Solution‐processed transition metal oxides (TMOs) prepared from complex ion precursors are developed as promising scalable interfacial layers for non‐fullerene organic photovoltaics (OPVs); however, ...challenges remain in achieving defect‐free and highly oriented metal‐oxygen networks without post‐deposition treatments due to the presence of residual organic metal‐binding ligands in films. Herein, the novel strategy that the problematic organic metal‐binding ligands in TMO precursors can be successfully eliminated by an anion‐induced catalytic reaction (ACR) at room temperature is demonstrated, in which the low‐level anions induce electron redistribution and instability of TMO precursors, expediting binding ligand removal during the hydrolysis reaction. The subsequent condensation process facilitates a dimensionally confined and continuous metal‐oxygen network with a 20‐fold increase in electrical conductivity (from 8.4 × 10−4 to 1.8 × 10−2 S m−1) and superior work function tunability (from 5.1 to 5.3 eV) compared to the pristine film. The ACR‐derived TMO thin film on top of a ternary PBDB‐TF:Y6:PC71BM photoactive layer enables an inverted device configuration with improved efficiency of 17.6%, as well as enhanced stability over 70% of the initial efficiency for up to 100 h AM 1.5G illumination.
A room temperature sol‐gel processed MoOx is developed for highly efficient and stable inverted organic photovoltaics via an anion‐induced catalytic reaction (ACR). The ACR‐derived MoOx thin film exhibits a defect‐free and highly oriented metal‐oxygen network without post‐treatment, enabling outstanding physical and electrical properties on top of the organic photoactive layer.
Membrane-disrupting agents that selectively target virus versus host membranes could potentially inhibit a broad-spectrum of enveloped viruses, but currently such antivirals are lacking. Here, we ...develop a nanodisc incorporated with a decoy virus receptor that inhibits virus infection. Mechanistically, nanodiscs carrying the viral receptor sialic acid bind to influenza virions and are co-endocytosed into host cells. At low pH in the endosome, the nanodiscs rupture the viral envelope, trapping viral RNAs inside the endolysosome for enzymatic decomposition. In contrast, liposomes containing a decoy receptor show weak antiviral activity due to the lack of membrane disruption. The nanodiscs inhibit influenza virus infection and reduce morbidity and mortality in a mouse model. Our results suggest a new class of antivirals applicable to other enveloped viruses that cause irreversible physical damage specifically to virus envelope by viruses' own fusion machine. In conclusion, the lipid nanostructure provides another dimension for antiviral activity of decoy molecules.
Pd is one of the most effective catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to formate, a valuable liquid product, at low overpotential. However, the intrinsically high CO affinity of Pd makes ...the surface vulnerable to CO poisoning, resulting in rapid catalyst deactivation during CO2 electroreduction. Herein, we utilize the interaction between metals and metal–organic frameworks to synthesize atomically dispersed Au on tensile-strained Pd nanoparticles showing significantly improved formate production activity, selectivity, and stability with high CO tolerance. We found that the tensile strain stabilizes all reaction intermediates on the Pd surface, whereas the atomically dispersed Au selectively destabilizes CO* without affecting other adsorbates. As a result, the conventional COOH* versus CO* scaling relation is broken, and our catalyst exhibits 26- and 31-fold enhancement in partial current density and mass activity toward electrocatalytic formate production with over 99% faradaic efficiency, compared to Pd/C at −0.25 V versus RHE.
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•3D phase-field simulations of dendritic morphologies in hot-dipped Zn-Al coatings.•Dendritic morphologies depend on the inclination angle/axis of Zn basal plane.•Simulated ...morphologies are quantitatively compared with experimental observations.•Existence of the third preferred growth direction, in addition to 〈101-0〉 and 〈0001〉, is identified.•The interface kinetic anisotropy plays a critical role in dendritic growth.
