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Advancing device-based computing by simplifying circuit complexity
No full textWith Moore's law approaching its scaling limits, the quest for higher integration density in computing devices has become increasingly challenging. Device-based computer architecture can achieve circuit compaction by creating devices with a simpler circuit tailored for specific purposes. However, paradoxically, many of these devices require a greater number of transistors or other electronic components than conventional von Neumann systems. This review highlights recent advances in device-based computing. We seek to demonstrate how device-based computing can be used to implement von Neumann architectures more efficiently through Boolean logic and also to realize next-generation non-von Neumann systems, with a focus on improving integration density and energy efficiency.N
A Low-Jitter and Wide-Frequency-Range D-Band Frequency Synthesizer With a Subsampling PLL and a Harmonic-Boosting Frequency Multiplier
No full textThis work presents a D-band frequency synthesizer that can generate an ultra-low jitter output signal over a large frequency-tuning range (FTR). To overcome the structural limitations of conventional sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequency synthesizers and concurrently achieve a low jitter and a large FTR, we designed a two-stage architecture, in which a 50-GHz band subsampling PLL (SSPLL) with a 3rd-harmonic (HM)-rich class-F voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in the first stage interoperated with an HM-boosting frequency multiplier (FM) in the second stage. Designed with a 40-nm CMOS process, this D-band frequency synthesizer exhibited a wide FTR of 11.8%, i.e., 144-162 GHz. Due to its high-gain subsampling phase detector (PD), which can suppress in-band phase noise (PN), and its class-F VCO, which can achieve low out-of-band (OOB) PN, the proposed frequency synthesizer achieved the lowest rms jitter (i.e., 39 fs(rms)). Since the combination of the 3rd-HM-rich class-F VCO and the HM-boosting FM generated a D-band output signal in a power-efficient manner, this work also achieved the best jitter figure-of-merit (FOM) among the state-of-the-art W/D-band frequency synthesizers with an FTR more than 5%.N
Analysis of Research Trends on the Textured Vegetable Protein(TVP) Technology Using Topic Modeling
No full textPurpose: The study focuses on the commercialization of textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a key solution to future food production challenges, particularly in addressing environmental sustainability, nutritional needs, and ethical concerns related to animal welfare. Research design, data and methodology: Through an integrated search on Google Scholar, academic papers with "TVP: Textured Vegetable Protein" as the main keyword were analyzed using text mining methodologies, including frequency analysis and topic modeling. Results: The analysis revealed a notable shift in research focus: since the 2020s, keywords related to TVP's texture, manufacturing processes, and commercialization technology have grown in prominence, while nutritional ingredient discussions have decreased. Topic modeling showed a transition from studying TVP as an experimental nutritional alternative before 2000 to its potential for market viability after 2000, and more recently, as a commercial product mimicking meat after 2020. Logit analysis further highlighted the increasing interest in the functional properties and ingredients of TVP patties. Conclusions: The study underscores the growing priority in reducing textural differences from meat and enhancing mass production processes, advocating for future research and policies to focus on these aspects in the industrialization of TVP.N
Real-Time Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compound-Mediated Plant Intercommunication Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanosensor
No full textPlants communicate through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), but real-time monitoring of VOCs for plant intercommunication is not practically possible yet. A nanobionic VOC sensor plant is created to study VOC-mediated plant intercommunication by incorporating surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensors into a living plant. This sensor allows real-time monitoring of VOC with a sensitivity down to the parts per trillion level. A quantitative VOC diffusion model in plants is proposed to describe this extreme sensitivity. The sensor plant is paired with a customized portable Raman device, demonstrating its ability to detect multiple VOCs on-field. The sensor demonstrated that plants collect VOCs emitted from neighboring plants and hazardous volatile chemicals in the air at a certain distance. As a feasibility study, this nanobionic VOC sensor plant successfully monitored the early stages of fungal infection in strawberry fruits. This result suggests that interfacing nanosensors with plants offers an innovative approach to studying interplant communication and can be used as a compelling tool for monitoring VOC occurrence.Y
Mechanisms of chemotherapy failure in refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: the role of cytarabine resistance and mitochondrial metabolism
