Development and validation of long-acting recombinant human TSH using SAFA technology.

Thyrogen, a recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH), has a short half-life in the bloodstream, which necessitates multiple doses during treatment. Therefore, we developed a new long-acting rhTSH using anti-serum albumin Fab-associated (SAFA) technology to validate its biological activity through in vitro assays, pharmacokinetic studies in healthy mice and pharmacodynamics studies in a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-suppressed mouse model. SAFA-TSH was produced using a Chinese hamster ovary expression system.

A streamlined algorithm for two-dimensional bandgaps and defect-state energy variations in InGaN-based micro-LEDs.

Bandgaps and defect-state energies are key electrical characteristics of semiconductor materials and devices, thereby necessitating nanoscale analysis with a heightened detection threshold. An example of such a device is an InGaN-based light-emitting diode (LED), which is used to create fine pixels in augmented-reality micro-LED glasses. This process requires an in-depth understanding of the spatial variations of the bandgap and its defect states in the implanted area, especially for small-sized pixelation requiring electroluminescence.

Deep learning for predicting rehospitalization in acute heart failure: Model foundation and external validation.

Aims: Assessing the risk for HF rehospitalization is important for managing and treating patients with HF. To address this need, various risk prediction models have been developed. However, none of them used deep learning methods with real-world data.

Disruption of IL-18 signaling via engineered IL-18BP biologics alleviates experimental cholestatic liver disease.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis around intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts leading to severe hepatic cirrhosis and high mortality. Although there is an urgent clinical unmet need for PSC, no effective medical therapy has been developed to delay the disease progression until today. IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) is well-known to be a natural negative feedback regulator for IL-18, and we have developed a recombinant long-acting IL-18BP referred to as APB-R3 as a therapeutic agent to treat IL-18-related inflammatory diseases.

Over 30% efficiency bifacial 4-terminal perovskite-heterojunction silicon tandem solar cells with spectral albedo.

We developed and designed a bifacial four-terminal perovskite (PVK)/crystalline silicon (c-Si) heterojunction (HJ) tandem solar cell configuration albedo reflection in which the c-Si HJ bottom sub-cell absorbs the solar spectrum from both the front and rear sides (reflected light from the background such as green grass, white sand, red brick, roofing shingle, snow, etc.). Using the albedo reflection and the subsequent short-circuit current density, the conversion efficiency of the PVK-filtered c-Si HJ bottom sub-cell was improved regardless of the PVK top sub-cell properties.

Personal exposure to fine particulate air pollutants impacts blood pressure and heart rate variability.

Air pollution has increasingly been recognized as a major healthcare concern. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter [PM]) has demonstrated an increase in adverse cardiovascular events.

Identification of novel functions of the ROCK2-specific inhibitor KD025 by bioinformatics analysis.

Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) have various cellular functions, which include actin cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicular trafficking, and there are two major mammalian ROCK isotypes, namely, ROCK1 (ROKβ) and ROCK2 (ROKα). The ROCK2-specific inhibitor KD025 (SLx-2119) is currently undergoing phase II clinical trials, but its cellular functions have not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the functions of KD025 at the genomics level by bioinformatics analysis using the GSE8686 microarray dataset from the NCBI GEO database, in three different primary human cell lines.

Influence of Ultra-Thin Ge₃N₄ Passivation Layer on Structural, Interfacial, and Electrical Properties of HfO₂/Ge Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Devices.

We report the effects of the nitride passivation layer on the structural, electrical, and interfacial properties of Ge metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices with a hafnium oxide (HfO₂) gate dielectric layer deposited on -type 〈100〉 Ge substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the chemical states and formation of HfO₂/Ge₃N₄ on Ge. The interfacial quality and thickness of the layers grown on Ge were confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.

Electron Beam Irradiated Al Doped ZnO Thin Films as Efficient Tunnel Recombination Junction for Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon/Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Tandem Solar Cells.

A tunnel recombination junction (TRJ) layer for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)/ Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) tandem solar cells is investigated. An Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin film is applied to the TRJ, and the influence of electron beam (e-beam) irradiation on defects along the TRJ is investigated. The AZO thin films are prepared using radio frequency (RF) sputtering and the e-beam is irradiated at 200 W RF power and 2 keV DC power for 5 min.

