Earticle

Sodium sulfate is commonly added in reactive dyebath in order to increase substantivity of the reactive dye to cellulose fiber by reducing repulsion between anionic dye and fiber. While sodium sulfate is mostly used in solid form, it is inconvenient to dissolve a large amount of powder sodium sulfate. Furthermore, if there is undissolved salt in dyebath it might cause unlevel dyeing. In this study, sodium sulfate in liquid or solid form was used in dyeing of cellulose fabric with reactive dyes of three primary color and the effect of type or amount of sodium sulfate on dyeing and fastness properties was investigated. When the amount of sodium sulfate rose to 30-50 g/l, K/S value of the dyed fabric markedly increased; further rise in sodium sulfate concentration resulted in slow increase in K/S value. For light color, optimum amount was about 30 g/l in solid form and 50-100 g/l in liquid form while, for medium to deep color, it was 50 g/l and 100-150 g/l in solid and liquid form, respectively. When using each optimum amount of salt in solid or liquid form for medium color, shape of dyeing curve as well as exhaustion was similar to each other. On the whole, similar color fastness results were obtained regardless of type or amount of sodium sulfate.

Objectives and methods : The Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) were published in five journals in 2001 and 2002. These guidelines, in the form of a checklist and explanations for use by authors and journal editors, were designed to improve reporting of acupuncture trials, particularly the interventions, thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication. Subsequent reviews of the application and impact of STRICTA have highlighted the value of STRICTA as well as scope for improvements and revision. To manage the revision process a collaboration between the STRICTA Group, the CONSORT Group, and the Chinese Cochrane Centre was developed in 2008. An expert panel with 47 participants was convened that provided electronic feedback on a revised draft of the checklist. At a subsequent face-to-face meeting in Freiburg, a group of 21 participants further revised the STRICTA checklist and planned dissemination. Results : The new STRICTA checklist, which is an official extension of CONSORT, includes six items and 17 sub-items. These set out reporting guidelines for the acupuncture rationale, the details of needling, the treatment regimen, other components of treatment, the practitioner background, and the control or comparator interventions. In addition, and as part of this revision process, the explanations for each item have been elaborated, and examples of good reporting for each item are provided. In addition, the word "controlled" in STRICTA is replaced by "clinical", to indicate that STRICTA is applicable to a broad range of clinical evaluation designs, including uncontrolled outcome studies and case reports. Conclusions : It is intended that the revised STRICTA, in conjunction with both the main CONSORT Statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, will raise the quality of reporting of clinical trials of acupuncture.

The usefulness of constitutional diagnoses based on skin measurements has been established in oriental medicine. According to Sasang constitutional medicine, humans can be distinguished based on properties of skin's friction, thickness and elasticity. To quantify and standardize skin diagnosis, the present study designed an equipment for measuring skin elasticity of hand. But there were some noises in measuring skin elasticity such as measurement method, environment, operator and conditions of patient. So we considered a six sigma project for reducing the measurement errors. The project was followed to discipline process of five macro phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control(DMAIC). So, we could find the major factors which should be controled for stabilizing measurement system and we revised the SOP(Standard Operating Procedure) of the skin elasticity measurement.

Objectives : To characterize the thermal properties of traditional warm needle and new warm needle with various air flows as an important environmental factor and to suggest the necessity of maintaining suitable environment of clinics to maximize their efficacy. Methods : We measured the temperature characteristics of traditional moxa warm needle and new moxa charcoal warm needle by applying an automatic temperature acquisition system with thermocouples while external various air flows were supplied. Temperatures of two positions at the needle body were measured while a moxa cone burned. Typical temperature characteristics like peak temperature, duration, curve shape and the efficiency of the heat stimuli by heat amount analysis were executed. Results : Both warm needles showed similar temperature curve with an increase in the air flow. Peak temperature and duration of effective heat decreased with the air flow, as shown in indirect moxibustion on garlic. The temperature change pattern by the air flow became more apparent when the total combustion heat was compared with the effective heat. The values from two positions on the needle body were significantly different, showing a distance dependency from the heat source of warm needle acupuncture. Conclusions : Thermal properties of warm needle acupuncture was observed variously with surrounding air flow of 0.0 - 0.7 m/s. It emphasized the importance of environmental control as well as the warm needle itself such as heat source and needle. The latter has already been known to deliver designated heat to subjects. It also indicated the importance of education and skill of the practitioners of warm needle acupuncture.

