• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.32 no.11
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• pp.789-800
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• 2023

A vascular flora survey was conducted in 2020 to identify flora and analyze changes in the numbers of vascular flora species over the past 10 years at Gongju-weir (GW) and Baekje-weir (BW) in the Geumgang River, Republic of Korea. A total of 241 taxa were found in GW and 279 taxa in BW, and 208 taxa (88% of total taxa) were common species. The distribution of invasive species in GW and BW were seven and eight taxa, respectively. Rare plants were not identified in any of the weirs. The Poaceae family dominated in terms of number of species, followed by Asteraceae, Legumes, Cyperaceae, and Polygonaceae. Additionally, Therophytes accounted for a high proportion of Raunkiaer life forms. The numbers of vascular plant species, total taxa, naturalized plants, and invasive species have been increasing over the last 10 years. However, long-term alterations in invasive species before and after the opening of the weirs increased much more significantly in the partially opened BW than in the fully opened GW. These results indicate that the degree of barrier opening does not affect the invasion and establishment of non-native species.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.1103-1107
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• 2006

Iris odesanensis Y.N. Lee is one kind of species among 54 endangered plant species designated by the Ministry of Environment in Korea. It is very rare native plant throughout the country. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the native Iris odesanensis in Mt. Naeyon for their distribution and ecological characteristics. They were mostly distributed mid-slope of the mountain from 443m to 498m altitude. They were located lower part of valley and provided enough humid condition. They had proper light and humidity conditions as they faced south south west, south south east, and south. They were also located at the places deciduous woody plants were distributed for proper light conditions for spring blooming. Iris flowered to use light at the period before the trees thickly covered with foliage. However this unfavorable light condition caused low percentage as 7.04% of blooming individuals in this study. In herbaceous, Vioia chaerophylloides(Regel) W. Hocker, Carex siderosticta Hance, Erythronium japonicum Decne., Oxalis obtriangulata Max., Hepatica asiatica Nakai, Lilium tsingtauense Gilg et cetera were appeared well. We propose that proper pruning of upper branches of the deciduous trees is needed for suitable light condition of management of native sites.

• ALGAE
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2014

The number of species of non-native and invasive marine algae is growing, with concomitant public concern about native ecosystems and coastlines. Gelidium vagum, recently introduced from northeast Asia to Europe and North America, commonly occurs from the intertidal to subtidal zones in Korea, China, and Japan. To investigate the level of genetic diversity of native populations, we analyzed mitochondrial cox1 and cob from 108 specimens of G. vagum from Korea, China, eastern Russia, including from the Netherlands and USA. The haplotype network of individual and cox1 + cob datasets revealed no genetic structure in local populations, suggesting genetic flow between Korean populations. Our results corroborate a typical pattern of genetic diversity for introduced species, with low levels in introduced populations and high levels in native populations. All haplotypes were shared between the Netherlands and USA, but not between Korea and the Netherlands / USA except cox1. Additional sampling will identify donor populations in native northeast Asian waters. This is the first report of the utility of the mitochondrial coding cob sequences in red algae.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.17-28
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• 1998

Drug-metabolizing activities of Korean native cattle and swine were investigated from viewpoints of the cytochrome P-450's level, their dependent mixed function oxidase activities, the reactive oxygen species formation and cytosolic enzyme acitivities from each liver homogenates. Level of cytochrome P-450 in the liver microsome of Korean native cattle was $0.28{\pm}0.05nmole/mg$ and that in pigs $0.35{\pm}0.03nmole/mg$. Level of cytochrome $b_5$ of Korean native cattle was $0.24{\pm}0.06nmole/mg$, and that of pigs $0.2{\pm}0.05nmole/mg$, showing no difference between two species. NADPH P-450 reductase were higher in Korean native cattle ($58.3{\pm}5.3nmole/mg/min$) than in pigs ($29.9{\pm}3.8nmole/mg/min$)(p<0.01). The activities of cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenases such as ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (cattle, $96.5{\pm}12.5nmole/mg/min$ ; pigs, $13.6{\pm}2.1nmole/mg/min$), N-benzphetamine N-demethylase (cattle, $5.23{\pm}0.82nmole/mg/min$ ; pigs, $0.76{\pm}0.3nmole/mg/min$) and aniline hydroxylase (cattle, $0.95{\pm}0.1nmole/mg/min$ ; pigs, $0.33{\pm}0.08nmole/mg/min$) were much higher in Korean native cattle than in swine(p<0.01). However, the activity of testosterone $7{\alpha}$-hydroxylase was higher in swine ($90.4{\pm}1.2nmole/mg/min$) than cattle (cattle, $32.8{\pm}1.2nmole/mg/min$). Interestingly, testosterone $16{\alpha}$-hydroxylase, a marker enzyme for P-450 IIA was not detected in both animal species. These results suggest that Korean native cattle and pigs have high contents of P-450 IA1 and P-450 IIIA. Total sulfhydryl compound (cattle, $10.3{\pm}1.1nmole/mg$ ; Pigs, $14.5{\pm}1.8nmole/mg$) and glutathione related enzymes except glutathione reductase (cattle, $38.1{\pm}7.9nmole/mg/min$; swine, $22{\pm}3.6nmole/mg/min$) showed higher levels in swine than in Korean native cattle. Superoxide dismutase (cattle, $7.64{\pm}0.84nmole/mg/min$ ; pigs, $4.47{\pm}0.94nmole/mg/min$) and catalase (cattle, $30.4{\pm}3.7nmole/mg/min$ ; pigs, $17.2{\pm}1.8nmole/mg/min$) were remarkably higher in Korean native cattle than in swine (p<0.05).

