• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.308-320
• /
• 2022

The high internal resistance (R_int) that develops across the sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFC) limits their power production (~4/10 mW m^-2) that can be recovered from an initial oil-contaminated sediment (OCS). In the anolyte, R_int is related to poor biodegradation activity, quality and quantity of contaminant content in the sediment and anode material. While on the catholyte, R_int depends on the properties of the catholyte, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and the cathode material. In this work, the main factors limiting the power output of the SMFC have been minimized. The power output of the SMFC was increased (47 times from its initial value, ~4 mW m^-2) minimizing the SMFC R_int (28 times from its initial value, 5000 ohms), following the main modifications. Anolyte: the initial OCS was amended with several amounts of gasoline and kerosene. The best anaerobic microbial activity of indigenous populations was better adapted (without more culture media) to 3 g of kerosene. Catholyte: ORR was catalyzed in birnessite/carbon fabric (CF)-cathode at pH 2, 0.8M Na₂SO₄. At the class level, the main microbial groups (Gammaproteobacteria, Coriobacteriia, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria) with electroactive members were found at C-anode and were associated with the high-power densities obtained. Gasoline is more difficult to biodegrade than kerosene. However, in both cases, SMFC biodegradation activity and power output are increased when ORR is performed on birnessite/CF in 0.8 M Na₂SO₄ at pH 2. The work discussed here can focus on bioremediation (in heavy OCS) or energy production in future work.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.61-74
• /
• 2023

The global increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has inspired researchers to develop new strategies to overcome this problem. In this study, 23 morphologically different, soil-isolated actinomycete cultures were screened for their antibacterial ability against MDR isolates of ESKAPE pathogens. Among them, isolate BOGE18 exhibited a broad antibacterial spectrum, so it was selected and identified based on cultural, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. Chemotaxonomic analysis was also performed together with nucleotide sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, which showed this strain to have identity with Streptomyces lienomycini. The ethyl acetate extract of the cell-free filtrate (CFF) of strain BOGE18 was evaluated for its antibacterial spectrum, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 62.5 to 250 ㎍/ml. The recorded results from the in vitro anti-biofilm microtiter assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of sub-MIC concentrations revealed a significant reduction in biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. The extract also displayed significant scavenging activity, reaching 91.61 ± 4.1% and 85.06 ± 3.14% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), respectively. A promising cytotoxic ability against breast (MCF-7) and hepatocellular (HePG2) cancer cell lines was obtained from the extract with IC₅₀ values of 47.15 ± 13.10 and 122.69 ± 9.12 ㎍/ml, respectively. Moreover, based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, nine known compounds were detected in the BOGE18 extract, suggesting their contribution to the multitude of biological activities recorded in this study. Overall, Streptomyces lienomycini BOGE18-derived extract is a good candidate for use in a natural combating strategy to prevent bacterial infection, especially by MDR pathogens.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.47 no.3
• /
• pp.157-167
• /
• 2023

Background: The most hazardous wastewater sources in the northern part of the Middle Nile Delta, Egypt; receiving a massive amount of agricultural, industrial, and sewage drainage are Kitchener drain which is one of the tallest drainage systems, and Burullus Lake which represents the 2nd largest Egyptian coastal lake. Results: The current work is to determine the abundance and frequency of cyanophytes, chlorophytes, and bacillariophytes and the correlation between them and environmental abiotic components. Among sixty nine microalgal species, 19 species are belong Cyanophyta, 26 belong Chlorophyta and 24 belong Bacillariophyta. Genus Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta) was the most abundant in the study area (13 species), followed by Genus Oscillatoria (9 species) and Genus Navicula (7 species). Nostoc muscorum and Chlorella vulgaris were the most common and recorded in all sites (100% of the locations) under study. The application of the two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and detrended correspondence analysis revealed agglomerating of 4 groups (communities) at 4th level of classification and reasonable segregation between these groups. Zinc, cadmium and lead were showed the highest levels (0.26±0.03, 0.26±0.06, and 0.17±0.01 ppm, respectively). Conclusions: The correlation analysis between water and community variables indicated a high negative correlation of total algae richness with nickel (r = -0.936, p < 0.01). Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta were correlated negatively (r = -0.842, p < 0.01). However, Chlorophyta showed a negative richness with each of Ni and Pb (r = -0.965, -0.873, respectively) on one hand and a high positive correlation was revealed (r = 0.964) with all environmental variables on the other hand.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
• /
• v.56 no.1
• /
• pp.39-45
• /
• 2023

