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Glycerol is a simple and important polyol in both biological and industrial field. To produce glycerol in an eco‐friendly manner, we established a one‐pot cascade reaction by fructose‐6‐phosphate aldolase (FSA) and aldehyde reductase (ALR) from formaldehyde (FALD) and its dimerized form glycolaldehyde (GALD) via L‐glyceraldehyde. For this, we characterized two FSAs at various conditions. Among them, FSA from Gilliamella apicola (GaFSA) has shown the higher L‐glyceraldehyde production activity in the phosphate buffer than the well‐known FSA from Escherichia coli (EcFSA) by more than 2 times. We also characterized two ALRs (xylose reductase from Candida tenuis; CtXR, the annotated DL‐glyceraldehyde reductase from Hypocrea jecorina; HjGLD) that specifically reduce L‐glyceraldehyde into glycerol. Bioproduction of glycerol from FALD and GALD was performed using GaFSA and CtXR, which produced ~8.8 mM glycerol from 25 mM of FALD and GALD (conversion yield of ~35 %). This suggested that a simple process would help in designing a green production of glycerol from a wasteful one‐carbon chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple medications are more effective than single agents for postoperative pain management. We investigated the analgesic effects of an intravenous combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen immediately after thyroidectomy. Methods: In this double‐blind clinical trial, 62 patients who underwent thyroidectomies were randomized to either the treatment (1000 mg acetaminophen, 300 mg ibuprofen) or control (1000 mg acetaminophen) group. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) 0, 15, and 30 min after recovery room admission. Opioid rescue consumption was also recorded. Results: The VAS scores were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group 15 [3 (2–4.3) vs. 5 (3–6); p = 0.015] and 30 [3 (2–4.3) vs. 4 (3–5); p = 0.018] min after recovery room admission, as were the opioid rescue dose requirements (p = 0.033). Conclusions: Combined intravenous acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be better than acetaminophen alone for immediately acute postoperative pain after thyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The underwater soundscape was recorded in Seaview Bay off Inexpressible Island, Ross Sea region Marine protected area, for 3 days in December 2021. Leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx vocalizations were a prominent sound source that led to variations in ambient sound pressure levels in a frequency range of approximately 150–4500 Hz. Among the 14 call types previously identified, except ultrasound vocalizations, six types of broadcast calls were classified, and their acoustic characteristics were analyzed. We focused on the acoustic characteristics of four low‐frequency calls, clustered in a relatively narrow bandwidth, which have been relatively less studied. We identified a new call type of a triple ascending trill consisting of three trill parts, expanding upon the findings of previous studies. The audio data extracted from leopard seal vocalization videos, recorded by a monitoring camera on sea ice, enhanced the reliability of identifications of the underwater triple ascending trill. We present the unique results of underwater passive acoustic monitoring conducted at Seaview Bay, designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Area No 178. Our results could contribute to the development of detection and localization algorithms for leopard seal vocalizations and can be used as fundamental data for studies related to the vocalization and behavior of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of home care globally is significantly impacted by the political reforms in the public and private sectors. This research investigated the Australian contexts of home care quality and the use of "brokerage" during times of change. The research utilised a qualitative post‐structural approach to gather data about home care service provision through conducting semi‐structured interviews of 10 Australian home care business leaders. What emerged in the discourse was how central to everyday practices was the need for business leaders to network and 'dance a political tango' to ensure quality in service provision. Illuminated was how the leaders pushed back against governmental and economic structures by using models of brokerage to compensate for economic and staffing deficiencies. This is essential for the ongoing improvement and performance of home care in the Australian social arena of caring for our most vulnerable consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pioneering integration of oxide semiconductor memristors with optoelectronic features is presented, surpassing binary limitations to realize multi‐valued synaptic operations. Through Pt/Ga2O3/Pt memristors, their structural and electronic attributes via atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are explored. Demonstrating unipolar resistance switching with remarkable endurance and retention, the devices exhibit intricate light‐resistance correlations, yielding substantial photoelectric effects in distinct resistance states. Investigating synaptic behaviors, potentiation, and depression akin to biological synapses are unveiled, facilitating learning and memory processes. The standout achievement lies in attaining quaternary memory storage within a single device. Empirical data and simulations validate this concept, showcasing the potential for encoding and sustaining multiple memory states. This innovation heralds transformative possibilities, emphasizing oxide semiconductor memristors as a gateway to quaternary memory storage and enhanced synaptic functions. In essence, this work pioneers optoelectronic synaptic devices with expanded memory capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Half‐Heusler compounds are promising materials for thermoelectric applications due to their high zT at elevated temperatures. However, their intrinsic high thermal conductivity limits their efficiency. Doping with Hf or Zr can improve the zT of these materials. Recently, a high zT of 1.5 at 1200 K achieved in p‐type Nb1‐xHfxFeSb has attracted much attention. While the effect of doping Hf in thermal conductivity is studied thoroughly, the effect of Hf doping on band parameters is not fully evaluated. This study investigates the effect of Hf and Zr doping on the electronic band parameters and thermoelectric properties of NbFeSb using the Single Parabolic Band model. The results show that Hf doping increases the weighted mobility of the samples, while Zr doping has no significant effect. Hf doping with x = 0.14 is predicted to improve the zT of NbFeSb by 35% at 300 K (0.19 → 0.26). These results show the intricate effects of Hf and Zr doping on the electronic and thermal properties of NbFeSb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing obstacles in preclinical drug testing have raised significant concerns within the pharmaceutical industry. Recently, utilizing the potential of three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting offers a solution for creating tissue models for screening of the effectiveness and safety of new drugs. In this study, the anti‐inflammatory potential of garlic extracts is assessed, specifically N‐Benzyl‐N‐methyl‐dodecan‐1‐amine (BMDA), using a 3D bioprinted artificial skin model. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization and immunocytochemical analysis demonstrate that the 3D bioprinted skin model exhibits structures and functions resembling human skin. BMDA treatment in a prepared skin model reveals its capacity to mitigate H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and trigger anti‐inflammatory responses. Notably, BMDA reduces the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by downregulating NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase inflammatory signaling pathways. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of an artificial skin model as a robust platform for the development of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) with those in people living without HIV (PLWoH). Methods: This nationwide descriptive epidemiological study was conducted in South Korea between January 2020 and February 2022. The National Health Insurance claim data, comprising the data of the entire Korean population, were collected through the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Results: Among 3,653,808 individuals who were diagnosed with COVID‐19, 1311 (0.04%) were PLWH. All PLWH received antiretroviral therapy, and 26.47% had more than one underlying disease other than HIV infection. The overall in‐hospital mortality rates of PLWH and PLWoH were 0.76% and 0.25%, respectively (P = 0.002). According to the Cox proportional hazard model, no significant difference was observed in the in‐hospital mortality rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–4.67) between the PLWH and PLWoH. However, progression to severe or critical COVID‐19 was more common in PLWH (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.37–5.33). In PLWH diagnosed with COVID‐19, a multivariable Cox regression analysis found old age (≥ 60 years) (HR: 6.9, 95% CI: 2.57–18.56) and diabetes mellitus (HR: 5.13, 95% CI: 2.02–13.00) as the independent risk factors for severe or critical COVID‐19. Conclusions: PLWH had a significantly higher risk of developing severe or critical COVID‐19 compared with PLWoH. Our findings suggest the need for implementing tailored strategies to decrease the impact of COVID‐19 on PLWH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the High attitude Interferometer WIND observation balloon and Antarctic Jang Bogo station high latitude conjugate observations of the thermospheric winds we investigate the seasonal and hemispheric differences between the northern and southern hemispheres in June 2018. We found that the summer (northern) hemisphere dayside meridional winds have a double‐hump feature, whereas in the winter (southern) hemisphere the dayside meridional winds have a single hump feature. We attribute that to stronger summer, perhaps, northern hemisphere cusp heating. We also compared the observation with NCAR Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) model. The TIEGCM reproduced the double‐hump feature because of added cusp heating. The summer hemisphere has stronger anti‐sunward winds. This is the first time we have very high latitude conjugate thermospheric wind observations. Plain Language Summary: Using balloon instrument in the northern hemisphere and ground based instrument in the southern hemisphere, we study the conjugacy of the thermospheric winds of high latitudes. We found that the more summer hemispheric heating alters the thermospheric winds and resulted in a double‐hump feature on the dayside meridional winds. We also used model with cusp heating to simulate the winds and were able to reproduce the double‐hump feature. Key Points: The stronger summer (northern) hemispheric power could be the cause of double hump in the dayside meridional windsThermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) was able to reproduce the double‐hump features seen by the High attitude Interferometer WIND observation, and single hump in the winter hemisphere observed at Jang Bogo stationTIEGCM overestimates the poleward wind on the dayside and equatorward wind on the nightside in the summer hemisphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fully depleted silicon‐on‐insulator (FDSOI) metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) device is investigated as for an electronic synapse emulating the synaptic functions of the human brain with stable characteristics. Gate‐last processed FDSOI MOSFET with a high‐k/metal gate stack features a memory window of 103. Synaptic conductance is stably regulated by utilizing the FDSOI MOSFET, which offers the advantage of mitigating leakage current when compared to bulk Si MOSFET. Short‐ and long‐term plasticity are investigated by applying engineered pulse, verifying the long‐term synaptic properties of pattern recognition processes. With controllable synaptic conductance, the trade‐off between conductance change and linearity regarding the recognition rate is evaluated, attaining a recognition rate of 0.83. To verify the pre‐ and post‐synaptic weights within a real hardware‐based neuromorphic system, 5 × 6 FDSOI field‐effect transistor (FET) synapse array is interconnected to 10 × 10 leaky integrate‐and‐fire (LIF) neuron array. The synaptic plasticity of FDSOI MOSFET in post‐neurons following neuron firing in the neuron device is successfully demonstrated. These results indicate that FDSOI MOSFET devices could be applicable as synapse devices due to controllability and capability to realize signal transmissions and self‐learning processes simultaneously and used to mimic a synapse neuron network system by configuring a hardware system interconnected with the LIF neuron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients harboring wild‐type breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) account for most TNBC patients but lack adequate targeted therapeutic options. Although radiotherapy (RT) is the primary treatment modality for TNBC patients, radioresistance is one of the major challenges. RT‐induced increase in cathepsin S (CTSS) causes radioresistance through suppressing BRCA1‐mediated apoptosis of tumor cells, which was induced by CTSS‐mediated degradation of BRCA1. Targeting CTSS may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for TNBC patients. Publicly available data and human tissue microarray slides were analyzed to investigate the relationship between CTSS and BRCA1 in breast cancer patients. A CTSS enzyme assay and in silico docking analysis were conducted to identify a novel CTSS inhibitor. RO5461111 was used first to confirm the concept of targeting CTSS for radiosensitizing effects. The MDA‐MB‐231 TNBC cell line was used for in vitro and in vivo assays. Western blotting, promoter assay, cell death assay, clonogenic survival assay, and immunohistochemistry staining were conducted to evaluate novel CTSS inhibitors. CTSS inhibitors were further evaluated for their additional benefit of inhibiting cell migration. A novel CTSS inhibitor, TS‐24, increased BRCA1 protein levels and showed radiosensitization in TNBC cells with wild‐type BRCA1 and in vivo in a TNBC xenograft mouse model. These effects were attributed by BRCA1‐mediated apoptosis facilitated by TS‐24. Furthermore, TS‐24 demonstrated the additional effect of inhibiting cell migration. Our study suggests that employing CTSS inhibitors for the functional restoration of BRCA1 to enhance RT‐induced apoptosis may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for TNBC patients harboring wild‐type BRCA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers a mixed duopoly two‐sided market of platforms in which a private firm competes with a public firm in a linear city model with fixed demand of full coverage. We examine whether prices of platforms are lower in the mixed duopoly market than in the standard pure duopoly market in which two private firms compete. We show that introducing a public competitor may or may not induce lower prices of the private platform than introducing a private firm, depending on the quality of the public platform service. In particular, if the quality of the public platform is superior, the prices of the platforms are lower than when it competes with the private rival, whereas they are higher if the quality is lower. We also show that the private firm invests more than the public firm. This has the policy implication that maintaining lower platform prices by introducing a competing public platform will not be sustainable in the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the intricate processes of neuronal growth, degeneration, and neurotoxicity is paramount for unraveling nervous system function and holds significant promise in improving patient outcomes, especially in the context of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These processes are influenced by a broad range of entwined events facilitated by chemical, electrical, and mechanical signals. The progress of each process is inherently linked to phenotypic changes in cells. Currently, the primary means of demonstrating morphological changes rely on measurements of neurite outgrowth and axon length. However, conventional techniques for monitoring these processes often require extensive preparation to enable manual or semi‐automated measurements. Here, a label‐free and non‐invasive approach is employed for monitoring neuronal differentiation and degeneration using quantitative phase imaging (QPI). Operating on unlabeled specimens and offering little to no phototoxicity and photobleaching, QPI delivers quantitative maps of optical path length delays that provide an objective measure of cellular