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.191-196
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• 2013

The effect on the antioxidant activity and Nitric Oxide activity production inhibitory activity of Taraxacum has not been known. Therefore, phenolics and flavonoid contents were investigated from the ethanol extracts of five different Taraxacum species. The results showed that, among the five Taraxacum, T. hallaisanensis contains the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. When the antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH, $ABTS^+$ and reducing power activity, the free radical scavenging activity of T. hallaisanensis was also the highest among five Taraxacum species. However, measurement by CCK-8 assay in Raw264.7 cells indicated that the extracts of Taraxacum species have no effect on cell viability. Moreover, we also investigated the effect of Taraxacum species on NO scavenging activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw264.7 cells. The results clearly showed that Taraxacum species inhibited NO production, and the inhibitory effect of T. hallaisanensis was the strongest. The above results suggested that Taraxacum species affected the antioxidant and NO scavenging activity, and among the five species, antioxidant and NO scavenging activity assay of T. hallaisanensis was significantly higher than those of other four Taraxacum species. Therefore, T. hallaisanensis could be used as a potential drug with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.181-186
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• 2003

To obtain the basic data for monitoring and the conservation of native plant species at the sub-alpine zone Jongseogdae in Jirisan (Mt.).40 plots(5m${\times}$5m) set up by random sampling method and the distribution of native shrub and herb species at the subalpine zone was surveyed. Leading shrub species at the subalpine zone of Jongseogdae were Tripterygium regelii with IP value of 23.45% : followed by Lespedeza maximowiczii, Symplocos chinensis for. pilosa and Lespedeza tomentella. Dominant species at the subalpine zone were Lysimachia clethroides, Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum, Synurus deltoides, Veratrum maackii var. japonicum, Hemerocallis fulva and Astilbe chinensis var. davidii. Rhododendron tschonoskii recorded from the rare and endangered species list of the Korea Forest Service distributed among the rocks on the top of Jongseogdae. The long-term sustainable habitat monitoring might be required to conserve this subalpine zone.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.24-39
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• 2021

Background: To address the lack of evidence supporting invasion by three invasive plant species (Imperata cylindrica, Lantana camara, and Chromolaena odorata) in tropical ecosystems, we compared the ecophysiological and leaf anatomical traits of these three invasive alien species with those of species native to Sempu Island, Indonesia. Data on four plant traits were obtained from the TRY Plant Trait Database, and leaf anatomical traits were measured using transverse leaf sections. Results: Two ecophysiological traits including specific leaf area (SLA) and seed dry weight showed significant association with plant invasion in the Sempu Island Nature Reserve. Invasive species showed higher SLA and lower seed dry weight than non-invasive species. Moreover, invasive species showed superior leaf anatomical traits including sclerenchymatous tissue thickness, vascular bundle area, chlorophyll content, and bundle sheath area. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that leaf anatomical traits strongly influenced with cumulative variances (100% in grass and 88.92% in shrubs), where I. cylindrica and C. odorata outperformed non-invasive species in these traits. Conclusions: These data suggest that the traits studied are important for plant invasiveness since ecophysiological traits influence of light capture, plant growth, and reproduction while leaf anatomical traits affect herbivory, photosynthetic assimilate transport, and photosynthetic activity.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.55-59
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• 2024

