The confused taxonomy of the east Palaearctic pear psyllids, serious pests on cultivated pear, is reviewed. Fifty-sixnominal species have been reported from Pyrus, 25 of which we consider valid and ten as not being associated withPyrus. Our taxonomic revision suggests that, in Korea, four Cacopsylla species develop on pear. Three species occuralso in Japan. New synonyms are suggested and seasonal dimorphism are critically discussed.Key words : Psyllidae, Cacopsylla, taxonomy, host plant, Pyrus, Rosaceae, Manchrian pear, Asian pear, European pear, China,Japan, South Korea, Russian Far East

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Vector mosquitoes usually acquire these pathogens fromfeeding on an infected host, and transmit the pathogens to a naive host during feeding events. To understand the virustransmission dynamics and to survey WNV throughout country, the present study has been conducted. We collected mosquitoesat urban parks in Seongnam, Wonju, Gunsan, Daegu, and Tongyeong using CDC light trap with Dry ice from April toSeptemper in 2017 (mosquito collecting is on going). Among collected mosquitoes, blood-fed mosquitoes were conductedblood meal identification assay and the other mosquitoes were subjected to virus detection using real-time PCR method.A total of 2,290 mosquitoes representing 6 genera and 15 species were collected. The most dominant species was Culexpipiens complex (42.1%) followed by Aedes albopictus (15.1%), Ae. vexans nipponii (14.6%), Ochlerotatus koreicus (9.8%),Cx. orientalis (6.5%), and Armigeres subalbatus (4.4%). The blood meal source were of mammal (93.3%), and birds (6.7%).So far, no WNV has been detected in any mosquitoes.

The members of the genus Flavivirus are noteworthy, as they cause infectious diseases in humans, such as Zika, denguefever, yellow fever, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis. Due to the increased awareness of the public health risk posedby flavivirus-infected mosquitoes, mosquito collections were performed in six urban parks of South Korea, as the parksare designated for human recreation but also provide suitable habitats for mosquitoes. We examined the diversity andabundance of mosquito species and conducted molecular diagnostics for the detection of flavivirus infections. Monthlycollections were carried out in each park from March to August in 2017. A total of 4,851 mosquitoes (5 genera and13 species) were collected using BG-sentinel traps and then investigated for flavivirus infections. Pathogenic flavivirusinfections causing human diseases were not observed in the field-collected mosquitoes. However, insect-specific flavivirus(ISF) infections were detected in several mosquito pools. ISF has been previously known to enhance or suppress the replicationof medically important flaviviruses in co-infected mosquito cells. In this study, partial sequences of ISF were analyzed.However, further studies are needed in order to determine its genetic characterization and biological function in vivo.

CE RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) is a certification for the design and construction of small vessels, including pleasure yachts, which are widely used not only in the countries within the European Union, but also in Japan and Southeast Asia. Recently, South Korean leisure craft shipyards have developed interest in exporting to foreign leisure craft markets such as Europe; however, they have encountered difficulties because of the CE RCD regulations, which are relatively complex and difficult to understand. The requirements for buoyancy and stability, which are essential properties that must be understood within the early stage of ship design, are defined based on ISO 12217. However, preparing this assessment according to ship classification regulations is an exceedingly complex task, even with knowledge of naval architecture. In this research, we have developed design support tools to systematically support assessments and preemptively define design information so that buoyancy and stability assessments based on ISO 12217 can be systematically prepared. Our research results were applied to actual examples of yacht design to confirm validity. We believe that the improved yacht design process presented in this research can act as a foundational reference for enhancing the effectiveness and systematic buoyancy and stability assessments.

To obtain in vivo matured oocytes for dog cloning, serum progesterone (P4) level were employed for ovulate determination. Radioactive immunoassay (RIA) is a traditional serum hormone assay method with highly radioactivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of RIA and to compare its canine serum P4 concentration determination accuracy to that of the electric chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLI). To obtain in vivo matured oocytes for canine somatic cell nuclear transfer, serum P4 levels were accurately measured with both methods of RIA and ECLI. Although both methods detected similar P4 level before ovulation, the mean P4 concentration using ECLI was significantly higher than that using RIA from 3days before ovulation. Following ovulation, oocytes were collected by surgery, and a lower percentage of mature oocytes were observed using ECLI (39%) as compared to RIA (67%) if 4-8ng/ml of P4 were criteria for determination of ovulation. On other hand, high percentage of mature oocytes was observed using ECLI when 6–15 ng/mL of progesterone was criteria for ovulation determination. To determine whether in vivo oocytes obtained by ECLI method could be used for canine cloning, six canines were selected as oocyte donors and two puppies were produced after SCNT and embryo transfer. In conclusion, compared to the traditional RIA method, the ECLI method is a safe and reliable method for canine cloning.