Objective : To examine whether any correlation between tendency towards depression and tenderness at special acupuncture points exists, thus to explore the potential diagnostic property of acupuncture points. Methods : A total 31 subjects were included in this study. They filled out questionnaires about their mental [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Stress Response Inventory (SRI), Profile of Mood States (POMS)] and physical (fatigue due to overexertion, and food accumulation) symptoms. Identical weight around Alarm points (CV17, CV12, ST25, CV5, CV4, and LR13) and transport points (BL14, BL20, BL21, BL22, BL25, and BL27) was given using an algometer and the subjects rated their pain on an 11-point numerical rating scale. Heart rate variability (HRV) was also measured. Results : The subjects were divided into two groups, normal and depressive tendency groups with a cut-off point of nine on BDI. The depressive tendency group reported significantly higher values in SRI, POMS, and questionnaire for fatigue due to overexertion. In the pressure pain measurement, depressive tendency group had more pressure pain at CV12, left side of BL20, BL14, BL22 and both sides of BL21, BL25, BL27, significantly (each p<0.05). The data of HRV did not show significant differences between groups. Conclusions : People with a tendency towards depression may be prone to stress, negative mood, and fatigue due to overexertion. In addition, they may be more likely to develop tenderness at alarm points and transport points compared with healthy people. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.

In this paper, we propose a digital image stabilization technique using edge detection and Lucas-Kanade optical flow in order to minimize the motion of the shaken image. The accuracy of motion estimation based on block matching technique depends on the size of search window, which results in long calculation time. Therefore it is not applicable to real-time system. In addition, since the size of vector depends on that of block, it is difficult to estimate the motion which is bigger than the block size. The proposed method extracts the trust region using edge detection, to estimate the motion of some critical points in trust region based on Lucas-Kanade optical flow algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method stabilizes the shaking of motion image effectively in real time.

통증은 매우 복합적이고 다양한 수준의 경험으로 주관적이거나 객관적일 수 있다. 침술은 통증을 치료하기 위한 아주 오래된 방법이며, 경락 이론을 바탕으로 한다. 침의 효과에 대한 임상적 결과들은 수없이 많이 있지만, 그 기능에 대한 과학적인 이해는 부족한 상태이다. 또한, 실생활에서의 통증 유발 원인과 침술을 통한 통증 억제 또는 치료는 그 차이가 매우 크게 느껴진다. 그러나 최근 연구들을 통해 통증과 침술의 관련성이 밝혀지고 있다. 본 논문에서는 최근 급격히 발달하고 있는 뇌영상 기술들(functional magnetic resonance images, 및 positron emission tomography, electroencephalograph, magnetoencephalography)을 간략히 살펴보고, 이들을 이용한 통증 및 침술 연구들을 살펴보고자 한다. 통증과 침술에 관여하는 뇌 영역들을 확인하여, 이 둘의 유사성 및 차이를 비교하고, 뇌영상 기술을 통해 밝혀지는 뇌의 정보처리 과정을 통해 통증과 침술에 대한 이해를 넓히고자 한다.

Pain is very complex and multi-level experience that should be objective or subjective. Acupuncture is a traditional method to heal the pain and have been based on meridian theory. There have been many clinical evidences showing the pain-relieving effect of acupuncture but science-based understanding of it was poor. Furthermore in daily life, we feel huge gap between the source of pain and pain control by acupuncture stimulation. However, the underlying connection between pain control and acupuncture stimulation has been reported in many recent reports. In this paper, we briefly introduce the brain imaging techniques (functional magnetic resonance images, positron emission tomography, electroencephalograph, and magnetoencephalography) and review researches in pain and acupuncture. Through this, the brain areas that activated by pain and acupuncture will be verified, and compared each other regarding their specificity and similarity. In addition, detailed understanding of brain function which is related to pain and acupuncture analgesia through brain imaging techniques will be discussed.

