Dual-light emitting 3D encryption with printable fluorescent-phosphorescent metal-organic frameworks.

Optical encryption technologies based on room-temperature light-emitting materials are of considerable interest. Herein, we present three-dimensional (3D) printable dual-light-emitting materials for high-performance optical pattern encryption. These are based on fluorescent perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) embedded in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) designed for phosphorescent host-guest interactions. Notably, perovskite-containing MOFs emit a highly efficient blue phosphorescence, and perovskite NCs embedded in the MOFs emit characteristic green or red fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Such dual-light-emitting MOFs with independent fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions are employed in pochoir pattern encryption, wherein actual information with transient phosphorescence is efficiently concealed behind fake information with fluorescence under UV exposure. Moreover, a 3D cubic skeleton is developed with the dual-light-emitting MOF powder dispersed in 3D-printable polymer filaments for 3D dual-pattern encryption. This article outlines a universal principle for developing MOF-based room-temperature multi-light-emitting materials and a strategy for multidimensional information encryption with enhanced capacity and security.

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.

A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Re-Tear Patients Who Had Either an Arthroscopic Primary Repair or Arthroscopic Patch Augmentation for Large-to-Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the prevalent incidence of re-tear following rotator cuff repair, there is a notable lack of comparative studies investigating the outcomes between patients with re-tear who underwent primary repair versus those who received patch augmentation for large-to-massive tears. We assessed clinical outcomes of these techniques through a retrospective, randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 134 patients diagnosed with large-to-massive rotator cuff tears from 2018 to 2021 underwent surgery; 65 had primary repair and 69 had patch augmentation. A total of 31 patients with re-tears were included, split into two groups; Group A (primary repair, 12 patients) and Group B (patch augmentation, 19 patients). Outcomes were evaluated using several clinical scales and MRI imaging. RESULTS: Most clinical scores improved postoperatively in both groups. No significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between groups, except for pain visual analog scale (P-VAS) scores. P-VAS scores showed greater decrease in the patch-augmentation group, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: for large-to-massive rotator cuff tears, patch augmentation led to greater decreases in pain than primary repair, despite similar radiographic and clinical results. Greater tuberosity coverage of the supraspinatus tendon footprint may impact P-VAS scores.

Humidity-Tolerant Moisture-Driven Energy Generator with MXene Aerogel-Organohydrogel Bilayer.

Free-standing and film-type moisture-driven energy generators (MEGs) that harness the preferential interaction of ionized moisture with hydrophilic materials are interesting because of their wearability and portability without needing a water container. However, most such MEGs work in limited humidity conditions, which provide a substantial moisture gradient. Herein, we present a high-performance MEG with sustainable power-production capability in a wide range of environments. The bilayer-based device comprises a negatively surface-charged, hydrophilic MXene (Ti3C2Tx) aerogel and polyacrylamide (PAM) ionic hydrogel. The preferential selection on the MXene aerogel of positive charges supplied from the salts and water in the hydrogel is predicted by the first-principle simulation, which results in a high electric output in a wide relative humidity range from 20% to 95%. Furthermore, by replacing the hydrogel with an organohydrogel of PAM that has excellent water retention and structural stability, a device with long-term electricity generation is realized for more than 15 days in a broad temperature range (from -20 to 80 °C). Our MXene aerogel MEGs connected in series supply sufficient power for commercial electronic components in various outdoor environments. Moreover, an MXene aerogel MEG works as a self-powered sensor for recognizing finger bending and facial expression.

Ultrathin crystalline-silicon-based strain gauges with deep learning algorithms for silent speech interfaces.

A wearable silent speech interface (SSI) is a promising platform that enables verbal communication without vocalization. The most widely studied methodology for SSI focuses on surface electromyography (sEMG). However, sEMG suffers from low scalability because of signal quality-related issues, including signal-to-noise ratio and interelectrode interference. Hence, here, we present a novel SSI by utilizing crystalline-silicon-based strain sensors combined with a 3D convolutional deep learning algorithm. Two perpendicularly placed strain gauges with minimized cell dimension (<0.1 mm2) could effectively capture the biaxial strain information with high reliability. We attached four strain sensors near the subject's mouths and collected strain data of unprecedently large wordsets (100 words), which our SSI can classify at a high accuracy rate (87.53%). Several analysis methods were demonstrated to verify the system's reliability, as well as the performance comparison with another SSI using sEMG electrodes with the same dimension, which exhibited a relatively low accuracy rate (42.60%).

