This study was carried out to confirm the predatory and developmental features of N. stenoferus. We determine the host range of N. stenoferus. As a result, it was confirmed that Aphis gssypii, Myzus persicae, Planococcus citri, and Frankliniella occidentalis. N. stenoferus is thought to be able to feed on other micro pests. The test for a developmental period of N. stenoferus at 25℃ showed that the egg period was about 10 days. The nymphal period was about 18 days. Each nymphal period from 1st instar to 3rd instar nymphs was about 3 days. And the nymphal period of 4th and 5th were about 3.5 and 6 days, respectively. The female adult laid eggs in stem tissue or on leaves, and sometimes on the soaked cotton for water supply.

This study was carried out to confirm the parasitic and developmental features of A. japonica and D. suzkii was used as a parasitic natural enemy. A. japonica attacked the D. suzukii larvae and the emergence of adults were observed from D. suzukii pupae. Black spots were observed in parasitized D. suzukii larvae. Mortality of parasitized larvae, rate of parasitic and developmental feature were investigated according to developmental stages of host, D. suzukii. Mortality and rate of parasitic of D. suzukii larvae were the highest when second instar larvae were attacked. Developmental period of parasitized D. suzukii larvae showed differences to developmental stages, but there was no significant difference in developmental stage of pupal period.

The 304 stainless steel powders were prepared by high energy ball milling and subsequently sintered byspark plasma sintering, and the microstructural characteristics and micro-hardness were investigated. The initial size ofthe irregular shaped 304 stainless steel powders was approximately 42 µm. After high energy ball milling at 800 rpmfor 5h, the powders became spherical with a size of approximately 2 µm, and without formation of reaction compounds.From TEM analysis, it was confirmed that the as-milled powders consisted of the aggregates of the nano-sized particles.As the sintering temperature increased from 1073K to 1573K, the relative density and micro-hardness of sintered sampleincreased. The sample sintered at 1573K showed the highest relative density of approximately 95% and a micro-hard-ness of 550 Hv.

SERPINB3 (also known Squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1, SCCA1) is involved in apoptosis, immune response, cell migration and invasiveness of cells. It has been investigated in various types of squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore we investigated the functional role of SERPINB3 gene in human epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) using laying hens, the most relevant animal model. In 136 laying hens, EOC was found in 10 (7.4%). We compared the expression and localization of SERPINB3 using RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, and SERPINB3 activation was detected in chicken and human ovarian cancer cell lines using immunofluorescence microscopy. Thereafter, we examined the prognostic value of SERPINB3 expression in patients with EOC by multivariate linear logistic regression and Cox’ proportional hazard analyses. In present study, SERPINB3 mRNA was induced in cancerous ovaries (p< 0.01), and it was only expressed in the glandular epithelium(GE) of cancerous ovaries of laying hens. SERPINB3 protein was localized predominantly to the nucleus of glandular epithelium in cancerous ovaries of laying hens, and it was abundant in the nucleus of both chicken and human ovarian cancer cell lines. In 109 human patients with EOC, 15 (13.8%), 66 (60.6%) and 28 (25.7%) of those patients showed weak, moderate and strong expression of SERPINB3 protein, respectively. Strong expression of SERPINB3 protein was a prognostic factor for platinum resistance (adjusted OR, 5.94; 95% Confidence Limits, 1.21-29.15). Therefore SERPINB3 may play an important role in ovarian carcinogenesis and be a novel biomarker for predicting platinum resistance and a poor prognosis for survival in patients with EOC. This research was funded by the World Class University (WCU) program (R31-10056), Basic Science Research Program (2010- 0013078) through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and by the Next-Generation BioGreen 21 Program (No.PJ008142), Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

The Trichoderma disease, commonly referred to as green mold, has been previously considered as a problem in mushroom production, because it typically occurred in association with low-quality compost or poor hygiene. We studied growth of Trichoderma spp. (Trichoderma aggressivum, Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma viride) is under the control of environment factors ; 15℃ - 35 ℃ of incubation temperature, pH 3 - pH 11 of medium and 55% - 75% moisture content of rice straw medium. At the temperature of incubation, Trichoderma spp. had the highest growth rate at 25 ℃ and had no growth at 35 ℃. At the pH of medium, Trichoderma spp. had the highest growth rate at pH 5 and had the lowest growth rate at pH 11. In the Moisture content of rice straw medium, Trichoderma spp. had the highest growth at 75% moisture content and had the lowest growth rate at 55% moisture content.

Essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa leaves and water extract from Pseudotsuga menziesii sawdust were examined for antifungal activity against Trichoderma spp. (Trichoderma aggressivum, Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderm harzianum. Trichoderma koningii, Trichoder-ma viride). Generally, essential oil and water extract inhibited the growth of Trichoderma spp. by about 25% and 33%, respectively, at 1000 ppm. Antifungal activity of water extract was slightly higher than essential oil at 1000 ppm. Antifungal activity was increased with increasing concentration of essential oil and water extract. This study was carried out the investigation of the chemical composition of essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa leaves and water extract from Pseudotsuga menziesii sawdust. The essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS and water extract analyzed by GC-MS/HS. Thirty-eight components were identified, of which terpinyl acetate (13.41%), elemol (11.86%) and isobornyl acetate (7.89%) were the main compounds in essential oil. Twenty-four components were identified, of which 2-Isopropoxy-ethylamine (46.45%), Epifluorohydrin (8.62%) and Trans-2,3-Dimethyloxirane (7.78%) were the main compounds in water extract. Based on all results described above, we conclude that the essential oil and water extact may have a potent in vitro antifungal activity against Trichoderma spp.

The techniques of IVM, IVF and IVC of canine oocytes may provide useful information for gamete salvage programs and the conservation of endangered canidae. This investigation has been made to determine the efficiency of in vitro maturation (IVM) as a basic experiment to study the development of canine oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF). The rate of oocytes developing to the MII stage was higher in the hormone treated group (10 IU/ml hCG+eCG, 14.7%, p<0.05) than in the control group (0 IU/ml hCG+eCG, 10.0%). The monospermy and pronuclear rates of canine oocytes were investigated after caffeine treatment on IVF. Canine oocytes were fertilized in the Fert‐TALP medium supplemented with 0, 10, 20 or 30 mM caffeine (Fert I, Fert II, Fert III or Fert IV, respectively). The highest pronuclear formation rate was obtained in the Fert I for 24 h IVF (6.7%, 6/89). Therefore, it is believed that unlike in other mammals, caffeine in canine IVF does not increase the efficiency of fertilization rate, and is not an important factor.

Bt crystal proteins, encoded by cry genes, are a group of insecticidal proteins unique in the Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These cry genes are widely applied as one of the most successful candidates for constructing transgenic crops resistant to pest insects. In our previous report, we found Cry1-5 had high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera larvae although its amino acid sequences showed high similarity (95.6%) to those of Cry1Ac which had low activity. In comparison with Cry1Ac, Cry1-5 had 12 different residues on domain I and II. In order to convert these residues to Cry1-5 randomly, 10 mutagenic primers were designed. Through multi site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the modified cry1Ac gene by plant codon usage in pOBI-Modcry1Ac based on cry1-5 and constructed 63 mutant cry genes. Among them, 10 mutant cry genes on domain II were selected and their recombinant proteins were expressed by baculovirus expression system. From bioassay results to P. xylostella and S. exigua, we found some mutants have high insecticidal activities to be applicable to transgenic crops.

