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Abstract With the global economic downturn and environmental crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability is emerging as an important issue for fashion companies and consumers. This study uses big data analysis to examine changes in consumer perceptions of sustainable fashion consumption and ethical fashion consumption pre- and post-COVID-19. By distinguishing between these two concepts, this research contributes to resolving theoretical ambiguities that often lead to mixed consumer behaviors. We used Textom 6.0 to collect data from Korea’s most used TOP 3 websites: Naver, Daum, and Google, using the keywords “sustainable fashion consumption” and “ethical fashion consumption.” Through frequency analysis, we found sustainable fashion consumption developing from the trend of pursuing “eco-friendly” as a practical direction for consumption value, and ethical fashion consumption was expanding the scope of “vegan” from fashion to overall life. Further, we used LDA topic modeling, we found that post-pandemic, there has been a significant shift towards eco-friendly and vegan products,” Ethical fashion consumption confirmed consumers’ perceptions of the keyword “animal.” This study provides foundational data on the distinction between sustainable and ethical fashion and offers actionable insights for brands aiming to align with post-pandemic consumer values.

Abstract Studies investigating the effects of bilingualism on cognitive function have often yielded conflicting results, which may stem in part from the use of arbitrary criteria to categorize participants into groups based on language experience. The present study addresses this limitation by using a machine learning algorithm, known as cluster analysis, to identify naturally occurring subgroups of participants with similar language profiles. In a sample of 169 participants with varying degrees of first- and second-language proficiencies and ages of acquisition, the cluster analysis yielded four bilingual subgroups: late-unbalanced, early-unbalanced, late-balanced, and early-balanced. All participants completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Results revealed that early-balanced and early-unbalanced bilinguals scored higher than late-unbalanced bilinguals on the cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control subtests of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, whereas late-unbalanced bilinguals scored higher than early-balanced bilinguals on the verbal working memory subtest of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Bilingual language experience did not impact performance on measures of processing speed, episodic memory, and English vocabulary. These findings demonstrate the utility of data-driven approaches to capture the variability in language experience that exists in the real world. We conclude that different bilingual experiences can shape a wide range of cognitive abilities, from working memory to inhibitory control.

Abstract This study explores the impact of touristification on retail diversity in neighbourhoods, presenting a species-area relationship model to demonstrate how tourism-driven changes can negatively affect local residents by displacing unique local retailers. Empirical regression analysis, using differences-in-difference (DID) models and neighbourhood clustering to define retail areas in Hong Kong, found that tourist-concentrated areas have fewer diverse high-street retailers. The result argues that the trend of touristification, which often leads to a decrease in retail diversity, could undermine the resilience of a tourism destination. This is evidenced by the noticeable downturn in the retail industry seen in many previously over-touristed cities after the pandemic. The findings prompt further research into tourism’s role in changing retail landscapes, particularly in touristified neighbourhoods.

Pre-transplantation red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) is a well-recognized cause of allosensitization. However, the effects of RBCT after kidney transplantation remain controversial. This study evaluates the impacts of RBCT within the first 30 days post-transplantation (early RBCT) with regard to long-term patient and graft outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 785 patients who underwent HLA- and ABO-compatible kidney transplantation between 2014 and 2020. Patients were categorized based on whether they received early RBCT. Overall, 18.9% of patients received early RBCT. On multivariable analysis, early RBCT was independently associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.264; 95% CI 1.186–4.324; P = 0.013) and death-censored graft loss (hazard ratio, 1.995; 95% CI 1.045–3.810; P = 0.036). Cumulative incidence of antibody-mediated rejection was significantly higher in the early RBCT group (P = 0.024). In the sensitivity analysis, the early RBCT significantly increased the risk of patient mortality (P = 0.017), death-censored graft loss (P = 0.018) and antibody-mediated rejection (P = 0.05), regardless of the donor profile. Early post-transplantation RBCT was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality, graft loss, and antibody-mediated rejection, highlighting the need for reconsideration of transfusion practices following kidney transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global economic downturn and environmental crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability is emerging as an important issue for fashion companies and consumers. This study uses big data analysis to examine changes in consumer perceptions of sustainable fashion consumption and ethical fashion consumption pre- and post-COVID-19. By distinguishing between these two concepts, this research contributes to resolving theoretical ambiguities that often lead to mixed consumer behaviors. We used Textom 6.0 to collect data from Korea’s most used TOP 3 websites: Naver, Daum, and Google, using the keywords “sustainable fashion consumption” and “ethical fashion consumption.” Through frequency analysis, we found sustainable fashion consumption developing from the trend of pursuing “eco-friendly” as a practical direction for consumption value, and ethical fashion consumption was expanding the scope of “vegan” from fashion to overall life. Further, we used LDA topic modeling, we found that post-pandemic, there has been a significant shift towards eco-friendly and vegan products,” Ethical fashion consumption confirmed consumers’ perceptions of the keyword “animal.” This study provides foundational data on the distinction between sustainable and ethical fashion and offers actionable insights for brands aiming to align with post-pandemic consumer values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking is a common unhealthy behaviour among youth smokers aged 25 or below. However, the effects of drinking on smoking cessation outcomes are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the impact of drinking on smoking cessation outcomes among Hong Kong Chinese youth smokers who received smoking cessation counselling. This study adopted a cross-sectional design at the Youth Quitline, which is the only government-funded hotline providing telephone smoking cessation counselling to Hong Kong smokers aged 25 or younger. Of the 142 participants at the six-month follow-up, 75 were in the drinking group and 67 in the non-drinking group. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify any significant differences in self-reported quit rates, smoking reduction by at least 50%, quit attempts, and biochemically validated quit rates between the drinking and non-drinking groups. The results showed a significant difference in self-reported quit rate between the two groups at 6-month, but no significant difference in smoking reduction by at least 50%, quit attempts, and biochemically validated quit rate. Alcohol drinking and male were identified as significant factors decreasing self-reported quit rate at 6 months. The study revealed that drinking could decrease quit rates among young smokers who received counselling, but not their smoking reduction or quit attempts. Given the negative impact of drinking on smoking abstinence and the increased popularity of drinking among the youth, assessment of alcohol use and brief advice on smoking are recommended to be an integral part of smoking cessation counselling for youth smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating the effects of bilingualism on cognitive function have often yielded conflicting results, which may stem in part from the use of arbitrary criteria to categorize participants into groups based on language experience. The present study addresses this limitation by using a machine learning algorithm, known as cluster analysis, to identify naturally occurring subgroups of participants with similar language profiles. In a sample of 169 participants with varying degrees of first- and second-language proficiencies and ages of acquisition, the cluster analysis yielded four bilingual subgroups: late-unbalanced, early-unbalanced, late-balanced, and early-balanced. All participants completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Results revealed that early-balanced and early-unbalanced bilinguals scored higher than late-unbalanced bilinguals on the cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control subtests of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, whereas late-unbalanced bilinguals scored higher than early-balanced bilinguals on the verbal working memory subtest of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. Bilingual language experience did not impact performance on measures of processing speed, episodic memory, and English vocabulary. These findings demonstrate the utility of data-driven approaches to capture the variability in language experience that exists in the real world. We conclude that different bilingual experiences can shape a wide range of cognitive abilities, from working memory to inhibitory control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several donor-specific factors influence the functional recovery and long-term outcomes of liver grafts. This study investigated the association between donor fasting glucose (DFG) and recipient outcomes after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in 950 cases at a single center. Patients were divided into two groups: low-DFG (< 85 mg/dL, n = 120) and control (≥ 85 mg/dL, n = 830). The five-year graft survival rate was significantly lower in the low-DFG group (71.5%) compared to the control group (80.0%) (P = 0.02). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that low DFG was independently associated with graft loss (hazard ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.15–2.56, P = 0.008). In propensity score-matched groups, the low-DFG group also had lower survival rates (71% vs. 83.1%, P = 0.004). The presence of additional risk factors, such as low graft-to-recipient weight ratio, older donor age, and longer cold ischemic time, further reduced graft survival in the low-DFG group. A DFG level < 85 mg/dL is associated with higher risk of graft failure after LDLT, especially when combined with other risk factors. Low DFG should be considered a prognostic marker in LDLT planning, with potential to improve patient outcomes as further research clarifies the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unconventional superconductivity is known for its intertwining with other correlated states, making exploration of the intertwined orders important for understanding its pairing mechanism. In particular, spin and nematic orders are widely observed in iron-based superconductors; however, the presence of charge order is uncommon. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy, and through expanding the phase diagram of iron-arsenide superconductor Ba1−xKxFe2As2 to the hole-doping regime beyond KFe2As2 by surface doping, we demonstrate the formation of a charge density wave (CDW) on the arsenide surface of heavily hole-doped Ba1−xKxFe2As2. Its emergence suppresses superconductivity completely, indicating their direct competition. Notably, the CDW emerges when the saddle points approach the Fermi level, where its wavevector matches with those linking the saddle points, suggesting saddle-point nesting as its most probable formation mechanism. Our findings offer insights into superconductivity and intertwined orders, and a platform for studying them in iron-based superconductors close to the half-filled configuration. Charge density wave (CDW) order is not commonly present in iron-based superconductors. Here, using scanning tunnelling microscopy in combination with surface doping, the authors observe a CDW order in heavily-hole-doped iron arsenide superconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Supplementation of nicotinamide mononucleotides (NMN) has been claimed to improve metabolic function. We reviewed human randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of NMN to evaluate its effect on markers of glucose and lipid metabolism. Recent Findings: Eight RCTs on NMN (dosage ranged 250–2000 mg/d for a duration of 14 days to 12 weeks) involving a total of 342 middle-age/older adults (49% females, mainly non-diabetic) reporting at least one outcome on glucose control or lipid profile published in 2021–2023 were reviewed. The random-effects meta-analyses indicated no significant benefit of NMN on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and lipid profile. Summary: Based on the small number of RCTs involving mainly relatively healthy adults, short-term supplementation of NMN of 250-2000 mg/d did not show significantly positive impacts on glucose control and lipid profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is characterized by persistent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear and mastoid. One of the primary causative agents of CSOM is P. aeruginosa, known for its production of virulent toxins and enzymes. Some cases of CSOM, improvement may not occur despite treatment lasting three weeks, leading to what is termed refractory CSOM. This research aims to characterize the P. aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with refractory CSOM in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, providing insights into their pathogenic profiles. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of P. aeruginosa isolates from the otorrhea of patients diagnosed with CSOM at a tertiary hospital in Gyeongsangnam-do, over a period from January 2005 to August 2022. The strains were examined using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and toxin gene assay to assess genetic diversity and virulence. Results: 39 samples were obtained from 13 cases of refractory CSOM and 15 cases of non-refractory CSOM. The findings unveiled that the P. aeruginosa cultured from patients with refractory CSOM belonged to the P. aeruginosa sequence type 235 (ST235) strain, which harbors the exoU gene as a major virulence factor. Conclusion: The detection of ST235 in refractory CSOM signifies a challenging clinical scenario. Given the genotype's strong virulence and antibiotic resistance, identifying ST235 through MLST can guide effective management approaches, including potential surgical intervention. This study underscores the necessity of broader epidemiological investigations to understand ST235 behavior and advocates for patient education to mitigate the impacts of this formidable pathogen in CSOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot weather concreting has gained significant attention in recent years due to the increasing annual mean temperature. The accelerated hydration process under high temperature curing conditions can lead to premature hydration products, therefore, retarding admixtures are recommended to control the setting time. Various non-destructive methods were analyzed to estimate the setting time of cement-based materials. However, the evaluation of delayed cement hydration with added retarding admixtures has not been reported. This study aims to monitor the two non-destructive methods, electrical resistivity and ultrasonic pulse velocity, during the initial 24 h in cement pastes with added calcium lignosulfonate, the most common retarder. The setting time of cement pastes, cured at temperatures of 20, 30, and 40 ℃, was evaluated based on the rise time of these non-destructive measurements. Further, the effect of added retarder on the setting delay in cement paste was discussed and compared with the Vicat needle test. The results of X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis at the rising time of electrical resistivity revealed that the use of the retarding admixture induces delayed hydration reaction of C3S, C2S, and C3A, key hydration products influencing the setting delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aviation industry has set ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, with the International Civil Aviation Organization targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Bio-jet fuel is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this target, and the demand for bio-jet fuel is projected to rapidly increase. Bio-oil from fast pyrolysis of lignin, such as waste wood, is considered a promising alternative for