The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has three major structural proteins which designated as GP4, GP5, and M. They have been considered very important to arouse the humoral and cellular immune responses against PRRSV infection and proposed to be the excellent candidate proteins in the design of PRRS bioengineering vaccine. However, the PRRSV structural proteins are produced in low levels in the infected cells because it forms insoluble protein and possesses several transmembrane regions. To overcome this problem, we fused the GP4, GP5, and M with SUMO (Small ubiquitin-related modifier), and expressed the fused gene in Bm5 cells and silkworm larvae. Expression of the proteins were analyzed by 12% SDS-PAGE and western blotting using 6xHis tag and porcine anti-PRRSV antibodies. In results, SUMO fused proteins were expressed at a high level in Bm5 cells. The levels of protein using the silkworm larvae is higher than that using Bm5 cells. The fused protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. This study demonstrated that SUMO, when fused with PRRSV structural proteins, was able to promote its soluble expression. This may be a better method to produce PRRSV structural proteins for vaccine development.

Mamestra brassicae (cabbage moth) is a common European moth of the order Lepidoptera and the family Noctuidae. The larval stage is highly polyphagous and is known to feed on more than 70 species of host plants from 22 families, including Brassica species, lettuce, onion, potato, pea, tomato and apple. M. brassicae has become a significant pest also in Asia due to the damage caused to agriculturally and economically important Brassica crops. It is difficult to control M. brassicae using chemical insecticide because of its rapid development of resistance. The objective of our study, therefore, was the mass production and formulation of a local strain of M. brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus-K1 (MabrNPV-K1) for the development of viral insecticide to control it. In production efficiency of MabrNPV-K1 using M. brassicae larvae, the mortality of the 3rd instar larvae was 100% when inoculated with 1.0 × 105 PIBs/larva and the yield of MabrNPV-K1 was maximal. Regarding the mortality, yield of polyhedra, inoculation doses and required time, the 1.0 × 104 PIBs/larva at 30°C was determined as optimal conditions producing polyhedra efficiently. To formulate MabrNPV-K1, feeding toxicities of various supplements including spreader and ultraviolet (UV) -protectant were determined. Tinopal UNPA-GX which is UV-protectants was effective for protection of polyhedra from UV and showed the increased mortality when added with 1% concentration. Other supplements did not influence significantly the mortality of MabrNPV-K1. Formulated MabrNPV-K1 with several supplements showed higher pathogencity than un-formulated MabrNPV-K1.

In agricultural fields, the entomopathogenic fungal species have been investigated for their potential as the biological control agents due to their role of natural enemies for insects. To address the requirements of a potential South Korea based biocontrol effort using entomopathogenic fungi, we investigated the occurrence of various entomopathogenic fungi in 1080 soil samples representing from various area and locations in South Korea. Entomopathogenic fungi were isolated from soils using semiselective medium SDA-D50 contained saboraund dextrose agar, 50 ug/ml dodine, 100 ug/ml chloramphenicol and 50 ug/ml streptomycin. The isolated putative fungi were identified by the determination of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences of the nuclear ribosomal analysis. As a result, entomopathogenic fungi were found to occur in 30.8% of the soil samples studied. The most abundant species were Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorok. Isolates of B. brongniartii, Cordyceps sp., Lecanicillium sp., Isaria sp. and Tolypocladium cylindrosporum were also found. The occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi was analyzed by the area and soil types. These positive entomopathogenic fungi may have potential against variety pests in agriculture and forest

Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.), the most destructive pest of cruciferous crops, is well-known as typical subtropical insect pest. A number of biological agents such as diseases, parasites and predators can affect populations of DBM in the fields negatively. In previous reports, we suggested Cotesia glomerata, Diadegma semiclusum, and Microplitis plutellae as promising natural enemies to DBM control at highland areas, but these species are larval parasitoids. In 2004~2009, we searched highland fields cultivating various cruciferous crops for PUPAL parasitoids which can supplement the unsatisfactory parasitism in the augmentative release of larval parasitoids. We obtained adults of hymenopteran parasitoid from DBM pupae in early July at Hoengseong region (asl 540 m), and then identified as Diadromus sp., although being a critical species so far. This parasitoid showed high rate of parasitism, about 13.2%, in mid October at the same region. Development period from oviposition to emergence of Diadromus sp. ranged from 14 to 18 days under 23℃ condition. Adult longevity, > three weeks, was longer when it was provided with 10% sugar solution as food than with water only or without food. Male adults mated as soon as emerging from parasitized DBM pupae, and laid eggs into DBM pupae for a week. Parasitism by Diadromus sp. was highest on 7th day after emergence. In contrast, lethality of DBM pupae which were not parasitized by wasps showed 60% on average for seven days. Parasitized DBM pupae could be stored at 10℃ for two weeks. The simultaneous augmentative release of larval parasitoids and pupal parasitoids can be an important component to integrated DBM management program in the future.