morphology and dynamics. This approach enables the visualization and quantification of axon length and other physical properties of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cells, allowing greater understanding of neuronal responses to stimuli simulating CIPN conditions. This research paves new avenues for the development of more effective strategies in the clinical management of neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Fruit color is one of the most important traits in peppers due to its esthetic value and nutritional benefits and is determined by carotenoid composition, resulting from diverse mutations of carotenoid biosynthetic genes. The EMS204 line, derived from an EMS mutant population, presents bright‐red color, compared with the wild type Yuwolcho cultivar. HPLC analysis indicates that EMS204 fruit contains more zeaxanthin and less capsanthin and capsorubin than Yuwolcho. MutMap was used to reveal the color variation of EMS204 using an F3 population derived from a cross of EMS204 and Yuwolcho, and the locus was mapped to a 2.5‐Mbp region on chromosome 2. Among the genes in the region, a missense mutation was found in ZEP (zeaxanthin epoxidase) that results in an amino acid sequence alteration (V291 → I). A color complementation experiment with Escherichia coli and ZEP in vitro assay using thylakoid membranes revealed decreased enzymatic activity of EMS204 ZEP. Analysis of endogenous plant hormones revealed a significant reduction in abscisic acid content in EMS204. Germination assays and salinity stress experiments corroborated the lower ABA levels in the seeds. Virus‐induced gene silencing showed that ZEP silencing also results in bright‐red fruit containing less capsanthin but more zeaxanthin than control. A germplasm survey of red color accessions revealed no similar carotenoid profiles to EMS204. However, a breeding line containing a ZEP mutation showed a very similar carotenoid profile to EMS204. Our results provide a novel breeding strategy to develop red pepper cultivars containing high zeaxanthin contents using ZEP mutations. Significance Statement: Despite health benefits, such as macular protection and antioxidant effects, most crops contain low levels of zeaxanthin. Orange pepper is an important source of zeaxanthin which is scarce in our diet. We demonstrated that a leaky mutation in zeaxanthin epoxidase leads to the development of bright‐red fruit, elevated zeaxanthin levels, and affects endogenous plant hormones in pepper. Our findings suggest a novel breeding strategy for developing red pepper cultivars with high levels of zeaxanthin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell migration interacting with continuously changing microenvironment, is one of the most essential cellular functions, participating in embryonic development, wound repair, immune response, and cancer metastasis. The migration process is finely tuned by integrin‐mediated binding to ligand molecules. Although numerous biochemical pathways orchestrating cell adhesion and motility are identified, how subcellular forces between the cell and extracellular matrix regulate intracellular signaling for cell migration remains unclear. Here, it is showed that a molecular binding force across integrin subunits determines directional migration by regulating tension‐dependent focal contact formation and focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation. Molecular binding strength between integrin αvβ3 and fibronectin is precisely manipulated by developing molecular tension probes that control the mechanical tolerance applied to cell‐substrate interfaces. This data reveals that integrin‐mediated molecular binding force reduction suppresses cell spreading and focal adhesion formation, attenuating the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) phosphorylation that regulates the persistence of cell migration. These results further demonstrate that manipulating subcellular binding forces at the molecular level can recapitulate differential cell migration in response to changes of substrate rigidity that determines the physical condition of extracellular microenvironment. Novel insights is provided into the subcellular mechanics behind global mechanical adaptation of the cell to surrounding tissue environments featuring distinct biophysical signatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exocrine salivary gland secretes saliva, a fundamental body component to maintain oral homeostasis. Saliva is composed of water, ions, and proteins such as amylase, mucins, and immunoglobulins that play essential roles in the digestion of food, lubrication, and prevention of dental caries and periodontitis. An increasing number of people experience saliva hyposecretion due to aging, medications, Sjögren's syndrome, and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. However, current treatments are mostly limited to temporary symptomatic relief. This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying saliva secretion and hyposecretion to provide insight into putative therapeutic targets for treatment. Proteins implicated in saliva secretion pathways, including Ca2+‐signaling proteins, aquaporins, soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptors, and tight junctions, are aberrantly expressed and localized in patients with saliva hyposecretion, such as Sjögren's syndrome. Analysis of studies on the mechanisms of saliva secretion and hyposecretion suggests that crosstalk between fluid and protein secretory pathways via Ca2+/protein kinase C and cAMP/protein kinase A regulates saliva secretion. Impaired crosstalk between the two secretory pathways may contribute to saliva hyposecretion. Future research into the detailed regulatory mechanisms of saliva secretion and hyposecretion may provide information to define novel targets and generate therapeutic strategies for saliva hyposecretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, deep learning techniques have been increasingly utilized to automate and reduce human errors in leukocyte classification. However, reliability and accuracy issues remain a challenge. This paper proposes CAB‐Net, an end‐to‐end deep learning‐based model that integrates a convolutional neural network with an attention mechanism and BLSTM. The model uses a stack of convolutional and pooling layers to extract initial features from input images, which are then fed into the attention block to generate class‐specific discriminative features and BLSTM employed to model deterministic class correlations between highlighted discriminative features and labels. Experimental results show that CAB‐Net outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods in term of accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐Score, and AUC‐ROC. In addition, the CAB‐Net model demonstrates good performance even with low‐resolution images. Consequently, CAB‐Net can be considered as the current state‐of‐the‐art prediction model for improving leukocyte classification in clinical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the development of topical therapeutics for the treatment of UV-induced skin hyperpigmentary disorders. The researchers used a screening tool to identify compounds that inhibit melanogenesis, the process of melanin synthesis. They engineered small-molecule analogues of a compound called altiratinib, which showed dose-dependent inhibitory action on melanogenesis but had cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. The researchers designed new compounds that demonstrated comparable or better efficacy in reducing melanin content without cytotoxicity. These compounds also showed enhanced skin permeability and were effective in reducing melanin content in mouse and human skin cultures. The findings suggest that these compounds have the potential to be developed into safe and potent topicals for the treatment of hyperpigmentary diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) rubber has widespread uses in various applications due to its ozone and oxidation stability, weatherability, electrical insulation, and elasticity. However, its further use is limited by low flame retardancy and low thermal stability. This study incorporated metal hydroxide flame retardant to enhance flame retardancy and electron beam cross‐linking to simultaneously enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy. The utilization of electron beam irradiation resulted in an increase in gel content and a decrease in swelling ratio