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The composition-dependent spin exchange interaction in a perovskite-structured Pb(Fe0.5−xNix)Nb1/2O3 system has been studied to understand its multiferroicity at room-temperature. Special emphasis was paid to the magnetic behavior in terms of magnetic moment, interatomic distance, and atomic ordering because they play a key role in the modulation of magnetic multiferroic behavior. We observed that 10 mol. % Ni incorporation led to multiferroic behavior with considerable ferrimagnetic properties (saturation magnetization of 0.6 emu/g and a coercive field of 20 Oe) coupled with the inherent properties of displacive ferroelectricity (spontaneous polarization of 20 μC/cm2). A subsequent increase in the Ni substitution degree degraded the ferroelectricity due to a phase transition from a non-centrosymmetric rhombohedral to a centrosymmetric cubic system. We have shown that magnetic spins with a pronounced magnetic moment along the [001] direction are ferrimagnetically arranged when the interatomic distance between the magnetic transition metals at the octahedral site is less than 4 Å, resulting in significant magnetic properties The objective of this study is to provide a general methodology for modulating magnetic orders in ferroelectric perovskite oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transferrin, a central player in iron transport, has been recognized not only for its role in binding iron but also for its interaction with other metals, including titanium. This study employs solid-state nanopores to investigate the binding of titanium ions [Ti(IV)] to transferrin in a single-molecule and label-free manner. We demonstrate the novel application of solid-state nanopores for single-molecule discrimination between apo-transferrin (metal-free) and Ti(IV)-transferrin. Despite their similar sizes, Ti(IV)-transferrin exhibits a reduced current drop, attributed to differences in translocation times and filter characteristics. Single-molecule analysis reveals Ti(IV)-transferrin's enhanced stability and faster translocations due to its distinct conformational flexibility compared to apo-transferrin. Furthermore, our study showcases solid-state nanopores as real-time monitors of biochemical reactions, tracking the gradual conversion of apo-transferrin to Ti(IV)-transferrin upon the addition of titanium citrate. This work offers insights into Ti(IV) binding to transferrin, promising applications for single-molecule analysis and expanding our comprehension of metal–protein interactions at the molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological and oncological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) between young and elderly patients without any genetic mutations that cause hereditary CRC. Method: In this cross‐sectional, retrospective study conducted at three tertiary referral hospitals, we enrolled 1599 patients with CRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2017, including 157 young patients (age ≤ 40 years; yCRC) and 1442 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years; eCRC). The clinicopathological and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 37 years in the yCRC group (range 33.0–39.2 years) and 76 years in the eCRC group (range 72.0–79.0 years). The yCRC group did not present with advanced stages at diagnosis compared with the eCRC group, and the distribution of tumour stages was similar between the two groups. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing revealed no difference in the frequency of tumours with high MSI (7.8% in yCRC, 5.8% in eCRC), and the frequency of mutations in the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes was also similar. The 3‐year overall survival was better in the yCRC group than in the eCRC group (97.4% vs. 83.5%, p < 0.001); however, no such difference was observed in cancer‐specific survival. Conclusion: Genetically proven sporadic CRCs did not differ significantly between young and elderly patients in terms of tumour stage, tumour location and various molecular features. Clinical Trial Registration Number: The study was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trials.gov (no. NCT05601609). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors develop an attribute-based mixed-membership model of consumers' preference for stockkeeping units in store assortments. The model represents the underlying "topics of interest" that drive shopping behaviors as probability distributions over product attributes. It overcomes several limitations of latent Dirichlet allocation topic models and is particularly useful for making preference predictions in large and frequently changing store assortments. The authors apply the proposed model to investigate topics driving browsing and purchase activities in an online deal marketplace of fashion products and explore how preference structures evolve over time. They find commonalities and differences in the topics that drive the browsing and purchase stages of online shopping processes. In general, browsing covers a broader range of product attributes than purchases. Consumers tend to browse products of premium positioning and/or deep discounts in the deal marketplace, but when purchasing, they tend to gravitate toward lower-tiered products at their original prices and modest depths of discounts. The authors illustrate how insights from the proposed model can be utilized to profile consumers based on their price preferences and to improve personalized product recommendations. They show that the model's performance is particularly strong in predicting preferences for new products that are not in the existing assortment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This report describes the oncologic outcomes for patients with advanced ovarian cancer who had bowel surgery performed by gynecologic oncologists (GOs) and compares the outcomes with those for bowel surgery performed by general surgeons (GSs) during maximal cytoreductive surgery. Methods: Patients from six academic institutions who had FIGO stage III or IV ovarian cancer and underwent any bowel surgeries during maximal cytoreductive surgery were eligible for the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether bowel surgery was performed by a GO or a GS. In both groups, the GOs were mainly involved in extra bowel debulking procedures. Perioperative and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: The 761 patients in this study included 113 patients who underwent bowel surgery by a GO and 648 who had bowel surgery by a GS. No discernible differences were observed in age, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, FIGO stage, histologic type, timing of cytoreductive surgery (primary or interval debulking surgery), or complications between the two groups. The GO group exhibited a shorter operation time than the GS group. