Supramolecular Reconstruction of Self-Assembling Photosensitizers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Natural photosynthetic systems require spatiotemporal organization to optimize photosensitized reactions and maintain overall efficiency, involving the hierarchical self-assembly of photosynthetic components and their stabilization through synergistic interactions. However, replicating this level of organization is challenging due to the difficulty in efficiently communicating supramolecular nano-assemblies with nanoparticles or biological architectures, owing to their dynamic instability. Herein, we demonstrate that the supramolecular reconstruction of self-assembled amphiphilic rhodamine B nanospheres (RN) through treatment with metal-phenolic coordination complexes results in the formation of a stable hybrid structure.

Predictors of malignancy for treatment direction in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma.

Background: Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are predominantly nonfunctional and benign, and their detection and differential diagnosis are aided by computed tomography (CT). A nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) usually requires regular follow-up; however, adrenalectomy may be necessary in certain patients. This study aimed to evaluate prognostic predictors to guide the treatment approach for AIs.

Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Korean adults: evaluation of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, 2-naphthol, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 2-hydroxyfluorene using Second Korean National Environmental Health Survey data.

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are occupational and environmental pollutants generated by the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Exposure to PAHs can occur in various occupations. In this study, we compared PAH exposure levels among occupations based on 4 urinary PAH metabolites in a Korean adult population.

Structural finite element model updating considering soil-structure interaction using ls-dyna in loop.

In this study, a finite element model updating method which can consider soil-structure interaction was developed to analyze the effect of soil properties on the structural response while considering interaction between the soil and the structure. Additionally, LS-DYNA, a commercial finite element program, was included in the loop of the proposed technique using MATLAB to conveniently utilize the complex structures updated by the model. To validate the performance of the proposed method, a large-scale shake table test was conducted.

The Impact of age and outcomes of high-risk patients on carotid revascularization.

Objectives: To validate the accuracy of high-risk criteria for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and analyze the correlation between age and outcome of CEA and carotid artery stenting (CAS) in risk groups.

Methods: We reviewed a prospectively managed vascular surgery database in a single tertiary referral center, and 2482 internal carotid arteries (ICAs) had undergone carotid revascularization from November 1994 to December 2021. To validate high-risk criteria for CEA, patients were classified as high risk (Hr) and normal risk (Nr).

Evaluation of Dynamic Properties of Sodium-Alginate-Reinforced Soil Using A Resonant-Column Test.

Ground reinforcement is a method used to reduce the damage caused by earthquakes. Usually, cement-based reinforcement methods are used because they are inexpensive and show excellent performance. Recently, however, reinforcement methods using eco-friendly materials have been proposed due to environmental issues.

Effect of Fluid-Rock Interactions on In Situ Bacterial Alteration of Interfacial Properties and Wettability of CO-Brine-Mineral Systems for Geologic Carbon Storage.

This study explored the feasibility of biosurfactant amendment in modifying the interfacial characteristics of carbon dioxide (CO) with rock minerals under high-pressure conditions for GCS. In particular, while varying the CO phase and the rock mineral, we quantitatively examined the production of biosurfactants by and their effects on interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability in CO-brine-mineral systems. The results demonstrated that surfactin produced by caused the reduction of CO-brine IFT and modified the wettability of both quartz and calcite minerals to be more CO-wet.

Prussian blue-embedded carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibril membranes for removing radioactive cesium from aqueous solution.

In this study, we synthesized a Prussian blue (PB)-embedded macroporous carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibril (CMCNF) membrane for facile cesium (Cs) removal. The PB was formed in situ at Fe sites on a CMCNF framework cross-linked using FeCl as a cross-linking agent. Cubic PB particles of size 5-20 nm were observed on the macroporous CMCNF membrane surface.

Roles of gel polymer electrolytes for high-power activated carbon supercapacitors: ion reservoir and binder-like effects.

Ion reservoir and binder-like effects of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are suggested for working mechanisms to enhance rate capability and cycling stability of activated carbon (AC) supercapacitors (SCs) even at 3.4 V. Analysis on kinetics from cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical reactions through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential information of galvanostatic curves reveals that the increased rate-capability is derived dominantly by an improved non-faradaic process by the ion reservoir effect of GPEs in the AC.

Small Strain Stiffness of Unsaturated Sands Containing a Polyacrylamide Solution.

Sand improvements using organic agents have shown promising results. Polyacrylamide is one possible organic agent, which has been shown to influence the shear strength, stiffness, soil remediation, and erosion resistance of geomaterials. In this study, we explored the shear wave velocity (S-wave) and water retention curves of unsaturated sands containing polyacrylamide solutions.

Characterization of a Polyacrylamide Solution Used for Remediation of Petroleum Contaminated Soils.

Biopolymers are viewed as effective and eco-friendly agents in soil modification. This study focuses on the wettability analysis of polyacrylamide (PAM) solutions for soil remediation. The contact angle, surface tension, and viscosity of PAM solutions were experimentally evaluated in air- and decane-biopolymer solution systems.

Engineering Behavior and Characteristics of Wood Ash and Sugarcane Bagasse Ash.

Biomasses are organic materials that are derived from any living or recently-living structure. Plenty of biomasses are produced nationwide. Biomasses are mostly combusted and usually discarded or disposed of without treatment as biomass ashes, which include wood and sugarcane bagasse ashes.