• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.993-997
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• 2011

The aims of this research were to determine the proximate composition of various salts and to compare two digestion methods (direct digestion without heating, and microwave digestion) for the determination of the main mineral contents of various salts. Twelve salt samples were divided into three groups of four samples each (imported, Korean gray, and Korean white salts). As a result, the NaCl contents of the Korean white, Korean gray, and imported salts were 85.1, 89.3, and 91.3%, respectively. The salts in the three groups were analyzed for their main mineral contents via AAS. The sodium (Na) content of the Korean white salt was found to be slightly lower than that of the imported salt while the magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) contents of the Korean white salt were found to be higher than those of the imported salt. The mineral composition (% Na:Mg) obtained using microwave-assisted digestion procedures, and the other dissolutions for the subsequent sample analysis, were 89:1 (for both the imported and Korean gray salts) and 82:3 vs. 81:3 (Korean white salt), respectively. The data regarding the mineral contents and composition of the sun-dried salts obtained through the analysis method of wet digestion and the dissolution procedure were compared, and no significant difference was found between the two datasets. Consequently, in this paper, a direct dissolution procedure is suggested for the analysis of the mineral composition of salt.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.951-956
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• 2012

In this study, the effects of the use of a starter on radish soaked at $4^{\circ}C$ for 28 days using two kinds of domestic sun-dried salt (white and gray salt) were determined. As a result, the moisture contents of the radish soaked with white and gray salt were 7.93 and 4.50%, respectively. The salinity levels were found to be equal (90%). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the mineral contents of the salts therein ($37812.41{\pm}1922.95$ and $39755.13{\pm}1205.70$ mg/100 g, respectively). However, iron and zinc contents of gray salt were higher than those of white salt while the calcium, potassium, and magnesium contents were lower than those of white salt. After the addition of the starter, the sugar content increased, the pH decreased, and the total acidity rapidly decreased compared with the non-starter group during fermentation. The total microorganism count of the two groups increased during the fermentation period of 28 days. From the initial fermentation for 7 days, the lactic acid bacteria in the non-starter group increased while those in the leuconostoc starter group steadily increased within the whole fermentation period. The Leuconostoc spp. in non-starter group increased, but that in the starter group decreased to pH 4.0 on day 14.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.733-740
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• 2010

Brown rice vinegars were prepared by agitated or static acetic acid fermentation using different yeast strains (Saccharomyces kluyveri DJ97, Saccharomyces cerevisiae JK99, Saccharomyces cerevisiae GRJ, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae H9). Organic acid contents and levels of volatile compounds were compared in vinegars prepared by different methods. The chosen yeast strain did not significantly affect the organic acid content of vinegar. In vinegars prepared by agitated acetic acid fermentation, organic acid contents were, in the order of descending abundance, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and tartaric acid. In vinegars prepared by static acetic acid fermentation, no citric acid was detected, and lactic acid content was higher than that in agitated acetic acid fermented vinegar. The volatile compounds of both vinegars, analyzed by GC-MS, did not significantly differ when various yeast strains were used. Eighteen volatile compounds were detected in vinegar prepared by agitated acetic acid fermentation and 11 in vinegar prepared by static fermentation. Volatile compounds that can affect vinegar quality, including ethyl acetate and phenethyl acetate, were present at high concentrations in static acetic acid fermented vinegar. Electronic nose analysis showed that volatile chemical patterns differed between the two types of vinegar, but there were no significant differences in sensory scores between vinegars prepared using various yeast strains or by either of the two methods of fermentation.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.741-751
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• 2010

