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Abstract Hybridizing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with π‐conjugated organic small molecules (π‐OSMs) offers a promising approach for producing high‐performance thermoelectric (TE) materials through the facile optimization of the molecular geometry and energy levels of π‐OSMs. Designing a twisted molecular structure for the π‐OSM with the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level comparable to the valence band of SWCNTs enables effective energy filtering between the two materials. The SWCNTs/twisted π‐OSM hybrid exhibits a high Seebeck coefficient of 110.4 ± 2.6 µV K−1, leading to a significantly improved power factor of 2,136 µW m−1 K−2, which is 2.6 times higher than that of SWCNTs. Moreover, a maximum figure of merit over 0.13 at room temperature is achieved via the efficient TE transport of the SWCNTs/twisted π‐OSM hybrid. The study highlights the promising potential of optimizing molecular engineering of π‐OSMs for hybridization with SWCNTs to create next‐generation, efficient TE materials.

ABSTRACT Persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) endovascular infections represent a serious public health threat. We recently demonstrated that the presence of a novel prophage ϕSA169 was associated with vancomycin (VAN) treatment failure in experimental MRSA endocarditis. In this study, we assessed the role of a ϕSA169 gene, ϕ80α_gp05 (gp05), in VAN-persistent outcome using gp05 isogenic MRSA strain sets. Of note, Gp05 significantly influences the intersection of MRSA virulence factors, host immune responses, and antibiotic treatment efficacy, including the following: (i) activity of the significant energy-yielding metabolic pathway (e.g., tricarboxylic acid cycle); (ii) carotenoid pigment production; (iii) (p)ppGpp (guanosine tetra- and pentaphosphate) production, which activates the stringent response and subsequent downstream functional factors (e.g., phenol-soluble modulins and polymorphonuclear neutrophil bactericidal activity); and (iv) persistence to VAN treatment in an experimental infective endocarditis model. These data suggest that Gp05 is a significant virulence factor which contributes to the persistent outcomes in MRSA endovascular infection by multiple pathways. IMPORTANCE Persistent endovascular infections are often caused by MRSA strains that are susceptible to anti-MRSA antibiotics in vitro by CLSI breakpoints. Thus, the persistent outcome represents a unique variant of traditional antibiotic resistance mechanisms and a significant therapeutic challenge. Prophage, a critical mobile genetic element carried by most MRSA isolates, provides their bacterial host with metabolic advantages and resistance mechanisms. However, how prophage-encoded virulence factors interact with the host defense system and antibiotics, driving the persistent outcome, is not well known. In the current study, we demonstrated that a novel prophage gene, gp05, significantly impacts tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, stringent response, and pigmentation, as well as vancomycin treatment outcome in an experimental endocarditis model using isogenic gp05 overexpression and chromosomal deletion mutant MRSA strain sets. The findings significantly advance our understanding of the role of Gp05 in persistent MRSA endovascular infection and provide a potential target for development of novel drugs against these life-threatening infections.

Abstract Bacterial arylsulfatases are crucial to biosynthesis in many microorganisms, as bacteria often utilize aryl sulfates as a source of sulfur. The bacterial sulfatases are associated with pathogenesis and are applied in many areas such as industry and agriculture. We developed an activity-based probe 1 for detection of bacterial sulfatase activity through liquid- and solid-phase colony-based assays. Probe 1 is hydrolyzed by sulfatase to generate fluorescent N-methyl isoindole, which is polymerized to form colored precipitates. These fluorescent and colorimetric properties of probe 1 induced upon treatment of sulfatases were successfully utilized for liquid-phase sulfatase activity assays for colonies and lysates of Klebsiella aerogenes, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium smegmatis. In addition, probe 1 allowed solid-phase colony-based assays of K. aerogenes through the formation of insoluble colored precipitates, thus enabling accurate staining of target colonies under heterogeneous conditions.

A new probe for detecting sulfatase activity generated fluorescent N-methylisoindole when it was treated with sulfatase. Detailed synthetic procedures of reaction intermediates are described along with their spectral data. The Diels-Alder adduct of N-methylisoindole and N-phenylmaleimide was identified by LC–MS data. The fluorescence changes and kinetic values of the probe upon sulfatase treatment in the presence and absence of reducing agents were described. Inhibitory potency of EMATE was measured using the probe in the presence and absence of reducing agents. In addition, the fluorescence intensities of the probe upon sulfatase treatment were also monitored at pH 5 and 7 with and without reducing agents.

