Recently an outbreaked pest belongs to Hemiptera: Recaniidae, Ricanula sp. is greatly concerned about the outspreading throughout the South of Korea by wide range of host, including Cornelian cherry, Jujube, and peach trees. In Chungbuk province, this pest was first occurred at Jincheon and Okcheon in 2012, Cheongju in 2013 and now found out at Eumseong and Goesan in 2015. Ricanula sp. was oviposited directly into one-year twig, did damages on fruit-bearing formation and finally withered the host. This study was performed to understand the ovipositional characteristics and to develop the standardized forecasting method. Oviposition by Ricanula sp. was abundant in tree than in bush, adult laid eggs on new inner twigs and then covered with wax compound. Total no. of oviposited egg-mass was 10 to 318, and that of on new twig was 5 to 185 per tree, with different to host trees. Thickness of oviposited twigs were done within 2 ~ 5.5 mm and the height was mostly founded with range of 1 to 2 m, founded with highest height over 3 m. Oviposited no. of egg-mass within 30 cm twig was appeared differently from 2 to 7 every host. From based on this investigated result, we provide this for standardized forecasting method. This pest will need to control when egg-mass will occur over 2 at new twig, within 30 cm from the tip, set as total 25 point/ 5 plants (5 point per plant).

An oxidative fumigant is potent to kill insect pests infesting stored grains. Its oxidative activity generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which has been considered to be a main insecticidal factor. Furthermore, the oxidative fumigant has cytotoxic effect to insect cell lines, but the cytotoxicity is abrogated by antioxidant treatment. This study aimed to extend the usefulness of the oxidative fumigant in terms of medical purpose against cancer cells. Five cancer cell lines HCT 116 (human colorectal), Lovo (human colorectal), SW480 (human colorectal), MDA-MB-231 (human breast), and MCF-7 (human breast) were tested to determine their susceptibility to the oxidative fumigant with reference to two insect cell lines (Sf9 and Hi-Five). All cancer cell lines were highly susceptible to the oxidative fumigant, compared to the insect cell lines. Interestingly, basal ROS levels of the cancer cell lines were much higher than the insect cell lines. Furthermore, the oxidative fumigant significantly increased the ROS levels in the cancer cells. Treatment of vitamin E as an antioxidant mitigated the cytotoxicity of the oxidative fumigant. Thus, the high susceptibility of cancer cells to the oxidative fumigant may be induced by their high inducible ROS production. This study also investigated the antiviral activity of the oxidative fumigant against insect and plant viruses. The oxidative fumigant significantly inactivated a baculovirus (dsDNA virus) by inhibiting polyhedral production in Sf9 cells. It also inactivated tobacco mosaic virus (ssRNA virus) by suppressing phytopathogenicity. These results support a broad effect of the oxidative fumigant, which can be applied to agricultural and medical purposes.

The purpose of the present study is to provide exercises, together with music, that are helpful for elderly people’s balancing ability, and to determine their effects in order to provide data for the promotion of elderly persons’health. Thirty elderly persons were randomly assigned to a balance training group(BTG) of 15 subjects, or a music and balance training group (music therapy + balance training [MTBTG]) of 15 subjects; intervention was implemented three times per week for six weeks. To measure the changes in their balancing ability before and after the experiment, the limit of stability, the“Timed Up and Go”(TUG) test, and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured. Changes in the limit of stability before and after the experiment were shown to be significant in both the BTG and the MTBTG. Changes in the limit of stability of the right side before and after the experiment showed statistically significant differences between the BTG and the MTBTG. Changes in the TUG test and the BBS before and after the experiment were shown to be statistically significant in both the BTG and the MTBTG. The application of music during balance training thus is considered to have a positive effect on elderly persons’balancing ability.

Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) is commonly associated with canine kennel cough worldwide. Clinically infected dogs present coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Severe infections may progress to pneumonia. Through serological surveys, CRCoV has been identified as a worldwide pathogen found in the respiratory tracts of dogs suffering from mild or severe respiratory disease. In this study, three dogs were obtained from a dog kennel. Over the previous 5 days, the dogs showed coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. To detect the etiologic pathogen, we performed multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR) to amplify the genes encoding canine influenza virus matrix protein, canine distemper virus nucleocapsid protein, and CRCoV spike protein. Dot blotting was achieved with a CRCoV-specific probe. Nasal-secreting CRCoV was detected by the 442 bp CRCoV-positive PCR reaction in the nasal swabbing samples from dogs. Further, CRCoV-positive reactions by dot blot hybridization were detected in the nasal swabbing samples from dogs. In conclusion, we detected CRCoV in kenneled dogs with respiratory disease in Korea. Multiplex RT-PCR was able to detect successfully CRCoV infection in dogs. We suggest that mRT-PCR would be useful and effective for monitoring CRCoV infection in various kinds of dogs.