Clinical outcomes of open-wedge corrective osteotomy using autogenous or allogenic bone grafts for malunited distal radius: A novel parameter for measuring the rate of bone union.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were (1) to compare outcomes in terms of malunited distal radius bone union in open-wedge corrective osteotomy using autogenous or allogenic bone and (2) to introduce a new parameter that quantifies the rate of the bone union. METHODS: This retrospective study included 22 patients (14 males, 8 females) who underwent open-wedge corrective osteotomy with bone grafting for a malunited distal radius fracture between January 2006 and December 2018 were enrolled. The mean follow-up duration was 57.2 weeks (SD 46.1, range 12-206). All the patients were then divided into 1 of the 2 groups based on the graft material used: autog- enous bone graft group (n=10, 5 males and 5 females) and allogenic bone graft group (n=12, 9 males and 3 females). We introduced the "duration of union/correction gap ratio" to represent the healing potential of each graft materials. Radiologic parameters including initial correction gap, radial inclination, radial length, palmar tilt, and ulnar variance were also measured pre- and postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed by grip strength, range of motion, and the disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients, 16 (72.7%) achieved complete union within 12 weeks, 3 (13.6%) in over 12 weeks, and the other 3 (13.6%) showed nonunion. Excluding the 3 nonunion cases, the mean union duration was 10.6 weeks, and the mean correction gap was 10 mm. The mean correction gap was wider in the autogenous bone graft group, and the mean union duration was longer in the allogenic bone graft group. Autogenous bone grafts had a significantly lower duration of bone union/correction gap ratio than allogenic bone grafts (0.76 vs. 1.61, P < 0.001). According to the correction method (simple open-wedge corrective osteotomy vs. open-wedge corrective oste- otomy OWCO), only duration of bone union/correction gap ratio reflected the actual difference between values. CONCLUSION: Despite autogenous bone graft donor site morbidities, in our study, autogenous bone showed better bone healing potential than allogenic bone. In terms of bone union, autogenous bone has the benefit of better union in larger gaps than allogenic bone. Surgeons can take advantage of the newly introduced "duration of bone union/correction gap ratio" to compare the bone healing potential by graft materials or surgical options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

The complete chloroplast genome of Abeliophyllum distichum f. lilacinum Nakai (Oleaceae) from the Chungbuk Province, Korea.

The chloroplast genome of Abeliophyllum distichum f. lilacinum Nakai, classified to a monotypic in this genus, and an endemic species in Korea, was sequenced to understand the genetic differences among intraspecies and cultivars of A. distichum. The chloroplast genome length is 156,015 bp (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has a typical quadripartite structure: 86,779 bp large single copy (35.8%) and 17,828 bp small single copy (31.9%) regions separated by two 25,704 bp inverted repeat (43.2%) regions. The genome encodes for 133 genes (88 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Six to 99 SNPs and seven to 18 INDEL regions (19 bp to 72 bp) were identified against available chloroplast genomes of A. distichum. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum f. lilacinum is clustered with the Dae Ryun cultivar which has a larger fruit body. Our analyses suggest additional research, such as Genotyping-By-Sequencing, for understanding relationship between morphology and genotype of A. distichum.

Changes in sleep disturbance in patients with cervical myelopathy: comparison between surgical treatment and conservative treatment.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The clinical symptoms of cervical myelopathy (CM) are closely associated with the risk factors of sleep disturbance, and its pathophysiological process is similar to that of spinal cord injury. Therefore, patients with CM are also expected to have sleep disturbance like patients with spinal cord injury, who typically have various types of sleep disorders. Fortunately, sleep disturbance in patients with CM is expected to respond well to treatment, and clinical studies are required to establish proper treatment strategies for CM patients with sleep disturbance. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of CM treatment on sleep quality between patients treated surgically and those managed conservatively and to identify predictors associated with sleep improvement. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients diagnosed as having CM. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). METHODS: The effect of CM treatment on sleep improvement at the 6-month follow-up was evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis of propensity score-matched patients. To investigate factors associated with significant sleep improvement, a subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 131 patients with CM and sleep disturbance were enrolled. Among these patients, 31 received surgical treatment and 100 received conservative treatment. Sleep quality improved rapidly and consistently after surgery, and significant sleep improvement was observed in most of the patients in the surgical group (26/31 patients, 83.9%) at the 6-month follow-up. However, sleep improvement only occurred in 27 (27%) of the 100 patients in the conservative group at the 6-month follow-up. The subgroup analysis revealed that the degree of CM determined by mJOA scores >13 was a significant predictor of sleep improvement after conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should closely monitor patients with CM with sleep disturbance, and proper treatment strategies should be considered according to the severity of the conditions.

Lenz's Law-Based Virtual Net for Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria from Water.

We have developed a method for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria from water using a virtual net comprising magnetic nanoparticle clusters (MNC). When an external magnetic field was applied to the antibody-functionalized MNC (Ab-MNC) solution in a glass tube (GT), the Ab-MNCs were aligned along the direction of the applied magnetic field to form a wall of MNCs. The injection of a liquid into the GT pushed the MNCs to flow when the drag force exceeded the magnetic force that held the MNCs. In contrast, injection of a liquid into the GT wrapped with a copper tape (Cu-GT) created a magnetic field in the opposite direction of the liquid flow according to Lenz's law, which retained the MNCs inside Cu-GT even at a flow rate 2.5 times higher than the maximum flow rate at which the MNCs were retained inside the GT. As proof of concept, E. coli O157:H7-spiked aqueous solutions were injected into Cu-GT containing Ab-MNCs. The structural flexibility of the Ab-MNC wall allowed the liquid to pass through but induced binding of the bacteria to the Ab-MNC wall, just as the wall acted like a virtual net. The detection limit was 102 CFU/mL of E. coli as measured by an ATP luminometer, and the total assay time was 15 min including 10 min for the isolation and separation steps.