With the help of KLTER/ME and KLPS in Woraksan, we have surveyed monthly diversity and seasonal prevalence of Macrolepidoptera in Wol-ak-san [Mt.] for the period of five months from May to September since 2005. Since 2007, to reduce variation, we chose two monitoring points, instead of one, for each of the three representative vegetations: Quercus mongolica-, Quercus variabilis- and Pinus densiflora-formations, abbreviated as QM, QV and PD, respectively, and collected exclusively larger moths with bucket-type of light traps for quantified survey. In 2009, as a result, QV showed higher species diversity and specimen number than QM or PD although the differences between QV and QM are subtle. The number of individuals collected may not be a good indicator, e.g., Idaea biselata collected in QM in June was over 200 in 2007, which is more than twice the number of specimens in all other sites per month, while the number in 2008 was dropped to only 10 specimens. In 2009, they became a dominant species again, showing biennial dominancy trend. It also seems that we are experiencing major decline of specimen numbers: 651 specimens collected in 2009 while 874 specimens collected in 2008, which was already a big reduction compared to over 2500 specimens in 2007

The multicolored Asian ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is a generalist predator of aphids also, shows a high level of phenotype polymorphism in color pattern of elytra. Although, it is not sure about genetic information of color polymorphism, it has been confirmed that this phenomenon comes from their genetic traits. The color of H. axyridis elytra is mainly composed of black and red pigment. Phenoloxidase (PO) plays an important role in many insect physiological functions, i.e. sclerotization and pigmentation of cuticle and melanization of parasites. Following activation, PO catalyses the hydroxylation of tyrosine and subsequent oxidation of phenolic substance into quinines, which are further converted to melanin. However, the molecular bases of H. axyridis color pattern formation are almost unknown but it may be that the different pro-POs have different expression. In this study, total RNA samples from four each color pattern individuals, for example, succinea 1, succinea 2, conspicua and spectabilis was extracted. A cDNA enconding pro-PO was molecular cloned from each color pattern of H. axyridis and its putative amino acid sequence shared homology with pro-PO of other insects. We are pursuing to elucidate that their pro-PO sequence will be similar with those other insect PPO sequence. There are also regions of high sequence similarity, including putative activation site and two copper binding sites.

A MnSOD gene was cloned from the fall webworm, H. cunea. The MnSOD cDNAs encode precursor proteins of 215 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequences of the H. cunea MnSOD cDNA showed 76% identity to B. mori MnSOD and 62-56% to MnSOD sequences from other organisms. MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD in H. cunea is expressed from all tissues. MnSOD expression is changed at a trace level in infected larvae, while Cu/ZnSOD expression is strongly changed against bacteria, and fungi. The expression level of Cu/ZnSOD increased by different artificial photoperiod (24L:0D), UV irradiation (312nm), and starvation condition, while the expression level of MnSOD only increased by starvation condition. Also, expression of MnSOD and Cu/ZnSOD showed no significant change in 0L:24D condition. In addition to expression levels of Cu/ZnSOD in H. cunea significantly increased by temperature stress and injection with paraquat, but reduced by injection with 10% H2O2. The expression level of MnSOD significantly increased by temperature stress and reduced by injection with 10% H2O2 and paraquat.

Apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III) is a hemolymph protein whose function is to facilitate lipid transport in an aqueous medium in insects. Recently, apolipophorin-III in Galleria mellonella and Hyphantria cunea was shown to play an unexpected role in insect immune activation. We show here a novel possible function/role of the apoLp-III in insects. To investigate the genes which have a relationship with apoLp-III in fall webworm larvae, we reduced endogenous Hc apoLp-III mRNA levels in larvae via RNA interference (RNAi). The RNAi-mediated Hc apoLp-III reduction resulted in the reduction of antioxidants, like MnSOD, catalase, and glutathione S transferase as well as immune proteins. In particular, expression of MnSOD commonly decreased in fat body, midgut, and hemocytes following the knockdown of Hc apoLp-III, which induced an elevated level of superoxide anion in Hyphantria cunea larvae. The observed effect of Hc apoLp-III RNAi suggests that Hc apoLp-III is related to the action/expression of antioxidants, especially MnSOD.

A new insect member of the STAT family of transcription factors (HcSTAT) has been cloned from the lepidopteran, Hyphantria cunea. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the SH2 domain are well conserved. The gene is transcribed at a low level during all stages of development, and transcribed in hemocyte, fat body, midgut, epidermis, and Malpighian tubule. Especially, hemocyte and Malpighian tubule showed transcriptional activation of HcSTAT upon Gram-negative and -positive bacteria challenge. Gram-negative and -positive bacteria challenge specifically results in nuclear translocation of HcSTAT protein and induction of DNA-binding activity that recognizes a STAT target site in H. cunea hemocyte. In vivo treatment with sodium orthovanadatetranslocates HcSTAT to the nucleus in hemocyte cells.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella is a one of the most important pests of various cruciferous crops and has a geographically wide ranging habitat. The heavy dependence on chemical pesticides has created severe pesticide resistance problems. In recent years, Bacillus thuringiensis product have been widely used for P. xylostella control bus genetic resistance in populations to some B. thuringiensis strains, compounded by cross-resistance to several different B. thuringiensis toxins, has also been identified. Such recent resistance problems serve to emphasize the urgent need for alternative control agents and their use within an integrated pest management approach. Baculoviruses have been used as agents for the biological control of certain insect pest species. the granuloviruses (GVs), based on the structure of the occluded virus and the occlusion body (OB). Several reports have showed P. xylostella granulovirus (PxGV) as a promise control agent for P. xylostella. However, it is very difficult to study GV because its OB, granule, has very small size and could be observed exactly under the electron microscopy (EM). This study was performed to develop rapid quantification method for granule of PxGV. After the exact quantification of granule with latex beads using EM, the universal extraction method of viral DNA was established for consistent experiment. The number of granules was calculated by the quantification of PCR products for granuline gene using spectrophotometer and densitometer. This novel calculation method for granule would be useful to study GV.

Supposing that somatotype evaluation results would have significant differences between the public group with less amounts of exercises and the special group with intensive exercises for three to four times a day, this study aimed at comparing the mutual consistency between the results determined by somatotype evaluation tools such as visually calculated index(VCI), Rohrer's Index(RI) and Body Mass Index(BMI). The public, taekwondo players and judo players groups were com˗ posed of fifty persons, taekwondo players and judo players passed through VCI determination, respectively. Their height and weight were examined and analyzed with somatotype evaluation tools. Comparison of somatotype dispersion of RI and VCI showed that most women were determined by VCI as lean type but were deter˗ mined by RI as normal type. And that women were determined by VCI as fat type but were determined by RI as normal type. Therefore both men and women showed significant differences in VCI and RI. Comparison of somatotype dispersion of VCI and BMI showed that both men and women were overestimated or underestimated by VCI rather than by BMI. Comparison of somatotype dispersion of RI and BMI showed that men were less determined by BMI as lean type compared with women; both men and women less determined by BMI rather than by RI as normal type; and both men and women, in particular, were more determined by BMI as fat type but men were more determined by BMI rather than by RI as fat type. Total somatotype consistency by tools showed that VCI has the greatest possibility of determining the public group, compared with other groups as lean type and that the consistency of the three tools were relatively higher for the taekwondo players and judo players groups, compared with the public.

