This study investigated the antidiabetic effect of amaranth grain ethanol extract (AEE) in a diabetic animal model, db/db mouse. The mice were divided into 4 groups: normal control mice (C57BL/6J), diabetic mice (C57BL/6J db/db), diabetic mice fed a lower concentration of AEE (0.3 mg/kg), and diabetic mice fed a higher concentration of AEE (0.5 mg/kg). After 10 weeks of treatment, body weights, blood insulin levels and blood glucose levels of each group were compared. At the end of treatment, the results showed that both AEE supplemented groups had lower body weights than those in the diabetic groups although higher than those in the normal groups. Moreover, in both AEE supplemented groups, serum insulin levels were higher and blood glucose levels were lower than those in the diabetic groups although both values were higher than those in the normal groups. The results of this study suggest that AEE can alleviate many of the common symptoms of diabetes in diabetic mice and, therefore, has potential as a therapeutic supplement for normalization of blood glucose and insulin levels in humans.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the screen size of smart devices on the bending angle of the cervical spine. The subjects of this study were 30 healthy adults(15 men and 15 women) who used smartphones and tablet PC(personal computer). The changes in the bending angle of the upper and lower cervical spine were measured in the subjects after they had used a smartphone and a tablet PC for 300 seconds each. To make sure that all subjects began in the same starting position, an angle-measuring instrument was used to set the angles of the ankle, knee, hip, and arm joints to 90 degree. The subjects were asked to keep the trunk straight. They were asked to hold a smartphone in their hand and to bend their neck so that they could look down at the screen. Once they began using the smartphone in this manner, they were free to change their posture. We used a paired t-test to compare the bending angle of the cervical spine on subjects who used smartphones and tablet PC in the longterm and short-term there production error of cervical and the significance level was cervical. The results showed that, when using a smartphone and a tablet PC for 300 seconds, there was no significant difference in the bending angle of the upper cervical spine(p>.05), although there was a significant difference in the bending angle of the lower cervical spine(p<.05).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Maitland mobilization and Kaltenborn-Evjenth mobilization on the SLR angle. Subjects randomly divided into Kaltenborn-Evjenth group(n=8) and Maitland group(n=7). The mean height, age, body weight was 176.00±5.10 cm, 22.75±1.83 years, 72.63±10.65 kg respectively in Kaltenborn-Evjenth group. The mean height, age, body weight was 175.00±5.60 cm, 22.29 ±3.68 years, 78.00±12.36 kg respectively in Maitland group. Hip joint accessary movements with Grade Ⅲ or IV were applied depend on the patient’s condition to the restricted direction for 1 minute each set, and performed 5 set in a Maitland group. Hip joint anteroposterior gliding with Grade Ⅲ were applied 60 for 1 minutes each set, and performed 5 set in a Kaltenborn-Evjenth group. The angle of first pain was referred to as P1 and subjects were pointed out that they could not bend the knee anymore, then examiner measure SLR angle. The SLR was significantly increased in the Maitland group compared to the Kaltenborn- Evjenth group after intervention(p<.05). In a within group difference, SLR significantly increased in the both groups(p<.05). These results indicated that Maitland mobilization could be recommended the excellent technique to increase the hip flexion in patient with hip hypo-mobility.

Using current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements, the electrical properties of Au and Cu Schottky contacts to n-Ge were comparatively investigated. Lower values of barrier height, ideality factor and series resistance were obtained for the Au contact as compared to the Cu contact. The values of capacitance showed strong dependence on the bias voltage and the frequency. The presence of an inversion layer at the interface might reduce the intercept voltage at the voltage axis, lowering the barrier height for C-V measurements, especially at lower frequencies. In addition, a higher interface state density was observed for the Au contact. The generation of sputter deposition-induced defects might occur more severely for the Au contact; these defects affected both the I-V and C-V characteristics.

Zika virus, mosquito-borne disease, caused by mosquitoes has been increased the importance. From March to September, twice a month from 7 different points (3 residential areas, 3 migratory bird sanctuary and 1 cattle shed) were collected using BG trap and BL trap. After identifying the mosquitoes collected, we confirmed the virus infection. Total 26,531 mosquitoes (6 genus 9 species) were collected, virus has been detected from the 3 species (Aedes vexans, Cuilex tritaeniorhynchus, and Amigeres subalbatus) of mosquitoes of them. It showed the highest peak in August, and then gradually decreased. The most common mosquito species was collected Aedes vexan (16,637) in the cattle shed.

Zika virus has become a problem in the world recently. Zika virus is spread by several different species of Aedes mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus is one of them. The Asian tiger mosquito, Ae. albopictus, is already inhabit the Korea. Therefore, control of this mosquito is very important and urgently needed. Environmental friendly control methods to a change in the recognition of people have been desired. Essential oils and plant extracts may use an alternative method to control the mosquitoes. This study describes about the insecticidal and repellent against Ae. albopictus using plant materials.

