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Lithium batteries with solid-state electrolytes are an appealing alternative to state-of-the-art non-aqueous lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes because of safety and energy aspects. However, engineering development at the cell level for lithium batteries with solid-state electrolytes is limited. Here, to advance this aspect and produce high-energy lithium cells, we introduce a cell design based on advanced parametrization of microstructural and architectural parameters of electrode and electrolyte components. To validate the cell design proposed, we assemble and test (applying a stack pressure of 3.74 MPa at 45 °C) 10-layer and 4-layer solid-state lithium pouch cells with a solid polymer electrolyte, resulting in an initial specific energy of 280 Wh kg−1 (corresponding to an energy density of 600 Wh L−1) and 310 Wh kg−1 (corresponding to an energy density of 650 Wh L−1) respectively. Multiscale design principles and empirical processing techniques are considered for the design of high-energy-density Li-based batteries using polymer electrolytes. Here, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by assembling and testing ampere-hour-level solid-state lithium-based pouch cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this era of growing popularity of cosmetic surgeries, more women of various chest wall shapes are likely to receive augmentation mammoplasty. Pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC) are the two most common chest wall deformities, and many asymptomatic patients visit the clinic. In this study, we presented various strategies for successfully performing breast augmentation in PE and PC patients without long-term complications such as symmastia. Methods: From January of 2019 to December of 2021, a total of 132 patients with tendencies of PE and PC received augmentation mammoplasty in our institute. We retrospectively reviewed data on demographics, surgical procedure, outcomes, and complications. Results: Among the 132 cases, 71.21% were done via inframammary approach, and 28.79% via transaxillary approach. The mean implant volume was 337.25 ± 51.46 ml, and the mean follow-up period was 16.48 ± 6.74 months. The Likert scale of outcome satisfaction scored 9.13 ± 0.48. No symmastia occurred. Conclusion: We presented our basic strategies of breast surgery in patients with various chest wall anomalies. Augmentation mammoplasty can benefit PE and PC patients physically as well as psychologically, to carry out healthy positive lives. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges in the understanding of three-dimensional (3D) brain networks by simultaneously recording both surface and intracortical areas of brain signals remain due to the difficulties of constructing mechanical design and spatial limitations of the implanted sites. Here, we present a foldable and flexible 3D neural prosthetic that facilitates the 3D mapping of complex neural circuits with high spatiotemporal dynamics from the intracortical to cortical region. This device is the tool to map the 3D neural transmission through sophisticatedly designed four flexible penetrating shanks and surface electrode arrays in one integrated system. We demonstrate the potential possibilities of identifying correlations of neural activities from the intracortical area to cortical regions through continuous monitoring of electrophysiological signals. We also exploited the structural properties of the device to record synchronized signals of single spikes evoked by unidirectional total whisker stimulation. This platform offers opportunities to clarify unpredictable 3D neural pathways and provides a next-generation neural interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for mortality of septic knee arthritis in Korea through a large nationwide data research. The National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening database was used to analyze 89,120 hospitalizations for septic knee arthritis between 2005 and 2018. In-hospital, thirty-day, and ninety-day mortality, and their association with patient's demographic factors, various comorbidities (i.e., cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were assessed. Secondary outcomes of complications (osteomyelitis, knee arthroplasty, recurrence) were analyzed. The number of hospitalization with septic knee arthritis increased from 1847 cases in 2005 to 8749 cases in 2018. There was no significant difference in mortality after diagnosis of septic knee arthritis between years. The risk of mortality in patients who hospitalized with septic knee arthritis increased in comorbidities like Congestive heart failure, dementia, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease. Hazard ratio (HR) decreased in patients who have comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, rheumatologic disease. HR for mortality in septic knee arthritis increased in patients with CCI more than 1. The risk factors for mortality in all periods were male sex, old age, high CCI, comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, dementia, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease. Efforts to reduce mortality should be concentrate more on patients with these risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the rates and risk factors of postoperative mortality among 560,954 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Korea. The National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening database was used to analyze 560,954 patients who underwent TKA between 2005 and 2018. In-hospital, ninety-day, and one-year postoperative mortality, and their association with patient's demographic factors and various comorbidities (ie., cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction) were assessed. In-hospital, ninety-day and one-year mortality rates after TKA were similar from 2005 to 2018. The risk of