Devics

In this work, doping 3-amino-propyl triethoxysilane (APTES) into a perovskite precursor is proven to be an effective strategy, which can passivate crystal defects, control the crystallization rate, and improve the morphology. APTES can form oligomers through hydrolysis and a condensation reaction, thus blocking the invasion of external water molecules. In addition, the lone pair electrons on the N atom in the amino group of APTES form a coordination bond with perovskite by sharing the empty 6p orbital on Pb2+ , which can effectively passivate the defects of the film and realize a highly uniform and dense perovskite film with preferential crystal growth orientation...

The high photoelectric conversion efficiency and low cost of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have further inspired people's determination to push this technology toward industrialization. The high-quality perovskite films and high-efficiency and stable PSCs are the crucial factors. Ionic liquids have been proven to be an effective strategy for regulating high-quality perovskite films and high-performance PSCs. However, the regulation mechanism between ionic liquids and perovskites still needs further clarification...

BACKGROUND: Motion induced image artifacts have been the focus of many investigations for x-ray computed tomography (CT). Methodologies of combating patient motion include the use of gating devices to optimize the data acquisition, reduction in patient scan time via faster gantry rotation and large detector coverage, and the development of advanced reconstruction and post-processing algorithms to minimize motion artifacts. PURPOSE: Previously proposed approaches are generally "global" in nature in that motion is characterized for the entire image...

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are considered promising building blocks for next-generation photonic and optoelectronic devices, owing to their fascinating optical properties. However, their inherent weak light absorption and low quantum yield severely hinder their practical applications. Here, we report up to 18000-fold photoluminescence (PL) enhancement in a monolayer WSe2 -coupled plasmonic nanocavity. A spectroscopy-assisted nanomanipulation technique enables the assembly of a nanocavity with customizable resonances to simultaneously enhance the excitation and emission processes...

Supercapacitors offer notable properties as energy storage devices, providing high power density and fast charging and discharging while maintaining a long cycling lifetime. Although poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) has become a gold standard among organic electronics materials, researchers are still investigating ways to further improve its capacitive characteristics. In this work, we introduced Nafion as an alternative polymeric counterion to PSS to form highly capacitive PEDOT/Nafion; its advantageous supercapacitive properties were further improved by treatment with either dimethyl sulfoxide or ethylene glycol...

This work developed an aptamer-dye complex as a label-free ratiometric fluorescence sensor for rapid analysis of THC and its metabolite in sewage samples. Integrated with a portable fluorescence capture device, this sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity with visualization of as low as 0.6 μM THC via naked-eye observation, and THC analysis can be accomplished within 4 min, which would be a complementary tool for quantifying THC in sewage samples to estimate cannabis consumption.

We propose a structurally simple, innovative, and multifunctional mid-infrared broadband thermally tunable metamaterial absorption device. The absorption device consists of a three-layer structure, from bottom to top: Ti substrate, SiO2 dielectric layer, and patterned VO2 layer. Through temperature control, the average absorption intensity of the absorption device can vary between 0.08 and 0.94. The absorption device's absorption mechanism is rooted in the thermal phase-change characteristics exhibited by the topologically patterned VO2 ...

The confinement effect of catalytic nanoreactors containing metal catalysts within nanometer-sized volumes has attracted significant attention for their potential to enhance reaction rate and selectivity. Nevertheless, unregulated catalyst loading, aggregation, leaching, and limited reusability remain obstacles to achieving an efficient nanoreactor. A robust and durable catalytic membrane nanoreactor prepared by incorporating palladium nanocatalysts within a 3D-continuous nanoporous covalent framework membrane is presented...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We developed, tested, and validated a novel, noninvasive, Leksell G frame-based fiducial attachment, for use in stereotactic registration for stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG). Use of the device increased the number of fixed reference points available for registration, while obviating the need for additional scalp incisions. We report here on our experience and safety profile of using the device. METHODS: We collected registration data using the fiducial device across 25 adult and pediatric patients with epilepsy consecutively undergoing robotic-guided sEEG for invasive epilepsy monitoring, treated between May 2022 and July 2023...

