• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.753-759
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• 2023

The genus Paenibacillus contains a variety of biologically active compounds that have potential applications in a range of fields, including medicine, agriculture, and livestock, playing an important role in the health and economy of society. Our study focused on the bacterium SS4^T (KCTC 43402^T = GDMCC 1.3498^T), which was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. This strain was analyzed using antiSMASH, BAGEL4, and PRISM to predict the secondary metabolites. Lassopeptide clusters were found using all three analysis methods, with the possibility of secretion. Additionally, PRISM found three biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) and predicted the structure of the product. Genome analysis indicated that glucoamylase is present in SS4^T. 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that strain SS4^T most closely resembled Paenibacillus marchantiophytorum DSM 29850^T (98.22%), Paenibacillus nebraskensis JJ-59^T (98.19%), and Paenibacillus aceris KCTC 13870^T (98.08%). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences and Type Strain Genome Server (TYGS) analysis revealed that SS4^T belongs to the genus Paenibacillus based on the results of the phylogenetic analysis. As a result of the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS) results, SS4^T was determined to belong to the genus Paenibacillus. Comparing P. marchantiophytorum DSM 29850^T with average nucleotide identity (ANI 78.97%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH 23%) revealed values that were all less than the threshold for bacterial species differentiation. The results of this study suggest that strain SS4^T can be classified as a Paenibacillus andongensis species and is a novel member of the genus Paenibacillus.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.1-5
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• 2023

In the past, display devices have undergone many changes, such as plasma TVs and LCDs, and have continued to develop. Recently, new display technologies, such as Organic Light Emitting Diode displays and Inorganic Light Emitting Diode displays, have been developed. Among them, Micro LED displays have the potential to improve performance more than LCDs and OLEDs, but a lot of effort and time are needed until the mass production technology (transfer and bonding) of Micro LED displays is developed. We have developed a new Micro LED display light source that can be produced using existing transfer and bonding process technologies to enable faster commercialization of Micro LED in the industry. This light source is TFT deposition on LED. TFT deposition on LED has the advantage of being able to produce displays using existing process technology, making early commercialization of display application products possible. In this study, we applied the Active Driving method to verify the performance of TFT deposition on LED as a display to determine its commercialization potential. Additionally, to facilitate faster application of Micro LED in the industry, we applied TFT deposition on LED to Optical Wireless Communication systems, which are widely used in application service areas such as safety/security and sensors, to verify its communication performance. The experimental results confirmed that TFT deposition on LED is not only capable of AM driving but can also be applied to OWC systems.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.55 no.7
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• pp.2613-2620
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• 2023

Excellent thermal neutron absorption performance of boron expands the potential use of boron rich slag to prepare epoxy resin matrix nuclear shielding composites. However, shielding attenuation behaviors and mechanism of the composites against gamma rays are unclear. Based on the radiation protection theory, Phy-X/PSD, XCOM, and ⁶⁰Co gamma ray source were integrated to obtain the shielding parameters of boron rich slag/epoxy resin composites at 0.015-15 MeV, which include mass attenuation coefficient (µ_t), linear attenuation coefficient (µ), half value thickness layer (HVL), electron density (N_eff), effective atomic number (Z_eff), exposure buildup factor (EBF) and exposure absorption buildup factor (EABF).µ_t, µ, HVL, N_eff, Z_eff, EBF and EABF are 0.02-7 cm²/g, 0.04-17 cm^-1, 0.045-20 cm, 5-14, 3 × 10²³-8 × 10²³ electron/g, 0-2000, and 0-3500. Shielding performance is BS4, BS3, BS3, BS1 in descending order, but worse than ordinary concrete. µ and HVL of BS1-BS4 for ⁶⁰Co gamma ray is 0.095-0.110 cm^-1 and 6.3-7.2 cm. Shielding mechanism is main interactions for attenuation gamma ray by BS1-BS4 are elements with higher content or higher atomic number via Photoelectric Absorption at low energy range, and elements with higher content via Compton Scattering and Pair Production in Nuclear Field at middle and higher energy range.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.393-411
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• 2022

