Effect of Bias Frequency on Bottom-Up SiO2 Gap-Filling Using Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition.

High-aspect-ratio patterns are required for next-generation three-dimensional (3D) semiconductor devices. However, it is challenging to eliminate voids and seams during gap-filling of these high-aspect-ratio patterns, such as deep trenches, especially for nanoscale high-aspect-ratio patterns. In this study, a SiO2 plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition process incorporated with ion collision using bias power to the substrate was used for bottom-up trench gap-filling. The effect of bias power frequency on SiO2 trench gap-filling was then investigated. Results showed that changes in bias power frequency did not significantly change the process rate, such as SiO2 growth per cycle. At relatively low bias power frequencies, high-energy ions formed an overhang at the entrance of the high-aspect-ratio trench pattern through sputter etching and redeposition, blocking the pattern entrance. However, at relatively high-frequency bias power, overhang formation due to sputtering did not occur. In the trench interior, due to a scattering effect of ions, deposition was thicker at the bottom of the trench than that at the top, achieving bottom-up gap-filling and void-free gap-filling.

Loss of MEF2C function by enhancer mutation leads to neuronal mitochondria dysfunction and motor deficits in mice.

Genetic changes and epigenetic modifications are associated with neuronal dysfunction in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the mechanism behind genetic mutations in the non-coding region of genes that affect epigenetic modifications remains unclear. Here, we identified an ALS-associated SNP located in the intronic region of MEF2C (rs304152), residing in a putative enhancer element, using convolutional neural network. The enhancer mutation of MEF2C reduces own gene expression and consequently impairs mitochondrial function in motor neurons. MEF2C localizes and binds to the mitochondria DNA, and directly modulates mitochondria-encoded gene expression. CRISPR/Cas-9-induced mutation of the MEF2C enhancer decreases expression of mitochondria-encoded genes. Moreover, MEF2C mutant cells show reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP level but elevation of oxidative stress. MEF2C deficiency in the upper and lower motor neurons of mice impairs mitochondria-encoded genes, and leads to mitochondrial metabolic disruption and progressive motor behavioral deficits. Together, MEF2C dysregulation by the enhancer mutation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which are prevalent features in motor neuronal damage and ALS pathogenesis. This genetic and epigenetic crosstalk mechanism provides insights for advancing our understanding of motor neuron disease and developing effective treatments.

Measurement of human peritoneal surface area using artificial intelligence software in abdominal computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The calculation of the intraperitoneal organ surface area is important for understanding their anatomical structure and for conducting basic and clinical studies on diseases related to the peritoneum. To measure the intraperitoneal surface area in a living body by applying artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to the abdominal cavity using computed tomography and to prepare clinical indicators for application to the abdominal cavity. METHODS: Computed tomography images of ten adult males and females with a healthy body mass index and ten adults diagnosed with colon cancer were analyzed to determine the peritoneal and intraperitoneal surface areas of the organs. The peritoneal surface was segmented and three-dimensionally modeled using AI medical imaging software. In addition to manual work, three-dimensional editing, filtering, and connectivity checks were performed to improve work efficiency and accuracy. The colon and small intestine surface areas were calculated using the mean length and diameter. The abdominal cavity surface area was defined as the sum of the intraperitoneal area and the surface areas of each organ. RESULTS: The mean peritoneal surface area of all participants was measured as 10,039 ± 241 cm2 (males 10,224 ± 171 cm2 and females 9,854 ± 134 cm2). Males had a 3.7% larger peritoneal surface area than females, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The abdominal cavity surface area can be measured using AI techniques and is expected to be used as basic data for clinical applications.

Radiomics and machine learning analysis of liver magnetic resonance imaging for prediction and early detection of tumor response in colorectal liver metastases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a machine learning-based radiomics model for distinguishing tumor response and overall survival in patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) treated with targeted biological therapy. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 17 patients with unresectable liver metastases of colorectal cancer, who had been given targeted biological therapy as the first line of treatment. All patients underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three times up until 8 weeks after chemotherapy. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of machine learning-based radiomics model in tumor response of liver MRI compared with the guidelines for the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared to the Cox proportional hazard ratios following univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Performance measurement of the trained model through metrics showed the accuracy of the machine learning model to be 76.5%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.857 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.605-0.976; P < 0.001). For the patients classified as non-progressing or progressing by the radiomics model, the median overall survival was 17.5 months (95% CI, 12.8-22.2), and 14.8 months (95% CI, 14.2-15.4), respectively (P = 0.431, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: Machine learning-based radiomics models could have the potential to predict tumor response in patients with unresectable CRLM treated with biologic therapy.

