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Purpose: The rate of interval colorectal cancer (iCRC) is now accepted as a key performance indicator of organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. We aimed to examine the association between endoscopist volumes and the rate of iCRC among individuals with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) within a nationwide population-based CRC screening program. Materials and Methods: Individuals aged ≥ 50 years who underwent colonoscopy after a positive FIT from January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2020 in the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP) were enrolled. We converted the data into per-endoscopist screening results, calculated the iCRC rates per endoscopist, and compared them to the previous year's annual volume that was divided into five groups (V1, 1-9; V2, 10-29; V3, 30-59; V4, 60-119; V5, ≥ 120). Results: A total of 10,412 endoscopists performed 216,907 colonoscopies. Overall, the average rate of iCRC per endoscopist was 8.46 per 1,000 examinations. Compared with the group with the highest volume (V5 group), the rate of iCRC was 2.21 times higher in the V1 group. Similar trends were observed in the other groups (V2: relative risks [RR], 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57 to 2.94; V3: RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.13; V4: RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.67). Conclusion: The findings emphasize that endoscopists with lower procedure volumes have higher risks of interval cancer being missed or undetected. To maximize the preventative impact of colonoscopy for CRC, this issue should be addressed by monitoring endoscopist volumes and variations in performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RBSC with a low residual Si less than 5 vol% was fabricated using SiC–C preform with diamond as a main carbon source by a conventional reaction sintering process at the temperature range between 1500 °C and 1800 °C. The diamond content in the SiC–C preform varied from 10 wt% to 17 wt%. The diamond as the main carbon source used in SiC–C preform effectively minimized the residual Si in RBSC by increasing the reaction of diamond due to the enhanced Si melt infiltration even in SiC–C preform with high carbon content. The Si melt infiltration should be performed above 1600 °C for the complete reaction of diamond particles with size of 0.5 μm because of the relatively low dissolution rate of diamond in Si melt. The flexural strength of RBSC with residual Si content less than 7 vol% exceeded 400 MPa. The flexural strength of RBSC was increased with decreasing residual Si content, but sharply decreased by the residual carbon accompanying pores in RBSC. RBSC with low residual Si content displayed moderate flexural strengths around 200 MPa even above Si melt temperature because of the formation of continuous SiC structure in RBSC by the enhanced grain growth of SiC. Vickers hardness of RBSC was steadily increased from 17.7 GPa to 24.6 GPa with decreasing residual Si. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of current research is to establish a theoretical size-dependent framework for estimating the amount of thermoelastic damping (TED) in miniaturized rings with circular cross section via the nonlocal dual-phase-lag (NDPL) generalized thermoelasticity theory, as one of the most exhaustive non-Fourier heat conduction models. The method used to achieve this goal is based on the definition of TED in the energy dissipation (ED) approach. To do so, after deriving heat equation in the context of NDPL model, the distribution of temperature all over the volume of the ring is specified. Then, the relations of dissipated thermal energy and strain energy in the ring are obtained. Lastly, by employing ED approach, a formula comprising the nonclassical parameters of NDPL model is rendered to determine TED value in small-scaled toroidal rings. By presenting various numerical examples, the dependence of TED on influential parameters including nonclassical thermal constants in NDPL model, ring geometry, vibrational mode number and ring material is surveyed. The Findings enlighten that the inclusion of nonlocal parameter into the model can have conspicuous impacts on TED value, especially in smaller rings or higher vibrational mode numbers. The results also reveal that among the investigated materials (i.e. silicon, copper, silver, and lead), rings made of lead and silicon exhibit the maximum and minimum TED values, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development and validation of an improved quasisteady flow model (iQSFM) that applies comprehensive parasitic losses to the quasisteady flow model (QSFM) considering an oscillating flow, which is the actual type of flow occurring in a regenerator. Validation of iQSFM was evaluated by comparing it with a QSFM based on the experimental results of a RE-1000 regenerator. Compared to QSFM, iQSFM improved the prediction accuracy by reducing the indicated power error from 66.7% to 24.9% and the efficiency error from 35.3% to 9.4%. In addition, the prediction accuracy of iQSFM was compared when the oscillating flow and the steady flow correlation were applied to a regenerator. When iQSFM applied an oscillating flow correlation to the regenerator, it predicted the experimental results of RE-1000 slightly more accurately than in a steady flow correlation. Finally, the engine performance and parasitic losses were analyzed through a parameter study of RE-1000 using iQSFM. Through this, it was confirmed with iQSFM that the RE-1000 is designed to maximize the engine performance by minimizing the parasitic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 200 asthma-associated genetic variants have been identified in genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data resources can help identify causal genes of the GWAS signals, but it can be difficult to find an eQTL that reflects the disease state because most eQTL data are obtained from normal healthy subjects. Methods: We performed a blood eQTL analysis using transcriptomic and genotypic data from 433 Korean asthma patients. To identify asthma-related genes, we carried out colocalization, Summary-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) analysis, and Transcriptome-Wide Association Study (TWAS) using the results of asthma GWASs and eQTL data. In addition, we compared the results of disease eQTL data and asthma-related genes with two normal blood eQTL data from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and a Japanese study. Results: We identified 340,274 cis-eQTL and 2,875 eGenes from asthmatic eQTL analysis. We compared the disease eQTL results with GTEx and a Japanese study and found that 64.1% of the 2,875 eGenes overlapped with the GTEx eGenes and 39.0% with the Japanese eGenes. Following the integrated analysis of the asthmatic eQTL data with asthma GWASs, using colocalization and SMR methods, we identified 15 asthma-related genes specific to the Korean asthmatic eQTL data. Conclusions: We provided Korean asthmatic cis-eQTL data and identified asthma-related genes by integrating them with GWAS data. In addition, we suggested these asthma-related genes as therapeutic targets for asthma. We envisage that our findings will contribute to understanding the etiological mechanisms of asthma and provide novel therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nosemosis in honeybees caused by the Nosema spp. infection is not only related to colony collapse but also increases the susceptibility of honeybees to various other pathogens; thus, it is necessary to develop effective control methods for nosemosis. Research on various control methods has been conducted, but clearly defined methods are still rare. In our study, the possibility of controlling