A high-performance reactive powder concrete (RPC) has been readied alongside river sand, with 1.25 mm particle size when under the condition of 80C steam curing. As a heat and sound insulation, expanded perlite aggregate (EPA) provides economic advantages in building. Concrete containing EPA is examined in terms of cement types (CEM II 32.5R and CEM I 42.5R), doses (0, 2%, 4% and 6%) as well as replacement rates in this research study. The compressive and density of concrete were used in the testing. At the end of the 28-day period, destructive and nondestructive tests were performed on cube specimens of 150 mm150 mm150 mm. The concrete density is not decreased with the addition of more perlite (from 45 to 60 percent), since the enlarged perlite has a very low barrier to crushing. To get a homogenous and fluid concrete mix, longer mixing times for all the mix components are necessary due to the higher amount of perlite. As a result, it is not suggested to use greater volumes of this aggregate in RPC. In the presence of de-icing salt, the lightweight RPC exhibits excellent freeze-thaw resistance (mass is less than 0.2 kg/m²). The addition of perlite strengthens the aggregate-matrix contact, but there is no apparent ITZ. An increased compressive strength was seen in concretes containing expanded perlite powder and steel fibers with good performance.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.209-215
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• 2023

Purpose: The delay in acceptance or refusal to get vaccinated despite the availability of services is called vaccine hesitancy. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Pakistan faced consistent barriers preventing the eradication of the disease in the country. Similarly with the advent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mass vaccination drives were initiated to a vaccine hesitant population. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the Pakistani population. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted during July to September 2021 using a snowball sampling technique targeting the adult population of Pakistan. The modified version of the vaccine hesitancy questionnaire related to the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization Vaccine Hesitancy matrix was distributed online. Results: Out of 973 participants, 52.4% were immediately willing to take the vaccine and constituted the acceptance group whereas the remaining 47.6% who were still not sure formed the hesitant group. Support from leaders was found to be statistically significant for the difference between the hesitant and acceptance groups (p-value=0.027). Hesitant people were concerned about the effectiveness of the vaccine (60.9%) and potential side effects (57.9%) as it was not sufficiently tested prior to launch (44.7%). Age and education were significant factors affecting the acceptance of vaccination. The most trusted source of information regarding vaccination was health care workers (43.8%). Conclusion: A moderately high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy was reported in Pakistan. To overcome it, policymakers need to address the reasons for it. Leaders, celebrities, and healthcare workers can play an instrumental role in dispelling conspiracy theories regarding vaccines and making the vaccination drive a success.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.541-549
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• 2023

Background Despite its many advantages, prepectoral breast reconstruction also carries the risk of implant rippling. The recent introduction of partial superior implant coverage using a pectoralis muscle slip in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has shown the potential to minimize upper pole rippling. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with rippling and the effectiveness of our surgical technique. Methods In total, 156 patients (186 breasts) who underwent prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction between August 2019 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Patient data were analyzed from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to contextualize the risks associated with rippling deformity relative to demographic characteristics and other clinical factors. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed to identify the relationship between rippling deformity and the reconstruction method. Results Patients with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.736; p < 0.001), those with a postoperative chemotherapy history (OR, 0.324; p = 0.027) and those who received breast reconstruction via the superior coverage technique (OR, 0.2; p = 0.004), were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The median follow-up period was 64.9 weeks, and there were no significant differences between patients in types of mastectomy, implant, or acellular dermal matrix. Patients who underwent superior coverage technique-based reconstruction showed significantly reduced rippling (OR, 0.083; p = 0.017) Conclusion Patients with higher BMI and prior postoperative chemotherapy were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The superior coverage technique can be effective in minimizing upper pole rippling.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.544-552
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to develop an analytical method for determining 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of EU priority using gas chromatography (GC)-tandem mass spectrometry (MS). The PAHs in ground coffee were analyzed after being extracted using methods such as saponification-liquid-liquid extraction, Soxhlet extraction, and solid-liquid extraction. The solid-liquid extraction method showed the greatest repeatability and most efficient reduction of the matrix effect. GC-tandem MS for the quantification of the 15 PAHs showed better resolution and lower limit of detections (LODs) than GC-MS-selected ion monitoring (SIM) and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector. LODs of this method for the ground coffee types were 0.002-0.1 ${\mu}g/kg$ and limit of quantifications (LOQs) were 0.006-0.2 ${\mu}g/kg$ The recoveries ranged from 52.6 to 93.3%. Forty-six commercial types of ground coffee were analyzed to determine their PAHs contamination levels. PAHs concentration ranged from ND to 5.988 ${\mu}g/kg$. This study was conducted with toxicity equivalence factors, the U.S. EPA recommendation to identify dietary risks for PAHs in different types of coffee. The estimated average daily dose of PAHs was $5.24{\times}10^{-8}$ mg/kg body weight/day.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.403-411
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• 2001

