• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.323-329
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• 2011

BACKGROUND: The conazoles, difenoconazole, diniconazole, hexaconazole, penconazole and tetraconazole are a large class of synthetic fungicides used extensively for foliage and seed treatments in agricultural crops. The extensive use of conazoles has brought concerns on the potentiality of environmental contamination and toxicity. Thus studies on the development of methods for monitoring the conazoles are required. METHODS AND RESULTS: A modified quick, easy, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was involved in sample preparation. Quadrapole time of flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF MS) in electron spray ionization (ESI) mode was employed to determine conazoles in garlic samples. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of conazoles by Q-TOF-MS ranged from 0.001 to 0.002 mg/L and 0.002 to 0.005 mg/L, respectively. Q-TOF-MS analysis exhibited less than 2.6 ppm error of accurate mass measurements for the detection of conazoles spiked at 0.05 mg/L in garlic matrix. Recovery values of conazoles fortified in garlic samples at 0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/L were between 79.2 and 106.2% with a maximum 11.8% of standard deviation. No detectable conazoles were found in the domestic market samples by using the Q-TOF-MS method. CONCLUSION(s): High degree of confirmation for conazoles by accurate mass measurements demonstrated that Q-TOF-MS analysis combined with a QuEChERS method may be applicable to simultaneous determination of conazoles in garlic samples.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.323-331
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• 2021

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic criteria of T1-weighted imaging (T1W) and time-of-flight (TOF) imaging for detecting intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) of a vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) compared with simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) imaging. Materials and Methods: Eighty-seven patients with VBA atherosclerosis who underwent high resolution MR imaging for evaluation of VBA plaque were reviewed. The presence and location of VBA plaque and IPH on SNAP were determined. The signal intensity (SI) of the VBA plaque on T1W and TOF imaging was manually measured and the SI ratio against adjacent muscles was calculated. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy for detecting VBA IPH. Results: Of 87 patients, 67 had IPH and 20 had no IPH on SNAP. The SI ratio between VBA IPH and temporalis muscle on T1W was significantly higher than that in the no-IPH group (235.9 ± 16.8 vs. 120.0 ± 5.1, P < 0.001). The SI ratio between IPH and temporalis muscle on TOF was also significantly higher than that in the no-IPH group (236.8 ± 13.3 vs. 112.8 ± 7.4, P < 0.001). Diagnostic efficacies of SI ratios on TOF and TIW were excellent (AUC: 0.976 on TOF and 0.964 on T1W; cutoff value: 136.7% for TOF imaging and 135.1% for T1W imaging). Conclusion: Compared with SNAP, cutoff levels of the SI ratio between VBA plaque and temporalis muscle on T1W and TOF imaging for detecting IPH were approximately 1.35 times.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1627-1627
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• 2001

In this study, a newly constructed optical measurement system, whose main components were a parametric tunable laser and a near infrared photoelectric multiplier, was applied to detection of the information for the inside of Satsuma mandarin using time-of-flight near infrared spectroscopy (TOF-NIRS). The combined effects on the time resolved profile of sample diameter, sugar content, the wavelength of the laser beam, and the detection position of transmitted light were investigated in detail. The samples used were Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshu $M^{ARC}$.) (location: Wakayama, Japan) having the diameters of 50-84 mm. The sugar content measured by a refractometer varied from 9.9 to 16.3 Brix%. Equator of sample was irradiated vertically with the pulsed laser, and transmitted output power was measured on the restricted position of the equator using the optical fiber cable. The sampling time and the number of averaging the output power were 100 ns and 100 times, respectively. The variation of the attenuance of peak maxima At, the time delay of peak maxima t and the variation of full width at half maximum w were strongly dependent on the detection position and the wavelength of the laser beam. At, t and w increased gradually as the sample diameter increased to be much absorbed and vigorously scattered. On the other hand, each optical parameter had a tendency to increase as the sugar content increased. Such behavior was remarkable when the transmitted light was detected at the side face of a sample. When we apply TOF-NIRS to detection of the information for the inside of fruit with high moisture content like Satsuma mandarin, it is very important to give attention to the difference in the scattered light within tissues and the semi-straightly propagated light. Furthermore, we tried to express the resulting phenomena by using a model samples composed of water, sucrose, and milk. The variation of the time resolved profile is strongly governed by the combination of the light absorption component, scattering medium, and refractive index.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
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• 2001.06a
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• pp.1626-1626
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• 2001

