Oxygen Reduction Kinetics of Fe-N-C Single Atom Catalysts Boosted by Pyridinic N Vacancy for Temperature-Adaptive Zn-Air Batteries.

The design of temperature-adaptive Zn-air batteries (ZABs) with long life spans and high energy efficiencies is challenging owing to sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and an unstable Zn/electrolyte interface. Herein, a quasi-solid-state ZAB is designed by combining atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts containing pyridinic N vacancies (FeNC-VN) with a polarized organo-hydrogel electrolyte. First-principles calculation predicts that adjacent VN sites effectively enhance the covalency of Fe-Nx moieties and moderately weaken *OH binding energies, significantly boosting the ORR kinetics and stability. In situ Raman spectra reveal the dynamic evolution of *O2- and *OOH on the FeNC-VN cathode in the aqueous ZAB, proving that the 4e- associative mechanism is dominant. Moreover, the ethylene glycol-modulated organo-hydrogel electrolyte forms a zincophilic protective layer on the Zn anode surface and tailors the [Zn(H2O)6]2+ solvation sheath, effectively guiding epitaxial deposition of Zn2+ on the Zn (002) plane and suppressing side reactions. The assembled quasi-solid-state ZAB demonstrates a long life span of over 1076 h at 2 mA cm-2 at -20 °C, outperforming most reported ZABs.

Implementation and Evaluation of Walk-in-Place Using a Low-Cost Motion-Capture Device for Virtual Reality Applications.

Virtual reality (VR) is used in many fields, including entertainment, education, training, and healthcare, because it allows users to experience challenging and dangerous situations that may be impossible in real life. Advances in head-mounted display technology have enhanced visual immersion, offering content that closely resembles reality. However, several factors can reduce VR immersion, particularly issues with the interactions in the virtual world, such as locomotion. Additionally, the development of locomotion technology is occurring at a moderate pace. Continuous research is being conducted using hardware such as treadmills, and motion tracking using depth cameras, but they are costly and space-intensive. This paper presents a walk-in-place (WIP) algorithm that uses Mocopi, a low-cost motion-capture device, to track user movements in real time. Additionally, its feasibility for VR applications was evaluated by comparing its performance with that of a treadmill using the absolute trajectory error metric and survey data collected from human participants. The proposed WIP algorithm with low-cost Mocopi exhibited performance similar to that of the high-cost treadmill, with significantly positive results for spatial awareness. This study is expected to contribute to solving the issue of spatial constraints when experiencing infinite virtual spaces.

Regulating Pseudo-Jahn-Teller Effect and Superstructure in Layered Cathode Materials for Reversible Alkali-Ion Intercalation.

The Jahn-Teller effect (JTE) is one of the most important determinators of how much stress layered cathode materials undergo during charge and discharge; however, many reports have shown that traces of superstructure exist in pristine layered materials and irreversible phase transitions occur even after eliminating the JTE. A careful consideration of the energy of cationic distortion using a Taylor expansion indicated that second-order JTE (pseudo-JTE) is more widespread than the aforementioned JTE because of the various bonding states that occur between bonding and antibonding molecular orbitals in transition-metal octahedra. As a model case, a P2-type Mn-rich cathode (Na3/4MnO2) was investigated in detail. MnO6 octahedra are well known to undergo either elongation or contraction in a specific direction due to JTE. Here, the substitution of Li for Mn (Na3/4(Li1/4Mn3/4)O2) helped to oxidize Mn3+ to Mn4+ suppressing JTE; however, the MnO6 octahedra remained asymmetric with a clear trace of the superstructure. With various advanced analyses, we disclose the pseudo-JTE as a general reason for the asymmetric distortions of the MnO6 octahedra. These distortions lead to the significant electrochemical degradation of Na3/4Li1/4Mn3/4O2. The suppression of the pseudo-JTE modulates phase transition behaviors during Na intercalation/deintercalation and thereby improves all of the electrochemical properties. The insight obtained by coupling a theoretical background for the pseudo-JTE with verified layered cathode material lattice changes implies that many previous approaches can be rationalized by regulating pseudo-JTE. This suggests that the pseudo-JTE should be thought more important than the well-known JTE for layered cathode materials.