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to degradation of four commercial composite resins in an alkaline solution. The brands studied were Unifil(GC, Japan), Palfique(Tokuyama Japan). Definite$Degussa-H\ddot{u}ls$ AG, Germany). Revolution(Kerr, U.S.A.). Preweighed discs of each brand were exposed 0.1N NaOH solution at $60^{\circ}C$. After 14 days they were removed, neutralized with HCl, washed with water and dried. Resistance to degradation was evaluated on the basis of following parameters: (a) mass loss(%) - determined from pre-and post-exposed specimen weights; (b) Si loss(ppm) - obtained from ICP-AE analysis of solution exposed to specimens; and (c) degradation depth$({\mu}m)$ - measured microscopically (SEM) from polished circular sections of exposed specimens. The results were follows: 1. The mass loss of Unifil was 3.21%, it was the highest of materials. But, there was no significant difference among the materials. 2. The degree of degradation layer depth was $107.69\sim47.40{\mu}m$, the sequence of the degree pf degradation layer depth was in descending order by Unifil, Palfique, Revolution, Definite. There was significant difference among the materials except Palfique and Definite. 3. The Si loss of Paltique was 8940.0ppm, it was the highest. There was significant difference among the materials, except Revolution and Definite(p<0.05). 4. The correlation coefficient between mass loss and degradation depth was relatively high(r = 0.06, p<0.05). 5. There was no significant coefficient correlation between Si loss and mass loss, and/or the degree of degradation layer depth and Si loss. 6. When observed with SEM, destruction of bonding is observed between resin matrix and filler. Above results suggested that the hydrolytic degradation is considered as evaluation factor of composite resins.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.673-682
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• 2001

The use of resin composites has continued to increase over the last several years. In spite of their growing popularity, composites continue to exhibit a number of undesirable characteristics. One of the major deficiencies of composite restorative resins is their inadequate resistance to wear. Of the multitude of factors that have been associated with wear, subsurface degradation within the restoration is considered to be one. The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to degradation of four commercial composite resins in an alkaline solution. This solution with a high concentration of hydroxyl ions is a convenient medium for accelerated degradation of silane coupling and filler particles. The brands studies were Definite($Degussa-H\ddot{u}ls$ AG, Germany), Prodigy(Kerr, USA), Pyramid(Bisco, USA) and Synergy(Coltene, Swiss). Preweighed discs of each brand were exposed to 0.1N NaOH solution at $60^{\circ}C$. After 14 days they were removed, neutralized with HCl, washed with water and dried. Resistance to degradation was evaluated on the basis of following parameters : (a) mass loss(%)-determined from pre-and post-exposed specimen weights : (b) Si loss(ppm)-obtained from ICP-AE analysis of solution exposed to specimens; and (c) degradation $depth({\mu}m)$-measured microscopically (SEM) from polished circular sections of exposed specimens. The results were follows: 1. Mass loss of Synergy was $1.24{\pm}0.002%$, it was the highest, there was no significant difference among the materials. 2. The degree of degradation layer depth of Synergy was $107.83{\pm}2.52{\mu}m$, it was the highest, there was no significant difference among any other materials than Synergy. 3. There was no difference among the four materials in Si loss. 4. The correlation coefficient between mass loss and degradation depth was relatively high(r=0.06, p<0.05). 5. There was no coefficient correlation between Si loss and mass loss, the degree of degradation layer depth and Si loss. 6. When observed with SEM, destruction of bonding is observed between resin matrix and filler.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1276-1289
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• 2017

This study isolated and purified the antimicrobial peptide McSSP-31 from an acidified hemocyte extract of a Mytilus coruscus. The antimicrobial peptide was purified by using a $C_{18}$ reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The peptide was determined to be 3330.549 Da by matrix assisted-laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrophotometer (MALDI-TOF/MS). The N-terminus of a 14 amino-acid sequence was identified as P-S-P-T-R-R-S-T-S-R-S-K-S-R by Edman degradation method. The acquired sequence showed a 93% similarity with the sperm-specific protein Phi-1, which is from M. californianus. The identified open-reading frame (ORF) of peptide was 306 bp encoding 101 amino acids, which was analyzed by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), cloning and sequencing analysis. We compared the full sequence with other known proteins that reveal the sperm-specific protein Phi-1 (93.5%) of M. californianus. Synthesized antimicrobial peptide (McSSP-31) showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria including B. subtilis, S. mutans, S. aureus and gram-negative bacteria including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and fungi, C. albicans. Also, synthesized peptide showed strong antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant strains, including S. aureus. The cytotoxicity of the peptide was determined by using the HUVEC human cell line. The peptide did not exhibit any significant cytotoxic effects on the normal human cell line, and it had very low hemolytic activity with flounder hemoglobin. The results demonstrated that peptide purified from the hemocyte of a M. coruscus exhibits antibacterial activity against various bacteria and has the potential to be an alternative antibiotic agent.