Advancing H2O2 electrosynthesis: enhancing electrochemical systems, unveiling emerging applications, and seizing opportunities.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a highly desired chemical with a wide range of applications. Recent advancements in H2O2 synthesis center on the electrochemical reduction of oxygen, an environmentally friendly approach that facilitates on-site production. To successfully implement practical-scale, highly efficient electrosynthesis of H2O2, it is critical to meticulously explore both the design of catalytic materials and the engineering of other components of the electrochemical system, as they hold equal importance in this process. Development of promising electrocatalysts with outstanding selectivity and activity is a prerequisite for efficient H2O2 electrosynthesis, while well-configured electrolyzers determine the practical implementation of large-scale H2O2 production. In this review, we systematically summarize fundamental mechanisms and recent achievements in H2O2 electrosynthesis, including electrocatalyst design, electrode optimization, electrolyte engineering, reactor exploration, potential applications, and integrated systems, with an emphasis on active site identification and microenvironment regulation. This review also proposes new insights into the existing challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving field, together with perspectives on future development of H2O2 electrosynthesis and its industrial-scale applications.

Astrocytic autophagy plasticity modulates Aß clearance and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Astrocytes, one of the most resilient cells in the brain, transform into reactive astrocytes in response to toxic proteins such as amyloid beta (Aß) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, reactive astrocyte-mediated non-cell autonomous neuropathological mechanism is not fully understood yet. We aimed our study to find out whether Aß-induced proteotoxic stress affects the expression of autophagy genes and the modulation of autophagic flux in astrocytes, and if yes, how Aß-induced autophagy-associated genes are involved Aß clearance in astrocytes of animal model of AD. METHODS: Whole RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to detect gene expression patterns in Aß-treated human astrocytes in a time-dependent manner. To verify the role of astrocytic autophagy in an AD mouse model, we developed AAVs expressing shRNAs for MAP1LC3B/LC3B (LC3B) and Sequestosome1 (SQSTM1) based on AAV-R-CREon vector, which is a Cre recombinase-dependent gene-silencing system. Also, the effect of astrocyte-specific overexpression of LC3B on the neuropathology in AD (APP/PS1) mice was determined. Neuropathological alterations of AD mice with astrocytic autophagy dysfunction were observed by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Behavioral changes of mice were examined through novel object recognition test (NOR) and novel object place recognition test (NOPR). RESULTS: Here, we show that astrocytes, unlike neurons, undergo plastic changes in autophagic processes to remove Aß. Aß transiently induces expression of LC3B gene and turns on a prolonged transcription of SQSTM1 gene. The Aß-induced astrocytic autophagy accelerates urea cycle and putrescine degradation pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of autophagy exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in astrocytes. Astrocyte-specific knockdown of LC3B and SQSTM1 significantly increases Aß plaque formation and GFAP-positive astrocytes in APP/PS1 mice, along with a significant reduction of neuronal marker and cognitive function. In contrast, astrocyte-specific overexpression of LC3B reduced Aß aggregates in the brain of APP/PS1 mice. An increase of LC3B and SQSTM1 protein is found in astrocytes of the hippocampus in AD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data indicates that Aß-induced astrocytic autophagic plasticity is an important cellular event to modulate Aß clearance and maintain cognitive function in AD mice.

Developing a transit desert interactive dashboard: Supervised modeling for forecasting transit deserts.