No full textAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematological malignancy. Patients with wild-type FLT3 relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML face significant therapeutic challenges due to the persistent lack of effective treatments. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance is needed to the development of effective treatment strategies. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying cytarabine (Ara-C) resistance and daunorubicin (DNR) tolerance in Ara-C-resistant RHI-1 cells derived from the wild-type FLT3 AML cell line SHI-1. Quantitative analysis of intracellular drug concentrations, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics showed that DNR resistance in Ara-C-resistant RHI-1 cells is driven by metabolic remodeling toward mitochondrial metabolism, upregulation of DNA repair pathways, and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification rather than reduced drug uptake. Moreover, targeting these compensatory mechanisms, particularly the OXPHOS complex I proteins, significantly improved the efficacy of both Ara-C and DNR. Conclusively, these findings highlight mitochondrial metabolism and DNA repair as critical factors in chemotherapy resistance and offer valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for enhancing treatment outcomes in patients with wild-type FLT3 R/R AML.Y
Characteristics of High-Performance Low-Volume Hospitals in Acute Stroke Care
No full textBACKGROUND: High patient volumes are associated with better stroke management and outcomes. However, in sparsely populated regions, patients with stroke frequently rely on low-volume hospitals for acute care. This study evaluates the performance of high-performing hospitals among low-volume hospitals and identifies factors contributing to their high performance despite treating fewer stroke cases. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed data from the eighth Acute Stroke Quality Assessment Program in 2018, alongside reimbursement claims and death certificate records, to evaluate stroke care in 248 hospitals across South Korea, including all general and tertiary hospitals. The hospitals treating <100 patients with stroke annually were classified as low-volume. High performance among these hospitals was defined as achieving a defect-free care rate of >75%. The outcome measured was the poststroke 1-year mortality rate. Of 28 572 patients, 2521 (8.8%) were treated in low-volume hospitals, primarily general hospitals outside the capital area. The 1-year mortality rate was significantly higher in low-volume hospitals (24.8%) compared with their high-volume counterparts (17.6%, adjusted P<0.01). High-performing low-volume hospitals exhibited a significantly lower 1-year mortality rate (21.1%) than low-performing hospitals (26.9%, adjusted P=0.036), with no significant difference in the number of hospital beds or annual stroke admissions. High-performing low-volume hospitals were characterized by their location (P=0.048) and a significantly greater number of physicians, particularly neurologists (P=0.010). The presence of neurologists was also associated with a higher defect-free care rate in these hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the status of low-volume hospitals in providing stroke care in areas with limited access to larger medical facilities. It suggests that enhancing acute stroke care performance, particularly through human resource investments, can significantly improve quality and patient outcomes at these hospitals.Y
Degradation Mechanism Induced by Depth-Dependent Inhomogeneity in Thick High-Areal-Capacity Graphite Electrode
No full textEmploying thick electrodes with high active material loading is one of the most practical approaches to enhance the energy density of lithium-ion batteries by fully leverage the potential of electrode materials. However, use of thick electrodes typically leads to a significant decline in electrode performance, accompanied by accelerated electrode degradation. Herein, the degradation mechanism is elucidated in high-loading graphite electrodes, driven by depth-dependent reaction inhomogeneity along the electrode thickness. It is demonstrated that the inhomogeneity is primarily caused by entrapment of lithium ions at the bottom of the electrode, progressively worsening with cycles, and contributes to the generation of current hotspots particularly at the top of the electrode. These hotspots trigger excessive solid electrolyte interphase formation, causing a sharp rise in charge transfer resistance and further exacerbating reaction inhomogeneity. It is further shown that the protection of the electrode surface mitigates the side reactions induced by current hotspots, breaking the negative feedback loop between electrode resistance and reaction inhomogeneity. The negative feedback loop in the degradation mechanism suggests a need for a comprehensive strategy that not only enhances diffusion process commonly targeted for improving thick electrode performance but mitigates the surface reaction for the successful implementation of high-loading electrodes.Y
Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