The aim of this study was to carry out the comparative analysis of the brushing force following various brushing techniques bytoothbrush mounted pressure sensing unit. The study group consisted of 10 dental hygienist participants. The brushing forces (on buccal area of each first molar) were monitored on 8 different kinds of brushing techniques; Fones, Bass, Rolling, Scrub, Charters, stillman, Modified bass and Modified stillman. In Bass, Charters, Fones and Scrub method, force distributions showed a small gap of maximum and minimum value (Max/Min) while a big difference was noted in Modified bass, Modified stillman, Rolling and Stillman methods. Especially, the biggest difference of Max/Min value was observed in the area of lower left first molar. In conclusion, highly delicate manual skill is needed in showing big error range of force distribution. It means that careful force needs to be focused during toothbrushing instruction when a delicate manual skill was carried out.

In this study, carbonized fibers were prepared by using acidically cross-linked LDPE fibers. The surface morphologies of the carbonized fibers were observed by SEM. The effects of cross-linking process temperatures were studied using thermal analyses such as DSC and TGA. The melting and heating enthalpy of the fibers decreased as the cross-linking temperature increased. The cross-linked fibers had a carbonization yield of over 50%. From SEM results the highest yield of carbonized LDPE-based fibers was obtained by cross-linking at a sulfate temperature (170oC). As a result, carbonation yield of the carbonized fibers was found to depend on the functions of the cross-linking ratio of the LDPE precursors.

We map two molecular clouds located in the exact anticenter region emitting in the (J = 1-0) transition of 12CO and 13CO using the 3-mm SIS mixer receiver on the 14-m radio telescope at Taeduk Radio Astronomy Observatory. The target clouds with anomalous velocities of VLSR ~ - 20 km s-1 are distinguished from other clouds in this direction. In addition, they are located in the interarm region between the Orion Arm and the Perseus Arm. Sizes of the clouds are estimated to be about 8.6 and 10.8 pc, respectively. The total mass is estimated to be about 4 x 103 M⊙ using CO luminosity of the clouds. Several cores are detected, but no sign of star formation is found according to the IRAS point sources. Their larger linewidths, anomalous velocities, and their location at the interarm region make these clouds more distinguished, though their physical properties are similar to the dark clouds in the solar neighborhood in terms of mass and size.

Using sunspot number data from 270 historical stations for the period 1981-2013, we investigate their personal reduction coefficients (k) statistically. Chang & Oh (2012) perform a simulation showing that the k varies with the solar cycle. We try to verify their results using observational data. For this, a weighted mean and weighted standard deviation of monthly sunspot number are used to estimate the error from observed data. We find that the observed error (noise) is much smaller than that used in the simulation. Thus no distinct k-variation with the solar cycle is observed contrary to the simulation. In addition, the probability distribution of k is determined to be non-Gaussian with a fat-tail on the right side. This result implies that the relative sunspot number after 1981 might be overestimated since the mean value of k is less than that of the Gaussian distribution.

We report the development of solar flux receivers operating at 2.8 GHz to monitor solar radio activity. Radio waves from the sun are amplified, filtered, and then transmitted to a power meter sensor without frequency down-conversion. To measure solar flux, a calibration scheme is designed with a noise source, an ambient load, and a hot load at 100℃. The receiver is attached to a 1.8 m parabolic antenna in Icheon, owned by National Radio Research Agency, and observation is being conducted during day time on a daily basis. We compare the solar fluxes measured for last seven months with solar fluxes obtained by DRAO in Penticton, Canada, and by the Hiraiso solar observatory in Japan, and finally establish equations to convert observed flux to the so-called Penticton flux with an accuracy better than 3.2 sfu.