Fixation of radial head fracture with minimally invasive posterior approach remains a significant challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of trans-anconeus posterior elbow approach and to observe lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) in extended elbows. This cadaveric study was performed in twenty upper limbs of fresh fixed adult male cadavers. An oblique incision was made in the middle segment of anconeus until the lateral ligament complex and the joint capsule had been revealed. A deep dissection was explored to observe the anatomical relationship of the LUCL to the anconeus. Measurements of the LUCL were recorded while the elbow was fully extended. The mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the proximal insertion of the LUCL was 13.3 mm (11.5-16.2 mm); the mean distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal insertion of the LUCL was 20.9 mm (19.2-23.4 mm); the distance between the edge of the radial head and the distal edge of the annular ligament was 11.2 mm (8.22-11.7 mm). By estimate correlation of the previous measurements, the direct and accessible way to expose the posterolateral articular capsule of the elbow joint was through a window in medial 2/3 of the middle segment of anconeus muscle. These trans-anconeus approach is useful. It provides good visualization, facilitates applying the implants, and lessens the risk of radial nerve injury. Awareness of the anatomy is mandatory to avoid injury of LUCL.

• Steel and Composite Structures
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2024

The objective of this research is to study experimentally and numerically the behavior of steel beam columns with openings. Although the presence of openings in the beam columns is inevitable, finding ways to maintain strength is crucial. The studied parameters are opening shape, the ratio between opening height to specimen height, the percentage of opening location from support to beam column length, and web slenderness. Experimental tests are conducted including twelve specimens to study the effect of these parameters and record failure load, load deflection curve, and stress strain curve. Two failure modes are observed: local and flexural buckling. Interaction curves plotted from finite element model analysis are also used to expand the parametric study. Changing the location of the opening can decrease failure load by up to 7% and 60% in both normal and moment ratios respectively. Increasing the opening dimension can lead to a drop in the axial ratio by up to 29% and in the moment ratio by up to 74%. The weakest beam column behavior is noticed in specimens with rectangular openings which results from uneven and concentrated stresses around the opening. The main results of this research illustrate that the best location for opening is at 40% - 50% from beam column support. Also, it is advisable to use circular openings instead of rectangular openings in specimens having slender webs because moment ratios are raised by 85% accompanied by a rise in normal ratios by 9%.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.14 no.3
• /
• pp.302-311
• /
• 1995

Benfuresate or oxolinic acid, as an experimental pesticide, was applied to the different textural paddy or upland soil respectively under the field condition and the residual concentrations were determined. Six kinetic models were employed to characterize the best-fit kinetic model describing the residual pattern of benfuresate or oxolinic acid and the $t\frac{1}{2}$ estimated from each model was comparatively assessed. All of the six models explained significantly the residual patterns of the pesticides but the empirical models such as PF, EL, and PB were not recommendable for the $t\frac{1}{2}$ estimation. Among theoretical models, the residual patterns were followed in the orders of the second-order(SO)>first-order(FO)>zero-order(ZO) kinetics, judging from the size and significance of coefficient of determination and standard error. However, the multiple FO model, consisting of the fast and slow decomposition steps, was better than the single FO model for the residual pattern and the $r^2$ in this case became similar to that of SO kinetic model. Thus the multiple FO and SO models were represented as the best fit model of the experimental pesticide. The $t\frac{1}{2}$ of benfuresate estimated from the single FO kinetic model in Weolgog and Cheongwon series was 49 and 63 days, respectively, which were 20 and 13% longer than the respective $t\frac{1}{2}$ from the SO kinetic model. The $t\frac{1}{2}$ of oxolinic acid from the FO model in Yonggye and Ihyeon series were 87 and 51% longer than those from the SO kinetic model, respectively. These results demonstrated that the best-fit model representing the residual pattern of a pesticide and the resultant $t\frac{1}{2}$ might be variable with the kinds of pesticides and the environmental conditions. Therefore it is recommended that the half-life of a pesticide be assessed from the best-fit model rather than from the FO kinetic model uniformly.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.378-382
• /
• 1997

To evaulate the effectiveness and risk factors for shunt failure of the Blalock-Taussig shunt in neonates, we analyzed the 21 neonates who were undergone Blalok-Taussig shunt operation at Dong-A University Hospital from December 1991 to Feburary 1996. We evaluated operative mortality, patency of the shunt. and distortion of pulmonary artery. We also determined the risk factors for the shunt failure. Age at operation was from 1 day to 30 days(mean 11.7 days). We ghts were 2.4 to 4.5kg(mean 3.1 kg). The underlying lesions included severe tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosls or atresia(N=11) and single ventricle varieties with. pulmonary stenosis or atresia(N=10). Prostaglandin El was given in 13 neonates prior to operation. The mean preoperative(prior to prostaglandin El therapy) and postoperative arterial oxygen tension were 30.1 mmHg and 46.3 mmHg respectively(P(0.01). The shunt was performed through a left thoracotomy in 11 patients and through a right thoracotomy In 10. A 5 mm graft was used in 15 patients and a 4 mm graft in 6 patients. The incidence of early shunt occlusion was 9.5%(2 patients). The hospital mortality was 9.5%(2 patients with early shunt occlusion). Univariate analysis revealed that body weight of 2.6 kg or less(p=0.021), pulmonary artery size of 3mm or less(p=0.008), and 4 mm graft (p=0.021) were risk factors predictive of early shunt failure. The patency rate of the shunt in hospital survivors was 100% at mean ollow-up of ll.3 months(There was not death or reoperation related to shunt failure). 10 patients were catheterized during postoperative follow-up. There was no significant distorsion of pulmonary artery. So we concluded that the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt in neonates was excellent in the hospital survivors.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.200-209
• /
• 2008

