• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2021

Echinostoma mekongi was reported as a new species in 2020 based on specimens collected from humans in Kratie and Takeo Province, Cambodia. In the present study, its metacercarial stage has been discovered in Filopaludina martensi cambodjensis snails purchased from a local market nearby the Tonle Sap Lake, Pursat Province, Cambodia. The metacercariae were fed orally to an experimental hamster, and adult flukes were recovered at day 20 post-infection. They were morphologically examined using light and scanning electron microscopes and molecularly analyzed by sequencing of their mitochondrial cox1 and nad1 genes. A total of 115 metacercariae (1-8 per snail) were detected in 60 (60.0%) out of 100 Filopaludina snails examined. The metacercariae were round, 174 ㎛ in average diameter (163-190 ㎛ in range), having a thin cyst wall, a head collar armed with 37 collar spines, and characteristic excretory granules. The adult flukes were elongated, ventrally curved, 7.3 (6.4-8.2)×1.4 (1.1-1.7) mm in size, and equipped with 37 collar spines on the head collar (dorsal spines in 2 alternating rows), being consistent with E. mekongi. In phylogenetic analyses, the adult flukes showed 99.0-100% homology based on cox1 sequences and 98.9-99.7% homology based on nad1 sequences with E. mekongi. The results evidenced that F. martensi cambodjensis snails act as the second intermediate host of E. mekongi, and hamsters can be used as a suitable experimental definitive host. As local people favor to eat undercooked snails, these snails seem to be an important source of human infection with E. mekongi in Cambodia.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.510-518
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• 2021

Bacteriophages are considered excellent sensing elements for platforms detecting bacteria. However, their lytic cycle has restricted their efficacy. Here, we used the minor coat protein pIII domain (N1N2) of phage CTXφ to construct a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor that could detect Vibrio cholerae. N1N2 harboring the domains required for phage adsorption and entry was obtained from Escherichia coli using recombinant protein expression and purification. SDS-PAGE revealed an approximate size of 30 kDa for N1N2. Dot blot and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the protein bound to the host V. cholerae but not to non-host E. coli K-12 cells. Next, we used amine-coupling to develop a novel recombinant N1N2 (rN1N2)-functionalized SPR biosensor by immobilizing rN1N2 proteins on gold substrates and using SPR to monitor the binding kinetics of the proteins with target bacteria. We observed rapid detection of V. cholerae in the range of approximately 10³ to 10⁹ CFU/ml but not of E. coli at any tested concentration, thereby confirming that the biosensor exhibited differential recognition and binding. The results indicate that the novel biosensor can rapidly monitor a target pathogenic microorganism in the environment and is very useful for monitoring food safety and facilitating early disease prevention.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.237-245
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• 2021

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) enhances the stability of cathode materials via surface modification. Previous studies have demonstrated that an Ni-rich cathode, such as LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂, is a promising candidate owing to its high capacity, but is limited by poor cycle stability. In this study, to enhance the stability of the Ni-rich cathode, synthesized LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ was coated with Al₂O₃ using ALD. Thus, the surface-modified cathode exhibited enhanced stability by protecting the interface from Ni-O formation during the cycling process. The coated LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ exhibited a capacity of 176 mAh g^-1 at 1 C and retained up to 72% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles within a range of 2.8-4.3 V (vs Li/Li⁺. In contrast, pristine LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ presented only 58% of capacity retention after 100 cycles with an initial capacity of 173 mAh g^-1. Improved cyclability may be a result of the ALD coating, which physically protects the electrode by modifying the interface, and prevents degradation by resisting side reactions that result in capacity decay. The electrochemical impedance spectra and structural and morphological analysis performed using electron microscopy and X-ray techniques establish the surface enhancement resulting from the aforementioned strategy.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.43-48
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was investigated to determine the contents of pesticide residues and sulfur dioxide residues in commercial herbal medicines in Korea. Methods : Chromatographic test was performed on 100 samples consisted with 10 kinds of medicinal plants including improted and domestic products. To establish 19 pesticide residues (DDE, DDD, DDT, Dieldrin, Methoxychlor, BHC isomers, Aldrin, Endosulfan isomers, Endrin, Captan, Procymidone, Chlorpyrifos and Imidacloprid) in commercial herbal medicines, chromatographic equipments were used with the gas chromatography-mass detector and gas chromatography-electron capture detector for qualitative analysis. The imidacloprid analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatograpgy-ultraviolet detector at 270 nm UV wavelength. The contents of sulfur dioxides were analyzed by modified Monnier-Williams method. All methods were based on notification procedure of Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA). Results : The residual pesticides were not founded in improted and domestic samples. Among 100 samples, the residues of sulfur dioxide in 73 samples were not detected and 25 samples showed contents in the range of 0~21.90 mg/kg. The excess samples of MRLs were 2 samples (30 mg/kg to medicinal herbs), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (Imported product) and the average amount of sulfur dioxide in 2 unsuitable samples were 14.83 mg/kg. These samples were found to transgress KFDA regulatory guidance of residual sulfur dioxide. Conclusion : These results are able to use as basic data to improve the reliability and value of commercial medicinal herbs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 1998.02a
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• pp.17-17
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• 1998