production of bio-jet fuel through processes such as hydrodeoxygenation. In this study, the physical properties and compositions of bio-jet fuel produced from wood-derived pyrolysis bio-oil blended with petroleum-based jet fuel as well as their changes during 16 weeks storage were investigated. Consistently, 0%, 10%, 50%, and 100% blended bio-jet fuels were prepared. After 16 weeks of aging, the total acid number of the all-blended bio-jet fuel showed a sharp increase from 12 weeks, reaching over 0.1 mg KOH/g. Additionally, kinematic viscosity showed a steady increase over 16 weeks whereas oxidative stability decreased by approximately 20% at 16 weeks for the 100% bio-jet fuel alone. The final boiling point increased by up to 20% in higher blends of bio-jet fuel and the average molecular weight increased. Bio-jet fuel has a high olefin content, which can further increase during storage, leading to a decrease in the combustion characteristics. This study suggests that using up to 10% the bio-jet fuel in aircraft is safe considering storage stability, but further research is required to confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyridazine derivatives hold significant interest due to their broad applications in pharmaceuticals and materials science, where they serve as valuable scaffolds for bioactive compounds and functional materials. Here, we report a formal [4 + 2] reaction for the synthesis of 5'-sulfonyl-4'-aryl-3-cyano substituted pyridazine compounds from the reaction between vinylogous enaminonitriles and sulfonyl hydrazides. The key features of our pyridazine synthesis include the transamidation of vinylogous enaminonitriles with sulfonyl hydrazide, radical sulfonylation of the resulting intermediate, and subsequent 6-endo-trig radical cyclization. This reaction proceeds smoothly to deliver a series of pyridazine derivatives in good to high yields. We also found that the sulfonyl group of the synthesized pyridazines can be transformed into C-, O-, or N-containing functional groups. A gram-scale experiment and a diverse transformation of synthesized pyridazines were also performed to validate the practicality of our developed process. In the synthesis of sulfonyl-substituted pyridazines, a 6-endo-trig cyclization via a radical pathway is both kinetically and thermodynamically favored over the cyclization via an ionic pathway, as supported by DFT calculations. Pyridazine is an aromatic heterocyclic compound that is utilized as a bioisostere for benzene or pyridine, and is found in the core scaffold of various drug molecules, making synthetic methods to access pyridazine scaffolds of high interest. Here, the authors report the synthesis of 5'-sulfonyl-4'-aryl-3-cyano substituted pyridazine compounds from a formal [4 + 2] reaction between vinylogous enaminonitriles and sulfonyl hydrazides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Proteus effect, which occurs when using an avatar in virtual reality, influences user behavior, changes attitudes, and improves physical performance. Here, we show that human pain perception can be alleviated by the Proteus effect. To investigate the pain alleviation effect of using an avatar in a virtual environment, we conducted two experiments using a head-mounted display and a thermal pain stimulator to induce acute pain. The first experiment involved 20 adult participants, while the second experiment involved 44 adult participants. Experimental results show that participants reported significantly lower pain scores (15.982% reduction), as measured by the Pain Assessment Scale (PAS), when using a muscular avatar than when using a normal avatar. The experiments also revealed several significant gender factors. For example, participants reported significantly lower pain scores when using a gender-congruent avatar. In addition, the use of a muscular avatar was particularly effective for male participants. In contrast, female participants consistently reported lower pain scores when using the avatar regardless of its body type (muscular/normal). To further our understanding, we also measured participants’ gender-related pain stereotypes using the Gender Role Expectations of Pain (GREP) questionnaire, as well as participants’ sense of embodiment. The results of these questionnaires are consistent with the results of the PAS, suggesting possible relationships between stereotypes and the Proteus effect on pain perception, and between the degree of immersion in an avatar and the user’s perception of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the size-segregated carbonaceous components of particulate matter (PM), including ultrafine particles (UFP or PM0.1), across three distinct urban settings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: an educational site (University of Health Sciences, UHS), an institutional site (Ministry of Environment, MoE), and a residential area near a landfill. A cascade impactor-type sampler equipped with an inertial filter was used to collect size-segregated particles down to UFPs. Carbonaceous species, including organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), were analyzed using a thermal/optical carbon analyzer to determine their composition and ratios. The results indicated no significant differences in mass concentration between weekdays and weekends at all sites; however, PM profiles varied across the location. The UHS site displayed higher EC levels in UFP, with concentrations suggesting significant local vehicular emissions, underscored by a lower OC/EC ratio (2.39 ± 1.13) compared to other sites. In contrast, the landfill site exhibited higher OC components in finer particles, suggesting emissions from organic sources such as waste burning and cooking activities, evidenced by higher OC/EC ratios across all particle sizes (e.g., OC/EC ratio in UFP at 3.78 ± 0.98). The MoE site presented a balanced profile with moderate levels of both OC and EC, influenced by its proximity to natural dispersion factors like the Tonle Sap River. Additionally, air mass backward trajectory analysis integrated with hotspot data indicated transboundary influences, particularly from agricultural burning in surrounding provinces, including Vietnam. Therefore, both local and transboundary emissions influenced the PM levels in Phnom Penh city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bonding properties of solderable anisotropic polymer composites (SAPCs) containing only low-melting-point alloy (LMPA) fillers need improvement. In this study, a new composite containing LMPA and high-melting-point alloy (HMPA) fillers, named LH-SAPC, was proposed, and the establishment of the conduction path and bonding properties of LH-SAPC were investigated for different LMPA/HMPA mixing proportions. Six types of LH-SAPC filled with different LMPA/HMPA mixing proportions (100:0, 80:20, 50:50, 20:80, 10:90, and 0:100) were formulated, and bonding tests were performed using the quad flat package. The LH-SAPCs containing less than 50 vol% HMPA within the LMPA/HMPA filler formed a proper and broad conduction path through of the excellent inner flowage of molten fillers within the polymer composite maintaining a low-viscosity condition, coalescence behavior between adjacent fillers, and a wetting behavior for the metallization. In addition, the mechanical bonding properties of the LH-SAPC joints improved with increasing HMPA content owing to the precipitation hardening and dispersion strengthening effects of the finely distributed Bi-rich phase and intermetallic compound particles within the conduction path and grain refinement. In contrast, as the HMPA content was excessive within the LH-SAPC, a poor conduction path was established because of the fluidity deterioration of the molten HMPA, which was attributed to the immoderate curing of the polymer composite; accordingly, the mechanical properties of the LH-SAPC joint degraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two samples, simple-battered chicken (SBC) and normal-battered chicken (NBC), with different batters were deep-fat fried at various conditions and volatile compounds and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was analysed. The moisture content of the air-fried samples was significantly higher than that of the deep-fat fried samples in the same batter samples. A total of 72 volatile compounds (8 aldehydes, 15 monoterpenes, 12 sesquiterpenes, 2 terpene alcohols, 4 benzenes, 13 pyrazines, 2 pyridines, 6 furans, 5 alcohols, 2 pyrroles, and 3 others) were detected in fried chicken breast, and air-fried SBC possessed the highest total amount of volatile compounds. Furthermore, 5-HMF was exclusively detected in NBC samples; in particular, 1.27 ± 0.06 