Effects of Hydrolysis Reaction and Abrasive Drag Force Accelerator on Enhancing Si-Wafer Polishing Rate and Improving Si-Wafer Surface Roughness.

To satisfy the superior surface quality requirements in the fabrication of HBM (High-Bandwidth Memory) and 3D NAND Flash Memory, high-efficiency Si chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) is essential. In this study, a colloidal silica abrasive-based Si-wafer CMP slurry was developed to simultaneously achieve a high polishing rate (≥10 nm/min) and low surface roughness (≤0.2 nm) without inducing CMP-induced scratches.

Acid-Free Liquid Crystalline Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Polyelectrolytes for Interconnected Fibers, Yarns, and Electronic Textiles.

Liquid crystalline (LC) solutions of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) provide an attractive route to ordered fibers, films, and coatings, with exceptional multifunctional properties. Here, the formation of nematic phases, using reductive chemistry, to generate SWCNT polyelectrolytes (sodium nanotubides) as an alternative to routes based on superacids is elucidated. Strikingly, the stable mesophase domain of SWCNT polyelectrolytes extends to spontaneous LC nematic formation at a low concentration of 0.

T3 Endoscopic Thoracic Ganglionectomy Using Cutting Mode Cautery for Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Background: Understanding the precise anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk is crucial for effectively treating palmar hyperhidrosis using the surgical technique of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The variability in the location of T2 and T3 ganglia in relation to the ribs may contribute to inconsistent clinical outcomes after ETS.

Methods: For the cadaver study, adult human cadaveric thoraces were dissected to map the locations of T2 and T3 ganglia by identifying their white rami communicantes.

Association Between Automated Coronary Artery Calcium From Routine Chest Computed Tomography Scans and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Colorectal or Gastric Cancer.

Background: As cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of noncancer mortality in colorectal or gastric cancer patients, it is essential to identify patients at increased CVD risk. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an established predictor of atherosclerotic CVD; however, its application is limited in this population. This study evaluates the association between automated CAC scoring using chest computed tomography and atherosclerotic CVD risk in colorectal or gastric cancer patients.

Profiling of Metabolite Changes in Lettuce Leaves during Fermentation by .

Metabolic profiling is a valuable tool for elucidating the biochemical pathways and key metabolites involved in the health benefits associated with microbial fermentation. In this study, we investigated the metabolic changes occurring during the fermentation of lettuce leaves by , a widely studied bacterium known for its diverse metabolic capabilities. Through non-targeted metabolic profiling, we identified and characterized metabolites that may contribute to the beneficial effects of fermented lettuce.

Re-investigation of moment direction in a Kitaev material-RuCl.

We report x-ray diffraction and resonant elastic x-ray scattering studies on two-RuClcrystals with distinct magnetic transition temperatures:TN = 7.3 K and 6.5 K.

Crystal structure and biochemical characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase isolated from Rhodococcus sp. PAMC28705.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a widely recognized oxidoreductase that converts toxic aldehydes into harmless carboxylic acids, making it highly valuable for industrial applications. However, the effectiveness of ALDHs derived from Rhodococcus species in processing a range of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes is still largely unexamined. Therefore, we cloned the ALDH gene from the cold-adapted strain Rhodococcus sp.

Advancements in Biochar as a Sustainable Adsorbent for Water Pollution Mitigation.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from the partial combustion of biomass wastes is often termed "black gold" for its potential in water pollution mitigation and carbon sequestration. By customizing biomass feedstock and optimizing preparation strategies, biochar can be engineered with specific physicochemical properties to enhance its effectiveness in removing contaminants from wastewater. Recent studies demonstrate that biochar can achieve > 90% removal efficiency for heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, > 85% adsorption capacity for organic pollutants such as dyes and phenols, and > 80% reduction in microplastics and nanoplastics.

Disulfide-stabilized diabodies enable near-atomic cryo-EM imaging of small proteins: A case study of the bacterial Na/citrate symporter CitS.

Diabodies are engineered antibody fragments with two antigen-binding Fv domains. Previously, we demonstrated that they are often highly flexible but can be rigidified by introducing a disulfide bond at the Fv interface. In this study, we explored the potential of disulfide-bridged, bispecific diabodies for near-atomic cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) imaging of small proteins because they can predictably link target proteins to "structural marker" proteins.

Tailoring Polysulfide Interaction with Balanced d-Band Center via In Situ Construction of Atomically Dispersed Zr-O Sites in MnO/β-MnO Heterostructure for Li-S Batteries.

Although noteworthy research focuses on heterostructured catalysts for efficient polysulfide adsorption in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, the strategy for maximized electrocatalytic activity is less investigated. Herein, MnO/β-MnO heterostructure electrocatalyst is engineered via in situ regulation of atomically dispersed Zr sites in the form of Zr-O coordinated-structure as a highly stable freestanding cathode. The fine-tuned Zr sites can adjust polysulfide adsorption inducing reduced overpotential, improved Li mobility, and boosted redox kinetics.