β-carotene is present in carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. It suppresses many types of cancers by regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis through a variety of mechanisms. However, the effects of β -carotene on oral cancer cells have not been clearly established. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of β-carotene on cell growth and apoptosis in oral cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that treatment with β-carotene induced inhibition of cell growth, and that the effect was dependent on β-carotene treatment time and concentration in KB cells. Furthermore, treatment with β-carotene induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation in KB cells. β-carotene promoted proteolytic cleavage of procaspase-3, -7, -8 and –9 with associated increases in the concentration of cleaved caspase-3, -7, -8 and –9. In addition, the level of cleaved PARP was increased by β-carotene treatment in KB cells. These results suggest that β-carotene can suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis in KB human oral cancer cells, and that it may have potential usefulness in anti-cancer drug discovery efforts.

Bacterial fruit blotch(BFB) of cucurbits caused by Acidovorax citrulli(Acc) continues to diminish fruit yields. The aim of this study was to address whether two genetically distinct populations of Acc are present in watermelon-growing fields in Korea. For this purpose, we used the enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus polymerase chain reaction(ERIC-PCR) profiling and substrate-utilization profiles. According to the results of ERIC-PCR, group I and II strains showed clearly differentiated PCR-based fingerprinting profiles. Differences between group I and II strains included amplification of unique, group-specific DNA fragments such as the 1.3-, 0.28-, and 0.25-kb fragments in ERIC-PCR. Acc stains belonging to group I did not use L-leucine, whereas group II strains did use the substrate. Our results support the genetic differentiation of Acc strains into two groups and demonstrate that Acc strains from both groups are previously existed in watermelon-growing fields in Korea. Information about the genetic diversity of Acc under the present study will help scientists and managers form strategies to control BFB.

The two spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a global pest, and has developed severe resistance to several types of acaricides. This study compared the development in susceptible (S) and acequinocyl, bifenazate, pyridaben, abamectin and etoxazole-resistant (AcR, BR, PR, AbR and ER) strains of T. urticae by X-ray irradiation. When eggs were irradiated with 100 Gy, the egg hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When nymphs were irradiated with 200 Gy, their hatching was completely inhibited in all strains. When adults were irradiated, the fecundity and egg hatching was decreased at 150 Gy and above, and hatchability of F1 generation was completely inhibited at 300 Gy in all strains. Adult longevity was slightly increase at 150 Gy and above. In addition, we performed quantitative real-time PCR on several genes. To examine the difference of all strains on radiation stress-induced gene expression, we performed quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) of several known stress-induced genes.

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are major pests of a wide range of crops and ornamental plants worldwide, and represented by 56 species in Korea. Occurrence of, or damage by, the longtailed mealybug, Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni-Tozzetti has not been reported since 2002. However, for the first time in many years, P. longispinus was reported at Phalaenopsis orchids by Kim et al in 2015. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the distribution of P. longispinus which is usually found inside a greenhouse or a building where the host plants are. We have collected 129 mealybug samples at 254 sites from Korea. Among these, 27 of P. longispinus and 62 of an unidentified Pseudococcus species were found mainly in ornamental plants such as Heteropanax fragrans, commonly known as happy trees in Korea. Morphological characteristics of the unidentified mealybug were very similar to those of P. longispinus. However, the genetic variability in COI sequence comparison was significantly different between the two species. Further studies are needed to clarify the valid name for this unidentified species, and we are currently working on it.

Although expression of foreign genes in a crop species has been target techniques for powerful protection against insect pests, classical breeding programs using varietal resistance of a crop are still being processed. It is, however, frequently difficult to find key products expressed from resistance-related genes in the variety, and those action mechanism. Here, an unterminated story about seed of a mungbean (Vigna radiata) variety with high resistance against the adzuki bean weevil and the bean bug is introduced. The two insects cannot survive on seeds of the variety, although they well develop on susceptible ones. Molecular markers linked to the resistance were selected through BAC library screening and near isogenic lines, and finally a bruchid resistance gene was suggested after map-based cloning approaches. Starvation and chemicals were suggested for a resistant mechanism and a related factor through feeding and behavior experiments, respectively. The seed flour was extracted with organic solvents, and isolated into several fractions on chromatography. Several peaks on HPLC in a fraction were related with the high mortality of the bean bug. A partial structure in an isolated chemical was observed before full identification.

The larvicidal activities and repellency of Magnolia kobus extract against C. pipiens and Ae. albopictus were examined. M. Kobus methanol extraction showed 100% larvicidal activity both two mosquitoes at 500 ppm after treated 24 h. At a concentration of 50 ppm, the hexane fraction showed 100% and 94% mortality against C. pipiens and Ae. albopictus at 24 h, respectively. Purification of the biologically active constituents from the hexane extraction with larvicidal activity was done using silica gel open column chromatography and HPLC. H2 fraction gave >90% mortality to both mosquitoes at 10 ppm after treated 48 h. H21 fraction was determined 100% larvicidal activity to C. pipiens at 10 ppm. However, very low larvicidal activity was obseved to Ae. albopictus. This is considered a synergistic effect between substances. It also appears that there is a susceptibility difference of substance against mosquito species. H21 fraction was analyzed as the lignan, sesamin (C20H18O6) by GC-MS and NMR. Mosquito repellent and olfactory response was using a patch test.

