• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2005

In our research to identify gene involved in the cuticle protein, we cloned a novel cuticle protein gene, ApCP15.5, from the Chinese oak silkmoth, Antheraea pernyi, larvae cDNA library. The gene encodes a 149 amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 15.5 kDa and a pI of 9.54. The ApCP15.5 contained a type-specific consensus sequence identifiable in other insect cuticle proteins and the deduced amino acid sequence of the ApCP15.5 cDNA is most homologous to Tenebrio molitor-C1B ($43\%$ protein sequence identity), followed by Locusta migratoria-76 ($42\%$ protein sequence identity). Northern blot and Western blot analyses revealed that the ApCP15.5 showed the epidermis-specific expression. The expression profile of ApCP15.5 indicated that the ApCP15.5 mRNA expression was detected in the early stages after larval ecdysis and larval-pupal metamorphosis, and its expression level was most significant on the first day of larval ecdysis and pupal stage. The ApCP15.5 was expressed as a 15.5 kDa polypeptide in baculovirus-infected insect cells.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2018.10a
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• pp.24-24
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• 2018

Degraded plantation forests are increasing because of unfavorable forestry conditions prevailing in Japan, including falling timber prices, increasing operational costs, and aging and declining forestry workforce. To remedy this situation, appropriate management strategy is required. This study introduces the challenges of Odai Town, Mie Prefecture that employed a new management strategy by evaluating site suitability for conifer forests and that proposes a new forest management regime of planting deciduous trees in unsuitable sites. The site suitability for conifer forests was evaluated from two aspects: the natural site conditions and the relationship among site conditions, growth, and damage by Anaglyptus subfasciatus Pic. in Cryptomeria japonica D. Don and Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. Et Zucc. forests. By analyzing the relationship among site conditions, growth, and insect damage based on field data obtained in plantation forests, growth evaluation and insect damage evaluation maps were developed. Based on the natural forest investigation, natural site condition maps for C. japonica and C. obtusa were established. Furthermore, by integrating these evaluation maps with the forest road maps showing the accessibility to the forest, the forest management regime for the whole plantation area of Odai Town was established. The forest management regime map indicates the sites suitable for forestry: suitable for long-rotation, short-rotation, and potential sites for short-rotation. The sites unsuitable for forestry were considered to be more suitable for broadleaved forests. Clear-cutting was conducted in a small area and different seral stage saplings (approximately 20 deciduous tree species) suitable to the site conditions were planted in an area of $80-120m^2$ protected by deer-fences. This might establish a forest composed of many species with a multilayer vertical forest structure in a short period. The planted saplings were distributed neither randomly nor uniformly to reflect the natural distribution of trees in the forest. A challenge to develop new products using the deciduous trees has started, such as wood chips for preparing smoked food, essential oil, and deodorizer. As these challenges have just begun, their effects on enhancing sustainable resource management are still being monitored. Even with the challenges, this regime can be of high value as a management strategy to remedy the situation of expansion of degraded forests in Japan.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.312-316
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• 2015

Rhizina undulata, the causal agent of Rhizina root rot, is a soil-borne fungus occurring on coniferous trees. The destruction of coastal forests caused by R. undulata infection has been mainly associated with bonfires at camping sites. However, Rhizina root rot was observed in the western coastal forests without fire. It was hypothesized that Rhizina root rot in this area might be closely related to the soil salinity, which can facilitate the growth and survival of R. undulata. So, the variation in sodium chloride (NaCl) resistance among isolates of Rhizina undulata was compared using liquid media containing different concentrations of NaCl ranging from 0 mM to 300 mM. Our results showed that, albeit of no growth at a higher concentration of NaCl (300 mM), most of R. undulata isolates were capable of germinating and grew at up to 100 mM, indicating that NaCl resistance varies among R. undulata isolates. It was further found that isolates from coastal areas seemed to be more tolerant to NaCl than those further away the coast. We demonstrated that R. undulata could be possible to survive in coastal areas, but was lower NaCl tolerance than other fungi.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.91-99
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• 2001

The antennal sensilla of the adult male and female ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Nine types of sensilla were characterized and grouped into 5 morphological classes: $B\ddot{o}hm$, basiconic, chetiform, coeloconlc, and trichoid sensilla. $B\ddot{o}hm$ sensilla were localized on the scape and pedicel, part of the ventral and dorsal proximal side. This placement suggests a role in proportion of antennal position and movement. Basiconic and chetiform sensilla were divided into 3 subtypes by morphology and length differences. Trichoid sensilla are confined to the last 2 flagellum segments on both sexes. Sexual dimorphism of antennal sensilla is limited to the three types of difference. The principal characteristics of this dimorphism are the following: a) The distribution of sensilla was differ from male and female in antennae. b) Males exhibit coeloconic sensilla not present in females; c) Females posses more trichoid sensilla than males. The possible role of specific dilference of the sensilla in intersexual communication is discussed.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.813-830
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• 2020

In this study, the potential of infrared assisted freeze-drying (IRAFD) was tested for the production of shelf-stable edible insects: Protaetia brevitarsis larva (larva of white-spotted flower chafer). The IRAFD system was customized using an infrared lamp, K-type thermocouple, controller, and data acquisition system. The infrared lamp provided the sublimation energy for rapid freeze-drying (FD). The IRAFD conditions were continuous IRAFD-5.0 kW/㎡ and IRAFD-5.0 kW/㎡ at different weight reduction (WR) (10%, 20%, and 30%). The continuous IRAFD reduced the drying time to 247 min compared to the 2,833 min duration of FD (p<0.05). The electrical energy could be reduced by more than 90% through infrared radiation during FD (p<0.05). The Page model resulted in the best prediction among the tested drying kinetic models. In terms of quality, IRAFD showed significantly lower hardness, chewiness, and higher protein levels than hot air drying and FD (p<0.05). IRAFD better preserved the glutamic acid (6.30-7.29 g/100 g) and proline (3.84-5.54 g/100 g). The external product appearance after IRAFD exhibited more air pockets and volume expansion, which might result in a good consumer appeal. In conclusion, this study reports the potential of IRAFD in producing shelf-stable and value-added edible insects.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.615-623
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• 2020