The growth morphologies of dendrites in thin Zn-0.2 wt% Al coating layers are investigated as a function of the inclination axis and angle of the Zn basal plane with respect to the coating plane using three-dimensional (3D) phase-field simulations under realistic process conditions. In addition to the well-known growth direction families of 〈101¯0〉 and 〈0001〉, we incorporate a third preferred growth direction family into interface kinetic anisotropy based on the recent suggestion by Kim et al. Metall. Mater. Trans. A 50 (2019), 3186–3200. When this interface kinetic anisotropy is combined with the isotropic interface energy in the phase-field model, the 3D simulations realistically reproduce most of the morphological characteristics of the dendrites observed in experiments. These include the asymmetric morphologies about the inclination axis, morphological changes with the inclination angle, and angular variations between the primary aims. However, simulations using the experimental estimates of the interface energy anisotropy fail to reproduce characteristic morphologies, such as the four- and eight-fold dendrites, even when combined with strong interface kinetic effects. The present study establishes the existence of a third preferred growth direction family, which is close to the directions normal to the 12¯11planes, and the importance of the interface kinetic anisotropy over the interface energy anisotropy in the dendritic solidification of Zn-rich alloys.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher prevalence of vascular calcification (VC) and cardiovascular disease. VC in CKD patients showed different pathophysiological features from ...those of the general population. The pathogenesis of VC in CKD is a highly organized process, and prior studies have suggested that patients with CKD have their own specific contributors to the phenotypic change of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), including uremic toxins, CKD-mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD), inflammation, and oxidative stress. For the diagnosis and monitoring of VC in CKD, several imaging modalities, including plain radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography have been utilized. VC in CKD patients has distinct clinical features and implications. CKD patients revealed a more intense and more prevalent calcification on the intimal and medial layers, whereas intimal calcification is predominantly observed in the general population. While a higher VC score is clearly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, a greater VC score in CKD patients does not fully reflect the burden of atherosclerosis, because they have more calcification at equal volumes of atheromatous plaques. The primary goal of VC treatment in CKD is the prevention of VC progression, and the main management is to control the biochemical components of CKD-MBD. Cinacalcet and non-calcium-containing phosphate binders are the mainstay of VC prevention in CKD-MBD management. VC in patients with CKD is an ongoing area of research and is expected to advance soon.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a higher prevalence of vascular calcification (VC) and cardiovascular disease. VC in CKD patients showed different pathophysiological features from those of the general population. The pathogenesis of VC in CKD is a highly organized process, and prior studies have suggested that patients with CKD have their own specific contributors to the phenotypic change of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), including uremic toxins, CKD-mineral and bone disease (CKD-MBD), inflammation, and oxidative stress. For the diagnosis and monitoring of VC in CKD, several imaging modalities, including plain radiography, ultrasound, and computed tomography have been utilized. VC in CKD patients has distinct clinical features and implications. CKD patients revealed a more intense and more prevalent calcification on the intimal and medial layers, whereas intimal calcification is predominantly observed in the general population. While a higher VC score is clearly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events, a greater VC score in CKD patients does not fully reflect the burden of atherosclerosis, because they have more calcification at equal volumes of atheromatous plaques. The primary goal of VC treatment in CKD is the prevention of VC progression, and the main management is to control the biochemical components of CKD-MBD. Cinacalcet and non-calcium-containing phosphate binders are the mainstay of VC prevention in CKD-MBD management. VC in patients with CKD is an ongoing area of research and is expected to advance soon.
In response to the swiftly growing demand for batteries in the electric vehicle sector, it is necessary to develop novel anode materials with elevated energy and power density. As an alternative to ...conventional graphite anodes, conversion-based transition metal chalcogenide materials were proposed. However, the tremendous volume expansion and the poor kinetics associated with conversion-based transition metal chalcogenide electrodes limit their further application. In this study, we explore the application of one-dimensional van der Waals (1D vdW) Nb
2
Se
9
as an anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The Nb
2
Se
9
electrode, when tested at a current rate of 0.1 A g
−1
over 100 cycles, exhibits a substantial reversible specific capacity of 542.2 mA h g
−1
. Even when subjected to a current density of 3.2 A g
−1
, it maintains a high capacity of 272.0 mA h g
−1
. Combined results of synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that the one-dimensional Nb
2
Se
9
phase is maintained after the accommodation of lithium ions. This result can be explained by the unique 1D vdW structure, which provides a short diffusion length and ample space to handle the volume expansion. Additionally, the substantial electron cloud of Se surrounding the Nb-Nb framework acts as a Se-Se buffer layer, protecting the one-dimensional structure. Therefore, Li ions can react with the externally exposed Se-Se buffer layer to form dispersed fragments, leading to superior structural stability. These results will not only enhance our understanding of the reaction mechanism within Nb
2
Se
9
materials but also promote the potential utilization of 1D vdW materials as advanced electrode materials for Li-ion batteries.
