Sub-30 nm 2D Perovskites Patterns via Block Copolymer Guided Self-Assembly for Color Conversion Optical Polarizer.

Despite the remarkable advances made in the development of 2D perovskites suitable for various high-performance devices, the development of sub-30 nm nanopatterns of 2D perovskites with anisotropic photoelectronic properties remains challenging. Herein, a simple but robust route for fabricating sub-30 nm 1D nanopatterns of 2D perovskites over a large area is presented. This method is based on nanoimprinting a thin precursor film of a 2D perovskite with a topographically pre-patterned hard poly(dimethylsiloxane) mold replicated from a block copolymer nanopattern consisting of guided self-assembled monolayered in-plane cylinders. 1D nanopatterns of various 2D perovskites (A'2 MAn -1 Pbn X3 n +1 ,A' = BA, PEA, X = Br, I) are developed; their enhanced photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields are approximately four times greater than those of the corresponding control flat films. Anisotropic photocurrent is observed because 2D perovskite nanocrystals are embedded in a topological 1D nanopattern. Furthermore, this 1D metal-coated nanopattern of a 2D perovskite is employed as a color conversion optical polarizer, in which polarized PL is developed. This is due to its capability of polarization of an incident light arising from the sub-30 nm line pattern, as well as the PL of the confined 2D perovskite nanocrystals in the pattern.

Phospholipid transfer function of PTPIP51 at mitochondria-associated ER membranes.

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria are closely tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at sites called mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). Ca2+ ion and phospholipid transfer occurs at MAMs to support diverse cellular functions. Unlike those in yeast, the protein complexes involved in phospholipid transfer at MAMs in humans have not been identified. Here, we determine the crystal structure of the tetratricopeptide repeat domain of PTPIP51 (PTPIP51_TPR), a mitochondrial protein that interacts with the ER-anchored VAPB protein at MAMs. The structure of PTPIP51_TPR shows an archetypal TPR fold, and an electron density map corresponding to an unidentified lipid-like molecule probably derived from the protein expression host is found in the structure. We reveal functions of PTPIP51 in phospholipid binding/transfer, particularly of phosphatidic acid, in vitro. Depletion of PTPIP51 in cells reduces the mitochondrial cardiolipin level. Additionally, we confirm that the PTPIP51-VAPB interaction is mediated by the FFAT-like motif of PTPIP51 and the MSP domain of VAPB. Our findings suggest that PTPIP51 is a phospholipid transfer protein with a MAM-tethering function.

Interactive structural color displays of nano-architectonic 1-dimensional block copolymer photonic crystals: FOCUS ISSUE REVIEW.

For changing environmental circumstances, interactive structural color (SC) observation is a promising strategy to store and express external information. SCs based on self-assembled block copolymer (BCP) photonic crystals have been a research focus due to their facile and diverse nanostructures relying on the volume ratio of blocks. Their unique nano-architectonics can reflect incident light due to constructive interference of the two different dielectric constituents. Their excellent ability to change nano-architectonics in response to external stimuli (i.e. humidity, temperature, pH, and mechanical force) allows for a programmable and stimuli-interactive BCP SC display. In this review, recent advances in programmable and stimuli-interactive SC displays with the 1-dimensional self-assembled BCP nano-architectonics are comprehensively discussed. First, this review focuses on the development of programmable BCP SCs that can store various information. Second, stimuli-interactive BCP SCs capable of responding reversibly to external stimuli are also addressed. Particularly, reversible BCP SC changes are suitable for rewritable displays and emerging human-interactive BCP SC displays that detect various human information through changes in electric signals with the simultaneous alteration of the BCP SCs. Based on previously reported literature, the current challenges in this research field are further discussed, and the perspective for future development is presented in terms of material, nano-architectonics, and process.