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no survival differences between the two groups. In the Cox analysis, non-serous cell types and gross residual diseases were associated with adverse effects on overall survival. However, performance of bowel surgery by a GO did not have an impact on survival. Conclusion: Performance of bowel surgery by a GO during maximal cytoreductive surgery is both feasible and safe. These results should be reflected in the training system for GOs regarding bowel surgery, and further research is needed to confirm that GOs can play a more leading role in performing extra-uterine procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand‐casting molds suffer from surface defects and low strength. An organic–inorganic binder conversion process, wherein an organic binder is converted to an inorganic binder, has been proposed to increase the application temperature of the sand‐casting mold and simplify the manufacturing process for precision casting. However, the usable temperature of the typical SiO2–Na2O binder system is limited to approximately 1000°C owing to the low liquefaction temperature of the compound. The resulting glass phase (Na2SiO3) exhibits low viscosity, and the casting of large objects results in low strength. Therefore, in this study, we propose a SiO2–Na2O–ZrO2 ternary inorganic binder system; the addition of zirconia (ZrO2) into sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as an inorganic binder was expected to increase the operating temperature of the mold and improve its mechanical properties. The results confirmed that the addition of ZrO2 improved the mechanical properties by preventing the formation of Na2SiO3. In addition, a higher sintering temperature corresponded to smaller and larger amounts of Na2SiO3 and Na2ZrSiO5, respectively, and thus a higher strength. Therefore, we expect our developed ternary inorganic binder system to be highly advantageous for producing molds for high‐temperature and precision casting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Chitinase‐3‐like 1 (CHI3L1) causes skin inflammation in the progression of atopic dermatitis. We investigated if anti‐CHI3L1 antibody could prevent the development of atopic dermatitis and its mechanisms of action. Experimental Approach: The effect of CHI3L1 antibody on phthalic anhydride‐induced atopic dermatitis animal model and in vitro reconstructed human skin (RHS) model were investigated. Expression and release of atopic dermatitis‐related cytokines were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and RT‐qPCR, STAT3 and CXCL8 signalling were measured by western blotting. Key Results: Anti‐CHI3L1 antibody suppressed phthalic anhydride‐induced epidermal thickening, clinical score, IgE level and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and reduced phthalic anhydride‐induced inflammatory cytokines concentration. In addition, CHI3L1 antibody treatment inhibited the expression of STAT3 activity in phthalic anhydride‐treated skin. It was also confirmed that CHI3L1 antibody treatment alleviated atopic dermatitis‐related inflammation in the RHS model. The inhibitory effects of CHI3L1 antibody was similar or more effective compared with that of the IL‐4 antibody. We further found that CHI3L1 is associated with CXCL8 by protein‐association network analysis. siRNA of CHI3L1 blocked the mRNA levels of CHI3L1, IL‐1β, IL‐4, CXCL8, TSLP, and the expression of CHI3L1 and p‐STAT, and the level of CXCL8, whereas recombinant level of CXCL8 was elevated. Moreover, siRNA of STAT3 reduced the mRNA level of these cytokines. CHI3L1 and p‐STAT3 expression correlated with the reduced CXCL8 level in the RHS in vitro model. Conclusion and Implications: Our data demonstrated that CHI3L1 antibody could be a promising effective therapeutic drug for atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over 80% of blindness in Kenya is due to curable or preventable causes and 7.5 m Kenyans currently need eye services. Embedding sociodemographic data collection into screening programmes could help identify the groups facing systematic barriers to care. We aimed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics that were associated with access among patients diagnosed with an eye problem and referred for treatment in the Vision Impact Programme, currently operating in Meru County. Method: We used an embedded, pragmatic, cross-sectional design. A list of sociodemographic questions was developed with input from key stakeholders. The final question set included the following domains: age, gender, religion, marital status, disability, education, occupation, income, housing, assets, and health insurance. These were integrated into an app that is used to screen, refer, and check-in (register) participants within a major eye screening programme. We gathered data from 4,240 people who screened positive and were referred to their local outreach treatment clinic. We used logistic regression to identify which groups were facing the greatest barriers to accessing care. Results: A quarter of those screened between April – July 2023 were found to have an eye problem and were referred, however only 46% of these people were able to access care. In our fully adjusted model, at the 0.05 level there were no statistically significant differences in the odds of attendance within the domains of disability, health insurance, housing, income, or religion. Strong evidence (p < 0.001) was found of an association between access and age, gender, and occupation; with males, younger adults, and those working in sales, services and manual jobs the least likely to receive care. Conclusions: Access to essential eye services is low and unequal in Meru, with less than a third of those aged 18–44 receiving the care they need. Future work should explore the specific barriers faced by this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation is a common complication of cataract surgery. Dislocated IOLs often require surgical intervention due to the potentially severe risks of leaving this condition untreated. If a patient with extremely low corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) presents with IOL dislocation, the surgeon faces a crucial dilemma of choosing the most optimal surgical treatment option. We sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens (R-IOL) implantation in patients with IOL dislocation and extremely low (< 1000 cells/mm2) ECD. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of nine patients (all men) whose pre-operative ECD was < 1000 cells/mm2 and who underwent R-IOL implantation due to intraocular subluxation or total dislocation into the vitreous cavity between 2014 and 2020. We evaluated corneal endothelial function and visual outcomes after surgery. Results: Nine patients were included in this study. The mean age at diagnosis was 64.89 ± 7.15 years (range 57–76 years), and the follow-up duration was 37.93 ± 23.72 months (range 18.07–89.07 months). No patients developed bullous keratopathy during follow-up. Compared to the initial ECD, corneal thickness (CT), coefficient variation of cell area (CV) and percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), there was no statistically significant decrease in the ECD, CV, and HEX at last follow-up (P = 0.944, 0.778, 0.445, 0.443). There was significant improvement in the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at the last follow-up (average 0.13 logMAR, 20/27 Snellen) compared to the pre-operative mean UDVA (average 1.09 logMAR, 20/250 Snellen) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: R-IOL implantation did not result in a statistically significant decline in corneal endothelial function in patients with preoperatively low ECD, and it significantly improved the mean UDVA postoperatively. R-IOL implantation appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for intraocular lens dislocation in patients with low ECD (< 1000 cells/mm²); however, long-term follow-up studies are warranted to corroborate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a reproducible, easily performed test, and is widely used to determine functional exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is currently a paucity of data on the clinical significance of baseline and serial 6-minute walk tests in patients with IPF, especially in Asian patients. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serial 6MWT in patients with IPF, especially in Asian patients. Design: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Methods: Clinical data of patients diagnosed with IPF at a tertiary center in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. IPF diagnosis was defined according to the clinical guidelines of the American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS)/Japanese Respiratory Society/Latin American Thoracic Association. Results: There were 216 patients diagnosed with IPF from December 2012 to January 2022, of whom 198 had a baseline of 6MWT data. The mean age of the cohort was 66.9 ± 8.6, and 89% were male. The non-survivors showed significantly lower six-minute walk distance (6MWD), minimum saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) during 6MWT, forced vital capacity, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide than survivors at baseline. A multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that lower minimum SpO2 was independently associated with increased mortality rates (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.081, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.024–1.142, p = 0.005). Higher mortality rates were also associated with echocardiographic-determined pulmonary hypertension (HR: 2.466, 95% CI: 1.149–5.296, p = 0.021) at diagnosis. Among 144 patients with 6MWT results at 12 months, patients with a decline of 50 m or more in the 6MWD showed poorer overall survival than others (median survival: 45.0 months vs 58.0 months, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Baseline lower minimum SpO2 during 6MWT was an independent prognostic factor in patients with IPF, and a decline in 6MWD in serial follow-up was also associated with a poorer prognosis. These findings suggest that both baseline 6MWT and follow-up data are important in the prognostication of patients with IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SH2B1 mutations are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in humans. Global deletion of Sh2b1 results in severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, and MASLD in mice. Neuron‐specific restoration of SH2B1 rescues the obesity phenotype of Sh2b1‐null mice, indicating that the brain is a main SH2B1 target. However, SH2B1 neurocircuits remain elusive. SH2B1‐expressing neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVHSH2B1) and a PVHSH2B1→dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurocircuit are identified here. PVHSH2B1 axons monosynaptically innervate DRN neurons. Optogenetic stimulation of PVHSH2B1 axonal fibers in the DRN suppresses food intake. Chronic inhibition of PVHSH2B1 neurons causes obesity. In male and female mice, either embryonic‐onset or adult‐onset deletion of Sh2b1 in PVH neurons causes energy imbalance, obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and MASLD. Ablation of Sh2b1 in the DRN‐projecting PVHSH2B1 subpopulation also causes energy imbalance, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Conversely, SH2B1 overexpression in either total or DRN‐projecting PVHSH2B1 neurons protects against diet‐induced obesity. SH2B1 binds to TrkB and enhances brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Ablation of Sh2b1 in PVHSH2B1 neurons induces BDNF resistance in the PVH, contributing to obesity. In conclusion, these results unveil a previously unrecognized PVHSH2B1→DRN neurocircuit through which SH2B1 defends against obesity by enhancing BDNF/TrkB signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the search for alternative energy sources due to the depletion of fossil fuels, green hydrogen energy produced from the water splitting reaction is considered to be a promising candidate owing to its high energy density and zero carbon emission. This reaction involves two electrons for the production of hydrogen at the cathode and four electrons for the production of oxygen at the anode. Therefore, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is as crucial as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, due to the sluggish kinetics of OER and the low abundance and high cost of the state-of-the-art RuO2 and IrO2 catalysts (noble metals), it is necessary to develop alternative low-cost, highly abundant, reasonably active, and stable catalysts to realize their industrial application in the water splitting reaction. In this case, the sol–gel process involves wet chemical synthesis using low-cost transition metal precursors for the production of various nanostructures, specifically oxide materials. In recent decades, a plethora of sol–gel-synthesized materials including metal oxides, hydroxides, phosphides, sulfides, and their derivatives have demonstrated remarkable efficiency as heterostructure catalysts in promoting water splitting activities including oxygen evolution reactions. In this method, the precursor molecules are mainly dissolved in alcohol or water, forming a sol, and then converted to gel via various approaches, and eventually dried to obtain the resultant catalyst. Accordingly, anticipating continuous growth in the research on these materials due to their cost-effective, easy fabrication, and ability to realize industrial applications, a comprehensive review addressing the enhancement of sol–gel-synthesized composites becomes imperative. This review aims to provide a thorough analysis of the recent research advancements in the sol–gel approach and resulting materials for OER. Particularly, we focus on the recent developments, showcasing their potential applications and reasons why the prepared materials display enhanced catalytic properties. Furthermore, a detailed discussion of prospective avenues for future research is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although concrete materials generally exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, it is susceptible against crack formation. It has been reported that narrow cracks (≤ 150 µm) could be naturally sealed in the cement matrix by externally supplied water-induced hydration. However, the crack width of larger than 150 µm is difficult to be sealed without using additional self-healing admixture. In this study, the self-healing cementitious mortar was successfully developed by using a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and superabsorbent polymer (SAP), aiming to heal the wide cracks. Although the mechanical properties were slightly reduced, it shows outstanding self-healing performance by using the dual admixtures. A self-healing rate of 60% was observed in the control sample with an initial crack width of 300 µm, while a self-healing rate of nearly 100% was confirmed with suitable SAP and PVA. In addition, it was confirmed that lower hydration degree of self-healing mortar in early stage contributes to the enhanced self-healing performance of developed composite system by internally supplied water from SAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to compare outcomes following a negative surveillance MRI study by surgery-MRI interval and investigate factors associated with second breast cancers in women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC). Methods: This retrospective study included 1552 consecutive women (mean age, 53 years) with a PHBC and a negative prevalence surveillance breast MRI result between August 2014 and December 2016. The incidence and characteristics of second breast cancers were reviewed and compared according to surgery-MRI interval (< 3 years vs ≥ 3 years). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations with clinical-pathologic characteristics. Results: Twenty-five second breast cancers occurred after negative MRI. The incidence of second breast cancers or local-regional recurrence did not significantly differ by surgery-MRI interval. The median intervals between MRI to second breast cancer detection showed no significant difference between the two groups (surgery-MRI interval <3 years vs. ≥ 3 years). Two node-positive second breast cancers were detected in the group with <3 years interval. BRCA mutation status, receipt of breast-conserving surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy (all p <.05) were significant factors associated with the development of second breast cancers. Conclusion: Outcomes following a negative surveillance MRI did not differ by surgery-MRI interval. BRCA mutation status, receipt of breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were independently associated with the risk of developing second breast cancers after negative surveillance MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for eco-friendly wearable sensors is driving the exploration of stretchable, biocompatible, conductive, and recyclable materials for detecting electromechanical signals from the human body. Herein, a straightforward method for producing stretchable, conductive, water-permeable, low-hysteresis, and recyclable hybrid films is proposed, based on a combination of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and lab-synthesized poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (L-PEDOT:PSS). Fine-tuning the film composition yields a stretchable and high-performance sensing material with ultralow hysteresis. The composite film is stable even when subjected to 5000 strained stretch-release cycles and exhibits an efficient thermoresistive response. The on-skin sensor derived from the HEC/L-PEDOT:PSS composite conforms to diverse body movements without sacrificing structural integrity. The sensors exhibit high sensitivity, stability, rapid response times, and low power consumption, enabling efficient monitoring of subtle human activities, such as handwriting, frowning, air flow, and even diaphragmatic breathing. Our sensors not only demonstrate excellent recycling, but also exhibit almost complete recovery of both mechanical and electrical functions upon recycling. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the HEC/PEDOT:PSS composite as a multifunctional and recyclable on-skin sensor. HEC/L-PEDOT:PSS composite films are promising for the advancement of on-skin sensors and will contribute to the development of high-performance, eco-friendly, and zero-waste wearable sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic nanoplatelets (GnPs), edge‐selectively carboxylated graphitic nanoplatelets (ECGnPs), are functionalized with a carboxylic acid at the edge increasing their surface area, and are highly dispersible in various solvents. However, there is a limit in that the basal plane remains intact because it is functionalized only in the part where the radical is generated at the edge. Here, we activate ECGnPs to have porous structures by flowing CO2 at 900 °C. Etching of the ECGnPs structure was performed through the Boudouard reaction, and the surface area increased from 579 m2 g−1 to a maximum of 2462 m2 g−1. In addition, the pore structure was investigated with various adsorption gases (CH4, Ar, CO2, H2, and N2) according to the reaction time. This study provides the overall green chemistry in that it utilizes CO2 from manufacturing to activation compared to the process of activating with conventional chemical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) materials are indispensable candidates for thermoelectric (TE) device applications. However, thermal transport at low temperatures, as an important TE device application, has not been fully realized, especially in large-area 2D TMDC films. Here, we report temperature-dependent in-plane Seebeck coefficients, along with electrical and thermal conductivities, of both 3 nm-thick PtSe2 films and stacked 2D/2D semiconducting PtSe2/PtSe2 (3 nm/3 nm) homostructures at temperatures ranging from 40 to 300 K using a homemade Seebeck coefficient measurement module and a heat diffusion imaging method, respectively. In the single 2D PtSe2 (3 nm) film, simultaneous decreases in the in-plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity were observed with decreasing temperature, indicating the presence of both semiconductor and metallic properties. At 300 K, the in-plane Seebeck coefficient of the single 2D PtSe2 film is ∼65.1 μV K−1, whereas those of the 2-, 3-, and 4-stacked PtSe2/PtSe2 homostructures are ∼69.1, ∼79.0 and ∼72.0 μV K−1, respectively due to interface formation between the PtSe2 layer. The in-plane thermal conductivity of the single PtSe2 film is ∼28.3 W m−1 K at 300 K and reaches maximum values of ∼98.5 and ∼12.1 W m−1 K at 97 and 42 K, respectively. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing 2D semiconducting PtSe2 layers with interface formation between the 2D layers as TE energy-saving and energy-generating devices, as they exhibit the TE properties required by an ideal TE material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population-scale single-cell genomics is a transformative approach for unraveling the intricate links between genetic and cellular variation. This approach is facilitated by cutting-edge experimental methodologies, including the development of high-throughput single-cell multiomics and advances in multiplexed environmental and genetic perturbations. Examining the effects of natural or synthetic genetic variants across cellular contexts provides insights into the mutual influence of genetics and the environment in shaping cellular heterogeneity. The development of computational methodologies further enables detailed quantitative analysis of molecular variation, offering an opportunity to examine the respective roles of stochastic, intercellular, and interindividual variation. Future opportunities lie in leveraging long-read sequencing, refining disease-relevant cellular models, and embracing predictive and generative machine learning models. These advancements hold the potential for a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of human molecular traits, which in turn has important implications for understanding the genetic causes of human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous purification process can be beneficial to the purification of biologics due to its higher productivity and efficiency than a conventional batch purification process. However, regulatory issues and lack of established cases render deployment of the continuous process difficult in industrial settings. Here we report a case study for design and optimization of an advanced