with increasing absorbed doses, indicating the successful formation of cross‐linked network structures. The hot‐set elongation was significantly reduced to 0.6%–0.8%, while the decomposition temperature increased with increasing absorbed doses, indicating improved thermal stability. The results from limiting oxygen index measurements and burning tests demonstrate that the flame retardancy of EPDM was improved by the combined effect of metal hydroxide flame retardant and electron beam cross‐linking. Highlights: EPDM/metal hydroxide composites were prepared via electron beam irradiation.Metal hydroxide flame retardants were incorporated to enhance flame retardancy.EBI simultaneously enhanced mechanical property and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In inverted quantum‐dot light‐emitting‐diodes (QD‐LED), it is important to use orthogonal solvent for hole‐transport layer(HTL). In addition, modulating work function of each layer is good way to enhance carrier injection barrier. In this research, we confirmed the viability of usage of a solvent, named gamma‐valerolactone (GVL) for forming hole transport layer (HTL). By using the solvent, current density, luminance, roll‐off characteristics were enhanced, and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level was changed, which can enhance the hole injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic role of the recurrence score (RS) based on the 21‐gene expression assay in premenopausal women is not well delineated, and we investigated the association of outcomes and the RS in premenopausal patients who had 21‐gene expression assay at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between June 2005 and July 2018. Invasive breast cancer‐free survival (IBCFS) by STEEP version 2.0 was compared according to the RS and clinical risk factors. A total of 554 patients were included in our study and 116 patients (20.9%) had age <40 years, 238 patients (43.0%) had luminal B subtype (Ki67 ≥ 20%), and 83 patients (15.0%) had RS >25. All patients received adjuvant tamoxifen ± chemotherapy. Overall, patients with RS >25 showed trend toward worse IBCFS from multivariable analysis (adjusted HR 1.89 [95% CI: 0.95‐3.73], P =.069). When comparing outcomes according to age and luminal subtypes, patients with luminal B subtype and age <40 years (n = 60) showed significantly worse outcomes compared to the others (luminal A or luminal B + age ≥40 years, n = 494; adjusted HR 2.95 [95% CI: 1.49‐5.82], log‐rank P <.001). Among patients with luminal B subtype and age <40 years, there was no significant association observed between IBCFS and the RS (log‐rank P =.51). In conclusion, while RS >25 showed association with poor outcomes in premenopausal women, it may have less prognostic significance among those with luminal B subtype and age <40 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber‐type solid‐state supercapacitors (FSSCs) are gaining traction as wearable energy storage devices, given their adaptability akin to traditional fibers. Carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) generated via a liquid crystalline (LC) wet‐spinning process demonstrate outstanding electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility. However, their intrinsic "defect‐free" sp2 carbon surface restricts immediate FSSC application, limited by lower specific surface area and scant pseudocapacitive sites. This study develops LC‐spun CNTFs with inherent electrochemical activity, eliminating the need for post‐processing or additional active materials, a requirement typically essential in most previous research. This advancement arises from the wet‐spinning of functionalized CNTs from a LC solution with an exceptionally high concentration of 160 mg mL−1, facilitated by the manipulation of the LC phase transition range. The resultant CNTFs exhibit a refined internal structure, yielding an electrical conductivity of 1.9 MS m−1 and a mechanical strength of 0.93 GPa. Simultaneously, they demonstrate inherent electrical energy storage capabilities with a specific capacitance of 139.4 F g−1 and a volumetric capacitance of 192.4 F cm−3 at 0.5 A g−1. This innovation signifies a step forward in the potential for mass production without the burden of additional materials and steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and treatment outcomes of inverted papillomas involving the frontal sinus. Methods: Patients treated for inverted papilloma involving the frontal sinus between 2003 and 2020 were reviewed. Tumors were classified based on their extent (Extent 1: partially encroaching on the frontal sinus; Extent 2: completely filling the frontal sinus; Extent 3: eroding bony borders beyond the frontal sinus) and site of origin (Origin 1: originating outside the frontal sinus and prolapsing into the frontal sinus; Origin 2: originating from the frontal sinus walls medial to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea; Origin 3: originating from the frontal sinus walls lateral to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea). Treatment outcomes including tumor recurrence and patency of the frontal recess were analyzed according to tumor characteristics and surgical treatment modalities. Results: A total of 49 surgical cases were analyzed. Extent 1 were the most common type (n = 27), followed by Extent 2 (n = 15), and Extent 3 (n = 7). The most common sites of origin were Origin 1 (n = 23), followed by Origin 2 (n = 15), and Origin 3 (n = 11). Overall, there were nine recurrences (18.4%). Recurrence was not associated with tumor extent, whereas tumor origin, particularly Origin 3 was associated with higher recurrence; 1/23 (4.3%) for Origin 1, 3/15 (20.0%) for Origin 2, and 5/11 (45.5%) for Origin 3 (Log‐rank p <.001). Draf III frontal sinusotomy was associated with in the highest patency rate (84.6%) during the follow‐up. Conclusion: The recurrence rate of frontal sinus inverted papilloma depends on tumor origin rather than the extent of the tumor. In particular, lesions originating from the frontal sinus lateral to the lamina papyracea recur frequently. Draf III frontal sinusotomy can achieve patent frontal recess allowing active surveillance. Level of Evidence: IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the sequential postoperative changes in tip aesthetics, by evaluating the aesthetic performance of the septal extension graft with or without tip grafting. Methods: A total of 62 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with tip plasty were included. Using a three‐dimensional scanner, we measured anthropometric aesthetic features of the nasal tip, including tip height, tip width, nasolabial angle, and columellar lobular angle. Preoperative and 1‐month and 12‐month postoperative anthropometric parameters were compared. The patients were grouped according to surgical techniques (i.e., septal extension only and septal extension plus tip grafting groups) and subtype of tip graft. Results: The 1‐month postoperative values of all four aesthetic features were significantly increased compared with the preoperative values. The tip height, tip width, and nasolabial angle at 12 months were significantly decreased compared with 1 month post‐operation values, whereas the tip height and width were still greater than the preoperative values. No difference was found between 1 and 12 month values of columellar lobular angle. There were no differences in the degree of decrease in tip height, tip width, nasolabial angle, and columellar lobular angle between the septal extension graft only and septal extension graft plus tip graft groups. There were no differences in the tip graft by subtypes, single‐ and multi‐layer tip grafts. Conclusions: Increased tip height, tip width, and widened nasolabial angle gained immediately after septal extension grafting surgery gradually decreased over the year regardless of addition of tip graft or tip grafting methods. Level of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:678–683, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a worker's job search problem in which firms arrive sequentially, observe the worker's unemployment duration, and conduct an interview to learn about her unobservable productivity. Firms engage in fully flexible information acquisition subject to a uniformly posterior‐separable cost function. We provide a closed‐form characterization of equilibrium job search dynamics and demonstrate that endogenous information amplifies the "stigma" effect of long