Glycoprotein hormones have a common α-subunit that is involved in the signaling pathway together with G protein, adenylcyclase and cAMP induction; however, it is an unclear how this common structure is related to hormonal action. To determine the biological functions of the COOH-terminal amino acids in the α-subunit of these glycoprotein hormones, a tethered-molecule was constructed by fusing the NH2-terminus of the α-subunit to the COOH-terminus of the β-subunit of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). The following deletion mutants were created by PCR; Ile was inserted at position 96 to form Δ96, Lys was substituted at position 95 to form Δ95, His was inserted at position 93 to form Δ93 and Tyr was substituted at position 87 to form Δ87. Each mutant was transfected into CHO-K1 cells. Tethered-wt eCG, and Δ96, Δ95, and Δ93 mutants were efficiently secreted into the medium but the Δ87 mutant was not secreted. Interestingly, the RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and northern blot analyses confirmed that the RNA was transcribed in the Δ87 mutant. However, the Δ87 mutant protein was not detected in the medium or the intracellular fraction of the cell lysates. The LH- and FSH-like activities of the recombinant proteins were assayed in terms of cAMP production using rat LH/CG and rat FSH receptors. The metabolic clearance rate (MCR) was determined by injecting rec-eCG (2 IU) into the tail vein. The Δ95 and Δ93 mutants were completely inactive in both the LH- and FSH-like activity assays. The Δ96 mutant showed slight activity in the LH-like activity assay. In comparison to the wild type, the activity of the Δ96 mutant in the FSH-like activity assay was the highest among all the mutants. The MCR assay in which rec-eCG was injected showed a peak at 10 min in all the treatment groups, which disappeared 4 h after injection. These results imply a direct interaction between the receptor and the COOH-terminal region of the α-subunit. The data also reveal a significant difference in the mechanism by which the eCG hormone interacts with the rLH and rFSH receptors. The COOH-terminal region of the α-subunit is very important for the secretion and functioning of this hormone.

2 week study was conducted to investigate the effects of Interferential Current(IC) and Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy(KEOMT) on functional constipation. Interventions were applied to spinal segments between T9-L2 which provides innerva˗ tions to the gastrointestinal tract. Subjects(n=24) were randomly allo˗ cated to two treatment groups: the IC group or the KEOMT group. Results for the IC therapy demonstrated significant decrease with the colonic transit time(CTT) as well as scores on the constipation assessment scale(CAS). The frequency of defecations per week had increased significantly(p<0.05). The KEOMT displayed decreased CTT in the left colon region. The scores on the CAS were reduced and frequency of defecations per week had increased significantly (p<0.05). This study not only showed that both modes of therapy improved symptoms of constipation, but also optimized gastrointesti˗ nal content movement, eventuating in a more normalized CTT. In conclusion, both the IC therapy and the Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy have shown to be effective interventions for improving functional constipation.

This study has been conducted on the subjects of eight undergradu˗ ate students with abdominal obesity and eight undergraduate stu˗ dents with normal weight to find out correlation between substantial fatigue and Ratings of perceived exertion through analysis of their blood components when they took exercises to strengthen their abdominal muscular power. Comparatively analyzing HDL-C, LDL-C and lactic acid before and after they took sit-up at level of RPE 19-20, no statistically significant differences in HDL, LDL, lactic acid meas˗ ures were observed between groups, but a significant difference in RPE was noted between groups(p<0.05) Our findings suggest that control group showed no significant differ˗ ence in increase of fatigue material whereas the obese group showed a lower frequency of sit-up, though both groups took the same abdominal exercise. Additionally, the lower frequency of sit-up in obese group results from relatively higher Ratings of perceived exer˗ tion rather than increase of substantial fatigue material. This study invites future research that examines the effect of a comprehensive obesity exercise program combined with dietetic

Equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) is a heavily glycosylated glycoprotein composed of non-covalently linked α- and β-subunits. To study the function and signal transduction of tethered recombinant-eCG (rec-eCG), a single chain eCG molecule was constructed, and the rec-eCG protein was prepared. In this study, we constructed 5 mutants (Δ1, Δ2, Δ3, Δ4, and Δ5) of rec-eCG using data about known glycoprotein hormones to analyze the role of specific follicle stimulating homone (FSH)-like activity. Three amino acids of certain specific sites were replaced with alanine. The expression vectors were transfected into CHO cells and subjected to G418 selection for 2～3 weeks. The media were collected and the quantity of secreted tethered rec-eCGs was quantified by ELISA. The LH- and FSH-like activities were assayed in terms of cAMP production by rat LH/CG and rat FSH receptors. Then, the metabolic clearance rate analyzed by the injection of rec-eCG (5 IU) into the tail vein was analyzed. The mutant eCGs (Δ1, Δ4, and Δ5) were transcripted, but not translated into proteins. Rec-eCG Δ2 was secreted in much lower amounts than the wild type. Only the rec-eCG Δ3 (β-subunit: Gln94-Ile95-Lys96→Ala94-Ala95-Ala96) was efficiently secreted. Although activity is low, its LH-like activity was similar to that of tethered eCGβα. However, the FSH-like activity of rec-eCGβαΔ3 was completely flat. The result of the analysis of the metabolic clearance rate shoed the persistence of the mutant in the blood until 4 hours after the injection. After then, it almost disappeared at 8 hours. Taken together, these data suggest that 94～96 amino acid sequences in eCG β-subunit appear to be of utmost importance for signal transduction of the FSH receptor.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of group exer˗ cise program on depression in the elders with dementia. Subjects of this research were selected from the patients of Hyoja hospital(Yong˗ in, Korea). They were elders with dementia having minor to moderate degrees of cognitive function. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, each with 12 people; exercise group and the control group. The control group only performed general physio˗ therapy, while the exercise group performed exercise program and general physiotherapy for 8 weeks. Depression of the exercise group and the control group were measured at baseline before the study, at 4 weeks, and at 8 weeks after the study. Depression was measured by Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version(GDSSF-K). Firstly, when comparing the levels of depression within the same group, depression was significantly lower in the exercise group, after the group exercise program. However, depression of the control group did not show significant changes before or after the study. Secondly, when comparing the levels of depression of the control group and the exercise group, differences between the levels meas˗ ured before the study and 8 weeks after the study, was a statistically significant decrease of depression. Thirdly, effects of group exercise program according to the applied period were analyzed showing 8 weeks of group exercise to be more beneficial than 4 weeks. People who performed continuous group exercise program showed decrease in depression compared to the absence of group exercise program. This can infer beneficial effects of group exercise program. Group exercise program had desirable influence on decreasing the level of depression.

본 실험은 분식물의 삽목번식시 배지에 첨가한 규산질 비료가 분식물의 발근과 생육에 미치는 영향을 조사하 였다. 칼란코에 ‘Kaluna’와 ‘Taos’ 품종은 50구 트레이 에 번식하였고 카네이션 ‘Kazan’과 ‘Tula’ 품종은 128구 트레이에 삽목하였다. 규산질 비료를 상업배지(토실이 상토, 신안그로)와 펄라이트를 5 : 1(v/v)로 섞어 배지 1L당 규산질 비료[MgCa(SiO3)2]를 0, 40, 80, 120, 또는 160g을 첨가하여 발근한 후 정식하였다. 두 작물 모두 배지 1L당 규산질 비료를 40g 첨가한 처리구에서 초장, 엽두께, 뿌리의 생체중과 건물중이 가장 높았다. 하지만 두 작물 모두 규산질 비료의 농도가 높아질수록 초장이 억제되었다. 주사전자현미경(SEM) 촬영을 통한 식물 조직 관찰 결과 규산질 비료를 첨가해주었을 경우 뿌 리와 잎의 조직이 더 조밀해졌다.

The miniature pig is considered to be a better organ donor breed for xenotransplantation than other pig breeds because the size of the organs of the miniature pig is similar to that of humans. In this study, we aimed at identifying differentially expressed genes in the miniature pig ovary during pregnancy. For this, we used the miniature pig ovary model, annealing control primer‐based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR), and northern blotting analysis. We identified 13 genes showing differential expression on the based of pregnancy status and validated 8 genes using qRT‐PCR. We also sequenced the full‐length cDNA of ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4), which had a significant difference in expression level, and validated it by northern blotting. These genes may provide a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms during pregnancy in miniature pig ovary.

Seoul is one of the most dynamic capital cities in the world of which population is about 10.49 million. The air quality of Seoul subway is a great concern to users and the public authorities, especially the pollution of particulate matters. The metallic particulate matters are generated from the friction of wheels and subway rails, which causes dispersion into the platform and even to the trains. This study attempted to characterize the current filters in subway MVAC system and a newly developed filter which was a type of thin electret fiber bundle. Collection efficiency of the filtration system varies from 20% to 90% depending on filter life and dust particle size. The removal of fine dust with diameter smaller than 1㎛, which could not be well achieved by current filtration system, is very important in the subway air cleaning system. The new electret filter was found to have a high potential for the use in subway MVAC with high collection efficiency, especially for fine mode dust.