and 0.41 ± 0.02 μg/mL were detected in deep- and air-fried NBC, respectively. This study indicates the potential of air frying to reduce the formation of 5-HMF while maintaining quality characteristics, suggesting the need for further study on other hazardous compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting EGFR mutations in plasma using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay offers a promising diagnostic tool for lung cancer patients. The performance of plasma-based ddPCR assay relative to traditional EGFR mutation testing in tissue biopsies among Asian patients with suspected lung cancer remains underexplored. Consecutive patients admitted for diagnostic workup for suspected lung cancer were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected on the same day of tissue biopsies. Tissue samples were subjected to EGFR mutation analysis via real-time PCR, whereas plasma samples were processed for ddPCR assay to evaluate for EGFR mutation status. The tissue re-biopsy rate was 43.8% while 0.7% of patients failed blood taking. Despite repeat biopsy, 15.2% of patients could not achieve histological diagnosis. Of the 202 patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer, EGFR mutations were detected in 13.4% of plasma samples, compared to 44.3% in tissue samples. Plasma ddPCR for EGFR mutations detection were barely detectable in stages I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the sensitivity was 25.0%, 56.3%, and 75.0% in stages III, IVA, and IVB NSCLC, respectively. Plasma EGFR mutations were highly specific among all stages of lung cancer. Concordance rates of plasma ddPCR assay also rose with more advanced stages, recorded at 41.9% for stages I and II, 71.9% for stage III, 86.3% for stage IV. In stage IV lung cancer, the false negative rate for the plasma ddPCR assay was 34.4%, whereas that for the tissue testing was 19.2% due to insufficient tissue samples. Plasma-based EGFR genotyping using ddPCR is a non-invasive method that offers early diagnosis and serves as a valuable adjunct to tissue-based testing for patients with advanced-stage lung cancer. However, its usefulness is limited in the context of early-stage lung cancer, indicating a need for further research to improve its accuracy in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies investigating the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and central adiposity are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus stratified by central adiposity using waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined by central adiposity, using WHtR, with data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2022). Individuals aged 30 years and over who participated in the survey were selected. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was identified based on serum glucose or HbA1c levels, the use of diabetes medications, or a prior diagnosis by a physician. Weighted β-coefficients or odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess changes in disease prevalence. A total of 79,368 participants were included in the database (female: 45,163 [56.9%]). from 2005 to 2022, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increased from 3.3 to 5.8% in the healthy central adiposity group, from 11.2 to 17.1% in the increased central adiposity group, and from 18.0 to 26.7% in the high central adiposity group. Males, older population, lower education level, lower household income, and smoking are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. In the high central adiposity group, overweight and obese individuals had higher susceptibility than underweight or normal-weight individuals, with ORs of 5.85 (95% CI, 2.54–13.47) and 8.24 (3.79–17.94), respectively. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased in all central adiposity groups in the past decade. This underscores the need for tailored interventions to address disparities and improve diabetes management in at-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an anode, lithium metal electrode is one of the most promising candidates for lithium batteries because of their theoretically high specific capacity and low redox potential. However, lithium dendrites are formed during the cycle of lithium deposition and dissolution on the copper current collector during charging and discharging, threatening the stability and durability of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) porous copper coated with a polymer layer (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) is used as a current collector to ensure high stability. A PDMS-coated 3D porous current collector is prepared by Cu electrodeposition using hydrogen bubbles as a template followed by a PDMS coating. PDMS coating is performed by spin coating of PDMS on a slide glass and transferring it to the current collector. The 3D current collector functionalized by PDMS offers prolonged lifespans in both Li deposition/dissolution and intercalation of the lithium iron phosphate cathode, as the functionalized PDMS-coated 3D porous current collector effectively prevents the growth of Li dendrites at the interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Global health researchers have a responsibility to conduct ethical research in a manner that is culturally respectful and safe. The purpose of this work is to describe our experiences with recruitment and retention in Pakistan, a low-middle-income country. Description: We draw on two studies with a combined sample of 2161 low-risk pregnant women who participated in a pilot (n = 300) and a larger (n = 1861) prospective study of psychological distress and preterm birth at one of four centers (Garden, Hyderabad, Kharadar, Karimabad) of the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Assessment: Challenges we encountered include economic hardship and access to healthcare; women's position in the family; safety concerns and time commitment; misconceptions and mistrust in the research process; and concerns related to blood draws. To mitigate these challenges, we developed culturally acceptable study incentives, involved family members in the decision-making process about study participation, partnered with participants' obstetrician-gynecologists, accommodated off site study visits, combined research visits with regular prenatal care visits, and modified research participation related to blood draws for some women. Conclusion: Implementation of these mitigation strategies improved recruitment and retention success, and we are confident that the solutions presented will support future scientists in addressing sociocultural challenges while embarking on collaborative research projects in Pakistan and other low-middle-income countries. Significance: What is Already Known on this Subject?: Recruitment and retention of pregnant women is challenging in any research context, for a range of socioecological reasons, including societal, community-level and individual factors. These issues can be more emphasized or play out in unique ways in studies conducted in low-middle-income countries. What this Study Adds?: This study describes recruitment and retention challenges we encountered during our research in Pakistan. For each of these challenges, which may result in non-compliance if not addressed, the development and implementation of culturally safe and successful mitigation strategies is described. The knowledge gleaned may support future global health research teams setting out to conduct research in Pakistan, and perhaps other low-middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have investigated the influence of diabetes on alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients, leaving its impact unclear. Thus, we conducted a study to reveal the association of diabetes and clinical outcomes of such patients. Materials and methods: We prospectively collected data from multicenter pertaining to 965 patients diagnosed with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, all of whom were admitted due to acute decompensation between 2015 and 2019. Risk of major precipitating factors and incidences of death or liver transplantation in patients with and without diabetes was comparatively assessed. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed at a 1:2 ratio for accurate comparisons. Results: The mean age was 53.4 years, and 81.0% of the patients were male. Diabetes was prevalent in 23.6% of the cohort and was positively correlated with hepatic encephalopathy and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, although not statistically significant. During a median follow-up of 903.5 person-years (PYs), 64 patients with and 171 without diabetes died or underwent liver transplantation, with annual incidence of 33.6/100 PYs and 24.0/100 PYs, respectively. In the PS-matched cohort, the incidence of death or liver transplantation was 36.8/100 PYs and 18.6/100 PYs in the diabetes and matched control group, respectively. After adjusting for various factors, coexisting diabetes significantly heightened the risk of death or liver transplantation in the short and long term, in addition to prolonged prothrombin time, low serum albumin, elevated total bilirubin and creatinine, and decreased serum sodium levels. Conclusions: Diabetes increases the risk of death or liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns aid clinicians in the diagnosis and prognostication of various cardiomyopathies. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of LV dimensions and wall thickness using deep learning (DL) models. A total of 30,080 unique studies were included; 24,013 studies were used to train a convolutional neural network model to automatically assess, at end-diastole, LV internal diameter (LVID), interventricular septal wall thickness (IVS), posterior wall thickness (PWT), and LV mass. The model was trained to select end-diastolic frames with the largest LVID and to identify four landmarks, marking the dimensions of LVID, IVS, and PWT using manually labeled landmarks as reference. The model was validated with 3,014 echocardiographic cines and the accuracy of the model was evaluated with a test set of 3,053 echocardiographic cines. The model accurately measured LVID, IVS, PWT, and LV mass compared to study report values with a mean relative error of 5.40%, 11.73%, 12.76%, and 13.93%, respectively. The 푅2 of the model for the LVID, IVS, PWT, and the LV mass was 0.88, 0.63, 0.50, and 0.87, respectively. The novel DL model developed in this study was accurate for LV dimension assessment without the need to select end-diastolic frames manually. DL automated measurements of IVS and PWT were less accurate with greater wall thickness. Validation studies in larger and more diverse populations are ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping of a Mott insulator gives rise to a wide variety of exotic emergent states, from high-temperature superconductivity to charge, spin, and orbital orders. The physics underpinning their evolution is, however, poorly understood. A major challenge is the chemical complexity associated with traditional routes to doping. Here, we study the Mott insulating CrO2 layer of the delafossite PdCrO2, where an intrinsic polar catastrophe provides a clean route to doping of the surface. From scanning tunnelling microscopy and angle-resolved photoemission, we find that the surface stays insulating accompanied by a short-range ordered state. From density functional theory, we demonstrate how the formation of charge disproportionation results in an insulating ground state of the surface that is disparate from the hidden Mott insulator in the bulk. We demonstrate that voltage pulses induce local modifications to this state which relax over tens of minutes, pointing to a glassy nature of the charge order. Metallic surface states on CoO2 and Pd terminated surfaces due to electronic reconstruction have been observed in the CoO2-based delafossites. In contrast, here the authors report an interesting insulating state on the CrO2 terminated surface of PdCrO2 due to charge-disproportionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible and lightweight Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells are promising for versatile applications, but there is limited understanding of stress-induced changes. In this study, the charge carrier generation and trapping behavior under mechanical stress was investigated using flexible CIGS thin-film solar cells with various alkali treatments. Surface current at the CIGS surface decreased by convex bending, which occurs less with the incorporation of alkali metals. The formation energy of the carrier generating defects increased in convex bending environments clarifying the degradation of the surface current. Moreover, alkali-related defects had lower formation energy than the intrinsic acceptors, mitigating current degradation in mechanical stress condition. The altered defect energy levels were attributed to the deformation of the crystal structure under bending states. This study provides insights into the mitigating of strain-induced charge degradation for enhancing the performance and robustness of flexible CIGS photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavities are characteristic radiological features related to increased mycobacterial burden and poor prognosis in Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD). However, cavity changes following treatment and their clinical implications remain unknown. We aimed to elucidate whether cavity obliteration or reduction in cavity size or wall thickness correlates with microbiological cure. In total, 136 adult patients with cavitary MAC-PD treated for ≥ 6 months between January 1st, 2009, and December 31st, 2021, in a tertiary referral centre in South Korea were enrolled. The cavity with the largest diameter at treatment initiation was tracked for size and thickness changes. Following median treatment of 20.0 months, 74 (54.4%) patients achieved microbiological cure. Cavity obliteration, achieved in 58 (42.6%) patients at treatment completion, was independently associated with microbiological cure. In patients with persistent cavities, size reduction of ≥ 10% was significantly associated with microbiological cure, whereas thickness reduction was not. Five-year mortality rates in patients with cavity obliteration, persistent but reduced cavity, and persistent cavity without shrinkage were 95.6%, 72.1%, and 65.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, cavity obliteration or shrinkage at treatment completion is associated with microbiological cure and reduced mortality in MAC-PD, suggesting that cavity changes could serve as a proxy indicator for treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four blended oils including palm + corn oil (PC), palm + grapeseed oil (PG), corn + grapeseed oil (CG), and palm + corn + grapeseed oil (PCG) were used as frying media. The 8-oxo and 9-oxo content, fatty acid composition, oxidative stability index, and iodine value of samples (n = 42) were analyzed. As the frying cycles increased, the content of 8-oxo and 9-oxo also increased significantly (p < 0.05) and showed the highest content of 965.56 ± 0.706 μg/g in 100 frying cycles of PCG. After 20–40 frying cycles in CG, the amount of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid increased up to 15.5% (p < 0.05). The oxidative stability of palm oil was the highest at 16.76–18.33 h (p < 0.05). The iodine value of grapeseed oil was the highest at 144.96 ± 2.569–153.64 ± 2.233 g iodine/100 g oil (p < 0.05). Among the examined oils, PC was the most suitable alternative to palm oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) are being used as cell replacement therapy for insulin-dependent diabetes. Non-invasive long-term monitoring methods for SC-islet grafts, which are needed to detect misguided differentiation in vivo and to optimise their therapeutic effectiveness, are lacking. Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to monitor transplanted primary islets. We therefore aimed to apply PET as a non-invasive monitoring method for SC-islet grafts. Methods: We implanted different doses of human SC-islets, SC-islets derived using an older protocol or a state-of-the-art protocol and SC-islets genetically rendered hyper- or hypoactive into mouse calf muscle to yield different kinds of grafts. We followed the grafts with PET using two tracers, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-binding [18F]F-dibenzocyclooctyne-exendin-4 ([18F]exendin) and the dopamine precursor 6-[18F]fluoro-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine ([18F]FDOPA), for 5 months, followed by histological assessment of graft size and composition. Additionally, we implanted a kidney subcapsular cohort with different SC-islet doses to assess the connection between C-peptide and stem cell-derived beta cell (SC-beta cell) mass. Results: Small but pure and large but impure grafts were derived from SC-islets. PET imaging allowed detection of SC-islet grafts even <1 mm3 in size, [18F]exendin having a better detection rate than [18F]FDOPA (69% vs 44%, <1 mm3; 96% vs 85%, >1 mm3). Graft volume quantified with [18F]exendin (r2=0.91) and [18F]FDOPA (r2=0.86) strongly correlated with actual graft volume. [18F]exendin PET delineated large cystic structures and its uptake correlated with graft SC-beta cell