• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.11
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• pp.1361-1368
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• 2018

Inflammation is the most common condition in the human body. Tissue damage triggers inflammation, together with vasodilation and increased blood flow at the inflamed site, resulting in edema. Inflammatory responses are also triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor Enterococcus faecalis, a gram-positive organism, has been reported to possess immunomodulatory and preventive activities; however, its use may present risks of sepsis and other systemic infections. Heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) has been reported to induce antitumor activity, but its effects on inflammation are not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EF-2001 on LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory responses. EF-2001 treatment reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, indicating suppression of inflammatory reactions. EF-2001 showed no cytotoxicity in macrophages. Further investigation of the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EF-2001 indicated that EF-2001 reduced the LPS-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2. EF-2001 also reduced f the LPS induction of several inflammatory molecules involved in the nuclear factor-${\kappa}B$ ($NF-{\kappa}B$) and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, including ERK, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation, in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, EF-2001 inhibited Akt phosphorylation and increased the expression of the inhibitory ${\kappa}B$ ($I{\kappa}B$) protein, an inhibitor of $NF-{\kappa}B$. EF-2001 also inhibited the nuclear translocation of p65. These results suggest that EF-2001 has anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful for treating inflammatory diseases.

• Journal of Climate Change Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.121-131
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• 2010

This study was carried out to evaluate spatial variations in rice production areas by simulating rice growth and yield with CERES-Rice growth model under GCM $2{\times}CO_2$ climate change scenarios. A modified window version(v4.0) of CERES-Rice was used to simulate the growth and development of three varieties, representing early, medium, and late maturity classes. Simulated growth and yield data of the three cultivars under the climate for 1971 to 2000 was set as a reference. Compared with the current normal(1971 to 2000), heading period from transplanting to heading date decreased by 7~8 days for the climate in $2^{\circ}C$ increase over normal, and 16~18 days for the climate in UKMO with all maturity classes, while change of ripening period from heading to harvesting date was different with maturity classes. That is, physical maturity was shortened by 1~3 days for early maturity class and 14~18 days for late maturity class under different climate change scenarios. Rice yield was in general reduced by 4.5%, 8.2%, 9.9%, and 14.9% under the climate in $2^{\circ}C$, $3^{\circ}C$, $4^{\circ}C$, and about $5^{\circ}C$ increase, respectively. The yield reduction was due to increased high temperature-induced spikelet sterility and decreased growth period. The results show that predicted climate changes are expected to bring negative effects in rice production in Korea. So, it is required for introduction of new agricultural technologies to adapt to climate change, which are, for example, developing new cultivars, alternations of planting dates and management practices, and introducing irrigation systems, etc.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.107 no.4
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• pp.351-360
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• 2018

This study was conducted to analyze the responses of chlorophyll contents and growth of Pinus densiflora and Quercus variabilis seedlings on distance from the well and $CO_2$ flux after the artificial $CO_2$ release. From June 1 to 30, 2016, $CO_2$ gas was injected at the rate of $6L\;min^{-1}$ at the study site in Eumseong. Chlorophyll content was analyzed in the middle of July, 2016, and root collar diameter (RCD), height (H), and biomass were measured in May and December, 2016 after planting 2-year-old P. densiflora and 1-year-old Q. variabilis seedlings in May, 2015. The chlorophyll content of P. densiflora seedlings did not show a significant correlation with $CO_2$ flux, whereas the chlorophyll content of Q. variabilis seedlings showed a significant negative correlation with increasing $CO_2$ flux (P<0.05). The RCD and H growth rates of both species showed the significant difference in the distance from the well of the $CO_2$ anthropogenic release treatment. In particular, the RCD and H growth rate of P. densiflora seedlings and the RCD growth rate of Q. variabilis seedlings increased significantly as the seedlings were closer to the well, but the H growth rate of Q. variabilis seedlings decreased significantly. In addition, as the $CO_2$ concentration in the ground increases, ${\Delta}R/S$ ratio increases in both species, suggesting that the high $CO_2$ concentration in the soil promotes carbon distribution relative to the root part. The results of this study can be used as data necessary to monitor the $CO_2$ leakage and physiological and growth responses of both species to leakage of stored $CO_2$ in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Urban Environment
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.473-483
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• 2018