Correction of Severe Secondary Cleft Lip Nasal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The lower lateral cartilages (LLCs) are key elements for alar and tip support. Repositioning of both LLCs is an effective procedure for correcting a laterally spreading dome of LLCs and drooping nasal tip in cleft lip nasal deformity (CLND). The alar contour graft has become an essential component of rhinoplasty for correcting the concave or collapsed and retracted alar. Herein, onlay cartilage graft was combined with nasal tip plasty to correct hypoplastic cleft lateral crus or alar rim retraction, and with columella strut to obtain better aesthetic outcomes in patients with severe CLND. METHODS: Seven patients with severe secondary unilateral CLND, including hypoplastic cleft lateral crus or alar rim retraction, underwent rhinoplasty from October 2013 to April 2020. Both LLCs were isolated and repositioned approximated medially using tip suture technique combined with columella strut. A septal cartilage onlay graft was applied on the hypoplastic cleft lateral crus. Cartilage graft on the nasal tip was performed to further project and enhance the nasal tip. Photogrammetric evaluation of the operated patients and statistical analysis of the obtained data were performed. RESULTS: The average age at operation was 23.5 (range: 17-36) years. The follow-up period was 6-36 (mean, 14.3) months. All patients were enrolled by photogrammetric evaluation. Height of the medial nostril and short axis of the nostril on the cleft side were increased with a statistical significance of P < 0.05, indicating that depressed ala on the cleft side, which is a feature of CLND, was corrected similar to that of the noncleft side. CONCLUSIONS: The alar contour cartilage graft, as an effective adjunctive technique, improves the alar margin, prevents the alar rim from collapsing, and provides supports to the cleft-side alar rim. It can be a prophylactic measure to prevent postoperative retraction in patients with weakened LLCs. Lower lateral cartilage repositioning, columellar strut, and nasal tip plasty are useful for correcting severe secondary unilateral CLND.

The Effect of Orthognathic Surgery on Changes in Masticatory Muscle Volume in Patients With Facial Asymmetry.

ABSTRACT: The masseter muscle changes remarkably with orthognathic surgery and has a marked influence on the contours of the lower face. If the postoperative volume change of masticatory muscles, including the masseter muscles, can be predicted, it will facilitate preoperative planning and outcome prediction. This study investigated the association of masticatory muscle volume according to the presence or absence of facial asymmetry, and evaluated whether the volume of masticatory muscles, including that of the masseter muscle, changes after orthognathic surgery in facial asymmetry patients.Twenty patients who underwent LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal segmentation ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) with facial asymmetry between 2011 and 2017 were assigned to the asymmetric group. Additionally, 207 patients with a simple nasal fracture between 2016 and 2019 were included as the common group. Threedimensional computed tomography images were retrospectively analyzed and compared between the asymmetric group and common group.The volume of both temporal and masseter muscles differed according to facial asymmetry, with the asymmetry in the muscle volume increasing in proportion to the degree of facial asymmetry. The difference in masseter volume on the shortened and lengthened sides was significantly reduced after orthognathic surgery, but a difference of about 1 cm 3 remained. Additionally, the masticatory muscle volume on the lengthened side tended to be decreased more than that on the shortened side.Consideration of the postoperative change in the volume of the masticatory muscles may be helpful in planning orthognathic surgery in facial asymmetry patients.

Osteogenesis of 3D-Printed PCL/TCP/bdECM Scaffold Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Aggregates; An Experimental Study in the Canine Mandible.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is perceived as an innovative tool for change in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine based on research outcomes on the development of artificial organs and tissues. With advances in such technology, research is underway into 3D-printed artificial scaffolds for tissue recovery and regeneration. In this study, we fabricated artificial scaffolds by coating bone demineralized and decellularized extracellular matrix (bdECM) onto existing 3D-printed polycaprolactone/tricalcium phosphate (PCL/TCP) to enhance osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity. After injecting adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in an aggregate form found to be effective in previous studies, we examined the effects of the scaffold on ossification during mandibular reconstruction in beagle dogs. Ten beagles were divided into two groups: group A (PCL/TCP/bdECM + ADSC injection; n = 5) and group B (PCL/TCP/bdECM; n = 5). The results were analyzed four and eight weeks after intervention. Computed tomography (CT) findings showed that group A had more diffuse osteoblast tissue than group B. Evidence of infection or immune rejection was not detected following histological examination. Goldner trichrome (G/T) staining revealed rich ossification in scaffold pores. ColI, Osteocalcin, and Runx2 gene expressions were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Group A showed greater expression of these genes. Through Western blotting, group A showed a greater expression of genes that encode ColI, Osteocalcin, and Runx2 proteins. In conclusion, intervention group A, in which the beagles received the additional ADSC injection together with the 3D-printed PCL/TCP coated with bdECM, showed improved mandibular ossification in and around the pores of the scaffold.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Aristoyagonine Derivatives as Brd4 Bromodomain Inhibitors with X-ray Co-Crystal Research.

