Band Filling, Electrochemical Reaction, and Re-Entrant Insulating Behavior in Electrolyte-Gated BBL Polymer Semiconductor Films.

Electrochemical doping of the n-type polymer poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) in contact with ionic liquids reveals a peak in the drain current () vs gate voltage () behavior, i.e., conductivity versus electron density.

Prognostic significance of normalized distance from maximum standardized uptake value to tumor centroid on [F]FDG PET/CT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: The maximum [F]FDG uptake of a cancer lesion has been found to relocate from the center to the periphery during progression. This behavior suggests that the normalized distances from the hotspot of radiotracer uptake to the tumor centroid (NHOC) and to the tumor perimeter (NHOP) could serve as novel geometric PET parameters indicative of tumor aggressiveness. This study aimed to explore the prognostic relevance of NHOC and NHOP in [F]FDG PET/CT for predicting the response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Ultrafast Synthesis of Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium-ion Batteries: An Intense-Pulsed-Light-Assisted Approach to Photothermal Carbonization of Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films.

The conventional carbonization process for synthesizing hard carbons (HCs) requires high-temperature furnace operations exceeding 1000 °C, leading to excessive energy consumption and lengthy processing times, which necessitates the exploration of more efficient synthesis methods. This study demonstrates the rapid preparation of HC anodes using intense pulsed light (IPL)-assisted photothermal carbonization without the prolonged and complex operations typical of traditional carbonization methods. A composite film of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is carbonized at high temperatures in less than 1 min.

Morphologic study of patent ductus arteriosus based on computed tomography data in 25 dogs.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to analyze the morphology and measurement dimensions of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) based on computed tomography images.

Methods: The present study retrospectively evaluated computed tomography angiography data from 25 client-owned dogs diagnosed with PDA. PDA was reconstructed based on the central axis and the minimum diameter, ampulla diameter, angle, ampulla cross-section area, and length values were measured at specific measurement sites.

Assessment of changes in intra-abdominal pressure and cardiac output induced by liver compression in healthy anesthetized spontaneously breathing dogs.

Objective: Liver compression (LC) has been proposed to predict fluid responsiveness in human pediatric patients. Because the evaluation of fluid responsiveness through LC depends on the mechanism of increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), understanding the impact of LC on IAP, cardiac output (CO), and respiratory parameters is essential. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of LC on these parameters.

Single-Input Multiple-Output (SIMO) Cascode Low-Noise Amplifier with Switchable Degeneration Inductor for Carrier Aggregation.

This paper presents a single-input multiple-output (SIMO) cascode low-noise amplifier with inductive degeneration for inter- and intra-band carrier aggregation. The proposed low-noise amplifier has two output ports for flexible operation in carrier aggregation combinations for band 30 and band 7. However, during inter- and intra-band operation, gain variation occurs depending on the output mode.

Supramolecular Association of a Block Copolymer via Strong Hydrogen Bonding to Form Self-Healable Ionogels.

The drive to enhance the operational durability and reliability of stretchable and wearable electronic and electrochemical devices has led to the exploration of self-healing materials that can recover from both physical and functional failures. In the present study, we fabricated a self-healable solid polymer electrolyte, referred to as an ionogel, using reversible hydrogen bonding between the ureidopyrimidone units of a block copolymer (BCP) network swollen in an ionic liquid (IL). The BCP consisted of poly(styrene--(methyl acrylate--ureidopyrimidone methacrylate)) [poly(S--(MA--UPyMA)], with the IL-phobic polystyrene forming micellar cores that were interconnected via intercorona hydrogen bonding between the ureidopyrimidone units.

In Silico Analysis and Biochemical Characterization of PET Hydrolase with Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate Biodegradation Activity.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most widely used plastics in the world, causes serious environmental problems. Recently, scientists have been focused on the enzymatic degradation of PET, an environmentally friendly method that offers an attractive approach to the degradation and recycling of PET. In this work, PET hydrolase from sp.

Evaluation of fluid responsiveness using liver compression in dogs with experimentally induced hypovolemia.

Objective: To investigate whether liver compression (LC) could increase stroke volume (SV) by more than 15% in healthy, anesthetized dogs with hypovolemia and suggest LC as a novel method to evaluate fluid responsiveness.

Animals: 6 healthy Beagles.

Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized experimental study was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Selective Nerve Block on Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy.

: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) manifests as pain and sensorimotor disturbances in the upper extremities, often resulting from nerve root compression due to intervertebral disc herniation, degenerative changes, or trauma. While conservative treatments are initially preferred, persistent or severe cases may require surgical intervention. Ultrasound-guided selective nerve root block (SNRB) has emerged as a promising intervention for alleviating symptoms and potentially obviating the need for surgery.