unemployment duration relative to exogenous information. We also show that lowering firms' information‐acquisition costs has ambiguous implications for a worker's unemployment duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the performance of deep learning approach in the prediction of the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) during magnetically quiet periods. Two deep learning techniques, long short‐term memory (LSTM) and convolutional LSTM (ConvLSTM), are employed to predict TEC values 24 hr ahead in the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula (26.5°–40°N, 121°–134.5°E). The LSTM method predicts TEC at a single point based on time series of data at that point, whereas the ConvLSTM method simultaneously predicts TEC values at multiple points using spatiotemporal distribution of TEC. Both the LSTM and ConvLSTM models are trained using the complete regional TEC maps reconstructed by applying the Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network–Poisson Blending (DCGAN‐PB) method to observed TEC data. The training period spans from 2002 to 2018, and the model performance is evaluated using 2019 data. Our results show that the ConvLSTM method outperforms the LSTM method, generating more reliable TEC maps with smaller root mean square errors when compared to the ground truth (DCGAN‐PB TEC maps). This outcome indicates that deep learning models can improve the prediction accuracy of TEC at a specific point by taking into account spatial information of TEC. We conclude that ConvLSTM is a reliable and efficient approach for the prompt ionospheric prediction. Plain Language Summary: The total electron content (TEC) from global navigation and satellite system (GNSS) serves as a crucial ionospheric parameter for studying the Earth's ionosphere and space weather. Given its significance, considerable efforts have been devoted to worldwide TEC data acquisition and future TEC prediction. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, including neural network and deep learning, have been applied to generate global/regional TEC maps and to forecast TEC values. This study utilizes two deep learning techniques, namely long short‐term memory (LSTM) and convolutional LSTM (ConvLSTM), to forecast TEC values 24 hr in advance within the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula. While previous studies have utilized the LSTM method for single‐location TEC prediction, our study employs the ConvLSTM approach to simultaneously predict TECs across multiple points. Our results demonstrate the ConvLSTM method's superior performance over the LSTM method. This superiority is attributed to the ConvLSTM method's ability to use the spatiotemporal distribution of data in its prediction. We conclude that the ConvLSTM method is a reliable and efficient approach for accurately predicting future ionospheric conditions. Key Points: Long short‐term memory (LSTM) and convolutional LSTM methods are employed to predict total electron content (TEC) 24‐hr advancePrediction accuracy at a specific point improves when LSTM models incorporate the data around the given pointHowever, convolutional LSTM method outperforms LSTM method, generating more reliable TEC maps with smaller Root mean square errors (RMSEs) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the authors report that co‐crystallization of fluorophores with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging matrices significantly enhances fluorophore brightness up to 79‐fold, enabling the amplification of innate tissue autofluorescence. This discovery facilitates FluoMALDI, the imaging of the same biological sample by both fluorescence microscopy and MALDI imaging. The approach combines the high spatial resolution and specific labeling capabilities of fluorescence microscopy with the inherently multiplexed, versatile imaging capabilities of MALDI imaging. This new paradigm simplifies registration by avoiding physical changes between fluorescence and MALDI imaging, allowing to image the exact same cells in tissues with both modalities. Matrix‐fluorophore co‐crystallization also facilitates applications with insufficient fluorescence brightness. The authors demonstrate feasibility of FluoMALDI imaging with endogenous and exogenous fluorophores and autofluorescence‐based FluoMALDI of brain and kidney tissue sections. FluoMALDI will advance structural‐functional microscopic imaging in cell biology, biomedicine, and pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional semi‐transparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs) generally exhibit inferior performance and stability relative to opaque PSCs. However, a comprehensive understanding of the origins of inferior performance and stability of ST‐PSCs and a practical solution to these challenges are both lacking. Here, it is shown for the first time that lithium ions from a lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)‐doped 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]−9,9′‐spirobifluorene (Spiro‐MeOTAD) hole‐transport layer (HTL) can diffuse into the molybdenum trioxide buffer layer at their interface, yielding ST‐PSCs with lower efficiency and accelerated degradation. It is also demonstrated that this undesired Li‐ion diffusion can be avoided by HTL surface modification with stable lithium oxides. Using this approach, the constructed ST‐PSC exhibits a new record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.02% (21.68% certified) and a fill factor of >80%, with >99% shelf‐stability after 400 h and >99% operational stability for 240 h, which clears away this longstanding limitation of the performance and stability of ST‐PSCs. This strategy is also applied to fabricate four‐ and two‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with bifacial equivalent efficiencies of 31.5% and 26.34%, respectively, at 20% albedo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of decentralisation of SOEs on stock price crash risk. In so doing, we test two competing hypotheses. Under the Political Influence Hypothesis, decentralisation aggravates local government's expropriation of minority shareholders (type II agency conflict), and thus increases crash risk. Under the Local Information Hypothesis, decentralisation decreases monitoring distance (type I agency conflict), strengthens external monitoring and thus decreases crash risk. We find robust evidence supporting the Political Influence Hypothesis. Cross‐sectional analyses show that our baseline results are more pronounced when firms are decentralised to the provincial level and politicians have greater incentives to pursue their political objectives. We further show that bad news hoarding and risk‐taking are two potential channels through which SOE decentralisation increases crash risk. Taken together, our results imply that the decentralisation exacerbates the type II agency conflict rather than ameliorates the type I agency conflict in SOEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD), a rare variant of non‐eczematous contact dermatitis, is clinically characterized by sudden‐onset brown or grey pigmentation on the face and neck. It is hypothesized to be caused by repeated contact with low levels of allergens. Objectives: This study evaluated the risk of using hair dyes in patients with PCD in Korea. Methods: A total of 1033 PCD patients and 1366 controls from 31 university hospitals were retrospectively recruited. We collected and analysed the data from the patient group, diagnosed through typical clinical findings of PCD and the control group, which comprised age/sex‐matched patients who visited the participating hospitals with pre‐existing skin diseases other than current allergic disease or PCD. Results: Melasma and photosensitivity were significantly more common in the control group, and a history of contact dermatitis was more common in the PCD group. There were significantly more Fitzpatrick skin type V participants in the PCD group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in sunscreen use between the groups. Using dermatologic medical history, Fitzpatrick skin type and sunscreen use as covariates, we showed that hair dye use carried a higher PCD risk (odds ratio [OR] before adjustment: 2.06, confidence interval [CI]: 1.60–2.65; OR after adjustment: 2.74, CI: 1.88–4.00). Moreover, henna users had a higher risk of PCD (OR before adjustment: 5.51, CI: 4.07–7.47; OR after adjustment: 7.02, CI: 4.59–10.74), indicating a significant increase in the risk of PCD