• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.631-636
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• 2019

A new nitric oxide-induced (NOI) gene was isolated by screening ESTs from a cDNA library of dehydration-treated fibrous roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). The 720 bp cDNA fragment, IbNOI, was sequenced, from which a 77 amino acid residue protein was deduced. A search of the protein BLAST database identified significant similarity to other plant NOI protein sequences. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed diverse expression patterns of IbNOI in various tissues of the intact sweetpotato plant, and in leaves exposed to different stresses. The IbNOI gene was highly expressed in storage roots and suspension-cultured cells. In leaf tissues, IbNOI showed strong expression during sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced NO accumulation and chemical stress treatments. Expression of IbNOI was also induced under various abiotic stress conditions, such as dehydration, salt, and bacterial pathogen infection. These results suggest that IbNOI is involved in plant responses to diverse abiotic stresses and pathogen infection through a NO-related pathway.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.375-383
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• 2020

BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical widely used in polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins. BPA is an endocrine disruptor. Residue of BPA in agricultural environments is a major concern. The objective of this study was to understand the characteristics of the uptake and distribution of BPA and its metabolites introduced into the agricultural environment to crops, and to use it as basic data for further research on reduction of BPA in agricultural products. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study established the analysis method of BPA and its metabolites in soil and crops, and estimated the intake of BPA and its metabolites from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in sandy loam and loam soil, which are representative soils in Korea. The two major metabolites of BPA were 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA). BPA, 4-HAP and 4-HBA have been analyzed by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These substances were detected in sandy loam and loam soil, indicating that certain portions of BPA were converted to 4-HAP and 4-HBA in the soil; however, it was observed that only 4-HBA migrated to lettuce through the roots into crops. CONCLUSION: The uptake residues showed the BPA and 4-HAP were not detected in lettuces grown on sandy loam (SL) and loam (L) soil treatments that were applied with of 10 ng/g, 50 ng/kg and 500 ng/g of BPA. However, the 4-HBA was detected at the level of 7 ng/g and 11 ng/g in the lettuce grown in sandy loam and loam soil that were treated with the 500 ng/g of BPA, respectively, while the 8 ng/g of 4-HBA was measured in the lettuce cultivated in the loam that was treated with 100 ng/g of BPA. This result presents that the BPA persisting in the soil of the pot was absorbed through the lettuce roots and then distributed in the lettuce leaves at the converted form of 4-HBA, what is the oxidative metabolite of BPA.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.519-528
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• 2022

The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, infests the hot pepper cultivated in greenhouses and has been considered to be controlled by a natural enemy, Orius laevigatus. However, sporadic outbreaks of the thrips due to fast population growth occasionally need chemical insecticide treatments. This study was designed to develop an optimal integrated pest management (IPM) by using selective insecticides along with a safe re-introduction technique of the natural enemy after the chemical insecticide treatment. First, chemical insecticides were screened to select the high toxic commercial products against F. occidentalis. Five insecticides containing active components (pyriproxyfen+spinetoram, abamectin, spinosad, acetamiprid, and chlorpyrifos) were selected among 17 commercial products. These five selected insecticides gave different toxic properties to the natural enemy, O. laevigatus. Especially, abamectin and spinetoram gave relatively low toxicity to the natural enemy compared to organophosphate or neonicotinoid. Furthermore, the five selected insecticides were assessed in their residual toxicities against O. laevigatus. Organophosphate and neonicotinoid insecticides showed relatively longer residual toxicity compared to abamectin and spinosads. Indeed, abamectin or spinetoram did not give any significant toxicity to O. laevigatus after 3 days post-treatment. These residual effects were further supported by the assessment of the chemical residue analysis of the insecticides using LC-MS/MS. These results suggest an IPM technology: (1) chemical treatment of abamectin or spinetoram against sporadic outbreaks of F. occidentalis infesting hot pepper and (2) re-introduction of O. laevigatus to the crops after 3 days post-treatment to depress the equilibrium density below an economic injury level.