Environmental education (EE) has received more and more attention worldwide. In Korea, there is a national consensus on the importance of EE; however, it is not as much of a priority as other education subjects or themes, based on annual survey results. This study asks how much value Korean citizens place on EE, revealing its value more objectively than the opinion survey. This study estimates citizens' benefits from EE using the contingent valuation method (CVM) to elicit willingness to pay (WTP). The survey scenario detailed information about the Green Movable EE Classroom program managed by the South Korean Ministry of Environment, and its 1,004 participants comprised a representative sample of Korea. The results are as follows. If the average household's annual WTP (KRW 17,575; USD 14.85) were expanded to the total number of Korean households, the total benefit would be about KRW 367.2 billion (USD 310 million) per year. This result can be interpreted as citizens being willing to pay that amount for EE. This study estimated the economic value and is the first empirical attempt to reveal the value of EE nationwide. This study expands the theoretical discussion of the value of EE and provides evidence for policy revision.

Background: In plants, gravity directs bidirectional growth; it specifies upward growth of shoots and downward growth of roots. Due to gravity, roots establish robust anchorage and shoot, which enables to photosynthesize. It sets optimum posture and develops plant architecture to efficiently use resources like water, nutrients, CO2, and gaseous exchange. Hence, gravitropism is crucial for crop productivity as well as for the growth of plants in challenging climate. Some SGR members are known to affect tiller and shoot angle, organ size, and inflorescence stem in plants. Aim of review: Although the SHOOT GRAVITROPISM (SGR) family plays a key role in regulating the fate of shoot gravitropism, little is known about its function compared to other proteins involved in gravity response in plant cells and tissues. Moreover, less information on the SGR family's physiological activities and biochemical responses in shoot gravitropism is available. This review scrutinizes and highlights the recent developments in shoot gravitropism and provides an outlook for future crop development, multi-application scenarios, and translational research to improve agricultural productivity. Key scientific concepts of review: Plants have evolved multiple gene families specialized in gravitropic responses, of which the SGR family is highly significant. The SGR family regulates the plant's gravity response by regulating specific physiological and biochemical processes such as transcription, cell division, amyloplast sedimentation, endodermis development, and vacuole formation. Here, we analyze the latest discoveries in shoot gravitropism with particular attention to SGR proteins in plant cell biology, cellular physiology, and homeostasis. Plant cells detect gravity signals by sedimentation of amyloplast (starch granules) in the direction of gravity, and the signaling cascade begins. Gravity sensing, signaling, and auxin redistribution (organ curvature) are the three components of plant gravitropism. Eventually, we focus on the role of multiple SGR genes in shoot and present a complete update on the participation of SGR family members in gravity.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has shown significant achievements in organic thermoelectrics (TEs) as an alternative for inorganic counterparts. However, PEDOT:PSS films have limited practical applications because their performance is sensitive to humidity. Crosslinking additives are utilized to improve the reliability of PEDOT:PSS film through enhancing hydrophobicity; among these, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a widely-used additive. However, ether groups in PEG induce water molecules in the film through the hydrogen bond, which deteriorates the TE reliability. Here, we enhance the TE reliability of the PEDOT:PSS film using glycerol as an additive through the crosslinking reaction between the hydroxyl group in glycerol and the sulfonic acid in PEDOT:PSS. The TE reliability (1/Power factor (PF)) of PEG solution-treated PEDOT:PSS film (PEG solution-treated film) was 57% of its initial absolute value (0 h), after 288 h (two weeks) in a humid environment (95% relative humidity, 27 °C temperature). On the other hand, the glycerol solution-treated PEDOT:PSS film (glycerol solution-treated film) exhibited superior TE reliability and preserved 75% of its initial 1/PF. Furthermore, glycerol vapor treatment enabled the film to have stronger TE humid reliability, maintaining 82% of its initial 1/PF, with the same condition. This enhancement is attributed to the increased hydrophobicity and lower oxygen content of the glycerol vapor-treated PEDOT:PSS film (glycerol vapor-treated film), which provides little change in the chemical composition of PEDOT:PSS.

Vertebral arterial injury (VAI) remains a fatal complication of C1-C2 posterior screw fixation. Herein, we report asymptomatic bilateral VAI that was caused by screws following C1-C2 posterior fixation. A 34-year-old woman with cerebral palsy experienced quadriplegia after a fall. Cervical computed tomography (CT) showed increased ADI, with os odontoideum, for which C1 pedicle screw and C2 pedicle–lamina screw fixation were performed. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted for postoperative weakness in shoulder elevation demonstrated a well-decompressed spinal cord. However, neck CT angiography revealed bilateral vertebral artery (VA) violations by the C1 pedicle screw that induced occlusion of the V2 and V3 segments of both VA, with intact V4 segments. Diffusionweighted imaging showed no evidence of infarction. Cerebral angiography showed reconstitution of posterior circulation via the left fetal posterior communicating artery. Steroid treatment-induced improvement in shoulder elevation to the preoperative level, and no neurological deterioration has been detected for 3 years postoperatively. Prevention of VAI is one of the most important objectives when performing posterior cervical screw fixation. The screw should be inserted considering the rotation of C1 and C2. Notably, variations in cerebral circulation, which enable collateral blood flow to the posterior circulation, can lead to different sequelae in patients with iatrogenic VAI.

