• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2023

We have determined the complete chloroplast genome of Erigeron Canadensis isolated in Korea. The circular chloroplast genome of E. canadensis is 152,767 bp long and has four subregions: 84,317 bp of large single-copy and 18,446 bp of small single-copy regions are separated by 25,004 bp of inverted repeat regions including 133 genes (88 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). The chloroplast genome isolated in Korea differs from the Chinese isolate by 103 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 47 insertions and deletion (INDEL) regions, suggesting different invasion sources of E. canadensis in Korea and China. A nucleotide diversity analysis revealed that the trend of the nucleotide diversity of E. canadensis followed that of 11 Erigeron chloroplasts, except for three peaks. The phylogenetic tree showed that our E. canadensis chloroplast is clustered with E. canadensis reported from China. Erigeron canadensis can be a good target when attempting to understand genetic diversity of invasive species.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.785-791
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• 2014

Crude extracts or phytochemicals obtained from some plants have potential anti-cancer properties. Teucrium persicum is an Iranian endemic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family which has traditionally been used to relieve abdominal pains. However, the anti-cancer properties of this species of the Teucrium genus have not been investigated previously. In this study, we have used a highly invasive prostate cancer cell line, PC-3, which is an appropriate cell system to study anti-tumor properties of plants. A methanolic extract obtained from T persicum potently inhibited viability of PC-3 cells. The viability of SW480 colon and T47D breast cancer cells was also significantly decreased in the presence of the T persicum extract. Flow cytometry suggested that the reduction of cell viability was due to induction of apoptosis. In addition, the results of wound healing and gelatin zymography experiments supported anti-cell invasion activity of T persicum. Interestingly, sublethal concentrations of T persicum extract induced an epithelial-like morphology in a subpopulation of cells with an increase in E-Cadherin and ${\beta}$-Catenin protein levels at the cell membrane. These results strongly suggest that T persicum is a plant with very potent anti-tumor activity.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.400-420
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• 2019

The aims of the study were to analyze (1) the effects of Prosopis juliflora (Prosopis) on the spatial distribution and soil seed banks (SSB) diversity and density, (2) the effects of environmental factors on SSB diversity and density (number of seeds in the soil per unit area), and (3) the effects of animal fecal droppings on SSB diversity, density, and dispersal. Aboveground vegetation data were collected from different Prosopis-infested habitats from quadrats (20 × 20 m) in Prosopis thickets, Prosopis + native species stand, non-invaded woodlands, and open grazing lands. In each Prosopis-infested habitats, soil samples were collected from the litter layer and three successive soil layer, i.e., 0-3 cm, 3-6 cm, and 6-9 cm. Seeds from soil samples and animal fecal matter were separated in the green house using the seedling emergence technique. Invasion of Prosopis had significant effects on the soil seed bank diversity. Results revealed that the mean value of the Shannon diversity of non-invaded woodlands was being higher by 19.2%, 18.5%, and 11.0% than Prosopis thickets; Prosopis + native species stand and open grazing lands, respectively. The seed diversity and richness, recovered from 6-9-cm-deep layer were the highest. On the other hand, the density of Prosopis seeds was the highest in the litter layer. About 156 of seeds/kg (92.9%) of seeds were germinated from cattle fecal matter. However, in a small proportion of seedlings, 12 of seeds/kg (7.1%) were germinated from shot fecal matter. Thus, as the seeds in the soil were low in the study areas, in situ and ex situ conservation of original plants and reseeding of persistent grass species such as Cynodon dactylon, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon plumulosus, and Brachiaria ramosa are recommended.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.137-150
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• 2021

The rock-carved standing Buddha triad in Seoak-dong is a large stone Buddha statue of the Unified Silla era (AD 676 to 935) in ancient Korea, built near the top of the southeastern side of mountain Seondosan in Gyeongju, is characterized by its locational importance, the powerful Amitabha and the gentle sculptural technique of the Bodhisattva. In particular, Amitabha Buddha in andesite rock slope with biotite granite pedestal and two Bodhisattva parallel made by alkali granites seems to express the dignity through the color and texture of the stones. In the Amitabha Buddha, deterioration characteristics are accelerating due to the combination of various joint systems, instability of the slopes and relaxation by the root pressure of plants occurring at the top. In addition, physical properties have deteriorated owing to the increase of discontinuous surfaces as joints, cracks and scalings, and the coverage of algae and lichen is also high. Therefore, deterioration degree in Buddha triad is accelerated due to the physical weathering characteristics from natural rock mass and various biological invasion.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.274-283
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• 2015

