• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.16.1-16.9
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• 2014

Fatty acids (FA) have recently been used in several studies to infer the diet in a number of species. While these studies have been largely successful, most have dealt with predators that have a fairly specialized diet. In this paper, we used FA analysis as a tool to infer the diet of the nearctic river otter (Lontra canadensis). The river otter is an opportunistic predator known to subsist on a wide variety of prey including, fishes, crayfish, molluscs, reptiles and amphibians, among others. We analyzed the principle components of 60 FA from otters and 25 potential prey species in Illinois, USA. Prey species came from 4 major taxonomic divisions: fishes, crayfish, molluscs and amphibians. Within each division, most, but not all, species had significantly different profiles. Using quantitative FA signature analysis, our results suggest that, by mass, fish species are the most significant component of Illinois River otters' diet ($37.7{\pm}1.0%$). Molluscs ranked second ($32.0{\pm}0.8%$), followed by amphibians ($27.3{\pm}4.3%$), and finally, crayfish ($3.0{\pm}0.6%$). Our analysis indicates that molluscs make up a larger portion of the otter diet than previously reported. Throughout much of the Midwest there have been numerous otter reintroduction efforts, many of which appear to be successful. In regions where mollusc species are endangered, these data are essential for management agencies to better understand the potential impact of otters on these species. Our analysis further suggests that quantitative FA signature analysis can be used to infer diet even when prey species are diverse, to the extent that their FA profiles differ. Better understanding of the otter's metabolism of FA would improve inferences of diet from FA analysis.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.182-190
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• 2020

The endangered Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa were reintroduced to the Jojongcheon Stream in the Hangang River 2011~2012 as part of the restoration project. Since then, the restoration project has been evaluated as a failure because the P. tenuicorpa were not collected from the discharge site 2014~2016. This study was conducted 2017~2019 to verify that the P. tenuicorpa restoration project failed. Six locations were selected, including the discharge site, and the fish collection method used skimming nets, cast nets, long bag set nets, and scuba diving. In the survey results, 13 individuals were collected in a 0.5 km section, including the discharge station. The P. tenuicorpa habitat was approximately at a water depth of 0.5 m to 2 m in run water flow with the boulders and rocks. The age of the collected P. tenuicorpa were 0+ to 3-years-old, and the generation alternation was occurring stably. Thus, the P. tenuicorpa restoration project was evaluated as partially-successful, as the P. tenuicorpa, re-introduced to the Jojongcheon Stream, settled in its habitat with stable generation alternation.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.330-336
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• 2016

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in multiple cellular events, as well as in tumorigenesis. Colon cance-rassociated transcript-1 (CCAT1) gene encodes an lncRNA whose over-activation was observed in an expanding list of primary human solid tumors and tumor cell lines, however its biological roles in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has not been reported yet at present. In this study, the aberrant upregulation of CCAT1 was detected in French-American-British M4 and M5 subtypes of adult AML patients. By gain- and loss-of-function analysis, we determined that CCAT1 repressed monocytic differentiation and promoted cell growth of HL-60 by sequestering tumor suppressive miR-155. Accordingly, a significant decrease in miR-155 level was detected in AML patients. Reintroduction of miR-155 into HL-60 cells restored monocytic maturation and repressed cell proliferation. Furthermore, CCAT1 could up-regulated c-Myc via its competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity on miR-155. In conclusion, these results revealed new mechanism of lncRNA CCAT1 in AML development, and suggested that the manipulation of CCAT1 expression could serve as a potential strategy in AML therapy.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.799-807
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• 2018