honeybee nosemosis using entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts with various biological activities was evaluated. Many of the tested entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts showed high germination inhibitory activity on Nosema ceranae spores. Among them, fungal culture extracts with high spore germination inhibitory activity and fungicidal activity was used to evaluate honeybee nosemosis inhibitory activity. As a result, it was confirmed for the first time that the fungal culture extract could not only suppress honeybee nosemosis but also increase the lifespan of honeybees. Entomopathogenic fungal culture extracts are expected to have applications in controlling honeybee nosemosis. This study aimed to select the most effective culture extracts for controlling honeybee nosemosis using 342 entomopathogenic fungi of 24 species from 18 genera. The germination inhibitory activity of the fungal culture extract on Nosema ceranae spores was evaluated using an in vitro germination assay method. Among 89 fungal culture extracts showing germination inhibitory activity of approximately 80% or more, 44 fungal culture extracts that maintained their inhibitory activity even at a concentration of 1% were selected. Finally, the honeybee nosemosis inhibitory activity was evaluated using the cultured extracts of five fungal isolates having a Nosema inhibitory activity of approximately 60% or more, even when the extract was removed after treatment. As a result, the proliferation of Nosema spores was reduced by all fungal culture extract treatments. However, only the treatment of the culture extracts from Paecilomyces marquandii 364 and Pochonia bulbillosa 60 showed a reduction in honeybee mortality due to nosemosis. In particular, the extracts of these two fungal isolates also increased the survival of honeybees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene-environment (G×E) interaction could partially explain missing heritability in traits; however, the magnitudes of G×E interaction effects remain unclear. Here, we estimate the heritability of G×E interaction for body mass index (BMI) by subjecting genome-wide interaction study data of 331,282 participants in the UK Biobank to linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and linkage disequilibrium adjusted kinships–software for estimating SNP heritability from summary statistics (LDAK-SumHer) analyses. Among 14 obesity-related lifestyle factors, MET score, pack years of smoking, and alcohol intake frequency significantly interact with genetic factors in both analyses, accounting for the partial variance of BMI. The G×E interaction heritability (%) and standard error of these factors by LDSC and LDAK-SumHer are as follows: MET score, 0.45% (0.12) and 0.65% (0.24); pack years of smoking, 0.52% (0.13) and 0.93% (0.26); and alcohol intake frequency, 0.32% (0.10) and 0.80% (0.17), respectively. Moreover, these three factors are partially validated for their interactions with genetic factors in other obesity-related traits, including waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio adjusted with BMI, and body fat percentage. Our results suggest that G×E interaction may partly explain the missing heritability in BMI, and two G×E interaction loci identified could help in understanding the genetic architecture of obesity. A study on the effects of gene-environment interactions on body mass index (BMI) in the UK Biobank cohort finds BMI genetic loci that interact with lifestyle traits such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mixed-mode loading significantly influences fatigue crack growth in SAPH440 material. • CTS specimen and multi-level loading technique were used to study mixed-mode fatigue. • Mode II loading increases threshold stress intensity factor in mixed-mode conditions. • Fatigue crack propagation rate depends on applied load angles in multi-level loading. In this study, the effect of mixed-mode loading on fatigue crack growth under varying applied loads for SAPH440 material was experimentally investigated. Previous research has either examined the effect of mixed-mode loading at a fixed angle or its effect on slanted cracks. This paper uses a CTS specimen and a loading device to apply varying angles of load during Mode I loading conditions. Initially, a numerical analysis was performed to validate existing equations for the stress intensity factor, which quantifies the crack driving force in the experiments. In the crack initiation region, load shedding techniques and load increasing techniques were used to confirm fatigue cracking considering mixed-mode effects. The change in the threshold value according to the loading angle was also evaluated. In the crack propagation region, a multi-level loading technique was employed to assess the mixed-mode effects under varying loading angles. This process verified the mixed-mode effect under conditions where the applied load angle varies. The fatigue crack fracture surfaces were examined using digital camera capture and SEM. It was found that when mixed-mode loading occurs during Mode I loading, the fatigue crack propagation rate varies depending on the mixed-mode loading angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polygenic risk score (PRS) and rare monogenic variant screening are valuable tools for predicting cancer risk and identifying individuals at high risk. Integrating both common and rare genetic variants is crucial for accurate risk assessment. However, estimating the impacts of rare variants on cancer and combining them with PRS remains challenging. Here, we analyze 454,711 exome sequencing and 487,409 array UK Biobank samples, focusing on breast and prostate cancers. We introduce an expanded PRS (EPRS) approach, yielding a systematic model for more effective risk stratification. By prioritizing and clustering genes with cancer-specific rare variants based on odds ratios and population-attributable fraction, we refine risk stratification by combining both monogenic and polygenic effects. Individuals in high-PRS groups with rare high-impact gene variants show up to 15- and 22-fold higher risk for breast and prostate cancers, respectively, compared to those in the intermediate-PRS groups without rare variants. Combined risk profiles vary across distinct rare variant clusters within the same PRS group for both cancers. Our EPRS approach enhances risk stratification for breast and prostate cancers, offering important insights for future research and potential applications to other cancer types. An expanded PRS (EPRS) approach combining polygenic risk scores and rare variant clustering enhances cancer risk stratification for breast and prostate cancers. High-PRS groups with rare high-impact gene variants have up to 15- and 22-fold higher risk for breast and prostate cancers, respectively, compared to intermediate-PRS groups without rare variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design optimization of a heat exchanger for a free-piston Stirling engine (FPSE) through an improved quasi-steady flow (iQSF) model and a central composite design. To optimize the tubular hot heat exchanger (HHX) design, a design set of central composite designs for the design factors of the HHX was constructed and the brake power and efficiency were predicted through the iQSF model. The iQSF model is improved because it adds various heat and power losses based on the QSF model and applies a heat transfer model that simulates the oscillating flow condition of an actual Stirling engine. Based on experimental results from the RE-1000, an FPSE developed by Sunpower, the iQSF model significantly improves the prediction error of the indicated power from 66.9 to 24.9% compared to the existing QSF model. For design optimization of the HHX, the inner diameter and the number of tubes with the highest