Transit deserts refer to regions with a gap in transit services, with the demand for transit exceeding the supply. This study goes beyond merely identifying transit deserts to suggest actionable solutions. Using a multi-class supervised machine learning framework, we analyzed factors leading to transit deserts, distinguishing demand by gender. Our focus was on peak-time periods. After assessing the Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree, Random Forest, and K-nearest Neighbor, we settled on the Random Forest method, supported by Diverse Counterfactual Explanation and SHapley Additive Explanation in our analysis. The ranking of feature importance in the trained Random Forest model revealed that factors such as density, design, distance to transit, diversity in the built environment, and sociodemographic characteristics significantly contribute to the classification of transit deserts. Diverse Counterfactual Explanation suggested that a reduction in population density and an increase in the proportion of green open spaces would likely facilitate the transformation of transit deserts into transit oases. SHapley Additive Explanation highlighted the differential impact of various features on each identified transit desert. Our analysis results indicate that identifying transit deserts can vary depending on whether the data is aggregated or separated by demographics. We found areas that have unique transit needs based on gender. The disparity in transit services was particularly pronounced for women. Our model pinpointed the core elements that define a transit desert. Broadly, to address transit deserts, strategies should prioritize the needs of disadvantaged groups and enhance the design and accessibility of transit in the built environment. Our research extends existing analyses of transit deserts by leveraging machine learning to develop a predictive model. We developed a machine learning-powered interactive dashboard. Integrating participatory planning approaches with the development of an interactive interface could enhance ongoing community engagement. Planning practices can evolve with AI in the loop.

Development of nanogap-rich hybrid gold nanostructures by use of two non-lithographic deposition techniques for a sensitive and reliable SERS biosensor.

Practical application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has suffered from several limitations by heterogeneous distribution of hot-spots, such as high signal fluctuation and the resulting low reliability in detection. Herein, we develop a strategy of more sensitive and reliable SERS platform through designing spatially homogeneous gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on a uniform gold nanoisland (GNI) pattern. The proposed SERS substrate is successfully fabricated by combining two non-lithographic techniques of electron beam evaporation and convective self-assembly. These bottom-up methods allow a simple, cost-effective, and large-area fabrication. Compared to the SERS substrates obtained from two separate nanofabrication methods, Raman spectra measured by the samples with both GNPs and GNIs present a significant increase in the signal intensity as well as a notable improvement in signal fluctuation. The simulated near-field analyses demonstrate the formation of highly amplified plasmon modes within and at the gaps of the GNP-GNI interfaces. Moreover, the suggested SERS sensor is evaluated to detect the glucose concentration, exhibiting that the detection sensitivity is improved by more than 10 times compared to the sample with only GNI patterns and a fairly good spatial reproducibility of 7% is accomplished. It is believed that our suggestion could provide a potential for highly sensitive, low-cost, and reliable SERS biosensing platforms that include many advantages for healthcare devices. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13534-024-00381-4.

Non-Linear Association Between Liver Fibrosis Scores and Viral Load in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

Background/Aims: Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores are significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Nonetheless, the relationship between HBV DNA levels and liver fibrosis scores is unclear. Methods: A historical cohort comprising 6,949 non-cirrhotic Korean CHB patients without significant alanine aminotransferase elevation was investigated. The association of HBV DNA levels with the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis (FIB)-4 score at baseline was analyzed using general linear models. Results: In HBeAg-negative patients (n=4,868), HBV DNA levels correlated linearly with both APRI and FIB-4 scores. In contrast, in HBeAg-positive patients (n=2,081), HBV DNA levels correlated inversely with both APRI and FIB-4 scores. Across the entire cohort, a significant non-linear parabolic relationship was identified between HBV DNA levels and fibrosis scores, independent of age and other covariates. Notably, moderate viral loads (6-7 log10 IU/mL) corresponded to the highest APRI and FIB-4 scores (P<0.001). Over a median 10-year follow-up, 435 patients (6.3%) developed HCC. Higher APRI scores ≥0.5 and FIB-4 scores ≥1.45 were significantly associated with elevated HCC risk (P<0.001 for both). HBV DNA level remained a significant predictive factor for HCC development, even after adjusting for APRI or FIB-4 scores. Conclusions: HBV viral load is significantly correlated with APRI and FIB-4 scores, and is also associated with HCC risk independent of those scores in CHB patients. These findings suggest that HBV DNA level is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis through both direct and indirect pathways.

External Testing of a Deep Learning Model to Estimate Biological Age Using Chest Radiographs.