This paper introduces a novel TRNG architecture that employs a wave converter to generate random outputs from the jitter noise in a customized ring oscillator (RO). Using a current-starved inverter, the proposed RO offers the option of operating three different oscillation frequencies from a single oscillator. To assess its performance, the core TRNG proposed in this work was designed with multiple samples, employing various transistor sizes for 28 nm CMOS processes. The measurements show that only a small number of measured TRNG samples passed the randomness NIST SP 800-22 tests, which is a common problem, not only with the proposed TRNG but also with other TRNG structures. To solve this issue, a lightweight post-processing algorithm using the Photon hash function was newly applied to the proposed TRNGs topology. The lightweight Photon hash function-based post-processing was implemented with the proposed TRNG topology in a 28 nm CMOS process. The design occupies 16,498 µm2, with a throughput of 0.0142 Mbps and power consumption of 31.12 mW. Measurements showed significant improvement, with a 50% increase in chips passing the NIST SP 800-22 tests. Compared with the conventional DRBG post-processing method, the proposed lightweight Photon post-processing reduces area occupation by five times and power consumption by 65%.

Staphylococcus aureus frequently invades the human bloodstream, leading to life threatening bacteremia and often secondary foci of infection. Failure of antibiotic therapy to eradicate infection is frequently described; in some cases associated with altered S. aureus antimicrobial resistance or the small colony variant (SCV) phenotype. Newer antimicrobials, such as linezolid, remain the last available therapy for some patients with multi-resistant S. aureus infections. Using comparative and functional genomics we investigated the molecular determinants of resistance and SCV formation in sequential S. aureus isolates from a patient who had a persistent and recurrent S. aureus infection, after failed therapy with multiple antimicrobials, including linezolid. Two point mutations in key staphylococcal genes dramatically affected clinical behaviour of the bacterium, altering virulence and antimicrobial resistance. Most strikingly, a single nucleotide substitution in relA (SACOL1689) reduced RelA hydrolase activity and caused accumulation of the intracellular signalling molecule guanosine 3', 5'-bis(diphosphate) (ppGpp) and permanent activation of the stringent response, which has not previously been reported in S. aureus. Using the clinical isolate and a defined mutant with an identical relA mutation, we demonstrate for the first time the impact of an active stringent response in S. aureus, which was associated with reduced growth, and attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella model. In addition, a mutation in rlmN (SACOL1230), encoding a ribosomal methyltransferase that methylates 23S rRNA at position A2503, caused a reduction in linezolid susceptibility. These results reinforce the exquisite adaptability of S. aureus and show how subtle molecular changes cause major alterations in bacterial behaviour, as well as highlighting potential weaknesses of current antibiotic treatment regimens.

Abstract Background Colloid cyst (CC) is a rare and benign cyst found in the third ventricle near the foramen of Monro. Although the role of surgical resection is well established in symptomatic large-sized CC, it remains debatable whether surgical removal of CC with no symptoms or minimal symptoms is necessary. Case presentation A 49-year-old male patient visited our institute for incidentally detected intracranial mass. MRI demonstrated typical, 12 mm-sized CC located in the third ventricle. It was noticed that the cyst spontaneously decreased in size from 12 mm to 4 mm on MRI at 18 months after the first visit. Conclusion Although spontaneous regression is a very rare phenomenon in CC, regular imaging study and frequent neurologic examination can be an alternative option for well-selected, asymptomatic cases.

The bendability of high-strength aluminum alloy (AA) sheets for two different thicknesses was experimentally evaluated by the V-die air bending method and the numerical simulation procedure was attempted to comprehend the characteristics of the V-die air bending method. Despite similar bendability along the material direction for a given punch radius in the experiment, the distinguished fracture strains were predicted for each direction based on the punch force and displacement information. For the numerical simulation, V-die air bending was modeled with the full 3D non-quadratic anisotropic yield criterion and compared with the results of the isotropic yield function estimating that bendability along the rolling direction is higher than those along the transverse direction. The thinner material showed higher anisotropy in bendability and the characteristics of V-die air bending were also discussed suggesting a maximum value as an upper bound of the bendability. As a comparison, an anisotropic analytical formulation was also newly developed combined with the kinematic assumption and the limitation was also covered in the study. The analytical fracture strain was discussed as the equivalence to the maximum value suggested in the research.

