Anti-Inflammatory 8-Shogaol Mediates Apoptosis by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Sensitizes Radioresistance in Gastric Cancer.

Radiotherapy is a powerful tumor therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer patients. However, radioresistance is a major obstacle to kill cancer cells. Ginger ( Roscoe) exerts a potential function in various cancers and is a noble combined therapy to overcome radioresistance in gastric cancer radiotherapy.

Formation and Surface Structures of Long-Range Ordered Self-Assembled Monolayers of 2-Mercaptopyrazine on Au(111).

The effect of solution pH on the formation and surface structure of 2-pyrazinethiolate (2-PyzS) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed by the adsorption of 2-mercaptopyrazine (2-PyzSH) on Au(111) was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron microscopy (XPS). Molecular-scale STM observations clearly revealed that 2-PyzS SAMs at pH 2 had a short-range ordered phase of (2√3 × √21)R30° structure with a standing-up adsorption structure. However, 2-PyzS SAMs at pH 8 had a very unique long-range ordered phase, showing a "ladder-like molecular arrangement" with bright repeating rows.

The Role of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (BST2) in the Migration of Dendritic Cells to Lymph Nodes.

Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST2) is a host-restriction factor that plays multiple roles in the antiviral defense of innate immune responses, including the inhibition of viral particle release from virus-infected cells. BST2 may also be involved in the endothelial adhesion and migration of monocytes, but its importance in the immune system is still unclear. Immune cell adhesion and migration are closely related to the initiation of immune responses.

Strategic Optimization of the Middle Domain IIIA in RBP-Albumin IIIA-IB Fusion Protein to Enhance Productivity and Thermostability.

The protein therapeutics market, including antibody and fusion proteins, has experienced steady growth over the past decade, underscoring the importance of optimizing amino acid sequences. In our previous study, we developed a fusion protein, R31, which combines retinol-binding protein (RBP) with albumin domains IIIA and IB, linked by a sequence (AAAA), and includes an additional disulfide bond (N227C-V254C) in IIIA. This fusion protein effectively inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation.

Differential Expression of CXCL12 in Human and Mouse Hair: Androgens Induce CXCL12 in Human Dermal Papilla and Dermal Sheath Cup.

We previously demonstrated that C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 12 (CXCL12) is primarily secreted by dermal fibroblasts in response to androgens and induces hair miniaturization in the mouse androgenic alopecia (AGA) model. However, the direct effects of androgen-induced CXCL12 on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and dermal sheath cup cells (DSCs) have not been demonstrated. First, we compared single-cell RNA sequencing data between mouse and human skin, and the results show that CXCL12 is highly co-expressed with the androgen receptor (AR) in the DPCs and DSCs of only human hair.

Beyond Misfolding: A New Paradigm for the Relationship Between Protein Folding and Aggregation.

Aggregation is intricately linked to protein folding, necessitating a precise understanding of their relationship. Traditionally, aggregation has been viewed primarily as a sequential consequence of protein folding and misfolding. However, this conventional paradigm is inherently incomplete and can be deeply misleading.

Regulatory Roles of Noncanonical Inflammasomes in Inflammatory Lung Diseases.

The inflammatory response consists of two stages: priming and triggering. The triggering stage is marked by the activation of inflammasomes, which are cytosolic protein complexes acting as platforms for inflammation. Inflammasomes are divided into canonical and noncanonical categories.

Temperature Uniformity Control of 12-Inch Semiconductor Wafer Chuck Using Double-Wall TPMS in Additive Manufacturing.

In semiconductor inspection equipment, a chuck used to hold a wafer is equipped with a cooling or heating system for temperature uniformity across the surface of the wafer. Surface temperature uniformity is important for increasing semiconductor inspection speed. Triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMSs) are proposed to enhance temperature uniformity.

Multilayer Graphene Stacked with Silver Nanowire Networks for Transparent Conductor.

A mechanically robust flexible transparent conductor with high thermal and chemical stability was fabricated from welded silver nanowire networks (w-Ag-NWs) sandwiched between multilayer graphene (MLG) and polyimide (PI) films. By modifying the gas flow dynamics and surface chemistry of the Cu surface during graphene growth, a highly crystalline and uniform MLG film was obtained on the Cu foil, which was then directly coated on the Ag-NW networks to serve as a barrier material. It was found that the highly crystalline layers in the MLG film compensate for structural defects, thus forming a perfect barrier film to shield Ag NWs from oxidation and sulfurization.

Enhancing Catalytic Performance with Ni Foam-Coated Porous Ni Particles via 1-Butene Hydrogenation.

The efficient hydrogenation of 1-butene is an industrially significant reaction for producing fuels and value-added chemicals. However, achieving high catalytic efficiency and stability remains challenging, particularly for cost-effective materials, such as Ni. In this study, we developed a porous Ni-coated Ni foam catalyst by electrostatic spray deposition to address these challenges.

The Effect of the MgO/AlO Ratio on the Thermal and Refractory Behaviors of Cordierite Ceramics.

In this study, cordierite-based ceramics (2MgO·2AlO·5SiO) were synthesized using high-purity MgO, AlO, and SiO as starting materials. The influence of the MgO/AlO ratio on various properties, including the thermal behavior, pyrometric cone refractory behavior, phase formation, physical properties, and microstructure of the synthesized ceramics, was systematically analyzed. Increasing the MgO/AlO ratio progressively weakened the cordierite network, leading to lower temperatures for liquid formation and melting.

An Investigation of the Indentation Elastic Modulus for Metal Films on Flexible Substrates Considering the Substrate Effect.

