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Despite the detailed imaging information provided by optical coherence tomography (OCT) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), clinical benefits of this imaging technique in this setting remain uncertain. The aim of the OCCUPI trial was to compare the clinical benefits of OCT-guided versus angiography-guided PCI for complex lesions, assessed as the rate of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year. This investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 hospitals in South Korea enrolled patients aged 19–85 years for whom PCI with drug-eluting stents was clinically indicated. After diagnostic angiography, clinical and angiographic findings were assessed to identify patients who met the criterion of having one or more complex lesions. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive PCI with OCT guidance (OCT-guidance group) or angiography guidance without OCT (angiography-guidance group). Web-response permuted-block randomisation (mixed blocks of four or six) was used at each participating site to allocate patients. The allocation sequence was computer-generated by an external programmer who was not involved in the rest of the trial. Outcome assessors were masked to group assignment. Patients, follow-up health-care providers, and data analysers were not masked. PCI was done according to conventional standard methods with everolimus-eluting stents. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, or ischaemia-driven target-vessel revascularisation), 1 year after PCI. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. The margin used to establish superiority was 1·0 as a hazard ratio. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03625908) and is completed. Between Jan 9, 2019, and Sept 22, 2022, 1604 patients requiring PCI with drug-eluting stents for complex lesions were randomly assigned to receive either OCT-guided PCI (n=803) or angiography-guided PCI (n=801). 1290 (80%) of 1604 patients were male and 314 (20%) were female. The median age of patients at randomisation was 64 years (IQR 57–70). 1588 (99%) patients completed 1-year follow-up. The primary endpoint occurred in 37 (5%) of 803 patients in the OCT-guided PCI group and 59 (7%) of 801 patients in the angiography-guided PCI group (absolute difference –2·8% [95% CI –5·1 to –0·4]; hazard ratio 0·62 [95% CI 0·41 to 0·93]; p=0·023). Rates of stroke, bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy were not significantly different across the two groups. Among patients who required drug-eluting stent implantation for complex lesions, OCT guidance resulted in a lower incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year compared with angiography guidance. These findings indicate the existence of a therapeutic benefit of OCT as an intravascular imaging technique for PCI guidance in patients with complex coronary lesions. Abbott Vascular and Cardiovascular Research Center. For the Korean translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting user acceptance for NFC mobile wallets in both Korean and US markets.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model extends the UTAUT2 model with new constructs of credibility (CR) and service smartness (SS). This study was analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling on data collected from 701 college students between the ages of 18 and 29.FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), CR, SS and habit (HB) have strong positive relationships with a user’s behavioral intention to use NFC mobile wallets. Comparing the results of the USA and South Korea, there are different results regarding PE and CR.Research limitations/implicationsThis study shows that all factors except social influence (SI) have significant positive relationships with the intention to adopt NFC mobile wallets: Among the original UTUAT2 factors, PE, EE and HB are important determinants of NFC mobile wallet adoption and the new constructs, CR and SS, are significant determinants that influence BI. However, the target respondents are limited to college students of South Korea and the USA Thus, caution should be used when applying the results of this study towards less ICT developed countries and towards different age groups.Practical implicationsThis study provides multiple practical contributions. First, this study emphasizes HB as the strongest factor for adopting NFC mobile wallets in both South Korea and the USA Second, this study also highlights the importance of SS. Third, this study reveals that SI is not associated with the adoption of NFC mobile wallets. Fourth, nationality differences between the USA and South Korea account for the differences in consumer behaviors.Originality/valueThis study has two main contributions: First, this study introduces a modified UTAUT2 model with two new variables (CR and SS) useful for NFC mobile wallets. Second, this study compares the results of partial least square structured equation models (PLS-SEM) of the two nationality groups, South Korea and the USA

PurposeThis study empirically examined consumer adoption attitudes and behaviors toward nonfungible tokens (NFTs). Findings indicate that consumer attitudes toward NFTs are influenced by perceived usefulness, reliability and profit expectancy and that strong attitudes are associated with purchase intentions. Additionally, the relationship between attitudes and purchase intentions was moderated by technology optimism.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized a partial least squares (PLS) model to examine the hypotheses in this empirical analysis. Obtaining a sample of actual NFT holders or experienced users is challenging. A total of 105 individuals participated in the study as valid responders by answering the screening question in the questionnaire. The authors opted for the PLS model as a research approach due to the limited size of the consumer population in the NFT market.FindingsThis study discovered that the adoption of NFTs was affected by technical aspects such as usefulness and reliability and the potential for future asset growth. Furthermore, the degree of attitude-to-intention conversion varied based on optimism, an inherent characteristic.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for NFT owners, content providers and trading firms. For the NFT market to expand, it must meet consumers' expectations for the desired content features and asset investment attributes. Additionally, customer targeting strategies should attract and appeal to technology enthusiasts with an optimistic outlook on technology.Originality/valueThe authors conducted an initial empirical analysis of actual NFT consumers, an area of research studied sparingly despite its significance.

