_2$), an elevated temperature group (ambient temperature + $4.0^{\circ}C$ and $390{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}\;CO_2$), an elevated $CO_2$ group (ambient temperature and $700{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}\;CO_2$), and an elevated $CO_2$/temperature group (ambient temperature + $4.0^{\circ}C$ and $700{\mu}L{\cdot}L^{-1}\;CO_2$). The average shoot length was 312.6 cm in the elevated $CO_2$/temperature group, which was higher than the other groups; with 206.2 cm in the control group and 255.6 cm and 224.8 cm in the elevated temperature group and elevated $CO_2$ group respectively. However, the shoot diameter showed a tendency of decreasing in the elevated temperature and elevated $CO_2$/temperature groups. The equatorial diameter of berries was increased in the higher carbon dioxide concentration, and the soluble solid content was the highest in the elevated $CO_2$ group, with $14.6^{\circ}Brix$ among all treatment groups and the lowest in the elevated temperature group ($13.9^{\circ}Brix$). The harvest date was approximately 11 d earlier in the elevated $CO_2$/temperature group and 4 to 2 days earlier in the elevated $CO_2$ group and elevated temperature group, respectively. Regarding the rate of photosynthesis and transpiration during the growth period, higher photosynthetic rates were observed in the elevated $CO_2$ group and the elevated $CO_2$/temperature group during the early stage of growth; however the photosynthetic rate was reduced dramatically in summer, which was contrary to transpiration.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.828-832
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• 2013

To report country-specific carbon and nitrogen stocks data in a pear orchard by Tier 3 approach of 2006 IPCC guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories, an experimental pear orchard field of the Pear Research Station, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration, Naju, Korea ($35^{\circ}01^{\prime}27.70N$, $126^{\circ}44^{\prime}53.50^{\prime\prime}E$, 6 m altitude), where 15-year-old 'Niitaka' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Niitaka) trees were planted at a $5.0m{\times}3.0m$ spacing on a Tatura trellis system, was chosen to assess the total amount of carbon and nitrogen stocks stored in the trees and orchard soil profiles. At the sampling time (August 2012), three trees were uprooted, and separated into six fractions: trunk, main branches, lateral branches (including shoots), leaves, fruits, and roots. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 0.6 m depth at 0.1 m intervals at 0.5 m from the trunk. Dry mass per tree was 4.7 kg for trunk, 13.3 kg for main branches, 13.9 kg for lateral branches, 3.7 kg for leaves, 6.7 kg for fruits, and 14.1 kg for roots. Amounts of C and N per tree were respectively 2.3 and 0.02 kg for trunk, 6.4 and 0.07 kg for main branches, 6.4 and 0.09 kg for lateral branches, 6.5 and 0.07 kg for roots, 1.7 and 0.07 kg for leaves, and 3.2 and 0.03 kg for fruits. Carbon and nitrogen stocks stored between the soil surface and a depth of 60 cm were 138.29 and $13.31Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$, respectively, while those contained in pear trees were 17.66 and $0.23Mg{\cdot}ha^{-1}$ based on a tree density of 667 $trees{\cdot}ha^{-1}$. Overall, carbon and nitrogen stocks per hectare stored in a pear orchard were 155.95 and 13.54 Mg, respectively.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.344-360
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• 2017