"Just Accepted" papers have undergone full peer review and have been accepted for publication in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence. This article will undergo copyediting, layout, and proof review before it is published in its final version. Please note that during production of the final copyedited article, errors may be discovered which could affect the content. Purpose To assess the prognostic value of a deep learning-based chest radiographic age (CXR-Age) model in a large external test cohort of Asian individuals. Materials and Methods This single-center, retrospective study included chest radiographs from consecutive, asymptomatic Asian individuals aged 50 to 80 who received health check-ups between January 2004 and June 2018. This study performed a dedicated external test of the previously developed CXR-Age model, which predicts an age adjusted based on the risk of all-cause mortality. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of CXR-Age for all-cause, cardiovascular, lung cancer, and respiratory disease mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox or Fine-Gray models, with their added values evaluated by likelihood ratio tests. Results A total of 36,924 individuals (mean chronological age ± SD, 58 ± 7 years; CXR-Age, 60 ± 5 years; 22,352 male) were included. Over a median follow-up of 11.0 years, 1250 individuals (3.4%) died, including 153 cardiovascular (0.4%), 166 lung cancer (0.4%), and 98 respiratory deaths (0.3%). CXR-Age was a significant risk factor for all-cause (adjusted HR at the chronological age of 50 years: 1.03; at 60 years: 1.05; at 70 years: 1.07), cardiovascular (adjusted HR: 1.11), lung cancer (adjusted HR for former smokers: 1.12; for current smokers: 1.05), and respiratory disease mortality (adjusted HR: 1.12) (all P values < 0.05). The likelihood ratio test demonstrated added prognostic value of CXR-Age to clinical factors including chronological age for all outcomes (all P values < 0.001). Conclusion Deep learning-based chest radiographic age was associated with various survival outcomes and had added value to clinical factors in asymptomatic Asian individuals, suggesting its generalizability. ©RSNA, 2024.

Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Digital Burnout Scale.

Objectives: To investigate the factor structure and verify the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Digital Burnout Scale (DBS) among Generation Z university students. Methodology: The World Health Organization guidelines were employed in the forward and back translation, synthesis, cross-cultural adaptation, and pre-survey phases to result in the Korean version of the DBS. The Korean version was then used to collect data from 330 university students online. Construct, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity, and internal consistency were assessed. Findings: The Korean version of the DBS had three subscales (digital aging, digital deprivation, and emotional exhaustion) and included 24 items. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated adequate model fit indices. Convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity were satisfactory. The Cronbach's ⍺ for the overall scale was 0.95. Conclusion: The Korean version of the DBS has good reliability and validity and can be used as a tool to assess the level of risk of digital burnout and provide appropriate support and intervention. Implications: The Korean version of the DBS will serve as a framework for developing healthy digital education by grasping individual characteristics. Longitudinal research is recommended to identify factors that cause digital usage and burnout for various age groups.

Incorporating Supramaximal Resection into Survival Stratification of IDH-Wildtype Glioblastoma: A Refined Multi-institutional Recursive Partitioning Analysis.

PURPOSE: To propose a novel recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) classification model in patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastomas that incorporates the recently expanded conception of the extent of resection (EOR) in terms of both supramaximal and total resections. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This multicenter cohort study included a developmental cohort of 622 patients with IDH-wildtype glioblastomas from a single institution (Severance Hospital) and validation cohorts of 536 patients from three institutions (Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, and Heidelberg University Hospital). All patients completed standard treatment including concurrent chemoradiotherapy and underwent testing to determine their IDH mutation and MGMTp methylation status. EORs were categorized into either supramaximal, total, or non-total resections. A novel RPA model was then developed and compared to a previous RTOG RPA model. RESULTS: In the developmental cohort, the RPA model included age, MGMTp methylation status, KPS, and EOR. Younger patients with MGMTp methylation and supramaximal resections showed a more favorable prognosis (class I: median overall survival [OS] 57.3 months), while low-performing patients with non-total resections and without MGMTp methylation showed the worst prognosis (class IV: median OS 14.3 months). The prognostic significance of the RPA was subsequently confirmed in the validation cohorts, which revealed a greater separation between prognostic classes for all cohorts compared to the previous RTOG RPA model. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed RPA model highlights the impact of supramaximal versus total resections and incorporates clinical and molecular factors into survival stratification. The RPA model may improve the accuracy of assessing prognostic groups.

Multiple hybridization events and repeated evolution of homoeologue expression bias in parthenogenetic, polyploid New Zealand stick insects.