in-hospital mortality increased with comorbidities like cerebrovascular disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.401; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.064–1.844), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.004; 95% CI = 1.394 to 2.881), myocardial infarction (HR = 2.111; 95% CI = 1.115 to 3.998), and renal disease (HR = 2.641; 95% CI = 1.348–5.173). These co-morbidities were also independent predictors of ninety-day and one-year mortality. Male sex and old age were independent predictors for ninety-day and one-year mortality. And malignancy was risk factor for one-year mortality. The common preoperative risk factors for mortality in all periods were male sex, old age, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and renal disease. Malignancy was identified as risk factor for one-year mortality. Patients with these comorbidities should be provided better perioperative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synthetic deoxycholic acid (DCA) has been approved as an injectable drug for the nonsurgical reduction of submental fat. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the fat-reducing effects of a new formula containing a low dose of DCA and fat dissolution by topical application of DCA. Methods: Sodium deoxycholate (99.1% pure) and the new formulation containing 10% DCA were injected or topically applied to the dorsa of obese mice (induced by a high-fat diet). The rate of change in body weight was evaluated, together with comparisons of micro-computed tomography images, body composition measurements, and histology findings. Results: The results showed that the new formula containing low-dose DCA was as effective as the older high-dose formulation with respect to the rate of change in body weight and reductions in subcutaneous fat pad area, body fat weight, and the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer. Furthermore, topical application of the high-dose, but not the low-dose, formulation yielded promising effects. Conclusions: The development of a better protocol for the high-dose preparation, including dose optimization and application methods that minimize the adverse effects of DCA, merits further study. No Level Assigned: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors - www.springer.com/00266. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Displacement of dental implants into the maxillary sinus is rare, but it primarily occurs in patients with severe pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and/or deficiency of the alveolar process. Some complications such as the infection of the paranasal sinuses and formation of the oroantral fistula can be followed by the displacement of a dental implant. Therefore, the displaced implant has to be removed immediately with surgical intervention show and another plan for rehabilitation should be considered. Main body: The conventional procedure for the removal of a displaced implant from the maxillary sinus involves sinus bone grafting and new implant placement performed in two or more steps with a significant time gap in between. Simplification of these surgical procedures can decrease the treatment duration and patient discomfort. Conclusions: In this review, we discuss the anatomical characteristics of the maxillary sinus and the complications associated with implant displacement into the sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteochondroma is a benign tumor that tends to develop in mandibular condyle and coronoid process in the craniofacial region. If tumor mass has grown from condyle into the infratemporal space with zygomatic arch obstructing the access, there are risks associated with surgical exposure and local resection of these masses. Case presentation: This study reports on a case of osteochondroma on mandibular condylar head where we treated with surgical excision via preauricular approach with 3D analysis. After the local resection, there were no surgical and post-operative complications until 8-month follow-up period. Conclusions: In local excision of osteochondroma, our method is a minimally invasive method. It is a good example of osteochondroma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical utility of an implant with a sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and internal connection. Methods: Six patients who received dental implants in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chonnam National University Dental Hospital, were analyzed by factors influencing the success rate and marginal bone loss. Factors included patient's age, sex, implant installation site, whether bone graft was done, type of bone graft materials, approaching method if sinus lift was done, and the size of the fixture. In addition, the marginal bone loss was analyzed by using a radiograph. Results: All implants were successful, and the cumulative survival rate was 100 %. Average marginal bone loss of 6 months after the installation was 0.52 mm and 20 months after the functional loading was 1.06 mm. Total marginal bone resorption was 1.58 mm on average. There was no statistically significant difference in mesial and distal marginal bone loss. Conclusions: The short-term clinical success rate of the implant with an SLA surface and internal connection was satisfactory. Moreover, the marginal bone loss was also consistent with the implant success criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Pseudo-patella baja (PPB) is a surgical complication that can arise from total knee arthroplasty and occurs when the patella tendon is not shortened but the level of the femorotibial joint line is elevated. The goal of this study was to assess the performance of a technique specifically designed to prevent the occurrence of PPB and its radiological results.Methods: Ninety-nine patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were included. Patients were divided into a non-correction group