The remarkable economic growth achieved in the modern era has revitalized various industries, including pet trade. More than 2,000 species of non-native species have been introduced to South Korea and approximately 7.7 tonnes of alien turtles are imported annually. Turtles belonging to the family Kinosternidae. They are mostly small and popular pets, although they are designated as Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) species. In the present study, we present the first two species of musk turtles found in the wild in South Korea. On April 5, 2023 and July 8, 2023, an eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) and a razorbacked musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) were captured in Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do and Jung-gu, Daejeon, respectively. The carapace length was 88.6 mm for S. odoratus and 105.68 mm for S. carinatus. They were identified based on their morphological characteristics and mtDNA cytochrome b gene. These turtles were found in waterfront areas with over 1.4 million annual visitors. Both sites were found to have threatened amphibians and reptiles. There is an urgent need to continue monitoring and conducting risk assessments for the protection of endemic species in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.43-50
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• 2004

This study looked into the water quality improvement effect of reed (Phragmites communis), bur reed (Sparaganium stoloniferum), Alisma canaliculatum, and Hydrocharis dubia in order to develop native hydrophytes suitable to natural-type wetlands for ecological restoration. The result confirms that the concentration of wastewater was lowered in most plants indicating a possibility in wastewater treatment. Among four species, reed (Phragmites communis) and bur reed (Sparaganium stoloniferum) were most effective in removing a majority of contaminants. Considering that reed (Phragmites communis) is a species that has been used most often among hydrophytes, bur reed (Sparaganium stoloniferum), which is a native species in Korea, showed equivalent level of outstanding effect. In the physiological and growing activity and its relations to water quality improvement effect, each species appeared differently. Reed (Phragmites communis) and bur reed (Sparaganium stoloniferum) were best also in physiological and growing activity. In the case of Hydrocharis dubia, growth was strong in polluted water environment but its physiological activity was poor, indicating that it was under stress. The growth and physiological activity of Alisma canaliculatum were also poor, indicating that it too is being stressed. However, measuring organic contents in the plants of each species shows that the organic contents of Alisma canaliculatum was high. Alisma canaliculatum is a species effective in removing pollutants in water, although it is under stress. A unique phenomenon in removing water pollution with plants is that each species removed different pollutants. In the case of Alisma canaliculatum, which was relatively poor in removing pollution, it was remarkable in reducing nitrogen and phosphorus. Hydrocharis dubia was also effective in eliminating floating matter.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.33 no.5 s.112
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• pp.57-68
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• 2005

This study surveyed planting areas along streets in Gangwon-do to find out how to improve the planting and use of street trees and herbaceous plants. There were 301,491 trees of 41 species on the streets of Gangwon-do in 2004. The predominant species of street trees were Ginkgo biloba ($40\%$), Prunus spp. (Prunus yedoensis and Prunus sargentii) ($25\%$), Platanus occidentalis ($5\%$), followed by Betula platyphylla var. japonica, Zelkova serrata, Prunus armeniaca var. ansu, Acer palmatum, and Pinus thunbergii. Eighty-four herbaceous plant species were found in the Youngseo district (the southern area of Gangwon-do); the ratio of native species to exotic was 51:33. The predominant species were Cosmos bipinnatus, Petunia hybrida, Tagetes spp., Aster koraiensis, and Fagopyrum esculentum. Eighty-nine herbaceous plant species were found in the Youngdong district (the eastern area of Gangwon-do); the ratio of native species to exotic was 55:33. The predominant herbaceous plants were Aster koraiensis, Tagetes spp., Petunia hybrida, Rudbeckia bicolor, Cosmos bipinnatus, Salvia splendens, Brassica oleraceae var. acephala, Aquilegia buergeriana var. oxysepala, Coreopsis drummondii, Viola tricolor, and Dianthus superbus var. longicalycinus. Appropriate pruning adds to the aesthetic value of trees and prolongs their useful life; it also maintains good health and thereby reduces the need to control insects and diseases. Street trees had not been properly pruned due to the presence of power lines and a shortage of pruning information. The pruning was controlled by Korea Electric Power Company, which has no pruning information. Pruning must be maintained by a professional landscape company in order to maintain good shape, such as that which is done for bonsai. In order to improve the planting, use and maintenance of landscape plants in Gangwon-do, the following recommendations are made: street tree species should be diversified, suitable street trees should be selected for each space, native species should generally be used, trees should be appropriately pruned and properly fertilized, pests and diseases should be controlled, plantings should be done in multiple layers, spatial arrangements should be improved, larger trees should be planted, and drainage and underground electric wires should be considered when planting.