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Oxygen redox in layered oxide cathodes for Na‐ion batteries is considered a promising approach for improving the energy density. However, oxygen‐redox‐based cathodes suffer from sluggish kinetics and undesirable structural change during charge/discharge, leading to poor electrochemical performances. Herein, introducing vacancies (□) in the transition metal layers enables the enhanced oxygen redox‐based electrochemical performances in the P3‐type Mn‐based layered oxide cathode is demonstrated. The vacancies can play a role of the local distortion buffers, resulting in the enhanced oxygen redox kinetics and the suppressed structural deformation such as P3‐O3(II) phase transition. The oxygen‐redox‐based P3‐type Na0.56[Ni0.1Mn0.81□0.09]O2 exhibits the large discharge capacity of ≈140.95 mAh g−1 at 26 mA g−1 with a high average discharge voltage of ≈3.54 V (vs Na+/Na). Even at 650 mA g−1, its discharge capacity and average operation voltages delivered ≈122.06 mAh g−1 and ≈3.22 V, respectively. Especially, the small gap of average discharge voltage indicates both improves power‐capability and enhanced kinetics of oxygen redox in P3‐type Na0.56[Ni0.1Mn0.81□0.09]O2. Moreover, the vacancy buffer in the transition metal layers results in the stable cycle‐performance of P3‐type Na0.56[Ni0.1Mn0.81□0.09]O2 with the capacity retention of ≈80.80% for 100 cycles, due to the suppressed P3‐O3(II) phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi‐organ segmentation is a critical task in medical imaging, with wide‐ranging applications in both clinical practice and research. Accurate delineation of organs from high‐resolution 3D medical images, such as CT scans, is essential for radiation therapy planning, enhancing treatment outcomes, and minimizing radiation toxicity risks. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in quantitative image analysis, supporting various medical research studies. Despite its significance, manual segmentation of multiple organs from 3D images is labor‐intensive and prone to low reproducibility due to high interoperator variability. Recent advancements in deep learning have led to several automated segmentation methods, yet many rely heavily on labeled data and human anatomy expertise. Purpose: In this study, our primary objective is to address the limitations of existing semi‐supervised learning (SSL) methods for abdominal multi‐organ segmentation. We aim to introduce a novel SSL approach that leverages unlabeled data to enhance the performance of deep neural networks in segmenting abdominal organs. Specifically, we propose a method that incorporates a redrawing network into the segmentation process to correct errors and improve accuracy. Methods: Our proposed method comprises three interconnected neural networks: a segmentation network for image segmentation, a teacher network for consistency regularization, and a redrawing network for object redrawing. During training, the segmentation network undergoes two rounds of optimization: basic training and readjustment. We adopt the Mean‐Teacher model as our baseline SSL approach, utilizing labeled and unlabeled data. However, recognizing significant errors in abdominal multi‐organ segmentation using this method alone, we introduce the redrawing network to generate redrawn images based on CT scans, preserving original anatomical information. Our approach is grounded in the generative process hypothesis, encompassing segmentation, drawing, and assembling stages. Correct segmentation is crucial for generating accurate images. In the basic training phase, the segmentation network is trained using both labeled and unlabeled data, incorporating consistency learning to ensure consistent predictions before and after perturbations. The readjustment phase focuses on reducing segmentation errors by optimizing the segmentation network parameters based on the differences between redrawn and original CT images. Results: We evaluated our method using two publicly available datasets: the beyond the cranial vault (BTCV) segmentation dataset (training: 44, validation: 6) and the abdominal multi‐organ segmentation (AMOS) challenge 2022 dataset (training:138, validation:16). Our results were compared with state‐of‐the‐art SSL methods, including MT and dual‐task consistency (DTC), using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) as an accuracy metric. On both datasets, our proposed SSL method consistently outperformed other methods, including supervised learning, achieving superior segmentation performance for various abdominal organs. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, even with a limited number of labeled data. Conclusions: Our novel semi‐supervised learning approach for abdominal multi‐organ segmentation addresses the challenges associated with this task. By integrating a redrawing network and leveraging unlabeled data, we achieve remarkable improvements in accuracy. Our method demonstrates superior performance compared to existing SSL and supervised learning methods. This approach holds great promise in enhancing the precision and efficiency of multi‐organ segmentation in medical imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pork cutlets are susceptible to cross‐contamination with foodborne pathogens during processing. Food irradiation effectively improves food hygiene by eliminating microbes. We investigated the application of X‐ray irradiation (0.5–10 kGy) on pathogen inactivation (D10 value), quality changes [total aerobic bacteria (TAB), yeast and mould (Y&M), total coliform (TC), colour, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and pH], and the hydrocarbon profile of pork cutlets. D10 values of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus were 0.37, 0.62, 0.52, and 0.36 kGy, respectively. At least 3.10 kGy (5‐D10 values) is required to ensure the microbiological safety of pork cutlets. X‐ray irradiation dose‐dependently reduced all microbial counts, and up to 7 kGy had no adverse effects on colour, TBARS, and pH. Furthermore, 1,7‐hexadecadiene and 8‐heptadecene were potential markers for irradiated pork cutlets. X‐ray irradiation of up to 7 kGy is effective in improving hygiene levels while maintaining pork cutlet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the high‐energy Ni‐rich layered cathodes suffer from undesirable surface reactions with the electrolyte, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder has a limitation on surface stabilization because of its weak affinity and low adhesion/cohesion. Here, it is demonstrated that the novel