• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.209-215
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• 2011

BACKGROUND: The paddy ecosystem is periodically disturbed with a relatively consistent cycle in short term. However, in long term aspect, the paddy as habitats of organisms has been affected by the change in farming practices. Accordingly, the composition and their densities of fauna species inhabiting the wet paddy has been changed. The geological distribution of a species is very helpful to understand the past and current status of habitats and biodiversity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We monitored 290 sites of open plain paddy or terraced valley paddy located in 138 cities or counties of South Korea and analyzed examine geological distribution of a taxon of freshwater invertebrates, diving beetles (Dytiscidae) which inhabited the paddy ecosystem. This survey was conducted from 2005 through 2007. The total species of diving beetles found in the paddy were identified to be 15 genus 26 species among the family of Dytiscidae. Among them, 24 species were found in the terraced valleys-in paddy fields, and 19 species were found in the open plain paddy fields. Eleven species of them were rarely found in the paddy. The average body size of the adult diving beetles of each species was between 2.0 and 35.0 mm. Most of the diving beetle species except for 11 species with rare frequency of occurrence were found in almost all sites of the terraced valley paddy fields but three species (Agabus browni, Agabus japnicus, and Ilybius apicalis) were not found in the open plain paddy fields. The species distributed relatively widely over some sites of the open plain paddy fields were Guignotus japonicus, and Rhantus pulverosus. Specifically, Ilybius apicalis was found in a specific region, the east-southern part of Korean peninsula, whereas Coelambus chinensis was found only in valley paddy field of the region where Ilybius apicalis was not found. Overall distribution range of diving beetles in open plain paddy fields was limited to few area than in terraced valley paddy fields. CONCLUSION(s): The differences in the range of distribution of diving beetles between terraced valley paddy fields and open plain paddy fields was thought to be the result of an complex action of physico-chemical environments such as annual water status and the degree of chemical application involving differences in the extent of disturbance of the paddy ecosystem, the connectivity of the paddy to an adjacent biotope, and interrelationships among competitors.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.311-321
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• 2009

Three categories (freshwater, amphidromous, and marine fishes) of Taiwanese fishes are analyzed on the basis of zoogeographic elements, viz. China element, Indo-China element, Indo-West Pacific element, Indo-Pacific element, North-Pacific element, Japan-Oregon element, and circumtropical element. Freshwater fishes, which include the China and Indo-China elements, are distributed on part of the boundary area between the Palaearctic and Oriental regions of Wallace (1876). Diadromous fishes include the North-Pacific, Indo-China and Indo-West Pacific elements. Taiwanese salmon, a landlocked (initially diadromous) species that became established in Taiwan between 0.5 my B.P. and the early Pleistocene, is recognized as a distinct taxon included within the Oncorhynchus masou complex, which comprises here three species and two subspecies, viz. Oncorhynchus masou masou (Sancheoneo, Songeo, Sakura-masu or Yamame), O. masou ishikawae (Satsuki-masu or Amago), O. sp. (Biwa-masu), and O. formosanus (Taiwanese salmon), based on molecular, morphological and biological studies. Marine fishes are discussed under the following headings, brackish-water fishes (fishes of brackish waters and seas adjacent to continental coastlines, North Pacific and Indo-West Pacific elements; fishes of brackish waters and seas primarily around islands, Indo-West Pacific element), reef fishes (fishes of inshore reefs along continental coastlines from 0 to ca.100 m depth, Indo-West Pacific element; fishes of inshore reefs primarily around islands from 0 to ca.100 m depth, Indo-West Pacific element; fishes of offshore reefs along continental shelf edges from ca.150 to 300 m depth, circumtropical and Indo-Pacific elements; fishes of offshore reefs primarily around islands from ca.150 to 300 m depth, Indo-Pacific element), demersal fishes (fishes on continental shelves shallower than ca.150 m depth, Indo-West Pacific and Japan-Oregon elements; fishes on edges and upper continental slopes from ca.150 m to 500 m depth, Indo-West Pacific, Indo-Pacific, and circumtropical elements; fishes on lower continental slopes to abyssal plains from ca.500 m to 6,000 m depth, circumtropical element and rarely Indo-Pacific element), pelagic fishes (epipelagic fishes from 0 to ca.150 m depth, Indo-West Pacific, Indo-Pacific or circumtropical elements; meso- and bathypelagic fishes from ca.150 to 3,000 m depth, circumtropical element). The distribution of Taiwanese marine fishes are influenced by the Kuroshio Current, low-salinity and low-temperature waters from mainland China, and sea-bottom topography.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.187-195
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• 2001

