Vertical full-colour micro-LEDs via 2D materials-based layer transfer.

Micro-LEDs (µLEDs) have been explored for augmented and virtual reality display applications that require extremely high pixels per inch and luminance1,2. However, conventional manufacturing processes based on the lateral assembly of red, green and blue (RGB) µLEDs have limitations in enhancing pixel density3-6. Recent demonstrations of vertical µLED displays have attempted to address this issue by stacking freestanding RGB LED membranes and fabricating top-down7-14, but minimization of the lateral dimensions of stacked µLEDs has been difficult. Here we report full-colour, vertically stacked µLEDs that achieve, to our knowledge, the highest array density (5,100 pixels per inch) and the smallest size (4 µm) reported to date. This is enabled by a two-dimensional materials-based layer transfer technique15-18 that allows the growth of RGB LEDs of near-submicron thickness on two-dimensional material-coated substrates via remote or van der Waals epitaxy, mechanical release and stacking of LEDs, followed by top-down fabrication. The smallest-ever stack height of around 9 µm is the key enabler for record high µLED array density. We also demonstrate vertical integration of blue µLEDs with silicon membrane transistors for active matrix operation. These results establish routes to creating full-colour µLED displays for augmented and virtual reality, while also offering a generalizable platform for broader classes of three-dimensional integrated devices.

Monolithic 3D integration of 2D materials-based electronics towards ultimate edge computing solutions.

Three-dimensional (3D) hetero-integration technology is poised to revolutionize the field of electronics by stacking functional layers vertically, thereby creating novel 3D circuity architectures with high integration density and unparalleled multifunctionality. However, the conventional 3D integration technique involves complex wafer processing and intricate interlayer wiring. Here we demonstrate monolithic 3D integration of two-dimensional, material-based artificial intelligence (AI)-processing hardware with ultimate integrability and multifunctionality. A total of six layers of transistor and memristor arrays were vertically integrated into a 3D nanosystem to perform AI tasks, by peeling and stacking of AI processing layers made from bottom-up synthesized two-dimensional materials. This fully monolithic-3D-integrated AI system substantially reduces processing time, voltage drops, latency and footprint due to its densely packed AI processing layers with dense interlayer connectivity. The successful demonstration of this monolithic-3D-integrated AI system will not only provide a material-level solution for hetero-integration of electronics, but also pave the way for unprecedented multifunctional computing hardware with ultimate parallelism.

Three-dimensional imaging performance of photoelectrochemical cells.

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell produces hydrogen energy using solar energy and an electrochemical reaction. In the hydrogen production process with water decomposition, electrons move from the anode to the cathode, and by measuring the current value at this time, the PEC cell can generate hydrogen and function as an image sensor at the same time. Due to the characteristics of the PEC cell that can perform both functions simultaneously, it can be applied as a device that can detect and respond to the surrounding environment without the need for an observation system such as a camera. We present the imaging performance of PEC cells. The effectiveness of the experiment was confirmed by applying the PEC cells to integral imaging, one of the three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques.

Understanding inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated on romaine lettuce by emulsified thyme essential oil.

Effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) emulsion (TEE) with cationic charge formulated using cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on attachment strength and inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on romaine lettuce surface were examined in this study. Regardless of the inoculation time (2 h and 24 h), pathogen attachment was stronger on the adaxial surface of the romaine lettuce than on the abaxial surface because of the lower roughness of the former. Moreover, attachment strength increased with increasing inoculation time. TEE washing had the strongest inhibitory effect on pathogen attachment at 2 h when compared with that of TEO, CPC, and sodium hypochlorite (SH), demonstrating a 3.32 and 2.53 log-reduction in the size of the L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 populations, respectively, compared to the control samples. Additionally, the TEE washing effects were maintained even after inoculation for 24 h, and it decreased attachment to adaxial surface of the samples. These results indicate that TEE could be a good alternative to SH in improving the microbiological safety of romaine lettuce.

5-Bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Promotes Hair Growth through Activation of Wnt/ß-Catenin and Autophagy Pathways and Inhibition of TGF-ß Pathways in Dermal Papilla Cells.

