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Application of Animal Resources into the Maillard Reaction Model System to Improve Meat Flavor
No full textSimulating meat flavor via Maillard reaction model systems that contain a mixture of amino acids and reducing sugars is an effective approach to understanding the reaction mechanism of the flavor precursors. Notably, animal resources such as fish, beef, chicken, pork hydrolysates, and fats are excellent precursors in promoting favorable meaty and roasted flavors and umami tastes of Maillard reaction products. The experimental conditions and related factors of the model systems for sensory enhancements, debittering, and off-flavor reduction with meat and by-products are summarized in this review. The review also highlights the flavor precursors in the animal resources and their participation in the Maillard reaction. This review provides a basis for a better understanding of the model systems, especially those prepared with animal resources.Y
Anti-CD19 antibody cotreatment enhances serial killing activity of anti-CD19 CAR-T/-NK cells and reduces trogocytosis
No full textAnti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)–engineered T and natural killer (NK) cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies, but challenges including CD19 antigen loss greatly hinder their full therapeutic potential. Here, we revealed that cotreatment with anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody enhances antitumor activity of anti-CD19 CAR-T and -NK cells. Even though the treated antibody interferes with CD19 antigen binding of CAR, it significantly induces rapid detachment of anti-CD19 CAR effector cells from target cells, facilitating improved serial killing. This reduced interaction between CAR effector cells and target cells also leads to the alleviation of CAR-mediated trogocytosis. Interestingly, cotreatment with anti-CD19 antibody reveals time-dependent effects on the antitumor activity of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells, characterized by a reduction in early T cell activation followed by sustained high activity during prolonged exposure to target cells. This temporal modulation ultimately results in enhanced antitumor potency in vivo. These findings underscore the improved therapeutic efficacy achieved by combining anti-CD19 antibody with anti-CD19 CAR-T or -NK cells against B-cell malignancies.Y
Potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease
No full textBackgroundHormone replacement therapy (HRT) is recommended for alleviating vasomotor symptoms or preventing bone loss in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hormone replacement therapy on major adverse cardiovascular events, kidney failure, and mortality in women with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis population-based cohort study analyzed data from the National Cancer Screening Program and the national health examination of South Korea. Data on postmenopausal women were extracted from the 2009 National Cancer Screening Program. Among these postmenopausal women, those with CKD without kidney replacement therapy were selected through a national health examination from 2009 to 2013. The study outcomes were the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events, kidney failure, and all-cause mortality according to hormone replacement therapy.ResultsA total of 768,279 postmenopausal women with CKD were enrolled in this study; of these women, 13.8% (N = 106,052) had a history of hormone replacement therapy. The user and non-user groups differed with respect to baseline characteristics, with the latter being older and having risk factors for cardiovascular disease. After adjustment for confounding factors, the group exposed to hormone replacement therapy showed lower risks of major adverse cardiovascular events, kidney failure, and all-cause mortality.ConclusionsThis study suggests the potential benefits of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women with CKD and highlighted its potential advantages for cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.N
A zonal asymmetry in boreal winter surface temperature trend and its recent reversal over the Northern Hemisphere continents
No full textA zonally asymmetric surface temperature trend has been observed in the boreal winter over the Northern Hemisphere continents from the late 1980s to the late 2000s. While the cooling trend was pronounced over central Eurasia, the warming trend was evident over Northeastern North America and Greenland. However, such trends were suddenly reversed in the late 2000s. The surface energy budget reveals that the downward longwave radiation due to the Arctic Oscillation (AO)-related temperature and moisture advection was mostly responsible for such trends. While the sensible heat flux also contributed to the temperature trend over central Eurasia, other terms play a minor role. This result suggests that a zonally asymmetric temperature trend in boreal winter and its recent reversal in the Northern Hemisphere continents are largely driven by the internal climate variability, particularly the AO-related thermodynamic and dynamic processes.N
Thermal Annealing-Induced Phase Conversion in N-type Triple-Cation Lead-Based Perovskite Field Effect Transistors
No full textThe field of perovskite optoelectronics and electronics has rapidly advanced, driven by excellent material properties and a diverse range of fabrication methods available. Among them, triple-cation perovskites such as CsFAMAPbI3 offer enhanced stability and superior performance, making them ideal candidates for advanced applications. However, the multicomponent nature of these perovskites introduces complexity, particularly in how their structural, optical, and electrical properties are influenced by thermal annealing-a critical step for achieving high-quality thin films. Here, we propose a comprehensive mechanistic picture of the thin film formation process of CsFAMAPbI3 during the thermal annealing step through systematic and comparative analyses, identifying two key thermally induced phase transitions: the crystallization of the perovskite phase facilitated by solvent evaporation and the formation of the PbI2 phase due to thermal decomposition. Our results reveal that the crystallization process during annealing proceeds from the surface to the bulk of the films, with a significant impact on the film's morphology and optical characteristics. Controlled annealing enhances field-effect transistor device performance by promoting defect passivation and complete perovskite crystallization, while prolonged annealing leads to excessive PbI2 formation, accelerating ion migration and ultimately degrading device performance. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing the design and performance of perovskite-based electronic and optoelectronic devices.N
The Transformation and Heritagization of Noh: From Shogunate Performing Art to a World Heritage
No full textPhysical properties, microbial adhesion, and biocompatibility of additively manufactured ceramic-reinforced resin: Effect of zwitterionic polymer content