The expression of recombinant proteins fused to 26 kDa glutathione S-transferase (GST) extracted from Schistosoma japonicum represents an attractive system for purifiying proteins of interest in a single step using GST-affinity chromatography. In addition, the GST-tag is used conveniently for detecting fused proteins since its high solubility as well as its relatively small size rarely interferes with the biological activity of the fused protein. In this regard, the GST system is frequently applied for tracing fusion proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to elucidate the physiological interactions and functional compartments of proteins. To provide a further tool in analyzing GST-fusion proteins, a new monoclonal antibody, with a high specificity to the S. japonicum GST was produced. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized both with recombinant S. japonicum GST proteins, and by the fusion of splenocytes from these mice with myeloma cells. From this, a new anti -GST monoclonal antibody, termed SARAH, was generated. The specificity and reactivity of this antibody was confirmed by ELISA and by Western blot analysis. Results: SARAH showed a high reactivity to recombinant GST and GST fusion protein but not with native mammalian GST proteins as derived from other species including humans, cows, rabbits and rats. The applicability of SARAH was further demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy, where GST proteins that were expressed transiently in mouse fibroblast cells, were specifically detected without interference of endogenous GST. Conclusion: SARAH is new monoclonal antibody with a high specificity to recombinant GST proteins but not to endogenous GST in mammalian cells.

• Journal of Plant Biology
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-57
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• 1987

The epidermal structure and stomatal types in vegetative and reproductive organs of three species of Bryophyllum(B. crenatum, B. diagremontion, B. tubiflorum) were described. The epidermal cells were polygonal, isodiametric, and rectangular in the leaves and stems, and elongated cells in the stamens, styles, and ovaries. These cells were commonly thick, and arched or sinuous in the leaves, epiphylous bunds, petals and ovaries. They were straight in the stems, petioles, pedicels, and peduncles. In both vegetative and reproductive organs, the subsidiary cell walls were commonly thin and mostly arched in all the organs. The great majority of the mature stomata in all the organs were helicocytic type with a helix of four to six subsidiary cells. The mature stomata varied from organ to organ with regard to the number and arangement of subsidiary cells. The ontogenetic type of stomata in all the organs was mostly helico-eumesogenous type. This type was subdivided into three subtypes such as parahelico-eumesogenous, anomohelico-eumesogenous, and diahelico-eumesogenous stomata on the basis of the division angle fo the guard mother cell. Sometimes, the anisoeumesogenous type was found in various organs. This type was subdivided into three subtypes such as paraniso-eumesogenous, anomoaniso-eumesogenous, and dianisoeummesogenous stomata. The tetra-eumesogenous and duplotetra-eumesogenous types were rarely found; the former in the leaf of B. crenatum and the latter in the leaf of B. diagremontiana. Anomometric patterns in the mesogenous categorry of stomatal types was observed in a few organs of all the materials. A new stomatal type with tetra-eumesogenous stoma within a girdle of three subsidiary cells fo aniso-eumesogenous in the leaf of B. diagremontiana was firstly observed in the vascular plants. This stoma was termed the cotetra-aniso-eumesogenous type. Anormal stomata such as aborted stomata, single guard cells, stoma with a constricted part in the middle of large guard cells, and arrested stomata were found in the various organs of all the materials.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2014

This study was conducted to determine the changes in soil chemical properties and the growth of seedling according to the different dredged soil improving methods at slope of Saemangeum sea dike. Undersea dredged soil was improved by five different methods. Seedlings of Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Chionanthus retusa, Celtis sinensis, and Pinus thunbergii were planted after 9 month of experience site installation, then soil pH, NaCl concentration in soil, soil organic matter (SOM), and survival rate and height of seedling was measured. Initial soil pH was highest in the control plot but it decreased to the similar level with other soil improving plots after 35 months. There were no differences in NaCl concentration between the control and soil improving plots, and it showed decreasing tendency during the study period. In the control plot, initial SOM was lowest among that of other plots during the study period. The survival rate of 36 months after planting of P. thunbergii was highest among the species. The gap of the tree growth of P. thunbergii between the control plot and the soil improving plots was small, however, other species showed relatively higher tree height in the soil improving plots than the control plots. Creation forest with P. thunbergii might be a cost effective afforestation in coastal reclaimed land since it rarely needs additional improvement of dredged soil.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.106-114
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• 2020

Background: Determining patterns of habitat use is key to understanding of animal ecology. Approximately 1% of bird species use brood parasitism for their breeding strategy, in which they exploit other species' (hosts) parental care by laying eggs in their nests. Brood parasitism may complicate the habitat requirement of brood parasites because they need habitats that support both their host and their own conditions for breeding. Brood parasitism, through changes in reproductive roles of sex or individual, may further diversify habitat use patterns among individuals. However, patterns of habitat use in avian brood parasites have rarely been characterized. In this study, we categorized the habitat preference of a population of brood parasitic lesser cuckoos (Cuculus poliocephalus) breeding on Jeju Island, Korea. By using compositional analyses together with radio-tracking and land cover data, we determined patterns of habitat use and their sexual and diurnal differences. Results: We found that the lesser cuckoo had a relatively large home range and its overall habitat composition (the second-order selection) was similar to those of the study area; open areas such as the field and grassland habitats accounted for 80% of the home range. Nonetheless, their habitat, comprised of 2.54 different habitats per hectare, could be characterized as a mosaic. We also found sexual differences in habitat composition and selection in the core-use area of home ranges (third-order selection). In particular, the forest habitat was preferentially utilized by females, while underutilized by males. However, there was no diurnal change in the pattern of habitat use. Both sexes preferred field habitats at the second-order selection. At the third-order selection, males preferred field habitats followed by grasslands and females preferred grasslands followed by forest habitats. Conclusions: We suggest that the field and grassland habitats represent the two most important areas for the lesser cuckoo on Jeju Island. Nevertheless, this study shows that habitat preference may differ between sexes, likely due to differences in sex roles, sex-based energy demands, and potential sexual conflict.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2012