Aedes albopictus is one species of mosquito transmitting flavivirus causing Dengue, Zika, and West Nile fever. Although it is an important disease vector, the genetic study of Ae. alpopictus populations has not been undertaken yet in South Korea. Here, we investigated the genetic variation of 99 Ae. albopictus individuals collected from 29 sites in nine provinces in 2016, through mitochondrial COI gene analysis. Haplotype analyses revealed seven haplogroups in South Korea. The main haplogroup, comprising 76 individuals (77.8%), was genetically identical to the one from Nagasaki. Two groups from Jeju Island (11) and the southern coast of South Korea (nine) were closely related to different Ae. albopictus strains from Kumamoto and Guangdong/Fujian, respectively. However, the others (four) were distinct from these two countries. No geographic divisions of populations were found in the study regions. The results suggest the possibility that the currently prevalent Ae. albopictus in South Korea, represents a part of the descendants that originated from nearby countries. However, more comprehensive investigations are needed to explain its movement routes.

Dengue is the most important arboviral disease in tropical and subtropical areas where 2.5 billion people are at risk of infection. Aedes albopictus will be a major vector transmitting dengue virus in Korea, where this virus overseas inflow is possible. We collected mosquitoes in Jeju, Busan, Gunsan, and Incheon using BG sentinel trap from April to October in 2016. Collected mosquitoes were conducted virus detection using real-time PCR method and analysis bloodmeal source of Ae. albopictus. A total of 15 species comprising 7 genera were identified and 4,854 female mosquitoes collected. The most dominant species ratio (SR) was 52.9% (Culex pippins complex) followed by 20.3% (Ae. albopictus), 10.8% (Ae. vexans nipponi) and Ochlerotatus dorsalis (3.8%). Dengue virus was not detected. Bloodmeal source of Ae. albopictus was mammals (80.9%) followed by birds (18.6) and amphibians (0.5).

The purpose of this monitoring is to survey the geographical distribution of tick species using dry ice bait traps and flagging methods at each ten provinces (GangwonⅠ,GangwonⅡ, Gyeonggi, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam and Jeju area) and one Metropolitan area in the Republic of Korea for eight months from April through November, 2016. A total of 65,339 ixodid ticks (8,200 females, 1,988 males, 31,453 nymphs and 23,698 larvae) was collected, belonging to three genera (Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Amblyomma). Haemaphysalis longicornis was the most commonly collected species, which is represented for 96.88% of all the collected ticks and followed by H. flava (2.69%), I. nipponensis (0.35%), A. testudinarium (0.05%) and H. japonica (0.03%) in the Republic of Korea for the study period. Haemaphysalis longicornis was a dominant species observed in these eleven areas.

We performed a survey for flavivirus infection and distribution of Aedes albopictus that known as Zika and Dengue virus vector using black–light trap and BG-sentinel trap around urban area in Korea. Mosquitoes were collected in 27 cities during March to November (twice a month) year 2016. Total numbers of mosquitoes collected 102,102 including 19 species 8 genera during collecting period. Total 21,467 Ae. albopictus was collected that 20,961(24.3%) by BG-sentinel trap and 506 (3.2%) by Black-light trap in urban area. Trap index(trap/night) of Ae. albopictus was showed highest in Hamyang (TI:992.3) and lowest in Taebaek (TI:0.3) there was only collected by Black-light trap. A total of 894 pools from all collecting Ae. albopictus were performed a Flavivirus detection. Flavivirus was not detected during study period. This study may provide basic information for surveillance of imported diseases (include Zika virus) and vectors in Korea.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Vector mosquitoes usually acquire these pathogens from feeding on an infected host, and transmit the pathogens to a naive host during feeding events. To understand the virus transmission dynamics and to survey WNV throughout country, the present study has been conducted. We collected mosquitoes in Jeju, Busan, Gunsan, and Incheon using CDC light trap and BG Sentinel trap from April to October in 2016. Among collected mosquitoes, blood-fed mosquitoes were conducted blood meal identification assay and the other mosquitoes were subjected to virus detection using real-time PCR method. A total of 29,603 mosquitoes representing 8 genera and 19 species were collected. The most dominant species was Culex pippins complex (35.0%) followed by Cx. bitaeniorhynchus (12.2%), Armigeres subalbatus (11.2%), Aedes albopictus (10.8%), Ae. vexans nipponii (10.3%), and Ochlerotatus dorsalis (8.4%). The blood meal source were of mammal (70.4%), birds (29.0%) and amphibian (0.6%). WNV was not detected in any mosquitoes.