fluorine‐free and hydroxyl‐rich siloxane nanohybrid (SNH) binder can enhance the electrochemical performances of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode (NCM811) via successful surface stabilization. The high silanol content in the SNH binder enhances the affinity to both NCM811 and conductive agent, facilitating uniform electron/ion pathways with high mass loading, improved shear thinning, and superior mechanical properties. Moreover, the fluorine‐free organic‐inorganic hybrid structure prevents the dissolution of transition metals, active material structural changes, and electrolyte interaction, leading to greatly enhanced cyclability of the SNH‐based NCM811 electrode (≈81.9% in half‐cell; ≈87.82% in full‐cell after 200 cycles) compared to PVDF‐based NCM811 electrode (≈58.8% in half‐cell; ≈61.24% in full‐cell after 200 cycles). Various analyses also indicate that the application of the fluorine‐free SNH binder successfully stabilizes both the surface and bulk structure of the NCM811 cathode during charge/discharge. The binder design represents a straightforward yet highly effective approach to achieving remarkably prolonged cyclability in lithium‐ion batteries, surpassing the performance of other fluorine‐based or polymer‐based binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The impact of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) within the 90‐day blanking period on long‐term outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is controversial. This study aimed to assess the relationship between ERAT and late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (LRAT) post‐CBA. Methods: Utilizing data from a multicenter registry in Korea (May 2018 to June 2022), we analyzed the presence and timing of ERAT (<30, 30–60, and 60–90 days) and its association with LRAT risk after CBA. LRAT was defined as any recurrence of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting more than 30 s beyond the 90 days. Results: Out of 2636 patients, 745 (28.2%) experienced ERAT post‐CBA. Over an average follow‐up period of 21.2 ± 10.3 months, LRAT was observed in 874 (33.1%) patients. Patients with ERAT had significantly lower 1‐year LRAT freedom compared to those without ERAT (42.6% vs. 85.5%, p <.001). Multivariate analysis identified ERAT as a potential predictor of LRAT, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.98 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.47–4.57). Significant associations were noted across all examined time frames (HR, 3.84; 95% CI, 3.32–4.45 in <30 days, HR, 5.53; 95% CI, 4.13–7.42 in 30–60 days, and HR, 4.29; 95% CI, 3.12–5.89 in 60–90 days). This finding was consistently observed across all types of AF. Conclusion: ERAT during the 90‐day blanking period strongly predicts LRAT in AF patients undergoing CBA, indicating a need to reconsider the clinical significance of this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control paradigm of small vessel pathophysiology has changed to focus on the vascular out‐wall rather than the lumen‐intimal factors. As an emerging controller of the external wall, the microvasculature ("vasa vasorum") provides interactional routes between the in‐and out‐sides of the vascular wall. Despite numerous approaches to developing small‐diameter vascular grafts, engineering artificial vasa vasorum (AVV) has not been projected as a multi‐functional solution to address long‐standing issues such as thrombotic and immune controls for wall regeneration. Here, the AVV is engineered using a microchannel network hydrogel after a multi‐study validation of implantation functions and then used to wrap the external wall of the cell‐free vessel post‐decellularization while preserving its mechanical properties. Upon inter‐positional and bypass grafting to rabbit arteries, the AVV graft facilitates the recruitment of vascular cells into the cell‐free wall by promoting invasion of angiogenic and vasculogenic cells through the microchannel‐mediated M2 polarization of macrophages. This function results in the efficient restoration of smooth muscle cells, and the revitalized vascular elasticity helps to maintain long‐term patency. The AVV, therefore, serves as an effective catalyst for vascular wall regeneration, offering a solution to clinically successful small‐diameter vascular grafting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) can potentially cure malignant blood disorders and benign conditions such as haemoglobinopathies and immunologic diseases. However, allo‐HSCT is associated with significant complications. The most common and debilitating among them is graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). In GVHD, donor‐derived T cells mount an alloimmune response against the recipient. The alloimmune response involves several steps, including recognition of recipient antigens, activation and proliferation of T cells in secondary lymphoid organs, and homing into GVHD‐targeted organs. Adhesion molecules on T cells and endothelial cells mediate homing of T cells into lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues. In this study, we showed that Von Willebrand factor (VWF), an adhesion molecule secreted by activated endothelial cells, plays an important role in mouse models of GVHD. We investigated the effect of the VWF‐cleaving protease ADAMTS13 on GVHD. We found that ADAMTS13 reduced the severity of GVHD after bone marrow transplantation from C57BL6 donor to BALB/C recipient mice. A recombinant VWF‐A2 domain peptide also reduced GVHD in mice. We showed that ADAMTS13 and recombinant VWF‐A2 reduced the binding of T cells to endothelial cells and VWF in vitro, and reduced the number of T cells in lymph nodes, Peyer's patches and GVHD‐targeted organs in vivo. We identified LFA‐1 (αLβ2) as the binding site of VWF on T cells. Our results showed that blocking T‐cell homing by ADAMTS13 or VWF‐A2 peptide reduced the severity of the GVHD after allo‐HSCT, a potentially novel method for treating and preventing GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided intralymphatic allergen administration in the superficial inguinal lymph node as an alternative to traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. It emphasizes the importance of understanding lymphatic anatomy and selecting the appropriate lymph node to prevent complications like lymphedema. The procedure aims to offer localized delivery, reduce the risk of anaphylaxis, and shorten treatment periods, but further studies are needed to address anatomical considerations and optimize visualization of lymph nodes. [Extracted from the article]

Oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine derivatives have been reported to exhibit interesting biological activities. Herein, we described a solid‐phase synthetic method to produce N‐alkyl‐7‐alkylamino‐2‐aryloxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine‐5‐carboxamide derivatives. The strategy consists of loading the template compounds (i.e., 2‐aryl‐6,7‐dihydrooxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐one‐5‐carboxylic acids) onto aminated acid‐sensitive methoxybenzaldehyde (AMEBA) resins, the subsequent benzotriazol‐1‐yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP)‐mediated direct amination with primary/secondary amines, and the final cleavage from the solid support to afford the target compounds. The template 2‐aryl‐6,7‐dihydrooxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐one‐5‐carboxylic acids were prepared using a five‐step solution‐phase synthetic route from ethyl 2‐cyano‐2‐(hydroxyimino)acetate. BOP‐mediated direct amination conditions were optimized by a solution‐phase model study. The solid‐phase synthetic method provided the 17 target compounds in 16%–92% five‐step overall isolated yields from the Merrified resin for selected template compounds and primary/secondary amines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecularly imprinted polymer (L‐MIP) for L‐tyrosine (L‐Tyr) is prepared by the complexation between quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine/divinylbenzene) (QVP) and poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (PAmA) in alkaline solution. The L‐MIP shows higher enantioselectivity for L‐isomers of tyrosine, together with tryptophan (Trp) and phenylalanine (Phe) compared to the D‐isomers of them. The sorption isotherms of the three D‐enantiomers are converged to one isotherm. It can reflect that the sorption of D‐enantiomers can be relied mainly on the common segment, ‐CH2‐CH(NH2)‐COOH, neglecting any effect of bulkier aromatic groups. The imprinted common segment can be opened on the surface of MIP from the D‐enantiomers. For the L‐enantiomers, the sorption discrepancies are depended on the size of the aromatic group implying that the phenolic moiety of L‐Tyr can be also opened. Thus, the imprinted sites are proposed to be opened on the surface of L‐MIP similar to the crop‐circle‐like. The enantioselectivity factors, αef = QL/QD, for Tyr, Trp, and Phe are 1.52, 1.30, and 1.52 for L‐ to D‐isomers, respectively. And the uptake differences between D‐ and L‐enantiomers of Tyr, Trp, and Phe are 31.8, 20.7, and 29 mg per 1 g MIP, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐polymer photovoltaics (all‐PPVs) that operate under both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions require active layers with appropriately adjusted optical‐absorption ranges. However, the optical absorption of a conventional donor–acceptor binary blend is restricted to the combined absorption bands of its components. Herein, a new conjugated block copolymer (CBC) acceptor, b‐PYT, is designed by integrating polymer acceptor blocks of wide and narrow bandgaps in a single structure. Such combination results in the wide absorption range (550–850 nm) of b‐PYT that matches the emission of both artificial and solar light. The b‐PYT CBC acceptor is more crystalline than the corresponding random terpolymer, r‐PYT, owing to improved interactions between its macromolecular acceptor units. Despite exhibiting slightly inferior outdoor performance compared to that of devices using the homopolymer BTTP‐T, the PM6:b‐PYT‐based devices deliver superior power conversion efficiency (PCE) under indoor light‐emitting diode (LED) light owing to better matched absorption and emission spectra of b‐PYT and a cold white LED, respectively. Additionally, it is worth highlighting that PM6:b‐PYT‐based all‐PPVs can maintain approximately 87% of the initial PCE even after 600 min of thermal aging at 150 °C, which demonstrates the superior thermal stability compared with those of all‐PPVs that use traditional binary active layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters exhibit enormous potential for use in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), owing to their exceptional external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and narrowband emission spectra. However, planar MR‐TADF emitters often suffer from aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) and spectral broadening at high doping concentrations because of strong interchromophore π–π interactions. A method of sterically encapsulating the planar MR skeleton with four bulky 9‐phenyl‐fluorene (Fl) units is devised, resulting in the development of a bright bluish‐green emitter (4FlCzBN). This steric shielding effectively reduces intermolecular interactions, suppresses ACQ, and improves solubility. Consequently, by utilizing 4FlCzBN as a doping‐insensitive MR emitter, solution‐processed OLEDs are fabricated with doping concentrations of 2–16 wt.%, and they show EQEs of 10.1–10.9% with a bandwidth of 28–30 nm. Furthermore, a TADF‐sensitizer‐based device using 4FlCzBN demonstrates a significantly reduced efficiency roll‐off while achieving an EQE of 12.2%. This is a remarkable improvement that overcomes the disadvantages that are difficult to achieve in previously reported MR‐TADF OLEDs. The current work provides valuable insights into the design of efficient MR‐TADF emitters with minimized aggregation and reduced efficiency roll‐off for solution processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic spectrum of genetic kidney diseases (GKD) and the application of genetic diagnoses to patient care were assessed by whole exome sequencing (WES) of the DNA of 172 pediatric or adult patients with various kidney diseases. WES diagnosed genetic diseases in 63 (36.6%) patients. The diagnostic yields in patients with glomerulopathy were 33.8% (25/74 pts) due to variants in 10 genes, 58.8% (20/34) in patients with tubulointerstitial disease due to variants in 18 genes, 33.3% (15/45) in patients with cystic disease/ciliopathy due to variants in 10 genes, 18.2% (2/11) in patients with congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) due to variants in two genes, and 12.5% (1/8) in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD). The diagnosis rate was high in patients aged <1–6 years (46–50.0%), and low in patients aged ≥40 years (9.1%). Renal phenotype was reclassified in 10 (15.9%) of 63 patients and clinical management altered in 10 (15.9%) of 63 patients after genetic diagnosis. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated the diagnostic utility of WES and its effective clinical application in patients, with various kinds of kidney diseases, across the different age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many recently developed classes of wireless, skin‐interfaced bioelectronic devices rely on conventional thermoset silicone elastomer materials, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), as soft encapsulating structures around collections of electronic components, radio frequency antennas and, commonly, rechargeable batteries. In optimized layouts and device designs, these materials provide attractive features, most prominently in their gentle, noninvasive interfaces to the skin even at regions of high curvature and large natural deformations. Past studies, however, overlook opportunities for developing variants of these materials for multimodal means to enhance the safety of the devices against failure modes that range from mechanical damage to thermal runaway. This study presents a self‐healing PDMS dynamic covalent matrix embedded with chemistries that provide thermochromism, mechanochromism, strain‐adaptive stiffening, and thermal insulation, as a collection of attributes relevant to safety. Demonstrations of this materials system and associated encapsulation strategy involve a wireless, skin‐interfaced device that captures mechanoacoustic signatures of health status. The concepts introduced here can apply immediately to many other related bioelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) developed the Milestones as a tool to aid trainee assessment based on the framework of the six core competencies of practice. Variability in the interpretation and application of the original Milestones prompted the ACGME to convene work groups within the different specialties and subspecialties to update the Milestones. The Geriatric Medicine work group was convened in 2019 with the goal of clarifying and simplifying the language of the Milestones, revising content to be specific to geriatrics, and developing supplemental resources to aid in implementation and use. We suggest using a practical, four‐step process to implement the updated Milestones, called the Milestones 2.0, in fellowship programs by: (1) training faculty in the use of the Milestones 2.0, including an overview of the background and updates, (2) mapping the Milestones 2.0 to existing assessments, (3) educating fellows about the Milestones 2.0 and (4) presenting and discussing the Milestones 2.0 at Clinical Competency Committee meetings. This systematic approach promotes the development of a shared mental model for trainee assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternating ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCOP) is a versatile synthetic method for preparing polyesters using relatively inexpensive and readily available monomers, epoxides and cyclic anhydrides. In this study, a new type of titanium (IV) complex coordinated with iminophenolate ligands was developed as an efficient catalyst for alternating ROCOP. As found in the crystal structures, iminophenolate titanium (IV) complexes exhibited octahedral geometries owing to geometrical constraints. Electronic tuning of iminophenolate ligands revealed that chloro‐substituted ligands are more efficient than other ligands with electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating ligands. Density functional theory computation provided reaction profiles where octahedral intermediates and transition states were stabilized, and the chlorine substituent was the most efficient in stabilizing the transition state for the epoxide opening step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: cholesteatoma; cohort; middle ear; rhinosinusitis; risk; sinusitis EN cholesteatoma cohort middle ear rhinosinusitis risk sinusitis 168 171 4 01/27/23 20230201 NES 230201 INTRODUCTION Cholesteatoma is a benign, gradually expanding, destructive epithelial lesion of the temporal bone which results in erosion of adjacent bony structures. Statistical analyses The risks of cholesteatoma of the middle ear were compared between two groups by using person-years at risk, which were defined as the duration between either the date of CRS diagnosis or January 1, 2003 (for the comparison group), and the patient's respective endpoint. [Extracted from the article]

The exploding electric‐vehicle market requires cost‐effective high‐energy materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. The manganese‐rich spinel oxide LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) can store a capacity greater than 200 mAh g−1 based on the multi‐cation (Ni2+/Ni4+ and Mn3+/Mn4+) redox centers. However, its practical capacity is limited to Ni2+/Ni4+ redox (135 mAh g−1) due to the poor reversibility of Mn3+/Mn4+ redox. This instability is generally attributed to the Jahn–Teller distortion of Mn3+ and its disproportionation, which leads to severe Mn dissolution. Herein, for the first time, the excellent reversibility of Mn3+/Mn4+ redox within 2.3–4.3 V is demonstrated, requiring revisiting the previous theory. LNMO loses capacity only within a wide voltage range of 2.3–4.9 V. It is revealed that a dynamic evolution of the electrochemical interface, for example, potential‐driven rocksalt phase formation and decomposition, repeatedly occurs during cycling. The interfacial evolution induces electrolyte degradation and surface passivation, impeding the charge‐transfer reactions. It is further demonstrated that stabilizing the interface by electrolyte modification extends the cycle life of LNMO while using the multi‐cation redox, enabling 71.5% capacity retention of LNMO after 500 cycles. The unveiled dynamic oxide interface will propose a new guideline for developing Mn‐rich cathodes by realizing the reversible Mn redox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, real‐time observations of dehydrogenation of a Mg2FeH6–MgH2 composite by means of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with advanced spatial (≈0.8 Å) and temporal (25 frames s−1) resolution are reported. Careful control and systematic variations of the reaction temperature and electron dose rate enable detailed and direct visualization of the characteristic decomposition of Mg2FeH6 into Mg and Fe, which occurs on the nanometer scale under optimal experimental conditions defined to minimize the electron‐beam‐driven Mg oxidation and dehydrogenation that take place in TEM. First, the formation of nanostructured fine Fe clusters in Mg metal and their growth via coalescence during dehydrogenation are verified. Additionally, fine monitoring of the