아시아조충과 무구조충의 편절은 형태학적으로 유사해 감별진단하기가 쉽지 않다. 하지만 아시아조충의 경우 감염자에서 낭미충증 등의 심각한 합병증을 일으킬 가능성을 배제할 수 없으므로 두 기생충의 정확한 진단이 필요하다. 최근 기생충학 분야에서 DNA 서열에 기초한 진단 방법이 널리 쓰이고 있다. 본 연구에서는 다중 중합 효소연쇄반응을 이용해 한국인에서 발견된 태니아 속 조충류의 감별진단을 시도해 보고자 했다. 중합효소연쇄반응을 위해 Ta4978F, Ts5058F, Tso7421F, Rev7915 4개의 시발체(프라이머)를 사용했으며, 그 결과 태니아의 종 동정이 정확하고 신속하게 이루어질 수 있었다. 중합효소연쇄반응 방법을 도입한다면 한국에서 인체 태니아 조충의 역학적 소견을 용이하게 재검토할 수 있으리라고 생각한다.

Differential diagnosis of the taeniid proglottids between Taenia asiatica and T. sagniata is a daunting task due to their close morphological similarity. However, to correctly diagnose them on time is important in managing infected patients, as well as for reducing serious complications such as cysticercosis. Currently, DNA-based methods for the dissection of genomic information of parasites are being employed to make accurate and rapid diagnoses in the field of parasitology. In this study, multiplex PCR was established and exploited to identify exact species of taeniid adult worms recovered from Korean people. To discriminate one from the other other, primers-Ta4978F, Ts5058F, Tso7421F, and Rev7915- were used for the multiplex PCR, which provided swift and precise identification of the taeniid worms being observed. Also,having instituted PCR methodology, we ascertained that easiness would be achieved to reassess and re-evaluate Korean endemic data on human taeniid cestodes.

목적 : 뇌의 신경세포 증식은 해마 치상회와 뇌실하영역에서만 나타나는 현상이다. Kainic acid(KA)를 이용한 간질 동물모델을 연구하던 중 침이 해마 치상회의 신경세포증식을 촉진하는 현상을 발견하여 이를 보고하고자 한다. 방법 : 수컷 ICR계 생쥐를 Saline(n=8), KA(n=8), KA+Acu(n=8)의 세 군으로 나누고, 모든 생쥐들에게 KA 주입 3일 전부터 1일 1회씩 5'-bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)을 3일간 주입하였다. Saline군에는 멸균된 생리식염수를 뇌실 내에 주입하였고, KA군 및 KA+Acu군에는 $0.1{\mu}g$의 KA를 뇌실 내에 주입하였으며, KA+Acu군에 속한 쥐들에게는 KA 주입 2일전, 1일전, 주입 직후에 양쪽 소부(少府)(HT8)에 자침하였다. KA 주입 3시간 후 쥐의 뇌를 적출하고 해마 치상회부위의 BrdU 및 neuropeptide Y (NPY)의 발현을 측정하였다. 결과 : 소부(少府) 자침이 KA의 독성으로 인한 신경세포의 파괴를 줄여주었으며, BrdU 양성 세포 및 NPY를 유의하게 증가시켰다. KA 주입시 세포증식이 일어나긴 하나, 3시간 안에는 거의 일어나지 않는다. 결론 : 소부(少府) 자침이 해마 치상회의 신경세포증식을 촉진하며, 이는 KA의 효과가 아닌 KA 투여 전 소부(少府) 자침으로 인한 것으로 사료된다.