brake power and efficiency were determined using a regression model, and the tube length was determined using the iQSF model. Finally, the brake output and efficiency of FPSE with the optimized HHX were predicted to be 7.4 kW and 36.4%, respectively, through the iQSF analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a complex disease that is reportedly associated with insomnia. However, the causal directionality of this association is still unclear. We used asthma and insomnia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to test the causal directionality between insomnia and asthma via Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We also performed a cross-trait meta-analysis using UK Biobank GWAS summary statistics and a gene–environment interaction study using data from UK Biobank. The interaction of genetic risk score for asthma (GRSasthma) with insomnia on asthma was tested by logistic regression. Insomnia was a risk factor for the incidence of asthma, as revealed by three different methods of MR analysis. However, asthma did not act as a risk factor for insomnia. The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 28 genetic loci shared between asthma and insomnia. In the gene–environment interaction study, GRSasthma interacted with insomnia to significantly affect the risk of asthma. The results of this study highlight the importance of insomnia as a risk factor of asthma, and warrant further analysis of the mechanism through which insomnia affects the risk of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Korea, the universal health system offers coverage to all members of society. Despite this, it is unclear whether risk of death from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) varies depending on income. We evaluated the impact of low income on HCC mortality. Methods: The Korean National Health Insurance sampling cohort was used to identify new HCC cases (n = 7325) diagnosed between 2004 and 2008, and the Korean Community Health Survey data were used to investigate community-level effects. The main outcome was 5-year all-cause mortality risk, and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to investigate the individual- and community-level factors associated with the survival probability of HCC patients. Results: From 2004 to 2008, there were 4658 new HCC cases among males and 2667 new cases among females. The 5-year survival proportion of males was 68%, and the incidence per person-year was 0.768; the female survival proportion was 78%, and the incidence per person-year was 0.819. Lower income was associated with higher hazard ratio (HR), and HCC patients with hepatitis B (HBV), alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and other types of liver cirrhosis had higher HRs than those without these conditions. Subgroup analyses showed that middle-aged men were most vulnerable to the effects of low income on 5-year mortality, and community-level characteristics were associated with survival of HCC patients. Conclusion: Having a low income significantly affected the overall 5-year mortality of Korean adults who were newly diagnosed with HCC from 2004 to 2008. Middle-aged men were the most vulnerable. We believe our findings will be useful to healthcare policymakers in Korea as well as to healthcare leaders in countries with NHI programs who need to make important decisions about allocation of limited healthcare resources according to a consensually accepted and rational framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of virtual reality (VR) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders is increasing, and cybersickness has emerged as an important obstacle to overcome. However, the clinical factors affecting cybersickness are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated clinical predictors and adaptation effect of cybersickness during VR application in highly stressed people. Eighty-three healthy adult participants with high stress level were recruited. At baseline, we conducted psychiatric, ophthalmologic, and otologic evaluations and extracted physiological parameters. We divided the participants into two groups according to the order of exposure to VR videos with different degrees of shaking and repetitively administered the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) and the Fast Motion sickness Scale (FMS). There was no significant difference in changes in the SSQ or the FMS between groups. The 40–59 years age group showed a greater increase in FMS compared to the 19–39 years age group. Smoking was negatively associated with cybersickness, and a high Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule score was positively associated with cybersickness. In conclusion, changing the intensity of shaking in VR did not affect cybersickness. While smoking was a protective factor, more expression of affect was a risk factor for cybersickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete dimer or multimer acceptors have enhanced the stability of organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their slow diffusion kinetics resulting from their large molecular sizes. However, development of multimer acceptors with chain length longer than trimers has been challenging, which often require multistep reactions with low synthetic yield. In this study, a new discrete tetramer acceptor (TetA) using one‐pot reaction and subsequent purification processes is developed. During the purification, dimer (DA) and trimer acceptor (TA) are also obtained. The OSCs for TetA demonstrate a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.14% than those for the discrete acceptors with shorter chain lengths, such as monomer acceptor (MA, 12.85%), DA (14.31%), and TA (15.10%). Additionally, despite having a similar number‐average molecular weight, TetA‐based OSCs exhibit a significantly higher PCE (16.14%) compared to OSCs based on a mixture of the acceptors (MixA) with dispersity (10.72%). Furthermore, the TetA‐based OSCs have the highest photostability and mechanical robustness among the series. For example, TetA‐based OSCs demonstrate superior photostability (t70% lifetime = 2180 h under 1‐sun illumination) and mechanical robustness (crack‐onset strain (COS) = 8%) compared to those based on MA (t70% = 220 h, and COS = 2%), or MixA (t70% = 745 h, and COS = 6%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research revealed that doxorubicin (DOX) decreased expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying this effect are not well established. Here, we demonstrate that doxorubicin down-regulates PD-L1 expression through induction of AU-rich element (ARE) binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) in cancer cells. PD-L1 mRNA contain three AREs within its 3′UTR. Doxorubicin induced expression of TTP, increased TTP binding to the 3rd ARE of the PD-L1 3′UTR, and increased decay of PD-L1 mRNA. Inhibition of TTP abrogates the inhibitory effect of doxorubicin on PD-L1 expression. Our data suggest that TTP plays a key role in doxorubicin-mediated down-regulation of PD-L1 by enhancing degradation of PD-L1 mRNA in cancer cells. • PD-L1 expression showed negative correlation with TTP in cancer cells. • PD-L1 mRNA 3′UTR contained three AU-rich elements (AREs). • Doxorubicin induced TTP expression in cancer cells. • TTP bound to the 3rd ARE within the PD-L1 3′UTR and enhance decay of PD-L1 mRNA. • Inhibition of TTP by siRNA abrogated the inhibitory effect of doxorubicin on PD-L1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatases 3 (PFKFB3) catalyzes the first committed rate-limiting step of glycolysis and is upregulated in cancer cells. The mechanism of PFKFB3 expression upregulation in cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. The PFKFB3 3′-UTR is reported to contain AU-rich elements (AREs) that are important for