Ixodid ticks are notorious as the vector of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in Korea. To confirm the transovarial transmission of SFTSV, we collected blood-fed adult ticks from animals in SFTS case reported area of Jeju island in 2015. A total of 476 ticks were collected from four host animal species, horse (81.3%), dog (9.0%), roe deer (7.1%) and wild boar (2.5%). They were identified as 1 genus and 2 species, Haemaphysalis longicornis (87.8%) and H. flava (12.2%). Among them, 131 adults hatched their eggs successfully. The body weight of females was highly correlated with the number of egg masses laid (P < 0.05). We confirmed that one adult H. flava was infected with SFTSV and its infection rate was 0.77%. The eggs of the SFTSV-infected adults also were infected with SFTSV and its transovarial transmission was confirmed. This result suggests that the parent generation of H. flava could transmit SFTSV transovarially into their F1 progeny and H. flava might be one of major vectors of SFTSV in Korea.

미꾸라지에서의 Nitrofuran계 대사물질인3-amino-2-oxazolidone (AOZ), 5-morpholinomethyl-3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), 1-ammino-hydantoin (AHD)와 semicarbazide (SEM)의 잔류량을 검사하기 위해HPLC-MS/MS를 이용한 신속한 정량법이 개발되었다. 2-nitrobenzaldehyde (2-NBA)를 이용해 50℃에서 1시간 동안 산 가수분해와 유도체화 과정을 거친 뒤에, 액-액 분배로 정제와 추출을 하였다. 회수율은 음성시료에 3가지 농도 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 μg/kg의 표준액을 첨가하여 평가하였고 평균 회수율은 75.1-108.1% 이었다. 정밀성(%RSD)은 일내 8.7% 이하, 일간 8.5% 이하였다. 직선성은 NBAOZ는 0.2-20 μg/Kg, NBAMOZ는 0.8-20 μg/Kg, NBAHD는 0.2-20 μg/Kg, NBSEM 는 0.1-20 μg/Kg 범위에서 모두 상관계수 0.99이상이었다. 검출한계(LOD)는 NBAOZ 0.06 μg/Kg, NBAMOZ 0.24 μg/Kg, NBAHD 0.06 μg/Kg, NBSEM 0.03 μg/Kg이었고, 정량한계(LOQ)는 NBAOZ 0.2 μg/Kg, NBAMOZ 0.8 μg/Kg, NBAHD 0.2 μg/Kg, NBSEM 0.1 μg/Kg 이었다. 가수분해 및 유도체화 소요시간을 1시간으로 줄여 만든 신속 간편한 이 시험법이미꾸라지 중 nitrofuran metabolites잔류량 분석에 적합함을 확인할 수 있었다.

Recently, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cry genes encoding insecticidal Cry proteins have been widely applied for the construction of transgenic crops resistant to insect pests. This study aimed to construct novel mutant cry1Ac genes for genetically modified crops with enhanced insecticidal activities. Using multi-site directed mutagenesis, 34 mutant cry1Ac genes were synthesized and converted at 24 amino acid residues, located on domain I (8 residues) and domain II (16 residues). These mutant genes were expressed as a fusion protein with polyhedrin using the baculovirus expression system. The expressed proteins were occluded into polyhedra and activated stably to 65 kDa by trypsin. Among these, Mut-N04, N06, and N16 showed high levels of insecticidal activites against larvae of Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera exigua, and Ostrinia furnacalis. Mut-N16, which showed the highest insecticidal activity, is expected to be a desirable cry gene for introduction into transgenic crops. This study could provide useful means to construct mutant cry genes with improved insecticidal activities and expanded host spectrum for transgenic crops.

The Chrysomelid species of the genus Xanthogaleruca, X. aenescens Fairmaire, 1878 is reportd for the first time from South Korea. The genus Xanthogaleruca Laboissiére, 1934, within subfamily Galerucinae, contains only nine species, and is distributed Palearctic region (Beenen, 2010), but one adventive species, X. luteola (Müller, 1766), is widespread throughout much of Canada, North Africa and the United States. Also known as the elm leaf beetle, it feed on Ulmus (Ulmaceae). In the present study we report on the genus Xanthogaleruca Laboissiére, 1934 from Korea for the first time, based on X. aenescens Fairmaire, 1878. We provide the habitus photographs, illustrations of diagnostic features and a key to the genus in S. Korea.

An assessment is made of the anti-proliferative activity of cicada slough-derived materials against 10 human cancer cell lines, including PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines, using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results were compared with those of the commercially available anticancer agent with broad spectrum cisplatin. The ethanol extract of Cryptotympana spp. slough was proved to have anti-proliferative activity against A549 lung, AGS stomach, PC-3 and DU145 prostate, Hela cervix, HT-29 colon, MCF-7 breast, and SK-Hep-1 liver cancer cell lines except for Hep-2 larynx and SK-OV-3 ovary cancer cell lines. The biologically active constituent was characterized as the nonprotein α-amino acid theanine [2-amino-4-(ethylcarbamoyl)butyric acid] by spectroscopic analysis, including EI-MS and NMR. Theanine was isolated from the cicada slough as a new cytotoxic principle. Fifty percent inhibition concentration (IC50) values of the constituent against PC-3 was 6.52 μg/mL, respectively. The activity of theanine (IC50,6.52μg/mL) did not differ significantly from that of the anticancer agent cisplatin (IC50,7.39μg/mL) toward PC-3. In conclusion, further studies on the cicada slough-derived materials containing theanine as potential anticancer products or a lead molecule for the prevention or eradication from human prostate cancer.