in situ diffraction patterns acquired during decomposition of the composite allows separate evaluations of the desorption kinetics of the two coexisting phases, which confirm the synergetic dehydrogenation of this dual‐phase system. It is envisioned that these findings will provide useful guidelines for reducing the gaps between nanoscale and bulk‐scale research and designing hydrogen sorption conditions to enable efficient operation of a solid‐state hydrogen storage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Li2MnO3 exhibits high capacity via anionic oxygen redox, it suffers from rapid capacity decay owing to structural disordering accompanying irreversible Mn migration and O2 release. To promote the reversibility of the anionic redox reaction, Li1.8Mg0.3Mn0.9O3 as a novel cathode material, prepared by partially substituting Li+ and Mn4+ of Li2MnO3 with the redox‐inactive Mg2+ as a structural stabilizer is proposed. Li1.8Mg0.3Mn0.9O3 delivers a high specific capacity and energy density of ≈310 mAh g−1 and ≈915 Wh kg−1, respectively. In particular, the power‐capability and cycle performance of Li1.8Mg0.3Mn0.9O3 greatly surpass those of Li2MnO3. Through first‐principles calculations and various experiments, it is revealed that Mg substitution effectively suppresses the Mn migration by stabilizing Mn cations in the original sites at the charged state. The energetically stabilized layered structure disfavors the distortion of the MnO6 octahedra, which induces the oxygen dimer (OO) formation through the metal–oxygen decoordination, thus mitigating oxygen release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemokine receptor CCR7 is a well‐established homing receptor for dendritic cells (DCs) and T‐cells. Interaction with the CCL19 and CCL21 ligands promotes priming of immune responses in lymphoid tissues; however, the mechanism underlying CCR7‐induced immune responses against helminth parasite infection remains unknown. Thus, we examined the role of CCR7 in generating protective immune responses against intracellular Trichinella spiralis infection. The results showed significantly increased CCR7, CCL19 and CCL21 expression in the muscle tissue compared to that in the intestinal tissue in T. spiralis‐infected mice. The CCR7‐expressing DC population increased in the mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) during T. spiralis infection. Notably, the number of CCR7‐expressing cells in PLNs increased by more than 30% at 28 days post‐infection; however, this increase was significantly inhibited in CCR7‐blocked mice treated with CCR7‐specific antibodies. T helper 2 (Th2)‐and regulatory T (Treg)‐related cytokine levels were also reduced by CCR7‐specific antibody treatment. CCR7‐blocked mice lost their resistance to T. spiralis infection in the muscle phase but not in the intestinal phase. Furthermore, fewer eosinophils around the nurse cells and reduced total and T. spiralis‐specific IgE in the serum were observed in CCR7‐blocked mice compared to those infected with only T. spiralis. CCR7 blockade led to the T. spiralis infection‐induced suppression of Th2‐ and Treg‐related cytokine production in vitro. These results suggest that CCR7 in DCs might play an essential role in host defence mechanisms against T. spiralis infection, particularly in the muscle stage of the infection, by accelerating Th2 and Treg cell responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pikromycin is an important precursor of drugs, for example, erythromycin. Hence, systems metabolic engineering for the enhanced pikromycin production can contribute to the development of pikromycin‐related drugs. In this study, metabolic genes in Streptomyces venezuelae were systematically engineered for enhanced pikromycin production. For this, a genome‐scale metabolic model of S. venezuelae was reconstructed and simulated, which led to the selection of 11 metabolic gene targets. These metabolic genes, including four overexpression targets and seven knockdown targets, were individually engineered first. Next, two overexpression targets and two knockdown targets were selected based on the 11 strains' production performances to engineer two to four of these genes together for the potential synergistic effects on the pikromycin production. As a result, the NM1 strain with AQF52_RS24510 (methenyltetrahydrofolate cyclohydrolase/methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase) overexpression and AQF52_RS30320 (sulfite reductase) knockdown showed the best production performance among all the 22 strains constructed in this study. Fed‐batch fermentation of the NM1 strain produced 295.25 mg/L of pikromycin, by far the best production titer using the native producer S. venezuelae, to the best of our knowledge. The systems metabolic engineering strategy demonstrated herein can also be applied to the overproduction of other secondary metabolites using S. venezuelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, data‐driven symmetry identification, property prediction, and low‐dimensional embedding from powder X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of inorganic crystal structure database (ICSD) and materials project (MP) entries are reported. For this purpose, a fully convolutional neural network (FCN), transformer encoder (T‐encoder), and variational autoencoder (VAE) are used. The results are compared to those obtained from a well‐established crystal graph convolutional neural network (CGCNN). A task‐specified small dataset that focuses on a narrow material system, knowledge (rule)‐based descriptor extraction, and significant data dimension reduction are not the main focus of this study. Conventional powder XRD patterns, which are most widely used in materials research, can be used as a significantly informative material descriptor for deep learning. Both the FCN and T‐encoder outperform the CGCNN for symmetry classification. For property prediction, the performance of the FCN concatenated with multilayer perceptron reaches the performance level of CGCNN. Machine‐learning‐driven material property prediction from the powder XRD pattern deserves appreciation because no such attempts have been made despite common XRD‐driven symmetry (and lattice size) prediction and phase identification. The ICSD and MP data are embedded in the 2D (or 3D) latent space through the VAE, and well‐separated clustering according to the symmetry and property is observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main pathophysiologic conditions of erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy are considered to be corporal fibrosis