A class of thin, lightweight, fl exible, near-fi eld communication (NFC) devices with ultraminiaturized format is introduced, and systematic investigations of the mechanics, radio frequency characteristics, and materials aspects associated with their optimized construction are presented. These systems allow advantages in mechanical strength, placement versatility, and minimized interfacial stresses compared to other NFC technologies and wearable electronics. Detailed experimental studies and theoretical modeling of the mechanical and electromagnetic properties of these systems establish understanding of the key design considerations. These concepts can apply to many other types of wireless communication systems including biosensors and electronic implants.

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The electrocatalytic performance of transition metal sulfide (TMS)− graphene composites has been simply regarded as the results of high conductivity and the large surface/volume ratio. However, unavoidable factors such as degree of oxidation of TMSs have been hardly considered for the origin of this catalytic activity of TMS−graphene composites. To accomplish the reliable application of TMS-based electrocatalytic materials, a clear understanding of the thermodynamic stability of TMS and effects of oxidation on catalytic activity is necessary. In addition, the mechanism of charge transfer at the TMS−graphene interface must be studied in depth to properly design composite materials. Herein, we report a comprehensive study of the physical chemistry at the junction of a Co 1−x Ni x S 2 −graphene composite, which is a prototype designed to unravel the mechanisms of charge transfer between TMS and graphene. Specifically, the thermodynamic stability and the effects of oxidation of TMSs during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the reaction mechanism are systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental observations. Cobalt atoms anchored on pyridinic N sites in the graphene support form metal−semiconductor (SC) junctions, and the internal band bending at these junctions facilitates electron transfer from TMSs to graphene. The junction enables fast sinking of the excess electron from OH − adsorbate. Partially oxidized amorphous TMS layers formed during the OER can facilitate adsorption and desorption of OH and H atoms, boosting the OER performance of TMS−graphene nanocomposites. From the DFT calculations, the enhanced electrocatalytic activity of TMS−graphene nanocomposites originates from two important factors: (i) increased internal band bending and (ii) parallelized OER pathways at the interface of pristine and oxidized TMSs.

Lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries have drawn much attention as next-generation batteries because of their high theoretical capacity (1672 mAh g − 1), environmental friendliness and low cost. However, several critical issues, which are mainly associated with the polysulfide shuttling effect, result in their poor electrochemical performance. Carbon-modified separators have been introduced to attempt to address these systemic challenges. However, this approach focused only on the suppression of dissolved polysulfides on the cathodic side without considering the further entrapment of polysulfides on the anodic side. In this study, we first designed a multifunctional trilayer membrane comprising a carbon layer and a boron nitride (BN) layer to facilitate the electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries and protect the Li anode from unexpected side reactions. When a BN-carbon separator was employed, the sulfur cathode delivered stable capacity retention over 250 cycles and an excellent specific capacity (702 mAh g − 1) at a high current density (4 C). The BN-carbon separator also facilitated the uniform plating/striping of Li and, thus, suppressed the severe growth of dendritic Li on the electrode; this led to the stable operation of the Li anode with a high Coulombic efficiency and improved cycling performance.

This study shows that therapeutic drug monitoring is indicated in patients with a voriconazole-related SAE and that dose adjustment is required if the trough concentration of voriconazole exceeds 5.83 mg/l.

BackgroundGenetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP2C19 influence voriconazole pharmacokinetics. However, the impact of CYP2C19 genetic polymorphisms on the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of voriconazole therapy are not well established.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we analyzed all consecutive adult patients with hematologic diseases who were treated for invasive aspergillosis (IA) with voriconazole between January 2011 and June 2012. CYP2C19 genotype and routine therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole were performed. The target range for voriconazole trough levels was 1-5.5 mg/L.ResultsA total of 104 consecutive patients were enrolled, including 39 homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs, 38%), 50 heterozygous extensive metabolizers (HEMs, 48%), and 15 poor metabolizers (PMs, 14%). The initial voriconazole trough levels were 1.8, 2.7, and 3.2 mg/L in EMs, HEMs, and PMs, respectively (P = 0.068). Out-of-range initial trough levels were most frequently observed in EMs (46%) followed by HEMs (26%) and PMs (0%) (P = 0.001). The frequency of initial trough levels < 1 mg/L but not > 5.5 mg/L differed significantly among the 3 groups (P = 0.005). However, treatment response, all-cause and IA-attributable mortality, and the occurrence of voriconazole-related adverse events did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P = 0.399, P = 0.412, P = 0.317, and P = 0.518, respectively).ConclusionsWhile none of the initial voriconazole trough levels in PMs was outside the target range, subtherapeutic initial trough levels were frequent in EMs. Although there was no significant relationship between CYP2C19 genotype and either the clinical outcomes of IA or toxicity of voriconazole, further large-scale multicenter studies using clinical data from homogeneous populations are required.

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