Emerging evidence has suggested that cellular crosstalk between RNF168 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) contributes to the precise control of the DNA damage response (DDR). However, the direct and reciprocal functional link between them remains unclear. In this report, we identified that RNF168 ubiquitinates PARP1 via direct interaction and accelerates PARP1 degradation in the presence of poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains, metabolites of activated PARP1. Through mass spectrometric analysis, we revealed that RNF168 ubiquitinated multiple lysine residues on PARP1 via K48-linked ubiquitin chain formation. Consistent with this, micro-irradiation-induced PARP1 accumulation at damaged chromatin was significantly increased by knockdown of endogenous RNF168. In addition, it was confirmed that abnormal changes of HR and HNEJ due to knockdown of RNF168 were restored by overexpression of WT RNF168 but not by reintroduction of mutants lacking E3 ligase activity or PAR binding ability. The comet assay also revealed that both PAR-binding and ubiquitin-conjugation activities are indispensable for the RNF168-mediated DNA repair process. Taken together, our results suggest that RNF168 acts as a counterpart of PARP1 in DDR and regulates the HR/NHEJ repair processes through the ubiquitination of PARP1.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2020

In this study, we 1) identified the damaged areas along the south limit line (SLL) of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) by the military's 'DMZ barren land campaign', and 2) categorized the identified damaged areas into a few ecological types. Using high-resolution satellite images, we delineated the total damaged areas to be 1,183.2 ha, which accounted for 50.1% of the 100-m northern buffer regions from the SLL. Of the total damaged areas, 16% were severely damaged, i.e., they had been damaged until recently and so remained barren without vegetation cover. In other areas, the levels of damage were either moderate (59.9%) or slight (24.1%), due to natural succession that turned those areas to grassland or forest. Using satellite image-derived land cover maps and climatic and topographic data, we categorized the damaged areas into seven types: lowland grassland (19.8%), western lowland forest (21.4%), low-altitude forest (25.5%), mid-altitude forest (18.4%), high-altitude forest (6.8%), vicinity in east coast (7.9%), and waterbody (0.2%). These types can be used to identify proper measures to restore ecosystems in the DMZ for now and after Korean reunification.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.425-434
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• 2017

Polyploidy is occurred by the process of endomitosis or cell fusion and usually represent terminally differentiated stage. Their effects on the developmental process were mainly investigated in the amphibian and fishes, and only observed in some rodents as mammalian model. Recently, we have established tetraploidy somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived human embryonic stem cells (SCNT-hESCs) and examined whether it could be available as a research model for the polyploidy cells existed in the human tissues. Two tetraploid hESC lines were artificially acquired by reintroduction of remained 1st polar body during the establishment of SCNT-hESC using MII oocytes obtained from female donors and dermal fibroblasts (DFB) from a 35-year-old adult male. These tetraploid SCNT-hESC lines (CHA-NT1 and CHA-NT3) were identified by the cytogenetic genotyping (91, XXXY,-6, t[2:6] / 92,XXXY,-12,+20) and have shown of indefinite proliferation, but slow speed when compared to euploid SCNT-hESCs. Using the eight Short Tendem Repeat (STR) markers, it was confirmed that both CHA-NT1 and CHA-NT3 lines contain both nuclear and oocyte donor genotypes. These hESCs expressed pluripotency markers and their embryoid bodies (EB) also expressed markers of the three embryonic germ layers and formed teratoma after transplantation into immune deficient mice. This study showed that tetraploidy does not affect the activities of proliferation and differentiation in SCNT-hESC. Therefore, tetraploid hESC lines established after SCNT procedure could be differentiated into various types of cells and could be an useful model for the study of the polyploidy cells in the tissues.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.10a
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• pp.32-32
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to provide basic guidelines for conservation and management of endangered plants in the national parks of Korea. Iris dichotoma Pall. (Iridaceae), which is a popular garden plant, is considered a second-class endangered species by Korean government and it is listed as a EN (Endangered) species in Red Data Book of Korea. We analyzed ecological conditions of I. dichotoma habitats based on vegetation properties and soil characteristics. This species which is known to inhabit in grassland adjacent to the ocean of lowlands slope and its population was located at an elevation of 8 m to 11 m. In the study sites, the mean of soil organic matter, total nitrogen and soil pH were 6.16%, 0.234% and 5.39 respectively. Additionally, the genetic variation and structure of three populations were assessed using ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. The genetic diversity of I. dichotoma (P = 59.46%, H = 0.206, S = 0.310) at the species level was relatively high. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 82.1% of the total genetic diversity was occurred in within populations and 17.9% variation among populations. Lastly, we developed predicted distribution model based on climate and topographic factors by applying SDMs (Species Distribution Models). Consequently, current status of I. dichotoma habitats is limited with natural factors such as the increase of the coverage rate of the herbs due to ecological succession. Therefore, it is essential to establish in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for protecting natural habitats and to require exploring potential and alternative habitats for reintroduction.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.417-428
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• 2013