No full textBackground There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population. Methods We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Databases were searched from Oct 1, 2014, to March 30, 2020. To be eligible, studies must have included more than five children or adolescents (0-19 years of age) treated for microbiologically confirmed or clinically diagnosed MDR or RR tuberculosis within a defined treatment cohort, and reported on regimen composition and treatment outcomes. Abstracts were screened independently by two authors to identify potentially eligible records. Full texts were reviewed by two authors independently to identify studies meeting the eligiblity criteria. For studies meeting eligiblity criteria, anonymised individual patient data was requested and individiual level data included for analysis. The main outcome assessed was treatment outcome defined as treatment success (cure or treatment completed) versus unfavourable outcome (treatment failure or death). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify associations between clinical and treatment factors and treatment outcomes. This study is registered with Prospero (CRD42020187230). Findings 1417 studies were identified through database searching. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, the search identified 23 369 individual participants from 42 studies, mostly from India and South Africa. Overall, 16 825 (72.0%) were successfully treated (treatment completed or cured), 2848 died (12.2%), 722 (3.1%) had treatment failure, and 2974 (12.7%) were lost to follow-up. In primary analyses, the median age was 16 (IQR 13-18) years. Of the 17 764 (87.1%) participants with reported HIV status, 2448 (13.8%) were living with HIV. 17 707 (89.6%) had microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis. After adjusting for significant factors associated with treatment outcome, the use of two (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.41 [95% CI 1.09-1.82]; p=0.008) or three (2.12 [1.61-2.79]; p<0.0001) WHO-classified group A drugs (bedaquiline, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and linezolid) compared with the use of no group A drugs at all was positively associated with treatment success. Interpretation Younger and clinically diagnosed children are underrepresented among those treated for MDR and RR tuberculosis and should be a focus for case-finding efforts. Overall treatment outcomes in our analysis were better than in adults but lower than the international targets of 90% or more individuals successfully treated. Treatment with more group A drugs was associated with better treatment outcomes in children and adolescents, highlighting the need for more rapid access to these drugs and improved regimens. Copyright (c) 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.N
Self-Powered Oxygen Microbubble Generator for Decontamination of Anaerobic Biofilm-Fouled Bioimplants
No full textBiomedical devices often feature a microgap: confined, minuscule spaces that foster bacterial infiltration and biofilm formation. For instance, peri-implantitis with prevalence rates of 4.7-45% at the patient level is a major complication driven by biofilm infections, characterized by chronic inflammation and implant failure. Anaerobic biofilm residing within the microgap serves as a major source of the peri-implantitis, but tools that remove the biofilm are lacking. Therefore, this study presents a novel preventive strategy employing self-powered microbubbler (SM) for targeted decontamination of micrographs in dental implants. SMs are assembled by doping diatoms with MnO2 nanosheets. These particles are activated to generate O2 microbubbles in H2O2 solution via catalase-mimetic activity and can penetrate the biofilm structures. The resulting oxygen bubbles induce effective mechanical disruption and oxygenation within biofilm-mimicking gelatin hydrogels and Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms found in the peri-implantitis-affected implants. Such biofilm removal from the microgap restored mechanical stability at implant abutment-fixture connections and reduced bacterial leakage. Multispecies biofilms from patient-derived implants were similarly decontaminated with the mixture of SM-H2O2 outperforming conventional antiseptics like 0.2% chlorhexidine and 3% H2O2 alone. This innovative approach extends beyond dental implants to address biofilm-associated challenges in various biomedical devices with microgap vulnerabilities. Overall, SM-based treatments will offer an efficient and nondamaging solution to enhance the sterility and longevity of various bioimplants with intricated and confined structure.Y
A soft wearable exoglove for rehabilitation assistance: a novel application of knitted shape-memory alloy as a flexible actuator
No full textWe developed the knitted shape-memory alloy (SMA) as a flexible actuator and applied it to a soft wearable exoglove for rehabilitation assistance. Based on user needs and anthropometric data, we custom-designed the exoglove for three hemiplegic patients using the knitted-SMA actuator and evaluated its bending performance, gripping force and wearability under the four simulation conditions (S1–S4). To address the specific needs, both SMA plain- and double-knit modules were applied to the exoglove based on the patients finger joint range of motion (ROMs). The joint ROMs of all fingers increased by 13.71% and the skin temperature increased by 2.21°C after actuating the glove (p = 0.006). The gripping force increased as much as 55.01%, when compared to the baseline. All patients were able to don and doff the developed glove independently, and positively evaluated their subjective satisfaction and thermal perception. The findings suggested the potential of the knitted SMA for the future development of soft wearable robots.This study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korean Government (MSIT) [RS-2023-00208052]; the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education [2020R1A6A3A01099046], and Alchemist Project funded by the Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy [20007058-K_G012000705804-10054408]