• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), a wasp species, has attacked honey bee populations and affected the beekeeping industry in Korea over the past 15 years. However, little research has been done with this invasive species. In this study, we investigated the intestine bacterial microbiota of Asian hornets and honey bees to design an attractive trap for Asian hornets. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genomic DNAs isolated from the intestine microorganisms of Asian hornets and honey bees were utilized to amplify bacterial 16S rDNA for the comparative sequence analysis. The next generation sequencing analysis identified that the orders Flavobacteriales as the most abundant intestinal microorganisms in Asian hornets, showing a clear difference compared to honey bees in which Aeromonadales are dominant. We also report five newly identified 16S rDNA sequences of Asian hornet intestinal bacteria. According to the sequence blast search, these five bacteria belong to the genera Thalassomonas, Caedobacter, Vampirovibrio, Alkaliphilus and Calothrix. CONCLUSION: While Asian hornets and honey bees show similar intestine bacterial diversity, the relative ratio of bacterial populations is different. providing useful information to design pest control agents specifically targeting Asian hornets.

• Proceedings of the Korean Biophysical Society Conference
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• 1999.06a
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• pp.33-33
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• 1999

Mastoparan B (MP-B), an antimicrobial cationic tetradecapeptide amide isolated from the venom of the hornet Vespa basalis, is an amphiphilic ${\alpha}$-helical peptide. In order to study the relationship between the structure and biological activity, we used the three analogues by replacing amino acids with alanine (4LysAla： 4MP-B, 12-LYsAla: 12MP-B, 9TrpAla: 9Mp-B).(omitted)

• Archives of Pharmacal Research
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 1997

This research was performed to screen the cytotoxic activities of some pharmaceutical insect relatives. Cytotoxic activities of total extract and fractions of hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, water and boiling water were extracted from four pharmaceutical insect relatives: the Chinese gall, the cicada slough, the hornet nest and the batryticated silkworm. These extracts were investigated against the cancer cell lines of L1210, P388 and SNU-1 in vitro tests. Results showed that, ED, , against the cancer cell lines of L1210, P388 and SNU-1 were 0.55, 0.50, and $0.83{\mu}g/ml$ in the ethyl acetate fraction from the Chinese gall; 1.07, 2.19, and $2.24{\mu}g/ml$in the ethyl acetate fraction, 1.51, 1.26, and $1.45{\mu}g/ml$ in the water fraction and 1.48, 2.29, and $1.29{\mu}g/ml$in the boiling water fraction from the cicada slough; 3.31, 2.00, and $6.61\mug/ml$ in the water fraction from the hornet nest and 13.80, 19.95, and $31.62{\mu}g/ml$in the hexane fraction and 33.88, 21.88, and $25.12{\mu}g/ml$in the ethyl acetate fraction from the batryticated silkworm, respectively. All of the fractions mentioned above showed high cytotoxic activities and could be suggested for further studies in vivo tests.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.77-80
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• 2003

The interaction of mastoparan B, a cationic tetradecapeptide amide isolated from the hornet Vespa basalis, with phospholipid bilayers was studied with synthetic mastoparan B and its analogue with Ala instead of hydrophobic 12th amino acid residue in mastoparan B. MP-B and its derivative, [12-Ala]MP-B were synthesized by the solid-phase peptide synthesis method. MP-B and its analogue, [12-Ala]MP-B adopted an unordered structure in buffer solution. In the presence of neutral and acidic liposomes, the peptides took an $\alpha$-helical structure. The two peptides interacted with neutral and acidic lipid bilayers. These results indicated that the hydrophobic face in the amphipathic $\alpha$-helix of MP-B critically affected the biological activity and helical content.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 1997

The mode of action of mastoparan B, an antimicrobial cationic tetradecapeptide amide isolated from the hornet Vespa basalis, toward phospholipid bilayers was studied with synthetic mastoparan B and its analogs with individual Ala instead of hydrophobic amino acids (1-Ile, 3-Leu, 6-Leu, 7-Val, 9-Trp, 13-Val, 14-Leu) in mastoparan B. Mastoparan B and its analogs were synthesized by the solid-phase method. Circular dichroism spectra showed that mastoparan B and its analogs adopted an unordered structure in buffer solution. In the presence of neutral and acidic liposomes, most of the peptides took an α-helical structure. The calcein leakage experiment indicated that mastoparan B interacted strongly with neutral and acidic lipid bilayers than its analogs. Mastoparan B also showed a more or less highly antimicrobial activity and hemolytic activity for human erythrocytes than its analogs. These results indicate that the hydrophobic face in the amphipathic α-helix of mastoparan B critically affect biological activity and helical contents.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.18 no.9
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• pp.933-938
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• 1997

