The methanol extracts and essential oils from 9 medicinal plants, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Cryptomeria japonica, Hedera rhombea, Prunus mume, Taxus cuspidatal, Paulownia coreana, Kalopanax pictus, Paris verticillata, and Ixeris dentata were tested for their insecticidal activity against larvae of P. xylostella by topical application method. And the methanol extracts and essential oils obtained from Paris verticillata and Ixeris dentata were subjected to a screening test for their antifeeding activities, pupation and adult emergence of P. xylostella by a leaf-dipping method at a concentration of LC50 value. The methanol extract from all parts of P. verticillata and the essential oil from all parts of I. dentata exhibited potent activity with LC50 of 6.34 and 6.53(g/L) 5days after treatment. And the essential oil from all parts of P. verticillata and I. dentata have shown strong antifeeding activity compared to those of methanol extracts against larvae of P. xylostella. Also, the methanol extract and essential oil of P. verticillata and I. dentata gained 37.5%, 5.0% of pupation and 22.5%, 2.5% of adult emergence, respectively.

The methanol extracts and essential oils from 9 medicinal plants, Ulmus davidiana var. japonica, Cryptomeria japonica, Hedera rhombea, Prunus mume, Taxus cuspidatal, Paulownia coreana, Kalopanax pictus, Paris verticillata, and Ixeris dentata were tested for their insecticidal activity against larvae of S. exigua by topical application method. And the methanol extracts and essential oils obtained from Paris verticillata and Ixeris dentata were subjected to a screening test for their antifeeding activities and pupation and adult emergence of S. exigua by a leaf-dipping method at a concentration of LC50 value. The methanol extract from the bark of C. japonica, the leaf of H. rhombea and all parts of P. verticillata exhibited potent activity with LC50 of 5.02, 4.21 and 5.46(g/L) 5days after treatment, respectively. But all of the essential oils except for I. dentata with LC50 of 4.92(g/L) had shown high potential insecticidal activity compared to the methanol extracts against S. exigua. And the essential oil from all parts of P. verticillata and I. dentata have shown stronger antifeeding activity than those of methanol extracts against larvae of S. exigua. Also, the methanol extract and essential oil of P. verticillata and I. dentata affected growth pattern showing those of 32.5%, 10.0% of pupation and 27.5%, 10.0% of adult emergence of S. exigua.

The developmental time and survival of overwintering larvae of Monochamus saltuarius were studied at 7 constant temperatures (16, 20, 23, 25, 27, 30, 34℃), and a photoperiod of 16 : 8 (L : D) h. The total mortality of overwintering M. saltuarius was lowest at 27℃ (7%) and highest at 34℃ (93%). The total developmental time decreased with increasing temperature between 16℃ (49.48 days) and 34℃ (13.00 days). The relationship between the developmental rate and temperature was fitted by five nonlinear developmental rate models (Logan 6, Lactin 1, 2 and Briere 1, 2). The nonlinear shape of temperature development was best described by the Briere 1 model (r2=0.99). The developmental variation of overwintering larvae was well described by the three-parameter Weibull distribution model (r2=0.98). The temperature-dependent developmental models of M. saltuarius developed in this study could be used to predict emergence period of the adult, or to develop a population dynamics model of M. saltuarius.

The effects of doping on the crystal structure, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of (K,Na) (KNN) ceramics have been investigated. was found to be effective in enhancing the densification and grain growth during sintering. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that Mn ions substituted B-site Nb ions up to 2 mol%, however, further doping induced unwanted secondary phases. In comparison with undoped KNN ceramics, the well developed microstructure and the substitution to B-sites in 2 mol% Mn-doped KNN ceramics resulted in significant improvements in both piezoelectric coupling coefficient and electromechanical quality factor.

To response evaluation of high power light emitting diodes (HPLEDs) as potential attractants to the Spodoptera exigua adults, we investigated the attractiveness of specific wavelength, illuminance intensity and light-exposure time, and compared them to the fluorescent. The all light treatments with the 40 lux intensity attracted the significantly highest number of S. exigua. The optimal light-exposure time exhibited the highest attraction rate at the 60 min. When the attraction and repellent rate in the optimal conditions to the S. exigua was surveyed, the white HPLED exhibited the highest attraction rate (91.1%), whereas the red HPLED exhibited the most repellent rate (33.3%). When evatuated of illuminance efficiency with fluorescent as control, white and red HPLED were found to be 9.14 and 10.34 times more efficient than fluorescent. These data clearly show that both the 40 lux intensity and the 60 min light-exposure time by using the white HPLED was the most suitable for attraction of the S. exigua.

