• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.487-510
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• 2015

This study was carried out to inventory the vascular plant flora in Deokjeokdo and its adjacent regions (Mungapdo, Soyado), Ongjin-gun, South Korea, from April to October 2014. Based on the voucher specimens, vascular plants in this area consisted of 108 families, 362 genera, 578 species, 5 subspecies, 66 varieties and 4 forms, totally 653 taxa. In the flora of this area, 5 taxa of Korean endemic plants were found distributed in the sites, including Hepatica insularis Nakai and Asarum glabrata (C.S.Yook & J.G.Kim) B.U.Oh. Korean rare and endangered plants found in this area were 1 taxa of Critical Endangered Species (CR) and 5 taxa of Vulnerable Species (VU). The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 67 taxa comprising 3 taxa of grade V, 2 taxa of grade IV, 12 taxa of grade III, 3 taxa of grade II and 47 taxa of grade I. Naturalized plants consisted of 67 taxa, such as Chenopodium album L. and Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. were recognized widely distributed in the area.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.334-342
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• 2005

The prototype Chlorella virus PBCV-l encodes 11 tRNA genes and over 350 protein-encoding genes in its 330 kbp genome. Initial attempts to overexpress the recombinant A189/192R protein, a putative virus attachment protein, in E. coli strain BL21(DE3) SI were unsuccessful, and multiple protein bands were detected on Western blots. However, the full-length A189/192R recombinant protein or fragments derived from it were detected when they were expressed in E. coli BL21 CodonPlus (DE3) RIL, which contains extra tRNAs. Codon usage analysis of the a189/192r gene showed highly biased usage of the AGA and AVA codons compared to genes encoded by E. coli and Chlorella. In addition, there were biases of XXA/U($56\%$) and XXG/ C($44\%$) in the codons recognized by the viral tRNAs, which correspond to the codon usage bias in the PBCV-1 genome of XXA/U ($63\%$) over those ending in XXC/G ($37\%$). Analysis of the codon usage in the major capsid protein and DNA polymerase showed preferential usage of codons that can be recognized by the viral tRNAs. The Asn (AAC) and Lys (AAG) codons whose corresponding tRNA genes are duplicated in the tRNA gene cluster were the most abundant (i.e., preferred) codons in these two proteins. The tRNA genes encoded in the PBCV-l genome seem to play a very important role during the synthesis of viral proteins through supplementing the tRNAs that are frequently used in viral proteins, but are rare in the host cells. In addition, these tRNAs would help the virus to adapt to a wide range of hosts by providing tRNAs that are rare in the host cells.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.159-179
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• 2009

This study was carried out to investigate the distribution of vascular plants and their usefulness in Mt. Ilsan (Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do). The vascular plants were summarized as 496 taxa; 91 families, 295 genera, 422 species, 1 subspecies, 58 varieties, and 15 forma. Among the investigated 496 taxa, 17 Korean endemic, nine rare, and one endangered plants were included. Based on the list of the species of specially designated plants by the Ministry of Environment, 66 taxa including Hanabusaya asiatica and Aconitum koreanum were recorded in the investigated area. The naturalized plants were identified as 27 taxa and the percent of naturalized plant species(PN) was 5.4% of all 496 taxa vascular plants. Usage of 496 taxa were consists of 201 taxa(40.5%) of edible plants, 168 taxa(33.9%) of medicinal plants, 69 taxa(13.9%) of pasture plants, 61 taxa(12.3%) of ornamental plants, 17 taxa(3.4%) of timber plants, 16 taxa(3.2%) of fiber plants and 4 taxa(0.8%) of industrial plants.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.13-34
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• 2023

Many ecologists try to understand plant communities and societies' changing processes by interacting with environmental factors. Plant communities formed in the sidings of streams, which are more dynamic than forest vegetation, are closely related to the disturbance regime of streams. U. pumila, which forms communities at the edges of streams, is distributed over the central and northern regions of the Korean Peninsula. In this study, we intended to explain the regeneration of U. pumila communities in the upstream region of the Namhangang River. Heights from the stream surface to the mid-high points of communities increased when the age class of U. pumila communities increased. On the other hand, the height of U. pumila tended to increase and decrease as the age class increased. The richness (S), evenness (J'), diversity (H'), and maximum diversity (H'max) also showed a tendency to increase and then decrease as the age class increased. On the other hand, the number of stems per individual and density (D) decreased as the age class increased. Seedlings of U. pumila failed to regenerate in the communities at the intermediate or higher stage of the age class. Regeneration of seedlings occurred in the spaces formed by the flooding, which occurred periodically in streams. After regeneration, U. pumila communities grew like a single organism. On the other hand, the plant species consisting of U. pumila communities exhibited a process in which the S and H' increased and then decreased as they developed. In other words, we determined that the changes in the species compositions were associated with changes in each species' environment and community. A space where seeds can regenerate seedlings should be provided for the regeneration of U. pumila communities. In the mid/upstream region of the Namhangang River, where the present study focused, newly formed communities were rare because the space required to regenerate U. pumila ceased to exist. Accordingly, we suggest securing an appropriate space for the regeneration of seedlings to maintain the U. pumila communities in the upstream region of the Namhangang River.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2013