Various studies addressing the increasing problem of hair loss, using natural products with few side effects, have been conducted. 5-bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of atopic dermatitis and inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated its stimulating effect and the underlying mechanism of action on hair growth using rat vibrissa follicles and dermal papilla cells (DPCs), required for the regulation of hair cycle and length. BDB increased the length of hair fibers in rat vibrissa follicles and the proliferation of DPCs, along with causing changes in the levels of cell cycle-related proteins. We investigated whether BDB could trigger anagen-activating signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and autophagy in DPCs. BDB induces activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway through the phosphorylation of GSG3ß and ß-catenin. BDB increased the levels of autophagic vacuoles and autophagy regulatory proteins Atg7, Atg5, Atg16L, and LC3B. We also investigated whether BDB inhibits the TGF-ß pathway, which promotes transition to the catagen phase. BDB inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 induced by TGF-ß1. Thus, BDB can promote hair growth by modulating anagen signaling by activating Wnt/ß-catenin and autophagy pathways and inhibiting the TGF-ß pathway in DPCs.

Prognostic Performance of Preoperative Staging: Assessed by Using Multidetector Computed Tomography-Between the New Clinical Classification and the Pathological Classification in the Eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer Classification for Gastric Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Since the eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification recently introduced the clinical classification for preoperative staging of gastric cancer, the new clinical classification has not been extensively validated yet. Therefore, in this study, we compared the prognostic performance of the new clinical classification and the pathologic classification for preoperative staging of gastric cancer. METHODS: We reviewed 3027 patients with gastric cancer who were surgically treated between 2009 and 2013. Patient survival was analyzed according to the preoperative stage by the clinical classification and the pathologic classification in the eighth AJCC classification. The prognostic performance was examined using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) value and Harrell c-index. RESULTS: Patient survival was significantly different across the different stages when both classifications were used. However, individual pairwise comparisons showed that survival differences between each stage were more distinctive and homogeneous in the pathologic classification. In the multivariate model adjusted for the final pathologic stage, preoperative staging by the pathologic classification was an independent prognostic factor, whereas the clinical classification was not. The pathologic classification showed a lower AIC value compared with the clinical classification (5100.64 vs. 5114.14). The Harrell c-index was higher in the pathologic classification than in the clinical classification (0.741 vs. 0.739). CONCLUSIONS: The new clinical classification in the eighth AJCC classification discriminates patient survival well. However, it does not appear to have a better prognostic performance compared with the pathologic classification for preoperative staging of gastric cancer.

All 2D WSe2/MoS2 heterojunction photodiode and its image sensor application.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered van der Waals atomic crystals exhibit many fascinating properties. In particular, their dangling-bond-free nature enables different 2D materials to be stacked on the top of each other without restraint, thereby forming a heterostructure. In this study, a high-performance all 2D WSe2/MoS2 heterojunction photodiode with a graphene contact as an electrode is demonstrated. It exhibits an excellent electrical performance (ideality factor of 1.2 and rectification ratio of 104), a broad spectral photoresponse (from 450 to 980 nm), and a remarkable linearity with a linear dynamic range of 113 dB. Finally, a self-powered single pixel imager is demonstrated as a feasible optoelectronic application.

Reduced anastomotic complications with intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy using endoscopic linear staplers (overlap method) in laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: With advances in surgical technique and instrumentation, intracorporeal anastomosis is increasingly being performed for laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG). However, the benefits of intracorporeal anastomosis in reducing postoperative complications have not been demonstrated, although its technical feasibility has been proven in many studies. In this study, we investigated the impact of intracorporeal anastomosis in reducing postoperative complications after LTG. METHODS: We analyzed 410 consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent LTG between 2008 and 2018. Of these, 118 underwent intracorporeal anastomosis using linear staplers (overlap method), while 292 underwent extracorporeal anastomosis using a circular stapler. Short-term surgical outcomes including postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups showed no significant differences in age, sex, comorbidity, and abdominal surgery history. D2 lymph node dissection was more frequently performed in the intracorporeal group because of the presence of more advanced cancer stages. The overall morbidity in the intracorporeal and extracorporeal group was 23.7% and 27.7%, respectively (p = 0.405). However, the intracorporeal group showed a significantly lower incidence of late complications (0.8% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.008). Concerning complications, the incidence of anastomotic bleeding (0% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.008) and anastomotic stenosis (0% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.024) was significantly lower in the intracorporeal group. In univariate and multivariate analyses, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and operative bleeding were independent predictive factors for postoperative complications in patients who underwent intracorporeal anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorporeal anastomosis using linear staplers reduced anastomotic bleeding and stenosis compared to extracorporeal anastomosis after LTG. Future research will be required to determine the ideal method for intracorporeal anastomosis in LTG.