Brassica rapa is one of the most valuable vegetable crops worldwide. Cultivated varieties of B. rapa exhibit diverse developmental and morphological appearances, which includes important vegetables, oilseeds, and fodder crops. In this study, various phenotypes of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of B. rapa were investigated, including their responses to five different pathogenic Botrytis cinerea isolates, responses to aphid and thrips during flowering stages, days to flowering, and plant heights. Responses of 113 RILs to five different B. cinerea isolates showed variations, suggesting that genetic factors controlling resistance or tolerance against each isolate were dependent on isolate/genotype pairs. Correlation analysis was performed to understand the nature of genetic factors and the relationship among these phenotypes. Although high levels of correlation were not detected between phenotypes assessed in this study, statistically significant correlation was detected for several combinations. Significant positive correlations were found for different B. cinerea isolates, supporting that certain levels of commonality could exist in genetic components controlling resistance against different B. cinerea isolates. Based on correlation analysis using numbers of insects counted on plants, it was speculated that genetic factors responsible for aphid tolerance or repellence might be also involved in the response against thrips. Relationship between vegetative growth and tolerance against B. cinereal or insects is rather more complicated. However, it was observed that shorter plants appeared to have a certain level of tolerance or repellence against both aphids and thrips. Data presented in this study could be used to assist further genetic studies and breeding efforts to obtain Botritis and insect resistance for B. rapa.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.536-555
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• 2022

The most abundant Orthoptera in Mexico is a small grasshopper (Sphenarium purpurascens) which is considered a food source with increased nutritional value due to its high protein content. Insect proteins have gained relevance because of their high potential as gelling, texturing, and extender agents in the food industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of substituting meat with a soluble protein extract from grasshopper obtained by alkalisation or alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound, on the techno-functional, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics of cooked meat models (sausages). The soluble protein was extracted in NaHCO₃ pH 8 and a piezoelectric ultrasound 5-mm sonotrode at 20 kHz with 99% amplitude. Different formulations with meat substitution: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were prepared and characterised for their rheological behaviour, emulsion stability, weight loss by cooking, total protein content, colour, and texture. Sensory evaluation was conducted with consumers using a test involving check-all-that-apply and overall liking. The alkalisation-piezoelectric ultrasound method improved the solubility and the techno-functional properties of the soluble grasshopper protein when applied in sausages at maximum levels of 10% meat substitution. The sensory evaluation indicated that the formulation with 5% meat substitution exhibited the same acceptability as the control sample. Given these results, the soluble protein treated with alkalisation and piezoelectric ultrasound could be used as an extender in meat products.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.817-831
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• 2024

In this study, physicochemical and antioxidant properties, and storage stability (1, 3, and 7 days) of pork patties added with edible insect powders (EIP) of four species (Larvae of Tenenbrio molitor, Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, Allomyrina dichotoma, and Gryllus bimaculatus) as meat partial substitutes were investigated. Twenty percent of each EIP was added to pork patties, and four treatments were prepared. On the other hand, two control groups were set, one with 0.1 g of ascorbic acid and the other without anything. Adding EIP decreased water content but increased protein, fat, carbohydrate, and ash contents. In addition, the use of EIP increased the water holding capacity and texture properties as well as decreased the cooking loss. However, the sensory evaluation and storage stability were negatively affected by the addition of EIP. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity had a positive effect on storage stability. It is believed that the addition of EIP resulted in high antioxidants due to the presence of polyphenol compounds in EIP. These results indicate that EIP has great potential to be used as meat partial substitute to improve the quality improvement and antioxidant in pork patties. However, in order to improve storage stability and consumer preference, further research is needed to apply it to patties by reducing the amount of EIP or adding auxiliary ingredients.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.699-709
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• 2024

Oxya chinensis sinuosa (OC) is a well-known edible insect. Several researches on the health benefits of OC consumption have been performed to date; however, their effect on eye health remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the protective effects of OC extracts on the oxidative stress on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Oxidative damage has been identified as one of the key regulatory factors in agerelated macular degeneration. H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, a well-known oxidative stress factor, can cause cell death in retinal pigment epithelia cells. In this study, we found that three OC extracts effectively prevented H₂O₂-induced ROS production and subsequent death of ARPE-19 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the OC extracts inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases including p38, JNK, and ERK. The OC extracts restored IκBα degradation induced by H₂O₂, indicating that OC extracts suppressed the activation of nuclear factorκB. Furthermore, the three OC extracts were shown to have antioxidant effects by upregulating the intracellular expression of key antioxidant proteins such as SOD, NQO, and HO-1. Here we demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of the OC extracts on ARPE-19, indicating their potential role in improving eye health. These results suggest that three OC extracts plays a critical role in oxidative stress-induced cell death protects in ARPE-19 cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Sericultural Science Conference
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• 2003.10a
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• pp.136-137
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• 2003

Fireflies, the luminescent insect, have species specific flash patterns, being recognized as sexual communication. The lucifrrase gene is sole enzyme responsible for bioluminescence. The firefly luciferase gene is widely used as a genetic marker or as a reporter gene in a variety of organism including bacteria, plants and animals. In this study, we illustrate the complete organization of the genomic structure of the luciferase gene from L. lateralis sampled in Boun and Muju, Korea. (omitted)