The first commercial bioinsecticide in Korea was registered in 2003 to control diamond back moth and beet armyworm in Chinese cabbage using Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai. Currently, fourteen microbial pesticides have registered in Korean market. The Korean government is aiming for 40% reduction (from the 2004 value) in the use of chemical pesticides by 2013. To increase the use of microbial pesticides as an alternative of chemicals, we conducted in vitro bioassay with Bt products. Bt products were treated alone and in combination against larvae of beet armyworm, diamond back moth and tobacco cutworm. Five Bt products shown high mortality against diamond back moth in recommended concentration, but had low control effects against beet armyworm and tobacco cutworm. Mixed Bt products had no synergic effects against the tested three moths. When Bt products were sprayed with higher concentration than recommended dose, those mortality was similar with lower concentration.

The EAG (Electroantennogram) has been used to find out chemical substance effective to insect. We tried to use EAG recording for catching of responsible acoustic signals to Lirimyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromizidae). In fly auditory organ known as Johnston's organ located on antenna. Pure tone sounds (sine wave) and courtship songs of several kinds of species were broadcasted to excised head of the fly. Significant EAG signals were detected when released the 20 Hz pure tone sound and long pulse train patterns, which were courtship songs of Cryptonevra inquilina and Lipara japonica (Chloropidae). For conformation of it's effectiveness, we further analyzed movement behavior with the signal got from the EAG recording. Information entropy could represent the specimens activities of movement tracks. The entropy with sound was relatively lower than without sound. The combination of EAG responding and behavioral observation would be useful to analyze the response of insect pest against acoustic signals and develop acoustic pest managing tool in agriculture.

Functional regulation of a specific tissue or organ is controlled by a number of ways, including local cell‐gcell interaction. Of several forms of cell‐gcell junctional complexes, gap junctions are caught a great attention due to a formation of direct linkage between neighboring cells. Gap junctions are consisted of connexin (Cx) isoforms. In the present study, we evaluated expressional profiling of Cx isoforms in the rat initial segment (IS) of the male reproductive tract at different postnatal ages. The presence and expression of 13 Cx isoform mRNAs were determined by semi‐gquantitative real‐gtime PCR analyses. A total of 8 Cx isoform mRNAs were detected in the IS of the male rats during postnatal development. The highest level of Cx30.3 mRNA was found at 5 months of age, while abundance of Cx31 mRNA was the highest at 1 year of age. Expression of Cx31.1 gene was relatively consistent during the postnatal development. Fluctuation of Cx32 and 37 gene expression was observed during the postnatal period. Significant elevation of Cx40 mRNA abundance was detected at 25 days of age and older ages. Expression patterns of Cx43 and 45 genes were similar with the highest level at 2 weeks of age, followed by gradual decreases at older ages. These results indicate differential regulation on expression of Cx isoforms in the rat IS during postnatal development. A complicated regulation of gene expression of Cx isoforms in the IS at different postnatal ages is suggested.

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.

The traditional use of insects as food continues to be widespread in tropical and subtropical countries and to provide significant nutritional, economic and ecological benefits for rural communities. Specially, Bee brood serves as a food source to humans in many countries although limited data exists concerning its nutrient composition. Bee brood (pupa and larvae) were analyzed for Carbohydrate, Saturated fatty acid, Cholesterol, protein, fat, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Bee brood was high in protein(46.4%～46.73%), fat(18.84%～ 20.75%),carbohydrate(24.66 %～35.79 %), Folic acid(222.30 ㎍/100g), and vitamins. Differentially, folic acid had been contained by high density in pupa of drone. While low in iron, bee brood was a good source of folic acid, and carbohydrate. The fat was composed mostly of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. The present data suggest bee brood to be an excellent source of many valuable nutrients including energy, amino acids, many essential minerals, and B-vitamins. These data suggest bee brood could be a valuable source of nutrients to various populations.

To compare the diversity and abundance of moth fauna between the deciduous and coniferous forest, the light traps have been managed at six survey sites in Hongneung, Korea Forest Research Institute (KFRI) from May to October 2008. Diversity and equitability were estimated by Simpson's index. A total of 1,181 individuals were collected, comprising 678 individuals (18 families, 145 species) and 503 individuals (17 families, 121 species) in the deciduous forest and the coniferous forest, respectively. Noctuidae was the most dominant family, which consist of 42 species, 248 individuals in the deciduous forest and 38 species, 149 individuals in the coniferous forest. The most dominant species was Hydrillodes morosa (Noctuidae) with 95 individuals (deciduous forest), followed by a pyralid moth, Orthopygia glaucinalis and a tortricid moth, Gnorismoneura hoshinoi with 36 individuals (coniferous forest). Interestingly, Arctiidae and Drepanidae, which were collected only in the deciduous and Lecithoceridae were only in the coniferous forest.