with henna dye use. Contact dermatitis history was more prevalent in henna users than in those using other hair dyes in the PCD group (17.23% vs. 11.55%). Conclusion: Hair dye use is a risk factor for PCD. The risk significantly increased when henna hair dye was used by those with a history of contact dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Futuristic and high‐performance windows are required to perform multiple functions, occasionally including photo‐ and electricity‐associated functions. For each function, suitable components must be added, but this might result in complicated window structures that can impede the basic window function: high visibility. Therefore, platform technology is necessary to simplify window structures with minimal components for basic functions while adding specific desirable functions. This study proposes non‐close‐packed indium tin oxide (ITO) photonic crystals coated on both sides of rigid and flexible windows. Their photonic bandgap frequencies (stopbands) are tunable through the modulation of the ITO thickness or lattice constant, thereby manipulating the window light transmittances. When the stopband lies in bluelight (400–500 nm), the window can simultaneously block the bluelight and exhibit high transmittance (antireflection function) at 500–1500 nm. The dual functions are enhanced with double‐sided photonic crystal windows: the optical contrasts in solar irradiance transmittances (ΔTsol) between 500–1500 and 280–500 nm are maximally 37.1% and 47.2% for the glass and polyimide windows, respectively. Additionally, the windows can have dual stopbands. Moreover, the window stopbands can enhance the photoluminescence intensities of quantum dot films. This simplistic window is applicable to houses/buildings, automobiles, electronics, displays, and energy industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of long‐term memory properties in optical synaptic devices based on ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is investigated. High‐temperature annealing improves crystal quality and carrier mobility, leading to efficient carrier generation and transport. The annealed ZnO NPs exhibit increased band edge luminescence and reduced deep‐level emission. Their larger surface grain size decreases oxygen adsorption, resulting in enhanced desorption by photoexcited carriers during UV exposure. The annealed devices show higher excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and slower decay rates after UV termination, indicating better long‐term memory. They also demonstrate accelerated learning processes with fewer pulse cycles required to reach 100% EPSC. Overall, this research highlights the significance of high‐temperature annealing for improving long‐term memory in ZnO NP‐based optical synaptic devices, offering insights for advanced memory devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The effect of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) on the manifestation and clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been fully elucidated. Methods: Patients with AIS were included from a prospective registry coupled with a DNA repository. Targeted next‐generation sequencing on 25 genes that are frequently mutated in hematologic neoplasms was performed. The prevalence of CHIP was compared between patients with AIS and age‐matched healthy individuals. A multivariate linear or logistic regression model was used to assess the association among CHIP and stroke severity, hemorrhagic transformation, and functional outcome at 90 days. Results: In total, 380 patients with AIS (mean age = 67.2 ± 12.7 years; 41.3% women) and 446 age‐matched controls (mean age = 67.2 ± 8.7 years; 31.4% women) were analyzed. The prevalence of CHIP was significantly higher in patients with AIS than in the healthy controls (29.0 vs 22.0%, with variant allele frequencies of 1.5%, p = 0.024). PPM1D was found to be most significantly associated with incident AIS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.83–33.63, p = 0.006). The presence of CHIP was significantly associated with the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (β = 1.67, p = 0.022). Furthermore, CHIP was independently associated with the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (65/110 clonal hematopoiesis positive [CH+] vs 56/270 CH negative [CH‐], aOR = 5.63, 95% CI = 3.24–9.77, p < 0.001) and 90‐day functional disability (72/110 [CH+] vs 99/270 [CH‐], aOR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.20–3.88, p = 0.011). Interpretation: CH was significantly associated with incident AIS. Moreover, particularly, sequence variations in PPM1D, TET2, and DNMT3A represent a new prognostic factor for AIS. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:836–847 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four endotypes were identified; endotypes 1, 2 and 3 had higher proportions of AD (67%), asthma (60%), and allergic march (75%), respectively, and endotype 4 had more control members (70%; Figure 1B, Table S1). AD, atopic dermatitis; As, asthma; AM, allergic march. gl Endotypes were classified clearly by the omics features showing different intensities (Figure 1D, Tables S3-S5). [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS) among healthcare workers who witnessed patient deaths. We also examined whether grief rumination may impact the cognitive‐behavioral model of hypochondriasis. Methods: This study was conducted via an anonymous online survey targeting healthcare workers who had worked at a tertiary hospital and had witnessed patient deaths over the previous 2 years. Demographic data and responses to the UGRS, the Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) for healthcare workers, the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic‐9 (SAVE‐9), the Obsession with COVID‐19 Scale (OCS), and the Coronavirus Reassurance‐Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS) were collected by requesting participants to recall their emotional state during the 2 weeks after witnessing a patient's death. Results: The Korean version of the UGRS is reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.941) and valid (comparative fit index = 0.920, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.900, root‐mean‐square‐error of approximation = 0.102, standardized root‐mean‐square residual = 0.050) for measuring grief rumination in healthcare workers. The OCS was predicted by CRBS (β = 0.19, p < 0.001), SAVE‐9 (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), UGRS (β = 0.16, p = 0.010), and PGS (β = 0.16, p = 0.010, adjusted R2 = 0.49, F = 52.9, p < 0.001). In mediation analysis, grief rumination directly influenced coronavirus preoccupation; the relationship was mediated by viral anxiety and coronavirus reassurance‐seeking behavior. Conclusion: Grief rumination of healthcare workers who witnessed patient death requires further exploration as it may influence hypochondriacal responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative option for most hematologic malignancies. However, HSCT can cause early menopause and various complications in premenopausal women. Therefore, we aimed to investigate risk factors predicting early menopause and its clinical implications among survivors post HCT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 30 adult women who had received HCT at premenopausal status between 2015 and 2018. We excluded patients who had received autologous stem cell transplantation, had relapsed, or died of any cause within 2 years of HCT. Results: The median age at HCT was 41.6 years (range, 22–53). Post‐HCT menopause was identified in 90% of myeloablative conditioning (MAC) HCT and 55% of reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) HCT (p =.101). In the multivariate analysis, the post‐HCT menopausal risk was 21 times higher in a MAC regimen containing 4 days of busulfan (p =.016) and 9.3 times higher in RIC regimens containing 2–3 days of busulfan (p =.033) than that of non‐busulfan‐based conditioning regimens. Conclusions: Higher busulfan dose in conditioning regimens is the most significant risk factor affecting post‐HCT early menopause. Considering our data, we need to decide on conditioning regimens and individualized fertility counseling before HCT for premenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the association of COVID‐19‐related stress, anxiety, access to public healthcare services, and the presence of secondary caregivers (CGs) on the burden of caregiving