Lung cancer caused by diverse changes in cells resulted by exposure to carcinogens found in tobacco smoke, the environment, or sequential accumulation of genetic changes to the normal epithelial cells of the lung. An assessment was made of the anti-proliferative activity of constituents from silkworm feces against 11 human cancer cell lines, including A549 and H727 lung cancer cell lines, using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The ethanol extract of silkworm feces was proved to have anti-proliferative activity against all 11 species of human cancer cell lines. The biologically active constituent was characterized as vomifoliol (blumenol A) (1) and stigmasterol (2) by spectroscopic analysis ,including MS and NMR. In conclusion, global efforts to reduce the level of antitcancer agents justify further studies on the silkworm feces-derived materials containing vomifoliol and stigmasterol as potential anticancer products or lead compounds for the prevention or eradication from human lung cancer.

Trombiculid mites are known to be the vector of tsutsugamushi disease by transmitting Orientia tsutsugamushi to human. Although the classification of trombiculid mites is necessary for vector surveillance, their classification by morphological observation is only possible at the larval stage and not easy because of similar shapes as well as tiny body sizes. Further the classification need the specimen production process, it takes much time and the accuracy of classification is changed according to the technology of the researcher. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) regions of 8 trombiculid mite species were analyzed by amplification using tick common ITS primer sets. We designed molecular marker sets for the identification of five Leptotrombidium species, the lengths of marker L. orientale (1078 bp), L. pallidum (820 bp), L. palpale (1202 bp), L. scutellare (447 bp) and for L. zetum (621 bp) and three Neotrombicula species, the lengths of marker N. gardellai (264 bp), N. japonica (460 bp) and N. kwangneungensis (309 bp) based on alignment of ITS sequences. The markers will be helpful for exact classification of trombiculid mites. This study is the first report on molecular marker of ITS regions of trombiculid mites.

Probiotics, enzymes, organic acids, oligosaccharides, antioxidants, and other functional materials are actively being explored as alternatives to antibiotics. Probiotics include live beneficial microorganisms that colonize the intestinal tract and competitively inhibit attachment and growth of harmful microbes. Probiotics also increase feed efficiency by assisting in nutrient absorption and digestion. The current study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of a new probiotic, CS-A, as a dietary supplement of a fermented product on growth performance, feed intake, and feed conversion efficiency in broiler chickens, and to evaluate its value as an alternative for antibiotics used as a feed additive. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of CS-A were investigated in vitro and the in vivo effects of a constant concentration of supplemented CS-A on growth rate and feed efficiency were evaluated. In addition, the safety of CS-A was assessed by examination of common symptoms and mortality. Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration revealed an excellent antibacterial effect of CS-A. Cytotoxicity was low and anti-inflammatory effects were achieved at the effective concentration of CS-A. Supplementation with 0.1% CS-A resulted in a feed efficiency score of 1.84 in broilers, compared to 2.00 in the control group. There were no adverse clinical findings, necropsy findings, hematology, and altered serum biochemistry parameters, and no mortality. Thus, it is concluded that CS-A is safe and effective as a feed additive.

To identify subspecies and stocks of minke whale meats purchased from Korean markets during 2005-2007, we first obtained their complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b and control region sequences, and compared these sequences to the corresponding sequences of the common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), obtained from GenBank. From analyses with partial cytochrome b sequences (383 bp) and non-coding, partial control region sequences (463 bp), Korean mink whale meats are identified as products from the North Pacific minke whale (B. a. scammoni). In addition, the sequences of the partial control region from these meats showed G at site no. 298 and G or A at site no. 463, and the meats appeared to originate from the J stock within this subspecies. Thus, because the J stock has been protected since 1986, implementation of strict regulation measures to reduce their accidental fisheries by catch seems urgent. In addition, B. a. scammoni is distinct from B. a. acutorostrata, with an average Jukes-Cantor distance of 2.21% in the complete control region sequence analysis (935 bp) and 1.31% in the complete cytochrome b gene sequence analysis; the current results support the current subspecies classification, although further sequencing analyses with nuclear genes are necessary.

This study aims to examine the effect of patellar taping common to patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome on the change of knee joint location. The total number of participants is 12 patients with no pain in their knee. There are three different experiments: no-taping, placebo taping, and patellar taping. After application, they squat on their hams. As a result, both the muscle activity of vastus medialis and that of vastus lateralis increased in placebo taping compared to no-taping, which wasn't statistically significant. However, the muscle activity of vastus medialis and that of vastus lateralis decreased in patellar taping compared to no-taping, which was statistically significant. This suggests that patellar taping causing the lateral attraction of knee joint is more influential to the dynamics of knee joint than skin afferent input in placebo taping. Therefore, patellar taping is effective to change the location of knee joint, affect the muscle activity of quadriceps muscle of thigh, and thus correct the misalignments of the knee joint.