The Development of an Artificial Intelligence Video Analysis-Based Web Application to Diagnose Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: A Pilot Study.

The gold standard test for diagnosing dysphagia is the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). However, the accuracy of this test varies depending on the specialist's skill level. We proposed a VFSS-based artificial intelligence (AI) web application to diagnose dysphagia.

Long-Term Enhancement of Botulinum Toxin Injections for Post-Stroke Spasticity by Use of Stretching Exercises-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Botulinum toxin A (BONT/A) injections play a central role in the treatment of upper limb spasticity in stroke patients. We proposed structured stretching exercises to enhance the effect of post-stroke spasticity relief of the upper limbs following BONT/A injections. A total of 43 patients who had a stroke with grade 2 spasticity or higher on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) in their upper-limb muscles were randomly assigned to the intervention ( = 21) or control group ( = 22).

Comparative Effectiveness of Personal Sound Amplification Products Versus Hearing Aids for Unilateral Hearing Loss: A Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial.

Background: This study compared hearing outcomes with use of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) and hearing aids (HAs) in patients with moderate to moderately severe unilateral hearing loss.

Methods: Thirty-nine participants were prospectively enrolled, and randomly assigned to use either one HA (basic or premium type) or one PSAP (basic or high-end type) for the first 8 weeks and then the other device for the following 8 weeks. Participants underwent a battery of examinations at three visits, including sound-field audiometry, word recognition score (WRS), speech perception in quiet and in noise, real-ear measurement, and self-report questionnaires.

A 42-year-old patient with renal cell carcinoma presenting as low back pain: A case report.

Rationale: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common renal neoplasm, accounting for 2.4% of all cancers in Korea. Although the usual clinical manifestations of RCC include flank pain, hematuria, and palpable mass, RCC is generally characterized by a lack of early warning signs and is mostly discovered incidentally in advanced stage.

Toe Grip Strength Is Associated with Improving Gait Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke.

Toe grip strength has recently been suggested to play an essential role in maintaining balance and postural stability for ambulatory function in older populations. This study aimed to investigate its association with improving gait function three months after onset in patients with subacute stroke. This longitudinal cohort study included 98 first-ever stroke patients (67 ± 9 years, 56% female) within one month from the onset who could not ambulate independently.

Risk of Subsequent Primary Cancers in Thyroid Cancer Survivors according to the Dose of Levothyroxine: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Backgruound: Current research has not investigated the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy with levothyroxine on the risk for developing subsequent primary cancers (SPCs). This study aimed to investigate the association between levothyroxine dosage and the risk for SPCs in thyroid cancer patients.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study form Korean National Health Insurance database.

Mechanism Behind the Loss of Fast Charging Capability in Nickel-Rich Cathode Materials.

Fast charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), offering rapid charging times similar to conventional vehicle refueling, holds promise but faces obstacles owing to kinetic issues within lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Specifically, the significance of cathode materials in fast charging has grown because Ni-rich cathodes are employed to enhance the energy density of LIBs. Herein, the mechanism behind the loss of fast charging capability of Ni-rich cathodes during extended cycling is investigated through a comparative analysis of Ni-rich cathodes with different microstructures.

Low-Noise Amplifier with Bypass for 5G New Radio Frequency n77 Band and n79 Band in Radio Frequency Silicon on Insulator Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Technology.

This paper presents the design of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with a bypass mode for the n77/79 bands in 5G New Radio (NR). The proposed LNA integrates internal matching networks for both input and output, combining two LNAs for the n77 and n79 bands into a single chip. Additionally, a bypass mode is integrated to accommodate the flexible operation of the receiving system in response to varying input signal levels.

Three-Dimensional Magnetic Rehabilitation, Robot-Enhanced Hand-Motor Recovery after Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We developed an end-effector-type rehabilitation robot that can uses electro- and permanent magnets to generate a three-way magnetic field to assist hand movements and perform rehabilitation therapy. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of a rehabilitation program using a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic force-based hand rehabilitation robot on the motor function recovery of the paralyzed hands of patients with stroke. This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial in which 36 patients with subacute stroke were assigned to intervention and control groups of 18 patients each.

Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of tracheal diameter and length in kittens.

Objective: To measure the tracheal diameter and length in kittens using radiography and CT and to evaluate the concordance between measurements obtained with these 2 modalities.

Animals: 15 kittens with an estimated age of 12 weeks and mean body weight of 1.49 kg.