The reservoir shores seem to be vulnerable to biological invasion. The purpose of this research was to find out the floristic composition of alien plants and their relationship between environmental factors on reservoir shorelines in Korea. We investigated flora of alien plants and environmental factors of geomorphology, hydrology, water quality and soil on the shoreline of a total of 35 reservoirs with different water level managements. There were 56 species of alien plants, which was 15% of the total plant species identified in the study of reservoirs. A total of 57% of these alien species were the species which were introduced shortly after opening the port from 1876 to 1921 in Korea. More than 80% of the alien plants on the reservoir shores originated from America and Europe. The current distribution of Ambrosia trifida and Paspalum distichum were restricted in the central part and the southern region of the Korean Peninsula, respectively. The water level fluctuation, flood frequency at the median water level, water pollution index, coverage of rock exposure and mean degree of shoreline slope were determined as important environmental factors that have an effect on the characteristics of shoreline alien flora. Our results suggest that the reservoir shore was in danger of being invaded by alien plants due to the water level management and other human disturbances. For effective conservation of the reservoir ecosystem, periodic monitoring systems are required for the early detection of alien species on the reservoir shore.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.1-15
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• 2007

A variety of revegetation methods are being utilized and developed. However, most of revegetation methods used on highway slopes in Korea are based on foreign-introduced plant varieties to stabilize road surfaces and to administer afforestation for surface covering at an earlier phase. Therefore. it results in various problems. such as failure to achieve harmony with the surrounding vegetation and 10 cause re-denudation of slopes as the foreign-in introduced plant varieties wane out from 2~3 years after hydro-seeding, etc. In addition, some of the revegetation plants seeded in the earlier phase grow excessively high, thus causes successional problems, such as to inhibit the invasion of the secondary vegetation from the surrounding areas, etc. Therefore, in this study, 160 slopes located in the nationwide express highways have been investigated and analyzed in order to produce basic data for restoration of ecological environment in slopes created on a long-term basis by investigating and analyzing locational characteristics of cut and filled slopes in express highways, status of revegetation methods, characteristics of soil and plant-ecological environment. 1. Investigation on cut and embanked slopes in express highways was carried out in the total of 160 locations, which include 108 cut slopes and 52 embanked slopes. As a whole, the most frequently used revegetation method was seed spray, which was found to be used in the total of 55 target slops investigated. 2. Planting method of Wistaria floribunda applied to some of the blasted rock zones was found to cause damages as Wistaria floribunda trailed up the surrounding vegetation and the secondary invaded trees. In order to prevent this, this method must be used only in the lowest parts of large-sized slopes. Also, it will be required to administer continuous management and maintenance in the areas already planted with this plants. 3. The areas of blasted rock and ripping rock slopes were applied with coir net (net + seeding) method. However, many of these areas failed in achieving ground covering. Most areas where revegetation was in progress, they were covered with Eragrostis curvula(Weeping lovegrass) only. In areas with soil, such as decomposition of granite, where afforestation is difficult. In this slopes, soil base must be improved by hrdroseeding with thin-layer vegetation base application methods in order to achieve success in afforestation with native plants. 4. Woody species, rather than herb species, are more helpful in stabilization of slope surfaces. Therefore, it is important to be able to grow and protect woody species on highway slopes. Growth of woody vegetation is most largely influenced by soil depth. Thus, when hydro-seeding woody plants, it is recommended to apply at the upper layer of the slopes, which is capable to sufficiently provide the fundamentals required in plant growth.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.82 no.4
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• pp.354-365
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• 1993

The purpose of this investigation is to point out the physical fixation and stability of banking slopes of forest roads by invasion of trees. We investigated the situations of sediment discharge and coverage of invaded trees at banking slopes of forest roads. The coverage of invaded trees were calculated from crown injection based on the stable slope and was compared with length of slope, slope gradient, and passage years after construction of forest road. 1. We investigated on the sediment discharge and the invasion of trees at banking slopes, which were actually observed 8 forest roads of Kyonggi-Do and Kangwon-Do. 2. There was no physical stability of the banking slope due to the surface erosion and slope failure, but the tree invasions were active at the stable plots. 3. The length of slope was constructed to 4.0m to 61.0m and recent forest road was mainly constructed to the slopes longer than 30m. There was strong regional effect between the length of slope and the coverage of invaded trees and the above two factors were inversely proportional to each other. 4. There was no significant relationship between the slope gradient and the coverage of invaded trees and the slope constructed within the angle of repose showed the relatively high coverage of invaded trees. 5. There was no significant relationship between the passage years and the coverage of invaded trees in the same investigative region after the construction of forest road. But there was a gradually increasing relationship of tree invasion between above two factors. However, there was some limitation to expect the invasion of the tree species. 6. In the light of the above results, we suggest that the construction of forest road may need foundation work and vegetation work simultaneously for the physical stability to make the environment of tree plantation and that the reasonable increase of construction cost of forest road may be prior to the other factors.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.111-120
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• 2020