Epigenetic regulation is known to play a key role in progression of anti-cancer therapeutics. Lysine acetylation is an important mechanism in controlling gene expression. There has been increasing interest in bromodomain owing to its ability to modulate transcription of various genes as an epigenetic 'reader.' Herein, we report the design, synthesis, and X-ray studies of novel aristoyagonine (benzo[6,7]oxepino[4,3,2-cd]isoindol-2(1H)-one) derivatives and investigate their inhibitory effect against Brd4 bromodomain. Five compounds 8ab, 8bc, 8bd, 8be, and 8bf have been discovered with high binding affinity over the Brd4 protein. Co-crystal structures of these five inhibitors with human Brd4 bromodomain demonstrated that it has a key binding mode occupying the hydrophobic pocket, which is known to be the acetylated lysine binding site. These novel Brd4 bromodomain inhibitors demonstrated impressive inhibitory activity and mode of action for the treatment of cancer diseases.

Polymeric tunable wavelength filter with two-stage cascaded tilted Bragg gratings.

Wavelength-division multiplexed optical communication systems used in 5G networks require tunable wavelength filters with narrow bandwidth for 100 GHz channel spacing, wide wavelength range to cover 16 channels, and a side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) exceeding 30 dB. To fabricate wavelength filters satisfying these specifications, tunable Bragg grating filters based on polymeric optical waveguides are proposed. The combination of mode-sorting waveguide and tilted Bragg grating enables the extraction of Bragg reflected signals to another path, without using an external circulator. Moreover, the double reflection by the two-stage cascaded structure produces narrower reflection bandwidth, improved SMSR characteristics, and reduced adjacent-channel crosstalk through the suppression of undesired mode coupling. The proposed device exhibits a 20 dB bandwidth of 1.0 nm and SMSR of 35 dB, over the entire wavelength-tuning range.

Temporal response of polymer waveguide beam scanner with thermo-optic phase-modulator array.

Solid-state light detection and ranging, capable of performing beam scanning without using any mechanical moving parts, requires a phase-modulator array. Polymers facilitate the fabrication of efficient phase modulators with low drive power, owing to their high thermo-optic (TO) effect and low thermal conductivity. We designed and fabricated a polymeric phase-modulator array and analyzed the temporal response of the TO phase modulator. The frequency response of the phase modulator was measured for a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI), and the transfer function was modeled in terms of multiple poles and zeros. The frequency response of a fabricated beam-scanning device incorporating the TO phase modulator was also measured. The temporal response of the beam scanner was confirmed to coincide well with that of the MZI modulator. The device exhibited a fast rise time of 12 ms, accompanied by slight power variations appearing for a long period (over hundreds of seconds), which originated from the inherent viscoelastic effect of the polymer materials.

Crystal Structure of the Kinase Domain of MerTK in Complex with AZD7762 Provides Clues for Structure-Based Drug Development.

Aberrant tyrosine-protein kinase Mer (MerTK) expression triggers prosurvival signaling and contributes to cell survival, invasive motility, and chemoresistance in many kinds of cancers. In addition, recent reports suggested that MerTK could be a primary target for abnormal platelet aggregation. Consequently, MerTK inhibitors may promote cancer cell death, sensitize cells to chemotherapy, and act as new antiplatelet agents. We screened an inhouse chemical library to discover novel small-molecule MerTK inhibitors, and identified AZD7762, which is known as a checkpoint-kinase (Chk) inhibitor. The inhibition of MerTK by AZD7762 was validated using an in vitro homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and through monitoring the decrease in phosphorylated MerTK in two lung cancer cell lines. We also determined the crystal structure of the MerTK:AZD7762 complex and revealed the binding mode of AZD7762 to MerTK. Structural information from the MerTK:AZD7762 complex and its comparison with other MerTK:inhibitor structures gave us new insights for optimizing the development of inhibitors targeting MerTK.

Bias-free optical current sensors based on quadrature interferometric integrated optics.

A reflective quadrature interferometer was constructed by integrating polymeric optical waveguide components, to demonstrate an optical current sensor that could operate without bias feedback control. In order to obtain two interference signals with a phase difference of 90°, half-wave and quarter-wave plates were inserted in the polymeric optical waveguide chip, and a polarization-dependent birefringence modulator was used for the initialization of the optical sensor, including detector gain adjustment. During the bias-free operation of the sensor, the measurement error was less than ± 0.2%, and it was confirmed that the sensor output was stable for 15 h even if the operating point was not maintained.

Polymer waveguide WDM channel selector operating over the entire C and L bands.