High torsional strength fibers are of practical interest for applications such as artificial muscles, electric generators, and actuators. Herein, we maximize torsional strength by understanding, measuring, and overcoming rheological thresholds of nanocarbon (nanotube/graphene oxide) dopes. The formed fibers show enhanced structure across multiple length scales, modified hierarchy, and improved mechanical properties. In particular, the torsional properties were examined, with high shear strength (914 MPa) attributed to nanotubes but magnified by their structure, intercalating graphene sheets. This design approach has the potential to realize the hierarchical dimensional hybrids, and may also be useful to build the effective network structure of heterogeneous materials. Fibers with high torsional strength are of practical interest for artificial muscles, electric generators, actuators, etc. Here, the authors optimize torsional strength by overcoming rheological thresholds of nanocarbon (nanotube/graphene oxide) dopes.

A proper disinfection of denture is vital to prevent a fungal infection. A study on the feasibility of microencapsulated phytochemical as complementary disinfectant and its interaction with effervescent tablet immersion on denture base resin is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of phytochemical-filled microcapsules as disinfectant for the inhibition of Candida albicans (C. albicans) attachment on the denture base produced by digital light processing (DLP). 54 denture base specimens uniformly mixed with or without 5wt% phytochemical-filled microcapsules were prepared using DLP. Fungal cells were inoculated onto the surfaces of the specimens, which were divided into three different disinfection treatment groups (n = 9): 1) none, 2) sterile tap water immersion for 15 min, and 3) effervescent tablet immersion for 15 min. After each treatment, the biofilm on denture surface was stained with a crystal violet solution to measure the absorbance. The number of fungal colonies was counted as colony-forming units (CFU) per mL. Morphological changes were examined by microscopy. An aligned rank transform analysis of variance was performed to analyze the interaction of presence of microcapsule and disinfection condition, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Both for the absorbance and CFU, there was no significant interaction between the presence of microcapsules and disinfection conditions (P = 0.543 and P = 0.077, respectively). The presence of microcapsules was statistically significant (both P < 0.001), while the effect of disinfection condition was not significant (P = 0.165 and P = 0.189, respectively). Morphological changes in fungi were detected in the groups containing microcapsules, whereas undamaged hyphal structures were found in those without microcapsules, irrespective of disinfection treatments. The presence of phytochemical-filled microcapsules significantly reduced the adhesion of C. albicans and inhibited its proliferation on denture surfaces, regardless of disinfection conditions.

Atomic level engineering of graphene-based materials is in high demand to enable customize structures and properties for different applications. Unzipping of the graphene plane is a potential means to this end, but uncontrollable damage of the two-dimensional crystalline framework during harsh unzipping reaction has remained a key challenge. Here we present heteroatom dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes as a reliable and controllable route to customized intact crystalline graphene-based nanostructures. Substitutional pyridinic nitrogen dopant sites at carbon nanotubes can selectively initiate the unzipping of graphene side walls at a relatively low electrochemical potential (0.6 V). The resultant nanostructures consisting of unzipped graphene nanoribbons wrapping around carbon nanotube cores maintain the intact two-dimensional crystallinity with well-defined atomic configuration at the unzipped edges. Large surface area and robust electrical connectivity of the synergistic nanostructure demonstrate ultrahigh-power supercapacitor performance, which can serve for AC filtering with the record high rate capability of −85° of phase angle at 120 Hz. Atomic level engineering of graphene-based materials is highly demanded for the customized structures and properties. Here, the authors show heteroatom dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes as a reliable and controllable route to customized 'intact crystalline' graphene-based nanostructures.