Optimization of ZnO Nanorod-Based Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates for Bio-Applications.

Nanorods based on ZnO for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy are promising for the non-invasive and rapid detection of biomarkers and diagnosis of disease. However, optimization of nanorod and coating parameters is essential to their practical application. With the goal of establishing a baseline for early detection in biological applications, gold-coated ZnO nanorods were grown and coated to form porous structures. Prior to gold deposition, the grown nanorods were 30⁻50 nm in diameter and 500⁻600 nm in length. Gold coatings were grown on the nanorod structure to a series of thicknesses between 100 and 300 nm. A gold coating of 200 nm was found to optimize the Rhodamine B model analyte signal, while performance for rat urine depended on the biomarkers to be detected. These results establish design guidelines for future use of Au-ZnO nanorods in the study and early diagnosis of inflammatory diseases.

Diagnosis in a Preclinical Model of Bladder Pain Syndrome Using a Au/ZnO Nanorod-based SERS Substrate.

To evaluate the feasibility of ZnO nanorod-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) diagnostics for disease models, particularly for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), ZnO-based SERS sensing chips were developed and applied to an animal disease model. ZnO nanorods were grown to form nano-sized porous structures and coated with gold to facilitate size-selective biomarker detection. Raman spectra were acquired on a surface enhanced Raman substrate from the urine in a rat model of IC/BPS and analyzed using a statistical analysis method called principal component analysis (PCA). The nanorods grown after the ZnO seed deposition were 30 to 50 nm in diameter and 500 to 600 nm in length. A volume of gold corresponding to a thin film thickness of 100 nm was deposited on the grown nanorod structure. Raman spectroscopic signals were measured in the scattered region for nanometer biomarker detection to indicate IC/BPS. The Raman peaks for the control group and IC/BPS group are observed at 641, 683, 723, 873, 1002, 1030, and 1355 cm-1, which corresponded to various bonding types and compounds. The PCA results are plotted in 2D and 3D. The Raman signals and statistical analyses obtained from the nano-sized biomarkers of intractable inflammatory diseases demonstrate the possibility of an early diagnosis.

The complete chloroplast genome of a new candidate cultivar, Sang Jae, of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Oleaceae): initial step of A. distichum intraspecies variations atlas.

Chloroplast genome of Sang Jae, new candidate cultivar of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai, has been sequenced to reveal infraspecific relationship of wildtypes and cultivars. Its length is 156,008 bp long (GC ratio is 37.8%) and has four subregions: 86,773 bp of large single copy (35.8%) and 17,827 bp of small single copy (31.9%) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (43.2%) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, eight rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with twelve Forsythia species and intraspecies variations level is similar to Olea europaea.

The complete chloroplast genome of a new candidate cultivar, Dae Ryun, of Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (Oleaceae).

To understand genetic features of new candidate cultivar, Dae Ryun of A. distichum, chloroplast genome was sequenced. Its length is 156,019 bp and has four subregions: 86,783 bp of large single-copy (LSC) and 17,828 bp of small single-copy (SSC) regions are separated by 25,704 bp of inverted repeat (IR) regions including 133 genes (87 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNAs, and 37 tRNAs). Overall GC content is 35.8%. Intraspecies sequence variations among four A. distichum chloroplast genomes present various numbers. Phylogenetic trees show that A. distichum is clustered with 12 Forsythia species.

Structural and biochemical characterizations of an intramolecular tandem coiled coil protein.

Coiled coil has served as an excellent model system for studying protein folding and developing protein-based biomaterials. Most designed coiled coils function as oligomers, namely intermolecular coiled coils. However, less is known about structural and biochemical behavior of intramolecular coiled coils where coiled coil domains are covalently linked in one polypeptide. Here we prepare a protein which harbors three coiled coil domains with two short linkers, termed intramolecular tandem coiled coil (ITCC) and characterize its structural and biochemical behavior in solution. ITCC consists of three coiled coil domains whose sequences are derived from Coil-Ser and its domain swapped dimer. Modifications include positioning E (Glu) residue at "e" and K (Lys) at "g" positions throughout heptad repeats to enhance ionic interaction among its constituent coiled coil domains. Molecular modeling of ITCC suggests a compact triple helical bundle structure with the second and the third coiled coil domains forming a canonical coiled coil. ITCC exists as a mixture of monomeric and dimeric species in solution. Small-angle X-ray scattering reveals ellipsoidal molecular envelopes for both dimeric and monomeric ITCC in solution. The theoretically modeled structures of ITCC dock well into the envelopes of both species. Higher ionic strength shifts the equilibrium into monomer with apparently more compact structure while secondary structure remains unchanged. Taken together, our results suggest that our designed ITCC is predominantly monomeric structure through the enhanced ionic interactions, and its conformation is affected by the concentration of ionic species in the buffer.