Although neutrophils function in both defense and tissue destruction, their defensive roles have rarely been studied in association with periodontitis. We hypothesized that peripheral neutrophils are pre-activated in vivo in periodontitis and that hyperactive neutrophils would show enhanced phagocytic ability as well as an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with aggressive periodontitis and age/gender-matched healthy subjects (10 pairs) were isolated. The levels of CD11b and CD64 expression on the neutrophils and the level of plasma endotoxin were determined by flow cytometry and a limulus amebocyte lysate test, respectively. In addition, neutrophils were subjected to a flow cytometric phagocytosis assay and luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence for non-opsonized Fusobacterium nucleatum in parallel. The neutrophilsfrom most patients expressed increased levels of both CD11b and CD64. In addition, the plasma from these patients tended to contain a higher level of endotoxin than the healthy controls. In contrast, no differences were found between the two groups with regard to phagocytosis or ROS generation by F. nucleatum. The ability to phagocytose F. nucleatum was found to positively correlate with the ability to produce ROS. In conclusion, peripheral neutrophils from patients with aggressive periodontitis are hyperactive but not hyperreactive to F. nucleatum.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.121-124
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• 2004

Horses that have been retired from racing or imported from abroad are retired as broodmares. Whether at private farms or government institutes they are bred to stallions with the aim of improving fertility and enhancing the breed. Accidental deaths as a result of surgical or obstetrical complications lead to decreased productivity and economic losses to the horse breeding industry. Intussusception of the uterine horn is a frequent complication of the equine and bovine species, but rarely seen in other species. The most common causes are thought to be tearing of the placenta which is suspended from the uterus and ovaries and the weight of the placenta. Expulsion of the embryonic membranes is also thought to be a contributing factor. If symptoms are minor and treatment affected quickly, the problem will likely resolve itself. In more severe cases the uterus will prolapse completely. This case study was observed in a Thoroughbred broodmare. After treatment of dystocia, the broodmare could not stand up. She became dehydrated, collapsed, suffered colic and was euthanised. In this case was observed serious swelling vulva and perineal region by morphology, and there was seldom ascites and unusual view in thoracic and abdominal cavity after opening abdomen. However, intussusception of uterine horn involuted left uterine horn into the uterine body was observed.

• ALGAE
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2010

Although Pterocladiella is a well-known agar-producing red algal genus, its taxonomy in Korea appears to be confused. In the present study, we demonstrate the occurrence of Pterocladiella nana and P. tenuis, as well as P. capillacea in Korea on the basis of morphological and plastid rbcL sequence comparisons. P. capillacea commonly occurs along the coasts of Korea and has regular pinnate branches with abundant second-order branches, growing up to 10 cm in length. P. nana occurs in the intertidal zone of Jeju and is distinguished by the small size of its thalli (up to 5 cm) and regular branches with up to third-order branches. P. tenuis is distributed mostly subtidally on the southern coast of Jeju and has irregular branches with rarely second-order branches, growing up to 19 cm in length. We determined rbcL sequences from 19 specimens (15 from Korea and four from France) and downloaded 28 sequences from GenBank. Analyses of all 47 rbcL sequences revealed that each of three species was consistently resolved. P. capillacea and P. tenuis always formed a sister clade with P. nana at the base. Given that 12 rbcL haplotypes from 28 specimens of P. capillacea have been found to date, analysis of a fast-evolving gene from across the range of the species should highlight its genetic diversity.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.489-499
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• 2016

Green shoot cuttings of 10 different grapevine species were inoculated with Agrobacterium vitis to find disease-related metabolites in the grapevine. Crown galls formed 60 days after inoculation varied in gall severity (GS) evaluated by gall incidence (GI) and gall diameter (GD), which were classified into three response types as RR (low GI and small GD), SR (high GI and small GD), and SS (high GI and large GD), corresponding to resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible responses, respectively. In this, 4, 4, and 2 Vitis species were classified into RR, SR, and SS, respectively. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the grapevine stem metabolites with A. vitis infection showed 134 metabolites in various compound classes critically occurred, which were differentially clustered with the response types by the principal component analysis. Multivariate analysis of the metabolite profile revealed that 11 metabolites increased significantly in relation to the response types, mostly at post-inoculation stages, more prevalently (8 metabolites) at two days after inoculation than other stages, and more related to SS (7 metabolites) than RR (3 metabolites) or SR (one metabolite). This suggests most of the disease-related metabolites may be rarely pre-existing but mostly induced by pathogen infection largely for facilitating gall development except stilbene compound resveratrol, a phytoalexin that may be involved in the resistance response. All of these aspects may be used for the selection of resistant grapevine cultivars and their rootstocks for the control of the crown gall disease of the grapevine.