• Journal of Environmental Analysis, Health and Toxicology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2018

In this study, inter-laboratory comparison was done using elemental analyzer-isotope ratio mass spectrometers (EA-IRMSs) to determine carbon and nitrogen contents as well as stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions (${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$) of five environmental samples containing lake and marine sediments, higher plant leaves, and fish muscle, and one organic analytical standard (Protein (Casein) Standard OAS). Five national laboratories participated in this comparison study, and each laboratory analyzed all five samples and the analytical standard. Results showed that variations in total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents as well as ${\delta}^{13}C_{TOC}$ and ${\delta}^{15}N_{TN}$ values among the laboratories were large compared to the analytical uncertainties. The results highlighted the inhomogeneity of the test samples and thus, the need to select suitable standard reference materials for future inter-laboratory studies. Further inter-laboratory comparison exercises could promote good measurement practices in the acquisition of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition data.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.300-306
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• 2012

This study reports the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope of mummy, the preserved human time capsule from Joseon Dynasty. The stable isotopic composition of biological tissue is expected to be a direct and constant function of diet because the stable isotope ratios do not decay or change in abundance through time. Over the past three decades, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis has been extensively applied for archaeological topics. However, this is the first case in Korean mummy to extract palaeodietary information using stable isotope analysis. We extracted isotopic information from bone collagen and hair keratin, which reflects the lifetime average diet and short-term diet, respectively. The average values of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values are -19.0‰ and 11.4‰ (bone collagen), and -21.3‰ and 14.3‰ (hair keratin). Stable carbon isotope shows a mainly $C_3$-based diet from cradle to grave. On the other hand, there is significant difference in stable nitrogen isotope which implies a relatively enriched diet before death. We expect this study opens up a potential to understand the palaeodietary lifestyle in Joseon Dynasty.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.387-394
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• 2013

We aim to unveil dietary history recorded in Neolithic human bone from Janghang site at Gadeok Island, Busan. Excavation of Janghang site at Gadeok Island from 2010 to 2011 is an outstanding discovery in Korean Neolithic archaeology. A large number of human bones (48 individuals) were found at Janghang site, which is the largest-scale Neolithic cemetery in Korea. We extracted human bone collagen from 10 individuals and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis were carried out using carbon and nitrogen analyzer connected to a continuous-flow isotope-ratio-monitoring mass-spectrometer. Although bone histological analysis shows poor preservation state, stable isotope results correspond well with bone collagen quality indicator, which implies that bone collagen reflects lifetime signature. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope result indicates highly marinebased diet(${\delta}^{13}$C=$-14.5{\pm}1.3$‰, ${\delta}^{15}$N=$-17.4{\pm}1.7$‰, n=10), however the possible input of terrestrial animal and wild plant cannot be excluded. Our isotopic findings provide an invaluable information on Neolithic subsistence economy in this coastal area. In addition, Janghang site shows specific features in burial methods and burial goods. Two different burial methods of arranging bodies are found with extended burial type and particularly high ratio of flexed burial type. There are also burial goods such as pottery. However, there are no significant isotopic differences according to burial methods and burial goods. Although this is a preliminary study on this site, our research will provide important clues in understanding isotopic dietary history of Korean Neolithic people.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.279-284
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• 2009

In order to understand food sources-metabolism for the pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the stable isotope ratios of carbon (${\delta}^{13}C$) and nitrogen (${\delta}^{15}N$) of its gut, gill, and muscle as well as potential food sources (particulate organic matter, sedimentary organic matter, benthic microalgae, seagrass detritus) were determined in Dongdae Bay. Average ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values reflect that oysters primarily fed on sedimentary organic matter as opposed to suspended organic matter during summer and winter seasons. However, the relatively enriched $^{15}N$ values of particulate organic matter (>$250{\mu}m$) and sedimentary organic matter in the summer may be due to the photosynthetic incorporation of $^{15}N$-enriched nitrogen (DIN) or the spawning events of bivalves. Specific oyster tissues (gut, gill, and muscle) revealed different metabolic pathways, which were determined through analysis of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ in each organ. The present results suggest the determination of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to be a useful approach in ecological research related to the food sources- metabolism of Crassostrea gigas.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.65-78
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• 2017

In this study, stable carbon isotopic analysis (22 specimens) and magnetic susceptibility analysis (23 specimens) were conducted out on the specimens collected from two points (trench DT1, DT2) in the floodplain of Jemincheon(hereinafter the Jemin plain) to reconstruct the Holocene Environments (Period I, Period II, Period III) of the Jemin plain in Gongju, Chungnam. The results were as follows: In Period I (approximately 7,480~4,940 yrs B.P.) and especially around 7,480~7,320 yrs B.P., it was cool-dry and there were two minor climate fluctuations. This period received a continuous flow of sediments, rather than massive amounts of sediments due to abrupt flooding, and therefore, there was almost no soilization process. Period II(approximately 4,940~2,600 yrs B.P.) was also relatively cool-dry. However, in Period II b, unlike I, the minor climate fluctuations were less pronounced. In this period, flooding and desiccation repeated, inducing soilization processes especially around 3,160 yrs B.P. In Stage III (~360 yrs B.P.), it was warm and humid compared to II b. However, in III a, there was no inflow of sediments due to irregular flooding, and in fact, soilization process was more manifested than during II b due to the impact of the desiccation environment. However, there were some mass movements from Bonghwang Mt. (a.s.l. 147m) caused by heavy rains and typhoon during III b (approximately 360 yrs B.P.), thus moving a large amount of debris (i.e. gravel), which resulted in sedimentation.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.38-51
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• 2016