continuous process for purifying a low-titer enzyme as a model biologic. To convert a conventional batch process to an advanced continuous one in purification of biologics, conventional unit operations (UOs), including ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) and batch chromatography, were replaced by advanced ones such as in-line dilution conditioning (IDC) and periodic counter-current chromatography (PCC). The UF/DF UO was changed to IDC UO to adjust pH and conductivity. The mixing ratio of the sample and the conditioning buffer in IDC was determined by experiments with three buffers. PCC was optimized with two variables, column height and sample loading residence time, as the delta pressure in the columns was less than 1.0 bar. A graph indicating the operating area was plotted to efficiently control the PCC. Although the sample volume increased in IDC, PCC had a complementary advantage in that purification was performed faster than batch chromatography. We observed at least 25% increase in economic advantage when the advanced continuous process was applied to purify a low-titer enzyme. We propose not only a continuous process with the substitution of UF/DF and batch chromatography with IDC and PCC but also a method to optimize PCC by plotting operating areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for bio‐inspired neuromorphic systems grows, memristor has emerged as a pivotal component in artificial synaptic devices. This study delves into the advantages and limitations of the one‐transistor‐one‐resistor (1T‐1R) and 0T‐1R architectures for memory array configurations. A significant enhancement in the memristor's on/off ratio, surpassing 103, achieved by integrating both an overshoot suppression layer (OSL) and an ultra‐thin AlN oxygen barrier layer (OBL) is also reported. The concurrent insertion of an AlOx OSL is essential for manifesting the self‐compliance attribute in 4F2 memristor arrays. Evaluations of a 24 × 24 array embedded with OSL and OBL reveal a substantial reduction in retention variation. In terms of functionality, a 7.13‐fold decline in vector‐matrix multiplication error is observed, accentuating the potential of this approach for neural network synapse applications. The analog reset characteristics of the OBL memristor facilitate over 25 multilevel states. Furthermore, the adoption of nonnegative weights presents an avenue to potentially double synaptic integration density. Through simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis simulations, the necessity of nonnegative and 16‐level quantized conductance in balancing power consumption without accuracy loss at the image classification is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black soybeans with green cotyledon have long been widely consumed in the East due to their high content of health-promoting anthocyanins and lutein. However, major anti-nutritional and allergenic components such as lectin, Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI), P34, lipoxygenase, and stachyose are contained in mature seed. The objective of this research is to breed a soybean line with a black seed coat, a green cotyledon, and the penta null genotype (lele-titi-p34p34-lox1lox1lox2lox2lox3lox3-rs2rs2) for all five components. The F2 plant strain with penta null genotype for lectin, KTI, P34, lipoxygenase, and stachyose components was developed. The breeding line has purple flower, determinate growth habit, brown pod, black seed coat and green cotyledon. The stem height of the breeding line was 57.0 cm and 100 seed weight was 31.5 g. This is the first soybean breeding line with black seed coat, green cotyledon and penta null genotypes for lectin, KTI, P34, lipoxygenase, and stachyose factors. This line will be used as parent to improve a black soybean cultivar with green cotyledon that have significantly reduced anti-nutritional and allergenic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐aqueous lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs) have emerged as a promising candidate due to their high theoretical energy density and eco‐friendly cathode reaction materials. However, LOBs still suffer from high overpotential and poor cycling stability resulting from difficulties in the decomposition of discharge reaction Li2O2 products. Here, a 3D open network catalyst structure is proposed based on highly‐thin and porous multi‐metal oxide nanofibers (MMONFs) developed by a facile electrospinning approach coupled with a heat treatment process. The developed hierarchically interconnected 3D porous MMONFs catalyst structure with high specific surface area and porosity shows the enhanced electrochemical reaction kinetics associated with Li2O2 formation and decomposition on the cathode surface during the charge and discharge processes. The uniquely assembled cathode materials with MMONFs exhibit excellent electrochemical performance with energy efficiency of 82% at a current density of 50 mA g−1 and a long‐term cycling stability over 100 cycles at 200 mA g−1 with a cut‐off capacity of 500 mAh g−1. Moreover, the optimized cathode materials exhibit a remarkable energy density of 1013 Wh kg−1 at the 100th discharge and charge cycle, which is nearly four times higher than that of C/NMC721, which has the highest energy density among the cathode materials currently used in electric vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous IGZO (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are standard backplane electronics to power active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) televisions due to their high carrier mobility and negligible low leakage characteristics. Despite their advantages, limitations in color depth arise from a steep subthreshold swing (SS) (≤ 0.1 V/decade), necessitating costly external compensation for IGZO transistors. For mid‐size mobile applications such as OLED tablets and notebooks, it is important to ensure controllable SS value (≥ 0.3 V/decade). In this study, a conversion mechanism during plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) is proposed as a feasible route to control the SS. When a pulse of a diethylzinc (DEZn) precursor is exposed to the M2O3 (M = In or Ga) surface layer, partial conversion of the underlying M2O3 to ZnO is predicted on the basis of density function theory calculations. Notably, significant distinctions between In‐Ga‐Zn (Case I) and In‐Zn‐Ga (Case II) films are observed: Case II exhibits a lower growth rate and larger Ga/In ratio. Case II TFTs with a‐IGZO (subcycle ratio of In:Ga:Zn = 3:1:1) show reasonable SS values (313 mV decade−1) and high mobility (µFE) of 29.3 cm2 Vs−1 (Case I: 84 mV decade−1 and 33.4 cm2 Vs−1). The rationale for Case II's reasonable SS values is discussed, attributing it to the plausible formation of In‐Zn defects, supported by technology computer‐aided design (TCAD) simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biosynthesis of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses in plant secondary cell walls (SCWs) is regulated by a hierarchical transcriptional regulatory network. This network features orthologous transcription factors shared between poplar and Arabidopsis, highlighting a foundational similarity in their genetic regulation. However, knowledge on the discrepant behavior of the transcriptional‐level molecular regulatory mechanisms between poplar and Arabidopsis remains limited. In this study, we investigated the function of PagMYB128 during wood formation and found it had broader impacts on SCW formation compared to its Arabidopsis ortholog, AtMYB103. Transgenic poplar trees overexpressing PagMYB128 exhibited significantly enhanced xylem development, with fiber cells and vessels displaying thicker walls, and an increase in the levels of cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses in the wood. In contrast, plants with dominant repression of PagMYB128 demonstrated the opposite phenotypes. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription – quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that PagMYB128 could activate SCW biosynthetic gene expression, and chromatin immunoprecipitation along with yeast one‐hybrid, and effector–reporter assays showed this regulation was direct. Further analysis revealed that PagSND1 (SECONDARY WALL‐ASSOCIATED NAC‐DOMAIN PROTEIN1) directly regulates PagMYB128 but not cell wall metabolic genes, highlighting the pivotal role of PagMYB128 in the SND1‐driven regulatory network for wood development, thereby creating a feedforward loop in SCW biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor manufacturing processing can be jeopardized due to process fluctuations, and the degradation of equipment parts can significantly influence process variation. Timely diagnosing equipment faults causing process variations is desired in current high-end product manufacturing. This paper proposes a diagnostic method for the SiH4 gas flow rate drift using N2 vibrational transition in oxide deposition. In this research, optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) are employed as condition monitoring sensors serving as a reference model to compare the diagnostic performance for gas flow rate drift. The study observes that the OES model exhibits much higher performance for minor diagnoses of less than 5% drift. The diagnostic model performance can be enhanced by incorporating plasma condition and gas indicators compared to when these indicators are used individually. This suggests that when conducting diagnostics for equipment and processes, it is crucial to consider indirect indicators like plasma indicators along with direct indicators such as gas radical density. The comprehensive use of both types of indicators enhances the diagnostic performance, providing a more accurate assessment of the conditions and potential problem in semiconductor manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, explores the clinical and dermoscopic features of onychomatricoma in Korean patients. Onychomatricoma is a rare benign tumor that originates from the nail matrix. The study analyzed ten patients with pathologically confirmed onychomatricoma and found that the most common clinical findings were increased nail thickness and xanthonychia. Dermoscopic examination revealed patterns such as localized nail thickening and multiple cavities at the free edge. The study also identified four distinct types of onychomatricoma based on clinical and dermoscopic findings. The article concludes by acknowledging the limitations of the study and the need for further research on the morphologic characteristics of onychomatricoma in different ethnicities. [Extracted from the article]

Over the past decade, the OECD has gradually shifted its governing mechanism from promoting 'best practices' based on comparative data on pupils' cognitive skills to actively advocating for individual and collective well-being as an alternative and ideal future. This article focuses on the OECD's use of 'techno-scientific fictive scripts' as a strategy to promote happiness and well-being as solutions to anticipated crises, despite their conceptual ambiguity and token usage. It analyses how the OECD's recent 'Future of Education' projects have sought to steer its audience towards shared concerns and expectations of the future, while simultaneously asserting its technical expertise in future studies methodologies. It argues that by returning from endorsing data-driven policies to making futuristic claims using future studies methodologies, the OECD endeavours to redefine itself as both a pathfinder and a problem solver, simultaneously blending its human capital imperatives with technological inevitability in its vision of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on sustainable fashion brands' effective price promotion, this experimental study developed two sets of stimuli, 'discount' and 'disclosure' strategies, and tested consumers' evaluations of price fairness, product attractiveness, quality, and brand trust based on each strategy. Subsequently, this study compared consumers' evaluations of the discount and disclosure strategies. An analysis of 961 Korean samples revealed that a high discount rate increased price fairness and product attractiveness, and the highly promotion-focused consumers were more likely to perceive product attractiveness and quality when positive framing was presented. In the disclosure strategy, the reference point effect was prominent; when the conventional markup rate was provided, consumers showed greater price fairness, product attractiveness, and brand trust. Furthermore, it was noteworthy that disclosing conventional markup along with the firm's markup showed the same price fairness perceptions as that of a high markup rate. Built on reference point and regulatory focus fit, this study empirically proved the effectiveness of the price promotions of sustainable fashion brands to whom quality and trustworthiness are greatly important, extending the academic originality of this study. Practically, effective use of price promotion strategies can help fashion management handle inventory problems in a sustainable way without massive investment in technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overshoot and undershoot caused by the current load impact the accuracy of the required output voltage and circuit performance. The transient response issue in existing low-dropout (LDO) regulators is a dynamic specification that must be addressed at the design stage. This transient response is influenced by system parameters such as stability and gain. The LDO regulator suggested in this study is designed to minimize the change in output voltage by considerably enhancing the gain using a dynamic dual buffer structure. A dynamic dual buffer is utilized to effectively control undershoot and overshoot. Under the conditions that the input voltage range is from 3.3 to 4.5 V, the maximum load current is 300 mA, the output voltage is 3 V, and the output of the proposed LDO regulator with the dynamic dual buffer structure has undershoot and overshoot voltages of 41 mV and 31 mV, respectively. That is, the output voltage of the proposed LDO regulator effectively provided and discharged an additional current suited for the undershoot/overshoot conditions to enhance the transient response characteristics. Furthermore, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) robustness characteristics of the proposed LDO regulator improved because of the silicon-controlled rectifier underlying the ESD protection device embedded in the output node and power line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing electronic medical data and the development of artificial intelligence, clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) assist clinicians in diagnosis and