The accurate measurement of the elastic modulus of thin metal films on flexible substrates is critical for understanding the mechanical reliability of flexible electronics. However, conventional methods, such as the Oliver-Pharr model, often underestimate the modulus due to substrate effects, particularly with low-modulus substrates like polyimide (PI). In this study, we propose an improved weighting model that replaces the empirical weighting factor with a variable X to better account for substrate contributions.

Melt Pool Simulation of Dual Laser Beam-Arc Hybrid Welding of Aluminum Alloy Using Finite Element Method.

In this study, the melt pool formation behavior of high-speed laser-arc hybrid welding of aluminum plates was simulated using finite element analysis (FEA). To evaluate the heat input efficiencies of the laser and arc, standalone laser or arc welding experiments were conducted using the same arc or laser processing parameters as those employed in hybrid welding. These experiments were also simulated using FEA to calibrate the laser and arc heat adsorption parameters.

Effects of Doping on Elastic Strain in Crystalline Ge-Sb-Te.

Phase-change random access memory (PcRAM) faces significant challenges due to the inherent instability of amorphous GeSbTe (GST). While doping has emerged as an effective method for amorphous stabilization, understanding the precise mechanisms of structural modification and their impact on material stability remains a critical challenge. This study provides a comprehensive investigation of elastic strain and stress in crystalline lattices induced by various dopants (C, N, and Al) through systematic measurements of film thickness changes during crystallization.

Prospects of Band Structure Engineering in MXenes for Active Switching MXetronics: Computational Insights and Experimental Approaches.

MXenes, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides, have shown promise in a variety of applications. The use of MXenes in active electronic devices is restricted to electrode materials due to their metallic nature. However, MXenes can be modified to be semiconducting and can be used for next-generation channel materials.

Phase Transformation Behavior, Mechanical Properties Under Thermal Stress, and Slag-Induced Erosion of 2-4 mol% CeO-Doped CaO-Stabilized Zirconia.

We investigated the phase transitions, mechanical properties, and chemical durability of a composition of 9 mol% CaO-stabilized zirconia (9CSZ) doped with 2-4 mol% CeO under thermal stress against molten slag. The monoclinic phase fraction of 9CSZ was 7.14% at room temperature, and CSZ doped with 2-4 mol% CeO showed a slightly lower value of 5.

Microstructural Characteristics of Cellulosic Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite.

The microstructural evolution and hydration behaviors of cement composites incorporating three natural fibers (abaca, hemp, and jute) were investigated in this study. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to assess the microstructural changes, focusing on the pore-size distribution and total porosity. Additionally, the hydration characteristics were analyzed using setting time measurements and isothermal calorimetry to track the heat flow and reaction kinetics during cement hydration.

Development of Application Customization Toolkit (ACT) for 3D Thermal Elastic-Plastic Welding Analysis.

A 3D thermal elastic-plastic welding analysis ACT (Application Customization Toolkit) was developed in ANSYS, making welding analysis more accessible. The welding analysis was performed using a decoupled method, separated into thermal and structural analyses. To validate the results, comparisons were made with previous studies for two types of welding: T-joint fillet welding and butt welding.

Comparative Analysis of Fracture Resistance of Endodontic Sealer Types and Filling Methods.

With the advent of bioceramic sealers, sealers have become a more important filling material for endodontic treatment. When a solid sealer, rather than an elastic gutta-percha, occupies a significant portion of the root canal, it is unclear whether the tooth structure will be strengthened to withstand stress or whether the increased stiffness will transmit the load directly to the entire root, potentially causing root fracture. This study compared the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of roots filled with various root canal sealers, including bioceramic sealers, and each corresponding filling technique.

Long-Term Creep Rupture of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Grids Under High Stress Levels: Experimental Investigation.

Corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC) structures has led to the increased adoption of non-corrosive materials, such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), as replacements for traditional steel rebar. However, ensuring the long-term reliability of CFRP grids under sustained stress is critical for achieving safe and effective designs. This study investigates the long-term tensile creep rupture behavior of CFRP grids to establish a design threshold for their tensile strength under sustained loading conditions in demanding structural applications.

Cost-Effective Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5: The Effect of Expanding Powder Size Distribution on Mechanical Performance.

This study aims to assess the feasibility of expanding the powder size distribution (PSD) of Ti-6Al-4V grade 5 powder for LPBF to achieve cost reduction. Parameter optimization to minimize the degradation of mechanical properties due to the expanded particle size distribution was conducted. Mechanical tests for specimens built using optimized parameters revealed minor reductions in strength: 3.

Sarcopenia Index Is Correlated with Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sarcopenia index (SI), which is derived from serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, and osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study initially included patients who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and serum creatinine and cystatin C testing between 2005 and 2022. Subsequently, patients diagnosed with CKD were selected for the final analysis, totaling 102 patients.

The Validity of a Smartphone-Based Application for Assessing Cognitive Function in the Elderly.

The early detection of individuals at risk of cognitive impairment is a clinical imperative. With the recent advancement of digital devices, smartphone application-based cognitive assessment is considered a promising tool for cognitive screening and monitoring inside and outside the clinic. This study examined whether a smartphone-based cognitive assessment, Brain OK, was valid for evaluating cognitive performance and identifying people at risk of cognitive impairment.

A Comparative Study on the Paradoxical Relationship Between Heavy Metal Exposure and Kidney Function.

: Korea has higher levels of heavy metals compared to other countries, raising the need to study the health impacts on vulnerable populations. This study examined the effects of heavy metal exposure-lead, mercury, and cadmium-on kidney function in residents of environmentally vulnerable areas compared to the general population in Korea. : Epidemiological studies in vulnerable areas and official data from the Fourth Korean National Environmental Health Survey were analyzed to assess blood levels of lead and mercury and urinary cadmium.