regulating PFKFB3 mRNA stability. However, the mechanisms by which PFKFB3 mRNA stability is determined by its 3′-UTR are not well known. We demonstrated that tristetraprolin (TTP), an ARE-binding protein, has a critical function regulating PFKFB3 mRNA stability. Our results showed that PFKFB3 mRNA contains three AREs in the 3′-UTR. TTP bound to the 3rd ARE and enhanced the decay of PFKFB3 mRNA. Overexpression of TTP decreased PFKFB3 expression and ATP levels but increased GSH level in cancer cells. Overexpression of PFKFB3 cDNA without the 3′-UTR rescued ATP level and GSH level in TTP-overexpressing cells. Our results suggested that TTP post-transcriptionally downregulated PFKFB3 expression and that overexpression of TTP may contribute to suppression of glycolysis and energy production of cancer cells in part by downregulating PFKFB3 expression. • TTP expression decreased PFKFB3 level in cancer cells. • PFKFB3 mRNA 3′UTR contained three AU-rich elements (AREs). • TTP bound to the 3rd ARE within the PFKFB3 3′UTR and enhance decay of PFKFB3 mRNA. • TTP overexpression decreased ATP level and increased GSH level. • Ectopic expression of PFKFB3 rescued ATP and GSH levels in TTP-overexpressing cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritis is not only a chronic disease but also causes physical inactivity. We investigated the association between arthritis and quality of life and psychological problems, as measured by suicidal ideation. We used data from the 2013 Community Health Survey, and 162,598 persons aged 40 years and older were included as study subjects. Our main focus was to investigate association of arthritis with suicidal ideation and quality of life. Multivariate survey logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio for suicidal ideation, and multivariate survey linear regression analysis used to identify associations between variables and scores on the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale(EQ-VAS). 8.30% of male and 13.90% of female experienced suicidal ideation, and 16.17% of and 21.23% of female suffered from arthritis. Individuals with arthritis were more likely to report suicidal ideation and have lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores. Furthermore, higher rates of suicidal ideation and lower HRQOLs were also associated with older age, low income and less education. Arthritis was associated with higher rates of suicidal ideation and lower HRQOL scores. These results should contribute to the development and implementation of polices and management strategies to alleviate suicidal ideation and increase HRQOL scores among arthritis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report arrays of self-assembled quantum dots through roughening transition of strained but atomically flat layers into three-dimensional (3D) islands. Atomically flat two-dimensional InGaAs epilayers were grown on GaAs(001) substrates below 360 °C. When heated higher than 420 °C, they were observed to undergo roughening transitions. The morphology, height, and width of the resultant 3D features were found to be a strong function of the annealing time and temperature. Furthermore, at a particular set of parameters, dot chains were observed. The strain field of the flat layer seemed uniform in the roughening stage, but appeared to induce anisotropic diffusion at the subsequent growth stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites conjugated with chlorin e6 (Ce6) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MePEG) using disulfide linkage for photodynamic treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. Graphene oxide was conjugated with MePEG and cystamine (GO‐(NSSNH2)‐PEG). After that, amine end group was further conjugated with Ce6. Ce6 and MePEG conjugated GO nanocomposites (GO NP) were characterized and its photodynamic effect was studied with various CCA cells. In morphological observation, GO NP formed nano‐aggregates with small sizes less than 100 nm while GO itself showed typical sheet shape. Ce6 release from GO NP was faster in the presence of glutathione, indicating that GO NP has redox‐responsiveness. GO NP showed significantly higher intracellular Ce6 uptake ratio and produced higher amount of ROS than Ce6 itself. Then, GO NP resulted in increased anticancer activity against CCA cells compared to Ce6 itself. In animal study with SNU478 cell‐bearing mice, GO NP was properly concentrated in tumor tissue while Ce6 treatment showed relatively higher fluorescence intensity in liver than that of tumor tissue. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by treatment of GO NP with irradiation compared to Ce6 treatment. GO NP showed redox‐responsiveness and increased photodynamic effect against CCA cells. We suggest GO NP as a promising candidate for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of CCA cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the electrostatic decoration of Pt nanoparticles on SnO 2 nanotubes (ST) directly prepared on a conducting substrate and high electrocatalytic activities of the resulting materials. A pre-coating of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) is the key for the direct uniform deposition of the ST, which serves dual functions as a fast electron transport path as well as a physical support for Pt nanoparticles. The self-assembly of Pt nanoparticles on the ST is based on electrostatic interaction between the Pt cations and negatively charged ST surface. A dip-coating method leads to homogeneous decoration of well-connected Pt nanoparticles with a larger surface area. Solar energy conversion devices with a solid polymer electrolyte are fabricated using Pt on ST as the electrocatalyst for the reduction of I 3 − to I − . The Pt dip-coated ST shows a photovoltaic efficiency of 5.07%, which is higher than those of Pt spin-coated ST (4.88%) and Pt spin-coated on the substrate without ST (4.59%). An increase in the Pt concentration leads to further improvement in the efficiency up to 5.51%, which is a moderate value for solid electrolyte devices. The improved performance is attributed to the decreased electron transfer resistance and increased surface area of the electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a high-performance electrochemical capacitor based on covalent organic framework (COF)-derived microporous carbon (MPC) nanoparticles and electrochemically polymerized polypyrrole (Ppy) as a pseudocapacitive material. The COF, Schiff-based network-1 (SNW-1) nanoparticles are prepared via a condensation reaction between melamine and terephthalaldehyde, and the resultant MPC film is prepared via a screen-printing method. The MPC film exhibits a bimodal porous structure with micropores and macropores, resulting in both a large surface area and good electrolyte infiltration. Ppy is synthesized potentio-statically (0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl) by varying the reaction time, and successful synthesis of Ppy is confirmed via Raman spectroscopy. The specific capacitance with the Ppy coating is enhanced by up to 2.55 F cm −2 due to the synergetic effect of pseudocapacitance and reduced resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the preparation of a N-doped TiO 2 heterostructure with high activity as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst via a facile graft polymerization approach. The synthesized N-doped TiO 2 heterostructure was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Compared with TiO 2 , the N-doped TiO 2 heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of N-doped TiO 2 heterostructures could be attributed to the utilization of a large part of the solar spectrum, resulting from modification of the TiO 2 electronic band structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic rechargeable batteries, composed of redox-active molecules, are