The interaction of mastoparan B, a tetradecapeptide toxin found in the hornet Vespa basalis, with phospholipid bilayers was investigated. Synthetic mastoparan B and its analogs, obtained by substituting one hydrophilic amino acid (2-Lys, 4-Lys, 5-Ser, 8-Ser, 11-Lys, or 12-Lys) in mastoparan B with Ala, were studied. Mastoparan B and its analogs were synthesized by the solid-phase method. As shown by circular dichroism spectra, mastoparan B and its analogs adopted an unordered structure in buffer solution. All peptides took an α-helical structure, and the α-helical content of its analogs increased in the presence of neutral and acidic liposomes as compared to that of mastoparan B. In the calcein leakage experiment, we observed that mastoparan B interacted more weakly with lipid bilayers in neutral and acidic media than its analogs. Mastoparan B also showed slightly lower antimicrobial activity and hemolytic activity towards human erythrocytes than its analogs. These results indicate that the greater hydrophobicity of the amphiphilic α-helix of mastoparan B by replacement with alamine residues results in the increased biological activity and helical content.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.393-396
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• 2022

Recently, rapid climate change has had a significant impact on the ecosystem of honeybees. In addition, the problem of Vespa Hornets invasion of colonies has a fatal impact on the bee ecosystem, independent of climate change. Especially in late summer. This study relates to a method for preventing Vespa Hornets attack. In this study, we developed a Vespa Hornets sound detection device was developed by collecting and analyzing the sound of a Vespa Hornets and applying IoT technology. The developed device detects the sound of a Vespa Hornets when Vespa Hornets appears around the hive of the bees and sends a signal to automatically close the door of the beehive. The device that receives the signal drives the motor that controls the honeycomb door to close the beehive door. The Vespa Hornets sound detection device operates until no Vespa Hornets sound is detected. The system developed by us is expected to be installed in the beehives of actual beekeeping farms to dramatically reduce the damage caused by by Vespa Hornets.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2003

Mastoparan B (MPB), an antimicrobial cationic peptide isolated from the venom of the hornet Vespa basalis, is a basic amphipathic α-helical peptide composed of fourteen amino acid residues. In this study, we have investigated the algicidal effect of MPB against harmful algae blooms (HABs) casative Alexandrium tamarense, Chattonella marina, Cochlodinium polykrikoides and Gymnodinium catenatum. The algicidal effect of MPB showed in the concentration of 31.3 $\mu{g}$/mL to 500 $\mu{g}$/mL against 4 HAB species and observed cell lysis or cell ecdysis by microscopy. MPB reacted more sensitive to C. marina and C. polykrikoides than A. tamarense and G. catenatum. The algicidal study of MPB against HABs will provides much insight into development of new algicidal substances.

• Journal of Apiculture
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.191-198
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• 2017

Vespa hornets are notorious predators of honeybees in Korean beekeeping. Detection of vespa hornet attacking on honeybee colony was tried through analysis of wing beat frequency profiling from Vespa mandarinia. Wing beat profiles of V. mandarinia during active flight and resting were distinctively different. From the wing beat profiling, algorithm of automated detection of vespa attack was encoded, and alert system was developed using Teensy 3.2 and Raspberry pi 3. From the laboratory testing, the prototype system successfully detected vespa wing beats and delivered the vespa attack information to the user wirelessly. Further development of the system could help precision alert system of the vespa attack to apiary.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.146-153
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• 2023

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of social wasp diversity and its impacts on remote Ulleungdo Island, South Korea. A total of 12 wasp traps were placed across the island, and specimens were collected monthly from May to October. Additional collection was conducted by thoroughly inspecting the areas surrounding the traps. The traps yielded a total of 5,068 individuals, representing two genera and two species. A total of 3,961 Vespa simillima simillima Smith individuals (78.2%) were collected, and 1,107 individuals (21.8%) were identified as Vespula flaviceps flaviceps Smith. Additionally, five individuals of Polistes snelleni de Saussure were collected through sweeping, bringing the total to 5,132 individuals of three genera and three species. It is worth noting that our findings indicate potential misidentifications in the species list of Vespidae found in the literature. Emergency services call centers reported the removal of 60 social wasp nests on Ulleungdo Island between 2018 and 2022, with the highest number of reports occurring from July to September, accounting for 87% of all cases. Dodong-ri and Jeodong-ri, with the highest populations, reported the most incidents, although fortunately, there have been no recent injuries. Past incidents involving the destruction of dried squid products by Vespula species have resulted in significant economic losses, underscoring the need for preventative measures. Furthermore, ongoing surveillance of hornet invasions is essential to safeguard the Jangwon bees being reared on Ulleungdo Island.