Reinforcement of Positive Electrode-Electrolyte Interface without Using Electrolyte Additives Through Thermoelectrochemical Oxidation of LiPF6 for Lithium Secondary Batteries.

Owing to the limited electrochemical stability window of carbonate electrolytes, the initial formation of a solid electrolyte interphase and surface film on the negative and positive electrode surfaces by the decomposition of the electrolyte component is inevitable for the operation of lithium secondary batteries. The deposited film on the surface of the active material is vital for reducing further electrochemical side reactions at the surface; hence, the manipulation of this formation process is necessary for the appropriate operation of the assembled battery system. In this study, the thermal decomposition of LiPF6 salt is used as a surface passivation agent, which is autocatalytically formed during high-temperature storage. The thermally formed difluorophosphoric acid is subsequently oxidized on the partially charged high-Ni positive electrode surface, which improves the cycleability of lithium metal cells via phosphorus- and fluorine-based surface film formation. Moreover, the improvement in the high-temperature cycleability is demonstrated by controlling the formation process in the lithium-ion pouch cell with a short period of high-temperature storage before battery usage.

Effects of autophagy-inhibiting chemicals on sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein in recombinant CHO cells.

The occurrence of autophagy in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (rCHO) cell culture has attracted attention due to its effects on therapeutic protein production. Given the significance of glycosylation in therapeutic proteins, this study examined the effects of autophagy-inhibiting chemicals on sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoproteins in rCHO cells. Three chemical autophagy inhibitors known to inhibit different stages were separately treated with two rCHO cell lines that produce the same Fc-fusion glycoprotein derived from DUKX-B11 and DG44. All autophagy inhibitors significantly decreased the sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein in both cell lines. The decrease in sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein is unlikely to be attributed to the release of intracellular enzymes, given the high cell viability and low activity of extracellular sialidases. Interestingly, the five intracellular nucleotide sugars remained abundant in cells treated with autophagy inhibitors. In the mRNA expression profiles of 27 N-glycosylation-related genes using the NanoString nCounter system, no significant differences in gene expression were noted. With the positive effect of supplementing nucleotide sugar precursors on sialylation, attempts were made to enhance the levels of intracellular nucleotide sugars by supplying these precursors. The addition of nucleotide sugar precursors to cultures treated with inhibitors successfully enhanced the sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoproteins compared to the control culture. This was particularly evident under mild stress conditions and not under relatively severe stress conditions, which were characterized by a high decrease in sialylation. These results suggest that inhibiting autophagy in rCHO cell culture decreases sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein by constraining the availability of intracellular nucleotide sugars. KEY POINTS: •  The autophagy inhibition in rCHO cell culture leads to a significant reduction in the sialylation of Fc-fusion glycoprotein. •  The pool of five intracellular nucleotide sugars remained highly abundant in cells treated with autophagy inhibitors. •  Supplementation of nucleotide sugar precursors effectively restores decreased sialylation, particularly under mild stress conditions but not in relatively severe stress conditions.

Flattening of Lithium Plating in Carbonate Electrolytes Enabled by All-In-One Separator.

The uncontrollable dendritic growth of metallic lithium during repeated cycling in carbonate electrolytes is a crucial obstacle hindering the practical use of Li-metal batteries (LMBs). Among numerous approaches proposed to mitigate the intrinsic constraints of Li metal, the design of a functional separator is an attractive approach to effectively suppress the growth of Li dendrites because direct contact with both the Li metal surface and the electrolyte is maintained. Here, a newly designed all-in-one separator containing bifunctional CaCO3 nanoparticles (CPP separator) is proposed to achieve the flattening of Li deposits on the Li electrode. Strong interactions between the highly polar CaCO3 nanoparticles and the polar solvent reduces the ionic radius of the Li+ -solvent complex, thus increasing the Li+ transference number and leading to a reduced concentration overpotential in the electrolyte-filled separator. Furthermore, the integration of CaCO3 nanoparticles into the separator induces the spontaneous formation of mechanically-strong and lithiophilic CaLi2 at the Li/separator interface, which effectively decreases the nucleation overpotential toward Li plating. As a result, the Li deposits exhibit dendrite-free planar morphologies, thus enabling excellent cycling performance in LMBs configured with a high-Ni cathode in a carbonate electrolyte under practical operating conditions.

Uncertainty and Irreproducibility of Triboelectricity Based on Interface Mechanochemistry.