Zoysiagrasses are important turf plants used for school playgrounds, parks, golf courses, and sports fields. The two most popular zoysiagrass species are Zoysia japonica and Zoysia sinica. These are widely distributed across different growing zones and are morphologically distinguishable from each other; however, it is phenotypically difficult to differentiate those that grow along the coastal line from those in beach area habitats. A combination of morphological and molecular approaches is desirable to efficiently identify these two plant cultivars. In this study, we used a rapid identification system based on DNA barcoding of the nrDNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The nrDNA-ITS regions of ITS1, 5.8S nrDNA, and ITS2 from Z. japonica, Z. sinica, Agrostis stolonifera, and Poa pratensis were DNA barcoded to classify these grasses according to their molecular identities. The nrDNA-ITS sequences of these species were found at 686 bp, 687 bp, 683 bp, and 681 bp, respectively. The size of ITS1 ranged from 248 to 249 bp, while ITS2 ranged from 270 to 274 bp. The 5.8S coding region ranged from 163 - 164bp. Between Z. japonica and Z. sinica, nineteen (2.8%) nucleotide sites were variable, and the G+C content of the ITS region ranged from 55.4 to 63.3%. Substitutions and insert/deletion (indel) sites in the nrDNA-ITS sequence of Z. japonica and Z. sinica were converted to cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers, and applied to the Zoysia grasses sampled to verify the presence of these markers. Among the 62 control and collected grass samples, we classified three groups: 36 Z. japonica, 22 Z. sinica, and 4 Z. japonica/Z. sinica hybrids. Morphological classification revealed only two groups; Z. japonica and Z. sinica. Our results suggest that used of the nrDNA-ITS barcode region and CAPS markers can be used to distinguish between Z. japonica and Z. sinica at the species level.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2015

Myelophycus simplex Papenfuss is distributed over the northern Pacific and southern coast of Korea, and is a member of the brown algae family. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of M. simplex methanol extract on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Treatment with M. simplex methanol extract significantly suppressed terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, as confirmed by a decrease in lipid droplet content observed by Oil Red O staining. Also, the M. simplex methanol extract significantly suppressed the triglyceride content of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with 300 and $500{\mu}g/ml$ of M. simplex methanol extract caused a 42% and 76% reduction in lipid droplet content, respectively. In order to understand the anti-adipogenic effects of M. simplex methanol extract, the changes in the expression of several adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ${\gamma}$-cytidine-cytidine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) ${\alpha}$ and ${\beta}$, were investigated using immunoblotting. M. simplex suppressed the expression of $PPAR{\gamma}$, $C/EBP{\alpha}$, and $C/EBP{\beta}$ proteins compared with control. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that M. simplex methanol extract inhibits adipocyte differentiation and thus may have applications as a potential source for an anti-obesity functional food agent.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2015

In this study, we tried to separate the photosensitizer that induces apoptosis of leukemia cells (U937) from perilla leaves. Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens Britt var. japonica Hara) are a popular vegetable in Korea, being rich in vitamins (A and E), GABA, and minerals. Dried perilla leaves were extracted with methanol to separate the photosensitizer by various chromatographic techniques. The structure of the isolated compound (PL9443) was identified by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and FAB-mass spectroscopy. Absorbance of the UV-Vis spectrum was highest at 410 nm and was confirmed by the 330, 410, and 668 nm. PL9443 compound was determined to be pheophorbide, an ethyl ester having a molecular weight of 620. It was identified as a derivative compound of pheophorbide structure when magnesium comes away from a porphyrin ring. Observation of morphological changes in U937 cells following cell death induced by treated PL9443 compound revealed representative phenomena of apoptosis only in light irradiation conditions (apoptotic body, vesicle formation). Results from examining the cytotoxicity of PL9443 substance against U937 cells showed that inhibition rates of the cell growth were 99.9% with the concentration of 0.32 nM PL9443. Also, the caspase-3/7 activity was 99% against U937 cells with the concentration of 0.08 nM of PL9443 substance. The result of the electrophoresis was that a DNA ladder was formed by the PL9443. The PL9443 compound is a promising lead compound as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.21-28
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• 2015