The occurrence and damage of stink bugs were monitored at South Korea from 2007 to 2008. A total of 11 stink bug species were observed in paddy field and occurrence periods of stink bugs were significantly differed by species. In occurrence period and damage of stink bug feeding in paddy field, Scotinophara lurida occurred from June, Cletus punctiger, Eysarcoris aeneus, Rhopalus maculatus, Riptortus clavatus, E. ventralis, Stenotus rubrovittatus occurred from August and Pachygrontha antennata, C. schmidti, Trigonotylus caelestialium, Paromius exiguus occurred from September. When we were classified into two region with mountain and plain area cultivated rice, generally C. puntiger population was higher in mountain area than plain area, and E. aeneus was higher in plain area than mountain area. Also, stink bug species were higher in environment condition formed with a paddy field and a waterway overgrown with weeds. Control threshold for E. aeneus in paddy field was 1-2 individuals/heading stage, and then rate of pecky rice made to 5.0% while milk stage, dough stage and yellow ripe stage made to less than 5.0%.

The green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps is an insect vector which transmits virus diseases of rice plant causing severe damage to the rice and its damage both quality and yield of rice. Survival rate of overwintering N. cincticeps in Alopeculus acquadis among 15 species of the winter crops and weeds was 37.8% and its most preferred. Density of N. cincticeps in environment-friendly agriculture area which cultivated Astragalus sinicus as a green manure crop in winter season increased in number wintering pass in Alopeculus acquadis and Astragalus sinicus as host plants, because of control of N. cincticeps was not enough in the previous year. Survival rate of N. cincticeps was higher mainly in habitation mixed with rice straw, Astragalus sinicus and Alopeculus acquadis as winter habitation. It warmed due to the effect of the keeping warmth inside of a rice paddy field and the bank around a rice field covered with rice straw or Astragalus sinicus. Also, habitation conditions were optimal for survival because of growing Alopeculus acquadis as the major host plant of N. cincticeps in that place.

The current status of insect pollinator use was surveyed. Honeybee was larger than mason bee and bumblebee in average use area per farm household at kinds of insect pollinator. Insect pollinator was used at 19 crops. Among them, tomato was the most used crop, which was 44.9%, and in order to apple 26.7%, strawberry 13.1%, red-pepper 7.7% and watermelon 3.7%. In the use of insect pollinators, bumblebee, which was 56.9%, was higher than honeybee (31.3%) and mason bee (11.8%). The most farmers were a positive intention except for 1.5% of farmer in the use of insect pollinator for crop pollination. The best advantage in insect pollinator use was improvement of seed setting percentage, which was 28.3% and the worst problem was low activity at bad weather, which was 25.8%. And also, 97% of farmers have an intention to use continuously insect pollinator.

The epididymis in the male reproductive tract is the site where spermatozoa produced from the testis become mature. The epididymis is divided into 4 different segments, initial segment and caput, corpus, and caudal epididymis, depending upon functional and morphological features. Aquaporins (Aqps) are water channel molecules, which are present in the epididymis and play a major role in removal of epididymal water, resulting in creation of microenvironment for sperm maturation and concentration of sperms. Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid, which is used to treat clinical diseases and improve physical ability and appearance. Even though it is well determined that the ND causes the male infertility by affecting the testis, little is known the effect of the ND on the epididymis. The present study was focused to examine the effect of ND at different treatment doses and periods on expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 genes in the epididymis of pubertal rats. Results showed that mRNA expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 genes among the parts of the epididymis was differentially regulated by ND treatment doses. In addition, treatment periods of ND caused differential expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 mRNAs among segments of the epididymis. Therefore, it is believed that male infertility induced by ND could be resulted not only from malfunction of the testis but also from aberrant gene expression of Aqp1 and Aqp9 in the epididymis.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) plays an important role in the release of Cα²+ from intracellular stores into the cytoplasm in a variety of cell types. IP₃ translocation dynamics have been studied in response to many types of cell signals. However, the dynamics of cytosolic IP₃ in salivary acinar cells are unclear. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) was constructed and introduced into a phospholipase C δ1 (PLC δ1) transgenic mouse, and then the salivary acinar cells were isolated. GFP-PHD was heterogeneously localized at the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles in submandibular gland and parotid gland cells. Application of trypsin, a G protein-coupled receptor activator, to the two types of cells caused an increase in GFP fluorescence in the cell cytoplasm. The observed time course of trypsin-evoked IP₃movement in acinar cells was independent of cell polarity, and the fluorescent label showed an immediate increase throughout the cells. These results suggest that GFP-PHD in many tissues of transgenic mice, including non-cultured primary cells, can be used as a model for examination of IP₃intracellular dynamics.