Salsola komarovi Iljin is a halophyte and herbaceous annual native to the sand dunes and beaches of Japan, northern China, Sakhalin, and Korea. The plants have been known as an ecologically important species for enhancing formation of sand dunes in Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-gastric ulcer effect of Salsola komarovi Iljin halophyte in an HCl-ethanol-induced gastritis model. SD rats (7-weeks-old) were divided into normal (I, n=10), control (II, 60% HCl-ethanol + water, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + Ranitidine 300 mg/kg (III, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + Salicornia herbacea L. 500 mg/kg (IV, n=10), 60% HCl-ethanol + 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg (V, n=10), and 60% HCl-ethanol + water extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg (VI, n=10) groups. Salsola komarovi Iljin significantly suppressed gastric lesions and ulcers in the 60% HCl-ethanol-induced gastric model. Especially, 500 mg/kg of 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin showed significant inhibitory effects against gastritis. Especially, 50% alcohol extract of Salsola komarovi Iljin 500 mg/kg showed a significantly inhibitory effect, which was more potent than that of 300 mg/kg of Ranitidine. In histopathological analysis of the animal model, Salsola komarovi Iljin attenuated gastric ulcer formation. Our results suggest that Salsola komarovi Iljin has inhibitory effects against gastritis and gastric ulcers and could be developed as a new anti-gastric ulcer agent.

This study aims to identify the effect of home physical therapy on patients who left the hospital after total knee arthroplasty, compared to the Daily living group, when it was applied to them, under the guidance of physical therapists. As research subjects, 20 patients that were scheduled to leave the hospital after unilateral total knee arthroplasty, were chosen, and they were randomly divided into a home physical therapy group(10 patients) and an Daily living group(10 patients) in order to conduct an experiment. During the 4-week research, home physical therapy was offered for 40 mins once for 5 days a week, and muscular strength, gait components were measured. For muscular strength, quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength were measured, and as gait components, endurance, speed, step time, single-limb support were analysed. For this experiment, pre- and post-measurement were performed, and collected data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 18.0 statistical program. From the analysis of data, the following study results were obtained. Home physical therapy group and Daily living group both showed significant improvements in quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength, and quadriceps muscle strength, hamstring muscle strength of home physical therapy group more significantly improved than Daily living group's. In relation to gait components, gait endurance, gait speed, step time significantly improved in both of home physical therapy group and Daily living group, whereas home physical therapy group only showed significant improvements in single-limp support. According to the comparison between two groups, gait speed, single-limp support and step time improved more significantly in the home physical therapy group than in the Daily living group. In conclusion, positive results were revealed in both home physical therapy group and Daily living group, with regard to muscular recovery of lower limbs of patients discharged from the hospital after total knee arthroplasty and walking, but considering the comparison results between two groups, it seems that applying home physical therapy is more effective than maintaining a daily life.

The cerebellum is known to control balance, equilibrium, and muscle tone. If the cerebellum becomes damaged, the body is unable to retain its balancing functions or involuntary muscle movement. This is why, in stroke patients, there is a high risk of functional disability, as well as a myriad of other disabilities secondary to stroke. Ischemia was induced in SD mice by occluding the common carotid artery for 5 minutes, after which blood was reperfused. Needle electrode electrical stimulation(NEES) was applied to acupuncture points, at 12, 24, and 48 hours post-ischemia on the joksamri. Protein expression was investigated through caspase-3 antibody immuno-reactive cells in the cerebral nerve cells and Western blotting. The results were as follows: The number of caspase-3 reactive cells in the corpus cerebellum 12 and 24 hours post-ischemia was significantly (p<.05) smaller in the NEES group compared to the GI group. caspase-3 expression 12 and 24 hours post-ischemia was significantly(p<.05) smaller in the NEES group compared to the GI group. Based on these results, NEES seems to have a significant effect on Caspase-3 in the cerebellum in an ischemic state at 12 and 24 hours post ischemia, NEES delays the occurrence of early stage apoptosis-inducing Caspase-3, delaying and inhibiting apoptosis. Further systematic studies will have to be conducted in relation to the application of this study’s results on stroke patients.