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global issue exacerbated by the abuse of antibiotics and the formation of bacterial biofilms, which cause up to 80% of human bacterial infections. This study presents a computational strategy to address AMR by developing three novel quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models based on molecular topology to identify potential anti-biofilm and antibacterial agents. The models aim to determine the chemo-topological pattern of Gram (+) antibacterial, Gram (-) antibacterial, and biofilm formation inhibition activity...

BACKGROUND: Despite the exponential growth of mobile device applications in promoting awareness on traumatic dental injuries (TDIs), the overall validity of existing applications in content, engagement, usability, functionality, esthetics, and user perception remains largely uncertain. AIMS: The primary aim was to systematically search and assess the quality, functionality, perceived impact and usability of available applications related to TDIs using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) and the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Revised (CA-LO-RE) scale...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) improve survival for patients with cardiac failure, but LVAD specific infections (VSI) remain a challenge with poorly understood predictive risk factors. Furthermore, the indications and utility of escalating medical treatment to surgical debridement and potential flap reconstruction are not well-characterized. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing primary LVAD implantation at a tertiary academic center was performed...

BACKGROUND: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease caused by superantigen-producing Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylococcal TSS received special attention from 1978 to 1981, when an epidemic was observed associated with the use of hyper-absorbent tampons. Today the disease is rare and generally not related to menstruation, but can occur postpartum or in post-surgical wounds, intrauterine devices (IUDs), burns or other soft tissue injuries, mastitis or other focal infections...

Sodium-based dual ion batteries (SDIBs) have garnered significant attention as novel energy storage devices offering the advantages of high-voltage and low-cost. Nonetheless, conventional electrolytes exhibit low resistance to oxidation and poor compatibility with electrode materials, resulting in rapid battery failure. In this study, for the first time, we propose a chlorination design of electrolytes for SDIB. Using ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) as a representative solvent, chlorine-substituted EMC (Cl-EMC) not only demonstrates increased oxidative stability ascribed to the electron-withdrawing characteristics of chlorine atom, electrolyte compatibility with both the cathode and anode have also been greatly improved by forming Cl-containing interface layers...

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the abdominal handheld point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) Butterfly-iQ to gold standard transvaginal ultrasonography (US) in identifying the position of intrauterine devices (IUDs) in the hands of a medical doctor specialised in ultrasonography. METHODS: In this diagnostic accuracy study, a single operator conducted abdominal POCUS followed by conventional transvaginal US. Seventy patients utilising copper or hormonal IUDs were assessed between June 2021 and October 2022...

The management of lymphatic fistulas following surgical procedures, in particular after inguinal lymphadenectomy, represents a significant clinical challenge. The current case report shows the novel use of the superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) pedicle vein for lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) to treat a chronic inguinal lymphatic fistula in a 58-year-old male patient. This patient had developed a persistent lymphorrhea and wound dehiscence after a right inguinal lymph node biopsy performed for oncological reasons 1...

In this work, the first dimerized nonfused electron acceptor (NFEA), based on thieno[3,4- c ]pyrrole-4,6-dione as the core, has been designed and synthesized. The dimerized acceptor and its single counterpart exhibit similar energy levels but different absorption spectra due to their distinct aggregation behavior. The dimerized acceptor-based organic solar cells (OSCs) demonstrate a higher power conversion efficiency of 11.05%, accompanied by enhanced thermal stability. This improvement is attributed to the enhancement of the short-circuit current density and fill factor, along with an increase in the glass transition temperature...

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) originating from cancer cells incorporate various critical biomolecules that can aid in early cancer diagnosis. However, the rapid analysis of these micro vesicles remains challenging due to their nano-scale size and overlapping dimensions, hindering sufficient capture in terms of quantity and purity. In this study, an acoustofluidic device was developed to enhance the yield of immune-captured EVs. The channel of the device was modified with degradable gelatin nanoparticles (∼220 nm) to increase the surface roughness, and subsequently treated with CD63 antibodies...

Background: Cardiogenic shock in children still carries a high mortality risk despite advances in medical therapy. The use of temporary mechanical circulatory supports is an accepted strategy to bridge patients with acute heart failure to recovery, decision, transplantation or destination therapy. These devices are however limited in children and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the most commonly used device. Veno-arterial ECMO may provide adequate oxygen delivery, but it does not significantly unload the left ventricle, and this may prevent recovery...