We evaluated the nutritional value of a Monascus pilosus mycelial ethanolic extract (MEM) and culture filtrate (CFM) by determining the contents of monacolin K and citrinin, and by measuring antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The yields of freeze-dried MEM and CFM powder were 4.02% and 3.35% of wet weight, respectively. Pigment content ($OD_{500}$ value) of MEM (0.79) and CFM (0.63) were lower than those of commercial rice beni-koji ethanolic extracts (EERB) (0.87), but were in good agreement with the L*, a*, and b* values and the hue angles of the products. The total monacolin K content of MEM (24.91 mg%) was higher than those of CFM (1.27 mg%) and EERB (14.65 mg%). However, the active monacolin K content of EERB (5.48 mg%) was higher than those of MEM (3.35 mg%) and CFM (0.4 mg%). Citrinin was not detected in any sample. The total polyphenol content of MEM (4.68%, w/w) was similar to that of CFM (4.29%, w/w), thus 13.75.20.94% higher than that of EERB. The total flavonoid content of EERB was 6.8.7.0-fold higher than those of MEM (0.64%, w/w) and CFM (0.66%, w/w). The total antioxidant capacity of CFM (3.51%, w/w) was 1.62.2.08-fold higher than those of MEM (2.74%, w/w) and EERB (1.69%, w/w). The electron-donating capacities of 1% (w/v) solutions of CFM, MEM, BHT, and EERB were 86.20%, 77.25%, 77.25%, and 44.82%, respectively, and the corresponding reducing powers ($OD_{700}$ values) were 2.1, 2.4, 1.1, and 1.6, respectively. SOD(superoxide dismutase)-like activities were in the order MEM (39.85%) > BHT (37.68%) > EERB (26.70%) > CFM (21.5%). Although the TBARS (% value) of MEM was a little lower than that of BHT, it was higher than those of CFM and EERB. The antibacterial activities of CFM acting on Bacillus brevis and Escherichia coli were somewhat higher than those of MEM, whereas the activities of MEM on Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Salmonella enteritidis were higher than those of CFM. However, the antibacterial activities of MEM and CFM were less than those of EERB and BHT. In conclusion, although further studies are needed, we offer experimental evidence that the by-products of M. pilosus MEM and CFM contain significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that may be useful in the development of healthy foods.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.688-697
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• 2010

We investigated the cholesterol-lowering and body-weight loss effects of Cheonggukjang fermented using Bacillus subtilis DJI in rats fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. Weight-matched male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of four groups: a normal diet group (N), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet group (HFC), a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet with DJI Cheonggukjang group (HFC-SCK), and a high-fat/high-cholesterol with commercial Cheonggukjang group (HFC-CCK). All of body weight and liver and adipose tissue weights increased in animals fed a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, but decreased significantly in rats fed Cheonggukjang powder, compared with the HFC group. Food intake was lower in the HFC group than in the N group, and that of the HFC-CCK group was the lowest among the four groups. Serum total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the Cheonggukjang-powder fed groups than the other groups. Serum phospholipid and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased in HFC animals and were markedly increased upon feeding of a Cheonggukjang-containing-diet. Levels of serum LDL-cholesterol, the atherogenic index, and cardiac risk factor assessment indications tended to be decreased in Cheonggukjang powder-fed groups, compared with the HFC group. The total cholesterol level in liver tissue was increased by feeding of a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, and was significantly reduced when Cheonggukjang powder was present in the diet. The levels of total lipids and triglycerides in adipose tissues were lower in the HFC-SCK group than in the HFC group, whereas no significant differences were evidence when the HFC and the HFC-CCK groups were compared. Fecal weight, moisture level, and total lipid content increased in animals fed Cheonggukjang powder. The activities of HR-LPL and TE-LPL in adipose tissues were increased in the HFC group compared with the Cheonggukjang powder-fed groups. These results indicate that dietary Cheonggukjang may improve lipid metabolism and prevent obesity and hyperlipidemia.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.157-164
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• 2010