In this study, a newly constructed optical measurement system, whose main components were a parametric tunable laser and a near infrared photoelectric multiplier, was applied to detection of the information for the inside of Satsuma mandarin using time-of-flight near infrared spectroscopy (TOF-NIRS). The combined effects on the time resolved profile of sample diameter, sugar content, the wavelength of the laser beam, and the detection position of transmitted light were investigated in detail. The samples used were Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshu $M_{ARC}$.) (location: Wakayama, Japan) having the diameters of 50-84 mm. The sugar content measured by a refractometer varied from 9.9 to 16.3 Brix%. Equator of sample was irradiated vertically with the pulsed laser, and transmitted output power was measured on the restricted position of the equator using the optical fiber cable. The sampling time and the number of averaging the output power were 100 ns and 100 times, respectively. The variation of the attenuance of peak maxima At, the time delay of peak maxima $\Delta$t and the variation of full width at half maximum Δw were strongly dependent on the detection position and the wavelength of the laser beam. At, $\Delta$t and $\Delta$w increased gradually as the sample diameter increased to be much absorbed and vigorously scattered. On the other hand, each optical parameter had a tendency to increase as the sugar content increased. Such behavior was remarkable when the transmitted light was detected at the side face of a sample. When we apply TOF-NIRS to detection of the information for the inside of fruit with high moisture content like Satsuma mandarin, it is very important to give attention to the difference in the scattered light within tissues and the semi-straightly propagated light. Furthermore, we tried to express the resulting phenomena by using a model samples composed of water, sucrose, and milk. The variation of the time resolved profile is strongly governed by the combination of the light absorption component, scattering medium, and refractive index.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.483-490
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• 2005

Mass resolution of the time of flight aerosol mass spectrometer for an aerosol component analysis depends on the initial direction and the initial energy of the ions. We have found that the shape of the optimum post focusing electric field is not linear. The maximum electric potential should be applied to the ions whose initial direction is 90 degree. To check on the post focusing effects, we have installed a laser ablation mass spectrometer. By using this LA-MS, we have found that the average energy distribution of the laser ablated ions is 8 eV. To establish the optimum mass resolution, a time delay and a high voltage are needed, and the results of the study show that 1500 nsec, and 3.7 kV are the optimum parameters for our system respectively. The isotope mass signals of copper show a good resolution.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.263-271
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• 2017

The application of mass spectrometry to polymer science has rapidly increased since the development of MALDI-TOF MS. This review summarizes current polymer analysis methods using MALDI-TOF MS, which has been extensively applied to analyze the average molecular weight of biopolymers and synthetic polymers. Polymer sequences have also been analyzed to reveal the structures and composition of monomers. In addition, the analysis of unknown end-groups and the determination of polymer concentrations are very important applications. Hyphenated techniques using MALDI-tandem MS have been used for the analysis of fragmentation patterns and end-groups, and also the combination of SEC and MALDI-TOF MS techniques is recommended for the analysis of complex polymers. Moreover, MALDI-TOF MS has been utilized for the observation of polymer degradation. Ion mobility MS, TOF-SIMS, and MALDI-TOF-imaging are also emerging technologies for polymer characterization because of their ability to automatically fractionate and localize polymer samples. The determination of polymer characteristics and their relation to the material properties is one of the most important demands for polymer scientists; the development of software and instrument for higher molecular mass range (> 100 kD) will increase the applications of MALDI-TOF MS for polymer scientists.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2018

Purpose: To determine the value of the appearance of the high signal intensity halo sign for detecting carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) on maximum intensity projection (MIP) of time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA), based on high signal intensity on magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient-echo (MPRAGE) sequencing. Materials and Methods: A total of 78 carotid arteries in 65 patients with magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo (MPRAGE) positive on carotid plaque MR imaging were included in this study. High-resolution MR imaging was performed on a 3.0-T scanner prior to carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting. Fast spin-echo T1- and T2-weighted axial imaging, TOF, and MPRAGE sequences were obtained. Carotid plaques with high signal intensity on MPRAGE > 200% that of adjacent muscle on at least two consecutive slices were defined as showing IPH. Halo sign of high signal intensity around the carotid artery was found on MIP from TOF MRA. Continuous and categorical variables were compared among groups using the Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact tests. Results: Of these 78 carotid arteries, 53 appeared as a halo sign on the TOF MRA. The total IPH volume of patients with a positive halo sign was significantly higher than that of patients without a halo sign ($75.0{\pm}86.8$ vs. $16.3{\pm}18.2$, P = 0.001). The maximum IPH axial wall area in patients with a positive halo sign was significantly higher than that of patients without a halo sign ($11.3{\pm}9.9$ vs. $3.7{\pm}3.6$, P = 0.000). Conclusion: High signal intensity halo of IPH on MIP of TOF MRA is associated with total volume and maximal axial wall area of IPH.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.246-255
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• 2022