High Efficiency Inorganic/Inorganic Amorphous Silicon/Heterojunction Silicon Tandem Solar Cells.

We investigated high-efficiency two-terminal tandem photovoltaic (PV) devices consisting of a p/i/n thin film silicon top sub-cell (p/i/n-TFS) and a heterojunction with an intrinsic thin-layer (HIT) bottom sub-cell. We used computer simulations and experimentation. The short-circuit current density (J) of the top sub-cell limits the J of the p/i/n-TFS/HIT tandem PV device.

Improving the efficiency of rear emitter silicon solar cell using an optimized n-type silicon oxide front surface field layer.

Optical and electrical characteristics of n-type nano-crystalline-silicon oxide (n-µc-SiO:H) materials can be varied to optimize and improve the performance of a solar cell. In silicon heretojunction (SHJ) solar cells, it can be used to improve carrier selectivity and optical transmission at the front side, both of which are vitally important in device operation. For this purpose, the n-µc-SiO:H was investigated as the front surface field (FSF) layer.

Association between hypo- and hyperkalemia and outcome in acute heart failure patients: the role of medications.

Background: The interaction between chronic medications on admission and the association between serum potassium level and outcome in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) are unknown.

Methods: Observational intercontinental study of patients admitted with AHF. 15954 patients were included from 12 cohorts in 4 continents.

Hemostasis pad combined with compression device after transradial coronary procedures: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Arterial access and hemostasis are important processes during percutaneous coronary procedures. In this study, we tested if the use of chitosan-based pads on top of compression devices could improve hemostasis efficacy compared with compression devices alone after transradial coronary angiography or interventions.

Methods: This study was a single-center open-label randomized controlled trial.

Relation between secondhand smoke exposure and cardiovascular risk factors in never smokers.

Objective: Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) in nonsmokers has been associated with premature cardiovascular mortality and ischemic heart disease. We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study evaluating the relationship between SHSE, measured by subjective and objective methods, and conventional cardiovascular risks such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, and fasting glucose.

Methods: We extracted information on 7376 healthy adults who had never smoked, for whom there were available urine cotinine levels, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2011.

Angiographic outcomes of Orsiro biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents and Resolute Integrity durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stents: results of the ORIENT trial.

Aims: We performed a randomised controlled open-label non-inferiority trial to compare angiographic outcomes between the ultra-thin strut, biodegradable hybrid polymer Orsiro sirolimus-eluting stent (O-SES) and the durable biocompatible polymer Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stent (R-ZES).

Methods And Results: A total of 372 patients planned to undergo percutaneous coronary revascularisation were randomly assigned 2:1 to treatment with O-SES or R-ZES (250 and 122 patients, respectively). O-SES was non-inferior to R-ZES for the primary endpoint, in-stent late lumen loss at nine months (median 0.

Improving Memory Characteristics of Hydrogenated Nanocrystalline Silicon Germanium Nonvolatile Memory Devices by Controlling Germanium Contents.

Nonvolatile memory (NVM) with silicon dioxide/silicon nitride/silicon oxynitride (ONO(n)) charge trap structure is a promising flash memory technology duo that will fulfill process compatibility for system-on-panel displays, down-scaling cell size and low operation voltage. In this research, charge trap flash devices were fabricated with ONO(n) stack gate insulators and an active layer using hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon germanium (nc-SiGe:H) films at a low temperature. In this study, the effect of the interface trap density on the performance of devices, including memory window and retention, was investigated.

Effective Light Trapping in Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells with Nano- and Microscale Structures on Glass Substrate.

For thin film silicon-based solar cells, effective light trapping at a broad range of wavelengths (400-1100 nm) is necessary. Normally, etching is only carried out with TCOs, such as SnO2:F and impurity doped ZnO, to form nano-sized craters in the surface morphology to confer a light trapping effect. However, in this study, prior to ZnO:Al etching, periodic structures on the glass substrates were made by photolithography and wet etching to increase the light scattering and internal reflection.

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Germanium Active Layer for Top Cell of a Multi Junction Cell Structure.

Intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium (a-SiGe:H) alloy is generally used in the bottom cell because of its low band gap. The a-SiGe:H has a higher photo conductivity in comparison to the a-Si:H; thus, it is expected that the a-SiGe:H can show better short circuit current density than that of the a-Si:H based solar cell. Therefore, we optimized a-SiGe:H active layer that can be a suitable choice for the front cell of a multi junction.