emerging as candidates for the next generation of energy storage materials because of their large specific capacities, cost effectiveness, and the abundance of organic precursors, when compared with conventional lithium-ion batteries. Although redox-active molecules often display multiple redox states, precise control of a molecule's redox potential, leading to a single output voltage in a battery, remains a fundamental challenge in this popular field of research. By combining macrocyclic chemistry with density functional theory calculations (DFT), we have identified a structural motif that more effectively delocalizes electrons during lithiation events in battery operationsnamely, through-space electron delocalization in triangular macrocyclic molecules that exhibit a single well-defined voltage profilecompared to the discrete multiple voltage plateaus observed for a homologous macrocyclic dimer and an acyclic derivative of pyromellitic diimide (PMDI). The triangular macrocycle, incorporating three PMDI units in close proximity to one another, exhibits a single output voltage at 2.33 V, compared with two peaks at (i) 2.2 and 1.95-1.60 V for reduction and (ii) 1.60-1.95 and 2.37 V for oxidation of the acyclic PMDI derivative. By investigating the two cyclic derivatives with different conformational dispositions of their PMDI units and the acyclic PMDI derivative, we identified noticeable changes in interactions between the PMDI units in the two cyclic derivatives under reducing conditions, as determined by differential pulse voltammetry, solution-state spectroelectrochemistry, and variable-temperature UV-Vis spectra. The numbers and relative geometries of the PMDI units are found to alter the voltage profile of the active materials significantly during galvanostatic measurements, resulting in a desirable single plateau for the triangular macrocycle. The present investigation reveals that understanding and controlling the relative conformational dispositions of redox-active units in macrocycles are key to achieving high energy density and long cycle-life electrodes for organic rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoelectric effect in various magnetic systems, in which electric voltage is generated by a spin current, has attracted much interest owing to its potential applications in energy harvesting, but its power generation capability has to be improved further for actual applications. In this study, the first instance of the formation of a spin thermopile via a simplified and straightforward method which utilizes two distinct characteristics of antiferromagnetic IrMn is reported: the inverse spin Hall effect and the exchange bias. The former allows the IrMn efficiently to convert the thermally induced spin current into a measurable voltage, and the latter can be used to control the spin direction of adjacent ferromagnetic materials. It is observed that a thermoelectric signal is successfully amplified in spin thermopiles with exchange-biased IrMn/CoFeB structures, where an alternating magnetic alignment is formed using the IrMn thickness dependence of the exchange bias. The scalable signal on a number of thermopiles allowing a large-area application paves the way toward the development of practical spin thermoelectric devices. A detailed model analysis is also provided for a quantitative understanding of the thermoelectric voltages, which consist of the spin Seebeck and anomalous Nernst contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new avenue by transforming the conventional electrochemical domain into an electro‐chemo‐mechanical domain is proposed to achieve less hysteretic fast‐charging based on the three pictures: i) electro‐chemo‐mechanics, ii) phase transition kinetics, and iii) ionic kinetics. Each concept is demonstrated leading to the electrochemical improvement using data‐driven computation and experimental analyses, and its novel framework is generalized based on alkali‐ion chalcogenide models. The mechanical strain lowers and delays the electrochemical yield point, which gives rise to extending the elastic region and enhancing the phase and ionic kinetics. This is experimentally verified with less hysteresis upon (dis)charging for all models. Implementing the electro‐chemo‐mechanical domain is central in alkali‐ion chalcogenide batteries and broadens its application in other rechargeable batteries, ultimately playing a critical role in providing practical fast‐charging solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile process to produce large-area platinum (Pt) counter electrode platforms with well-arrayed, mesh-shaped nanopatterns using commercially available TiO2 paste and poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) nanostamps is presented. The process involves mesh-shaped (200 nm × 200 nm) nanopatterning of a TiO2 scaffold onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, followed by Pt sputtering. The structure and morphology of the counter electrodes are characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and an atomic force microscope (AFM). Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs) fabricated with these mesh-shaped Pt counter electrodes showed an efficiency of 7.0%. This is one of the highest efficiencies observed for N719 dye and is much higher than that of devices with non-patterned, thermally deposited electrodes (5.4%) or non-patterned, sputtering deposited electrodes (5.7%). This improvement is attributed to enhanced light harvesting and a greater surface area and has been confirmed by incident photon-to current efficiency (IPCE), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, CrZr–Si–N films with various Si contents were synthesized by unbalanced magnetron sputtering with various (Cr + Zr):Si segment targets. Three types of segment targets with different volume ratios of Cr + Zr and Si (11:1, 5:1 and 3:1 vol.%) were employed. Tribological properties of CrZr–Si–N films, as a function of the Si content, were investigated by a ball-on-disk type wear tester at room temperature and 500 °C. After the wear test, the wear tracks were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the CrZr–Si–N films with low Si content showed excellent tribological properties at the room temperature such as low friction coefficient and smooth, narrow wear track diameter. However, at 500 °C the tribological properties of CrZr–Si–N films were significantly improved with increasing Si content in the films as the thermal stabilities of CrZr–Si–N films were improved with increasing Si content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-energy conversion efficiency of 8.2% at 100 mW cm−2 is reported, one of the highest values for N719-based, solid-state, dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs). The solar cells are based on hierarchical double-shell nanostructures consisting of inner SnO2 hollow spheres (SHS) surrounded by outer TiO2 nanosheets (TNSs). Deposition of the TNS on the SHS outer surface is performed via solvothermal reactions in order to generate a double-shell SHS@TNS nanostructure that provides a large surface area and suppresses recombination of photogenerated electrons. An organized mesoporous (OM)-TiO2 film with high porosity, large pores, and good interconnectivity is also prepared via a sol-gel process using a poly(vinyl chloride)-g-poly(oxyethylene methacrylate) (PVC-g-POEM) graft copolymer template. This film is utilized as a matrix to disperse the double-shell nanostructures. Such nanostructures provide good pore-filling for solid polymer electrolytes, faster electron transfer, and enhanced light scattering, as confirmed by reflectance spectroscopy, incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE), and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS)/intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aqueous