prescription. Traditional knowledge-based CDSSs follow an accumulated medical knowledgebase and a predefined rule system, which clarifies the decision-making process; however, maintenance cost issues exist in the medical data quality control and standardization processes. Non-knowledge-based CDSSs utilize vast amounts of data and algorithms to effectively make decisions; however, the deep learning black-box problem causes unreliable results. EXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)-based CDSSs provide valid rationales and explainable results. These systems ensure trustworthiness and transparency by showing the recommendation and prediction result process using explainable techniques. However, existing systems have limitations, such as the scope of data utilization and the lack of explanatory power of AI models. This study proposes a new XAI-based CDSS framework to address these issues; introduces resources, datasets, and models that can be utilized; and provides a foundation model to support decision-making in various disease domains. Finally, we propose future directions for CDSS technology and highlight societal issues that need to be addressed to emphasize the potential of CDSSs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conjugated polymers exhibit significant potential for use in gas sensors owing to their flexibility and straightforward preparation. However, the performance of organic gas sensors based on such materials is currently suboptimal owing to their poor charge‐transport properties and limited selectivity. To address this limitation, a novel strategy that involves blending a chemically modified metal–organic framework (MOF) material, UiO‐66, with a conjugated polymer is developed. The MOF porous material is chemically modified with polar nitrogen‐containing functional groups (amino and nitro groups) to create gas molecule adsorption sites. To evaluate the impact of these modifications on the sensing performance, experiments that combined the sensing performance with a density functional theory simulation are conducted. The findings reveal that gas sensors fabricated using an amine‐functionalized MOF blended with conjugated polymers exhibit significantly higher sensitivity than home polymer devices, the sensing performance of the UiO‐66‐NH2/P3HT blend film improved by a factor of two with a sensitivity of ≈2%/ppm and an LOD of 0.001 ppt. Additionally, these devices exhibit exclusive NO2‐sensing performance for other gases such as CO2 and SO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an inference procedure for the interactive fixed effects model that is valid in the presence of cross-sectional dependence. When the error terms are cross-sectionally dependent, the least square (LS) estimator of this model is asymptotically biased and therefore the associated confidence interval tends to have a large coverage error. To address this, we propose a bias correction of the LS estimator and a cross-sectional dependence robust variance estimator to construct associated test statistics. The paper also discusses practical issues in implementing the proposed method, including the construction of distance that reflects the decaying pattern of cross-sectional dependence and the selection of the bandwidth parameters. Monte Carlo simulations show our procedure works well in finite samples. As empirical illustrations, we apply our procedure to study the effect of divorce law reforms on divorce rates and the impact of clean water and sewerage interventions on child mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual's risk perception regarding specific hazards is a dynamic process that evolves over time. This study analyzed the relationship between the number of COVID‐19 cases and the South Korean public's risk perceptions from the outset of the pandemic to the recent past. More than 70 repeated cross‐sectional surveys were conducted biweekly to measure individuals' risk perception. An autoregressive integrated moving average with explanatory variable time series analysis was used to characterize the relationship between the number of COVID‐19 cases and level of risk perceptions. It revealed that individuals' risk perception and the number of COVID‐19 cases were not linearly related but were logarithmically correlated. This finding can be understood as a psychic numbing effect, suggesting that people's perception of risk is not linear but rather exponentially sensitive to changes. The findings also revealed a significant influence of individuals' trust in local governments on their risk perceptions, highlighting the substantial role played by local governments in direct risk management during the COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium‐based liquid metal, eutectic gallium–indium alloy (EGaIn), is becoming a leading innovation in soft electronic devices due to its exceptional electronic conductivity and deformability. However, the formation of insulating oxide films on EGaIn surfaces poses a significant impediment to translating electrochemical reactions, thereby limiting its use as an electrochemical biosensor. Here, functionalized EGaIn electrodes with reduced‐graphene‐oxide assembled EGaIn core–shell particles (REGs) for soft and deformable electrochemical biosensors are presented. Exploiting EGaIn's capability as a reducing agent, REGs can undergo further modification with metal nanoparticles through additional galvanic replacement reactions. The REGs and metal‐coated REGs (M‐REGs) provide strong interfacial adhesion with the EGaIn current collector, exhibiting no exfoliation during and after the mechanical deformation. Moreover, RIDE and metal‐decorated RIDE (M‐RIDE) show excellent electrochemical sensing performances by taking advantage of the facile surface tunability of REGs, allowing simultaneous detection of ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid, and enzymatic detection of glucose. The developed RIDE/M‐RIDE paves the way for utilizing EGaIn in the development of soft and deformable electrochemical biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid metals, particularly non‐toxic gallium‐based alloys, have emerged as promising materials for future soft electronics due to their unique properties, including fluidity, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, and surface reactivity. They demonstrate adaptability, responsivity, and self‐healing abilities, offering a platform for innovative electronic devices. Embodied in a droplet form factor, gallium‐based liquid metal droplets (LMDs) combine the traits of liquid metals with the advantages of miniaturized structures, including high surface tension, high surface area, high mobility, and surface functionalization. This review discusses the inherent properties of LMDs, which have driven substantial research interest across various fields, such as sensors, robotics, electronic circuits, energy harvesters, drug delivery, and microfluidics systems, among others. Effective fabrication and processing techniques are detailed for LMDs, illustrating their role in applications previously challenging with conventional materials, such as reconfigurable, self‐healing, and transient electronics. Existing challenges and future directions in this growing field are discussed. This extensive review seeks to further the understanding of LMDs and their potential, offering a roadmap for their journey from a niche interest to