• Clean Technology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.185-192
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• 2023

This study was conducted to obtain basic process simulation data before conducting pyrolysis experiments for the development of a thermochemical conversion system by recirculation of heat carrier and gases thereby. In this study, polypropylene (PP) was used as a pyrolysis sample material as an alternative to waste plastics, and fluid sand was used as a heat transfer medium in the system. Manganese (Mn) was chosen as the catalyst for the pyrolysis experiment, and the catalyst pyrolysis was performed by impregnating it in the sand. The basic properties of PP were analyzed using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and liquid oil was generated through catalytic pyrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere at 600℃. The carbon number distribution of the generated liquid oil was confirmed by GC/MS analysis. In this study, the effects of the presence and the amount of Mn loading on the yield of liquid oil and the distribution of hydrocarbons in the oil were investigated. When Mn/sand was used, the residue decreased and the oil yield increased compared to pyrolysis using sand alone. In addition, as the Mn loading increased, the ratio of C₆~C₉ range gasoline in the liquid oil gradually increased, and the distribution of diesel and heavy oil with more carbon atoms than C₁₀ in the oil decreased. In conclusion, it was found that using Mn as a catalyst and changing the amount of Mn could increase the yield of liquid oil and increase the gasoline ratio in the product.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.29
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• pp.47-64
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• 2023

Daehye Bogakseonsaseo (Letters of Master Bogak) in the possession of the National Museum of Korea is a Goryeo-era book produced in 1387, which was acquired in 2005 in a state of severe general damage. Subsequently, its production techniques and materials were examined using bibliographical characteristics and scientific analysis, based on which an overall conservation treatment was carried out. Janghwang(mounting) in bibliographical characteristics is a five-hole-stitch binding (五針眼線裝本), a single-lined rectangular box (四周單邊), and no column lines. The conservation treatment was examined in two aspects: the basic form and the conservation treatment process. The book is composed of the outer cover, original cover, end paper, and inner paper of 0.04-0.07mm thick, which is significantly thinner than general book paper. The conservation treatment was applied after the entire book was disassembled, based on the assessment that both the cover and the inner sheets of paper were in a dire condition due to deterioration. The conservation treatment comprised of the process of disassembly, cleaning, reinforcement of defective parts, scanning, and binding, with a paulownia box made for its storage. At the time of disassembly, samples were made for the inner sheets and the book string in order to conduct fiber identification. The fibers were identified using Safranin and C-stains. Safranin staining identified a thick fiber wall, in addition to cross-marking, dislocation, and transparent membranes. C-stain staining identified the fiber as mulberry, given the dark red residue. The book strap has a flat, circular cross-section, and was identified as cotton fiber, since a lumen was observed in the center.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.139-151
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• 2023

Sulfonylurea herbicides are widely used in agriculture because they have a long residual period and high selectivity. An analytical method was developed using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) technique for simultaneous determination of sulfonylurea herbicide residues in agricultural products by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and for establishment MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) of those herbicides in Korea. Extraction was performed using acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid with MgSO₄ (anhydrous magnesium sulfate) and NaCl (sodium chloride) and the extract was cleaned up using MgSO₄ and C₁₈ (octadecyl). The matrix-matched calibration curves were composed of 7 concentration levels from 0.001 to 0.25 mg/kg and their coefficients of determination (R²) exceeded 0.99. The recoveries of three spiking levels (LOQ, 10LOQ, 50LOQ, n=5) were in the range of 71.7-114.9% with relative standard deviations of less than 20.0% for all the five agriculture products. All validation values met criteria of the European Union SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines and Food and Drug Safety Evaluation guidelines. Therefore, the proposed analytical method was accurate, effective, and sensitive for sulfonylurea herbicide residues determination in agricultural commodities.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.128-135
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• 2009