Triboelectrification mechanism is still not understood, despite centuries of investigations. Here, we propose a model showing that mechanochemistry is key to elucidate triboelectrification fundamental properties. Studying contact between gold and silicate glasses, we observe that the experimental triboelectric output is subject to large variations and polarity inversions. First principles analysis shows that electronic transfer is activated by mechanochemistry and the tribopolarity is determined by the termination exposed to contact, depending on the material composition, which can result in different charging at the macroscale. The electron transfer mechanism is driven by the interface barrier dynamics, regulated by mechanical forces. The model provides a unified framework to explain several experimental observations, including the systematic variations in the triboelectric output and the mixed positive-negative "mosaic" charging patterns, and paves the way to the theoretical prediction of the triboelectric properties.

Concentration Gradient Induced Delithiation Failure of MoO3 for Li-Ion Batteries.

Electric vehicle manufacturers worldwide are demanding superior lithium-ion batteries, with high energy and power densities, compared to gasoline engines. Although conversion-type metal oxides are promising candidates for high-capacity anodes, low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and poor capacity retention have hindered research on their applications. In this study, the ICE of conversion-type MoO3 is investigated, with a particular focus on the delithiation failure. A computational modeling predicts the concentration gradient of Li+ in MoO3 particles. The highly delithiated outer region of the particle forms a layer with low electronic conductivity, which impedes further delithiation. A comparative study using various sizes of MoO3 particles demonstrated that the electrode failure during delithiation is governed by the concentration gradient and the subsequent formation of a resistive shell. The proposed failure mechanism provides critical guidance for the development of conversion-type anode materials with improved electrochemical reversibility.

Evaluation of the meibomian glands using the tear interferometer wearing orthokeratology lenses.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the impact of orthokeratology wear on meibomian glands in Korean pediatric population using the tear interferometer. METHODS: Fifty-three orthokeratology wearers and 79 non-lens wearers were evaluated using the LipiView® II ocular surface interferometer which shows incomplete blink rate, average lipid layer thickness, and meiboscores. RESULTS: No significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores for upper eyelids, but the lipid layer thickness and meiboscores for lower eyelids were significantly higher in the Ortho-K group than in the control group (p = 0.024 and 0.007, respectively). Correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between the duration of orthokeratology wear and the parameters measured by LipiView® (p > 0.05 for all). Among subgroups based on average duration of lens wear, the longer duration (≥ 24 months) subgroup showed higher meiboscores of lower eyelids (p = 0.011), but no other significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Ortho-K wearers showed no significant differences in the incomplete blink rate and meiboscores of upper eyelids, but they were associated with increased LLT and higher meiboscores of lower eyelids. Thorough examination and close monitoring of orthokeratology wearers is necessary. Prospective and observational studies are needed to further elucidate the relationship between Orthokeratology and meibomian glands.

Relationship between meibomian gland loss in infrared meibography and meibum quality in dry eye patients.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we evaluated the correlation between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality in the same central 8 meibomian glands of the eyelid. METHODS: Ninety-nine eyes of 91 patients with dry eye were included in the study. Dropout of the 8 central meibomian glands of the eyelids was graded as 0, 1, 2, or 3, according to the dropout area. The meibum quality was graded as follows: grade 0, no secretion; 1, inspissated/toothpaste consistency; 2, cloudy liquid secretion; and 3, clear liquid secretion. For 68 eyes of 68 patients, correlation analysis between dropout and meibum quality was performed. To precisely analyze the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality, we evaluated 31 eyes of 23 patients with focal dropout in meibography. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) meiboscore was 1.0 (2.0) in the upper eyelids and 0.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. The median (interquartile range) meibum quality grade was 3.0 (1.0) in the upper eyelids and 1.0 (1.0) in the lower eyelids. No significant correlation between the meiboscore and meibum quality grade was detected in the upper (p =0.746) or lower (p =0.551) eyelids. Analysis of the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality in patients with focal dropout (loss of 1 or 2 adjacent meibomian glands), however, indicated that meibomian glands with dropout secreted little to no meibum. CONCLUSIONS: Overall analysis revealed no relationship between meibomian gland dropout and meibum quality, but more detailed investigation of each meibomian gland alone revealed that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.

Generative Chemical Transformer: Neural Machine Learning of Molecular Geometric Structures from Chemical Language via Attention.

