• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.303-320
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• 2019

Plants interact with various biotic and abiotic environmental factors. It requires much information to understand the traits of a plant species. A shortage of information would restrict the assessment, especially in the evaluation of what kind of factors influence a plant species to face extinction. Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. is one of the northern plants of which Korea is the southern distribution edge. The Korean Ministry of Environment had designated it to be the endangered species until December 2015. Although it is comparatively widespread, and a large population has recently been reported, it is assessed to be vulnerable due to the low population genetic diversity. This study evaluated the current distribution of Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. We investigated the vegetational environment, population structures, phenology, soil environment, and self-incompatibility based on the results. Lastly, we evaluated the current threats observed in the habitats. The habitats tended to be located in the areas where the masses at the edge of the stream accumulated except for those that were located on slopes of some mountainous areas. Most of them showed a stable population structure and had re-established or recruited seedlings. Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. had the difference in time when the shoots appeared above the ground depending on the depth of the rhizome located in the underground. In particular, the seedlings and juveniles had their rhizome located shallow in the soil. Visits by pollinator insects and success in pollination were crucial factors for bearing of fruits by Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. The threats observed in the habitat of Polygonatum stenophyllum Maxim. included the expansion of cultivated land, construction of new buildings, and construction of river banks and roads. Despite such observed risk factors, it is not likely that there would be rapid population reduction or extinction because of its widespread distribution with the total population of more than 2.7 million individuals and the new populations established by the re-colonization.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.422-439
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• 2019

The rear edge population is considered to have low genetic diversity and high risk of extinction according to a highly isolated distribution. However, the rear edge population is observed to have persisted for an extended period despite the low genetic diversity. As such, it is necessary to understand the ecological process involved in the persistence of the population. Viola mirabilis L. in Korea is considered the rear edge population from the perspective of the worldwide distribution. We surveyed the distribution range of V. mirabilis, which shows the isolated distribution in the central area of Korea, to find out the factors of its persistence. Next, we investigated and accessed the vegetational pattern of habitats, soil environment, phenology, self-compatibility, population structure, and extinction risk factors observed in the distribution area. V. mirabilis was distributed in the understory of the deciduous forest, planted forest of the deciduous conifer and deciduous broad-leaved trees, shrubland, and grassland in the limestone area. We also observed the re-establishment of seedlings in the population, and most of them showed a stable population structure. For chasmogamous flowers, the visit by pollinators has a significantly positive relationship with the production of fruits. However, we found that the production of the cleistogamous flowers was more numerous in all studied populations and that only the cleistogamous flowers were produced despite a more substantial plant size in some populations. The plant size was more related to the production of the cleistogamous flowers than that of the chasmogamous flowers. Accordingly, the cleistogamous flowers significantly contributed to seedling recruitment in the population. We found that the production of the chasmogamous flowers and the cleistogamous flowers did not have a correlation with the factors of the soil analysis except for phosphoric acid. V. mirabilis showed the self-incompatibility characteristics most likely due to the production capability of the cleistogamous flowers. Potential extinction risk factors observed in the distribution area was included the development of limestone mine, the expansion of agricultural fields, and the construction of houses. Although V. mirabilis showed an isolated distribution in the limestone area in the Korean peninsula, it showed a diverse distribution in a wide habitat environment ranging from the grassland to the understory of the trees with relatively low canopy closure rate. Moreover, we concluded that the persistence of the population was possible if we can maintain the current state of multiple populations and stable population structure.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.148-157
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• 2019

