163559 research outputs found
Sort by
Nonlesional ileal transcriptome in Crohn's disease reveals alterations in immune response and metabolic pathway
No full textBackground and Aim: We aimed to assess the gene expression profiles of nonlesional small bowels in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) to identify its accompanying molecular alterations. Methods: We performed RNA sequencing of the uninflamed small bowel tissues obtained from 70 patients with ileal CD and 9 patients with colon cancer (non-CD controls) during bowel resection. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analyses were performed using DESeq2. Gene set enrichment, correlation, and cell deconvolution analyses were applied to identify modules and functionally enriched transcriptional signatures of CD. Results: A comparison of CD patients and non-CD controls revealed that of the 372 DEGs, 49 protein-coding genes and 5 long non-coding RNAs overlapped with the inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility loci. The pathways related to immune and inflammatory reactions were upregulated in CD, while metabolic pathways were downregulated in CD. Compared with non-CD controls, CD patients had significantly higher proportions of immune cells, including plasma cells (P = 1.15 × 10−4), and a lower proportion of epithelial cells (P = 1.12 × 10−4). Co-upregulated genes (M14 module) and co-downregulated genes (M9 module) were identified in CD patients. The M14 module was enriched in immune-related genes and significantly associated with the responses to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. The core signature of the M14 module was comprised of six genes and was upregulated in nonresponders to anti-TNF therapy of five independent cohorts (n = 163), indicating acceptable discrimination ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 75–86%). Conclusions: The differences in gene expression and cellular composition between CD patients and non-CD controls imply significant molecular alterations, which are associated with the response to anti-TNF treatment.N
Room Temperature Quantum Emitters in van der Waals α-MoO3
No full textQuantum emitters in solid-state materials are highly promising building blocks for quantum information processing and communication science. Recently, single-photon emission from van der Waals materials has been reported in transition metal dichalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride, exhibiting the potential to realize photonic quantum technologies in two-dimensional materials. Here, we report the generation of room temperature single-photon emission from exfoliated and thermally annealed single crystals of van der Waals alpha-MoO3. The second-order correlation function measurement displays clear photon antibunching, while the luminescence intensity exceeds 0.4 Mcts/s and remains stable under laser excitation. The theoretical calculation suggests that an oxygen vacancy defect is a possible candidate for the observed emitters. Together with photostability and brightness, quantum emitters in alpha-MoO3 provide a new avenue to realize photon-based quantum information science in van der Waals materials.Y
Ultraflexible Vertical Corbino Organic Electrochemical Transistors for Epidermal Signal Monitoring
No full textSkin-conformal organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have attracted significant attention for real-time physiological signal monitoring and are vital for health diagnostics and treatments. However, mechanical harmonization amid the inherent dynamic nature of the skin surface and the acquisition of intrinsic physiological signals are significant challenges that hinder the integration of the ultimate skin interface. Thus, this study proposes a novel 4-terminal (4-T) vertical Corbino OECT, exhibiting high transconductance (>400 mS) and offering remarkable resilience and operational stability at an extremely low voltage of 10 mV (1.9% of minimal current change after 104 biasing cycles and endurance up to 103 cycles of repetitive deformation with a 5 µm bending radius). Consequently, ultralow-power, motion-resistant epidermal electrocardiogram, electromyogram, and electrooculogram sensors are developed with an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of 40.1 dB. The results of this study present a significant stride in non-invasive, skin-interfaced health-monitoring technologies and herald a new era in integrative health technologies.Y
Non-fluorinated electrolytes with micelle-like solvation for ultra-high-energy-density lithium metal batteries
No full textElectrolyte engineering plays a critical role in enabling lithium (Li) metal batteries. However, the simultaneous realization of anion-rich solvation structure and high ionic conductivity of electrolytes via solvation structure design remains challenging. Here, we report a low-cost, non-fluorinated electrolyte with a micelle-like solvation structure by introducing amphiphilic n-butyl methyl ether (MNBE) into Li bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI)/1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) for stable Li metal batteries (LMBs). MNBE can effectively promote Li+-FSI− coordination through steric crowding. Meanwhile, the inert alkyl chains of MNBE can mitigate the reaction between electrolyte and Li metal due to their lithiophobicity. Specifically, the micelle-like, non-fluorinated electrolyte exhibits an ionic conductivity as high as 12.55 mS cm−1, and its anion-rich solvation structure promotes the formation of LiF-rich solid-electrolyte interphase. We constructed a 7.3 Ah Li||NMC811 pouch cell employing this electrolyte under harsh conditions, exhibiting ultra-high specific energy of 503.7 Wh kg−1 with impressive cycling stability of 84.1% capacity retention after 100 cycles.Y
Stochastically Broken Inversion Symmetry of Van der Waals Topological Insulator for Nanoscale Physically Unclonable Functions
No full textOwing to the exotic state of quantum matter, topological insulators have emerged as a significant platform for new-generation functional devices. Among these topological insulators, tetradymites have received significant attention because of their van der Waals (vdW) structures and inversion symmetries. Although this inversion symmetry completely blocks exotic quantum phenomena, it should be broken down to facilitate versatile topological functionalities. Recently, a Janus structure is suggested for asymmetric out-of-plane lattice structures, terminating the heterogeneous atoms at two sides of the vdW structure. However, the synthesis of Janus structures has not been achieved commercially because of the imprecise control of the layer-by-layer growth, high-temperature synthesis, and low yield. To overcome these limitations, plasma sulfurization of vdW topological insulators has been presented, enabling stochastic inversion asymmetry. To take practical advantage of the random lattice distortion, physically unclonable functions (PUFs) have been suggested as applications of vdW Janus topological insulators. The sulfur dominance is experimentally demonstrated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, hysteresis variation, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and adhesion energy variation. In conclusion, it is envisioned that the vdW Janus topological insulators can provide an extendable encryption platform for randomized lattice distortion, offering on-demand stochastic inversion asymmetry via a single-step plasma sulfurization.N