Synchrotron radiation is produced when charged particles moving with relativistic velocities a are accelerated - for example, deflected by the bending magnets which guide the electron or p positrons in circular accelerators or storage rings. By using special focusing magnetic lattices i in the particle accelerators it is possible to make the dimensions of the particle beam very small with a hi맹 charge density which results in a light source with high b디lIiance. Synchrotron light h has important properties which make it ideal for a wide range of investigations in surface s science. The fact that the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted in a bending magnet e extends in a continuum from the 얹r infra red region to hard x-rays means that it is id않I for a v variety of spectroscopic studies. Since there are no convenient lasers, or other really bright l light sources, in the vacuum ultraviolet and soft x-ray re.밍ons the development of synchrotron r radiation has enabled enormous advances to be made in this di펌C비t spectr따 re밍on. P Polarization-dependent measurements, for ex없nple ellipsometry or circular dichroism studies a are possible because the radiation has a well-defined polarization - linear in the plane of orbit w with additional right-circular, or left-circular, components for emission an생es above, or below, t the horizontal, respectively. Since the synchrotron light is emitted from a bunch of charge c circulating in a ring the light is emitted with a well-defined time structure with a short flash of l light every time a bunch passes an exit port. The time structure depends on the size of the ring a and the number and sequence of filling of the bunches. A pulsed light source enables time¬r resolved studies to be performed which provide direct information on the lifetimes and decay m modes of excited states and in addition opens up the possibility of using time of flight t techniques for spectroscopic studies. The fact that synchrotron radiation is produced in a clean u ultrahi야 vacuum environment is of gr않t importance for surce science studies. The current t비rd generation synchrotron light sources provide exceptionally high baliance and stability a and open up possibilities for experiments which would have been inconceivable only a short time ago.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 2023

Underwater wireless communication is a challenging issue for realizing the smart aqua-farm and various marine activities for exploring the ocean and environmental monitoring. In comparison to acoustic and radio frequency technologies, the visible light communication is the most promising method to transmit data with a higher speed in complex underwater environments. To send data at a speedier rate, high-performance photodetectors are essentially required to receive blue and/or cyan-blue light that are transmitted from the light sources in a light-fidelity (Li-Fi) system. Here, we fabricated high-performance organic phototransistors (OPTs) based on P-type donor polymer (PTO2) and N-type acceptor small molecule (IT-4F) blend semiconductors. Bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) PTO2:IT-4F photo-active layer has a broad absorption spectrum in the range of 450~550 nm wavelength. Solution-processed OPTs showed a high photo-responsivity >1,000 mA/W, a large photo-sensitivity >10³, a fast response time, and reproducible light-On/Off switching characteristics even under a weak incident light. BHJ organic semiconductors absorbed photons and generated excitons, and efficiently dissociated to electron and hole carriers at the donor-acceptor interface. Printed and flexible OPTs can be widely used as Li-Fi receivers and image sensors for underwater communication and underwater internet of things (UIoTs).

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1440-1451
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a water-soluble microencapsulation method for probiotic strains using gum Arabic (GA) and skim milk (SKM) over a three-month storage period following processing. Methods: Four strains of Pediococcus acidilactici (BYF26, BYF20, BF9, and BF14) that were typical lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the chicken gut were mixed with different ratios of GA and SKM as coating agents before spray drying at an inlet temperature 140℃. After processing, the survivability and probiotic qualities of the strains were assessed from two weeks to three months of storage at varied temperatures, and de-encapsulation was performed to confirm the soluble properties. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the probiotics was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Results: As shown by scanning electron microscopy, spray-drying produced a spherical, white-yellow powder. The encapsulation efficacy (percent) was greatest for a coating containing a combination of 30% gum Arabic: 30% skim milk (w/v) (GA:SKM30) compared to lower concentrations of the two ingredients (p<0.05). Coating with GA:SKM30 (w/v) significantly enhanced (p<0.05) BYF26 survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2.5 to 3) and maintained higher survival rates compared to non-encapsulated cells under an artificial intestinal juices condition of pH 6. De-encapsulation tests indicated that the encapsulated powder dissolved in water while keeping viable cell counts within the effective range of 10⁶ for 6 hours. In addition, following three months storage at 4℃, microencapsulation of BYF26 in GA:SKM30 maintained both the number of viable cells (p<0.05) and the preparation's antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, specifically strains of Salmonella. Conclusion: Our prototype water-soluble probiotic microencapsulation GA:SKM30 effectively maintains LAB characteristics and survival rates, demonstrating its potential for use in preserving probiotic strains that can be used in chickens and potentially in other livestock.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.220-229
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• 2024