Stent Thrombosis With Drug-Eluting Stents and Bioresorbable Scaffolds: Evidence From a Network Meta-Analysis of 147 Trials.

Objectives: This study sought to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the relative safety and efficacy of contemporary DES and BVS.

Background: To improve outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization, there have been advances in the design of drug-eluting stents (DES), including the development of drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS).

Methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled trials comparing bare-metal stents (BMS), paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES), sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), Endeavor zotarolimus-eluting stents (E-ZES), cobalt-chromium (CoCr) everolimus-eluting stents (EES), platinum-chromium (PtCr)-EES, biodegradable polymer (BP)-EES, Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stents (R-ZES), BP biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES), hybrid sirolimus-eluting stents (H [Orsiro]-SES), polymer-free sirolimus- and probucol-eluting stents, or BVS were searched in online databases.

Correlation Between the Raman Crystallinity of p-Type Micro-Crystalline Silicon Layer and Open Circuit Voltage of n-i-p Solar Cells.

This article mainly discusses the difference between p-i-n and n-i-p type solar cells. Their structural difference has an effect on cell performance, such as open circuit voltage and fill factor. Although the deposition conditions are the same for both p-i-n and n-i-p cases, the substrate layers for depositing p-type microcrystalline silicon layers differ.

Wnt activated β-catenin and YAP proteins enhance the expression of non-coding RNA component of RNase MRP in colon cancer cells.

RMRP, the RNA component of mitochondrial RNA processing endoribonuclease, is a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) part of the RNase MRP complex functioning in mitochondrial and ribosomal RNA processing. Even though various mutations in the RMRP gene are linked to developmental defects and pathogenesis, its relevance to cancer etiology has not been well established. Here we examined the expression of RMRP and found a significant increase in colorectal and breast cancer patient tissues.

Investigation of Electrical and Optical Properties of Highly Transparent TCO/Ag/TCO Multilayer.

Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) have been widely used as transparent electrodes for opto-electronic devices, such as solar cells, flat-panel displays, and light-emitting diodes, because of their unique characteristics of high optical transmittance and low electrical resistivity. Among various TCO materials, zinc oxide based films have recently received much attention because they have advantages over commonly used indium and tin-based oxide films. Most TCO films, however, exhibit valleys of transmittance in the wavelength range of 550-700 nm, lowering the average transmittance in the visible region and decreasing short-circuit current (Isc) of solar cells.

Boron Doped Nanocrystalline Film with Improved Work Function as a Buffer Layer in Thin Film Silicon Solar Cells.

We investigated thin film silicon solar cells with boron doped hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon/ hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide [p-type nc-Si:H/a-SiOx:H] layer. First, we researched the bandgap engineering of diborane (B2H6) doped wide bandgap hydrogenated nanocryslline silicon (p-type nc-Si:H) films, which have excellent electrical properties of high dark conductivity, and low activation energy. The films prepared with lower doping ratio and higher hydrogen dilution ratio had higher optical gap (Eg), with higher dark conductivity (σ(d)), and lower activation energy (Ea).

A novel method to make boron-doped microcrystalline silicon thin films with optimal crystalline volume fraction for thin films solar cell applications.

Highly conducting boron-doped microcrystalline silicon (p-type μc-Si:H) thin films have been prepared by radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (RF-PECVD). In this work, the effects of hydrogen dilution, doping ratio, plasma power, deposition pressure and substrate temperature on the growth and the properties of boron-doped microcrystalline silicon (p-type μc-Si:H) thin films are investigated. The electrical, chemical and structural properties are improved with increasing crystallite, which depends on the plasma conditions.

Investigation of structural disorder using electron temperature in VHF-PECVD on hydrogenated amorphous silicon films for thin film solar cell applications.

Electrode distances and gas flow ratios are important parameters for fabricating intrinsic (i-type) layers of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films using a very high frequency plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition (VHF-PECVD) system. In this work, we investigated the relationship between the electrode distances and gas flow ratios on the properties of i-type a-Si:H films. The electrical, chemical and structural properties are improved with decreasing electrode distances (20-40 mm) at a hydrogen ratio [R (H2/SiH4) = 4], due to the low electron temperature and heating effect.