As an accident tolerant fuel (ATF) concept, oxide dispersion strengthened Zircaloy-4 (ODS Zry-4) cladding has been developed to enhance the mechanical properties of cladding using laser processing technology. In this study, a simulation technique was established to investigate the mechanical properties and effects of Y2O3 particles for the ODS Zry-4. A 3D representative volume element (RVE) model was developed considering the parameters of the size, shape, distribution and volume fraction (VF) of the Y2O3 particles. From the 3D RVE model, the Young's modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and creep strain rate of the ODS Zry-4 were effectively calculated. It was observed that the VF of Y2O3 particles had a significant effect on the aforementioned mechanical properties. In addition, the predicted properties of ODS Zry-4 were applied to a simulation model to investigate cladding deformation under a transient condition. The ODS Zry-4 cladding showed better performance, such as a delay in large deformation compared to Zry-4 cladding, which was also found experimentally. Accordingly, it is expected that the simulation approach developed here can be efficiently employed to predict more properties and to provide useful information with which to improve ODS Zry-4.

Purpose: Peripheral nerve injuries can lead to lasting functional impairments, impacting movement and quality of life. FK-506, a widely used immunosuppressant, has demonstrated potential in promoting nerve regeneration in addition to its immunosuppressive effects. This study investigates the use of a local reservoir flap to deliver FK-506 directly to the nerve injury site, aiming to enhance nerve regeneration while minimizing systemic immunosuppression. Materials and Methods: Sciatic nerve injuries were surgically induced in 24 rats, which were divided into control, 0.5 mg/kg FK506 (Exp 1), and 2.0 mg/kg FK-506 (Exp 2) groups. A superficial inferior epigastric artery flap served as a reservoir for FK-506, allowing direct delivery to the injury site. FK-506 was administered intermittently over a 4-week period. Outcomes included the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI), muscle recovery (width and weight), nerve morphology, expression of neurogenic markers such as GDNF, immune cell counts, and body weight. Results: Exp 1 (0.5 mg/kg) demonstrated significant improvements in SFI, GDNF expression, and muscle width compared to the control and high-dose groups. These findings suggest that FK-506 administration via a reservoir flap, particularly at a lower dose, supports effective nerve regeneration. Additionally, FK-506 treatment did not result in significant changes in immune cell profiles or body weight, indicating minimal systemic effects. Conclusion: Localized FK-506 administration via a reservoir flap effectively enhances peripheral nerve regeneration and minimizes systemic immunosuppression, making it a promising approach for clinical application in treating peripheral nerve injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the pore fluid and methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) chemistry from the ARAON Mounds in the Chukchi Sea to reveal how methane (CH4) seepage impacts their compositional and isotopic properties. During the ARA07C and ARA09C Expeditions, many in situ gas hydrates (GHs) and MDACs were found near the seafloor. The fluid chemistry has been considerably modified in association with the high CH4 flux and its related byproducts (GHs and MDACs). Compared to Site ARA09C-St 08 (reference site), which displays a linear SO42- downcore profile, the other sites (e.g., ARA07C-St 13, ARA07C-St 14, ARA09C-St 04, ARA09C-St 07, and ARA09C-St 12) that are found byproducts exhibit concave-up and/or kink type SO42- profiles. The physical properties and fluid pathways in sediment columns have been altered by these byproducts, which prevents the steady state condition of the dissolved species through them. Consequently, chemical zones are separated between bearing and non-bearing byproducts intervals under non-steady state condition from the seafloor to the sulfate-methane transition (SMT). GH dissociation also significantly impacts pore fluid properties (e.g., low Cl-, enriched δD and δ18O). The upward CH4 with depleted δ13C from the thermogenic origin affects the chemical signatures of MDACs. The enriched δ18O fluid from GH dissociation also influences the properties of MDACs. Thus, in the ARAON Mounds, the chemistry of the fluid and MDAC has significantly changed, most likely responding to the CH4 flux and GH dissociation through geological time. Overall, our findings will improve the understanding and prediction of the pore fluid and MDAC chemistry in the Arctic Ocean related to CH4 seepage by global climate change.