Bt crystal proteins, encoded by cry genes, are a group of insecticidal proteins unique in the Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis. These cry genes are widely applied as one of the most successful candidates for constructing transgenic plants resistant to pest insects. In our previous report, we found Cry1-5 had high insecticidal activity against Spodoptera larvae although its amino acid sequences showed high similarity (97.9%) to those of Cry1Ab which had low activity. In comparison with Cry1Ac, Cry1-5 had 12 different residues in domain Ⅰ and domain Ⅱ, and we focused on domain Ⅰand domain Ⅱ regions and designed 10 mutagenic primers to change 12 residues. Through multi site-directed mutagenesis, we mutated the modified cry1Ac gene by plant codon usage in pOBⅠ-Mod-cry1Ac based on cry1-5 and constructed 63 various mutant cry genes. In the further study, we will express those mutant proteins as a fusion form with polyhedrin using baculovirus expression system and subsequently do bioassay to Spodoptera larvae.

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo. Human ES cells have the capacity to differentiate into various types of cells in the body. Human ES cells are indefinite source of cells for cell therapy in various degenerative disorders including neuronal disorders. Directed differentiation of human ES cells is a prerequisite for their clinical application. The objective of this study is to develop the culture condition for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells. Neural precursor cells were derived from human ES cells in a stepwise culture condition. Neural precursor cells in the form of neural rosette structures developed into neurospheres when cultured in suspension. Suspension culture of neurospheres has been maintained over 4 months. Expressions of nestin, soxl, sox2, pax3 and pax6 transcripts were upregulated during differentiation into neural precursor cells by RT-PCR analysis. In contrast, expression of oct4 was dramatically downregulated in neural precursor cells. Immunocytochemical analyses of neural precursor cells demonstrated expression of nestin and SOX1. When induced to differentiate on an adhesive substrate, neuro-spheres were able to differentiate into three lineages of neural systems, including neurons, astrocytes and oligo-dendrocytes. Transcripts of sox1 and pax6 were downregulated during differentiation of neural precursor cells into neurons. In contrast, expression of map2ab was elevated in the differentiated cells, relative to those in neural precursor cells. Neurons derived from neural precursor cells expressed NCAM, Tuj1, MAP2ab, NeuN and NF200 in immunocytochemical analyses. Presence of astrocytes was confirmed by expression of GFAP immuno-cytochemically. Oligodendrocytes were also observed by positive immuno-reactivities against oligodendrocyte marker O1. Results of this study demonstrate that a stepwise culture condition is developed for the derivation of neural precursor cells from human ES cells.

Background : Recently, there is a urgent demand for development of new varieties with enhanced resistance to various biotic/abiotic stresses. In order to develop ginseng varieties with such traits, systematic breeding program and comprehensive field studies are prerequisite. Methods and Results : ‘Cheonmyeong' seeds were collected in 2008 from the farmer field of Buyeo. Physiological investigation and propagation were conducted from 2009 to 2011. It was given the name 'Eumseong No. 8 through the observed yield trial from 2012 to 2013 and local adaptability was carried out from 2014 to 2015. All phenotypes including agronomic characteristics, seed yield, and physiological response to biotic/abiotic stresses were investigated according to the ginseng GAP and UPOV guidelines. Yellow-red leaf and pink berry at maturing stage were observed. The time of emergence, flowering and berry maturity of the ‘Cheonmyeong’ were faster than those of ‘Chunpoong’. Stem length of ‘Cheonmyeong’ was shorter than that of ‘Chunpoong’, whereas stem diameter was thicker than that of ‘Chunpoong’. Main root length was shorter but main root diameter is thicker than that of ‘Chunpoong’. Number of seeds of ‘Cheonmyeong’ was fewer than that of ‘Chunpoong’ but 1,000-seeds weight and stratification rate were higher than those of ‘Chunpoong’. The yield performance of this variety was 661 kg/10 a in local adaptability test for two years, which is 22% higher than that of ‘Chunpoong’. ‘Cheonmyeong’ showed strong resistance to phytophthora blight, mulberry mealybug and nematode and moderate resistance to alternaria blight. ‘Cheonmyeong’ did almost not occur yellow spot of aerial part and rusty skin of root, show moderate resistance at high temperatures. Conclusion : Our study demonstrated that ‘Cheonmyeong’ is an ideal variety with heavier root weight and enhanced stress resistance and contribute will enhance biotic/abiotic stress resistance and increase the farmers' income.