and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) for CGs of people with dementia (PwD). A cross‐sectional survey with 218 family CGs for PwD was completed in various settings between August and September 2021. The CGs had moderate and severe stress (42.7%) and reported having difficulty accessing public healthcare services (51.8%) and receiving help from secondary CGs (42.7%). In the multivariable linear regression, the stress and anxiety levels related to COVID‐19 had a positive association with caregiver burden (β = 4.25, p < 0.001, and β = 5.73, p = 0.032, respectively), with no statistically significant association to HRQoL. Unexpectedly, accessing public healthcare services and supporting the secondary CGs were unrelated to the caregiving burden and HRQoL. Therefore, interventions aiming to alleviate family CGs' stress and anxiety levels should be provided to ensure PwD live in their homes in terms of continuity of public health service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is considered an ideal species for developing genetically modified nonhuman primates (NHP) models of human disease, particularly eye disease. They have been proposed as a suitable bridge between rodents and other NHP models due to their similar ophthalmological features to humans. Prenatal ultrasonography is an accurate and reliable diagnostic tool for monitoring fetal development and congenital malformation. We monitored fetal eye growth and development using noninvasive ultrasonography in 40 heads of clinically normal fetuses during pregnancy to establish the criteria for studying congenital eye anomalies in marmosets. The coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes were useful to identify the facial structures for any associated abnormalities. For orbital measurements, biorbital distance (BOD), ocular diameter (OD), interorbital distance (IOD), and total axial length (TAL) were measured in the transverse plane and carefully identified for intraorbital structures. As a result, high correlations were observed between delivery‐based gestational age (GA) and biparietal diameter (BPD), BOD, OD, and TAL. The correlation assessments based on BOD provide more reliable results for monitoring eye growth and development in normal marmosets than any other parameters since BOD has the highest correlation coefficient according to both delivery‐based GA and BPD among ocular measurements. In conclusion, orbital measurements by prenatal ultrasonography provide reliable indicators of marmoset eye growth, and it could offer early diagnostic criteria to facilitate the development of eye disease models and novel therapies such as genome editing technologies in marmosets. Research highlights: Prenatal ultrasound was used to evaluate fetal growth and eye development in 40 clinically normal marmoset fetuses. It identified a high correlation between delivery‐based gestational age (GA) and parietal diameter (BPD), one of the biometrics for assessing fetal size. In addition, high correlations were observed between the delivery‐based GA and the ocular development biometrics, including biorbital distance (BOD), orbital diameter (OD), and total axial length (TAL).Correlation evaluation based on BOD provided more reliable results for monitoring eye development in normal marmosets since BOD has the highest correlation coefficient according to delivery‐based GA and BPD among ocular measurements.Prenatal ultrasonography is an easy and noninvasive method in marmosets and provides reliable results for evaluating fetal viability and eye growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some countries with high population densities including Korea, chemical plants are densely distributed, and strict regulations are imposed. According to the Chemical Control Act, one gas detector must be installed every 10 m indoors and 20 m outdoors around a facility. However, the diffusion of chemicals should be evaluated based on area rather than perimeter. In the US and EU, gas detector locations are selected through chemical accident modeling. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of gas detector installation standards in the Chemicals Control Act by comparing highly volatile and toxic chemicals with sulfuric acid (relatively low volatility). Consequently, we suggested an appropriate installation location and number of gas detectors for initial countermeasures. For nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid, there was a difference in the number of detectors recommended via modeling and the number of detectors legally required. For the mezzanine design, four gas detectors should be installed on each floor in a 5‐story building; however, the modeling results showed that installing one was sufficient. For sulfuric acid with low vapor pressure, it is equitable to install a leak detector rather than a gas detector. Overall, regulations should be continuously evaluated for the response and prevention of chemical accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From meteor radar observations typically measuring neutral winds and temperatures in the upper atmosphere, we showed that under‐dense meteor plasma trails respond to geomagnetic activity. Depending on the geomagnetic activity conditions, the parameters of the under‐dense trail echoes show substantial anomalies, and their responses are immediate. As geomagnetic activity increases, the decay time decreases up to about 10% at Kp = 8, while both the returned signal power and radial velocity error increase. In addition, the types of diffuse evolution vary with geomagnetic activity, resulting in strong geomagnetic activity that immediately affects the trail. The evolution of the trail is affected not only by the ambient mesospheric neutral atmospheric properties but also by electromagnetic effects, such as strong electric fields inside meteor trails. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the geomagnetic effect should be considered when estimating atmospheric parameters from MR during a geomagnetically active period. Plain Language Summary: Through long‐term meteor radar (MR) observation (2007–2021) at King Sejong Station in the Antarctic Peninsula, we found that the diffusion process in the meteor trail immediately accelerated under enhanced geomagnetic activity. The backscattered‐returned signal powers, which are proportional to the square of the electron line density of the meteor trail, also instantly increased. These anomalous characteristics in meteor trails appear while the background atmospheric parameters remain constant. Therefore, we propose that the observed immediate responses in the MR may be associated with the strong electric field in the ambient ionosphere D/E region induced by the increased geomagnetic activity. The strong external electric field can stimulate an electric field and current inside the meteor trail, owing to the difference in electrical conductivities between the meteor trail and ambient atmosphere. Thus, the electric field, current, and charge separation inside the meteor trail can lead to faster diffusion and enhanced electron line density in the trail. The meteor plasma trails are observed in regions that are affected by electric fields caused by geomagnetic activity; therefore, when deriving neutral atmospheric parameters from MRs, the impact of geomagnetic activity must be considered. Key Points: Under‐dense meteor echo parameters at a geomagnetic latitude of 50.2°S revealed an instantaneous response to geomagnetic activityGeomagnetic activity can directly modulate the evolution of meteor trails, such as the decay time and returned signal powerEffects of geomagnetic activity should be considered when estimating neutral atmospheric parameters from meteor radars [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many industrially important reactions, caustic mineral acid catalysts have been successfully replaced with green solid acids such as zeolites. In this context, extensive efforts have been devoted to replacing HCl to produce methylenedianiline (MDA), a key intermediate in polyurethane production. Unfortunately, limited success has been achieved thus far due to low activity, selectivity towards the desired 4,4′‐MDA, and rapid catalyst deactivation. Here we report that meso‐/microporous hierarchical LTL zeolite exhibits unprecedentedly high activity, selectivity, and stability. The one‐dimensional cage‐like micropores of LTL promote the bimolecular reaction between two para‐aminobenzylaniline intermediates to selectively produce 4,4′‐MDA and inhibit the formation of undesired isomers and heavy oligomers. Meanwhile, the secondary mesopores alleviate mass transfer limitations, resulting in a 7.8‐fold higher MDA formation rate compared to solely microporous LTL zeolite. Due to suppressed oligomer formation and fast mass transfer, the catalyst exhibits inappreciable deactivation in an industrially relevant continuous flow reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: In areas with >15% clarithromycin resistance, bismuth‐based quadruple therapy is recommended for first‐line Helicobacter pylori eradication. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the twice‐daily intake of bismuth‐based quadruple therapy among 10‐day, 14‐day, and half‐dose antibiotic regimens. Methods: From May 2021 to March 2023, H. pylori‐infected Korean adults were administered tetracycline (1 g), metronidazole (750 mg), bismuth potassium citrate (300 mg), and lansoprazole (30 mg) twice daily, after breakfast and dinner, for 10 days. The regimen was administered for 14 days if the body weight was ≥70 kg or if the patient had reinfection. Half doses of antibiotics were administered for 14 days if there was a risk of drug interactions or if the patient was aged ≥75 years. The 13C‐urea breath test was performed after 6 weeks. Results: Among the 1258 infected Koreans, 85.1% (412/484) in the 10‐day, 84.3% (498/591) in the 14‐day, and 86.3% (158/183) in the half‐dose antibiotic groups followed the instructions. In the per‐protocol (PP) analysis, eradication rates were higher in the 10‐day (90.5%, p = 0.019) and 14‐day (90.2%, p = 0.023) groups than in the half‐dose group (83.5%). In the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, eradication rates were higher in the 10‐day group (80.6%) than in the half‐dose group (73.2%, p = 0.039). In the half‐dose group, the eradication rate was lower in patients aged ≥75 years (PP: 74.6%, ITT: 66.2%) than in those with a risk of drug interactions (PP: 89.7% [p = 0.017], ITT: 82.4% [p = 0.019]). Conclusions: Twice‐daily intake of bismuth‐based quadruple therapy for 10–14 days showed an eradication rate of >90% in the PP analysis. A 10‐day regimen could be administered to eradication‐naive patients with a body weight below 70 kg. A half‐dose antibiotic regimen might be recommended to patients with a risk of drug interactions but not to those aged ≥75 years simply due to old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noticeable F‐region electron density (NmF2) depletions were observed in the winter‐nighttime polar cap ionosphere during solar minimum from the Vertical Incidence Pulsed Ionospheric Radar (VIPIR) with Dynasonde analysis at Jang Bogo Station (JBS) in Antarctica. We focus on the F‐region density depletion events (known as polar holes) following a steady quiet condition that is defined with Kp values ≤ 1+ during 6 hr. Forty‐five polar holes were identified by JBS VIPIR/Dynasonde (JVD) in 2019. All of the events started over a wide range of nightside magnetic local time (22‐05 MLT) with a peak occurrence at 01–03 MLT. JVD measured exponential NmF2 decrease in the nightside MLT (∼19–2.5 hr) zone with e‐fold decay times distributed in the range of ∼0.5–∼3.5 hr before the onset of a polar hole. The e‐folding times decrease along the longitude from dusk toward midnight. The horizontal ion drift velocity (Vhor) estimated from JVD monotonically goes down from ∼190 m/s at 18 MLT to ∼100 m/s near magnetic midnight, and the NmF2 is depleted as Vhor decreases prior to the polar hole formation. The observations of the exponential NmF2 decrease and the positive correlation between NmF2 and Vhor prior to the polar holes are discussed in light of possible formation mechanisms of polar holes, including temporal variations and spatial structure of the polar ionosphere. Key Points: Polar holes were mostly observed at ∼22−06 MLT under extremely quiet geomagnetic conditionsExponential electron density decrease occurred ∼1.0−4.5 hr prior to the onset of the polar holesThe exponential declination of NmF2 due to recombination loss is the reason for the formation of the polar holes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental history of dementia appears to increase the risk of dementia, but there have been inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate whether the association between parental history of dementia and the risk of dementia are different by dementia subtypes and sex of parent and offspring. Methods: For this cross‐sectional study, we harmonized and pooled data for 17,194 older adults from nine population‐based cohorts of eight countries. These studies conducted face‐to‐face diagnostic interviews, physical and neurological examinations, and neuropsychological assessments to diagnose dementia. We investigated the associations of maternal and paternal history of dementia with the risk of dementia and its subtypes in offspring. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.8 ± 7.9 years and 59.2% were female. Parental history of dementia was associated with higher risk of dementia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–1.86) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.31–2.26), but not with the risk of non‐AD. This was largely driven by maternal history of dementia, which was associated with the risk of dementia (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.15–1.97) and AD (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.33–2.43) whereas paternal history of dementia was not. These results remained significant when males and females were analyzed separately (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.28–3.55 in males; OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.16–2.44 for females). Conclusions: Maternal history of dementia was associated with the risk of dementia and AD in both males and females. Maternal history of dementia may be a useful marker for identifying individuals at higher risk of AD and stratifying the risk for AD in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Majority dynamics on a graph G$$ G $$ is a deterministic process such that every vertex updates its ±1$$ \pm 1 $$‐assignment according to the majority assignment on its neighbor simultaneously at each step. Benjamini, Chan, O'Donnell, Tamuz and Tan conjectured that, in the Erdős–Rényi random graph G(n,p)$$ G\left(n,p\right) $$, the random initial ±1$$ \pm 1 $$‐assignment converges to a 99%$$ 99\% $$‐agreement with high probability whenever p=ω(1/n)$$ p=\omega \left(1/n\right) $$. This conjecture was first confirmed for p≥λn−1/2$$ p\ge \lambda {n}^{-1/2} $$ for a large constant λ$$ \lambda $$ by Fountoulakis, Kang and Makai. Although this result has been reproved recently by Tran and Vu and by Berkowitz and Devlin, it was unknown whether the conjecture holds for p<λn−1/2$$ p<\lambda {n}^{-1/2} $$. We break this Ω(n−1/2)$$ \Omega \left({n}^{-1/2}\right) $$‐barrier by proving the conjecture for sparser random graphs G(n,p)$$ G\left(n,p\right) $$, where λ′n−3/5logn≤p≤λn−1/2$$ {\lambda}^{\prime }{n}^{-3/5}\log n\le p\le \lambda {n}^{-1/2} $$ with a large constant λ′>0$$ {\lambda}^{\prime }>0 $$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the upcoming ubiquitous era, wearable/flexible electronics are spotlighted to get various types of numerous information in real time. Several researchers have investigated flexible materials, and developed diverse thin‐film transfer methods. However, there are some limitations of the intrinsic material unstabilities, and low production yield. Here, light‐induced thin‐film transfer methods are reported by using new transfer mechanism of phase transition in sacrificial materials. Lift‐off conditions with high‐energy laser are delicately optimized by theoretical calculations and experiments to minimize mechanical/thermal damages of the upper thin‐film devices. The selected sacrificial materials of GeSbTe (GST) and indium tin oxide (ITO) with the 300 nm thickness are delaminated from a transparent and rigid glass substrate by irradiating the excimer laser to the surface of the sacrificial layer. The laser‐based exfoliation mechanism of GST and ITO films are comprehended by various material surface analyses. Eventually, flexible oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are successfully demonstrated through light‐induced exfoliation process, showing the usability of the developed transfer technique to future practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]