Discovering new materials better suited to specific purposes is an important issue in improving the quality of human life. Here, a neural network that creates molecules that meet some desired multiple target conditions based on a deep understanding of chemical language is proposed (generative chemical Transformer, GCT). The attention mechanism in GCT allows a deeper understanding of molecular structures beyond the limitations of chemical language itself which cause semantic discontinuity by paying attention to characters sparsely. The significance of language models for inverse molecular design problems is investigated by quantitatively evaluating the quality of the generated molecules. GCT generates highly realistic chemical strings that satisfy both chemical and linguistic grammar rules. Molecules parsed from the generated strings simultaneously satisfy the multiple target properties and vary for a single condition set. These advances will contribute to improving the quality of human life by accelerating the process of desired material discovery.

Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Echinostomatidae) from Ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia with Special Reference to Its Synonymy with Echinostoma robustum Yamaguti, 1935.

Adult echinostomes having 37 collar spines collected from the intestine of Pitalah ducks in Aceh Province, Indonesia in 2018 were morphologically and molecularly determined to be Echinostoma miyagawai Ishii, 1932 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae). Among 20 ducks examined, 7 (35.0%) were found to be infected with this echinostome, and the number of flukes collected was 48 in total with average 6.9 (1-17) worms per duck. The adult flukes were 7.2 (6.1-8.5) mm in length and 1.2 (1.0-1.4) mm in width (pre-ovarian or testicular level) and characterized by having a head collar armed with 37 collar spines (dorsal spines arranged in 2 alternating rows), including 5 end group spines, and variable morphology of the testes, irregularly or deeply lobed (3-5 lobes) at times with horizontal extension. The eggs within the worm uterus were 93 (79-105) µm long and 62 (56-70) µm wide. These morphological features were consistent with both E. miyagawai and Echinostoma robustum, for which synonymy to each other has been raised. Sequencing of 2 mitochondrial genes, cox1 and nad1, revealed high homology with E. miyagawai (98.6-100% for cox1 and 99.0-99.8% for nad1) and also with E. robustum (99.3-99.8% for nad1) deposited in GenBank. We accepted the synonymy between the 2 species and diagnosed our flukes as E. miyagawai (syn. E. robustum) with redescription of its morphology. Further studies are required to determine the biological characteristics of E. miyagawai in Aceh Province, Indonesia, including the intermediate host and larval stage information.

Failure of Repeated MDA with Albendazole for Trichuriasis Control in Schoolchildren of the Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are still a considerable challenge in Myanmar. We undertook a control program for STH infections (especially Trichuris trichiura) among schoolchildren in Myanmar using mass drug administration (MDA) and health education. Around 1,700 schoolchildren from 15 primary schools in 3 suburban districts (Shwe Pyi Thar, Twantay, and Kyauktan) of the Yangon Region were subjected in this study during 2017-2019. All of the schoolchildren in each school were orally administered albendazole (400 mg in a single dose) 2, 3, and 4 times a year in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. The results revealed that the egg positive rate of any intestinal helminths (including STH) was reduced from 37.6% (649/1,724) in 2017 to 22.8% (352/1,542) in 2019. The egg positive rate of Ascaris lumbricoides was decreased remarkably from 23.3% (402/1,724) in 2017 to 3.6% (56/1,542) in 2019. However, that of T. trichiura was only slightly reduced from 26.9% (464/1,724) in 2017 to 20.2% (312/1,542) in 2019. The intensity of infection with A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura was both more or less reduced, and the proportion of light infection cases with A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura increased from 35.6% in 2017 to 64.3% in 2019 and from 70.3% in 2017 to 81.7% in 2019, respectively. The results indicated that repeated MDAs (2-4 times a year for 3 years) using albendazole on schoolchildren in Myanmar failed to control T. trichiura infection. For a successful control of trichuriasis in Myanmar, new MDA strategies, using a modified albendazole regimen (multiple daily doses for 2 or 3 days) or an alternative anthelmintic drug, such as oxantel pamoate, is strongly recommended.

Toxicity of Povidone-iodine to the ocular surface of rabbits.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits. METHODS: Twenty-three white rabbits were divided into four groups; these were a control group and three study groups in which the ocular surface was exposed to PI for different times. In control group, one drop of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied once for 10 min. In study groups, one drop of 5% (w/v) PI was topically applied once for 1 min, 3 min, and 10 min, and then the animals were observed for 7 days. The Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival impression cytology were performed on day 0, 3, and 7. After 7 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and conjunctiva and cornea were collected and evaluated by light and electron microscope. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to detect mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC). RESULTS: The decrease in goblet cell density, reductions in MUC5AC level and histopathological and ultrastructural changes of conjunctiva and cornea were more prominent in the 5% (w/v) PI groups than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, these changes were more prominent when PI was applied for 3 and 10 min rather than 1 min (both p values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine caused damages to the ocular surface in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we should be aware of that excessive PI exposure during ophthalmic procedures could be a pathogenic factor of dry eye syndrome after surgery.