Particle fluxes were measured with a time-series sediment trap from July 2003 to June 2005 at the St. KOMO(KOMO; Korea Deep-Sea Environmental Study Long-Term Monitoring Station, $10^{\circ}30'N,\;131^{\circ}20'W$) in the northeastern Pacific. Total mass fluxes at a depth of 4,960 m showed distinct seasonal variations with high values in the winter(December-February) and spring(March-May) and low values in the summer(June-August) and fall(September-November). Biogenic origin fluxes also displayed distinct seasonal variations similar to total mass fluxes. Particularly, calcium carbonate fluxes in winter and spring were more than two times greater than those in summer and fall. The prominent seasonal variations of total mass and biogenic fluxes were closely related with the seasonal changes of primary production in the surface waters; in winter and spring, primary production increased due to the enhanced supply of nutrients below the surface mixed layer by strong wind and less stratification, whereas it decreased as a result of the less supply of nutrient by reduced wind speed and strong stratification in summer and fall. The seasonal variations of total mass and biogenic fluxes in this study were higher than the differences of total mass and biogenic fluxes caused by the environmental changes such as El $Ni\tilde{n}o$ and La $Ni\tilde{n}a$ events in the previous studies. In order to understand the effects of El $Ni\tilde{n}o$ and La $Ni\tilde{n}a$ on the particle flux, therefore, the seasonal variation of particle flux in the northeastern equatorial Pacific needs to be well defined.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.30 no.2 s.79
• /
• pp.205-214
• /
• 2000

Recently, the magnetic force has been considered as a method for a more efficient tooth movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different static magnetic fields of Nd-Fe-B magnet on MC3T3-E1 cells by measuring the alkaline phosphatase activity and observing the amount of stained alkaline phosphatase. For measuring of alkaline phosphatase activity, MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded in first and third row of 12 well culture plates. And Nd-Fe-B magnets were positioned under the first column of first and third row to apply different static magnetic fields(first column:100mT ; second column:4.6mT ; third column:0.5mT ; forth column:0.0mT) to the cells for 7, 13, 19, and 25 days. For staining of alkaline phosphatase, MC3T3-E1 cells were seeded in 100mm culture plates. And Nd-Fe-B magnets were positioned under the corner of plates to apply different static magnetic fields(magnet side:100mT : the opposite side:0.5mT) to the cells for 7, 13, 19, and 25 days. The results were as follows : 1. ALP activity was increased until day 19 in biochemical determination as well as in histochemical staining, 2. The application of higher magnetic field(100mT) suppressed ALP activity at day 13, 19, 25. On the contrary, the application of the lower magnetic field(4.6mT, 0.5mT) significantly enhanced the ALP activity. 3. Consistent with enzyme assay, histochemical staining of ALP also demonstrated that higher magnetic field(100mT) suppressed ALP activity, lower one(0.5mT) enhanced.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.291-294
• /
• 2010

In this study, we demonstrated high-efficiency blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) employing BCzVBi as a blue fluorescent dye doped into blue host material, DPVBi with various concentration. The optimized blue OLED device having high-efficiency was constructed with structure of NPB (500 ${\AA}$) / DPVBi:BCzVBi-6% (150 ${\AA}$)/$Alq_3$(300 ${\AA}$) / Liq (20 ${\AA}$) / Al (1000 ${\AA}$). The maximum luminescence of blue OLED was 13200 cd/$m^2$ at 13.8 V and current density and maximum efficiency were 26.4 mA/$cm^2$ at 1000 cd/$m^2$ and 4.24 cd/A at 3.9 V, respectively. Luminous efficiency shows two times higher than comparing with non-doped BCzVBi blue OLED whereas $CIE_{x,y}$ coordinate was similar with bare DPVBi blue OLED such as (0.16, 0.19). Electroluminescence of BCzVBi-6% doped blue OLED has two major peaks at 445 nm and 470 nm whereas pure DPVBi's blue peak appears at 456 nm and it is happened through endothermic Forster energy transfer by molecule's vibration between LUMO of DPVBi as host material and LUMO of BCzVBi as dopant in device.