Incidence and Temporal Dynamics of Combined Infections in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patients With Risk Factors for Severe Complications.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerged infectious disease that needs further clinical investigation. Characterizing the temporal pattern of combined infections in patients with COVID-19 may help clinicians understand the clinical nature of this disease and provide valuable diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed COVID-19 patients isolated in four study hospitals in Korea for one year period from May 2021 to April 2022 when the delta and omicron variants were dominant.

Impact of Regulatory Post-Market Safety Advisories on Prescribing Practices: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

Less frequent adverse drug reactions are usually discovered after a drug's release to the market, making effective and timely communication of regulatory post-market advisories essential for preventing emerging adverse effects. Time series analysis is a key study design for assessing the impact of post-market safety advisories. However, most previous studies have focused on narrow evaluations, limiting systematic assessment of how different safety advisories affect prescribing practices.

Discovery of Diphenyl Ether Derivatives as Novel BK Channel Activators: Structure-Activity Relationship, Cryo-EM Complex Structures, and Animal Studies.

The BK channel, a large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the micturition cycle and airway-related functions. In this study, we optimized a novel BK channel activator, , with a diphenyl ether structure identified from library screening. This led to the discovery of potent activators, (EC = 0.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Survivors: Current Evidence, Risk Prediction, Prevention, and Management.

While advances in cancer treatment have led to improved survival rates, cancer survivors are at a significant risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This review examines the risk, diagnosis, and prevention of ASCVD in this population. Cancer survivors, especially those diagnosed with certain types, face a significantly higher risk of developing ASCVD than the general population.

Cryo-EM structures reveal the H/citrate symport mechanism of INDY.

I'm Not Dead Yet (INDY) functions as a transporter for citrate, a key metabolite in the citric acid cycle, across the plasma membrane. Partial deficiency of INDY extends lifespan, akin to the effects of caloric restriction. In this work, we use cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of INDY in the presence and absence of citrate and in complex with the well-known inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS) at resolutions ranging from 2.

Anticancer therapeutic effect of magnetic guided cobalt ferrite/doxorubicin-loaded ROS-responsive bilirubin nanoparticles in a colon cancer model.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to synthesize the cobalt iron oxide (CoFe) and doxorubicin (Dox)-loaded chitosan bilirubin (ChiBil) nanoparticles and to investigate the anticancer therapeutic effect of the synthesized nanoparticles under magnetic guidance in a colon cancer.

Materials And Methods: ChiBil-CoFe-Dox nanoparticles were synthesized by conjugating CoFe and Dox and then loaded onto ChiBil nanoparticles. Synthesis were characterized using thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and field emission-transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM).

Galvanic hydrogenation reaction in metal oxide.

Rational reforming of metal oxide has a potential importance to modulate their inherent properties toward appealing characteristics for various applications. Here, we present a detailed fundamental study of the proton migration phenomena between mediums and propose the methodology for controllable metal oxide hydrogenation through galvanic reactions with metallic cation under ambient atmosphere. As a proof of concept for hydrogenation, we study the role of proton adoption on the structural properties of molybdenum trioxide, as a representative, and its impact on redox characteristics in Li-ion battery (LiB) systems using electrochemical experiments and first-principles calculation.

Leuconostoc aquikimchii sp. nov., a Lactic Acid Bacterium Isolated from Cabbage Watery Kimchi.

Two Gram-stain-positive, facultatively anaerobic, non-hemolytic, coccoid-shaped bacterial strains, designated MS01 and MS02, were isolated from cabbage watery kimchi in the Republic of Korea. Cellular growth occurred at 5-25 ℃ (optimum, 20 ℃), pH 5-8 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of 0-5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). Results of 16S rRNA gene-based phylogenetic analyses showed that strains MS01 and MS02 shared identical sequences, clustered within the Leuconostoc clade in phylogenetic trees, and were most closely related to Leuconostoc inhae IH003 and Leuconostoc gasicomitatum LMG 18811 with sequence similarities of 98.

Targeting sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingosine kinases in pancreatic cancer: mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Pancreatic cancer is known to be the most lethal cancer. Fewer new treatments are being developed for pancreatic cancer as compared to other cancers. The bioactive lipid S1P, which is mainly regulated by sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) enzymes, plays significant roles in pancreatic cancer initiation and exacerbation.

In Vivo Differentiation of Endogenous Bone Marrow-Derived Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells Using Four Soluble Factors.

Four soluble factors-putrescine, glucosamine, nicotinamide, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor BP-1-102-were shown to differentiate bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMNCs) into functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in vitro. Transplantation of these IPCs improved hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. However, the role of endogenous BMNC regeneration in this effect was unclear.

Dexamethasone nanocrystals-embedded hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel increases cochlear delivery and attenuates hearing loss following intratympanic injection.

Herein, dexamethasone (DEX) nanocrystalline suspension (NS)-embedded hydrogel (NS-G) was constructed using a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymer to enhance cochlear delivery and attenuate hearing loss following intratympanic (IT) injection. Hydrophobic steroidal nanocrystals were prepared using a bead milling technique and incorporated into a polysaccharide hydrogel. The NS-G system with HPMC (average molecular weight, 86,000 g/mol; 15 mg/mL) was characterized as follows: rod-shaped drug crystalline; particle size <300 nm; and constant complex viscosity ≤1.