Analysis of total corneal astigmatism with a rotating Scheimpflug camera in keratoconus.

BACKGROUND: To analyze mean corneal powers and astigmatisms on anterior, posterior, and total cornea in patients with keratoconus as calculated according to various keratometric measurements using a Scheimpflug camera. METHODS: We examined the left eyes of 64 patients (41 males and 23 females; mean age 29.94 ± 6.63 years) with keratoconus. We measured simulated K (Sim-K), posterior K, true net power (TNP) and four types of total corneal refractive powers (TCRP). We then used the obtained values to analyze mean K, and corneal astigmatism. TCRP were measured at 2.0 ~ 5.0 mm. RESULTS: Mean corneal powers from Sim K, posterior K, and TNP were 49.12 ± 3.99, - 7.39 ± 0.79, and 47.78 ± 4.09 diopters, respectively. For TCRP centered on the pupil, mean K tended to decrease with measurement area (all p < 0.01). While, both mean K and astigmatism measured using TCRP centered on the apex decreased with measurement area (all p < 0.001). TCRP centered on the apex were greater than those centered on the pupil for mean K values calculated using TCRP (all p < 0.001). The proportion of WTR was greatest on the anterior and total cornea. As the measurement area moved to the periphery, the proportion of WTR increased. CONCLUSIONS: Mean corneal powers and astigmatisms on total cornea with keratoconus change depending on calculation methods and measurement areas.

Larval Gnathostomes and Spargana in Chinese Edible Frogs, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, from Myanmar: Potential Risk of Human Infection.

Chinese edible frogs, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, were examined to estimate the potential risks of human gnathostomiasis and sparganosis in Myanmar. A total of 20 frogs were purchased in a local market of Yangon and examined with naked eyes and the artificial digestion method after skin peeling in June 2018 and June 2019. Larvae of gnathostomes and Spirometra (=spargana) were detected in 15 (75.0%) and 15 (75.0%) frogs with average intensities of 10.5 and 6.3 larvae per infected frog, respectively. Gnathostome larvae were 2.75-3.80 (av. 3.30) mm long and 0.29-0.36 (0.33) mm wide. They had a characteristic head bulb with 4 rows of hooklets, a muscular long esophagus, and 2 pairs of cervical sac. The mean number of hooklets were 41, 44, 47, and 50 on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th row, respectively. Collected spargana were actively moving, particularly with the scolex part, and have ivory-white color and variable in size. Conclusively, it has been first confirmed that Chinese edible frogs, H. rugulosus, are highly infected with larval gnathostomes and spargana in this study. Consuming these frogs is considered a potential risk of human gnathostomiasis and sparganosis in Myanmar.

Low-Grade Endemicity of Opisthorchiasis, Yangon, Myanmar.

We performed an epidemiologic survey of opisthorchiasis in Yangon, Myanmar. The fecal egg-positive rate of residents was 0.7%, and we recovered an adult fluke after chemotherapy and purging of an egg-positive resident. We detected Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae in freshwater fish. We found the Yangon area to have low-grade endemicity of opisthorchiasis.

Molecular Diagnosis of Taenia saginata Tapeworm Infection in 2 Schoolchildren, Myanmar.

Taenia saginata is the most common human tapeworm worldwide but has been unknown in Myanmar. In 2017, fecal examination in Yangon, Myanmar, revealed eggs of Taenia species in 2 children from a monastic school. Several proglottids expelled after medication with praziquantel were morphologically and molecularly confirmed to be T. saginata tapeworms.

Association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin in a nationally representative sample of Korean adults.

