Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Reactivity of Ni Complexes Bearing a Redox and Acid-Base Non-innocent Ligand with Ni, Ni, and Ni Formal Oxidation States.

A series of Ni complexes bearing a redox and acid-base noninnocent tetraamido macrocyclic ligand, H-(TAML-4) {H-(TAML-4) = 15,15-dimethyl-5,8,13,17-tetrahydro-5,8,13,17-tetraaza-dibenzo[]cyclotridecene-6,7,14,16-tetraone}, with formal oxidation states of Ni, Ni, and Ni were synthesized and characterized structurally and spectroscopically. The X-ray crystallographic analysis of the Ni complexes revealed a square planar geometry, and the [Ni(TAML-4)] complex with the formal oxidation state of Ni was characterized to be [Ni(TAML-4)] with the oxidation state of the Ni ion and the one-electron oxidized TAML-4 ligand, TAML-4. The Ni oxidation state and the TAML-4 radical cation ligand, TAML-4, were supported by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.

Interface effect based nano-scale TiOvertical synapse device for high-density integration in neuromorphic computing system.

To implement a neuromorphic computing system capable of efficiently processing vast amounts of unstructured data, a significant number of synapse and neuron devices are needed, resulting in increased area demands. Therefore, we developed a nanoscale vertically structured synapse device that supports high-density integration. To realize this synapse device, the interface effects between the resistive switching layer and the electrode were investigated and utilized.

Crystallographic Spin Torque Conductivity Tensor of Epitaxial IrO Thin Films for Oxide Spintronics.

Unconventional spin-orbit torques arising from electric-field-generated spin currents in anisotropic materials have promising potential for spintronic applications, including for perpendicular magnetic switching in high-density memory applications. Here, all the independent elements of the spin torque conductivity tensor allowed by bulk crystal symmetries for the tetragonal conductor IrO are determined via measurements of conventional (in-plane) anti-damping torques for IrO thin films in the high-symmetry (001) and (100) orientations. It is then tested whether rotational transformations of this same tensor can predict both the conventional and unconventional anti-damping torques for IrO thin films in the lower-symmetry (101), (110), and (111) orientations, finding good agreement.

Etchant-Free Dry-Developable Extreme Ultraviolet Photoresist Materials Utilizing N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Metal Complexes.

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has enabled significant reductions in device dimensions but is often limited by capillary force-driven pattern collapse in conventional wet processes. Recent dry-development approaches, while promising, frequently require toxic etchants or specialized equipment, limiting their broader applicability and highlighting the need for more sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. In this study, highly reactive, etchant-free dry-developable EUV photoresists using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-based metal-ligand complexes, achieving half-saturation at EUV doses of 8.

Cation Effect on the Electrochemical Platinum Dissolution.

Ensuring the stability of electrocatalysts is paramount to the success of electrochemical energy conversion devices. Degradation is a fundamental process involving the release of positively charged metal ions into the electric double layer (EDL) and their subsequent diffusion into the bulk electrolyte. However, despite its vital importance in achieving prolonged electrocatalysis, the underlying causality of catalyst dissolution with the EDL structure remains largely unknown.

Active learning framework to optimize process parameters for additive-manufactured Ti-6Al-4V with high strength and ductility.

Optimizing process and heat-treatment parameters of laser powder bed fusion for producing Ti-6Al-4V alloys with high strength and ductility is crucial to meet performance demands in various applications. Nevertheless, inherent trade-offs between strength and ductility render traditional trial-and-error methods inefficient. Herein, we present Pareto active learning framework with targeted experimental validation to efficiently explore vast parameter space of 296 candidates, pinpointing optimal parameters to augment both strength and ductility.

Noncanonical role of Golgi-associated macrophage TAZ in chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis.