Purpose: Corosolic acid (CA), also known as 2α-hydroxyursolic acid, is present in numerous plants, and is reported to exhibit anti-cancer and anti-proliferative activities in various cancer cells such as osteosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and colon cancer. However, the anti-cancer activity of CA on human breast cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of CA in the human breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Methods: Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis marker protein expression, migration, invasion rate, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were assessed by treating MDA-MB-231 cells to increasing concentrations of CA. Results: The results showed that CA significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner. To assess the effect of CA on apoptosis, nuclei of MDA-MB-231 cells were stained with DAPI solution. Chromatin condensation, which indicates apoptosis, was observed to increase dose-dependently. In addition, western-blot analysis revealed elevated levels of the apoptosis marker proteins (Bax and cleaved caspase 3) subsequent to MDA-MB-231 exposure to CA. ROS production was also increased in the CA-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 treated cells. Interestingly, CA exposure resulted in significantly decreased migration and invasion rates in the MDA-MB-231 cells. Data further revealed that exposure to CA markedly decreased the VEGF concentration, thereby contributing to a reduction in angiogenesis. Conclusion: Our results determined that exposure to CA induces anti-proliferation, apoptosis, and ROS production, and suppresses cell migration and invasion rate in MDA-MB-231 cells. Taken together, these results indicate the potential of CA to be applied as an effective chemotherapeutic agent for treating breast cancer.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2016

Shoreline armoring is a globally used engineering strategy to prevent shoreline erosion along stream, lake and reservoir coastlines. Armoring alters the land-water interface and has the potential to affect shoreline vegetation by changing nearshore geomorphology, hydrology, sediment composition and water quality. We quantified the effects of the artificial disturbances and alternation of the land-water interface on the community structure and distribution of shoreline vegetation in a large reservoir, Uiam Reservoir, Korea. More than 60% of shorelines were disturbed by armoring with retaining wall of concrete block, riprap and gabion in the Uiam Reservoir. The results of detrended correspondence analysis showed that the vegetation structures of the shoreline modified by armoring changed from hydrophyte-dominated to hygrophyte-dominated ecosystems. The shoreline armoring caused the disruption of gradual continuity in the water-land interface and the biological invasion by alien plants. The changes in distribution area of shoreline vegetation showed that the area of hydrophytic vegetation decreased and that of hygrophytic vegetation increased from 2010 to 2013. In conclusion, the human disturbance such as armoring, road construction, recreation etc. could lead to terrestrialization, the loss of transverse continuity and biological invasion in the shoreline vegetation of the Reservoir Uiam. Our findings suggest that redesigning or removing shoreline armoring structures may benefit nearshore hydrophytic vegetation for the conservation of novel shoreline ecosystems.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.288-296
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• 2004

This study was conducted from March to October 2003 to investigate the distribution status and environmental index of naturalized plants at 14 sites at rivers penetrating the downtown area of Gwangju Metropolitan City. The flora consisted of 309 taxa, 76 families, 211 genera, 273 species, 35 varieties and one form, while the naturalized plants consisted of 46 taxa, 14 families, 36 genera, 44 species and two varieties. The dominant species of Gwangju-cheon were nine taxa. Panicum dichotomiflorum, Rumex crispus, Chenopodium album, Trifolium repens, Veronica persica, Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior, Aster pilosus, Bidens frondosa and Taraxacum offici-nale. The dominant species of Hwangryong River were five taxa: Rumex crispus, Trifolium repens, Oenothera odorata, Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior and Erigeron canadensis. At Yeongsan River appeared 16 dominant species: Patspalum distichum, Ckenopodium ficifolium, Lepidium apetalum, Erigeron annuus and Xanthium strumarium in addition to the same dominant species of Gwangju-cheon and Hwangryong River The Urbanization Index (UI) was 17.2% and the Naturalized Index (NI) was 14.9% at urban rivers of Gwangju. The naturalized plants consisted of 16 taxa, which originated in both Europe and North America. Based upon the UI and NI, the urban rivers and their riversides must be considered a major corridor for the invasion of naturalized plants.