PURPOSE: Ultraviolet-B (UVB) light exposure is the major risk factor for developing a pterygium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is an objective measure of UVB light exposure. In this study, we investigated the association between pterygium, sun exposure, and serum 25(OH)D. METHODS: This population-based, cross-sectional study comprised 12,258 adults (aged ≥19 years) participating in the fifth annual Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2010 to 2012. The enrolled subjects underwent interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory investigations. The serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and pterygium was examined by using a slit lamp. We used three adjusted logistic regression models and selected covariates as potential confounders. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pterygium was 7.09, and 53.1% of these subjects were women. The prevalence of pterygium was higher in elderly subjects and those who lived at low latitudes. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding factors, subjects with a serum 25(OH)D level > 30 ng/mL, 25-30 ng/mL, and 15-20 ng/mL had an odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 1.565 (1.035-2.366), 1.545 (1.086-2.198), 1.8 (1.358-2.386), and 1.535 (1.216-1.938), respectively, compared to those with a serum 25(OH)D level < 15 ng/mL. Subjects with a daily sun exposure > 5 h had an OR (95% CI) of 1.761 (1.395-2.223) compared to subjects with a daily sun exposure < 2 h. CONCLUSION: The present study provides epidemiological evidence of an association of daily sun exposure and serum 25(OH)D levels with pterygium in a representative Korean population.

Evaluation of Osteoblast-Like Cell Viability and Differentiation on the Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser Peptide Immobilized Titanium Dioxide Nanotube via Chemical Grafting.

This study examined the effect of the immobilization of the Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS) peptide on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube via chemical grafting on osteoblast-like cell (MG-63) viability and differentiation. The specimens were divided into two groups; TiO2 nanotubes and GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes. The surface characteristics of GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes were observed by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The morphology of cells on specimens was observed by FE-SEM after 2 hr and 24 hr. The level of cell viability was investigated via a tetrazolium (XTT) assay after 2 and 4 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was evaluated to measure the cell differentiation after 4 and 7 days. The presence of nitrogen up-regulation or C==O carbons con- firmed that TiO2 nanotubes were immobilized with GRGDS peptides. Cell adhesion was enhanced on the GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes compared to TiO2 nanotubes. Furthermore, significantly increased cell spreading and proliferation were observed with the cells grown on GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes (P < .05). However, there was no significant difference in ALP activity between GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes and TiO2 nanotubes. These results suggest that the GRGDS-immobilized TiO2 nanotubes might be effective in improving the osseointegration of dental implants.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Titanium Surface Modified by PVD/PACVD Process.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) via crystal violet staining assay on titanium surface modified by physical vapor deposition/plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition process. Specimens were divided into the following three groups: polished titanium (control group), titanium modified by DC magnetron sputtering (group TiN-Ti), and titanium modified by plasma nitriding (group N-Ti). Surface characteristics of specimens were observed by using nanosurface 3D optical profiler and field emission scanning electron microscope. Group TiN-Ti showed TiN layer of 1.2 microm in thickness. Group N-Ti was identified as plasma nitriding with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Roughness average (Ra) of all specimens had values < or = 0.2 microm (the threshold Ra), which had no effect on bacterial adhesion. No significant difference of S. mutans adhesion was found between the surfaces of control, TiN-Ti, and N-Ti (P > 0.05). Within the process condition of this study, modified titanium surfaces by DC magnetron sputtering and plasma nitriding did not influence the adhesion of S. mutans.

MicroCT Analysis of Micro-Nano Titanium Implant Surface on the Osseointegration.

This study was to investigate the effects of micro-nano titanium implant surface on the osseointegration. A total of 36 screw-shaped implants were used. The implant surfaces were classified into 3 groups (n = 12): machined surface (M group), nanosurface which is nanotube formation on the machined surface (MA group) and nano-micro surface which is nanotube formation on the RBM surface (RA group). Anodic oxidation was performed at a 20 V for 10 min with 1 M H3PO4 and 1.5 wt% HF solutions. The implants were installed on the humerus on 6 beagles. After 4 and 12 weeks, the morphometric analysis with micro CT (skyscan 1172, SKYSCAN, Antwerpen, Belgium) was done. The data were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA. Bone mineral density and bone volume were significantly increased depending on time. RA group showed the highest bone mineral density and bone volume at 4 weeks and 12 weeks significantly. It indicated that nano-micro titanium implant surface showed faster and more mature osseointegration.

Virtual dual-task treadmill training using video recording for gait of chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of virtual dual-task treadmill training using a real-world video recording of the gait of individuals with chronic stroke. [Subjects] Forty chronic stroke survivors were randomly divided into two groups of 20 subjects each. [Methods] The experimental group performed virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed only treadmill training for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks. A video recording was performed in a large supermarket, and the subjects could walk at their favorable speed on a treadmill. The temporospatial gait variables were measured to examine the training effect. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed statistically significant improvements in the gait variables after training. The enhancement of gait ability was statistically better in the experimental group than in the control group. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording can improve the gait parameters of chronic stroke survivors.