No full textStatement of problem: Studies focusing on the effect of zwitterionic polymer content on the physical and biological properties of additively manufactured (AM) ceramic-reinforced resin for dental applications are lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) on the surface properties, mechanical properties, microbial adhesion, and cellular responses of ceramic-reinforced resins. Material and methods: Four different groups of AM resins filled with 60 wt% silicate-based composites and varying concentrations of MPC were prepared: 0 wt% (CRN), 1.1 wt% (CRM1), 2.2 wt% (CRM2), and 3.3 wt% (CRM3). Test specimens were fabricated from the resins using digital light processing and were tested for surface roughness (Sa and Ra), flexural strength and modulus, Vickers hardness (HV), and contact angle. The adhesion of oral microbes (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii), cytotoxicity, and cell viability of tested resins were also assessed. One-way analyses of variances and post hoc analyses using the Bonferroni correction and Tukey HSD tests were conducted to detect statistical differences among the groups (α=.05). Results: CRM2 exhibited significantly lower Ra (P=.020) and Sa (P=.013) values than CRM3, as well as greater flexural strength (P=.002) and modulus (P=.049), HV (P<.001), and contact angle (P=.015). CRM3 showed significantly lower flexural strength and modulus, HV, and contact angle than CRN (all P<.001). Both CRM2 and CRM3 exhibited significantly reduced adhesion of S. gordonii and S. mutans compared with CRN (all P<.001). Regardless of MPC content, the tested resins demonstrated biocompatibility and showed no signs of cytotoxicity. Conclusions: Incorporating low-concentration MPC into AM ceramic-reinforced resins significantly changed the surface properties, mechanical properties, microbial adhesion, and biocompatibility. CRM2 provided an optimal balance between structural integrity and bacterial-repellent activity while maintaining biocompatibility.N
Development of electron-flow-strengthened azo dyes with a wide color reproduction range for application in the color conversion layers of microdisplays
No full textIn this study, we developed novel red azo dyes applicable to color conversion layers with a wide color reproduction range, utilized in micropixel white organic light- emitting diodes. We introduced strong electron-withdrawing groups at the diazo component with the aim of controlling electron flow within the molecules and achieving a superior molar absorption coefficient. The introduction of these groups also resulted in a decrease in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level, leading to a red shift in the absorption wavelength, thus anticipating a broader color reproduction range. Subsequently, we prepared the color resists by combining the novel red azo dyes with a low-temperature-curing binder, producing color conversion films through spin coating. These spin-coated films exhibited high transmittance of up to 99 %, indicating the optimal formulation of the color resist components. Additionally, the introduction of a yellow color-tuning dye, structurally similar to the novel red dyes, broadened the color reproduction range to 111 % of the National Television System Committee color coordinates. The photostability tests conducted on the prepared spin-coated films exhibited minuscule variations in transmittance, indicating the simultaneous enhancement of the optical properties and photostability of the prepared microdisplay color conversion layers.Y
Interfacing with the Brain: How Nanotechnology Can Contribute
No full textInterfacing artificial devices with the human brain is the central goal of neurotechnology. Yet, our imaginations are often limited by currently available paradigms and technologies. Suggestions for brain-machine interfaces have changed over time, along with the available technology. Mechanical levers and cable winches were used to move parts of the brain during the mechanical age. Sophisticated electronic wiring and remote control have arisen during the electronic age, ultimately leading to plug-and-play computer interfaces. Nonetheless, our brains are so complex that these visions, until recently, largely remained unreachable dreams. The general problem, thus far, is that most of our technology is mechanically and/or electrically engineered, whereas the brain is a living, dynamic entity. As a result, these worlds are difficult to interface with one another. Nanotechnology, which encompasses engineered solid-state objects and integrated circuits, excels at small length scales of single to a few hundred nanometers and, thus, matches the sizes of biomolecules, biomolecular assemblies, and parts of cells. Consequently, we envision nanomaterials and nanotools as opportunities to interface with the brain in alternative ways. Here, we review the existing literature on the use of nanotechnology in brain-machine interfaces and look forward in discussing perspectives and limitations based on the authors' expertise across a range of complementary disciplines-from neuroscience, engineering, physics, and chemistry to biology and medicine, computer science and mathematics, and social science and jurisprudence. We focus on nanotechnology but also include information from related fields when useful and complementary.Y
Persistent Beta-Blocker Therapy Reduces Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Elevated Heart Rates
No full textBackground Elevated heart rate in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with increased risk of mortality. Beta-blocker therapy is well known to reduce heart rate. Methods and Results This study was a post hoc analysis of patients with acute ischemic stroke with maximum heart rates >= 100 bpm. Beta-blocker use, assessed on the eighth day after the index stroke, was categorized as persistent or nonpersistent based on usage up to 39 months. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, and mortality within the first year. Long-term mortality, a secondary outcome, was tracked for up to 10 years. Among 5049 patients (women, 38%; mean age, 68.5 years), 32.1% were prescribed beta blockers by the eighth day after stroke, and 99% had prior beta-blocker use. One-year cumulative incidences of the primary outcome, stroke recurrence, and death were 27.8%, 3.5%, and 25.8%, respectively. Persistent beta-blocker use was associated with a significant reduction in the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.81 [95% CI, 0.68-0.97]) and mortality (adjusted HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.69-0.94]) from 2 months to 1 year. Extended analysis of mortality for up to 10 years showed long-term benefits of beta-blocker use. Analyses subdividing patients into persistent users, discontinuers, and never-users suggested higher early mortality risk among discontinuers and potential late survival benefits for persistent users. Subgroup analyses demonstrated greater benefits in patients <75 years, and those with atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and higher mean heart rates. Conclusions Our study shows that continuation of beta-blocker therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke with tachycardia significantly reduces long-term mortality.Y