Activating a Multielectron Reaction of NASICON-Structured Cathodes toward High Energy Density for Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The increasing demand to efficiently store and utilize the electricity from renewable energy resources in a sustainable way has boosted the request for sodium-ion battery technology due to the high abundance of sodium sources worldwide. Na superionic conductor (NASICON) structured cathodes with a robust polyanionic framework have been intriguing because of their open 3D structure and superior thermal stability. The ever-increasing demand for higher energy densities with NASICON-structured cathodes motivates us to activate multielectron reactions, thus utilizing the third sodium ion toward higher voltage and larger capacity, both of which have been the bottlenecks for commercializing sodium-ion batteries. A doping strategy with Cr inspired by first-principles calculations enables the activation of multielectron redox reactions of the redox couples V2+/V3+, V3+/V4+, and V4+/V5+, resulting in remarkably improved energy density even in comparison to the layer structured oxides and Prussian blue analogues. This work also comprehensively clarifies the role of the Cr dopant during sodium storage and the valence electron transition process of both V and Cr. Our findings highlight the importance of a broadly applicable doping strategy for achieving multielectron reactions of NASICON-type cathodes with higher energy densities in sodium-ion batteries.

Manipulating disorder within cathodes of alkali-ion batteries.

The fact that ordered materials are rarely perfectly crystalline is widely acknowledged among materials scientists, but its impact is often overlooked or underestimated when studying how structure relates to properties. Various investigations demonstrate that intrinsic and extrinsic defects, and disorder generated by physicochemical reactions, are responsible for unexpectedly detrimental or beneficial functionalities. The task remains to modulate the disorder to produce desired properties in materials. As disorder is often correlated with local interactions, it is controllable. In this Review, we explore the structural disorder in cathode materials as a novel approach for improving their electrochemical performance. We revisit cathode materials for alkali-ion batteries and outline the origins and beneficial consequences of disorder. Focusing on layered, cubic rocksalt and other metal oxides, we discuss how disorder improves electrochemical properties of cathode materials and which interactions generate the disorder. We also present the potential pitfalls of disorder that must be considered. We conclude with perspectives for enhancing the electrochemical performance of cathode materials by using disorder.

Whole Genome Sequence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HOM3204 and Its Antioxidant Effect on D-Galactose-Induced Aging in Mice.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, previously named Lactobacillus plantarum, is a facultative, homofermentative lactic acid bacterium widely distributed in nature. Several Lpb. plantarum strains have been demonstrated to possess good probiotic properties, and Lpb. plantarum HOM3204 is a potential probiotic strain isolated from homemade pickled cabbage plants. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was performed to acquire genetic information and predict the function of HOM3204, which has a circular chromosome of 3,232,697 bp and two plasmids of 48,573 and 17,060 bp, respectively. Moreover, various oxidative stress-related genes were identified in the strain, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Compared to reference strains, the intracellular cell-free extracts of Lpb. plantarum HOM3204 at a dose of 1010 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml in vitro exhibited stronger antioxidant properties, such as total antioxidant activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging rate, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione (GSH) content. Daily administration of 109 CFU Lpb. plantarum HOM3204 for 45 days significantly improved the antioxidant function by increasing the glutathione peroxidase activity in the whole blood and GSH concentration in the livers of D-galactose-induced aging mice. These results suggest that Lpb. plantarum HOM3204 can potentially be used as a food ingredient with good antioxidant properties.

Classification and Prediction on Hypertension with Blood Pressure Determinants in a Deep Learning Algorithm.