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), listed as a Class I endangered species by the Ministry of Environment of Korea, has been considered to be extinct in South Korea since the 1980s, and an intensive restoration project has been underway in Sobaeksan national park. This study was carried out to develop a suitable model for the red fox reintroduction program based on Population viability analysis (PVA) by using the VORTEX program. If 10 animals (5 females and 5 males) were continuously released into the initial zero population every year for 10 years, population growth rate and extinction probability over the next 50 years after the introduction of the population were $0.018{\pm}0.204$ and 0.354, respectively; the maximum population size was 116.34 at the 16th year after the first release, and a reduction rate of 1.22 every year from the 17th year was inferred. We found that additional releases would be needed from the 17th year after the initial release to maintain a positive growth rate and to prevent the extinction of the released red foxes, and releasing more than 12 individuals every year would be needed for the long-term, continuous existence of red foxes. By contrast, if fewer than 6 red fox individuals were released the extinction probability over the next 50 years was more than 80%. To maintain the minimum population growth rate, the release of more than 8 individuals were needed for positive population growth. The population growth rate was more stable when 10 animals in the change of their sex rate every year from the set value were released as the female-to- male sex ratio of 6:4 rather than 1:1. However, if the female-biased sex ratio was increased by more than 7:3, a negative population growth was expected. The occurrence rate of roadkill and poaching are important factors in the red fox restoration project. The extinction probability was decreased to 30% if each factor was decreased to 3% based on the standard baseline; however, if each factor was increased to more than 3%, an extinction rate of about 90% was reached over the next 50 years.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.425-432
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• 2015

Pollution in the fresh water system in urban area has the adverse effect on the amphibians population. Restoration activity of amphibian in the urban stream has been growing in Korea as well as western country. For successful restoration water quality of urban stream should be sufficient for survival and normal development of amphibian. To monitor the biological safety of surface water in the Tancheon basin, the capital area of Korea, a 6-day exposure Bombina orientalis embryo developmental toxicity assay was examined. The toxicity of surface water of Tancheon mainstream were lower than those of tributaries of Tancheon. The survival rate of embryos negatively correlated with total dissolved solid, turbidity and electrical conductivity whereas the developmental abnormality and growth retardation of embryos was positively correlated with total dissolved solid, turbidity and electrical conductivity. An amphibian developmental toxicity assay would be helpful for the selection of point for construction of habitat and reintroduction of amphibian in interrupted urban stream.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.369-374
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• 2009

The stumpy bullhead (Pseudobagrus brevicorpus) endemic to Korea is one of critically endangered freshwater fish species. To provide baseline data for its captive breeding and reintroduction we investigated basal characteristics on its growth and sexual maturation in an artificial rearing environment. After 698-day rearing the stumpy bullhead grew up to $89.22{\pm}10.29\;mm$ in total length (TL) and $70.93{\pm}7.68\;g$ in total body weight (BW)($BW=5\times10^{-5}\;TL^{2.678}$; $R^2=0.995$), and showed survival rate of 74.2%. The sex ratio was 1 (471 females) : 1 (473 males), and males ($TL=87.44{\pm}1.07mm$; $BW=8.43{\pm}0.31\;g$) showed significantly faster growth than females ($TL=78.38{\pm}0.92mm$; $BW=6.38{\pm}0.20\;g$) after 663-day rearing. However, condition factor of females was significantly higher than that of males (P<0.05). The number of eggs per female ranged from 508 to 867 (average 734), and their diameters ranged from 0.04 to 1.65 mm. The females which reared about two years in the laboratory condition was able to spawn in the early June after 1~2 days of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection. The number of hatched fries ranged from 113 to 338 (average 216).