and apoptosis induced by cavernosal nerve (CN) injury. Objectives: In a rat model of CN crush injury (CNCI), we investigated whether combination treatment with JNK inhibitor (JNKi), SP600125, and HDAC inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide‐hydroxamic‐7 acid (SAHA), for 2 weeks after CNCI would restore erectile function by suppressing fibrosis and apoptosis through normalization of JNK and HDAC pathways. Materials and methods: Seventy 12‐week‐old rats were randomly divided into five groups: Sham surgery, CNCI alone, CNCI treated with daily intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg JNKi, CNCI treated with daily oral administration of 25.0 mg/kg HDACi, and CNCI daily treated with a combination. Two weeks after CNCI, we investigated the erectile response to electrostimulation and conducted histological staining, caspase‐3 activity assay, and western blot analysis. Results: CNCI alone resulted in significantly reduced intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (MAP) and area under the curve/MAP, decreased smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratio and SM content, higher caspase‐3 activity, and increased protein levels of total HDAC3, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, fibronectin, and c‐Jun phosphorylation, compared with the Sham surgery. The CNCI groups exposed to JNKi, HDACi or both showed improvements in erectile‐responses and SM/collagen ratio, compared to the CNCI alone. The combined treatment showed additional improvement in erectile responses at 1.0V stimulation and in SM/collagen ratio compared to the single agent treatment. SM content, caspase‐3 activity, and c‐Jun phosphorylation improved in the two CNCI groups exposed to JNKi. The two CNCI groups exposed to HDACi showed normalization of protein levels of HDAC3, fibronectin, and TGF‐β. Discussion and conclusions: The combined administration of JNKi and HDACi during the acute phase after CNCI in rats can preserve ED by suppressing cavernosal fibrosis and apoptosis by normalizing the HDAC/TGF‐β and JNK pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper‐based catalysts have attracted enormous attention due to their high selectivity for C2+ products during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR). In particular, grain boundaries on the catalysts contribute to the generation of various Cu coordination environments, which have been found essential for C—C coupling. However, smooth‐surfaced Cu2O nanocrystals generally lack the ability for the surface reorganization to form multiple grain boundaries and desired Cu undercoordination sites. Flow chemistry armed with the unparalleled ability to mix reaction mixture can achieve a very high concentration of unstable reaction intermediates, which in turn are used up rapidly to lead to kinetics‐driven nanocrystal growth. Herein, the synthesis of a unique hierarchical structure of Cu2O with numerous steps (h‐Cu2O ONS) via flow chemistry‐assisted modulation of nanocrystal growth kinetics is reported. The surface of h‐Cu2O ONS underwent rapid surface reconstruction under CO2RR conditions to exhibit multiple heterointerfaces between Cu2O and Cu phases, setting the preferable condition to facilitate C—C bond formation. Notably, the h‐Cu2O ONS obtained the increased C2H4 Faradaic efficiency from 31.9% to 43.5% during electrocatalysis concurrent with the morphological reorganization, showing the role of the stepped surface. Also, the h‐Cu2O ONS demonstrated a 3.8‐fold higher ethylene production rate as compared to the Cu2O nanocube. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews recent developments in the fabrication of high‐performance n‐channel metal‐oxide thin‐film transistors (TFTs) through atomic‐layer deposition (ALD), which are now attracting attention due to their potential for use in augmented and virtual reality, ultra‐high‐definition organic light‐emitting diodes, and flexible electronics. Recent trends in research on TFT backplanes for display applications are provided in the introduction. In the main section, ALD‐derived n‐type oxides serving as active layers are classified into binary, ternary, and quaternary systems, and recent developments and critical issues in n‐channel oxide TFTs are described. The performance of n‐channel oxide TFTs can be boosted through advanced architectures, including stacked heterojunction channels using two‐dimensional electron gases, and the introduction of high‐k dielectric such as ALD‐derived hafnium oxide, which is highlighted in this review. Finally, progress in p‐channel ALD‐derived oxide TFTs is briefly addressed with respect to complementary metal–oxide‐semiconductor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mastication ability of elderly women by assessing the number of their remaining teeth, subjective mastication comfort, subjective chewing ability of five food items, relative occlusion balance and mastication performance involving in chewing gum.Background: Korea has already entered an aged society, issues related to the elderly are also growing; for example, dementia is emerging as a social problem. In addition, oral health of the elderly is very important because it is directly related to nutrient intake. A total of 101 subjects aged ≥65 who attended senior citizen centres in Daegu city provided consent and were included in this study.Materials and Methods: The Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-DS) was used to evaluate cognitive function. To assess the degree of objective mastication, we measured colour changes using a chewing gum and posterior occlusion force using a T-scan Ⅲ® system.Results: There was an association between mastication ability and cognitive function, indicated by the colour changes in the chewing gum (P < .05). The participants with greater relative posterior occlusion forces had higher MMSE-DS scores than those with stronger relative anterior occlusion forces. There was a positive correlation between cognitive function and posterior occlusion force.Conclusion: The elderly having more occlusion force of posterior teeth rather than anterior teeth were associated with better cognitive ability. Therefore, it may be important for the elderly to restore the masticatory function for the posterior part to prevent against deterioration of cognitive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revolutionary concept of creating a large‐area tactile sensor by training a simple, bulky material through deep learning (DL) is proposed. This enables the replacement of the conventional tactile sensor comprising a patterned array structure