a key material in various electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents experimental results of combined cyclic load testing on a reinforced concrete (RC) column that was retrofitted with newly designed steel rods. The steel rods were installed around the column longitudinally and then anchored. The proposed steel rods utilize simple components and installation to enhance both the strength and ductility of RC columns. Cyclic lateral load tests were conducted on three specimens: one unreinforced specimen as reference, one specimen with the entire length of the column retrofitted, and one specimen with only the plastic hinge region of the column retrofitted. All specimens were tested under eccentric constant axial load and incrementally increasing lateral loading cycles with eccentricity. The implementation of steel rods resulted in significant improvement in ductility and an up to 60% increase in ultimate loading capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) have attracted attention as lightweight materials with exceptional properties, making them suitable for applications in industries where enhanced fuel efficiency and vibration-damping effects are required. However, as CFRP applications expand beyond the mobility sector, the demand for additional functionalities, particularly electrical conductivity, has emerged. In this study, we employed a multi-drop filling process (MDF) to produce hybrid CFRP with imparted electrical conductivity. This approach enables precise resin drop and simultaneous curing, addressing the challenges associated with conventional CFRP production processes. Based on filtering effects during MDF, additives, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, could concentrate on the surface while resin impregnated the fiber reinforcement, resulting in CFRP with surface-concentrated electrical conductivity (ScEC). We dispersed CNTs and graphene in the resin to induce a bridge effect between the additives. Resin dispersion was achieved using surfactants and solvents, preserving the enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the CFRP. The structure, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of the fabricated CFRP were evaluated. The results show that the hybrid CFRPs possess the intended structure and exhibit ScEC. This study paves the way for the fabrication of CFRPs with different functionalities, thereby promoting their applications in various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our primary purpose in this study was to determine whether trained dancers differed from untrained non-dancers in their ability to accurately control motor timing during finger and heel tapping tasks, both with and without slow isochronous auditory stimuli. Dancers and non-dancers were instructed to synchronize their taps with isochronous auditory stimuli under three conditions: 30, 40, and 50 BPM. After the synchronization phase, participants were asked to continue tapping without the auditory sequences. On the synchronization task, the tapping onset of both groups lagged behind the stimulus onset in all tempo conditions. In all conditions, dancers showed more accurate and stable beat synchronization and continuation than non-dancers. As the tempo condition slowed down (from 50 to 30 BPM), synchronization accuracy decreased while synchronization and continuation variability increased. Unlike for novices, dancers showed no difference between the finger and heel tapping synchronization tasks. During the continuous tasks, their timing accuracy was higher for heel than for finger tapping. Collectively, these findings suggest that dance training, which involves synchronizing bodily movements based on rhythm, may lead to an accumulation of experience that enhances specific sensorimotor skills related to synchronizing movements with external stimuli or continuing rhythmic movements temporally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIMA‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates mitosis and plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. However, its function in porcine embryonic development is unknown. In this study, we used an NEK2‐specific inhibitor, JH295 (JH), to investigate the role of NEK2 in embryonic development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Inhibition of NEK2 after parthenogenesis activation or in vitro fertilization significantly reduced the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, the numbers of trophectoderm and total cells and the cellular survival rate compared with the control condition. NEK2 inhibition delayed cell cycle progression at all stages from interphase to cytokinesis during the first mitotic division; it caused abnormal nuclear morphology in two‐ and four‐cell stage embryos. Additionally, NEK2 inhibition significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis, and it altered the expression levels of DNA damage repair‐ and apoptosis‐related genes. Intriguingly, NEK2 inhibition downregulated the expression of β‐catenin and its downstream target genes. To validate the relationship between Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and NEK2 during porcine embryonic development, we cultured porcine embryos in JH‐treated medium with or without CHIR99021, a Wnt activator. CHIR99021 co‐treatment strongly restored the developmental parameters reduced by NEK2 inhibition to control levels. Our findings suggest that NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by regulating DNA damage repair and normal mitotic division via the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional status and sarcopenia affects the prognosis of head and neck cancers including hypopharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients tend to exhibit sarcopenia, which is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status and sarcopenia, and their prognostic role in surgically treated hypopharyngeal cancer. Materials and Methods: Patients who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hypopharynx and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of the cohort were considered the cut‐off values. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra. Clinical and serological factors predictive of survival outcomes were evaluated. Results: Patients with high PNI showed better 5‐year Overall survival (OS) (52.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.001) and disease‐free survival (DFS) (59.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.033) than those with low PNI. Likewise, patients with low SMI showed worse 5‐year OS (25.0% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.002) and DFS (42.4% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.034) than patients with high SMI. Among the patients with high PNI, those with sarcopenia displayed significantly worse OS than those with high SMI (78.0% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.049). High PNI with high SMI presented better overall (p = 0.010) and DFS (p = 0.055) than any other group. Conclusions: Both sarcopenia and PNI were associated with the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. Considering that PNI and sarcopenia indicate the nutritional status, nutritional status may be a significant risk factor. Therefore, nutritional support that ameliorates sarcopenia may improve survival outcomes in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]