Norgalanthamine Stimulates Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via Anagen-Activating Signaling Pathways.

Norgalanthamine has been shown to possess hair-growth promoting effects, including increase in hair-fiber length in cultured rat vibrissa follicles and increase in dermal papilla cell (DPC) proliferation. However, the intracellular mechanisms that underlie the action of norgalanthamine in DPCs have not been investigated. In this study, we addressed the ability of norgalanthamine to trigger anagen-activating signaling pathways in DPCs. Norgalanthamine significantly increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation at 0.1 µM, a concentration at which DPC proliferation was also induced. Furthermore, the increases in norgalanthamine-induced ERK 1/2 activation and subsequent DPC proliferation were suppressed by the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor, U0126. A 0.1 µM dose of norgalanthamine also increased phosphorylation of AKT, which was followed by an increase in glycogen synthase kinase 3ß phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ß-catenin. In addition, LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, blocked the effect of norgalanthamine on DPC proliferation. These results suggest that norgalanthamine can stimulate the anagen phase of the hair cycle in DPCs via activation of the ERK 1/2, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways.

Facile and Low-Cost Fabrication of Cathode Protection Thin Layer for Durable Li-S Batteries.

A new and cost-efficient way of confining the diffusing polysulfides within the sulfur cathode is presented on the basis of employing a porous diatomite that is highly abundant in nature. The sulfur cathode coated with diatomite layer exhibited a significantly reduced capacity fade during the first two cycles, implying that the loss of active materials due to the migration of polysulfides can be mitigated by the protective layer. The diatomite-layered cathode demonstrated excellent cycling stability as high as 85% after 100 cycles. These results clearly indicate that the polysulfide diffusion is effectively blocked and the dissolved polysulfides are well confined within the protected cathode region.

Antibacterial activity of the noni fruit extract against Listeria monocytogenes and its applicability as a natural sanitizer for the washing of fresh-cut produce.

This study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial activity of the noni fruit extract (NFE) against Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC, 19111 and 19115) and assess its applicability for the washing of fresh-cut produce. Based on the results of the disc diffusion test, L. monocytogenes (ATCC, 19111 and 19115) was susceptible to the activity of NFE than other pathogens studied. Additionally, results of the time-kill assay indicated that NFE at a concentration of 0.5-0.7% effectively killed L. monocytogenes within 7 h. Furthermore, analysis of the intracellular components such as nucleic acids and proteins released from the bacterial cells and their SEM imaging revealed that NFE could increase the membrane permeability of cells resulting in their death. Compared to their unwashed samples, washing of romaine lettuce, spinach, and kale with 0.5% NFE gave a reduction of 1.47, 2.28, and 3.38 log CFU/g, respectively against L. monocytogenes (ATCC, 19111 and 19115), which is significantly different to that of NaOCl. A significant correlation was observed between the antibacterial effect induced due to NFE washing with the surface roughness of the fresh-cut produce than its surface hydrophobicity. Moreover, washing with NFE was not found to affect the color of the samples. These results indicated that NFE demonstrates good antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes and can be used as a natural sanitizer to ensure the microbiological safety of fresh-cut produce.

A Novel Emulsion-Based Replica Method for the Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon.