with a super‐simple, single‐layer, large‐area tactile sensor pad. A crude carbon nanotube‐dispersed polydimethylsiloxane pad—with a bias applied to the center and the resultant piezoresistive current detected at several electrodes located on the pad edge—plays a smart sensory role without the need for complicated fabrication of microengineered structures. The piezoresistive current while recording the indented location and the pressure thereon is measured, and then various DL models (a multimodel arrangement is necessary due to the viscoelasticity of the pad) using the collected data are trained. The proposed concept is realized using a tandem model comprising a combination of algorithms selected from deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks, long short‐term memory networks, and 16 state‐of‐the‐art machine learning algorithms. The hold‐out dataset test accuracy for the indented location identification reaches 98.89%, and the goodness of fit for pressure prediction is evaluated with mean squared error of 2.5 × 10−3 and coefficient of determination of 98.05%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their high energy densities, Li‐rich layered oxides suffer from low capacity retention and continuous voltage decay caused by the migration of transition‐metal cations into the Li layers. The cation migration stabilizes oxidized oxygen anions through the decoordination of oxygen from the metal once the anions participate in the redox reaction. Structural disordering is thus considered inevitable in most Li‐rich layered oxides. However, herein, a Mg‐substituted Li‐rich layered oxide, Li1.2Mg0.2Ru0.6O2, with high structural and electrochemical stability is presented. Although using both cationic and anionic redox reactions, Ru migration in Li1.2−xMg0.2Ru0.6O2 is thermodynamically unfavored as a result of selectively oxidized O ions, suppressed structural disordering, and the formation of short (1.75 Å) Ru=O bonds enabled within the layered framework, which effectively decoordinate the oxidized O ions. The unprecedentedly high structural stability of Li1.2Mg0.2Ru0.6O2 leads to not only a high energy density of 964 Wh kg−1 but also outstanding rate capability and cycle performance. These findings demonstrate the potential of this practical strategy for the stabilization of Li‐rich layered oxides even with prolonged cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain injury affecting approximately 1 million newborn babies per year worldwide, the only treatment for which is therapeutic hypothermia. Thrombin‐preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert neuroprotective effects by enriching cargo contents and boosting exosome biogenesis, thus showing promise as a new therapeutic strategy for HIE. This study was conducted to evaluate the tissue distribution and potential toxicity of thrombin‐preconditioned human Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (th‐hWJMSCs) in animal models before the initiation of clinical trials. We investigated the biodistribution, tumorigenicity and general toxicity of th‐hWJMSCs. MSCs were administered the maximum feasible dose (1 × 105 cells/10 µL/head) once, or at lower doses into the cerebral ventricle. To support the clinical use of th‐hWJMSCs for treating brain injury, preclinical safety studies were conducted in newborn Sprague‐Dawley rats and BALB/c nude mice. In addition, growth parameters were evaluated to assess the impact of th‐hWJMSCs on the growth of newborn babies. Our results suggest that th‐hWJMSCs are non‐toxic and non‐tumorigenic in rodent models, survive for up to 7 days in the brain and hold potential for HIE therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Neoagarobiose (NA2) derived from agar marine biomass is a rare reagent that acts as an anti‐melanogenesis reagent and moisturizer. Here, for the economical manufacturing of NA2, we developed the co‐secretory production system of endo‐type β‐agarases (DagA) and exo‐type β‐agarases (EXB3) in Corynebacterium glutamicum. For this purpose, we first developed a secretory system of DagA via Tat pathway. To improve the secretion efficiency, we coexpressed two Tat pathway components (TatA and TatC), and to improve the purity of secreted DagA in the culture supernatant, two endogenous protein genes (Cg2052 and Cg1514) were removed. Using the engineered strain (C. glutamicum SP002), we confirmed that DagA as high as 1.53 g l‐1 was successfully produced in the culture media with high purity (72.7% in the supernatant protein fraction). Next, we constructed the expression system (pHCP‐CgR‐DagA‐EXB3) for the simultaneous secretion of EXB3 via Sec‐pathway together with DagA, and it was clearly confirmed that DagA and EXB3 were successfully secreted as high as 54% and 24.5%, respectively. Finally, using culture medium containing DagA and EXB3, we successfully demonstrated the conversion of high‐concentration agar (40 g l‐1) into NA2 via a two‐stage hydrolysis process. Agar is a potential and renewable raw macromolecule in macroalgae, and neoagarobiose (NA2) generated by hydrolysis of agar, is a rare reagent acting as a moisturizing and anti‐melanogenesis. Here, we report the development of two types of β‐agarases (endo‐ and exo‐type) secretory system in C. glutamicum for economical production of NA2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐deep‐blue aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) emitters (TB‐tCz and TB‐tPCz) bearing organoboron‐based cores as acceptors and 3,6‐substituted carbazoles as donors are presented. The thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties of the two emitters are confirmed by theoretical calculations and time‐resolved photoluminescence experiments. TB‐tCz and TB‐tPCz exhibit fast reverse intersystem crossing rate constants owing to efficient spin–orbit coupling between the singlet and triplet states. When applied in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), the TB‐tCz‐ and TB‐tPCz‐based nondoped devices exhibit ultra‐deep‐blue emissions of 416–428 nm and high color purity owing to their narrow bandwidths of 42.2–44.4 nm, corresponding to the Commission International de l´Eclairage color coordinates of (x = 0.16–0.17, y = 0.05–0.06). They show a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 8.21% and 15.8%, respectively, exhibiting an unprecedented high performance in solution‐processed deep‐blue TADF‐OLEDs. Furthermore, both emitters exhibit excellent device performances (EQEmax = 14.1–15.9%) and color purity in solution‐processed doped OLEDs. The current study provides an AIDF emitter design strategy to