In this study, we have developed a lab scale bioreactor to identify the characteristics of nitrification reaction according to operation condition (temperature, inhibitor (as Cl), activated nitrifying bacteria (ANB). etc) to improve nitrification efficiency at low temperature. Recovery rate of nitrification took about 4 days to reach the normal level by injected ANB after inhibition shock of CI injection at $20^{\circ}C$, when measured the concentration of $NO_2{^-}-N+NO_3{^-}-N$ in the effluent. In the case of $10^{\circ}C$, recovery of nitrification rate took about 4 days to reach the level of half to the normal level and 7 days for complete recovery which took 3 days more than those at $20^{\circ}C$. At $10^{\circ}C$ considering the winter season, the specific nitrification rate(SNR) of the from 1 day to 6 days after injected ANB according to its operation condition increased from 0.029 to 0.767 mgN/gSS/hr. The simulated SNR for the 8th day after the injected ANB at $10^{\circ}C$ was 0.840, 3.625 mgN/gSS/hr, respectively as linear function and exponential function, expecting to exceed level of 2.592 mgN/gSS/hr at normal condition. It was confirmed that injection of ANB during low temperature operation has many effects for improving nitrification efficiency through this study. In future studies, if further studies are carried out the determination of ANB injection and the design of efficient ANB reactor considering the changes of operating characteristics by site, it will contribute to the improvement of nitrification efficiency in winter season.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.287-296
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• 2021

Recently, the pace of global climate change has tremendously increased, causing extreme damage to crop production. Here, we aimed to examine the growth characteristics and useful components of Angelica gigas under extreme heat stress, providing fundamental data for its efficient cultivation. Plants were exposed to various experimental temperatures (28℃, 34℃, and 40℃), and their growth characteristics and content of useful components were analyzed. At the experimental site, the ambient and soil temperature were 19.38℃ and 21.34℃, ambient and soil humidity were 81.3 % and 0.18 m³/m³, solar radiation was 162.05 W/m². Moreover, the soil was sandy-clay-loam (pH 6.65), with 2.66% organic matter, 868.52 mg/kg soil available phosphate, and 0.14% nitrogen. Values of most growth characteristics, including the survival rate (85%), plant height (38.66cm), and fresh and dry weight (41.3 g and 14.24 g), were the highest at 28℃. Although the highest content of useful components was observed at 34℃ (3.24%), there were no significant differences across temperatures. Growth characteristics varied across temperatures due to detrimental effects of heat stress, such as accelerated tissue aging, reduced photosynthesis, and delay of growth. Similar content of useful components across temperatures may be due to poor accumulation of anabolic products caused by impaired growth at extremely high temperatures.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.70-82
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is to reveal the tendency of planting design through the analysis of the planting of designer's gardens in the Suncheon Bay National Garden and to derive implications for future garden planting designs. The results of the study are as follows: First, the results of the study show that the practice of tree-based planting is still valid. Large growing trees such as 'Pinus densiflrora', 'Celtis sinensis', 'Zelkova serrata', 'Machilus thunbergii', 'Pinus strobus' overwhelmed the size of the designer's garden(150 to 390㎡). Second, the selection of trees tended to be made considering the designer's intention and the decorative effects rather than by considering the physiological and ecological conditions of the site. Third, among the herbaceous, the rate of the planting of perennials was high. Fourth, the flowering period of planted herbaceous was the most common in summer, followed by spring, fall, and winter. Fifth, the frequency color of the planted herbaceous was the most common in summer, followed by spring, fall, and winter. Fifth, in terms of flower color frequency, the most common was the yellow-series, followed by red-series, blue-series Sixth, average height herbaceous plants(20~60cm) were planted the most(47.4%). Seventh, structural plants that determined the garden's framework depended on trees, and the focal plants mainly utilized were evergreen trees, and the midrange plants were the planted herbaceous plants. The implications derived from the above findings are as follows: First, to ensure the garden's quality and sustainability, the selection of trees should be carefully considered, not considering only the artist's intention but also taking into account the physical and ecological conditions. Second, herbaceous plants can be used in various ways― the garden's focal plants, midrange plants, and ground covers, so more active herbaceous planting needs to be considered. Third, in consideration of the winter landscape, herbaceous planting using characteristics, such as fruits and stems, as well as flower colors should be considered. Fourth, blue and black color herbaceous plants have a noticeable effect even in a small amount, so it is necessary to plant them actively. Fifth, for the design of herbaceous planting, where the individual property of plants can be expressed, the design method should be considered.

• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.32-43
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• 2021

Multichannel automated chamber systems (MCACs) were developed for the continuous monitoring of soil CO2 efflux in forest ecosystems. The MCACs mainly consisted of four modules: eight soil chambers with lids that automatically open and close, an infrared CO2 analyzer equipped with eight multichannel gas samplers, an electronic controller with time-relay circuits, and a programmable logic datalogger. To examine the stability and reliability of the developed MCACs in the field during all seasons with a high temporal resolution, as well as the effects of temperature and soil water content on soil CO2 efflux rates, we continuously measured the soil CO2 efflux rates and micrometeorological factors at the Nam-san experimental site in a Quercus mongolica forest floor using the MCACs from January to December 2010. The diurnal and seasonal variations in soil CO2 efflux rates markedly followed the patterns of changes in temperature factors. During the entire experimental period, the soil CO2 efflux rates were strongly correlated with the temperature at a soil depth of 5 cm (r2 = 0.92) but were weakly correlated with the soil water content (r2 = 0.27). The annual sensitivity of soil CO2 efflux to temperature (Q10) in this forest ranged from 2.23 to 3.0, which was in agreement with other studies on temperate deciduous forests. The annual mean soil CO2 efflux measured by the MCACs was approximately 11.1 g CO2 m-2 day-1. These results indicate that the MCACs can be used for the continuous long-term measurements of soil CO2 efflux in the field and for simultaneously determining the impacts of micrometeorological factors.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.177-201
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• 2022