We present a novel approach for the synthesis of large-pore mesoporous carbon with a highly porous structure, based on an oil/water (O/W) emulsion templating method. For the formation of oil-in-water emulsions with nanoscale oil droplets, polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as an emulsifier. Mesoporous carbon materials with large mesopores were successfully synthesized via a three-step process: (1) polymerization in the oil-in-water emulsion, (2) filtration, and (3) carbonization. We confirmed that the pore size of the carbon can be significantly reduced through a modified O/W emulsion method. The mesoporous carbon materials prepared without an activation step exhibited an appreciable surface area (705 m2/g) and a noticeable capacitive performance of ∼100 F/g at 2.0 A/g. We believe that the approach presented here can be widely applied to the synthesis of mesoporous carbon using various carbon sources, and the structural properties of the mesoporous carbon can be improved through proper optimization.

Colloidal Silica Templated Mesoporous Carbons from a Maltose Solution for Use in Supercapacitor Electrodes.

A series of disordered mesoporous carbons (DMC) are synthesized via the colloidal silica template method by varying the mass ratio of silica to maltose from 0.4 to 1.4. A gradual improvement in the surface area and porosity of the DMC is apparent with an increase in the ratio of silica to maltose. The capacitance of the DMCs tends to increase linearly with their surface area. In particular, the DMC synthesized at a mass ratio of 1.4 exhibits the largest surface area of 1,152 m2/g and the highest capacitance of 175.4 F/g, comparable to the capacitance of other porous carbons with large surface areas (>2,000 m2/g). This feature may be attributed to its unique structural properties, such as the high pore interconnectivity allowing for easy access of the electrolyte ions. We believe that a higher capacitive performance can be achieved through further optimization studies (e.g., searching for better carbon precursors and adjusting the mass ratio of silica to carbon precursor).

Combined effect of a positively charged cinnamon leaf oil emulsion and organic acid on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh-cut Treviso leaves.

This study was performed to examine the inhibitory effect of combined treatments with a positively charged cinnamon leaf oil (P-CL) emulsion and various organic acids against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh-cut Treviso leaves. Combined treatments with a P-CL emulsion and an organic acid exhibited a higher inhibitory effect than treatment with each alone or NaOCl. The highest inhibitory effect was achieved by combined treatment with the P-CL emulsion and lactic acid (LA), which showed a 2.85-log reduction compared to distilled water washing. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the combined treatment was maintained during 6 days of subsequent storage, and showed a 3.24-3.39-log reduction compared to unwashed samples. Treviso leaves treated with the P-CL emulsion and LA also maintained their sensorial properties, including appearance, odor, hardness, freshness, and overall acceptability, during subsequent storage. Therefore, combined treatment with a P-CL emulsion and LA can be used to effectively ensure the microbial safety and organoleptic quality of fresh-cut Treviso leaves.

Both binding and blocking antibodies correlate with disease severity in myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease associated with antibodies directed to the postsynaptic muscle components of the neuromuscular junction. The heterogeneous nature of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody response had led to the categorization of AChR antibodies into 3 types: binding, blocking, and modulating antibodies. The purpose of this study is to compare the AChR antibodies' type with the clinical severity of MG patients. The patients enrolled in the study had been tested for both binding and blocking antibodies and had disease duration exceeding 2 years since diagnosis. The patients were divided into five main classes by the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America clinical classification. Again, the enrolled patients were divided into ocular and generalized group. We compared the type and titer of antibodies and the thymus status between the ocular and generalized group. Thirty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 patients (47 %) had both blocking and binding AChR antibodies, 11 patients (31 %) had only binding antibodies, and 8 patients (22 %) had only blocking antibodies. By defined clinical classification, the ocular and generalized groups included 10 and 25 patients, respectively. Sixteen patients in the generalized group possessed both AChR antibodies, with the remaining patients displaying only the binding antibody. All the patients with only blocking antibody were classified into ocular group. Use of binding and blocking antibodies' tests may, therefore, be more helpful in predicting the prognosis and diagnoses of MG patient.