implement high‐efficiency deep‐blue OLEDs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) have become the standard backplane technology for large‐area active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode (AMOLED) TV. The high‐end mobile OLED demands the high mobility of ∼100 cm2/Vs. So far, the various approaches to improve the mobility of electron carriers in IGZO TFTs have been researched, including the optimization of cation composition, stacked channel structure, and the lattice ordering‐induced crystallization. In this paper, we presented our recent efforts toward the high‐performance and good reliability for IGZO TFTs, which is based on the atomic layer deposition process. First, the merits of the ALD‐derived IGZO compared to sputtered IGZO in terms of the electrical performance of IGZO TFT were investigated. Second, the quantum confinement effect in the IGZO heterojunction channel stacks was exploited, leading to 2DEG‐like high mobility. Finally, the IGZO TFTs with the high‐mobility and low‐driving‐voltage was realized through the bilayer IGZO channel and HfO2‐based gate dielectric stack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Chewing ability may reflect the overall oral health, which affects the general health of the elderly. Therefore, we assessed the association between subjective chewing ability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among the elderly.Methods: We analysed the data of 3034 elderly people aged ≥65 years from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that was conducted by the Korean government from 2013 to 2015 (KNHANES-VI). Subjective chewing ability was evaluated using a questionnaire, and HRQOL was assessed using EuroQol 5-dimension (EQ-5D) instrument by trained examiners. Covariates, such as socio-demographic, oral health-related and general health-related variables, were investigated.Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that chewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL in both crude and adjusted model for covariates such as age, gender, economic activity, residence, education, smoking, alcohol, hypertension, diabetes, remaining teeth, denture, CPI, tooth brushing and oral hygiene (crude OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.23-3.20) (adjusted OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.95-2.86). Chewing ability was also significantly associated with most dimensions of EQ-5D, such as motor ability, self-care, daily activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Chewing ability was significantly associated with HRQOL, suggesting that elderly people with low chewing ability are more likely to have poor health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cavernosal fibrosis, which is induced by cavernosal nerve (CN) injury and progresses with time, is the main cause of cavernosal veno‐occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) after radical prostatectomy. Objectives: To determine whether daily oral administration of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA; vorinostat) for 5‐weeks from the immediate post‐injury period after CN injury would rectify CVOD by suppressing cavernosal fibrosis and normalizing HDAC pathway in a rat model of CN crush injury (CNCI) and to compare the results with those obtained using chronic administration of PDE5‐inhibitors (a positive control). Methods: Fifty‐six 12‐week‐old rats were randomized into the four groups: sham surgery (S), CNCI (I), and CNCI treated with daily administration of 25.0 mg/kg SAHA (V) or 20.0 mg/kg udenafil (P). Group‐V and Group‐P received the respective treatment for 5‐weeks from the following day after CNCI. At 5 weeks after surgery, dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DIC), histological staining, and Western blot analysis were performed. Results: Group‐I had a significantly decreased papaverine response, higher maintenance rate or drop rate, lower smooth muscle (SM)/collagen ratio, decreased SM content, and increased protein expression of HDAC2, HDAC3, TGF‐β1, and collagen‐1, compared with Group‐S. The three DIC parameters in Group‐V and Group‐P significantly improved compared to those in Group‐I. Except for the maintenance rate, the improvement in papaverine response and drop rate in Group‐V was not significantly different from that in Group‐P. Group‐V and Group‐P showed the rectification of SM/collagen ratio and protein expression of TGF‐β1 or collagen‐1. SM content was improved in Group‐P, but not in Group‐V. Group‐V showed the normalization of protein expression of both HDAC2 and HDAC3, whereas protein expression of only HDAC2 was partially restored in Group‐P. Discussion: Treatment strategies targeting the HDAC pathway might be helpful to alleviate CVOD induced by CN injury. Conclusions: According to our data, chronic administration of SAHA improves post‐injury CVOD by suppressing cavernosal fibrosis via rectifying the HDAC/TGF‐β1 pathway in nerve‐injured rats, comparable to that with PDE5 inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two host materials, pCzBzbCz and pCzPybCz, are synthesized to achieve a high efficiency and long lifetime of blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light‐emitting diodes (TADF‐OLEDs). The molecular design strategy involves the introduction of a pyridine group into the core structure of pCzPybCz as an electron‐withdrawing unit, and an electron‐donating phenyl group into the structure of pCzBzbCz. These host materials demonstrate good thermal stability and high triplet energy (T1=3.07 eV for pCzBzbCz and 3.06 eV for pCzPybCz) for the fabrication of blue TADF‐OLEDs. In particular, pCzPybCz‐based OLED devices demonstrate an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.7 % and an operational lifetime of 24 h (LT90, time to attain 90 % of initial luminance) at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2. This superior lifetime could be explained by the C−N bond dissociation energy (BDE) in the host molecular structure. Furthermore, a mixed‐host system using the electron‐deficient 2,4‐bis(dibenzo[b,d]furan‐2‐yl)‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine (DDBFT) is proposed to inhibit the formation of the anion state of our host materials. In short, the device operational lifetime is further improved by applying DDBFT. The carbazole‐based asymmetric host molecule containing a pyridine core realizes a high‐efficiency blue TADF‐OLED showing a positive effect on the operating lifetime, and can provide useful strategies for designing new host materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]