Following the adoption of the global plant conservation strategies at the Conference of the Parties for Biodiversity Conservation, diligent actions to achieve each targets are actively carried out. In particular, the need for ecological conservation research to achieve targets 2 and 7 of GSPC-2020 has increased. The priority taxa to accomplish the objectives of GSPC-2020 are rare and endemic plants. In particular, endemic plants with limited distribution in specific regions are evaluated to face a high risk of extinction. To address the necessity to preserve endemic plants, we investigated the distribution of Prunus choreiana H. T. Im, a Korean endemic plant. After that, we examined the vegetational environment of the habitat of P. choreiana and evaluated its population structure. The productivity of its fruits and the effects of pollinators on fruit production were evaluated as well. The fruiting ratio was calculated based on the number of flowers produced. Lastly, we observed the annual growth characteristics of P. choreiana. The habitats of P. choreiana did not show a specific type of vegetation. All of them were located in a limestone area of Gangwon-do in the central Korean Peninsula and occupied a site where the coverage of the tree layer and the sub-tree layer was not high or did not exist. The population structure of P. choreiana contained a high proportion of mature plants capable of producing fruits and a low proportion of seedlings and Juvenile plants. We found that the production of fruits required pollinators and was affected by the performance of each plant. Although P. choreiana produces many flowers, only a maximum of 20% and only 2-6% on average bear fruits. These flowering characteristics may be due to pollinators' low abundance and activity during the flowering season (between mid-March and early April), suggesting that many flowers are needed to attract more pollinators. We rarely observed the re-establishment of seedlings in the population of P. choreiana. Despite that, we predict the population to persist owing to its long lifespan and periodic production of numerous fruits. However, if the tree layer and sub-tree layer in competing status with P. choreiana increase their crown density, they are expected to inhibit the growth of P. choreiana and affect the risk of its extinction. Therefore, the current changes in the vegetational environment of the habitats are expected to decrease the number and extent of P. choreiana in the long term. The results of this study may serve as primary and important data necessary for the achievement of GSPC-2020 objectives.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.41-63
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to secure objective and precise data through ecosystem monitoring, to reveal ecological characteristics through comparison and analysis with past survey data, and to accumulate basic data for diagnosing the current situation and predicting changes in the ecosystem. The target site is the 'Quercus mongolica forest on the Buksa-myeon of Namsan', which was designated as an Ecological Landscape Conservation Area (ELCA) of Seoul in July 2006. The research contents are analysis of soil environment change (1986~2016), change of actual vegetation (1978~2016), and change of plant community structure (1994~2016). A total of 8 fixed surveys (400~1,200m²) were established in 1994 and 2000. Analysis items are importance value, species and population, and Shannon's species diversity. The soil environment of Namsan is acidic (pH 4.40 in 2016), which is expected to have a negative impact on tree growth and vegetation structure due to its low capacity for exchangeable cations. Quercus mongolica forest in Namsan is mainly distributed on the northern slopes. The actual vegetation area changed from 49.4% in 1978 → 80.7% in 1986 → 82.4% in 2000 → 88.3% in 2005 → 88.3% in 2009 → 70.3% in 2016. In 2016, the forest decreased by 18% compared to 2009. While there was increased growth of Quercus mongolica in the tree layer from 2009 to 2016, the overall decline in vegetation area was due to logging and fumigation management following the spread of oak wilt in 2012. As for the changes in the plant community structure, Quercus mongolica of the tree layer was damaged by oak wilt, and the potential vegetation that can form the next generation was ambiguous. In the subtree layer, the force of urbanization tree species such as Styrax japonicus, Sorbus alnifolia, and Acer palmatum. was maintained or increased. In the shrub layer, the number of trees and species increased significantly due to the open tree crown, and accordingly, the species diversity of Shannon for woody plants also increased. In Quercus mongolica forest of Namsan, various ecological changes are occurring due to the effects of urban environments such as air pollution and acid rain, the limitation of Quercus mongolica pure forest due to oak wilt, and the introduction of exotic species, thus, it is necessary to establish a management plan through continuous monitoring.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.223-233
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• 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gypsum on the dry matter yield and the chemical composition of alfalfa in reclaimed tideland with soil dressing. The experimental site was Sukmoon reclaimed tideland. The tideland was reclaimed approximately 17 to 33 years ago and the 70 cm of soil was top-dressed. The soil that covers the reclaimed tideland brought from the island did not treat di-salinized. Treatments were consisted of three groups; control group where no gypsum (G0) was applied and two experimental groups where 2 ton/ha (G2) and 4 ton/ha (G4) of gypsum were applied, respectively. The first harvest was conducted when the alfalfa reached early flowering (open the flower 10%), and after that subsequent harvest was conducted at approximately 35 days intervals. The dry matter yield of the alfalfa showed that G2 was significantly higher in the first year than G0 and G4, and G2 tended to be higher in the second year than G0 and G4, although there were no significant differences between treatments. The reason for the high dry matter yield in G2 was that the soil pH and EC of the soil were at marginal and ideal levels and the coverage and alfalfa botanical composition were also high. In both years, there were no differences in the crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents and relative feed value between gypsum treatments. Meanwhile, the results in the first and second years showed that the alfalfa dry matter yield were negatively affected by droughts stress in spring and concentrated precipitation in summer. Therefore, this study suggests gypsum treatment in reclaimed tidal land could increase the dry matter yield of alfalfa, and 2 ton/ha of gypsum was the optimum rate.