The silkworm (Bombyx mori), as an industrial insect, possesses a high economic value. Casual discrimination and accumulated genetic information of silkworm varieties are essential ground for the practical utilization and long-term conservation. In this study, nine available microsatellite loci were successfully genotyped from ~50 silkworm strains preserved in Korea. According to genotyping analysis, we obtained 3 ~ 16 alleles per locus, with an average of 7.4, the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.98, and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranging from 0.06 to 0.88, revealing that some loci are highly variable. Among 54 strains 13 strains were casually identified by the presence of 17 strain-specific apomorphic alleles. Furthermore, 30 among remaining strains contained strain-specific allele combinations that are also apomorphic to each strain, allowing us to discriminate each of these from other strains by genotyping of multiple loci. These results collectively suggest that the silkworm microsatellite DNA is actually and potentially important molecular marker for the discrimination of the silkworm strains that are preserved as hundreds in Korea, as more loci are genotyped.

We have determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the yellow-spotted long horned beetle, Psacothea hilaris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an endangered insect species in Korea. The 15,856-bp long P. hilaris mitogenome harbors gene content typical of the animal mitogenome and a gene arrangement identical to the most common type found in insect mitogenomes. As with all other sequenced coleopteran species, the 5-bp long TAGTA motif was also detected in the intergenic space sequence located between tRNASer (UCN) and ND1 of P. hilaris. The 1,190-bp long non-coding A+T-rich region harbors an unusual series of seven identical repeat sequences of 57-bp in length and several stretches of sequences with the potential to form stem-and-loop structures. Furthermore, it contains one tRNAArg-like sequence and one tRNALys-likes equence. Phylogenetic analysis among available coleopteran mitogenomes using the concatenated amino acid sequences of PCGs appear to support the sister group relationship of the suborder Polyphaga to all remaining suborders, including Adephaga, Myxophaga, and Archostemata. Among the two available infraorders in Polyphaga, a monophyletic Cucujiformia was confirmed, with the placement of Cleroidea as the basal lineage for Cucujiformia. On the other hand, the infraorder Elateriformia was not identified as monophyletic, thereby indicating that Scirtoidea and Buprestoidea are the basal lineages for Cucujiformia and the remaining Elateriformia.

Cloned calves derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have been frequently lost by sudden death at 1 to 3 month following healthy birth. To address whether placental anomalies are responsible for the sudden death of cloned calves, we compared protein patterns of 2 placentae derived from SCNT of Korean Native calves died suddenly at two months after birth and those of 2 normal placentae obtained from AI fetuses. Placental proteins were separated using 2-Dimensional gel electrophoresis. Approximately 800 spots were detected in placental 2-D gel stained with coomassie-blue. Then, image analysis of Malanie III (Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics) was performed to detect variations in protein spots between normal and SCNT placentae. In the comparison of normal and SCNT samples, 8 spots were identified to be up-regulated proteins and 24 spots to be down-regulated proteins in SCNT placentae, among which proteins were high mobility group protein HMG1, apolipoprotein A-1 precursor, bactenecin 1, tropomyosin beta chain, H+-transporting ATPase, carbonic anhydrase II, peroxiredoxin 2, tyrosine-rich acidic matrix protein, serum albumin precursor and cathepsin D. These results suggested that the sudden death of cloned calves might be related to abnormal protein expression in placenta.

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.

This study presents a rapid and sequential radiochemical separation method for Pu and Am isotopes in radioactive waste samples from the nuclear power plant with anion exchange resin and TRU resin. After radionuclides were leached from the radioactive waste samples with concentrated HCl and HNO3, the sample was allowed to evaporate to dryness after filtering the leaching solution with 0.45 micron filter. The Pu isotopes were separated in HNO3 medium with anion exchange resin. For leaching solution passed through anion exchange column, the Am isotopes were separated with TRU resin. The purified Pu and Am isotopes were measured by alpha spectrometer, respectively, after micro-precipitation of neodymium. The sequential radiochemical separation of Pu and Am isotopes in radioactive waste samples using anion exchange resin and TRU resin was validated with ICP-MS system.

Background : According to medicinal plant standard culture, flower organ should be removed but there is no detail information on flower organ removal in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. This study was carried out to examine effect of flower organ removal on the increase of roots yield in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. Methods and Results : ○ Experiment variety : Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi. ○ Treatment : ① Flower organ non-cutting ② Flower organ cutting ○ Planting date : April, 2015/ April 25, 2016 ○ Planting distance : 30×20cm/ 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng & Medicinal Plant Research Institute(Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : The fresh rhizome yield of F. O. C. at a bud treatments were increased 21.0% ∼50.0% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. The fresh rhizome yield of F. O. C. at a flower treatments were increased 17.4%∼34.6% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. The fresh weight of above-ground parts of F. O. C. treatments were decreased 77.2%∼65.7% compare to F. O. N. C. treatments. F. O. C.(=Flower organ cutting) / F. O. N. C.(=Flower organ non-cutting).

In the study, we review the resistance to freezing of alkali-activated slag-red mud cement according to the red mud content. The purpose of the paper is improved durability and application for alkali-activated slag-red mud cement.