Genetic polymorphisms of adipocyte determination and differentiation factor 1 (ADD1) gene were screened in Hanwoo and Jeju Black cattle-derived commercial (JBC-DC) populations. The ADD1 genotypes were determined using the presence/absence of 84-bp fragment at intron 7 region. The association of ADD1 genotypes for economic traits was examined in both populations. In the Hanwoo steers, ADD1 D/- carcasses showed significantly thicker backfat levels than those from WW (p<0.05). However, the thickest level of backfat appeared in WD heterozygotes, whereas thicker backfat did not appear in DD homozygotes in the JBC-DC population (p<0.05), leading to the supposition that synergic effects of alleles W and D increase backfat deposition. On the other hand, there was no association between the ADD1 genotypes and intramuscular fat deposition measured as meat quality index and marbling score. From these results, we concluded that the bovine ADD1 affected the backfat in subcutaneous tissue, rather than intramuscular fat in muscle tissue. In addition, the DD animals showed higher levels of meat color than those from W/- (p<0.05). Interestingly, a highly significant difference was found between the genotypes and carcass weights only in the JBC-DC population, and D/- animals were heavier by more than 38 kg than those from WW (p<0.001). The results of this study reveal faster growth rate and differences in steer productivity according to genotypes of the ADD1 gene. These findings demonstrate that ADD1 genotypes may effectively function as molecular genetic markers for the improvement of Hanwoo and Jeju Black cattle-related crossbreeding systems.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1384-1392
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• 2015

Sagantang (SGT), a Korean multiherb formula comprising six medicinal herbs, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Belamcanda chinensis (L.) DC, Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Poria cocos Wolf, Cimicifuga heracleifolia Komarov, and Artractylodes japonica Koidzumi, was recorded in “Dongeuibogam.” The present study investigated the anticancer potential of SGT in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells. The results indicated that SGT treatment significantly inhibited the growth and viability of AGS cells in a dose-dependent manner, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies, in addition to chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, and the accumulation of annexin-V positive cells. The induction of apoptotic cell death by the SGT treatment was associated with up-regulation of Fas protein expression, truncation of Bid, and down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. The SGT treatment also effectively induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, which was associated with the activation of caspases (caspase-3, -8, and -9) and degradation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. However, a pan-caspase inhibitor significantly blocked the SGT-induced apoptosis and growth suppression in AGS cells. This study suggests that SGT induces caspase-dependent apoptosis through an extrinsic pathway by upregulating Fas, as well as through an intrinsic pathway by modulating Bcl-2 family members in AGS cells. The results suggest that SGT may be a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the control of human gastric cancer cells. However, further studies will be needed to confirm the potential of SGT in cancer prevention and therapy in an in vivo model and to identify biological active compounds of SGT.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1728-1732
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• 2008

This study was performed to investigate the bionomical characteristics of Luciola lateralis in Korea. Imago's longevity of female was $17.5{\pm}0.7$ and male was $20.6{\pm}1.0$ days at $23^{\circ}C$, R.H. 80%, and significant difference was not occurred in breeding density. Pre-oviposition period was a pair $2.8{\pm}1.5$, two pairs $2.5{\pm}1.5$, three pairs $1.7{\pm}0.7$, four pairs $1.3{\pm}0.5$ days and pre-oviposition period was shorten in higher breeding density. The mean of laying eggs was $248.9{\pm}80.7$, was not related breeding density. Daily oviposition rate was 1st day 20.8%, 2nd 17.3%, 3rd 14.3%, 4th 12.7%, 5th 7.0%, the rate was highest in 1st day and gradually reduced. Egg period was $21.8{\pm}0.7$ days and hatchability was $95.5{\pm}4.8%$. Larval instar was identified the 9th instar, the evidence was able to its skin and marking pattern. Larval period of each instar was 1st $1.0{\pm}0.1$, 2nd $3.3{\pm}0.2$, 3rd $10.2{\pm}1.0$, 4th $6.8{\pm}0.5$, 5th $6.9{\pm}2.0$, 6th $15.4{\pm}4.1$, 7th $18.3{\pm}5.9$, 8th $25.8{\pm}8.7$, 9th $31.2{\pm}13.2$ days. Matured 9th larva was made of cocoon during $2.8{\pm}0.8$ days and pre-pupal, pupal period was $4.6{\pm}0.9$, $5.6{\pm}0.7$ days. Imago was made hard hind wing during $3.8{\pm}0.4$ days in cocoon and come out.