Oreorchis coreana Finet is threatened globally by over-collection from its natural habitats for horticultural purposes. Its rarity in nature makes this plant one of the most endangered species in Korea. In this study, we investigated the effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on orchid seed viability and seed germination. An in vitro bioassay swelling test using immature seeds was compared with a standard chemical procedure using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) to test seed viability. In general, the bioassay was more appropriate for estimating embryo viability after a prolonged pre-treatment (more than 1 h) in 1% NaOCl, a surface sterilant often used to enhance germination of seeds of terrestrial plants. Therefore, an efficient method for investigating in vitro swelling of immature seeds is urgently needed. We established a method for determining the viability and swelling of O. coreana seeds via in vitro examination of immature seeds. Treatment of immature seeds with 1% NaOCl for 10 min greatly enhanced the extent of swelling of immature zygote embryos when compared to untreated seeds. These data obtained here appear to be comparable to viability and swelling that occurs in O. coreana seeds via asymbiotic germination.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.565-571
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• 2008

In the course of execution for Inventories and Management of Plant Resources of Korea, We found new habitats of 4 plant species which distribution ranges are obscure and/or extremely restricted. A subtropical fern distributed in Jeju-do, Woodwardia japonica (L. f.) Sm., was found in Mt. Gambang-san of Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do. A saprophytic orchid, Galeola septentrionalis Reichb., was found in Mt. Ggachi-bong of Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do. Peristrophe japonica (Thunb.) Bremek., known in Jeollanam-do, was newly found in Mt. Mudeung-san of Gwangju-si. Viburnum furcatum Blume mainly distributed in Jeju-do and Ulleung-do was found in Mt. Jabyeong-san of Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.117-117
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• 2019

Kirengeshoma koreana Nakai (K. koreana)was Saxifragaceae and rare plants in Korea, which is classified as an Critically Endangered (CR) species in Korea. Therefore, most of the studies on it were ecological and taxonomic, and there are no studies on biological activity. In this study, we evaluated the whitening activity of K. koreana extract (KKE). Melanogenesis Inhibitory effects were demonstrated by western-bot and RT-PCR for the effects of KKE on MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2 in IBMX-treated B16F10 melanoma cells. IBMX were reported as melanin synthesis enhancers. It could increase intracellular melanin synthesis by activation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) signaling pathway. KKE showed no cytotoxicity at B16F10. In addition, KKE effectively inhibited the protein and mRNA levels of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. In conclusion, KKE inhibited melanin synthesis by inhibiting the expression of MITF and its downstream pathways tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. Therefore, it was confirmed that K. koreana is a valuable resource for functional cosmetic and biomaterials.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.293-318
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• 2002

As one of the botanical hot spots of the Korean peninsula, the vascular plant species in the areas of Taebaeksan, Hambaeksan, Geumdaebong(Peak) and Maebongsan were summarized as 694 taxa, 89 families, 302 genus, 579 species. 102 varieties and 13 forms. Based on the list of rare and endangered plants from the Forest Research Institute and the Ministry of Environment, 22 species were recorded in the studied areas: Thuja koraiensis(Cupressaceae), Arisaema heterophyllum(Araceae), Disporum ovale(Liliaceae), Tricyrtis dialata(Liliaceae), Lilium distichum(Liliaceae), Anemone koraiensis(Ranunculaceae), Rodgersia podophylla(Saxifragaceae), Rosa marretii(Rosaceae), Viola diamantica(Violaceae), Viola albida(Violaceae), Echinopanax horridum(Araliaceae), Acanthopanax chiisannensis(Araliaceae), Lysimachia coreana(Prinmulaceae), Syringa velutina var. kamibayashii, Halenia corniculata(Gentianaceae), Partrinia saniculaefolia(Valerianaceae), Adenophora grandiflora(Campanulaceae), Cacalia pseudo-taimingasa(Compositae) Iris odaesanensis(Iridaceae), Leontice microrhyncha(Berberidaceae), Rpdgersia tabularis(Saxifragaceae), and Acanthopanax sentico년(Araliaceae), Among them the four species were recorded from the list of the Ministry of Environment. As most of the species were recorded from the mountain-trails, the long-term habitat monitoring for the species is required .

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.165-178
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• 2021

Gadolinium (Gd), one of a rare earth element (REE), has been widely used worldwide since the 1980s, as a resource material for contrast agents injected into examiners of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. The organic complexed form of Gd shows an extremely stable behavior in natural environment (water), so is known that the artificial Gd from medical uses is not removed from the waste water treatment plant (WWTP) and eventually introduced into the ocean through the estuary. Since the 1990s, some previous studies have often been conducted on Gd anomalies in natural water and their effects an artificial origin from land or metropolitan areas, but little research has been potential impacts on the ocean water. In this paper, we review and introduce recent studies related to Gd anomaly in natural water and related marine effects, and also propose the future research directions.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.90-99
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• 2016

This study evaluated the effects of two Korean traditional plant extracts (Diospyros kaki THUNB. leaf; DK, and Nelumbo nucifera leaf; NN) on the fermentation, functional and sensory properties of herbal yogurts. Compared to control fermentation, all plant extracts increased acidification rate and reduced the time to complete fermentation (pH 4.5). Supplementation of plant extracts and storage time were found to influence the characteristics of the yogurts, contributing to increased viability of starter culture and phenolic compounds. In particular, the increase in the counts of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was highest (2.95 and 1.14 Log CFU/mL respectively) in DK yogurt. Furthermore, supplementation of the plant extracts significantly influenced to increase the antioxidant activity and water holding capacity and to produce volatile compounds. The higher antioxidant activity and water holding capacity were observed in NN yogurt than DK yogurt. Moreover, all of the sensory characteristics were altered by the addition of plant extracts. Addition of plant extracts increased the scores related to flavor, taste, and texture from plain yogurt without a plant extract, as a result of volatile compounds analysis. Thus, the overall preference was increased by plant extracts. Consequently, supplementation of DK and NN extracts in yogurt enhanced the antioxidant activity and physical property, moreover increased the acceptability of yogurt. These findings demonstrate the possibility of using plant extracts as a functional ingredient in the manufacture of herbal yogurt.