In organic agriculture, various cover-crops have been used to control weeds. In this study, we have investigated the effect of Vicia tetrasperma (L.) Schred. (Eolchigiwandu) which is native to on major insect pests of pepper. Redpepper seedlings at 8 leaves stage were transplanted in 20th May 2009 into experimental field located in the farm of the department of agricultural biology, Suwon, Korea. A cover-crop cultivation plot was compared with a control plot mulched by black plastic-film. Density of aphids and damaged fruits by oriental tobacco budworm, Helicoverpa assulta, were surveyed ten times from 21 days after transplanting (DAT) to 82 DAT. Fifty and forty pepper plants were sampled to count the density of aphids and damaged fruits by oriental tobacco budworm per a plant, respectively. In current study, three aphid species namely, cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae were collected. Overally, the density of aphids on pepper in the control plot was higher than the cover-crop plot. Especially, aphid density increased up to 67.44±26.8 in early stage of control plot, whereas aphid was not found in cover-crop plot. The rate of fruit damage by oriental tobacco budworm was significantly higher in the cover-crop plot than the control plot in early stage of pepper, however damaged fruit rate of pepper in the control plot was significantly higher since the middle of July.

We analyzed a portion of mitochondrial COI gene sequences (658 bp) to investigate the genetic diversity and geographic variation of the swallowtail butterfly, Papilioxuthus L., and the cabbage butterfly, Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). P. xuthus showed a moderate level of sequence divergence (0.91% at maximum) in 15 haplotypes, whereas P. rapae showed a moderate to high level of sequence divergence (1.67% at maximum) in 30 haplotypes, compared with other relevant studies. Analyses of population genetic structure showed that most populations are not genetically differentiated in both species. The distribution pattern of both species appears to be consistent with category IV of the phylogeographic pattern sensu Avise (Avise et al. 1987): a phylogenetic continuity, an absence of regional isolation of mtDNA clones, and extensive distribution of close clones. The observed pattern of genetic diversity and geographic variation of the two butterfly species seems to reflect the abundant habitats, abundant host plants, and flying abilities in connection with the lack of historical biogeographic barriers.

The surface of most coccinellids (particularly the elytra) has characteristic colour patterns, which show great variability within many species. Individuals of a species of ladybird often differ from one another in colour and pattern. In case of Harmonia axyridis, environmental factors, such as temperature or food, can probably influence colour and pattern. However, virtually no work has been carried out in the influence of such factor. Therefore, in this study, according to rearing temperature, photoperiod and diet, variation of elytra color patterns were investigated. First instar larva on each color pattern were reared in an incubator at one of two temperatures; 25 and 30℃, under the following photoperiod; L16: D8, L12: D12 and L8: D16 and were provided three species of aphids. And their color pattern of adults were estimated.

Developmental periods of sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci(Gennaius) Q-biotype, were investigated on three host plants- sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), eggplant(Solanum melongena L.) and oriental melon(Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa MAKINO). Egg and nymph development of B. tabaci were studied within temperature ranging of 15℃-35℃ by 2.5℃ under photoperiod 16:8(L:D). Egg period of B. tabaci was the shortest at 32.5℃ and nymphal period was shortest at 27.5℃ on sweet bell pepper. Nymphal period of B. tabaci on eggplant was the shortest at 27.5℃ as well. On the other hand, nymphal period of B. tabaci was shortest at 30℃ and 32.5℃. Lower temperature threshold and effective degree-day for completing egg development on sweet bell pepper were estimated as 13.11, 91.95, respectively. Lower threshold temperature of nymphal stage on sweet bell pepper, eggplant, oriental melon were estimated as 13.01, 13.39, 12.31,respectively. Degree-days required to complete nymphal stage on sweet bell pepper, eggplant, oriental melon were estimated as 191.22, 164.41, 190.34, respectively. The relationships between development rates of egg and nymph were well described by poikilothermal rate function and weibull function. The fitted curves will be used as input for a simulation model of the population dynamics of B. tabaci.

중저준위 방사성폐기물 천층처분시설의 처분덮개설계 및 성능평가를 위해 국내 역사시대 고분연구를 수행하였다. 처분덮개 성능과 관련된 국내외 연구현황을 조사하고 삼국시대 고분을 중심으로 봉분의 층상특성을 정리하였다. 국내 고분에 대한 봉토의 시료채취와 시료에 대한 수리전도도 측정 및 분석을 실시하였다. 고분에 대한 자연유사 연구에서 발굴조사보고서 상에 제시된 봉토의 유사판축기법의 적용, 모세관 방벽현상과 배수로를 이용한 봉분 내 습도조절 여부를 천층처분 시설설계에 활용할 수 있을 것으로 판단된다. 향후 국내 고분발굴현장이 있을 때 현장을 방문하여 필요한 자료수집과 더불어 원자력분야의 관심사와 필요사항에 대하여 국내 고고학계와의 정보교환이 이루어져야 할 것으로 판단된다.