We present the result from a comprehensive laboratory and on-sky characterization of the commercial spectrograph system consisting of a PIXIS 1300BX charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and an IsoPlane 320A spectrograph as part of the preparation of the forthcoming all-sky spectroscopic survey of nearby galaxies (A-SPEC). In the laboratory, we have quantified readout noise, dark current, gain, and full-well capacity via bias, dark, and photon transfer curve analysis at all acquisition modes. To do that, we have developed a gradient correction technique to address row-dependent signal gradients in the image, which are caused by the shutter-less condition of our CCD camera test setup. The technique successfully reproduces the values in the manufacturer specifications. We also have measured quantum efficiency exceeding 80% from 400–800 nm and ≳ 90% between 450–750 nm, with sub-second persistence decay, making it ideal for rapid, multi-object spectroscopy. Using a set of diffraction gratings (150, 300, and 600 grmm−1), we have evaluated the spatial separability of multiple spectra and spectral resolution. We have conducted a test observation with this spectrograph system at the Seoul National University Astronomical Observatory (SAO) 1 m telescope and successfully demonstrated its capability of multi-object spectroscopy with moderate resolution of R ≈ 600–2600. We release all Python codes for the test and recipes to facilitate further instrument evaluations.

Background: Palpation tenderness is a clinically relevant indicator of musculoskeletal pain, yet differences in immediate analgesic response among commonly used physiotherapeutic modalities remain unclear in real-world clinical settings. Objectives: To compare the immediate changes in pressure pain threshold (PPT) among patients who received extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), interferential current therapy (ICT), or magnetotherapy (MT) as part of routine physical therapy care. Design: Retrospective clinical data analysis using a pre–post intervention comparison. Methods: A total of 105 patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were categorized into ESWT, ICT, or MT based on the device modality documented in the electronic medical records (EMR). PPT was assessed immediately before and after treatment. Within-category changes were analyzed using paired t-tests. Because changes in PPT scores violated normality assumptions, between-category comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test with Dunn–Bonferroni post-hoc procedures. Results: ESWT produced the greatest immediate improvement in pressure pain (d<1.2, P<.001), demonstrating significantly larger reductions compared with ICT (d<.8, P<.01) and MT(d<.2, P>.05). Changes in PPT after ICT and MT did not differ significantly (P>.05). Conclusion: ESWT produced the greatest immediate reduction in palpation tenderness, outperforming both ICT and MT. ICT demonstrated moderate improvement, whereas MT showed minimal change. These findings suggest that ESWT may be the most effective modality for rapid short-term pain modulation in musculoskeletal clinical practice.

Valerianella radiata (L.) Dufr., which is native to North America, was newly found in Gyeonggi-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. This species can be distinguished from other Valerianella species in Korea by its white flowers, and the fertile fruit locule lacks a corky mass on the abaxial surface. V. radiata grows on slopes and roadsides, suggesting that it is likely to have been introduced when green sites were installed and during road construction. Its introduction into Japan has been reported, but the associated ecological risk is unknown. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description, taxonomic key to related taxa, voucher specimens, photographs, and distribution maps of its habitat.

Macrofungi remain underexplored in various regions of the world. Because macrofungi play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems, it is essential to investigate their biodiversity in such regions. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the macrofungal diversity of Taebaeksan National Park, South Korea. We sampled macrofungi from the park in 2023 and conducted detailed morphological observations and molecular analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Our analysis revealed six previously unknown species: Cortinarius iliopodius, Cotylidia fibrae, Fulvoderma australe, Lyophyllum infumatum, Russula velenovskyi, and Strobilomyces cingulatus. Herein, we provide detailed morphological descriptions, high-resolution photographs, and molecular phylogenetic analyses to support the taxonomic placement and identification of these taxa. Our findings enable a more comprehensive understanding of macrofungal biodiversity in this region.