1D vdW Nb
2
Se
9
is a promising advanced anode material for LIBs due to superior electrochemical performance originating from its unique structural properties, which allow swift transport of Li ions and buffer the volume changes during Li-ion storage.
To evaluate the relationship between urine albumin excretion (UAE) and retinal microvascular parameters assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in patients with ...diabetic retinopathy (DR).
This retrospective cross-sectional study included 180 patients with diabetes and 50 age-matched controls. Patients with diabetes were grouped according to the five-stage DR severity, combined with the presence of albuminuria. All subjects underwent 12×12mm2 field SS-OCTA. The foveal avascular zone metrics, vessel density, and capillary nonperfusion area (NPA) were quantified using a semi-automatic software algorithm on three different rectangular fields (3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2). The correlations between albuminuria and the four OCTA parameters were analyzed.
A total of 105 subjects had normal UAE, and 75 subjects had albuminuria. Of the 102 subjects whose DR severity was higher than mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), capillary NPA on the 3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2 fields was significantly larger in the albuminuria group. None of the OCTA parameters were significantly different between the two groups in subjects with mild NPDR or without DR. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in NPA in the 6×6 mm2 and 10×10 mm2 fields was a significant risk factor for the presence of albuminuria (odds ratio = 1.92 and 1.35).
An increase in capillary NPA was independently associated with albuminuria in patients with clinically significant DR levels. SS-OCTA imaging can be a useful marker for the early detection of diabetic nephropathy.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) behaviors of low carbon steel and three heat-resistant Cr-Mo steels having different Cr contents were compared through tensile testing, silver decoration, and blistering ...observation after electrochemical hydrogen charging and hardness testing after gaseous hydrogen charging. It was observed that higher Cr content caused a longer suppression in charging hydrogen into the steels. However, under hydrogen supersaturation conditions, the higher the strength of the heat-resistant steels, the poorer the HE resistance after electrochemical charging. In contrast, the higher the Cr content, the better the HE resistance under high-temperature gaseous charging conditions.
Abstract
The electrospray process has been extensively applied in various fields, including energy, display, sensor, and biomedical engineering owing to its ability to generate of functional ...micro/nanoparticles. Although the mode of the electrospray process has a significant impact on the quality of micro/nano particles, observing and discriminating the mode of electrospray during the process has not received adequate attention. This study develops a simple automated method to discriminate the mode of the electrospray process based on the current signal using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and class activation map (CAM). The solution flow rate and applied voltage are selected as experimental variables, and the electrospray process is classified into three modes: dripping, pulsating, and cone-jet. The current signal through the collector is measured to detect the deposition of electrospray droplets on the collector. The 1D CNN model is trained using frequency data converted from the current data. The model exhibits excellent performance with an accuracy of 96.30%. Adoption of the CAM configuration enables the model to provide a discriminative cue for each mode and elucidate the decision-making process of the CNN model.
Little is known about the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to investigate the long-term trends in CKD prevalence from South ...Korea including the early pandemic. We used data from 108,152 Korean adults from 2007 to 2020 obtained from a representative longitudinal serial study. We defined CKD as a condition when the participant's estimated glomerular filtration rate was < 60 mL/min/1.73 m
, or one-time spot proteinuria was ≥ 1 +, and then examined the overall trends in the prevalence of CKD. Among the included adults (n = 80,010), the overall national prevalence of CKD was 6.2%. The trend slope gradually increased from 2007 to 2019, however, there was a sudden decrease in 2020 (2007-2010, 5.1% 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7-5.5; 2017-2019, 7.1% 95% CI 6.6-7.6; pandemic period, 6.5% 95% CI 5.7-7.3; and β
, - 0.19; 95% CI - 0.24 to - 0.13). The prevalence of CKD among younger adults and those with poor medical utilization significantly decreased during the early pandemic. This study was the first large-scale study to investigate the longitudinal prevalence of CKD from 2007 to 2020. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact causes for this decline and to identify healthcare policy strategies for preventing and managing CKD.
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