and a correction group. The correction group were applied an additional metal block in order to reduce the excess resection of the distal femur. To evaluate PPB, the change in the pre- and postoperative joint line was measured using the modified Blackburne-Peel Index (BPI).Results: In the non-correction group, 68 of 74 cases showed an occurrence of PPB (92 %), in the correction group, 6 of 57 cases showed an occurrence of PPB (11 %). The preoperative-modified BPI of the non-correction group was not significantly different from that of the correction group (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2). The modified BPI decreased significantly in the non-correction group after TKA (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1, p < 0.05). However, the modified BPI did not change significantly in the correction group after TKA (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2).Conclusion: The comparison of preoperative and postoperative radiological results showed that our intervention maintained the joint line without elevation. We proposed an effective method to prevent various complications due to the joint line elevation that occur in PPB.Level Of Evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanocomposite of CoO and reduced graphene oxide (CoO-rGO) was successfully synthesized as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries by a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal process. In the nanocomposite, CoO nanoparticles with narrow size distribution in the range of 10-30 nm uniformly decorated the surface of rGO, indicating that rGO could act as a two-dimensional template for the heterogeneous precipitation of CoO nanoparticles. To investigate the effect of mass ratios of CoO and rGO on the electrochemical properties, the CoO loading in the nanocomposite was controlled during the microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The resulting nanocomposite electrode exhibited high electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity and cyclability, indicating that rGO served as an efficient template material to provide a highly conducting and buffering network for CoO nanoparticles. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe a binder-free reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid thin film electrode prepared using a one-step electrostatic spray deposition method. Though we introduce a novel method, we suspect that the greater potential impact is more related to the fact that this technique is able to accomplish producing an electrode with a single process and allows a degree of control over the film properties not yet found in other fabrication methods that require multiple steps (that include post processing). In order to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube as a nano-spacer on the electrochemical properties of the reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid thin film electrodes, the various content of carbon nanotube was incorporated between the 2 dimensional layered reduced graphene oxide sheets to prevent restacking among reduced graphene oxide sheets and their electrochemical properties were systemically investigated using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The hybrid thin film electrode delivered a higher reversible specific capacitance of 187 F·g at 0.5 A·g and showed a better rate capability by maintaining 73% of the specific capacitance at 16 A·g (vs. 0.5 A·g), which exhibit remarkable electrochemical performances than a RGO thin film electrodes for supercapacitor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Dimensional (3D) carbon nanotube (CNT) macrostructures with controlled morphologies were prepared by the ice-templating method. In order to control the assembling of the CNTs into 3D macrostructures, we systematically investigated the parameters critical to the control of the morphology of the 3D CNT macrostructures formed using the ice-templating method. It was found that process parameters such as the initial characteristics of the CNT suspension and its freezing conditions significantly affected the morphologies of the resulting CNT macrostructures. By adjusting the initial characteristics of the suspension of CNTs and its freezing conditions, we could fabricate not only regular 3D CNT macrostructures that consisted of aligned lamellae but also those that had a cellular structure. This is the first instance well-aligned, cellular CNT macrostructures have been prepared using the ice-templating method. Our approach can be used to develop the ice-templating method as a technique for fabricating 3D pore- and structure-controlled CNT macrostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Reduction in blood loss during surgery stabilizes hemodynamic status and aids in recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, the authors examined whether different administration routes of tranexamic acid (TNA) might affect the amount of blood loss after TKA. Methods: A total of 150 patients were prospectively allocated to each of the three groups (intravenous, intra-articular, and placebo group) and underwent unilateral TKA. During closing the operative wound, TNA (1.5 g mixed in 100 cc of saline) was administered intravenously or intra-articularly according to the enrolled group, and an equivalent volume of normal saline was administered into the knee joint cavity and intravenously in the placebo group, respectively. The amount of blood loss and transfusion, and changes in haemoglobin levels were documented accordingly. Results: The mean blood loss in the intravenous, intra-articular, and placebo groups were 528 ± 227, 426 ± 197, and 833 ± 412 ml, respectively. About 66 % (intravenous), 80 % (intra-articular), and 6 % (placebo) of each group did not require transfusion for any reason, and the mean amount of transfusion was 273.6, 129.6, and 920.8 ml, respectively. Preoperative haemoglobin values