Rosa rugosa has been used as a folk medicine with various pharmacological properties for a long time in Asia. We investigated effects of fructus extracts of Rosa rugosa (RRF) and semen extracts of this herb (RRS) on bone forming cells (osteoblastic and pre-osteoclastic cells) to evaluate the pharmacological possibilities in a variety of bone-related disease. RRF showed significant effect on proliferation of osteoblastic cells in dose-dependent manners at 72 hrs and $100\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of RRS was effective at 48 and 72 hrs. RRF and RRS did not decreased production of TNF-$\alpha$ but NO by pre-osteoclastic cells under inflammation circumstance indeced by LPS. We also investigated the effects of RRF and RRS on the mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation in the old and young mice in ex vivo systems. RRF and RRS significantly enhanced proliferative effects of untreated and ConA-treated splenocytes from the old and young mice. But, RRS at $500\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ increased LPS-induced TNF-$\alpha$ production in pre-osteoclastic cells and reduced LPS-stimulated lymphoblastogenesis in the old and young at $1000\;{\mu}g/m{\ell}$. These results indicate that RRF has beneficial effects on osteoarthritis and give further possibilities for the immunomodulating effects not only in old that has more frequent bone related diseases but also in young.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.378-383
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• 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the optimum cultivation distance for high yielding cultivation of the new variety of Gomchwi in highland and lowland. The test material was used 'Sammany' variety and the area was cultivated with a highland of 750 m above sea level and a lowland of 20 m above sea level. The planting distance was 5 treatments of $20{\times}20cm$, $20{\times}30cm$, $30{\times}30cm$, $35{\times}40cm$ and $40{\times}40cm$, and the plant was cultivated at 35% shading net in the open field. The annual growth of 'Sammany' variety was higher in the highland than in the lowland, but the number of leaves was higher in the lowland than that in the highland. The leaf number per plant was the highest in the $40{\times}40cm$ plot and the more the planting distance was, the more tendency was. However, the leaf weight per plant was higher in the highland than in the lowland. The number of leaves per 10a were higher in the lowland than that of highland and the tendency was more as the planting distance was narrower. Yields were slightly higher in the highland than that of lowland and the highest treatment plot was 2,983 kg/10a in $20{\times}20cm$. In the second year, the growth was high in the highland, and the highland was high in the leaf number and leaf weight and the same tendency in the yields. Among the planting distances, Yields in both areas were the highest in the $20{\times}20cm$ treatment, with 3,369 kg/10a in lowland and 7,257 kg/10a in highland. The growth of the third year was slightly better in the highland than that of the lowland but the difference was not significant. However, the number of leaves and leaf weight per plant were higher in the lowland than that of highland. And, in terms of leaf number and yield per 10a, it was also higher in the lowland than that in the highland. The narrower the planting distance was increased yields, and the highest yield was 6,051 kg/10a in $20{\times}20cm$. The lowland was high in yield until the third year, but the highland was the highest in the second year and decreased slightly in the third year. The narrower the planting distance in the both areas, the higher the yield, and the leaf size tended to be small.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.303-311
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• 2018

In this study, a preliminary evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the Ficus erecta var. sieboldii (Miq.) King (FES) leaf extract has been performed to assess its potential as a natural resource for food and medicinal materials. FES was extracted using 70% EtOH and then fractionated sequentially using n-hexane, $CH_2Cl_2$, EtOAc, and n-BuOH. To screen for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents effectively, the inhibitory effect of the FES extracts on the production of oxidant stresses (DPPH, xanthine oxidase, and superoxide) and pro-inflammatory factors (NO, iNOS, COX-2, $PGE_2$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$) in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was examined. Among the sequential solvent fractions of FES, the $CH_2Cl_2$ and EtOAc fractions showed decreased production of oxidant stresses (DPPH, xanthine oxidase and superoxide), and the hexane and $CH_2Cl_2$ fractions of FES inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory factors (NO, iNOS, COX-2, and $PGE_2$). The $CH_2Cl_2$ fraction also inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines ($TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and $IL-1{\beta}$). These results suggest that FES has a significant effects on the production of oxidant stresses and pro-inflammatory factors and may be used a natural resource for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2009