This study reports on human dietary reconstruction of Joseon Dynasty using stable isotope analysis. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were measured of bone collagen extracted from 25 human bones from archaeological site in Myeongam-ri, Asan. Average values of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ are $-19.7{\pm}0.5$‰(n=23) and $9.6{\pm}1.1$‰(n=23), respectively. The isotopic data indicates that Myeongam-ri individuals consumed $C_3$ plants mainly and assumed of dietary resourced from a terrestrial animal protein. Previous isotopic studies of the Joseon era suggested that dietary composition of Joseon population was not influenced by region and burial type. Also comparison of the isotopic results of male and female from double burials showed sex-dependent dietary patterns among individuals living in the same circumstances.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.169-177
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• 1987

The Manjang copper magnetite-fluorite orebodies are imbedded within the limestone beds of the Hwajonri Formation. The ore deposits are characterized by magnetite-fluorite bearing skarn orebody in the west orebody and copper sulfide veins of the central and main orebodies. This study includes fluid inclusion geothermometry, salinity analysis, stable isotope analysis, and application of phase rule to mineral associations in skarn ore. Ore minerals are closely associated with the skarn silicates such as garnet, wollastonite and epidote. Magnetite and fluorite are remarkable in the west orebody whereas chalcopyrite is dominate in the central and main orebodies where pyrite and pyrrhotite also appear as sulfide gangues. Homogenization temperature and salinity of fluid inclusions are measured ranging between $240^{\circ}C$ and $350^{\circ}C$, 6.3~12.9 wt. percent in quartz and $220^{\circ}C$ and $350^{\circ}C$, 8.5~9.9wt. percent in fluorite, respectively. This indicates that the filling temperature and salinity are higher in quartz than in fluorite with the tendency of both to be linearly decreased suggesting an attribution of meteoric water to the mineralization. $T-fo_2$ diagram in the Ca-Fe-Si system at 1 kb and $Xco_2$=0.02 shows that the mineral assemblages with decreasing temperature are andradite-hedenbergite-calcite, hedenbergite-andradite-quartz, magnetite-andradite-quartz, and magnetite-quartz-calcite, indicating that magnetite crystallizes mostly late skarn stage at lower temperature. According to the carbon and oxygen isotopic values of the host limestone and calcite in ores, the sourec of carbon might be mixture of host limestone and deep seated carbons. Sulfur isotope data imply that ore fluids be relatively homogeneous in sulfur isotopic composition, mainly derived from igneous source.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.32-48
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• 2018

The mechanisms of $CH_4$ uptake into and release from the ocean are not well understood due mainly to complexity of the biogeochemical cycle and to lack of regional-scale and/or process-scale observations in the marine boundary layers. Without complete understanding of oceanic mechanisms to control the carbon balance and cycles on a various spatial and temporal scales, however, it is difficult to predict future perturbation of oceanic carbon levels and its influence on the global and regional climates. High frequency, high precision continuous measurements for carbon isotopic compositions from dissolved $CH_4$ in the surface ocean and marine atmosphere can provide additional information about the flux pathways and production/consumption processes occurring in the boundary of two large reservoirs. This paper introduces recent advances on optical instruments for real time $CH_4$ isotope analysis to diagnose potential applications for in situ, continuous measurements of carbon isotopic composition of dissolved $CH_4$. Commercially available, three laser absorption spectrometers - quantum cascade laser spectroscopy (QCLAS), off-axis integrated cavity output spectrometer (OA-ICOS), and cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS) are discussed in comparison with the conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Details of functioning and performance of a CRDS isotope instrument for atmospheric ${\delta}^{13}C-CH_4$ are also given, showing its capability to detect localized methane emission sources.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.195-200
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• 2017

Background: The natural ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) stable isotopes can be varied in some specific living organisms owing to various isotopic fractionation processes in nature. Therefore, the analysis of C, N, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng can provide a feasible method for determining ginseng authenticity depending on the cultivation land and type of fertilizer. Methods: C, N, and S stable isotope composition in 6-yr-old ginseng roots (Jagyeongjong variety) was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Results: The type of cultivation land and organic fertilizers affected the C, N, and S stable isotope ratio in ginseng (p < 0.05). The ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$ and ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ values in ginseng roots more significantly discriminated the cultivation land and type of organic fertilizers in ginseng cultivation than the ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$ value. The combination of ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$, ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$, or ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ in ginseng, except the combination ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}-^{34}S_{VCDT}$, showed a better discrimination depending on soil type or fertilizer type. Conclusion: This case study provides preliminary results about the variation of C, N, and S isotope composition in ginseng according to the cultivation soil type and organic fertilizer type. Hence, our findings are potentially applicable to evaluate ginseng authenticity depending on cultivation conditions.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.139-145
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• 2022

Protein glycosylation is a common post-translational modification by non-template-based biosynthesis. In fungal biotechnology, which has great applications in pharmaceuticals and industries, the importance of research on fungal glycoproteins and glycans is accelerating. In particular, the importance of quantitative analysis of fungal glycans is emerging in research on the production of filamentous fungal proteins by genetic modification. Reliable mass spectrometry-based techniques for quantitative glycomics have evolved into chemical, enzymatic, and metabolic stable isotope labeling methods. In this study, we intend to expand quantitative glycomics by metabolic isotope labeling of glycans in Aspergillus niger, a filamentous fungus model, by the MILPIG method. We demonstrate that incubation of filamentous fungi in a culture medium with carbon-13 labeled glucose (1-¹³C₁) efficiently incorporates carbon-13 into N-linked glycans. In addition, for quantitative validation of this method, light and heavy glycans are mixed 1:1 to show the performance of quantitative analysis of various N-linked glycans simultaneously. We have successfully quantified fungal glycans by MILPIG and expect it to be widely applicable to glycan expression levels under various biological conditions in fungi.