Until now, Hippo pathway-mediated nucleocytoplasmic translocation has been considered the primary mechanism by which yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) transcriptional coactivators regulate cell proliferation and differentiation via transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD)-mediated target gene expression. In this study, however, we found that TAZ, but not YAP, is associated with the Golgi apparatus in macrophages activated via Toll-like receptor ligands during the resolution phase of inflammation. Golgi-associated TAZ enhanced vesicle trafficking and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in M1 macrophage independent of the Hippo pathway.

Strong Hydrophobic Interaction of High Molecular Weight Chitosan in Aqueous Solution.

Chitosan is a versatile bioactive polysaccharide in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals and environmental applications, owing to its abundance, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. To effectively harness its potential for various purposes, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of its interaction in water. This study investigates the interactions between high molecular weight (HMW, >150 kDa) chitosan and four different functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) at three different pHs (3.

Genomic and transcriptomic signatures of sequential carcinogenesis from papillary neoplasm to biliary tract cancer.

Background & Aims: Papillary neoplasms of the biliary tree, including intraductal papillary neoplasms (IPN) and intracholecystic papillary neoplasms (ICPN), are recognized as precancerous lesions. However, the genetic characteristics underlying sequential carcinogenesis remain unclear.

Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 166 neoplasms (33 intrahepatic IPNs, 44 extrahepatic IPNs, and 89 ICPNs), and 41 associated carcinomas.

Novel Magnetic-Field-Free Switching Behavior in vdW-Magnet/Oxide Heterostructure.

Magnetization switching by charge current without a magnetic field is essential for device applications and information technology. It generally requires a current-induced out-of-plane spin polarization beyond the capability of conventional ferromagnet/heavy-metal systems, where the current-induced spin polarization aligns in-plane orthogonal to the in-plane charge current and out-of-plane spin current. Here, a new approach is demonstrated for magnetic-field-free switching by fabricating a van-der-Waals magnet and oxide FeGeTe/SrTiO heterostructure.

3D active-matrix multimodal sensor arrays for independent detection of pressure and temperature.

Pressure and temperature sensing simultaneously and independently is crucial for creating electronic skin that replicates complex sensory functions of human skin. Thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays with sensors have enabled cross-talk-free spatial sensing. However, the thermal dependence of charge transport in semiconductors has resulted in interference between thermal and pressure stimuli.

GX-188E DNA vaccine plus pembrolizumab in HPV 16- and/or 18-positive recurrent or advance cervical cancer: a phase 2 trial.

Background: In an interim analysis of this phase 2 trial, adding the GX-188E vaccine to pembrolizumab resulted in manageable toxicity with antitumor activities in patients with recurrent or advanced cervical cancer. Here, we report the final safety and efficacy results after a long-term follow-up at the study's completion.

Methods: This open-label, single-arm, phase II trial was conducted in nine hospitals in South Korea (ClinicalTrials.

Bivalves as a Mercury Bioindicator: A National Isotopic Survey along the Coast of South Korea.

Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant that poses health risks for human populations relying on seafood consumption. To mitigate its impact, identifying and monitoring Hg sources have become priorities, notably under the Minamata Convention. Bivalves are commonly used as sentinels in contaminant biomonitoring but can accumulate Hg from diverse environmental media.

NIR-Reflective Black Photonic Films Designed for Effective LiDAR Recognition.

Conventional dark-tone paints absorb both visible light and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, posing a challenge for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) recognition in autonomous driving. To overcome this issue, various chemical and structural coating materials have been explored to selectively reflect NIR. In this study, we newly propose colloidal photonic crystals with a stopband in the NIR range, fabricated through the spontaneous formation of crystalline arrays of silica particles dispersed in a photocurable resin, as a potential solution.

Isotopic fractionation of gaseous mercury in a large industrial city: Spatio-temporal variations and source apportionment.

The source-receptor relationship of atmospheric mercury is a critical environmental concern. However, comprehensive evaluations of mercury pollution based on spatially resolved and time-averaged data have not yet been conducted in Korea. In this study, the spatio-temporal variations of total gaseous mercury (TGM) and mercury isotopes were examined using passive air samplers at 30 sites in Ulsan over one year.