Few studies classified and predicted hypertension using blood pressure (BP)-related determinants in a deep learning algorithm. The objective of this study is to develop a deep learning algorithm for the classification and prediction of hypertension with BP-related factors based on the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study-Ansan and Ansung baseline survey. We also investigated whether energy intake adjustment is adequate for deep learning algorithms. We constructed a deep neural network (DNN) in which the number of hidden layers and the number of nodes in each hidden layer are experimentally selected, and we trained the DNN to diagnose hypertension using the dataset while varying the energy intake adjustment method in four ways. For comparison, we trained a decision tree in the same way. Experimental results showed that the DNN performs better than the decision tree in all aspects, such as having higher sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and accuracy. In addition, we found that unlike general machine learning algorithms, including the decision tree, the DNNs perform best when energy intake is not adjusted. The result indicates that energy intake adjustment is not required when using a deep learning algorithm to classify and predict hypertension with BP-related factors.

Deep learning-based quantitative estimation of lymphedema-induced fibrosis using three-dimensional computed tomography images.

In lymphedema, proinflammatory cytokine-mediated progressive cascades always occur, leading to macroscopic fibrosis. However, no methods are practically available for measuring lymphedema-induced fibrosis before its deterioration. Technically, CT can visualize fibrosis in superficial and deep locations. For standardized measurement, verification of deep learning (DL)-based recognition was performed. A cross-sectional, observational cohort trial was conducted. After narrowing window width of the absorptive values in CT images, SegNet-based semantic segmentation model of every pixel into 5 classes (air, skin, muscle/water, fat, and fibrosis) was trained (65%), validated (15%), and tested (20%). Then, 4 indices were formulated and compared with the standardized circumference difference ratio (SCDR) and bioelectrical impedance (BEI) results. In total, 2138 CT images of 27 chronic unilateral lymphedema patients were analyzed. Regarding fibrosis segmentation, the mean boundary F1 score and accuracy were 0.868 and 0.776, respectively. Among 19 subindices of the 4 indices, 73.7% were correlated with the BEI (partial correlation coefficient: 0.420-0.875), and 13.2% were correlated with the SCDR (0.406-0.460). The mean subindex of Index 2 [Formula: see text] presented the highest correlation. DL has potential applications in CT image-based lymphedema-induced fibrosis recognition. The subtraction-type formula might be the most promising estimation method.

Inhibitory effects of modified gamgil-tang in a particulate matter-induced lung injury mouse model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The modified gamgil-tang (GGX) is a mixture of four herbal medicine including Platycodi Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Lonicerae Flos and Mori Radicis Cortex which has been traditionally used to treat lung and airway diseases to relieve symptoms like sore throat, cough, and sputum in Korea. Its major component chlorogenic acid had been reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-microbial activity. AIM OF THE STUDY: To identify the inhibitory effect of GGX in a particulate matter (PM) induced lung injury mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated NO production, the release of TNF-α and IFN-γ in PM-induced MH-S cells, and the number of neutrophils, immune cell subtypes, and the secretion of TNF-α, IL-17, CXCL-1, MIP-2 in the PM-stimulated mouse model to assess the inhibitory effect of GGX against PM. In addition, as exposure to PM increases respiratory symptoms, typically cough and sputum, we attempted to evaluate the antitussive and expectorant activities of GGX. RESULTS: Our study provided evidence that GGX has inhibitory effects in PM-induced lung injury by inhibiting the increase in neutrophil and inflammatory mediators, deactivating T cells, and ameliorating lung tissue damage. Notably, GGX reduced PM-induced neutrophilic inflammation by attenuating the number of neutrophils and regulating the secretion of neutrophil-related cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-17, MIP2, and CXCL-1. In addition, GGX demonstrated an antitussive activity by significantly reducing citric acid-induced cough frequency and delaying the latent period and expectorant activities by the increased phenol red secretion compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: GGX is expected to be an effective herbal remedy to prevent PM-induced respiratory disease.