sodium ion hybrid battery consisting of disodium naphthalenediimidesalt (anode) and KCo0.5Cu0.5Fe(CN)6 (cathode) is reported. Both electrode materials are inexpensive and exhibit appropriate operating voltages and robust reversibility under neutral aqueous electrolyte conditions, delivering a full‐cell voltage of 1.1 V with 88% capacity retention after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We examine the optical properties of novel quantum dot chains. [•] Study shows that platelets evolve into quantum dots during heating of the InGaAs platelets encapsulated with GaAs. [•] Single stack of quantum dots emits light at room temperature. [•] Quantum dots are of high quality, confirmed by cross-section TEM images and photoluminescence. [•] Light emission at room temperature weakens beyond the detection limit when the quantum dots form above the critical annealing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slow kinetics of bigger-sized sodium ions in intercalation compounds restricts the practical applications of sodium batteries. In this work, sodium ion intercalation/de-intercalation behavior of Na0.44MnO2 (NMO), which is one of the promising cathode materials for sodium batteries, is presented in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte systems. The NMO samples synthesized using modified Pechini method shows better rate capability in 0.5 M sodium sulfate aqueous electrolyte system than the 1 M sodium perchlorate non-aqueous system. The difference in the rate performance is extensively investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and the apparent diffusion coefficients of sodium in NMO are determined to be in the range of 1.08 × 10−13 to 9.15 × 10−12 cm2 s−1 in aqueous system and in the range of 5.75 × 10−16 to 2.14 × 10−14 cm2 s−1 in non-aqueous systems. The differences in the evaluated rate capability are mainly attributed to nearly two to three orders of magnitude difference in the apparent diffusion coefficient along with the charge transfer resistance and the resistance from the formed SEI layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mesoporous MgO catalyst was synthesized from Mg(NO3)2 via a sol-gel process by templating an amphiphilic comb-like copolymer, poly(dimethylsiloxane–ethylene oxide) (PDMS–PEO). The copolymer morphology was worm-like and microphase-separated in a good solvent but micellar in a selective solvent, such as toluene and water. By templating micelles of PDMS–PEO copolymer, mesoporous MgO with a high surface area was generated after calcination at 500°C, as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements. Mesoporous MgO was used as a heterogeneous solid catalyst to produce biodiesel from canola oil. PDMS–PEO templated MgO (t-MgO) converted biodiesel more efficiently (~98.2% methyl ester content) than non-templated MgO (nt-MgO, 82.8%). The number and strength of basic sites of MgO catalyst were also investigated using CO2-temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD) analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We aimed to investigate the association between fragmented cancer care in the early phase after cancer diagnosis and patient outcomes using national insurance claim data. Methods: From a nationwide sampled cohort database, we identified National Health Insurance beneficiaries diagnosed with gastric cancer (ICD-10: C16) in South Korea during 2005–2013. We analyzed the results of a multiple logistic regression analysis using the generalized estimated equation model to investigate which patient and institution characteristics affected fragmented cancer care during the first year after diagnosis. Then, survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to investigate the association between fragmented cancer care and five-year mortality. Results: Of 2879 gastric cancer patients, 11.9% received fragmented cancer care by changing their most visited medical institution during the first year after diagnosis. We found that patients with fragmented cancer care had a higher risk of five-year mortality (HR: 1.310, 95% CI: 1.023–1.677). This association was evident among patients who only received chemotherapy or radiotherapy (HR: 1.633, 95% CI: 1.005–2.654). Conclusions: Fragmented cancer care was associated with increased risk of five-year mortality. Additionally, changes in the most visited medical institution occurred more frequently in either patients with severe conditions or patients who mainly visited smaller medical institutions. Further study is warranted to confirm these findings and examine a causal relationship between fragmented cancer care and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (IS-OPVs) with nanoporous bulk-heterojunction (np-BHJ) film by nonsolvent induced phase separation assisted by a thermoplastic polyurethane pore-forming agent are developed. The prepared IS-OPV devices showed much improved stability and maintained performance under 40% strain due to the np-BHJs exhibit high interfacial adhesion with neighbored interlayer. Furthermore, IS-OPV module with large-area of 10.17cm2 was successfully demonstrated. [Display omitted] • Development of intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics using nanoporous bulk-heterojunction (np-BHJ). • Formation of np-BHJ film by nonsolvent induced phase separation assisted by a thermoplastic polyurethane. • Maintains an 11% decrement of PCE under 40% strain for intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaic cells. • An impressive PCE of 7.06 % for large-area intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics modules at 10.17 cm2 active area. It is important to develop bulk-heterojunction films that simultaneously exhibit good photovoltaic properties and mechanical robustness to realize intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaics (IS-OPVs). We developed a strategy for preparing nanoporous bulk-heterojunction (np-BHJ) films at a large area by nonsolvent-induced phase separation assisted by thermoplastic polyurethane. The resulting np-BHJ can form much improved adhesive interfaces with a neighbored stretchable layer in OPV devices and effectively dissipate applied mechanical stress. IS-OPVs using the np-BHJ films showed efficiency of 12.0 %, which is comparable performance to 12.4 % of the controlled BHJ. The IS-OPV device using np-BHJ films much improved mechanical stability and maintained 89 % of its initial efficiency under applied strain of 40 %. The corresponding module showed only 10 % decrease in efficiency after 1,000 cycles in stretching tests at 10 % strain. Because of high scalability of the np-BHJ morphology, IS-OPV modules with efficiency of 7.06 % and active area of 10.17 cm2 and were successfully demonstrated. Photoplethysmography sensors prepared using the IS-OPV module showed strong potential for application in wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction Recently, patient-tailored statin therapy was proven effective for achieving target low-density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol levels. It is unclear, however, whether this therapeutic modality would be effective for atherogenic lipid profiles and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods The present study was an 8-week, multicenter, single-step titration trial of patient-tailored atorvastatin therapy (10, 20 and 40 mg) according to baseline LDL cholesterol levels in 440 patients with type 2 diabetes. We measured the LDL particle size by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and used high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP) and adiponectin as surrogate markers of inflammation. Results In the intention-to-treat analysis, 91% of the patients achieved their LDL cholesterol targets (<2.6 mmol/L) at week 8. There were significant reductions at week 8 in total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL) cholesterol, and the total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio compared with the baseline values for all of the doses. The mean LDL particle size was significantly increased, and the small, dense LDL cholesterol levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner over the study period. In addition, the hs CRP levels were decreased in those high-risk patients with baseline hs CRP levels over 3 mg/L ( P < 0.001), and the adiponectin levels tended to increase with all of the doses ( P = 0.004) at 8 weeks. Conclusions Patient-tailored atorvastatin therapy based on LDL cholesterol at baseline was effective in ameliorating atherogenic LDL particle size and inflammation, in addition to achieving the target LDL cholesterol level without an undesirable effect on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT01239849). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Crack-free, micron-thick, worm-like mesoporous TiO2 films with an anatase phase, organized pores, and good interconnectivity were prepared by the self-assembly of anionically polymerized polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer and hydrophilically preformed TiO2 nanocrystals. The polymer concentration and polymer:TiO2 ratio were carefully adjusted to systematically vary the TiO2 structure and evaluate the effects on the performances of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs). As evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GI-SAXS), and N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, the use of a higher polymer concentration (6wt%) and a polymer:TiO2 ratio of 1:2, referred to as P6T2, resulted in a worm-like structure with a large surface area and smaller mesopores, whereas an aggregated structure with bimodal pores was obtained with a polymer:TiO2 ratio of 1:1. An efficiency of 4.0% was obtained at 100mW/cm2 when using a 2.8μm thick P6T2 film as a photoanode in a ssDSSC, which is much greater than the efficiency of commercially available paste (2.3%) with a similar film thickness. The higher efficiency of the P6T2 cells is due to the improved current density, resulting from its larger surface area, well-organized pores, and good interconnectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT This letter presents a design of a novel ultrawideband (UWB) circular fractal monopole antenna with a six-petaled flower pattern. The coplanar-waveguide-fed technique and fractal concept have been used to achieve UWB characteristics. The size of the proposed antenna is 43 × 51 mm2 with a flower-shaped circular patch radius of 15 mm. The proposed antenna exhibits UWB characteristics from 2.46 to 13.46 GHz, which corresponds to a fractional bandwidth of 138%. The measured radiation pattern of the proposed antenna is nearly omnidirectional. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:1792-1795, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the analysis techniques of a high speed and high efficiency 10 kW, 30,000 rpm rated induction motor. The induction motor has been analyzed by time-varying magnetic finite element method and the test results show that there is a possibility that the motor could be used in a high speed spindle system application. All analysis techniques are introduced to develop a high speed and high efficiency induction motor made by copper die casting. The analysis techniques are composed of magnetic analysis considering losses and input current (PWM and sinusoidal), structural analysis of rotor and stator, 3-D rotordynamic analysis and 3-D CFD. All performances of the prototype are successfully verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The approximate optimization based on a response surface modeling has been applied to the optimum design for obtaining flat torque of switched reluctance motor, which has high fluctuating torque due to its inherent salient structure. In order to reduce the fluctuating torque ripple causing noise and vibration, an optimization design technique has been introduced and investigated to find geometric and electric variables by means of combining finite element analysis considering driving circuits and response surface modeling. In this research an effective optimization method based on a response surface modeling has been used to overcome the modeling noise in formulating an objective and constraint and the cumulative numerical inaccuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report growth of nanodots on strained GaAs surfaces using a scanning tunneling microscope at room temperature. The 5-nm-thick GaAs strained layer was epitaxially deposited over InGaAs quantum dots by molecular beam epitaxy. Nanodots of various shapes were observed on the surface when high-bias voltages at various feedback currents were pulsed at few hundred milliseconds at room temperature. The resultant dots were elongated along the (11¯0) direction and had dimer rows of a 2×4 reconstruction. The analysis of the resultant morphologies suggested that the diffusion on the tensile strained GaAs surface is anisotropic, faster along the dimer row direction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

OBJECTIVE -- One putative benefit of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a reduced risk of diabetes or reduced fasting glucose level. We report here the association of HRT with proinsulin, insulin, and fasting and postchallenge glucose levels in older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS-- Current HRT use was validated and cross-sectional compared with diabetes-related variables in 785 .women without diabetes by history or glucose tolerance test. RESULTS -- Median age was 72 years (range 50-97); median value of fasting plasma glucose, postchallenge plasma glucose, and proinsulin was 5.08 mmol/l, 6.93 mmol/l, and 9.3 pmol/l, respectively. In age-adjusted comparisons, current HRT use was associated with significantly lower fasting plasma glucose and higher postchallenge plasma glucose compared with never/ previous HRT use, as well as with lower LDL and higher HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides. Fasting and postchallenge intact insulin did not differ by HRT group, but proinsulin was significantly lower in current HRT users than in previous and never HRT users. The significant association between proinsulin and HRT status persisted after adjustment for age, waist-to-hip ratio, pulse pressure, LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, triglycerides, fasting and postchallenge glucose, and intact insulin. CONCLUSIONS -- Reduced fasting and increased 2-h glucose replicate findings in a randomized clinical trial. The proinsulin effect has not been previously reported Decreased fasting glucose and proinsulin levels in current HRT use suggest a potential antidiabetes effect of HRT. Increased postchallenge glucose in HRT, however, suggests insulin resistance and would be expected to increase the risk of heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A retrospective review with clinical and radiologic assessment was conducted.Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of posterior short segment augmentation with lamina hook and anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis in tuberculosis of the lumbar spine by evaluating clinical results, fusion status, and sagittal angle.Summary Of Background Data: There are few articles in the literature describing circumferential treatment of lumbar tuberculosis. We have had significant experience with a uniform operative technique for the treatment of this relatively rare condition and report our results with a minimum 2-year follow-up.Methods: Twenty-three patients with tuberculosis of the lower lumbar spine underwent posterior instrumentation with laminar hooks and anterior interbody arthrodesis by a single surgeon. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative questionnaires, and the radiographs were independently analyzed with respect to fusion status and sagittal angle. RESULTS.: The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months (range, 24-39 months). The average preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up sagittal angles were 2.7 degrees, -14.1 degrees, and -11.5 degrees, respectively. There was a mean reduction of 16.7 degrees (range, 9 degrees-23 degrees) after surgery. Two patients had a correction loss more than 5 degrees during the follow-up period. Bony fusion was obtained in all patients. There was no recurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION.: This technique appears to be effective in stabilizing the vertebrae, restoring lordosis, achieving a solid fusion, and improving clinical outcome without sacrificing additional motion segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient synthesis of optically active insect pheromones, such as (R)- and (S)-3-octanol, (R)-2-dodecanol, (R)-2-methyl-4-heptanol and (R)-2-methyl-4-octanol starting from non-racemic β-hydroxy sulfides has been established. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are promising wearable/stretchable power sources, but the development of high‐performance intrinsically stretchable OSCs (IS‐OSCs) has rarely been reported. Herein, IS‐OSCs exhibiting high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) (>12%) and excellent stretchability are developed by constructing efficient and mechanically robust active layers via the addition of a high‐molecular weight polymer acceptor (PA) to polymer donor:small‐molecule acceptor blends. PA addition significantly enhances the stretchability and PCEs of the blends as the long PA chains function as molecular bridges between different domains, effectively dissipating mechanical stresses and improving charge transport. The IS‐OSCs with 20 wt% PA content exhibit a high PCE of 11.7% and excellent stretchability, retaining 84% of the initial PCE after 100 cycles of repetitive stretching/releasing at a 15% strain. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the device represents the best IS‐OSC performance reported to date in terms of PCE and stretchability, demonstrating the great potential of IS‐OSCs as an efficient and wearable power generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The free-piston Stirling engine is a closed-cycle regenerative heat engine that converts heat energy into mechanical work, and requires a spring element for vibratory operations of the displacer and power pistons. In this study, the geometry of the flexural spring design was optimized through structural finite element analyses and fatigue test evaluations. First, we constructed a target design space considering the required natural frequency of the displacer spring assembly under the geometric constraints of total mass and module height. The design of experiments was employed to construct simulation cases for design factors such as the outer diameter, thickness, and number of spirals in the spring sheet. As a result, the optimized design values were obtained to satisfy the design requirements. We also fabricated a test spring specimen and conducted fatigue tests using a linear actuator system developed to have the same motion as the engine. The test results indicated that the optimized spiral spring had no fracture under operating conditions with the design piston amplitude, revealing the effectiveness of the design method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the utility of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in forecasting disease susceptibility from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) results has been widely recognised. Yet, these models face limitations due to overfitting and the potential overestimation of effect sizes in correlated variants. To surmount these obstacles, we devised the Stacked Neural Network Polygenic Risk Score (SNPRS). This novel approach synthesises outputs from multiple neural network models, each calibrated using genetic variants chosen based on diverse p-value thresholds. By doing so, SNPRS captures a broader array of genetic variants, enabling a more nuanced interpretation of the combined effects of these variants. We assessed the efficacy of SNPRS using the UK Biobank data, focusing on the genetic risks associated with breast and prostate cancers, as well as quantitative traits like height and BMI. We also extended our analysis to the Korea Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) dataset. Impressively, our results indicate that SNPRS surpasses traditional PRS models and an isolated deep neural network in terms of accuracy, highlighting its promise in refining the efficacy and relevance of PRS in genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the mechanical cutting effect on the performance of induction motors. Numerical modeling of cutting effect is described in this paper. The approach inverts the degradation of the permeability model for inclusion of it into magnetic vector potential formula by Newton method. The effect of cutting on iron losses is implemented in finite element simulation. The simulation results are compared with experimental results of prototype IE4 efficiency induction motors rated at 2.2 kW. One of them was manufactured with annealed electrical steel lamination to highlight the cutting effect on the performance of the motor. The notable effect of cutting was measured in increased stator current; however, negligible differences were found in measured iron losses. The presented model in this paper follows the measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The formation of particulates in post-manufacture biopharmaceuticals continues to be a major concern in medical treatment. This study was designed to evaluate the content of micro-sized particles using flow imaging of antibodies in intravenous infusion bags. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Avastin® were selected as model drugs and plastic syringes with and without silicone oil (SO) were used to transfer the drugs into the bags (0.9% saline or 5% dextrose). Antibodies exposed to SO had significantly increased levels of microparticles in both diluents, suggesting SO accelerates particle formation, especially at a higher antibody concentration. Even before the drop stress, their count exceeded the USP guideline. Dropping the bags in the presence of SO produced larger microparticles. Meanwhile, air bubbles were retained longer in saline suggesting more protein film formation on its air–water interface. Overall, both drugs were conformationally stable and produced less particles in dextrose than in saline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the formation of subvisible particles formed by external stresses produced such as flicking and dropping syringes. Flow imaging was used to visualize and quantify microparticles from 1 μm to over 25 μm as a result of mishandling. Microparticles increased in the presence of silicone oil that was present in syringes. Thus, silicone oil in syringes may affect the activity of therapeutic proteins being injected. Present data showed detailed and differentiated morphologies of proteinaceous particles, silicone oil, air bubbles, and plastic debris in mishandled syringes. In some cases, the presence of bisphenol A in syringes was detected by FT-IR. Disposable plastic syringes were evaluated and showed differences in their content of silicone oil. Syringes that contain 0.45 μm filters inside the needle cap as well as silicone oil-free syringes release proteinaceous subvisible particles after mechanical stress. These stress-generated particles can be delivered to patients, compromising patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]