A 70% ethanol extract of Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. was investigated for its whitening activity for application as a functional ingredient in cosmetic products. At the E. annuus extract concentration of $100{\mu}g/ml$, the electron-donating ability was found to be 67.83%, the tyrosinase inhibitory effect (related to skin-whitening) was 69%, the elastase inhibitory effect (related to skin-wrinkling) was 69%, and the astringent effect was 80%. The $ABTS^+$ radical-scavenging ability was 87% at the $500{\mu}g/ml$ concentration. In the cell viability test measured on melanoma cells, 96% of the cells treated with $100{\mu}g/ml$ of the extract were viable. According to the western blot results, the protein expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 was decreased by 60.22%, 47.83%, 54.79%, and 67.88%, respectively, at the extract concentration of $100{\mu}g/ml$. The protein expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK) and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) was decreased with increasing concentrations of the extract. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the extract showed that the mRNA expression of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 was decreased by 86.51%, 85.22%, 74.26%, and 66.66%, respectively, at $100{\mu}g/ml$ extract concentration. The findings suggest that the 70% ethanol extract from E. annuus (L.) Pers. has potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient with whitening effect.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.12
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• pp.607-613
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• 2018

The aim of this study is to predict the exact time of parturition from analysis and classification of preliminary behavior based on parturition signals in sows. This study was conducted with 12 crossbred sows (with an average of 3.5 parities). Behavioral characteristics were analyzed for duration and the frequency of different behaviors on a checklist, which includes the duration of the basic behaviors (feeding, standing, lying down, and sitting). The frequency of specific behaviors (investigatory behavior, shame-chewing, scratching, and bar-biting) was also recorded. Image information was collected every two minutes for 24 hours before the first piglets were born. As a result, the basic behavior of a sows' standing time (22.6% of the time after 24 h, 24.9% after 12 h) and time lying down (55.9% after 24 h, 66.3% after 12 h) increased over the 12 h period before parturition, compared with the 24 h period before parturition (p<0.01). Feeding (13.42% after 24 h, 4.38% after 12 h) and sitting (8.2% after 24 h, 4.5% after 12 h) tended to decrease during the 12 h before parturition (p>0.05). The sows' investigatory behavior ($11.44{\pm}1.80$ after 24 h, $55.97{\pm}6.13$ after 12 h), scratching ($3.75{\pm}1.92$ after 24 h, $20.99{\pm}5.81$ after 12 h), and bar-biting ($0.69{\pm}0.15$ after 24 h, $3.71{\pm}1.53$ after 12 h) increased in the 12-hour period before parturition, compared with the 24-hour period before parturition (p<0.01). On the other hand, shame-chewing ($2.20{\pm}1.67$ after 24 h, $0.07{\pm}0.01$ after 12 h) decreased compared to the 12-hour period before parturition (p>0.05). Thus, standing, investigatory behavior, scratching, and bar-biting could be used as behaviors indicative of parturition in sows.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.247-255
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the radiation protection effect of protaetia brevitarsis larvae extracts known as antioxidant food. In this study 90 female rats were clssified in to 5 groups: NC Group, PBE Group, IR Group, PBE+IR Group and IR+PBE Group. In IR Group, 7 Gy of Co-60 gamma ray was irradiated to SD rat and protaetia brevitarsis larvae extracts were administered orally at 200 mg/kg once a day for 14 days. And then on the 1 day, 7 days, 21 days later after irradiation, changes in blood cell component, superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, spleen index, histopathological evaluation of the ovary and uterus were observed. As a result, the PBE+IR Group (p<0.01, p<0.05) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01, p<0.01) showed a significantly radiation protection than the IR Group in lymphocyte and red blood cell on the 21 days. It was also confirmed that SOD activity of PBE+IR Group (p<0.01) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01) was significantly increased than the IR Group. In spleen index, PBE+IR Group (p<0.05) and IR+PBE Group (p<0.01) showed a significantly recovery than the IR Group. In histopathological observation, PBE+IR Group in the ovary and PBE+IR, IR+PBE Group in the uterus showed less inflammatory reactions of cystoplasm than the IR Group. Based on These results, It is judged that protaetia brevitarsis larvae Extracts have radiation protection effect against blood and reproductive. It is expected to be useful for research of radiation protection agent.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.14-27
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• 2019