Herbal Medicines for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases (Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Obstructive airway disease is a major health problem and has a great impact on global socioeconomic burden. Despite therapeutic advances in recent decades, there is still a need for effective and safe therapeutic agents for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This prospective observational study explored the effects of herbal medicines in patients with asthma and COPD. All participants visited the hospital at least every 4 weeks for 12 weeks to receive their herbal medicines based on their pattern identification and to evaluate safety and efficacy endpoints. We followed the diagnostic criteria used by Korean medicine doctors to prescribe herbal medicines, explored variations in prescribed herbal medicines, and explored a number of clinical features in patients with asthma or COPD. Results: A total of 24 patients were enrolled: 14 were diagnosed with asthma and 10 with COPD and 19 completed the study. After 12 weeks of herbal medicine treatment, herbal medicines significantly improved the modified Clinical Asthma Measurement Scale in Oriental Medicine-V in asthma patients and the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire in COPD patients. For all patients, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale score and interleukin-13 were found to be significantly different after treatment. Additionally, the majority of patients were satisfied with our herbal medicine treatments, and no severe adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Our study provides preliminary clinical data on the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines in patients with asthma and COPD.

Hysteresis Induced by Incomplete Cationic Redox in Li-Rich 3d-Transition-Metal Layered Oxides Cathodes.

Activation of oxygen redox during the first cycle has been reported as the main trigger of voltage hysteresis during further cycles in high-energy-density Li-rich 3d-transition-metal layered oxides. However, it remains unclear whether hysteresis only occurs due to oxygen redox. Here, it is identified that the voltage hysteresis can highly correlate to cationic reduction during discharge in the Li-rich layered oxide, Li1.2 Ni0.4 Mn0.4 O2 . In this material, the potential region of discharge accompanied by hysteresis is apparently separated from that of discharge unrelated to hysteresis. The quantitative analysis of soft/hard X-ray absorption spectroscopies discloses that hysteresis is associated with an incomplete cationic reduction of Ni during discharge. The galvanostatic intermittent titration technique shows that the inevitable energy consumption caused by hysteresis corresponds to an overpotential of 0.3 V. The results unveil that hysteresis can also be affected by cationic redox in Li-rich layered cathodes, implying that oxygen redox cannot be the only reason for the evolution of voltage hysteresis. Therefore, appropriate control of both cationic and anionic redox of Li-rich layered oxides will allow them to reach their maximum energy density and efficiency.

Tuning local chemistry of P2 layered-oxide cathode for high energy and long cycles of sodium-ion battery.

Layered transition-metal oxides have attracted intensive interest for cathode materials of sodium-ion batteries. However, they are hindered by the limited capacity and inferior phase transition due to the gliding of transition-metal layers upon Na+ extraction and insertion in the cathode materials. Here, we report that the large-sized K+ is riveted in the prismatic Na+ sites of P2-Na0.612K0.056MnO2 to enable more thermodynamically favorable Na+ vacancies. The Mn-O bonds are reinforced to reduce phase transition during charge and discharge. 0.901 Na+ per formula are reversibly extracted and inserted, in which only the two-phase transition of P2 ↔ P'2 occurs at low voltages. It exhibits the highest specific capacity of 240.5 mAh g-1 and energy density of 654 Wh kg-1 based on the redox of Mn3+/Mn4+, and a capacity retention of 98.2% after 100 cycles. This investigation will shed lights on the tuneable chemical environments of transition-metal oxides for advanced cathode materials and promote the development of sodium-ion batteries.

Interface-Controlled Rhombohedral Li3V2(PO4)3 Embedded in Carbon Nanofibers with Ultrafast Kinetics for Li-Ion Batteries.