proportion (r2=0.68). The performance of neither tracer was affected by SC-islet graft hyper- or hypoactivity. C-peptide measurements under fasted or glucose-stimulated conditions did not correlate with SC-islet graft volume or SC-beta cell mass, with C-peptide under hypoglycaemia having a weak correlation with SC-beta cell mass (r2=0.52). Conclusions/interpretation: [18F]exendin and [18F]FDOPA PET enable non-invasive assessment of SC-islet graft size and aspects of graft composition. These methods could be leveraged for optimising SC-islet cell replacement therapy in diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stability issues in membrane-free coacervates have been addressed with coating strategies, but these approaches often compromise the permeability of the coacervate. Here we report a facile approach to maintain both stability and permeability using tannic acid and then demonstrate the value of this approach in enzyme-triggered drug release. First, we develop size-tunable coacervates via self-assembly of heparin glycosaminoglycan with tyrosine and arginine-based peptides. A thrombin-recognition site within the peptide building block results in heparin release upon thrombin proteolysis. Notably, polyphenols are integrated within the nano-coacervates to improve stability in biofluids. Phenolic crosslinking at the liquid-liquid interface enables nano-coacervates to maintain exceptional structural integrity across various environments. We discover a pivotal polyphenol threshold for preserving enzymatic activity alongside enhanced stability. The disassembly rate of the nano-coacervates increases as a function of thrombin activity, thus preventing a coagulation cascade. This polyphenol-based approach not only improves stability but also opens the way for applications in biomedicine, protease sensing, and bio-responsive drug delivery. Membrane-free coacervates are interesting, but balancing stability and permeability can be challenging. Here, the authors report the use of a tannic acid modification to improve stability, and subsequent use of the modified coacervates in enzyme-triggered drug release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signal peptidase complex (SPC) mediates processing of signal peptides of secretory precursors. But, recent studies show that the eukaryotic SPC also cleaves internal transmembrane segments of some membrane proteins, and its non-catalytic subunit, Spc1/SPCS1 plays a critical role in this process. To assess the impact of Spc1 on membrane proteostasis, we carried out quantitative proteomics of yeast cells with and without Spc1. Our data show that the abundance of the membrane proteome in yeast cells lacking Spc1 is in general reduced compared to that in wild-type cells, implicating its role in controlling the cellular levels of membrane proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chemotherapy-induced drug resistance remains a major cause of cancer recurrence and patient mortality. ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) transporter overexpression in tumors contributes to resistance, yet current ABCB1 inhibitors have been unsuccessful in clinical trials. To address this challenge, we propose a new strategy using tryptophan as a lead molecule for developing ABCB1 inhibitors. Our idea stems from our studies on bat cells, as bats have low cancer incidences and high ABCB1 expression. We hypothesized that potential ABCB1 substrates in bats could act as competitive inhibitors in humans. By molecular simulations of ABCB1-substrate interactions, we generated a benzylated Cyclo-tryptophan (C3N-Dbn-Trp2) that inhibits ABCB1 activity with efficacy comparable to or better than the classical inhibitor, verapamil. C3N-Dbn-Trp2 restored chemotherapy sensitivity in drug-resistant human cancer cells with no adverse effect on cell proliferation. Our unique approach presents a promising lead toward developing effective ABCB1 inhibitors to treat drug-resistant cancers. ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCB1 is known to be involved in drug resistance in cancer treatment, however, current ABCB1 inhibitors have not been successful in clinical trials due to their potential cytotoxicity. Here, the authors hypothesize that potential ABCB1 substrates in bats could act as competitive inhibitors against ABCB1 in humans, and identify the tryptophan structure as a promising lead structure for the development of non-toxic ABCB1 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marine mammals, which have evolved independently into three distinct lineages, share common physiological features that contribute to their adaptation to the marine environment. Objective: To identify positively selected genes (PSGs) for adaptation to the marine environment using available genomic data from three taxonomic orders: cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. Methods: Based on the genomes within each group of Artiodactyla, Carnivora and Afrotheria, we performed selection analysis using the branch-site model in CODEML. Results: Based on the branch-site model, 460, 614, and 359 PSGs were predicted for the cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that genes associated with hemostasis were positively selected across all lineages of marine mammals. We observed positive selection signals for the hemostasis and coagulation-related genes plasminogen activator, urokinase (PLAU), multimerin 1 (MMRN1), gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), and platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR1). Additionally, we found out that the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 9 (SCN9A), serine/arginine repetitive matrix 4 (SRRM4), and Ki-ras-induced actin-interacting protein (KRAP) are under positive selection pressure and are associated with cognition, neurite outgrowth, and IP3-mediated Ca2 + release, respectively. Conclusion: This study will contribute to our understanding of the adaptive evolution of marine mammals by providing information on a group of candidate genes that are predicted to influence adaptation to aquatic environments, as well as their functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disease characterized by demyelination resulting from oligodendrocyte loss and inflammation. Cuprizone (CPZ) administration experimentally replicates MS pattern-III lesions, generating an inflammatory response through microgliosis and astrogliosis. Potentially remyelinating agents include oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) with a specific immunomodulatory sequence consisting of the active motif PyNTTTTGT. In this work, the remyelinating effects of ODN IMT504 were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and qPCR analyses in a rat CPZ-induced demyelination model. Subcutaneous IMT504 administration exacerbated the pro-inflammatory response to demyelination and accelerated the transition to an anti-inflammatory state. IMT504 reduced microgliosis in general and the number of phagocytic microglia in particular and expanded the population of oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs), later reflected in an increase in mature oligodendrocytes. The intracranial injection of IMT504 and intravenous inoculation of IMT504-treated B lymphocytes rendered comparable results. Altogether, these findings unveil potentially beneficial properties of IMT504 in the regulation of neuroinflammation and oligodendrogenesis, which may aid the development of therapies for demyelinating diseases such as MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cell‐free expression systems enable rapid prototyping of genetic programs in vitro. However, current throughput of cell‐free measurements is limited by the use of channel‐limited fluorescent readouts. Here, we describe DNA Regulatory element Analysis by cell‐Free Transcription and Sequencing (DRAFTS), a rapid and robust in vitro approach for multiplexed measurement of transcriptional activities from thousands of regulatory sequences in a single reaction. We employ this method in active cell lysates developed from ten diverse bacterial species. Interspecies analysis of transcriptional profiles from > 1,000 diverse regulatory sequences reveals functional differences in promoter activity that can be quantitatively modeled, providing a rich resource for tuning gene expression in diverse bacterial species. Finally, we examine the transcriptional capacities of dual‐species hybrid lysates that can simultaneously harness gene expression properties of multiple organisms. We expect that this cell‐free multiplex transcriptional measurement approach will improve genetic part prototyping in new bacterial chassis for synthetic biology.