PurposeThe non-fungible token (NFT) market has been multiplying in recent years. NFTs are tokens stored on a blockchain network based on smart contract technology that can be used to represent ownership of digital assets and cannot be changed like-for-like. With NFTs, all recorded digital properties can be freely traded and stored with values, making them possible to increase content transactions' privacy and security. In addition, NFTs engender new ways to organize, consume, share and store digital content. Despite the rapid growth of the NFT market, related consumer behaviors have yet to be well-known and relevant academic research results are very scarce. This study aims to explain how NFT fits with blockchain and cryptocurrency and how consumers accept it. This paper also develops a structured causal model with multiple paths to explain the antecedents and attitude variables for NFT acceptance.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection was conducted from 542 young consumers in Korea via an online survey. The structural equation modeling method was used to analyze the hypotheses.FindingsAttitudes toward technology and assets positively affect NFT purchase behavioral intentions. Additionally, symbolic driver affects behavioral intention directly.Originality/valueThe results expanded the understanding of the NFT market and consumers, which are still in their early stages. They also provide valuable insights for establishing future market strategies for NFT.

Thermotropic liquid crystal copolyester (TLCP) was synthesized using a melt polymerization method, with a molar ratio composition of 2,5-diethoxy terephthalic acid (ETA), hydroquinone (HQ), and p -hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) of 1:1:3. TLCP exhibited nematic liquid crystalline mesophase and maintained nematic textures under all heat treatment conditions applied. The synthesized TLCP was processed into fibers using a capillary rheometer. The liquid crystalline mesophase, thermo-mechanical properties, and morphology of TLCP fibers obtained under various heat treatment conditions were investigated. The thermo-mechanical properties of the heat-treated fibers were improved compared to those of the as-spun fibers. The best results were obtained for TLCP fibers annealed at 230 °C for 9 h. The heat-treated fibers showed a well-developed microfiber morphology compared to the as-spun fibers. In the spun fibers, a skin–core morphology was observed regardless of the heat treatment conditions, and a well-developed fiber morphology better than the core area was observed in the skin area. The diameter of the fiber heat-treated at 230 °C for 9 h was approximately 60–110 nm.

In clinical practice, a risk prediction model is an effective solitary program to predict prognosis in particular patient groups. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)and N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are widely recognized outcome-predicting factors for patients with heart failure (HF).This study derived external validation of a risk score to predict 1-year mortality after discharge in hospitalized patients with HF using the Meta-analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC)program data. We also assessed the effect of adding BNP or NT-proBNP to this risk score model in a Korean HF registry population. We included 5625 patients from the Korean acute heart failure registry (KorAHF) and excluded those who died in hospital. The MAGGIC constructed a risk score to predict mortality in patients with HF by using 13 routinely available patient characteristics (age, gender, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), HF diagnosed within the last 18 months, current smoker, NYHA class, use of beta blocker, ACEI or ARB, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, creatinine, and EF). We added BNP or NT-proBNP, which are the most important biomarkers, to the MAGGIC risk scoring system in patients with HF. The outcome measure was 1-year mortality. In multivariable analysis, BNP or NT-proBNP independently predicted death. The risk score was significantly varied between alive and dead groups (30.61 ± 6.32 vs. 24.80 ± 6.81, p < 0.001). After the conjoint use of BNP or NT-proBNP and MAGGIC risk score in patients with HF, a significant difference in risk score was noted (31.23 ± 6.46 vs. 25.25 ± 6.96, p < 0.001).The discrimination abilities of the risk score model with and without biomarker showed minimal improvement (C index of 0.734 for MAGGIC risk score and 0.736 for MAGGIC risk score plus BNP or NT-proBNP, p = 0.0502) and the calibration was found good. However, we achieved a significant improvement in net reclassification and integrated discrimination for mortality (NRI of 33.4%,p < 0.0001 and IDI of 0.002, p < 0.0001). In the KorAHF, the MAGGIC project HF risk score performed well in a large nationwide contemporary external validation cohort. Furthermore, the addition of BNP or NT-proBNPto the MAGGIC risk score was beneficial in predicting more death in hospitalized patients with HF.

Asthma is a complex disease that is reportedly associated with insomnia. However, the causal directionality of this association is still unclear. We used asthma and insomnia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics to test the causal directionality between insomnia and asthma via Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. We also performed a cross-trait meta-analysis using UK Biobank GWAS summary statistics and a gene–environment interaction study using data from UK Biobank. The interaction of genetic risk score for asthma (GRS asthma ) with insomnia on asthma was tested by logistic regression. Insomnia was a risk factor for the incidence of asthma, as revealed by three different methods of MR analysis. However, asthma did not act as a risk factor for insomnia. The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 28 genetic loci shared between asthma and insomnia. In the gene–environment interaction study, GRS asthma interacted with insomnia to significantly affect the risk of asthma. The results of this study highlight the importance of insomnia as a risk factor of asthma, and warrant further analysis of the mechanism through which insomnia affects the risk of asthma.