Super-photostable organic dye for long-term live-cell single-protein imaging.

Organic dyes play a crucial role in live-cell imaging because of their advantageous properties, such as photostability and high brightness. Here we introduce a super-photostable and bright organic dye, Phoenix Fluor 555 (PF555), which exhibits an order-of-magnitude longer photobleaching lifetime than conventional organic dyes without the requirement of any anti-photobleaching additives. PF555 is an asymmetric cyanine structure in which, on one side, the indole in the conventional Cyanine-3 is substituted with 3-oxo-quinoline.

Fabrication of high-performance tin halide perovskite thin-film transistors via chemical solution-based composition engineering.

Metal halide perovskite semiconductors have attracted considerable attention because they enable the development of devices with exceptional optoelectronic and electronic properties via cost-effective and high-throughput chemical solution processes. However, challenges persist in the solution processing of perovskite films, including limited control over crystallization and the formation of defective deposits, leading to suboptimal device performance and reproducibility. Tin (Sn) halide perovskite holds promise for achieving high-performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) due to its intrinsic high hole mobility.

Modifiable risk factors for early- and late-onset dementia using the Korean national health insurance service database.

Background: Early-onset dementia (EOD) and late-onset dementia (LOD) may have distinct modifiable risk-factor profiles.

Objective: To identify and compare factors associated with EOD and LOD using a nationwide cohort database.

Design: Nationwide two nested case-control studies.

Axially multifocal metalens for 3D volumetric photoacoustic imaging of neuromelanin in live brain organoid.

Optical resolution photoacoustic imaging of uneven samples without z-scanning is transformative for the fast analysis and diagnosis of diseases. However, current approaches to elongate the depth of field (DOF) typically imply cumbersome postprocessing procedures, bulky optical element ensembles, or substantial excitation beam side lobes. Metasurface technology allows for the phase modulation of light and the miniaturization of imaging systems to wavelength-size thickness.

The Road to Commercializing Optical Metasurfaces: Current Challenges and Future Directions.

Optical metasurfaces, components composed of artificial nanostructures, are recognized for pushing boundaries of wavefront manipulation while maintaining a lightweight, compact design that surpasses conventional optics. Such advantages align with the current trends in optical systems, which demand compact communication devices and immersive holographic projectors, driving significant investment from the industry. Although interest in commercialization of optical metasurfaces has steadily grown since the initial breakthrough with diffraction-limited focusing, their practical applications have remained limited by challenges such as, massive-production yield, absence of standardized evaluation methods, and constrained design methodology.

Flat-Band Electronic Bipolarity in a Janus and Kagome van der Waals Semiconductor NbTeI.

Janus materials, a novel class of materials with two faces of different chemical compositions and electronic polarities, offer significant potential for various applications with catalytic reactions, chemical sensing, and optical or electronic responses. A key aspect for such functionalities is face-dependent electronic bipolarity, which is usually limited by the chemical distinction of terminated surfaces and has not been exploited in the semiconducting regime. Here, it is showed that a Janus and Kagome van der Waals (vdW) material NbTeI has ferroelectric-like coherent stacking of the Janus layers and hosts strong electronic bipolar states in the semiconducting regime.

Optical Metasurfaces for Biomedical Imaging and Sensing.

Optical metasurfaces, arrays of nanostructures engineered to manipulate light, have emerged as a transformative technology in both research and industry due to their compact design and exceptional light control capabilities. Their strong light-matter interactions enable precise wavefront modulation, polarization control, and significant near-field enhancements. These unique properties have recently driven their application in biomedical fields.

Spatiotemporal generation of alternating disparate pH domains audible sound controlled opposing enzymatic reactions.

Intracellular spatiotemporal chemical heterogeneities with controlled properties are essential for life. However, creating these heterogeneities artificially is challenging. In this study, we used both acid- and base-producing enzymatic reactions simultaneously and demonstrated that the execution of these reactions in the presence of audible sound can effectively create spatiotemporally ordered pH domains in a solution.