스프레이 국화 'Argus'의 꽃잎으로부터 $DgLDOX$의 전장 cDNA와 genomic DNA를 분리하였고, 감마선 변이원으로부터 유래된 3가지 화색변이체 사이의 다양한 유전자 특성들을 밝혀냈다. cDNA 영역은 1068bp이고 356 amino acid로 변환되었다. Genomic DNA의 크기는 'Argus'에서 1346bp이었고, 3가지 화색 변이체에서는 1363부터 1374의 크기를 나타내었다. $DgLDOX$ 유전자는 두 개의 엑손 사이에 하나의 인트론을 갖고 있는 구조이고, 그 크기는 'Argus'에서 112bp 이지만 3가지 화색 변이체에서는 128 혹은 137bp였다. 이것은 감마선 조사에 의해 인트론 부분에 유전자가 삽입됐다는 것을 나타낸다. DNA 분석 결과 국화의 게놈 내에서는 하나의 $LDOX$ 유전자를 갖는 것이 확인되었다. $DgLDOX$ 유전자의 발현 정도를 분석한 결과, 연분홍의 'Argus'와 두 개의 보라색 변이체(AM1 and AM3) 에서 높게 발현되었으나 흰색 변이체(AM2)에서는 매우 약하게 발현되었다. 이러한 결과들은 $DgLDOX$ 유전자의 인트론에 삽입된 유전자 조각 혹은 엑손 부위의 일부 아미노산의 변화에 의해서 변이체의 화색이 변할 수 있다는 것을 보여주고 있다.

A full-length cDNA and genomic DNA of a $leucoanthocyanidin$ $dioxygenase$ ($DgLDOX$) gene was isolated from the petals of chrysanthemum 'Argus', and comparative features of the gene among three flower color mutants derived from a gamma-ray mutagenesis were characterized. The cDNA coding region of the gene was 1068 bp and was translated into 356 amino acids accordingly. The genomic DNA size was 1346 bp for 'Argus', while three mutants revealed ranges of 1363 to 1374 bp. A single intron between two coding exons for the $DgLDOX$ gene was found, of which size was 112 bp for 'Argus', but 128 or 137 bp for three flower color mutants, indicating that a genomic insertion in the intron occurred during the gamma-ray mutagenesis. DNA blot analysis revealed the $DgLDOX$ gene presenting as a single copy in the chrysanthemum genome. The $DgLDOX$ gene was expressed in both 'Argus' of light-pink color and two purple color mutants (AM1 and AM3) but had very weak expression in only white color mutant (AM2). The results demonstrated that variations in the flower color of the mutants might be associated with changes in the amino acid moieties in the coding exons or fragment insertions in the intron of the $DgLDOX$ gene, which potentially resulted in less expression of the gene in the white colored mutant.

Objectives : The neuroprotective effects of bee venom (BV) have been demonstrated in many studies, but bee venom has many side effects. So we used sweet bee venom (SBV), which has high molecular elements removed to reduce the side effects. I examined the neuroprotective effect of sweet bee venom in 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine ($MPP^+$)-induced human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Methods : To observe the possible toxicity of SBV itself, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with SBV in various concentrations for 3 h and $MPP^+$ in concentrations (1 and 5mM) for 24h. To investigate the protective effect of SBV against $MPP^+$ toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV for 3h and the cells were not washed, followed by incubation with respective concentrations of SBV and 1 mM $MPP^+$ for 24h. To investigate the protective effect of SBV against $MPP^+$ toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV for 3h and the cells were not washed, followed by incubation with respective of SBV(0.5%), 1 mM $MPP^+$, 5uM AKT inhibitor(LY984002) and 10uM ERK inhibitor(PD98059) for 24 h. The protective effect was measured by cell viability assay. To investigate the degree of apoptosis, caspase-3 enzyme activity was measured in control, $MPP^+$, SBV+$MPP^+$. Results : SBV (0.5%) pretreatment protected the SH-SY5Y cells against $MPP^+$-induced apoptotic cell death. The cell viability was higher in the SH-SY5Y cells that were pretreated with vehicle or nontoxic concentrations of SBV than those not pretreated. The caspase-3 activity was lower in the pretreated groups than these not pretreated. ERK and AKT enzymes have a role in the neuroprotective effects of the sweet bee venom. Conclusions : The results demonstrate that SBV has a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons against $MPP^+$ toxicity. This data suggest that SBV could be a potential therapeutic tool for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease(PD).

