Development of a service blueprint for blockchain services.

As blockchain has been actively applied in various services, a tool for visualizing the complex service processes reflecting the characteristics of blockchain has been required. A service blueprint is a tool to visualize all key systems and encounters in service delivery. Although several blueprints already exist, they have limitations to systematically visualize and analyze blockchain service processes.

Bioprinting approaches in cardiac tissue engineering to reproduce blood-pumping heart function.

The heart, with its complex structural and functional characteristics, plays a critical role in sustaining life by pumping blood throughout the entire body to supply nutrients and oxygen. Engineered heart tissues have been introduced to reproduce heart functions to understand the pathophysiological properties of the heart and to test and develop potential therapeutics. Although numerous studies have been conducted in various fields to increase the functionality of heart tissue to be similar to reality, there are still many difficulties in reproducing the blood-pumping function of the heart.

A Pair of Fluorescent Probes Enabling Precise Diagnosis of Liver Cancer by Complementary Imaging.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is by far the predominant malignant liver cancer, with both high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and surgical resections are imperative for improving the survival of HCC patients. However, limited by clinical diagnosis methods, it is difficult to accurately distinguish tumor tissue and its boundaries in the early stages of cancer.

Singular topological edge states in locally resonant metamaterials.

Band topology has emerged as a novel tool for material design across various domains, including photonic and phononic systems, and metamaterials. A prominent model for band topology is the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chain, which reveals topological in-gap states within Bragg-type gaps (BG) formed by periodic modification. Apart from classical BGs, another mechanism for bandgap formation in metamaterials involves strong coupling between local resonances and propagating waves, resulting in a local resonance-induced bandgap (LRG).

Cell-free systems: A synthetic biology tool for rapid prototyping in metabolic engineering.

Microbial cell factories provide sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemical production using cost-effective substrates. A deep understanding of their metabolism is essential to harness their potential along with continuous efforts to improve productivity and yield. However, the construction and evaluation of numerous genetic variants are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Label-free quantitative imaging of conjunctival goblet cells.

Purpose: To introduce and validate quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (qOBM) as a label-free, high-contrast imaging technique for visualizing conjunctival goblet cells (GCs) and assessing their functional changes.

Methods: qOBM was developed in conjunction with moxifloxacin-based fluorescence microscopy (MBFM), which was used for validating GC imaging. Initial validation was conducted with polystyrene beads, followed by testing on normal mouse conjunctiva under both ex-vivo and in-vivo conditions.

Ultra-Sensitive Aptamer-Based Diagnostic Systems for Rapid Detection of All SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

The emergence of numerous SARS-CoV-2 variants, characterized by mutations in the viral RNA genome and target proteins, has presented challenges for accurate COVID-19 diagnosis. To address this, we developed universal aptamer probes capable of binding to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including highly mutated strains like Omicron. These aptamers were identified through protein-based SELEX using spike proteins from three key variants (D614G-substituted Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, and Omicron) and virus-based SELEX, known as viro-SELEX.

Carbon Nanofiber-Reinforced Carbon Black Support for Enhancing the Durability of Catalysts Used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Against Carbon Corrosion.

This study addresses the critical challenge of carbon corrosion in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) by developing hybrid supports that combine the high surface area of carbon black (CB) with the superior crystallinity and graphitic structure of carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Two commercially available CB samples were physically activated and composited with two types of CNFs synthesized via chemical vapor deposition using different carbon sources. The structure, morphology, and crystallinity of the resulting CNF-CB hybrid supports were characterized, and the performances of these hybrid supports in mitigating carbon corrosion and enhancing the PEMFC performance was evaluated through full-cell testing in collaboration with a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) manufacturer (VinaTech, Seoul, Republic, of Korea), adhering to industry-standard fabrication and evaluation procedures.

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.

Life satisfaction around the world: Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions.

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.