A tunable channel selector operating over both the C and L bands of wavelength-division-multiplexing optical network is proposed based on a thermo-optic tunable Bragg grating device in a polymer waveguide. A tilted Bragg grating cascaded with an asymmetric Y-branch waveguide effectively implements a small Bragg-reflection wavelength filter that does not require an external circulator. To increase the operating wavelength span of the channel selector, two Bragg gratings with different periods are fabricated on a single substrate for covering C and L bands, respectively. A wide tuning range over 80 nm along with a narrow bandwidth is demonstrated. Moreover, the polarization dependence of the reflection spectrum is observed to be less than 0.1 nm.

Changes in cervical motion after cervical spinal motion preservation surgery.

BACKGROUND: For patients with single-level cervical radiculopathy, various types of motion preservation surgeries, such as total disc replacement (TDR), posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) and posterior percutaneous endoscopic foraminotomy and discectomy (PECF), are available. In addition to motion preservation, the quality of motion is an important issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of these surgeries on cervical motion by comparing the instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) among PECF, TDR and PCF at the index and superior/inferior adjacent segments. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent index surgery at C5-6 for cervical single-level foraminal disc herniation or foraminal stenosis. Patients with minimal degeneration at the index and other cervical spinal levels and flexion/extension cervical lateral radiographs both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively were included (PECF, 11 patients; TDR, 11 patients; PCF, 12 patients). The IARs were calculated at the index segment and segments above and below the index segment from the flexion and extension cervical lateral radiographs, which were obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. A standardized cervical normogram was referenced to qualify shifts in the IAR. RESULTS: Postoperatively, neck pain was significantly decreased, with no difference among the surgical methods. The IARs were not significantly changed after the PECF. Although significant inferior shift occurred at C6-7 after TDR (p = 0.02), the shift occurred within the normal range in the cervical normogram. However, significant inferior shifts in the IARs occurred after PCF at C5-6 (p = 0.02) and C6-7 (p = 0.02), and the IARs moved out of the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The IARs were significantly changed after PCF at either the index segment or the adjacent segment below. The shifts in IAR at the index and adjacent segments were not significant after PECF and TDR. The sample size was too small to allow definitive conclusions, but the present study showed that PECF may be another alternative to motion preservation surgeries.

Anisotropic temperature-dependent thermal conductivity by an Al2O3 interlayer in Al2O3/ZnO superlattice films.

The thermal conductivity of superlattice films is generally anisotropic and should be studied separately in the in-plane and cross-plane directions of the films. However, previous works have mostly focused on the cross-plane thermal conductivity because the electrons and phonons in the cross-plane direction of superlattice films may result in much stronger interface scattering than that in the in-plane direction. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to perform systematic studies on the effect of interface formation in semiconducting superlattice films on both in-plane and cross-plane thermal conductivities. In this study, we determine both the in-plane and cross-plane thermal conductivities of Al2O3 (AO)/ZnO superlattice films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on SiO2/Si substrates in the temperature range of 50-300 K by the four-point-probe 3-ω method. Our experimental results indicate that the formation of an atomic AO layer (0.82 nm) significantly contributes to the decrease of the cross-plane thermal conductivity of the AO/ZnO superlattice films compared with that of AO/ZnO thin films. The cross-plane thermal conductivity (0.26-0.63 W m-1 K-1 of the AO/ZnO superlattice films (with an AO layer of ∼0.82 nm thickness) is approximately ∼150%-370% less than the in-plane thermal conductivity (0.96-1.19 W m-1 K-1) of the corresponding film, implying significant anisotropy. This indicates that the suppression of the cross-plane thermal conductivity is mainly attributed to the superlattice, rather than the nanograin columnar structure in the films. In addition, we theoretically analyzed strong anisotropic behavior of the in-plane and cross-plane thermal conductivities of the AO/ZnO superlattice films in terms of temperature dependence.

Tunable channel drop filters consisting of a tilted Bragg grating and a mode sorting polymer waveguide.

Optical wavelength filters with large tuning range and narrow bandwidth are crucial for enhancing the capability of WDM communication systems. A polymeric tunable filter for C-band, comprising a tilted Bragg grating and a mode sorting waveguide junction is proposed in this work. For dropping a certain wavelength signal, the tilted Bragg grating reflects an odd mode into an even mode and then the reflected even mode propagates towards an output port of the asymmetric Y-junction due to the mode sorting. Consequently, the output port is separated from the input port, which is not possible in an ordinary Bragg reflector. The tilted Bragg reflector with an odd-even mode coupling efficiency of 61% exhibited a maximum reflectivity of 95% for a grating of 6 mm. A linear wavelength tuning of over 10 nm was achieved for an applied thermal power of 312 mW.