The depth of the object pointed by the laser beam is computed depending on the pixel position on the CCD There involved several number of internal and external parameters such as inter-pixel distance, focal length, position and orientation of the system components in the depth measurement error. In this paper, it is shown through the error sensitivity analysis of the parameters that the most important parameters in the sense of error sources are the angle of the laser beam and the inter pixel distance. Also, the calibration technique to minimize their effect for the depth computation is proposed.

인천광역시(영종도)와 울산광역시에서 2종류의 미기록 귀화식물을 발견하였다. Bidens polylepis S. F. Blake는 노랑도깨비바늘(신칭)로 인천광역시 운북동 운북교 부근과 울산광역시 삼남면 취서산, 상북면 샘물산장 부근에 많은 개체가 넓은 지역에 분포하고 있는 것을 확인하였다. 동일한 속의 유사분류군들과는 설상화(ray-flower)의 크기가 큰 특징으로 구분되고, 노랑도깨비바늘속이며 설상화가 노란색인 특징에 따라 국명을 신칭 하였다. Saponaria officinalis L.는 비누풀로 인천광역시 운서동 젓개마을의 두 장소에서 귀화된 것을 확인하였다. 비누풀의 암술대는 2개, 꽃받침은 깊게 갈라지지 않으며, 잎 기부에는 부속체가 있는 특징으로 석죽과의 다른 분류군들과 구분된다.

Two newly naturalized species were recorded from Incheon (Youngjong-do) and Ulsan. Among them, Bidens polylepis S.F. Blake (Asteraceae) was widespread and was found in the following locations: Unbuk bridge, Unbuk-dong, Jung-gu in Incheon, and Chuiseosan, Banggi-ri, Samnam-myeon as well as a Saemmul mountain cabin on Jaeaksan, Sangbuk-myeon in Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Bidens polylepis can be distinguished from congeneric species by its larger ray-flowers. The Korean name of Bidens polylepis was newly formulated based on the characteristic of its yellow ray-flowers and on the Korean name of the genus Bidens (Asteraceae). The other species, numerous populations of Saponaria officinalis L. (Caryophyllaceae) were found in two areas in Jeotgae village, Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon. Saponaria officinalis can be distinguished from congeneric species in the family by two features, shallow calyx teeth and a petal with appendages at the base of the blade.

The alkaline dissolution behavior of sea-island type ultrafine nylon fiber were dependent on the concentration of NaOH and treatment time, and the most appropriate condition for alkaline dissolution was to treat with 20g/l NaOH for 30 min at $80^{\circ}C$. The dyeing properties of sea-island type ultrafine nylon fiber and regular nylon fiber were examined with 3 different types of acid dyes in this study. The dye uptakes of ultrafine nylon fiber were higher than regular nylon fiber because of large surface area per unit mass, which increased as the dye bath pH decreased. The dyeing rates on ultrafine nylon fiber were faster and dye exhaustions were higher than regular nylon fiber, however color strength and rating of wash fastness were lower. It was also found that levelling type acid dye showed fast dyeing rate on both nylon fibers than metal-complex and milling type acid dyes.