We present a unique composite assembly of rhombohedral Li3V2(PO4)3 and carbon nanofiber, which simultaneously facilitates Li-ion transport as well as electron transfer. For the synthesis of this composite, the inorganic precursors were confined in electron-spun nanofibers, and then, through controlled annealing, Na3V2(PO4)3 particulates were grown with controllable crystallite size and partially embedded into carbon nanofibers with precisely controlled diameter. The rhombohedral Li3V2(PO4)3 could be successfully obtained by ion exchange from Na to Li in the prepared Na3V2(PO4)3. The final rhombohedral Li3V2(PO4)3 particles anchored onto the carbon nanofibers exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with fast kinetics for Li-ion batteries. Suprisingly it maintains 69 and 41 mAh/g even at 100C as cathode and anode. Several advanced characterizations revealed that its ultrafast kinetics could be attributed to synergistic effect resulting from the distinctive microstructure of the composite and the structural superiority of highly symmetric rhombohedral Li3V2(PO4)3 over its monoclinic homologue for Li-ion transport.

Comparison of a novel algorithm quantitatively estimating epifascial fibrosis in three-dimensional computed tomography images to other clinical lymphedema grading methods.

No method has yet been approved for detecting lymphedema fibrosis before its progression. This study assessed the feasibility of computed tomography-based estimation of fibrosis. This observational, cross-sectional study included patients with lymphedema affecting one limb. Three types (maximum, mean, minimum) of computed tomography reticulation indexes were digitally calculated from trans-axial images using absorptive values, and the computed tomography reticulation indexes compared with clinical scales and measurements. Of 326 patients evaluated by at least one of lymphoscintigraphy, bio-electrical impedance, and computed tomography, 24 were evaluated by all three. The mean number of computed tomography scans in these patients was 109. Sixteen patients had breast cancer, seven had gynecologic cancers, and one had primary lymphedema. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with time from initial limb swelling to computed tomography. Mean computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.86, p < 0.01), minimal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.79, p < 0.01), and maximal computed tomography reticulation index (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with International Society of Lymphedema substage. Minimal computed tomography reticulation index correlated with 1-kHz-based bio-electrical impedance ratio (r = -0.46, p < 0.05) and with standardized proximal limb circumference difference ratio (r = 0.45, p < 0.05) of both limbs. Maximal computed tomography reticulation index had a sensitivity of 0.78, specificity of 0.60, and areas under the curve of 0.66 in detecting lymphoscintigraphic stage IV. The algorithm utilizing three-dimensional computed tomography images of epifascial fibrosis may be used as a marker for lymphedema duration, limb swelling, International Society of Lymphedema substage, and interstitial lymphatic fluids of lymphedema. The current approach shows promise in providing an additional method to assist in characterizing and monitoring lymphedema patients.

Nanowire-Based Sensors for Biological and Medical Applications.

Nanomaterials such as nanowires, carbon nanotubes, and nanoparticles have already led to breakthroughs in the field of biological and medical sensors. The quantum size effects of the nanomaterials and their similarity in size to natural and synthetic nanomaterials are anticipated to improve sensor sensitivity dramatically. Nanowires are considered as key nanomaterials because of their electrical controllability for accurate measurement, and chemical-friendly surface for various sensing applications. This review covers the working principles and fabrication of silicon nanowire sensors. Furthermore, we review their applications for the detection of viruses, biomarkers, and DNA, as well as for drug discovery. Advances in the performance and functionality of nanowire sensors are also surveyed to highlight recent progress in this area. These advances include the improvements in reusability, sensitivity in high ionic strength solvent, long-term stability, and self-powering. Overall, with the advantages of ultra-sensitivity and the ease of fabrication, it is expected that nanowires will contribute significantly to the development of biological and medical sensors in the immediate future.

Magnetically guided micro-droplet using biological magnetic material for smart drug delivery system.

Biodegradable polymer droplet containing magnetosome demonstrates active propulsion by magnetic field. Magnetosome is extracted from magnetotactic bacteria, AMB-1. Mixture of magnetosome and sodium alginate composes into droplet using the microfluidic device applied Plateau-Rayleigh instability principle. The magnetosome-contained droplet selects its route at the bifurcate microchannels by magnetic field. This shows tissue targeting potential of the proposed drug delivery system.