This study presents a plan for a memorial park that respects the characteristics based on the historical facts for the concept of space of the Gwangju Hospital of Korea Army and the location of the 505 Security Forces, which were designated as historic sites after the 5-18 Democratization Movement. The Gwangju Metropolitan City as it is the location of the 5-18 historic sites, is taking part in the 5-18 Memorial Project, and plans to establish a city park recognizing the historic site of the 5-18 Democratization Movement, which has been preserved only as a memory space to this point. The park is promoting a phased development plan. This study suggests that the 5-18 historic sites can be modernized and that social consensus can establish the framework of the step-by-step planning and composition process to ensure the plans for the space heals wounds while preserving the history. In this paper, we propose a solution to a problem. We solve the approach for space utilization through an analysis of precedent research and planning cases related to park planning at historical sites. In addition to exploring the value of the site, we also describe the space utilization strategy that covers the historical characteristics and facts while maintaining the concept of park planning. As a result of the research, the historic site of the Gwangju Hospital of Korea Army is planned as a park of historical memory and healing in order to solve the problems left behind by the 5-18 Democratization Movement. The historic site of the 505 Security Forces was selected as an area for historical experiences and a place for learning that can be sympathized with by future generations of children and adolescents in terms of expanding and sustaining the memory of the 5-18 Democratization Movement. In the planning stage, the historical sites suggested the direction of space utilization for representation as did the social consensus of citizens, related groups, and specialists. Through this study, we will contribute to construction of a memorial park containing historical values in from 5-18 historic sites. It is meaningful to suggest a direction that can revitalize the life of the city as well as its citizen and can share with the history with future generations beyond being a place to heal wounds and keep alive the memory of the past.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.489-495
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• 2020

Whereas the control of the hydration heat in mass concrete has been important as the concrete structures enlarge, many conventional strategies show some limitations in their effectiveness and practicality. Therefore, In this study, as a solution of controling the heat of hydration of mass concrete, a method to reduce the heat of hydration by controlling the hardening of cement was examined. The reduction of the hydration heat by the developed Phosphate Inorganic Salt was basically verified in the insulated boxes filled with binder paste or concrete mixture. That is, the effects of the Phosphate Inorganic Salt on the hydration heat, flow or slump, and compressive strength were analyzed in binary and ternary blended cement which is generally used for low heat. As a result, the internal maximum temperature rise induced by the hydration heat was decreased by 9.5~10.6% and 10.1~11.7% for binder paste and concrete mixed with the Phosphate Inorganic Salt, respectively. Besides, the delay of the time corresponding to the peak temperature was apparently observed, which is beneficial to the emission of the internal hydration heat in real structures. The Phosphate Inorganic Salt that was developed and verified by a series of the aforementioned experiments showed better performance than the existing ones in terms of the control of the hydration heat and other performance. It can be used for the purpose of hydration heat of mass concrete in the future.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.109 no.4
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• pp.413-420
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• 2020

We analyzed the growth characteristics of each cell line and acclimating substrate of Larix kaempferi plantlets regenerated from somatic embryos, with the goal of increasing the survival rate during the acclimation phase. Somatic embryos from three embryogenic cell lines (L14-66, L16-18, and L17-B4) were used, and the acclimating substrates were commercial soils for Larix species (Larix-Soil) and horticultural corps (Hort-Soil), Elle-pot, and Peat-plug. The average initial shoot and root length was shortest in L14-66 and longest in L17-B4. The average survival rate by cell line was highest (87.0%) in L17-B4 and lowest (64.3%) for L14-66. Survival rates by substrate were highest in Elle-pot (88.5%) and Peat-plug (88.9%). The initial shoot length of the L14-66 plantlets was highly correlated with survival rates in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.852), Hort-Soil (r = 0.692), and Elle-pot (r = 0.867) substrates, but not in Peat-plug with high total nitrogen content. The initial shoot length of the L17-B4 plantlets was not correlated with the survival rate in any of the substrates. The initial root length of the L14-66 plantlets was highly related to survival rates in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.986), Elle-pot (r = 0.846), and Peat-plug (r = 0.802) substrates, and the survival rate of the plantlets was higher as the initial root length was longer. The initial root length of the L17-B4 plantlets was related to survival rate only in the Larix-Soil (r = 0.896) and Elle-pot (r = 0.696) substrates. In conclusion, to increase the survival rate of plantlets, root length should be considered over shoot length, and it is recommended to use substrates with high nitrogen content, such as Peat-plug, or to add fertilizer, during the acclimating process. In addition, in order to increase the survival rate, lines with high initial growth should be developed.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2021

Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves, a raw material for health functional foods and cosmetics have abundant polyphenols including oleuropein (major bioactive compound) with various biological activities: antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer activity, and inhibit platelet activation. Oleuropein has been reported as skin protectant, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-atherogenic, anti-viral, and anti-microbial activity. Despite oleuropein is the important compound in olive leaves, there is still no quantitative approach to reveal oleuropein content in commercial products. Therefore, a validated method of analysis has to develop for oleuropein. In this study, the components and oleuropein content in 10 types of products were analyzed using a developed method with ultra-performance liquid chromatography to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, charge of aerosol detector, and photodiode array. The total of 18 compounds including iridoids (1, 3, 4, 14, and 16-18), coumarin (2), phenylethanoids (5, 9, and 11), flavonoids (6-8, 10, 12, and 13), lignan (15), were tentatively identified in the leaves extract based high resolution mass spectrometry data, and the content of oleuropein in each product was almost identical between two detection methods. The oleuropein in three commercial product (A, G, H) was contained more over the suggested content, and it of five products (B, E, H, I, J) were analyzed within 5-10% error range. However, the two products (C, D) were found far lower than suggested contents. This study provides that analytical results of oleuropein could be a potential information for the quality control of leaf extract for a manufactured functional food.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.37-71
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• 2021

Rapeseed is a typical winter crop, and its freezing stress tolerance is a major feature for winter survival. Therefore, it is important to comprehend clearly the physical and molecular mechanisms of rapeseed under freezing stress conditions. This study investigates the physical and transcriptome changes of two rapeseed lines, 'J8634-B-30' and 'EMS26', under cold acclimation and freezing temperature treatments. The proline content of 'J8634-B-30' at 5 ℃ increased 8.7-fold compared to that before treatment, and there was no significant change in that of 'EMS26' RNA-sequencing analysis revealed 5,083 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of 'J8634-B-30' under cold acclimation condition. Among the genes, 2,784 (54.8%) were up-regulated and 2,299 (45.2%) were down-regulated. The DEGs of 'EMS26' under cold acclimation condition were 5,831 genes, and contained 2,199 up-regulated genes (37.7%) and 3,632 down-regulated genes (62.3%). Among them, only DEGs annotated in the cold response-related signaling pathways were selected, and their expression in the two rapeseed lines was compared. Comparative DEGs analysis indicated that cold response related signaling pathways are proline metabolism and ABA (Abscisic acid) signaling. And ICE (Inducer of CBF expression) - CBF (C-repeat-binding factor) - COR (Cold-regulated) signaling were the significantly differentially expressed transcripts in the two rapeseed lines. The major induced transcripts of 'J8634-B-30' induced P5CS (Δ'-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase), which is related to proline biosynthesis, PYL (pyrabactin resistance-like protein, ABA receptor) and COR413 (cold-regulated 413 plasma membrane 1). In conclusion, these result provide a foundation for understanding the mechanisms of freezing stress tolerance in rapeseeds. Further functional studies should be performed on the freezing stress-related genes identified in this study, which can contribute to the transgenic and molecular breeding for freezing stress tolerance in rapeseed.