Objectives : The acupoint-meridian relationship of an acupoint is one of important features of the acupoint. It has also shown evolutionary development over the history of medicine. This study analyzed the prototype kind of information on acupoint-meridian relationships in the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion(the Classic) of 2c BCE. Methods : The acupoint-meridian relationship of all the acupoints listed in the Classic was counted and reviewed in comparison with the information in the contemporary standard texts. Results : In comparison with the contemporary standard of 361 meridian points, the Classic listed 349(97%) acupoints. Of contemporary standard 361 points, 287(81%) acupoints still maintain the same acupoint-meridian relationship as in the Classic. Conclusions : Acupoint-meridian relationship in the Classic has largely been maintained throughout the history and still comprises a major proportion of the contemporary body of knowledge on acupoint-meridian relationship.

본 연구에서는 들잔디와 돌연변이체에서 Glyphosate 내성 관련 유전자인 EPSPS를 코딩하는 cDNA를 분리하여, 시퀸스 비교분석과 발현 양상 차이 등에 관하여 조사하였다. 5'/3' RACE를 통하여 밝혀진 EPSPS의 cDNA는 각각 1176bp의 open reading frame으로 이루어져 있으며 391개의 아미노산을 코딩하고 있었다. 이는 보고된 다른 EPSPS 유전자들과 높은 유사성을 가지고 있다. Genomic southern 결과 들잔디 내에 EPSPS 유전자는 단일copy로 존재하였다. Wild type과 제초제 내성 변이체의 EPSPS 유전자는 6개의 아미노산 시퀀스의 차이를 보였으며 기존에 보고된 EPSPS active site에서 시퀀스의 차이를 나타냈다. 한편 glyphosate의 독성기작의 하나인 EPSPS 효소활성 저해 작용을 알아본 결과, 내성 개체에서 높은(1.5배 이상) EPSPS 활성을 확인할 수 있었다. Northern 분석과 RT-PCR로 제초제 처리 시간에 따른 EPSPS의 발현량을 살펴본 결과, 제초제 처리 후 시간이 경과할수록 발현량이 증가하다가 7일 이후에는 감소하였고, wild type에 비해 glyphosate 내성 선발개체에서 전체적인 발현량이 높음을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구 결과 선발된 glyphosate 내성 돌연변이체는 높은 EPSPS 효소활성 증가 및 EPSPS active site의 아미노산 시퀀스 변화를 통해 원할하고 지속적인 방향족 아미노산의 합성이 가능한 것으로 보여졌다. 본 실험을 통해 얻어진 glyphosate 내성 잔디 돌연변이체와 방법은 앞으로 유용한 제초제 저항성 돌연변이 품종개발 연구에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

This study is the first comprehensive report on the molecular cloning, structural characterization, sequence comparison between wild and mutant types, copy number in the genome, expression features and activities of a gene encoding 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in Korean lawn grass ($Zoysia$ $japonica$). The full length cDNA of the EPSPS from Korean lawn grass ($zj$EPSPS) obtained from a 3' and 5' RACE method was 1540 bp, containing a 1176 bp ORF, a 144 bp leader sequence (5' UTR) and a 220 bp 3' UTR, which was eventually decoded 391 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 41.74 kDa. The Southern blot detection of the $zj$EPSPS showed that the gene exists as a single copy in the Korean lawn grass genome. Sequence comparison of the $zj$EPSPS gene demonstrated that the glyphosate-tolerant mutant (GT) having a Pro-53 to Ser substitution in the gene seems to have a preferred binding activity of the enzyme to phosphoenol pyruvate(PEP) over glyphosate, which allows the continuous synthesis of aromatic amino acids in the shikimate pathway. From the Northern blotting analysis, the $zj$EPSPS was found to be highly expressed, with continuous increase until 36 hours after 0.5% glyphosate treatment in both wild and mutant samples, but 1.5-fold higher EPSP synthase activity was observed in the tolerant mutant when exposed to the glyphosate treatment. The molecular information of the $zj$EPSPS gene obtained from this study needs to be further dissected to be more effectively applied to the development of gene-specific DNA markers and zoysiagrass cultivars; nevertheless, the glyphosate-tolerant mutant having the featured $zj$EPSPS gene can be provided to turfgrass managers for weed problems with timely adoptable management options.