decreased by 1.6 ± 0.8, 1.8 ± 0.8, and 2.0 ± 0.9 mg/dl, respectively. Conclusion: Compared to intravenous administration, intra-articular administration of TNA seems to be more effective in terms of reducing blood loss and transfusion frequency. TNA may improve the general conditions of patients given TKA by maintaining a hemodynamically stable state, aiding in recovery, and reducing the chance of transfusion-associated side effects and complications. Level of evidence: II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Historically, extramedullary techniques have focused on finding the femoral head center and referred mainly to the anterosuperior iliac spine (the FHC method) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new extramedullary alignment system that uses neutral overall limb mechanical alignment as an extramedullary reference (the MA method). Methods: A retrospective review of 1018 TKAs (508 FHC group, 510 MA group) was performed to compare the radiographic results obtained using these two methods. There were 75 male patients and 577 female patients with varus osteoarthritis of the knee. Limb and prosthesis alignments in the coronal plane were investigated at 2 months after surgery. Results: The accuracies of postoperative alignments of implanted prostheses were better in the MA group than in the FHC group, as assessed by (1) overall limb alignment (MA group, varus 1.4° ± 2.7°; FHC group, varus 2.2° ± 2.9°), and (2) femoral component coronal alignment (MA group, 89.4° ± 2.3°; FHC group, 88.0° ± 2.7°). Overall limb alignment was within 0° ± 5° of the mechanical axis in 96.1% of the MA group and in 86.6% of the FHC group. Mean femoral component medial angle was within 0° ± 5° in 98.4% of the MA group and in 92.5% of the FHC group. Conclusion: The accuracies of the postoperative radiographic alignments of implanted prostheses were found to be improved when the mechanical axis of the overall lower limb was used as an extramedullary reference. This new reference system would help to achieve correct limb and prostheses alignments during TKA. Level of evidence: III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor industry needs to meet high standards to ensure survival and success in the 21st century. Rising expectations from the customers are demanding the semiconductor industry to manufacture products with both accuracy and precision. To comply with the strict demands, an effective control method for semiconductor manufacturing is introduced. The process environment is afflicted by process disturbances. Different characteristics of the process disturbances require the control method to be able to respond accordingly. This study utilizes two separate exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) filters simultaneously to improve the performance of the control method. By utilizing dual filters, the influence of the white noise is reduced and the accurate process control is made possible. The proposed methodology is evaluated through simulation in comparison with two other control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bay in the republic of Korea has experienced significant reclamation and dredging works. Along with such artificial geomorphologic changes, a dam was built in the upstream river, which reduced the discharge of freshwater into the bay. Human induced changes in the coastal shape and freshwater supply have caused significant changes in the river environments, such as strong stratification, bottom salty water intrusion and oceanization downstream, etc. The present work investigated how such geomorphologic and hydrologic changes control the mixing and circulation in the bay and river using numerical modeling. The theoretical length of salt wedge has a relationship with the location, with 16 psu salinity observed as being ecologically important in that area. Coastline change can modified the estuarine circulation within bay but did not stronger effect on the salt wedge than other factors. The change of the interfacial shear can strengthen/weaken the salt wedge due to the discharge variation. Deepening the river channel can strengthen the stratification at the river mouth and elongates the salt wedge to river upstream. A rise in the sea level also enhances stratification and salt wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that novel biomarkers predict acute kidney injury (AKI) development and outcome earlier than serum creatinine. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and prognosis of AKI in decompensated cirrhotic patients, and also assess the usefulness of plasma cystatin C, urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) in early prediction of AKI and mortality. Single-center, prospective observational study enrolling decompensated cirrhotic patients without AKI at the time of admission. Of 111 patients with decompensated cirrhosis, 45 (40.5%) developed AKI while hospitalized. Even with 53.3% being transient (stage 1), mortality was significantly higher in AKI than non-AKI patients (46.5% vs. 25%, p = 0.02). Plasma cystatin C and urine NGAL, but not urine [TIMP-2]·[IGFBP7] at the time of admission were found to be independent early predictors of AKI. Substitution of cystatin C for creatinine significantly improved the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score accuracy for mortality prediction. The incidence of AKI is high and is associated with high mortality in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Plasma cystatin C and urine NGAL are useful for early detection of AKI. MELD-cystatin C, rather than original MELD, improves predictive accuracy of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One weakness of batteries is the rapid falloff in charge-storage capacity with increasing charge/discharge rate. Rate performance is related to the timescales associated with charge/ionic motion in both electrode and electrolyte. However, no general fittable model exists