A total of nine Korean indigenous goats were used in a cross-over arrangement to give nine replicates per treatment, and they were housed individually assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments. Nine treatments were 0, 500, and 1000 ppm of quercetin supplementation in diets by mixing roughage and concentrate with different ratios (RC ratio) of 3:7 (RC 30), 5:5 (RC 50) and 7:3 (RC 70). Nutrient utilizations of dry matter, crude fat and NDF were not affected by neither RC ratio nor dietary quercetin (p>0.05), but the rate of crude protein and ADF increased in animals in RC 70 group regardless of quercetin supplementation (p<0.05). In addition, higher RC ratio increased (p<0.05) N retention and N retention rate. Total VFA, acetic acid, propionic acid, iso-butyric acid, butyric acid, iso-valeric acid and valeric acid contents were not affected (p>0.05) by dietary quercetin. Meanwhile, lower total cholesterol level exhibited in animals in RC 70 group compared to RC 30 or 50 groups, unrelated to dietary quercetin (p<0.05), however other plasma parameters were not influenced (p>0.05) by RC ratio and dietary quercetin. Our results indicated that both RC ratio and dietary quercetin may not directly affect the production indices and immune responses in Korean indigenous goat

We conducted a investigation for distribution and flavivirus infection of mosquitoes using black –light trap around Incheon international airport there was possible overseas inflow caused by global warming in Korea. Mosquitoes were collected once a week April to October during 6 years (2009~2015). The numbers of mosquitoes collected in Oseong and Eurwang mountain were 8,969 and 7,978 including 12 species 7 genera respectively during collecting period. Culex pipiens complex was dominant species in two collecting area as 4,621(51.5%) in Oseong and 3,761(47.1%) in Eurwang mountain. A total of 16 pools from 88 Aedes albopictus were performed a Dengue virus (DENV) detection and total 628 pools from 11,146 other mosquitoes performed a West nile virus (WNV) detection. Flavivirus was not detected during study period. This study may provide basic information for surveillance of imported diseases and vectors in Korea.

West Nile Fever is one of most serious disease spreading throughout world since 1990. West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The possibility of overseas inflow of this virus seems to be high in Korea. To know the WNV infection of mosquitoes, we collected mosquitoes in Jeju, Busan, Gunsan, and Incheon using CDC light trap and BG Sentinel trap from April to August in 2016. Collected mosquitoes were conducted virus detection using real-time PCR method. A total of 22,632 mosquitoes representing 9 genera and 18 species were collected. The most dominant species was Culex pippins complex (36%) followed by Aedes vexans (13%), Ae. albopictus (10%) and Ochlerotatus koreicus (10%). WNV was not detected in any mosquitoes until now.

Dengue is the most important arboviral human infection worldwide. Approximately 50-100 million cases occur annually and more than 2.5 billion people are at risk of infection. This virus is possibility of overseas inflow to be high in Korea. We collected mosquitoes in Jeju, Busan, Gunsan, and Incheon using BG Sentinel trap from April to August in 2016. Collected mosquitoes were conducted virus detection using real-time PCR method. A total of 15 species comprising 7 genera were identified and 3,696 female mosquitoes collected. The most dominant species ratio (SR) was 49.4% (Culex pippins complex) followed by 21.8% (Aedes albopictus), 13.6% (Ae. vexans) and Ochlerotatus dorsalis (4.8%). Dengue virus was not detected in any mosquitoes until now.

Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are known for irregular variability on all time scales, down to intra-day variability with relative variations of a few percent within minutes to hours. On such short timescales, unexplored territory, such as the possible existence of a shortest characteristic time scale of activity and the shape of the high frequency end of AGN power spectra, still exists. We present the results of AGN single-dish fast photometry performed with the Korean VLBI Network (KVN). Observations were done in a “anti-correlated” mode using two antennas, with always at least one antenna pointing at the target. This results in an effective time resolution of less than three minutes. We used all four KVN frequencies, 22, 43, 86, and 129 GHz, in order to trace spectral variability, if any. We were able to derive high-quality light curves for 3C 111, 3C 454.3, and BL Lacertae at 22 and 43 GHz, and for 3C 279 at 86 GHz, between May 2012 and April 2013. We performed a detailed statistical analysis in order to assess the levels of variability and the corresponding upper limits. We found upper limits on flux variability ranging from ∼1.6% to ∼7.6%. The upper limits on the derived brightness temperatures exceed the inverse Compton limit by three to six orders of magnitude. From our results, plus comparison with data obtained by the University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, we conclude that we have not detected source-intrinsic variability which would have to occur at sub-per cent levels.

The longhorn beetle (Coleoptera: Cucujiformia: Chrysomeloidea: Cerambycidae) is one of the major family of coleoptera which contains more than 30,000 species worldwide. Because of their species-diversity, morphological attraction and ecological status, the family has received a massive global attention. However, in Korea, no thorough study on this family has been conducted within last twenty eight years. Here we update the latest knowledge of Korean longhorn beetle fauna. First, we give an historical overview of the longhorn beetle studies in Korea and correct some common species misidentifications. Then we provide the information of updated cerambycidae fauna with 4 new species and 9 species newly reported to Korea. Lastly, we discuss the importance of studying immature stage of cerambycidae and provide brief morphological, ecological information of two recently described species.

As basic research to develop HEV and EV agricultural field machinery, the present study analyzes the technical trend of electric agricultural field machinery through product analysis, paper analysis, and patent analysis concerning HEV and EV in the automobile, construction machinery, and agricultural machinery sectors. For product analysis, the homepages of companies in these sectors were consulted to analyze the number of products of each company. For paper analysis, key words related to HEV and EV were selected, a search formula was drawn up, and articles search sites were consulted. And for patent analysis too, key words were selected and then a search formula was drawn up to examine published patent applications or registered patent applications, and trends were analyzed by structure, country, and year. The number of HEV and EV products were 17 in the automobile area, 8 in construction machinery, and 4 in agricultural machinery. Notably, in the agricultural machinery area, all HEV and EV products were from advanced companies overseas. In terms of papers, papers published in the past 5 years were searched and 33,195 papers were from the automobile area, 3,806 were from construction machinery, and 2,687, the fewest papers, were from the agricultural machinery area. A search of patents in the electric drive technology area in Korea, USA, and Japan, and Europe showed 1,927 valid patents, with 1,120 in Japan, 497 in USA, 193 in Korea, and 117 in Europe. Analysis of the trend of research on electric agricultural field machinery by product, paper, and patent shows the development of HEV and EV technology in Korea is insufficient compared to USA, Japan, and Europe, which means rapid technological development is needed.

Leptotrombidium pallidum is the major vector mite for Orientia tsutsugamushi, the causative agent of scrub typhus, in Asian countries, including Korea. The genome size of L. pallidum was previously estimated to be 191 ± 7 Mb (Kim et al., 2014). Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from a single female from a 9-generation inbred L. pallidum colony and used for whole genome amplification (WGA). The resulting amplified gDNA was used for the construction of paired-end and mate-pair libraries and sequenced using Illumina platforms (HiSeq2000 and MiSeq). An unamplified gDNA sample extracted from 20 female mites was also used for sequencing in parallel. More than 45Gb sequence reads from both paired-end and mate-pair libraries of the WGA gDNA were trimmed and then de novo assembled using the CLC Asembly Cell v.4.0 for contig assembly and SSPACE for scaffolding. The assembly generated approximately 6,545 scaffolds with N50 value of 92,945 and total size of ~193Mb, which was in a good agreement with our previous estimation. Repeat analysis showed that about 30% of genome (~58Mb) was masked as repeats, most of which were unclassified novel elements. For gene predictions, generated were the PASA models based on genomic alignments of RNA-seq reads from 4 different chigger mite samples (i.e. male, female, larva, and protonymph) and the GeneWise models based on genomic alignments of protein sequences from 4 closely related species with chigger mite. Independently, ab initio gene predictions were performed with AUGUSTUS and FgeneSH with custom trained matrices optimized for L. pallidum and GENEID with pre-trained matrix for Acyrthopsiphon pisum. By combining all together, 15,842 genes were predicted finally. Manual curation is in progress for various groups of genes, including chemosensory receptor genes, immune-related genes, acaricide target genes, etc.