전라남도 보성의 북부산지를 대표하는 천봉산(608m)일대에 자생하는 관속식물들을 밝히고 주요 식물들을 파악하였다. 2005년 3월부터 2005년 10월까지 총 4차례 현지조사를 통해 밝혀진 소산식물은 104과 307속 446종 3아종 56변종 6품종의 511종류로 조사되었다. 이 중 한반도 특산식물은 총 12분류군이 확인되었으며, 산림청 지정 한국 희귀식물은 8종류가 조사되었다. 환경부 지정 특정 식물종은 V등급 2종류, IV등급 1종류, III등급 8종류, II등급 7종류, I등급에는 28종류 등 총 46종류가 분포하고 있음을 알 수 있었다. 귀화식물은 총 38분류군, 귀화율은 7.4%로 전남지역의 평균 귀화식물분포보다 높게 나타났다.

The vascular plants of Cheonbongsan(608m) and its adjacent regions, located in Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do were surveyed from March to October 2005. The vascular plants collected 4 times were consisted of total 511 taxa; 104 families, 307 genera, 446 species, 3 subspecies, 56 varieties and 6 formas respectively. Among them, 12 taxa Korean endemic plants and 8 taxa of Korean rare plants were investigated in addition to 46 taxa of specially designated plants announced by the Ministry of Environment. The naturalized plants were 38 taxa, therefore naturalized ratio was 7.4%, higher than naturalized ratio average in Jeollanam-do.

Objectives : The mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems are studied via experimental measurements. The study aimed at establishing the fundamentals of industrialization and systemization of oriental medicine device industry, as well as improving the quality of life for many Koreans. Methods : We reviewed the studies on traditional cupping as well as modern one to fine necessary factors for electric cupping systems. To characterize the mechanical properties of Korean electric cupping systems, we measured the pressure characteristics of commercially available electric cupping system by using an automatic pressure acquisition system and a standard cup. The pumping capability was checked at 40 seconds, and the stability of the suction cup was checked at 600 seconds. We also acquired the noise level of each system in clinical setting. To check the portability of each system, we also measured its physical dimensions. We scrutinized system manuals provided by the system manufacturers. Results : It took less than 5 second to reach the pressure if the connection between the air hose and the vacuum valve of the cupping system was secure. Pressure diminished to no more than 10% for 600s for all systems. Noise levels were 55~70 dB. Increase in pressure was too fast to control for a designated vacuum level except for one product. Conclusions : The Pumping ability of the systems is impressive and reliable. Pressure retention ability of each cup is quite reliable and reproducible. Therefore, their mechanical performances were worthy of recommendation. Some of them had noise level higher than 60 dB and they were bothersome. It was also suggested that the control for low to middle pressure needed to be accomplished by the cupping system.

Objectives : We developed and proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus (class II medical device). Methods : We drafted the guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus by referring the existing standards, guidelines and measurement data from commercially available products. Temperature characteristics such as maximum temperature and ramp time, and physical characteristics such as weight, noise and diameter were measured. User friendliness was also evaluated for commercial devices. Results : This guideline only can be applied to the electric moxibustion apparatus where moxa is being heated by electricity for medical proposes. Maximum temperature of higher than $50^{\circ}C$ can be achieved mostly. Ramp rate of temperature seems to be reliable. Control of temperature is needed to be improved. Moxa and its derivative products seem to be regulated for reliable temperature performance for clinical application. Requirements for design and development of electric moxibustion apparatus are suggested : temperature indicator, temperature control and its accuracy, safety measure, surge protection, user friendliness and instruction for use (IFU). Design recommendation of the reduction of noise level and energy loss are suggested for better products. Conclusions : We proposed a guideline for safety and performance assessment of electric moxibustion apparatus to improve the quality of relating products and aid their commercialization by aiming higher industrial competitiveness of the medical device sectors in Korea. Discussion with related institutes such as industry, academy and government is further required. Public hearings also need to be held prior to the establishment of a final guideline and standard.