Abstract Common approaches to gene signature discovery in single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) depend upon predefined structures like clusters or pseudo‐temporal order, require prior normalization, or do not account for the sparsity of single‐cell data. We present single‐cell hierarchical Poisson factorization (scHPF), a Bayesian factorization method that adapts hierarchical Poisson factorization (Gopalan et al, 2015, Proceedings of the 31st Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence, 326) for de novo discovery of both continuous and discrete expression patterns from scRNA‐seq. scHPF does not require prior normalization and captures statistical properties of single‐cell data better than other methods in benchmark datasets. Applied to scRNA‐seq of the core and margin of a high‐grade glioma, scHPF uncovers marked differences in the abundance of glioma subpopulations across tumor regions and regionally associated expression biases within glioma subpopulations. scHFP revealed an expression signature that was spatially biased toward the glioma‐infiltrated margins and associated with inferior survival in glioblastoma.

The hope for a futuristic global quantum internet that provides robust and high-capacity quantum information transfer lies largely on qudits, the fundamental quantum information carriers prepared in high-dimensional superposition states. However, preparing and manipulating N-dimensional flying qudits as well as subsequently establishing their entanglement are still challenging tasks, which require precise and simultaneous maneuver of 2 (N-1) parameters across multiple degrees of freedom. Here, using an integrated approach, we explore the synergy from two degrees of freedom of light, spatial mode and polarization, to generate, encode, and manipulate flying structured photons and their formed qudits in a four-dimensional Hilbert space with high quantum fidelity, intrinsically enabling enhanced noise resilience and higher quantum data rates. The four eigen spin–orbit modes of our qudits possess identical spatial–temporal characteristics in terms of intensity distribution and group velocity, thereby preserving long-haul coherence within the entirety of the quantum data transmission link. Judiciously leveraging the bi-photon entanglement, which is well preserved in the integrated manipulation process, we present versatile spin–orbit cluster states in an extensive dimensional Hilbert space. Such cluster states hold the promise for quantum error correction which can further bolster the channel robustness in long-range quantum communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting outcomes in pulmonary tuberculosis is challenging despite effective treatments. This study aimed to identify factors influencing treatment success and culture conversion, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI)-based chest X-ray analysis and Xpert MTB/RIF assay cycle threshold (Ct) values. In this retrospective study across six South Korean referral centers (January 1 to December 31, 2019), we included adults with rifampicin-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by Xpert assay from sputum samples. We analyzed patient characteristics, AI-based tuberculosis extent scores from chest X-rays, and Xpert Ct values. Of 230 patients, 206 (89.6%) achieved treatment success. The median age was 61 years, predominantly male (76.1%). AI-based radiographic tuberculosis extent scores (median 7.5) significantly correlated with treatment success (odds ratio [OR] 0.938, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.895–0.983) and culture conversion at 8 weeks (liquid medium: OR 0.911, 95% CI 0.853–0.973; solid medium: OR 0.910, 95% CI 0.850–0.973). Sputum smear positivity was 49.6%, with a median Ct of 26.2. However, Ct values did not significantly correlate with major treatment outcomes. AI-based radiographic scoring at diagnosis is a significant predictor of treatment success and culture conversion in pulmonary tuberculosis, underscoring its potential in personalized patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intermittent cardiac output (CO) studies using thermodilution are considered the gold standard. We have developed a stroke volume (SV) calculator from pulmonary pulse pressure (PP) to allow continuous monitoring of SV and CO from PP. Methods: Hemodynamic data on 169 patients following orthotopic heart transplantation were used to compare our calculator-derived SV (and SV index, or SVi) against thermodilution-derived SV on admission into intensive care unit immediately following heart transplantation (T0) and 6 h after admission (T6). Results: The calculated SV correlated with thermodilution-derived SV T0 (r = 0.920, p < 0.001, coefficient of 0.539 and the constant of 2.06). The median calculator SV, adjusted for coefficient and constant, was 48.4 ml (37.7, 60.7), comparable to the median thermodilution-derived SV 47.9 ml (37.5, 61.0), p = 0.737 with acceptable agreement on Bland–Altman plots. The thermodilution-derived SVi was 28.1 ml (19.7, 38.7) and adjusted calculator-derived SVi 28.9 ml (19.7, 39.9), p = 0.781. At T6, median thermodilution-derived SVi was 27.7 ml (19.5, 35.9) compared to the calculator-derived SVi median of 26.1 ml (17.7, 37.7), p = 0.203. Conclusions: Changes in PP can be used to track changes in SV using this calculator. Changes in PP may be used to assess response to treatment in the early post-operative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-dimensional composite structures using zero-dimensional (0D) quantum dots (QDs) and two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials are expected to attract great interest in optoelectronics due to the potential to generate new optical properties. Here, we report on the unique optical characteristics of a devices with mixed dimensional vertically stacked structures based on tungsten diselenide (WSe2)/CdSeS QDs monolayer/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) (2D/0D/2D). Specifically, it exhibits an ambipolar photoresponse characteristic, with a negative photoresponse observed in the 400–600 nm wavelength range and a positive photoresponse appeared at 700 nm wavelength. It resulted in the high negative responsivity of up to 52.22 mA·W−1 under 400 nm, which is 163 times higher than that of the photodetector without CdSeS QDs. We also demonstrated the negative photoresponse, which could be due to increased carrier collision probability and non-radiative recombination. Device modeling and simulation reveal that Auger recombination among the types of non-radiative recombination is the main cause of negative photocurrent generation. Consequently, we discovered ambipolar photoresponse near a specific wavelength corresponding to the energy of quantum dots. Our study revealed interesting phenomenon in the mixed low-dimensional stacked structure and paved the way to exploit it for the development of innovative photodetection materials as well as for optoelectronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the relationship between CEO age and firm innovation measured as innovation productivity (i.e., the number of patent applications) and innovation scope (i.e., technological proximity). Using a sample of 8589 firm-years that eliminate differences in characteristics between firms with young CEOs versus old CEOs, listed in the