Background : Water uptake and flow across cellular membranes is a fundamental requirement for plant growth and development, and plant water status is important not only for plant growth under favorable conditions but also for ability of a plant to tolerate adverse environmental conditions. Thus identification of plasma membrane water channel genes (aquaporins) in ginseng provides extensive information for functional studies and the development of markers for salinity stress tolerance. Methods and Results : For salinity treatment, the plants were grown for 4 weeks in culture medium gelled with 0.8% Phytoagar, and the old media were replaced with the fresh medium containing NaCl at 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mM, respectively. The samples for stress treated and non-stressed plants were collected from 6h to 72h, and frozen immediately into liquid nitrogen. According to the sequence information from the assembled transcripts, four primer pairs were designed from the aquaporin gene regions. In order to determine the pattern of aquaporins expression in ginseng seedlings to salinity stress, we conducted semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Conclusion : A tonoplast intrinsic protein 1 (TIP1)-type aquaporin is not only believed to be essential for plant life, but also to be beneficial for growth under salinity stress. Therefore, a deeper understanding of aquaporin genes in ginseng will be essential for crop improvement, which could help us to understand the molecular genetic basis for the ginseng genetic improvement and also provide the functional genetic resources for selective breeding and transgenic research.

Background : This study was carried out to understand the effect of seedling weight (SW) on growth and flowering in Panax ginseng. Methods and Results : The testing materials were Chunpoong (CP), Yunpoong (YP) and Jakyeongjong (JK). The increase of seedling (1yr) weight led to an increase in ratio of flowering plant and in number of flower per plant. The seed setting rate of two year-old plant (CP, YP, JK) increased with increase of SW at the planting time (PT) and number of flower per plant of three year-old plant (CP, YP) increased also. In the two year-old plant (JK), the ratio of three leaves per plant was 8.8, 19.6, 31.0, 42.0, 44.7 and 58.2%, respectively, in the SW of >0.6, 0.6~0.8, 0.8~1.0, 1.02~1.2, 1.2~1.4 and 1.4g<. The growth of ginseng plant was good with increase of SW at the PT. Conclusion : There was a highly positive correlation between seedling weight and flowering characteristics.

Background : Correct identification of Panax species is important to ensure food quality, safety, authenticity and health for consumers. This paper describes a high resolution melting (HRM) analysis based method using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 5.8S ribosomal DNA barcoding regions as target (Bar-HRM) to obtain barcoding information for the major Panax species and to identify the origin of ginseng plant. Methods and Results : A PCR-based approach, Bar-HRM was developed to discriminate among Panax species. In this study, the ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S rDNA genes were targeted for testing, since these have been identified as suitable genes for use in the identification of Panax species. The HRM analysis generated cluster patterns that were specific and sensitive enough to detect small sequence differences among the tested Panax species. Conclusion : The results of this study show that the HRM curve analysis of the ITS regions and 5.8S rDNA sequences is a simple, quick, and reproducible method. It can simultaneously identify three Panax species and screen for variants. Thus, ITS1HRM and 5.8SHRM primer sets can be used to distinguish among Panax species.

Influences of different seeding dates on growth, seed yield, fatty acid composition and oil content were investigated in flax plants for two years. The results indicated that plant height in early seeding date was higher than that of delayed seeding dates during first season. Furthermore, seeding date also significantly affected the ripened seed rate and the rate increased with the delay in seeding date in first season. Seed yield in the first crop season was significantly higher than the second crop season. Palmitic acid showed variation in different seeding dates. Contrarily, stearic acid was stable and did not changed by different seeding dates. Linolenic acid was found in highest amount in all seeding dates consecutively in two cropping years. Highest oil content was recovered from the seeds of flax sown at 29 Apr. and May 9 in first and second cropping year respectively.