Background : Jiwhang (Rehmannia glutinosa L.) cultivation area of chungnam province was 62ha(219 farms, 53.9% of domestic cultivation area, M.A.F.R.A. 20142)). Recently, jiwhang is rapidly spread to 150ha ( Geumsan administration statistics, 2015) as taking place of income crop in Chungnam. High quality jiwhang GAP production and improvement of the distribution system including magnus customers, producer association fosterage and conventional market Vitalization were the reason of rapid cultivation area increase of Rehmannia glutinosa L. in Geumsan. This study was performed to set up the standard Rhizome size for planting in Rehmannia glutinosa L. Materials and Methods ○ Experiment variety : Togang ○ Treatment(rhizome length) : ① 1cm ② 2cm ③ 3cm ④ 4cm ⑤ 6cm(control) ○ Planting date : May 6, 2015 ○ Planting distance : 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng and Medicinal Plant Research Institute (Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : In the aboveground growth was no significant difference among treatments. In the root characteristics, there was no significant difference among treatments. Take a 1∼2cm rhizome planting saved rhizome amount and planting time to 73.8%∼64.3% and 68.4%∼ 57.8% respectively than 6cm(control).

Background : Generally, price of Jiwhang(Rehmannia glutinosa L.) is highest in August. In this study, Economic Evaluation and Productivity of 9 Jiwhang varieties w ere analyzed according to harvesting tim es of August and October. Materials and Methods ○ Experiment variety : Jiwhang 1, Korea jiwhang, Daegyung, Gogang, Togang, Dagang, Wongang, Hwanggang and Yeongang ○ Treatment : ①Initial-August harvest ②Mid-August harvest ③Ended-August harvest ④Ended-October harvest ○ Planting date : April 17, 2015 ○ Planting distance : 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng and Medicinal Plant Research Institute (Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : The higher roots yield at August harvest was in Gogang, Dagang and Togang. The lower roots yield at August harvest was in Korea jiwhang and Hwanggang. The higher economic feasibility at August harvest was in Gogang, Togang, Dagang and Wongang. The higher economic feasibility at ended-October harvest was in Gogang, Yeongang, Togang, Dagang and Wongang.

Background : According to medicinal plant standard culture, flower stalk should be removed at the stage of 4-5 main leaves appearance but there is no detail information on stalk removal in jiwhang (Rehmannia glutinosa L.). This study was carried out to examine effect of flower stalk removal on the increase of total yield in Rehmannia glutinosa L. Materials and Methods ○ Experiment variety : Korea jiwhang, Wongang ○ Treatment : ① Peduncle non-cutting ② Peduncle cutting ○ Planting date : April 18, 2015 ○ Planting distance : 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng and Medicinal Plant Research Institute (Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : Aerial part growth was no significant difference according to treatments in Wongang and aerial weight was havier in Peduncle cutting than in Peduncle non-cutting. Aerial part growth was no significant difference according to treatments in Korea jiwhang. The roots yield in Korea jiwhang was increased about 5.2% in Peduncle cutting. The roots yield in Wongang was increased about 24.9% in Peduncle cutting.

Background : Bai Zhu is generally harvested in 1-2 years after seedstock planting. Recently mainly in Guemsan, Bai Zhu is harvested in just 1 year after planting in spring . According to medicinal plant standard culture, Bai Zhu should be directly sown by 20cm distance in April. This study was carried out to find out proper planting date. Materials and Methods ○ Experiment variety : Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.) ○ Treatment : Planting Date ① Late march ② Early april ③ Middle of april(control) ④ Late april Plantind density : ① 30×10cm ② ① 30×20cm ○ Planting type : Direct Seeding ○ Experiment place : Ginseng and Medicinal Plant Research Institute (Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : Number of lateral branches in 30×10cm was more in late march than late April and aerial part growth was superior as planting date was earlier. Emergence rate was higher in middle of April and late April and aerial part weight, fresh root weight, dry root weight rate, and dry root weight were superior as planting date was earlier. Dry weight yield increased as 38.3% in late March compared to middle of April. Dry weight was havier as 36.2% in planting time of late March and early April than planting time of middle of April and late April. Total income was higher in planting time of late March and early April than planting time of middle of April and late April.

Background : Jiwhang (Rehmannia glutinosa L.) cultivation area of Chungnam province was 62ha (219 farms, 53.9% of domestic cultivation area, MAFRA. 20142)**). Recently, jiwhang is rapidly spread to 150ha (Geumsan administration statistics, 2015) as taking place of income crop in Chungnam. High quality jiwhang GAP production and improvement of the distribution system including magnus customers, producer association fosterage and conventional market vitalization were the reason of rapid cultivation area increase of Jiwhang in Geumsan. But low emergence rate caused by spring drought should be solved. This study was carried out to obtain basic data for emergence rate improvement in jiwhang. Materials and Methods ○ Experiment variety : Korea jiwhang ○ Treatment : ①Control ② 1 time irrigation at planting time ③1 time irrigation at planting time + transparent vinyl mulching ○ Planting date : April 30, 2015 ○ Planting distance : 30×15cm ○ Experiment place : Ginseng and Medicinal Plant Research Institute (Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) Conclusion : There was no significant difference in the aboveground growth among treatments. The seedling emergence rate was higher in 1 time irrigation at planting time + transparent vinyl mulching(1ITVM) than control or 1 time irrigation at planting time(1I). Aerial part weight was significantly havier in 11ITVM than control or 1I. The roots yield was also more in 1ITVM than control or 1I. According to economic analysis, total income in 1ITVM compared to 1I and control was 125.1% and 54.0% higher respectively.