Korean stock markets for the sample period of 2002–2016, we document that a firm's innovation productivity or innovation scope decreases in CEO age. We also report that younger CEOs in IT firms are more likely to participate in firm innovation than those in non-IT firms. Our main results are robust in Tobit, Poisson, and negative binomial regressions and in specification of CEO-fixed effect models. We also find same results in further analyses considering CEO tenure, firm age, and CEO overconfidence. Taken together, younger CEOs in IT firms may be more motivated to signal their innovativeness to the CEO market to be regarded as outstanding innovators or adventurous innovators, which supports managerial signaling hypothesis for young CEOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic variants associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. To emphasize metabolic abnormalities in fatty liver, metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been introduced; thus, we aimed to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to MAFLD and its subtypes. A genome-wide association study was performed to identify genetic factors related to MAFLD. We used a Korean population-based sample of 2282 subjects with MAFLD and a control group of 4669. We replicated the results in a validation sample which included 639 patients with MAFLD and 1578 controls. Additionally, we categorized participants into three groups, no MAFLD, metabolic dysfunction (MD)-MAFLD, and overweight/obese-MAFLD. After adjusting for age, sex, and principal component scores, rs738409 [risk allele G] and rs3810622 [risk allele T], located in the PNPLA3 gene, showed significant associations with MAFLD (P-values, discovery set = 1.60 × 10–15 and 4.84 × 10–10; odds ratios, 1.365 and 1.284, validation set = 1.39 × 10–4, and 7.15 × 10–4, odds ratios, 1.299 and 1.264, respectively). An additional SNP rs59148799 [risk allele G] located in the GATAD2A gene showed a significant association with MAFLD (P-values, discovery set = 2.08 × 10–8 and validation set = 0.034, odds ratios, 1.387 and 1.250). rs738409 was significantly associated with MAFLD subtypes ([overweight/obese-MAFLD; odds ratio (95% confidence interval), P-values, 1.515 (1.351–1.700), 1.43 × 10–12 and MD-MAFLD: 1.300 (1.191–1.416), 2.90 × 10–9]. There was a significant relationship between rs3810622 and overweight/obese-MAFLD and MD-MAFLD [odds ratios (95% confidence interval), P-values, 1.418 (1.258, 1.600), 1.21 × 10–8 and 1.225 (1.122, 1.340), 7.06 × 10–6, respectively]; the statistical significance remained in the validation set. PNPLA3 was significantly associated with MAFLD and MAFLD subtypes in the Korean population. These results indicate that genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of MAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Historically, systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD) primarily consisted of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDS), which provided symptomatic relief but often had long-term adverse effects. Newer treatments have shown significant efficacy with less side effects in clinical trials. This review discusses and compares conventional and newer systemic treatments for AD. Recent Findings: Newer medications for AD including dupilumab, tralokinumab, lebrikizumab, and oral JAK inhibitors have been shown to be safe and efficacious. High dose cyclosporine and dupilumab were more effective than methotrexate and azathioprine in improving clinical signs of AD. High-dose upadacitinib was shown in another meta-analysis to be most effective in the measured outcomes but had the highest frequency of adverse events. Summary: Targeted biologic treatments are increasingly favored over traditional immunosuppressive treatments of AD. Treatment can be individualized based on potency, adverse side effects, mechanism of action, and administration preference. Ongoing research continues to expand treatment options for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Background: This study investigated fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness to determine which was more closely related to depression in the general population. Patients/Methods: Participants were investigated across 15 South Korean districts. Excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and depression were evaluated using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Depression was defined as PHQ-9 ≥ 10. The authors classified the combination of excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue as excessive daytime sleepiness with fatigue (E+F+, ESS ≥ 11, FSS ≥ 36), fatigue without excessive daytime sleepiness (E–F+, ESS < 11, FSS ≥ 36), excessive daytime sleepiness without fatigue (E+F−, ESS ≥ 11, FSS < 36), and no fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness (E–F−, ESS < 11, FSS < 36). Results: Among 2,493 participants (1,257 women), mean age was 47.9 ± 0.3 years. The prevalence of depression, fatigue, and excessive daytime sleepiness was 8.4% (n = 210), 30.8% (n = 767), and 15.3% (n = 382), respectively. The frequency of the four categories with depression (vs. controls) was as follows.: E+F+ (n = 67, 31.9% vs. 7.3%) (P < 0.001), E–F+ (n = 71, 33.8% vs. 20.3%) (P < 0.001), E+F−(n = 16, 7.6% vs. 5.8%) (P = 0.294), and E–F− (n = 56, 26.7% vs. 66.6%) (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, depression was associated with E+F+ (odds ratio, OR 8.804, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.818–13.132), E–F+ (OR 3.942, 95% CI 2.704–5.747), E+F− (OR 2.812, 95% CI 1.542–5.131), and E–F− (reference). Additionally, we performed logistic regression according to two categories. There was no significant difference in the association of depression between E+F− (reference) and E–F+ (OR 1.399, 95% CI 0.760–2.575). Conclusion: Although fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness were associated with depression regardless of the presence of each other, we could not clarify which was more closely related to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar desalination, harvesting solar energy to purify seawater, has received considerable attention due to water scarcity problems caused by climate change and human activity. In this study, we investigated a membrane desalination method that collects vaporized water from the surface of a sun-lit porous medium floating on salt water. To maximize the water evaporation rate at the membrane surface, several effective photothermal converting materials were coated on the membrane. In addition, to amplify the water transport to the sun-lit surface, the pore size of the porous medium also was controlled by filtering sugar particles by size. We found that the evaporation rate increased as the reflectivity of the coating materials decreased, and demonstrate the optimized pore size, leading to improved evaporation at the three-phase interface by controlling the size of the pores. The water transport is caused by the porous medium resulted from competition between capillary and viscous forces; thus, the optimal pore size for maximum water transport and evaporation rate is discussed. The finding of this study provide insight into optimizing the design of the membrane's structure and coating materials to maximize the evaporation rate in solar desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]