Alkalinity and total carbon contents were measured by acid neutralizing titration (ANT), back titration (BT), gravitational weighing (GW), non-dispersive infrared-total carbon (NDIR-TC) methods for assessing precision and accuracy of alkalinity and total carbon concentration in $CO_2$-rich water. Artificial $CO_2$-rich water(ACW: pH 6.3, alkalinity 68.8 meq/L, $HCO_3^-$ 2,235 mg/L) was used for comparing the measurements. When alkalinity measured in 0 hr, percent errors of all measurement were 0~12% and coefficient of variation were less than 4%. As the result of post-hoc analysis after repeated measure analysis of variance (RM-AMOVA), the differences between the pair of methods were not significant (within confidence level of 95%), which indicates that the alkalinity measured by any method could be accurate and precise when it measured just in time of sampling. In addition, alkalinity measured by ANT and NDIR-TC were not change after 24 and 48 hours open to atmosphere, which can be explained by conservative nature of alkalinity although $CO_2$ degas from ACW. On the other hand, alkalinity measured by BT and GW increased after 24 and 48 hours open to atmosphere, which was caused by relatively high concentration of measured total carbon and increasing pH. The comparison between geochemical modeling of $CO_2$ degassing and observed data showed that pH of observed ACW was higher than calculated pH. This can be happen when degassed $CO_2$ does not come out from the solution and/or exist in solution as $CO_{2(g)}$ bubble. In that case, $CO_{2(g)}$ bubble doesn't affect the pH and alkalinity. Thus alkalinity measured by ANT and NDIR-TC could not detect the $CO_2$ bubble although measured alkalinity was similar to the calculated alkalinity. Moreover, total carbon measured by ANT and NDIR-TC could be underestimated. Consequently, it is necessary to compare the alkalinity and total carbon data from various kind of methods and interpret very carefully. This study provide technical information of measurement of dissolve $CO_2$ from $CO_2$-rich water which could be natural analogue of geologic sequestration of $CO_2$.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 2016

Distribution and behavior of baseline soil CO₂ were investigated in a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site in Pohang, with measuring CO₂ concentrations and carbon isotopes in the vadose zone as well as CO₂ fluxes and concentrations through ground surface. This investigation aimed to assess the baseline CO₂ levels and to build the CO₂ monitoring system before injecting CO₂. The gas in the vadose zone was collected using a peristaltic pump from the depth of 60 cm below ground surface, and stored at gas bags. Then the gas components (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄) and δ¹³C_CO2 were analyzed using GC and CRDS (cavity ringdown spectroscopy) respectively in laboratory. CO₂ fluxes and CO₂ concentrations through ground surface were measured using Li-COR in field. In result, the median of the CO₂ concentrations in the vadose zone was about 3,000 ppm, and the δ¹³C_CO2 were in the wide range between −36.9‰ and −10.6‰. The results imply that the fate of CO₂ in the vadose zone was affected by soil property and vegetations. CO₂ in sandy or loamy soils originated from the respiration of microorganisms and the decomposition of C₃ plants. In gravel areas, the CO₂ concentrations decreased while the δ¹³C_CO2 increased because of the mixing with the atmospheric gas. In addition, the relation between O₂ and CO₂, N₂, and the relation between N₂/O₂ and CO₂ implied that the gases in the vadose zone dissolved in the infiltrating precipitation or the soil moisture. The median CO₂ flux through ground surface was 2.9 g/m²/d which is lower than the reported soil CO₂ fluxes in areas with temperate climates. CO₂ fluxes measured in sandy and loamy soil areas were higher (median 5.2 g/m²/d) than those in gravel areas (2.6 g/m²/d). The relationships between CO₂ fluxes and concentrations suggested that the transport of CO₂ from the vadose zone to ground surface was dominated by diffusion in the study area. In gravel areas, the mixing with atmospheric gases was significant. Based on this study result, a soil monitoring procedure has been established for a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site. Also, this study result provides ideas for innovating soil monitoring technologies.