to link capacity-rate data to electrode/electrolyte properties. Here we demonstrate an equation which can fit capacity versus rate data, outputting three parameters which fully describe rate performance. Most important is the characteristic time associated with charge/discharge which can be linked by a second equation to physical electrode/electrolyte parameters via various rate-limiting processes. We fit these equations to ~200 data sets, deriving parameters such as diffusion coefficients or electrolyte conductivities. It is possible to show which rate-limiting processes are dominant in a given situation, facilitating rational design and cell optimisation. In addition, this model predicts the upper speed limit for lithium/sodium ion batteries, yielding a value that is consistent with the fastest electrodes in the literature. The authors employ a semi-empirical method to fit published battery capacity-rate data to extract the characteristic time associated with charge/discharge. These characteristic times are consistent with a physical model that can be used to link rate performance to the physical properties of electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct printing of functional inks is critical for applications in diverse areas including electrochemical energy storage, smart electronics and healthcare. However, the available printable ink formulations are far from ideal. Either surfactants/additives are typically involved or the ink concentration is low, which add complexity to the manufacturing and compromises the printing resolution. Here, we demonstrate two types of two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene inks, aqueous and organic in the absence of any additive or binary-solvent systems, for extrusion printing and inkjet printing, respectively. We show examples of all-MXene-printed structures, such as micro-supercapacitors, conductive tracks and ohmic resistors on untreated plastic and paper substrates, with high printing resolution and spatial uniformity. The volumetric capacitance and energy density of the all-MXene-printed micro-supercapacitors are orders of magnitude greater than existing inkjet/extrusion-printed active materials. The versatile direct-ink-printing technique highlights the promise of additive-free MXene inks for scalable fabrication of easy-to-integrate components of printable electronics. Printing functional inks is attractive for applications in electrochemical energy storage and smart electronics, among others. Here the authors report highly concentrated, additive-free, aqueous and organic MXene-based inks that can be used for high-resolution extrusion and inkjet printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-increasing demands for advanced lithium-ion batteries have greatly stimulated the quest for robust electrodes with a high areal capacity. Producing thick electrodes from a high-performance active material would maximize this parameter. However, above a critical thickness, solution-processed films typically encounter electrical/mechanical problems, limiting the achievable areal capacity and rate performance as a result. Herein, we show that two-dimensional titanium carbide or carbonitride nanosheets, known as MXenes, can be used as a conductive binder for silicon electrodes produced by a simple and scalable slurry-casting technique without the need of any other additives. The nanosheets form a continuous metallic network, enable fast charge transport and provide good mechanical reinforcement for the thick electrode (up to 450 µm). Consequently, very high areal capacity anodes (up to 23.3 mAh cm−2) have been demonstrated. Developing thick electrodes could enable high-energy-density Li-ion batteries, however, above a critical thickness, the mass transport issues become dominating. Here the authors show that MXene can serve as a conductive binder leading to thick silicon anodes (up to 450 µm) with high areal capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "The Comparative Efficacies of Intra-Articular and IV Tranexamic Acid for Reducing Blood Loss During Total Knee Arthroplasty," published in a previous issue of the journal is presented.

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have higher rate of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture than individuals without RA. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of balloon kyphoplasty (KP) performed to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) in RA patients with the outcomes in non-RA patients., Materials and Methods: The patients who received KP for OVCF and could be followed up at least 1 year were included in the study. These patients were divided into RA group and non-RA group. For clinical outcomes, the visual analog scale for back pain (VAS-BP) and Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI) were assessed before and after the procedure and at the 1-year followup. For radiological outcomes, the anterior vertebral height and change in local kyphotic angle were measured. Complications were also examined., Results: Twenty three RA patients (31 vertebral bodies) and 107 non-RA patients (124 vertebral bodies) were analyzed. In two groups, postoperative VAS-BP and K-ODI decreased significantly to similar extents. There was a similar recovery of vertebral height and kyphotic angle in two groups. However, in terms of complications, adjacent segment fracture and recollapse were more frequent in the RA group than in the non-RA group., Conclusions: The use of KP to treat OVCF in RA group exhibited similar outcomes to non-RA group in terms of pain reduction, vertebral height restoration, and kyphosis correction. However, RA group had significantly higher rate of complications involving adjacent segment fracture and recollapse. Therefore, careful followup after KP in patients with RA is required to monitor for high complication rate., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.)