During hybrid speciation, homoeologues combine in a single genome. Homoeologue expression bias (HEB) occurs when one homoeologue has higher gene expression than another. HEB has been well characterized in plants but rarely investigated in animals, especially invertebrates. Consequently, we have little idea as to the role that HEB plays in allopolyploid invertebrate genomes. If HEB is constrained by features of the parental genomes, then we predict repeated evolution of similar HEB patterns among hybrid genomes formed from the same parental lineages. To address this, we reconstructed the history of hybridization between the New Zealand stick insect genera Acanthoxyla and Clitarchus using a high-quality genome assembly from Clitarchus hookeri to call variants and phase alleles. These analyses revealed the formation of three independent diploid and triploid hybrid lineages between these genera. RNA sequencing revealed a similar magnitude and direction of HEB among these hybrid lineages, and we observed that many enriched functions and pathways were also shared among lineages, consistent with repeated evolution due to parental genome constraints. In most hybrid lineages, a slight majority of the genes involved in mitochondrial function showed HEB towards the maternal homoeologues, consistent with only weak effects of mitonuclear incompatibility. We also observed a proteasome functional enrichment in most lineages and hypothesize this may result from the need to maintain proteostasis in hybrid genomes. Reference bias was a pervasive problem, and we caution against relying on HEB estimates from a single parental reference genome.

All-Inside Arthroscopic and Open Techniques of the Modified Broström Procedure for the Treatment of Lateral Ankle Instability: Comparison of the Times to Return to Play.

Background and Objectives: Lateral ankle injuries are commonly encountered injuries, and the open modified Broström operation (OMBO) is the primary treatment option. Recently, an arthroscopic modification of the Broström operation (AMBO) was developed; many studies have shown that there are no significant differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between the two surgical methods. However, no studies have been conducted comparing the two surgical methods in terms of return to play (RTP) time. This study assesses the time to RTP and the functional clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled from January 2012 to July 2014. They were segregated into two cohorts: the AMBO group comprised 30 patients, while the OMBO group comprised another 30 patients. Each participant underwent standardized treatment and rehabilitation regimens and RTP time was measured using seven questions that explored the times to return of painless walking, running, jumping, squatting, climbing stairs, and rising up on the heels and toes. We compared the time intervals from the onset of instability to the date of surgery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated before the surgery, 6 weeks after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. The assessments included the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, subjective satisfaction with rehabilitation, and activity level. Results: In terms of RTP, AMBO was associated with a shorter interval to walking without pain (7.07 ± 2.96 weeks) relative to OMBO (11.03 ± 8.58 weeks). No disparities were observed in the time to return to play (RTP) between OMBO and AMBO. While there were no discrepancies in the 6-month postoperative AOFAS or VAS scores, the 6-week postoperative VAS score was notably lower in the AMBO group compared to the OMBO group. AMBO provided a faster RTP in terms of two of the seven questions in a group exhibiting high-level physical activity. The rate of subjective satisfaction with rehabilitation was higher for AMBO than for OMBO. Conclusions: Aside from walking, the duration to return to play and the clinical outcomes were similar between AMBO and OMBO treatments for lateral ankle instability. AMBO is a good treatment option and should be carefully considered for athletes with lateral ankle instability. AMBO demonstrated positive outcomes in a group with higher activity levels compared to others, particularly in terms of time to RTP, subjective satisfaction, and postoperative pain.

Sensor-Less Control of Mirror Manipulator Using Shape Memory Polyimide Composite Actuator: Experimental Work.

Integrated thin film-based shape memory polyimide composites (SMPICs) are potentially attractive for efficient and compact design, thereby offering cost-effective applications. The objective of this article is to design and evaluate a mirror manipulator using an SMPIC as an actuator and a sensor with control. A sensor-less control strategy using the SMPIC (a self-sensing actuator) with a proportional derivative combined variable structure controller (PD-VSC) is proposed for position control of the mirror in both the vertical and angular directions. The mirror manipulator is able to move the mirror in the vertical and angular directions by 3.39 mm and 10.5 deg, respectively. A desired fast response is obtained as the performance under control. In addition, some benefits from the proposed control realization include good tracking, stable switching, no overshoot, no steady state oscillations, and robust disturbance rejection. These superior properties are experimentally validated to reflect practical feasibility.

Comprehensive multiomics analysis reveals distinct differences between pediatric choroid plexus papilloma and carcinoma.

