A new WRKY transcription factor gene was isolated by ESTs screening from a cDNA library of suspension cultured cells of Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The 2,285 bp cDNA fragment, IbWRKY, was sequenced, from which a 505 amino acid residue protein was deduced. A search of the protein BLAST database identified significant similarity to other plant WRKY31 protein sequences. RT-PCR analysis showed expression patterns of IbWRKY31 in various intact tissues and suspension cultured cells of Sweet potato, and in leaves exposed to different stresses. The IbWRKY31 gene was highly expressed in suspension cultured cells. In leaf tissues, IbWRKY31 showed strong expression during salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate treatments. Expression of IbWRKY31 was also induced under various abiotic stress and pathogen infection conditions, such as wounding, H2O2, MV, PEG, NaCl, and bacterial pathogen infection. These results suggest that IbWRKY31 is involved in plant responses to various stress conditions, such as abiotic stresses and pathogen infection through a defense signaling pathway.

Asbestos was a general term applied to certain fibrous minerals long popular for their heat-resistance, tensile strength, acoustic insulation and inexpensive price. Despite its many uses, asbestos is a hazardous material. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. According to the compliance regulations for asbestos-related materials in Korea, all kindergartens have to be inspected for asbestos materials before April 2014. The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution of asbestos containing materials in kindergartens in Gwangju, Korea. We investigated 93 kindergartens between January and May in 2014. Asbestos types and contents were analysed using the polarized light microscopy (PLM). Kindergartens facilities that featured ACM(Asbestos Containing Material) included ceiling textiles that contained chrysolite/amosite in amounts between 2 and 5% and gaskets that contained chrysolite in amounts between 15 and 35%. Also, wall cement flat boards contained chrysolite in amounts between 10 and 15%. In this study, risk assessment of asbestos material showed that all kindergarten materials were classified as Low grade when assessed by the Korea Ministry of Employment and Labor guideline method.