Ionizing irradiation can be used as an alternative to chemical fumigants for disinfestation of cut flowers, agricultural products, seeds, foods, medical products, and spices. In this study, we investigated the effect of electron beam irradiation on reproduction and development in Spodoptera litura. When irradiated to the adults, there was no difference in fecundity. However, egg hatching was considerably decreased. When irradiated to the pupae, fecundity was decreased as dose increased and wing deformity of newly emerged adults was increased as time passed. When irradiated to the larvae, developmental period and pupa deformity was significantly increased. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism of sterility and abnormal development, we performed quantitative real-time PCR and SDS-PAGE.

In the present study, the general characteristics, job stress, working conditions, and aspects of pain of some industrial workers working in Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, were surveyed. In analyzing the relationship between job stress and the existence of pain, the variables “working speed” and“ opportunities to develop abilities” were shown to have statistically significant relationships with the existence of pain (p≤.05). Regarding the relationship between working conditions and the existence of pain, the variables“ amount of work per hour,“” amount of work per day,“” number of parts handled during work,“” work production per person,” and“ inconvenient postures or motions during work” were shown to have statistically significant relationships with the existence of pain(P≤.05). Regarding aspects of pain“, within 1~3 years” was the most common answer to time of occurrence of symptoms, with a percentage of 27.6%“; appear almost always” was the most common answer to frequency of symptoms, with a percentage of 37.1%;“ slight pain” was the most common answer to degree of pain, with a percentage of 50.5%; and“ moderate” was the most common answer to encumbrance caused by pain to living and work, with a percentage of 41.2%. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors that affect pain due to musculoskeletal diseases in industrial workers and to define the aspects of pain in order to provide basic data for the preparation of measures to prevent musculoskeletal diseases. To control pain due to musculoskeletal diseases, factors that affect pain, as well as the aspects of pain, should be recognized early, and efforts should be made to supplement and improve systems for preventing recurrence.

MicroRNA (miRNA, miR) is essential in regulating cell differentiation either by inhibiting mRNA translation or by inducing its degradation. However, the role of miRNA in odontoblastic cell differentiation is still unclear. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanism of miR-27-mediated regulation of odontoblast differentiation in MDPC-23 mouse odontoblastic cells derived from mouse dental papilla cells. The results of the present study demonstrated that the miR-27 expression increases significantly during MDPC-23 odontoblastic cell differentiation. Furthermore, miR-27 up-regulation promotes the differentiation of MDPC-23 cells and accelerates mineralization without cell proliferation. The over-expression of miR-27 significantly increased the expression levels of Wnt1 mRNA and protein. In addition, the results of target gene prediction revealed that Wnt1 mRNA has an miR-27 binding site in its 3’UTR, and is increased by miR-27. These results suggested that miR-27 promotes MDPC-23 odontoblastic cell differentiation by targeting Wnt1 signaling. Therefore, miR-27 is a critical odontoblastic differentiation molecular target for the development of miRNA based therapeutic agents in dental medicine.

Many forest pests present a problem during wood quarantine. The effectiveness of phosphine (PH3), which is an altered form of MB, was examined in Monochamus saltuaris and M. alternatus. After 24 h, the larvae and the adults of both insects were susceptible to PH3 at 3 mg/L at 20°C. However, the larvae of both pests were rather than dead, seem to have been quiescent condition. PH3 showed increasing insecticidal activity in a time-dependent manner in the larva stage of both pests. We investigated the fumigants at all stages of M. saltuaris and M. alternatus, as well as the synergistic effects of PH3 in controlled atmospheres of 50% and 80% oxygen. The atmospheric oxidation of PH3 fumigation slightly increased the toxicity of the fumigant to larva stages in 125 L container at 4 mg/L. These results indicate that highly concentrated atmospheric oxidation of PH3 could be useful as a fumigant agent against M. saltuaris and M. alternatus.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the causal relationships among factors affecting L2 reading achievement using a structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. A total of 327 Korean EFL high school students completed a questionnaire on L2 reading motivation and strategies. The students’ L2 listening and reading comprehension abilities were measured by scores on the practice test for Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) and self-assessed listening and reading proficiency. The study results showed that the students’ L2 reading efficacy, L2 reading strategy use, and L2 listening skills were significant predictors of their L2 reading achievement, while L2 reading motivation showed no significant relation with reading achievement. The nonsignificant path loading between reading motivation and reading achievement implies that reading motivation alone is not sufficient to promote students’ L2 reading proficiency. The final SEM model indicated a relatively strongest contribution of L2 listening ability over L2 reading efficacy and strategy use to L2 reading achievement. Pedagogical implications based on the findings are discussed.