Integrated optic polarization splitter based on total internal reflection from a birefringent polymer.

An integrated optic polarization splitter with large fabrication tolerance and high reliability is required for optical signal processing in quantum-encrypted communication systems. A polarization splitter based on total internal reflection from a highly birefringent polymer-reactive mesogen-is proposed and demonstrated in this work. The device consists of a mode expander for reducing the wave vector distribution of the guided mode, and an interface with a large birefringence. Several polymers with suitable refractive indexes were used for fabricating the device. We obtained a polarization splitter with a low crosstalk (less than -30 dB), and a large fabrication tolerance.

Identification of novel protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma inhibitors promoting neurite extension.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPσ) is a potential target for the therapeutic treatment of neurological deficits associated with impaired neuronal recovery, as this protein is the receptor for chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), which is known to inhibit neuronal regeneration. Through a high-throughput screening approach started from 6400 representative compounds in the Korea Chemical Bank chemical library, we identified 11 novel PTPσ inhibitors that can be classified as flavonoid derivatives or analogs, with IC50 values ranging from 0.5 to 17.5µM. Biochemical assays and structure-based active site-docking simulation indicate that our inhibitors are accommodated at the catalytic active site of PTPσ as surrogates for the phosphotyrosine group. Treatments of these compounds on PC-12 neuronal cells led to the recovery of neurite extension attenuated by CSPG treatment, demonstrating their potential as antineurodegenerative agents.

Surface relief apodized grating tunable filters produced by using a shadow mask.

To produce a compact low-cost tunable filter required for WDM optical communications, a polymeric Bragg reflection filter with an apodized grating structure is proposed. A high-contrast polymeric waveguide is incorporated in order to obtain high reflectivity from a short Bragg grating. To overcome the bandwidth broadening, an apodized grating with a gradually changing depth of surface relief grating along the propagation direction is fabricated through the dry etching with a shadow mask. The apodized polymer grating exhibits 3-dB, 20-dB bandwidths of 0.36 nm, and 0.72 nm, respectively with a 95% reflection. The reflection wavelength is tunable over 14 nm for an applied thermal power of 500 mW.

Robotic thoracic surgery using the single-port robotic system: Initial experience with more than 100 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the initial experiences of 115 patients who underwent robotic thoracic surgery using the da Vinci single-port robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical). METHODS: Robotic thoracic surgery using the da Vinci single-port robotic surgical system was performed on 115 patients between November 2020 and June 2023. Patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The type of surgeries included thymectomy, mediastinal mass excision, anatomical pulmonary resection (including lobectomy and segmentectomy), esophagectomy, and enucleation of esophageal submucosal tumors in 41, 13, 54, 5, and 2 patients, respectively. The mean total operative time and chest tube duration for different procedures were as follows: thymectomy, 152.9. ± 6.7 minutes and 1.2 ± 0.5 days; mediastinal mass excision, 93.3 ± 26.5 minutes and 1.0 ± 0 days; anatomical pulmonary resection, 187.2 ± 55.8 minutes and 2.5 ± 1.5 days; esophagectomy, 485 ± 111.9 minutes and 12 ± 4.6 days; and enucleation of esophageal submucosal tumors, 170 ± 30 minutes and 5.5 ± 0.5 days, respectively. Conversion to a thoracotomy or sternotomy was not required. Conversion to video-assisted thoracic surgery occurred in 1 patient, and an additional port was applied in 2 patients. Two patients experienced postoperative complications greater than grade IIIa. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic thoracic surgery using the da Vinci single-port robotic surgical system is feasible and safe in various fields of thoracic surgery, including complex procedures such as anatomical pulmonary resection and esophagectomy. More complex thoracic surgeries can be performed with the continuous advancement and innovation of instruments in robotic systems.

Low-haze light extraction from organic light-emitting diode lighting with auxiliary electrode by selective microlens arrays.

Improved out-coupling efficiency and low haze of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) lighting with an auxiliary electrode are demonstrated by selective microlens arrays (SMLAs). The microlens arrays, aligned with the auxiliary electrode, were selectively fabricated, since the fully packed microlens arrays lead to OLED lighting with high haze. The external quantum efficiency and power efficiency of the devices with the SMLAs increased by 32% when compared with the devices without these arrays. Using the SMLAs, dark grid lines in the emission region became brighter, with a low haze, and the spectra of the emitted light had no shift.