This study aims to developing a method for estimating pharmaceutical compounds within a monolith column using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The monolithic column was prepared using copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate, co-ethylene dimethacrylate, and co-acrylic acid inside a borosilicate tube of specific dimensions a 60 mm borosilicate tube length with 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm inner and outer diameters, respectively. A UV Ultra violet source with a wavelength of 365 nm was used, and the polymerization process involved mixing glycidyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, ethylene dimethacrylate as a binder, and 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenyl acetate phenone as an initiator in suitable solvents consisting of ethanol and 1-hexanol. The polymerization process formed the monolith column after 4 minutes, and subsequently, the epoxy groups were altered to diol groups using 0.2 M hydrochloric acid HCl, which were pumped through the column for 3 hours at a flow rate of 10 µL·min^-1. Various techniques, such as Scanning Electron Microscope SEM, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller BET, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy FT-IR and HNMR, were utilized to characterize and confirm the structure of the monolith. The prepared monolith was employed to estimate and identify the pharmaceutical compound of warfarin using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC. The analytical curve of warfarin was linear in the range of 3 to 100 ㎍·mL^-1 with an r² value of 0.999. The detection and quantification limits were 0.932 and 2.788 ㎍·mL^-1, respectively. The molar absorptivity and Sandells sensitivity were 2.99138 × 10⁶ L·mol^-1·cm^-1 and 103.1 × 10^-3 ㎍·cm^-2, respectively.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.371-386
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• 2024

This paper presents analytical insights regarding into the occurrence of gold within organic matter, which is hosted by solid bitumen and closely associated with uranium ores in the Late Permian Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation in Western Mecsek, South-West Hungary. The study utilizes a range of analytical techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) for comprehensive mineralogical and elemental analysis; organic petrography and electron microprobe analysis for characterizing organic matter; and an organic elemental analyzer for identifying organic compounds. A three-step sequential extraction method was used to liberate gold from organic matter and sulfide minerals, employing KOH, HCl, and aqua regia, followed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify gold contents. The organic matter is identified as comprising two vitrinite types (telinite V1 and reworked V2) and three solid bitumen forms: nonfluorescing (B1) and fluorescing (B2) fillings within the V1, as well as homogenous pyrobitumen (PB) occupying narrow cracks and voids within globular quartz. Despite the samples exhibiting low total organic carbon content (<1 wt%), they display high sulfur content (up to 6 wt%) and the sequentially extracted noble metal content from the organic matter is found to total 7.45 ppm gold. The research findings suggest that organic matter plays crucial roles in ore mineralization processes. Organic matter acts as an active component in the migration of gold, uranium, and hydrocarbons within sulfur-rich hydrothermal fluids. Additionally, organic matter contributes to the entrapment and enrichment of gold in hetero-atomic organic fractions, forming metal-organic compounds. Moreover, uranium inclusions are observed as oxide/phosphate minerals within solid bitumen and associated vitrinite particles. These insights into the occurrence and distribution of gold within organic matter highlight substantial exploration potential, guiding additional research activities focused on organic matter within the Kővágószőllős Sandstone Formation at the Western Mecsek deposit.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.496-502
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• 2005

The chemical properties and nitrite scavenging ability were analyzed which on a citron (Citrus junos) of 4 kinds purchased in different regions [Namhae (I, II), Tongyoung and Koheung] in Korea. Four kinds of organic acids were determined. Citric acid contents in flesh and peel of citron were $10.2\pm0.14\~17.7\pm0.17\;g/100g$. The organic acid content was the highest in citron purchased from Koheung. Total mineral content in citron was in a range of $2,844.3\~4,022.4$ mg/100 g, the potassium content was the highest in the range of $1,332.4\pm2.31\~2,308.5{\pm}3.25\;mg/l00g$. The major free amino acid from citron were proline, asparagine and glutamic acid. And the highest in peel of citron purchased from Tongyoung by 326.9 mg/100 g. However, the kinds and contents of chemical components in citron were somewhat different among various regions. The electron donating ability using DPPH method of citron juice was more than $80.0\%$ at the concentration of $0.1\~0.2\%$ and it was stronger by increased the juice concentration in the reaction mixture. SOD-like activity showed $10.2\pm0.50\~20.1\pm0.77\%$ at the concentration of $0.01\~0.2\%$. The nitrite scavenging ability was pH and sample concentration dependent. It was the highest at the pH 1.2 and more than $73\%$ in $0.1\~0.2\%$ citron juice. On the contrary in all concentration of added citron juice lower than $27\%$ at pH 4.2.