Delayed Diagnosis of Imported Cystic Echinococcosis and Successful Treatment With Percutaneous Drainage and Albendazole in Korea: A Case Report
No full textEchinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed. Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcusgranulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation ofalbendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.Y
Noise-Reduced WSe2 Phototransistors for Enhanced Photodetection Performance via Suppression of Metal-Induced Gap States
No full textPhototransistors are critical components in optoelectronics, and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2), show promise for phototransistor applications due to their strong light-matter interaction, unique excitonic properties, and high surface-to-volume ratio. In 2D TMDC-based phototransistors, 1/f noise, caused by complex defect states, acts as a dominant low-frequency noise (LFN) and is crucial for obtaining accurate photodetection characteristics. However, many studies still overlook LFN and focus on enhancing photocurrent or response time. In this study, the importance of LFN analysis is highlighted in WSe2 phototransistors and demonstrate reduced noises and enhanced photodetection performance through the suppression of metal-induced gap states (MIGS) that act as noise sources by utilizing semimetal bismuth (Bi) contact. The WSe2 phototransistors demonstrated approximate to 1000 times lower noise, 100 times higher responsivity, and 10 times higher specific detectivity than devices with conventional metal contacts. The results of this study suggest that reducing LFN in photodetection devices, such as by suppressing MIGS, can be an efficient way to enhance device performance.N
Design of oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications
No full textOxide nanoparticles have garnered significant attention in biomedical research owing to the numerous available synthetic approaches and highly tunable physicochemical properties, which enable diverse functions within biological systems. These nanoparticles can be broadly categorized based on their characteristics useful for biomedical applications. Magnetic oxide nanoparticles, for instance, are prominently used as contrast agents in MRI and as mediators to generate heat, mechanical force or electricity for therapy. Catalytic oxide nanoparticles can generate or eliminate reactive oxygen species, which are central to numerous biological processes. Porous oxide nanoparticles are adept at loading dye or drug molecules, making them invaluable for bioimaging and therapeutic interventions. In this Review, we highlight strategies for the fabrication and advanced engineering of oxide nanoparticles tailored for biomedical applications. We primarily focus on iron oxide, ceria and silica nanoparticles, delving into their diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. We also discuss future prospects and the challenges that must be addressed to meet clinical needs.N
Liquid metal-based stretchable bioelectronic fiber for electrical stimulation and drug delivery in minimally invasive cardiac therapy
No full textCardiovascular diseases, such as ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure, require timely and effective treatment to prevent disease progression and improve patient outcomes. Current therapeutics, including electrical shock and emergent cardiovascular medications, have significantly contributed to managing these conditions. However, due to their systemic side effects, there are ongoing demands for highly effective localized therapies. In this regard, a soft implantable device has been considered for cardiac applications, but invasiveness in their implantation procedure and difficulty in compact integration of multiple functions are unmet challenges. To address these issues, we develop a stretchable, multi-functional fiber designed for emergent cardiac intervention, offering electrogram recording, electrical modulation, and drug therapy directly at the epicardial surface. With temperature-dependent phase shifting properties of the liquid metal inside the fiber, the stiffened fiber can be implanted into the thoracic cavity without invasive surgery. Once implanted, the softened fiber provides multimodal therapies (e.g., chemotherapy and electrical therapy) tailored to the patient's condition. By tuning the delivery parameters based on continuous electrogram recording, effective and urgent cardiac interventions for severe arrhythmias are demonstrated in an in vivo rat model.N
Graphite carbon nitride-based metal-free bifunctional electrocatalysts for anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer
No full textAnion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) are considered promising technologies that outperform alkaline water electrolyzers and proton-exchange membrane water electrolyzers due to their various advantages. In particular, one of the most important advantages of AEMWEs is that it does not have to use rare precious metal materials such as iridium and platinum as a catalyst. Therefore, for the commercialization and industrialization of AEMWE technology, basic research on cell performance using robust non-precious metal catalysts is urgently needed. Consequently, in this paper, metal-free electrocatalysts based on graphite carbon nitride were synthesized and nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber was applied as a support. These materials exhibited oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity comparable to the commercial NiFeO catalyst and demonstrated hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, thereby substantiating its potential as a bifunctional catalyst. Furthermore, the application of the graphite carbon nitride to the anode of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) revealed outstanding performance with a current density of 389 mA cm-2 at 1.9 V, and excellent durability within a full-cell system. Notably, by incorporating graphite carbon nitride at both the cathode and anode electrocatalyst, we have successfully achieved a current density of 272 mA cm-2 at 1.9 V in a fully nonmetal catalyst based AEMWE system. Such results will serve as a valuable source of inspiration for researchers in non-metal catalysts in electrolysis devices.N