This paper is the monitoring results of some heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury) in herbal medicines and their intake rates. The monitoring of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury was carried out on 600 samples with 60 kinds of herbal medicines. And the transfer ratio of heavy metals in the water-boiled drinks w as calculated. The results show that lead was detected over the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) in 10 samples (7 species). Cadmium was detected over the MRM in 69 samples (19 species). Arsenic was detected over the MRM in 3 samples (3 species). Mercury was detected over the MRM in 13 samples (10 species). We need continuously monitoring to ensure confidence and safety for these herbal medicines. In case of the water-boiled drink, average intake rates of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury are 9.77%, 6.72%, 26.1% and 6.79%, respectively.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.234-242
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• 2014

Imicyafos which is a nematicide for controlling root-knot nematodes has been registered in the Republic of Korea in 2012, and the maximum residue limits of imicyafos are set to watermelon and korean melon as each 0.05 mg/kg. Extremely reliable and sensitive analytical method is required for ensuring food safety on imicyafos residues in agricultural commodities. Imicyafos residues in samples were extracted with acetone, partitioned with hexane and dichloromethane, and then purified with florisil. The purified samples were analyzed by HPLC-UVD and confirmed with LC-MS. Linear range was between 0.1~5 mg/kg with the correlation coefficient ($r^2$) 0.99997. Average recoveries of imicyafos ranged from 77.0 to 115.4% at the spiked levels of 0.02 and 0.05 mg/kg with the relative standard deviations of 2.2~9.6%. Limit of detection and quantification were 0.005 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. An inter-laboratory study was conducted to validate the determination method in depth, and the results were satisfactory. All of the validation results revealed that the developed analytical method in this study is relevant for imicyafos determination in agricultural commodities and will be used as an official analytical method.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.234-240
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• 2014

Fluxapyroxad is classified as carboxamide fungicide that inhibits succinate dehydrogenase in complex II of mitochondrial respiratory chain, which results in inhibition of mycelial growth within the fungus target species. This study was carried out to assure the safety of fluxapyroxad residues in agricultural products by developing an official analytical method. A new, reliable analytical method was developed and validated using High Performance liquid Chromatograph-UV/visible detector (HPLC-UVD) for the determination of fluxapyroxad residues. The fluxapyroxad residues in samples were extracted with acetonitrile, partitioned with dichloromethane, and then purified with silica solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge. Correlation coefficient($R^2$) of fluxapyroxad standard solution was 0.9999. The method was validated using apple, pear, peanut, pepper, hulled rice, potato, and soybean spiked with fluxapyroxad at 0.05 and 0.5 mg/kg. Average recoveries were 80.6~114.0% with relative standard deviation less than 10%, and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. All validation parameters were followed with Codex guideline (CAC/GL 40). LC-MS (Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer) was also applied to confirm the analytical method. Base on these results, this method was found to be appropriate fluxapyroxad residue determination and can be used as the official method of analysis.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 2016

A trial of combining and quantifying the effects of food processing on various pesticides was carried out using a meta-analysis. In this study, weighted mean response ratios and confidence intervals about the reduction of pesticide residue levels in fruits and vegetables treated with various food processing techniques were calculated using a statistical tool of meta-analysis. The weighted mean response ratios for tap water washing, peeling, blanching (boiling) and oven drying were 0.52, 0.14, 0.34 and 0.46, respectively. Among the food processing methods, peeling showed the greatest effect on the reduction of pesticide residues. Pearsons's correlation coefficient (r=0.624) between weighted mean response ratios and octanolwater partition coefficients ($logP_{ow}$) for twelve pesticides processed with tap water washing was confirmed as having a positive correlation in the range of significance level of 0.05 (p=0.03). This means that a pesticide having the higher value of $logP_{ow}$ was observed as showing a higher weighted mean response ratio. These results could be used effectively as a reference data for processing factor in risk assessment and as an information for consumers on how to reduce pesticide residues in agricultural products.