Headache among CADASIL patients with R544C mutation: prevalence, characteristics, and associations.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There are variations of migraine prevalence in cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) among different regions of the world. Previous studies on Asian CADASIL patients have not provided detailed descriptions of the characteristics of their headaches. The aims of this study were to determine prevalence and characteristics of headaches and to investigate associations between headache and other clinical symptoms or brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings among homogenous group of patients having the same R544C mutation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 53 CADASIL patients with the R544C mutation between May 2010 and April 2011. We obtained the history of headache using a structured questionnaire and detailed interview. Other clinical features and brain MRI findings were also assessed for potential associations. RESULTS: Overall headache prevalence was 45.3% (24 patients). Among them, 21 patients (87.5%) were classified as having tension-type headache, followed by migraine (two patients) and unclassifiable headaches (one patient). Except for alcohol consumption, no significant associations were observed between the headaches and other clinical features or brain MRI findings. CONCLUSION: Migraine was found in only 3.8% of CADASIL patients with the R544C mutation. Such a low prevalence of migraine may hinder clinical detection of CADASIL among ethnically Asian patients.

Lying-down nystagmus and head-bending nystagmus in horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: are they useful for lateralization?

BACKGROUND: Lateralization of horizontal semicircular canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (HSC-BPPV) is very important for successful repositioning. The directions of lying-down nystagmus (LDN) and head-bending nystagmus (HBN) have been used as ancillary findings to identify the affected sites. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the lateralizing values of LDN and HBN using clinical and laboratory findings for lateralizing probabilities in patients with HSC-BPPV. METHODS: For 50 HSC-BPPV patients with asymmetric direction-changing horizontal nystagmus (DCHN) during the head-rolling test (HRT) using Frenzel goggles, the directions of LDN and HBN were evaluated and compared to those determined by video-oculography. Directional LDN was defined as the contralesional direction of nystagmus in geotropic types and the ipsilesional direction in apogeotropic types. Directional HBN was defined as the opposite direction relative to directional LDN. We also analyzed LDN and HBN in 14 patients with a history of ipsilesional peripheral vestibulopathy, caloric abnormality or conversion from other types of BPPV (such as probable localized HSC-BPPV, pro-BPPV). RESULTS: LDN and HBN were seen in 68% (34/50) and 76% (38/50) of patients, respectively. Of these, 19 (55.9%), and 28 (73.7%) patients showed directional LDN and HBN, respectively. The proportion of patients with directional LDN and HBN was much smaller among the pro-BPPV patients (4/12 for LDN, 3/10 for HBN). CONCLUSIONS: LDN and HBN did not seem to predict lateralization in patients with HSC-BPPV. To improve the prediction of lateralization of HSC-BPPV, it is necessary to modify the maneuvers used to elicit LDN or HBN, especially in cases of symmetric DCHN during HRT.

Effects of benzalkonium chloride as a cationic surfactant on the physicochemical properties of adlay millet starch films.

The effects of benzalkonium chloride (BC) as a cationic surfactant on the mechanical, water barrier, microstructural, and thermal properties of adlay millet starch (AS) films were investigated in this study. With increasing BC concentration, tensile strength (from 5.93 to 6.15 MPa) and elongation at break (from 41.39 to 45.48%) of AS-BC films significantly increased, whereas their moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability were reduced, indicating water resistance improvement. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that BC at concentrations below 1% did not cause noticeable changes in the microstructure of AS-BC films. In addition, the thermal stability of AS-BC films was not affected by BC, indicating good miscibility between AS and BC. Therefore, BC could improve the physicochemical properties of starch films, and AS-BC films developed in this study can be applied as novel biodegradable packaging materials in the food packaging industry. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01383-1.

Design of high-performance entangling logic in silicon quantum dot systems with Bayesian optimization.

Device engineering based on computer-aided simulations is essential to make silicon (Si) quantum bits (qubits) be competitive to commercial platforms based on superconductors and trapped ions. Combining device simulations with the Bayesian optimization (BO), here we propose a systematic design approach that is quite useful to procure fast and precise entangling operations of qubits encoded to electron spins in electrode-driven Si quantum dot (QD) systems. For a target problem of the controlled-X (CNOT) logic operation, we employ BO with the Gaussian process regression to evolve design factors of a Si double QD system to the ones that are optimal in terms of speed and fidelity of a CNOT logic driven by a single microwave pulse. The design framework not only clearly contributes to cost-efficient securing of solutions that enhance performance of the target quantum operation, but can be extended to implement more complicated logics with Si QD structures in experimentally unprecedented ways.