In the present study, lichen(Parmelia sp.) extract showed insecticidal activity against Aedes albopictus, and the effect of growth inhibiting activity was investigated. Acetone and methanol extracts of the lichen against larvae of Aedes albopictus were showed high insecticidal activities in low lethal concentration. 50% lethal concentration of the acetone extractof the lichen is 0.13% and the 50% lethal concentration of methanol extract of lichen is 0.15% respectively. This experiment that used acetone and methanol extracts of the lichen were observed for 24, 48 and 72 hours. As a result, the higher concentration and the longer exposure time is increased mortality against Aedes albopictus. Pupation time took more time as the higher concentration of acetone extract of lichen. Consequently, the lichen extract is effect in inhibiting the growth of Aedes albopictus larvae. In this experiment indicates that lichen extract has activity against Aedes albopictus and is available as the natural insecticide.

The spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), was originally observed in a few Asian countries, but is now found even in North America and Europe. Genetic information on geographic variation and relationship may broaden our understanding of origin and migration. As a first step, in this study, a portion of mitochondrial COI gene was sequenced to understand genetic relationship and diversity in Korea. Sequencing of 104 individuals provided 57 haplotypes, with the maximum sequence divergence of 1.5%, suggesting high haplotype diversity and moderate sequence divergence. Comparison to GenBankregistered D. suzukii haplotypes (possibly from Spain, Portugal, USA) has shown 100% sequence identity to most of the haplotypes found in this study, but two USA sequences were found to be independent haplotypes, with the sequence divergence ranging from 0.5% ~ 1.4% from our samples in the 553-bp comparison. Phylogenetically, no separable group was found, but, population genetically, the only Chinese population, Sandong, was significantly differentiated (p < 0.05) from all Korean populations, without sharing any haplotype. Among 28 pairwise comparisons of Korean populations only two comparisons showed a significant genetic differentiation, indicating that no population in Korea is completely isolated. Geographically, one haplotype (SWDBA06) was relatively widespread (five among nine localities) and a few haplotypes were found in more than one locality, but most haplotypes were restricted in a locality as a single individual. Overall, high rate of per generation female migration (Nm = 0.75 ~ infinite) and low level of geographic separation (FST=0~0.40) among localities were characteristic. Current data is limited mainly to Korean localities, thus, an expanded study may provide further scrutinized analysis for the fly.

A novel oxidant fumigation (NOF) has been considered as alternative fumigant to replace methyl bromide that is a serious ozone depleter. Its high oxidative activity has been used as a bleaching or sanitary agent. Though some reports an insecticidal activity of NOF, its insecticidal action is yet to be understood. This study was conducted with an observation of an insecticidal activity of NOF against Plodia interpunctella, which is a stored grain insect pest. Cytotoxicity test was performed by using MTT assay, NOF gave a significant cytotoxicity on both Sf9 cells and HiFive insect cell lines. Sf9 cells were higher susceptible (IC50 = 43.2+ 3.5 ppm) to chloride dioxide than HiFive cells (IC50 = 174.6 + 5.9 ppm). To understand its cytotoxic effect on P. interpunctella, the larval hemocytes were incubated in vitro with different doses of NOF for 40 min at room temperature. In a dose-dependent manner, NOF gave a significant toxicity to the hemocytes. When NOF was injected to larvae of P. interpunctella, it significantly reduced total hemocyte counts compared to control. These results indicate that NOF has cytotoxic effect against hemocytes of P. interpunctella. This hemolytic activity of NOF can be regarded as a lethal factor to the stored grain insect pest.

Insect pollinators of the endanger orchid Cypripedium japonicum were surveyed and identified during two years, as a part of a conservation project of the orchid at Jukyeup-san and Hwaak-san (Mt.), South Korea. In total 40 individuals of 16 species in 4 families were identified. The dominant family was Halictidae, and Lasioglossum exiliceps Vachal visited the most frequently C. japonicum during the surveys. The average visiting frequency was 2.5 individuals per hour and the highest 4.3, from 12:00 – 13:00 in a day. After 15:00 insects did not visit the flowers at all. However, all of the visiting insects were found to not carry a pollinium or pollens of the orchard on their bodies; pollen carryover by any of the visiting insects did not occur at all. The orchid seems to require certain pollinators in particular body thickness due to its unique pollination mechanism. The orchid has two exit route openings, around 1 cm in diametre, where the entrapped insects can exit and an anther is situated just in front of each opening. It was inferred that a pollen carrier should be around 1 cm in body thickness. Therefore, the candidate species as the proper pollen carriers can be Tetralonia nipponensis Perez, Xylocopa appendiculata circumvolans Smith and Bombus consobrinus Dahlbom among the surveyed visitors.