Choroid plexus tumors (CPTs) are intraventricular tumors derived from the choroid plexus epithelium and occur frequently in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the genomic and epigenomic characteristics of CPT and identify the differences between choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) and choroid plexus carcinoma (CPC). We conducted multiomics analyses of 20 CPT patients including CPP and CPC. Multiomics analysis included whole-genome sequencing, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and methylation sequencing. Mutually exclusive TP53 and EPHA7 point mutations, coupled with the amplification of chromosome 1, were exclusively identified in CPC. In contrast, amplification of chromosome 9 was specific to CPP. Differential gene expression analysis uncovered a significant overexpression of genes related to cell cycle regulation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways in CPC compared to CPP. Overexpression of genes associated with tumor metastasis and progression was observed in the CPC subgroup with leptomeningeal dissemination. Furthermore, methylation profiling unveiled hypomethylation in major repeat regions, including long interspersed nuclear elements, short interspersed nuclear elements, long terminal repeats, and retrotransposons in CPC compared to CPP, implying that the loss of epigenetic silencing of transposable elements may play a role in tumorigenesis of CPC. Finally, the differential expression of AK1, regulated by both genomic and epigenomic factors, emerged as a potential contributing factor to the histological difference of CPP against CPC. Our results suggest pronounced genomic and epigenomic disparities between CPP and CPC, providing insights into the pathogenesis of CPT at the molecular level.

Can trade and security alliance help reduce interstate war?

This study explains how the gap between theory and empirical research hinders scientific progress in the area of international political economy. To demonstrate this point, I use Chen's Extended Dependence Theory, which challenges liberal peace theory but fails to provide supporting empirical evidence. Chen contends that it is not trade dependence between two states that fosters peace but a challenger's trade relations with the defense-pact partners of the target. Although Chen criticizes liberal peace proponents whose primary concern is how to deter war, his empirical analysis is confined to how to decrease (fatal) militarized disputes short of war. I argue that for his theory to succeed, it must be validated against the most severe and intense form of conflict. Using statistical tests and substantive significance, I uncover no peace-building effect, with regards to war, attributable to Extended Dependence. It appears that the Extended Dependence variable exhibits a ceiling effect. Future research should explain why economic ties and security institutions fail to work together to lower the risk of the most destructive form of conflict.

Shear force effect of the dry process on cathode contact coverage in all-solid-state batteries.

The state-of-the-art all-solid-state batteries have emerged as an alternative to the traditional flammable lithium-ion batteries, offering higher energy density and safety. Nevertheless, insufficient intimate contact at electrode-electrolyte surface limits their stability and electrochemical performance, hindering the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries. Herein, we conduct a systematic investigation into the effects of shear force in the dry electrode process by comparing binder-free hand-mixed pellets, wet-processed electrodes, and dry-processed electrodes. Through digitally processed images, we quantify a critical factor, 'coverage', the percentage of electrolyte-covered surface area of the active materials. The coverage of dry electrodes was significantly higher (67.2%) than those of pellets (30.6%) and wet electrodes (33.3%), enabling superior rate capability and cyclability. A physics-based electrochemical model highlights the effects of solid diffusion by elucidating the impact of coverage on active material utilization under various current densities. These results underscore the pivotal role of the electrode fabrication process, with the focus on the critical factor of coverage.

Discrete prognostic implication of sarcopenia according to nutritional status in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional status and sarcopenia affects the prognosis of head and neck cancers including hypopharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal cancer patients tend to exhibit sarcopenia, which is associated with poor treatment outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status and sarcopenia, and their prognostic role in surgically treated hypopharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma originating from the hypopharynx and underwent surgery between January 2009 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. The median neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) of the cohort were considered the cut-off values. Sarcopenia was evaluated by measuring skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra. Clinical and serological factors predictive of survival outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with high PNI showed better 5-year Overall survival (OS) (52.8% vs. 27.2%, p = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (59.6% vs. 44.6%, p = 0.033) than those with low PNI. Likewise, patients with low SMI showed worse 5-year OS (25.0% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.002) and DFS (42.4% vs. 68.7%, p = 0.034) than patients with high SMI. Among the patients with high PNI, those with sarcopenia displayed significantly worse OS than those with high SMI (78.0% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.049). High PNI with high SMI presented better overall (p = 0.010) and DFS (p = 0.055) than any other group. CONCLUSIONS: Both sarcopenia and PNI were associated with the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. Considering that PNI and sarcopenia indicate the nutritional status, nutritional status may be a significant risk factor. Therefore, nutritional support that ameliorates sarcopenia may improve survival outcomes in surgically treated patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.