Objective: To determine the usefulness of Silent MR angiography (MRA) for evaluating intracranial aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization. Materials and Methods: Ninety-nine patients (101 aneurysms) treated with stent-assisted coil embolization (Neuroform atlas, 71 cases; Enterprise, 17; LVIS Jr, 9; and Solitaire AB, 4 cases) underwent time-of-flight (TOF) MRA and Silent MRA in the same session using a 3T MRI system within 24 hours of embolization. Two radiologists independently interpreted both MRA images retrospectively and rated the image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. The image quality and diagnostic accuracy of the two modalities in the detection of aneurysm occlusion were further compared based on the stent design and the site of aneurysm. Results: The average image quality scores of the Silent MRA and TOF MRA were 4.38 ± 0.83 and 2.78 ± 1.04, respectively (p < 0.001), with an almost perfect interobserver agreement. Silent MRA had a significantly higher image quality score than TOF MRA at the distal internal carotid artery (n = 57, 4.25 ± 0.91 vs. 3.05 ± 1.16, p < 0.001), middle cerebral artery (n = 21, 4.57 ± 0.75 vs. 2.19 ± 0.68, p < 0.001), anterior cerebral artery (n = 13, 4.54 ± 0.66 vs. 2.46 ± 0.66, p < 0.001), and posterior circulation artery (n = 10, 4.50 ± 0.71 vs. 2.90 ± 0.74, p = 0.013). Silent MRA had superior image quality score to TOF MRA in the stented arteries when using Neuroform atlas (4.66 ± 0.53 vs. 3.21 ± 0.84, p < 0.001), Enterprise (3.29 ± 1.59 vs. 1.59 ± 0.51, p = 0.003), LVIS Jr (4.33 ± 1.89 vs. 1.89 ± 0.78, p = 0.033), and Solitaire AB stents (4.00 ± 2.25 vs. 2.25 ± 0.96, p = 0.356). The interpretation of the status of aneurysm occlusion exhibited significantly higher sensitivity with Silent MRA than with TOF MRA when using the Neuroform Atlas stent (96.4% vs. 14.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and LVIS Jr stent (100% vs. 20%, respectively, p = 0.046). Conclusion: Silent MRA can be useful to evaluate aneurysms treated with stent-assisted coil embolization, regardless of the aneurysm location and type of stent used.

• Journal of the Institute of Electronics Engineers of Korea SP
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2000

As a potential approach for non-destructive testing of concrete structures, we evaluate the time-of-flight (TOF) ultrasound tomography technique In conventional X ray tomography, the reconstructed Image corresponds to the internal attenuation coefficient However, in TOF ultrasound tomography, the reconstructed Image is proportional to the retractive index of the medium Because refractive effects are minimal for X-rays, conventional reconstruction techniques are applied to reconstruct the Image in X-ray tomography However, since ultrasound travels in curved path, due to the spatial variations in the refractive index of the medium, the path must be known to correctly reconstruct the Image. Algorithm for determining the ultrasound path is developed from a Geometrical Optics point view and the image reconstruction algorithm, since the paths are curved It requires the algebraic approach, namely the ART or the SIRT Here, the difference between the computed and the measured TOP data is used as a basis, for the iteration process First the initial image is reconstructed assuming straight paths. It then updates the path based on the recently reconstructed image This process of reconstruction and path determination repeats until convergence The proposed algorithm is evaluated by computer simulations, and in addition is applied to a real concrete structure.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.470-475
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• 2013

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major environmental factor that leads to acute and chronic reactions in the human skin. UV exposure induces wrinkle formation, DNA damage, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Most mechanistic studies of skin physiology and pharmacology related with UV-irradiated skin have focused on proteins and their related gene expression or single-targeted small molecules. The present study identified and analyzed the alteration of skin metabolites following UVB irradiation and topical retinyl palmitate (RP, 5%) treatment in hairless mice using direct analysis in real time (DART) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) with multivariate analysis. Under the negative ion mode, the DART ion source successfully ionized various fatty acids including palmitoleic and linolenic acid. From DART-TOF-MS fingerprints measured in positive mode, the prominent dehydrated ion peak (m/z: 369, M+H-$H_2O$) of cholesterol was characterized in all three groups. In positive mode, the discrimination among three groups was much clearer than that in negative mode by using multivariate analysis of orthogonal partial-least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). DART-TOF-MS can ionize various small organic molecules in living tissues and is an efficient alternative analytical tool for acquiring full chemical fingerprints from living tissues without requiring sample preparation. DART-MS measurement of skin tissue with multivariate analysis proved to be a powerful method to discriminate between experimental groups and to find biomarkers for various experiment models in skin dermatological research.