Background Reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor in the head and neck region is crucial for restoring tissue integrity, function, and aesthetics. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent intraoral reconstruction surgery using radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) and anterolateral thigh free flaps (ALT) at a single institution to provide more information supporting the choice of a reconstruction method after removal of head and neck cancer. Methods The charts of 708 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction between 1998 and 2018 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ age, sex, and history of radiation therapy, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were retrieved. The primary cancer site, types of defects, and complications were investigated. Results Overall, 473 and 95 patients underwent reconstruction surgery with RFFF and ALT, respectively. RFFF was more often used in patients with cancers of the pharynx, larynx, esophagus, or tonsil, while ALT was more frequently used in patients with cancers of the mouth floor with tonsil or tongue involvement. The proportion of patients undergoing ALT increased gradually. Flap failure and donor site morbidities did not show significant differences between the two groups. Conclusions RFFF and ALT flaps resulted in similar outcomes in terms of flap survival and donor site morbidity. ALT can be an option for head and neck reconstruction surgery in patients with large and complex defects or for young patients who want to hide their donor site scars.

Background Face transplantation has naturally evolved from reconstructive procedures. However, few institutions perform face transplantations, because it is time-consuming and it is necessary to justify non-vital organ transplantation. We investigated the process of organ donation from brain-dead patients and the possibility of incorporating face transplantation into the donation process.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element for many organisms, including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and is required in trace amounts. It is obtained from the 21st amino acid selenocysteine (Sec, U), genetically encoded by the UGA codon. Proteins containing Sec are known as selenoproteins. In eukaryotes, selenoproteins are present in animals and algae, whereas fungi and higher plants lack them. The human genome contains 25 selenoproteins, most of which are involved in antioxidant defense activity, redox regulation, and redox signaling. In algae, 42 selenoprotein families were identified using various bioinformatics approaches, out of which C. reinhardtii is known to have 10 selenoprotein genes. However, the role of selenoproteins in Chlamydomonas is yet to be reported. Chlamydomonas selenoproteins contain conserved domains such as CVNVGC and GCUG, in the case of thioredoxin reductase, and CXXU in other selenoproteins. Interestingly, Sec amino acid residue is present in a catalytically active domain in Chlamydomonas selenoproteins, similar to human selenoproteins. Based on catalytical active sites and conserved domains present in Chlamydomonas selenoproteins, we suggest that Chlamydomonas selenoproteins could have a role in redox regulation and defense by acting as antioxidants in various physiological conditions.

This study investigated the influence of one- and two-step fermentation on bioactive compound production in fermented green tea, i.e., one-step fermented green tea (OFG) and two-step fermented green tea (TFG). One-step fermentation entailed acetic acid fermentation, while two-step fermentation consisted of lactic acid fermentation followed by acetic acid fermentation. Acetobacter pasteurianus PCH 325, isolated from an over-ripened peach, was selected for acetic acid fermentation based on its growth and organic acid production characteristics. Acetic acid fermentation conditions were optimized for one- and two-step fermentation: 3% fermentation alcohol for both processes; 8% and 4% sucrose, respectively; and fermentation at 25 °C for both processes. For lactic acid fermentation of TFG, the inoculum and optimized conditions reported previously were used. Under the optimized conditions, the acetic acid content in OFG and TFG increased 21.20- and 29.51-fold, respectively. Furthermore, through two-step fermentation, γ-aminobutyric acid and lactic acid were produced up to 31.49 ± 1.17 mg/L and 243.44 ± 58.15 mg/L, respectively, which together with acetic acid could contribute to the higher DPPH scavenging activity of TFG. This study suggests that two-step fermentation may be a valuable strategy in industry for raising the amount of acetic acid and/or providing additional bioactive compounds.

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be a solution for delayed or misdiagnosed pneumothorax. This study developed, a deep-learning-based AI model to estimate the pneumothorax amount on a chest radiograph and applied it to a treatment algorithm developed by experienced thoracic surgeons. U-net performed semantic segmentation and classification of pneumothorax and non-pneumothorax areas. The pneumothorax amount was measured using chest computed tomography (volume ratio, gold standard) and chest radiographs (area ratio, true label) and calculated using the AI model (area ratio, predicted label). Each value was compared and analyzed based on clinical outcomes. The study included 96 patients, of which 67 comprised the training set and the others the test set. The AI model showed an accuracy of 97.8%, sensitivity of 69.2%, a negative predictive value of 99.1%, and a dice similarity coefficient of 61.8%. In the test set, the average amount of pneumothorax was 15%, 16%, and 13% in the gold standard, predicted, and true labels, respectively. The predicted label was not significantly different from the gold standard (p = 0.11) but inferior to the true label (difference in MAE: 3.03%). The amount of pneumothorax in thoracostomy patients was 21.6% in predicted cases and 18.5% in true cases.