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Organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructures-based dual light-detecting/gas-sensing devices were fabricated. In this research, polycrystalline perylene diimide (PDI) membrane was coated on ZnO nanorods (NRs), functioning as sensing nanocomposites. Multiple material analyses including scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) indicate that organic perylene diimide was successfully deposited on ZnO NRs, forming organic/inorganic membrane on the sensing device. To examine the influence of organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructure on photo-sensing and gas-sensing behaviors, UV light detection and CO gas sensing impulse response were measured. Results reveal that organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructure can effectively enhance UV light and CO gas dual-sensing properties with addition of PDI. The coating of organic PDI on the ZnO NRs not only improves the gas interaction capability and gas-sensing stability but also enhances the UV absorption efficiency. Owing to advantages of low cost, simple fabrication, compact size, and device stability, hybrid PDI/ZnO organic/inorganic light/gas dual-sensing devices are promising for future portable hazardous light and gas sensing applications.

Abstract Lead-free Cs3Bi2I9 single crystals have been demonstrated to be promising materials for direct X-ray detectors with remarkable performance. However, their application for 2D X-ray imaging is hindered by their time-consuming preparation and limited crystal size. In this paper, a thick Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite film fabricated via facile spray coating at a low processing temperature, which increases the area of the photoactive film, reduces the processing time, decreases the energy budget and the production cost, and enhances the production yield due to high material utilization, has great potential for commercial applications. Careful control of the processing temperature and intervals during spray coating results in a dense and thick perovskite film with well-stacked perovskite domains. The compact perovskite film enhances the charge transport capability of the Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite film and reduces the dark current density of the X-ray detector. The resultant X-ray detector, prepared through a two-step spray coating process, exhibited a sensitivity of 127.23 μC Gyair −1 cm−2 and a detection limit of 7.4 μGyair s−1. In addition, the device delivers long-term stability with a consistent photoresponse when exposed to consecutive X-ray pulse irradiation.

Gas/light dual sensors based on benzodithiophene-based derivates (BDT)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites are fabricated for the monitoring of hazardous light and the detection of toxic gases. The lethal threat posed by colorless and odorless carbon monoxide (CO) gas, as well as the potential dangers of ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and visible light, emphasize the need for sensitive and portable gas/light dual sensor. Organic BDT/inorganic ZnO hybrid materials have gained attention for their cost-effectiveness, and enhanced gas/light sensing performance. This study explores the incorporation of the organic material, BDT, onto the ZnO nanorods (NRs) to enhance the UV and visible light detection, and CO gas sensing capabilities. The results demonstrate that improved light absorption and gas detection are attributed to the broad absorption wavelength range of BDT and efficient charge transfer from BDT to ZnO NRs. The study introduces a novel approach for dual sensing applications, highlighting the promising future of BDT/ZnO nanocomposites in environmental monitoring and wearable devices.

X-ray detection has widespread applications in medical diagnosis, non-destructive industrial radiography and safety inspection, and especially, medical diagnosis realized by medical X-ray detectors is presenting an increasing demand. Perovskite materials are excellent candidates for high-energy radiation detection based on their promising material properties such as excellent carrier transport capability and high effective atomic number. In this review paper, we introduce X-ray detectors using all kinds of halide perovskite materials along with various crystal structures and discuss their device performance in detail. Single-crystal perovskite was first fabricated as an active material for X-ray detectors, having excellent performance under X-ray illumination due to its superior photoelectric properties of X-ray attenuation with μm thickness. The X-ray detector based on inorganic perovskite shows good environmental stability and high X-ray sensitivity. Owing to anisotropic carrier transport capability, two-dimensional layered perovskites with a preferred orientation parallel to the substrate can effectively suppress the dark current of the device despite poor light response to X-rays, resulting in lower sensitivity for the device. Double perovskite applied for X-ray detectors shows better attenuation of X-rays due to the introduction of high-atomic-numbered elements. Additionally, its stable crystal structure can effectively lower the dark current of X-ray detectors. Environmentally friendly lead-free perovskite exhibits potential application in X-ray detectors by virtue of its high attenuation of X-rays. In the last section, we specifically introduce the up-scaling process technology for fabricating large-area and thick perovskite films for X-ray detectors, which is critical for the commercialization and mass production of perovskite-based X-ray detectors.

In this study, ZnO nanorods (NRs) are grown on the ZnO seed layer incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that CNTs are well distributed in the seed layer. X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) reveal the enhancement of oxygen defect-related chemical bindings and photoluminescence (PL) spectra show the increase of defect-related PL intensity. The enhanced oxygen defects for ZnO NRs on CNT-incorporated seed layer improve the electron concentration and the conductivity after light/gas sensing; as a result, the light/gas dual-sensing behaviors for CNT-incorporated ZnO NRs sensor are boosted. Owing to steady response, simple fabrication, and compact size, light/gas dual-sensing chips with ZnO NRs on CNT-incorporated seed layer are promising for ultraviolet (UV) light and gas detection.

Abstract Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) requires radiotherapy (RT) as its definitive management. However, GBM still has a high local recurrence rate even after RT. Cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs) might enable GBM to evade irradiation damage and cause therapeutic failure. The optimal RT plan should achieve a planning target volume (PTV) coverage of more than 95% but cannot always meet the requirements. Here, we demonstrate that irradiation with different tumor coverage rates to different brain areas has similar effects on GBM. To retrospectively analyze the relationship between PTV coverage and the survival rate in 26 malignant glioblastoma patients, we established primary cell lines from patient‐derived malignant glioblastoma cells with the PTV95 (PTV coverage of more than 95%) program (GBM‐MG1 cells) and the Non‐PTV95 (poor PTV coverage of less than 95%) program (GBM‐MG2 cells). The clinical results of PTV95 and Non‐PTV95 showed no difference in the overall survival (OS) rate (P = .390) between the two different levels of PTV coverage. GBM‐MG1 (PTV95 program) cells exhibited higher radioresistance than GBM‐MG2 (Non‐PTV95 program) cells. CD44 promotes radioresistance, CSC properties, angiogenesis and cell proliferation in GBM‐MG1 (PTV95 program) cells. GBM patients receiving RT with the PTV95 program exhibited higher radioresistance, CSC properties, angiogenesis and cell proliferation than GBM patients receiving RT with the Non‐PTV95 program. Moreover, CD44 plays a crucial role in these properties of GBM patients with the PTV95 program.

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is an expanded public health heed that requires more study to clarify the influence elements of different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between smartphone use, and sleep quality, self-perceived health, and exercise participation in university students. A total of 1,575 Taiwanese undergraduate students from 7 universities participated in the study. Three questionnaires were completed by the study individuals. The results show the overall PSU rate was 11.8%. Average smartphone users were more likely to feel in good health, better sleep quality and less unsatisfactory exercise participation than those who were problematic smartphone users. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that PSU, low weekly exercise frequency, and poor sleep quality were significant indicators of poor self-perceived health. We concluded that both low physical activity and PSU did have negative impacts on self-perceived health and sleep quality for undergraduate students.

Inorganic/organic hybrids of ZnO nanorods (NRs)/bisindolo quinoxaline (BIQ) were fabricated for broadband photosensing applications. Multiple material characterizations revealed the BIQ was self-assembled in a regular form of rod-like domain and an irregular form of amorphous aggregation that were distributed on the ZnO NRs. Optical measurements showed that BIQ can absorb visible light with a wavelength up to 630 nm and effectively generate photoelectrons. Moreover, clustering of BIQ can be observed via the 3D optical microscopy. ZnO/BIQ hybrids were promising for future UV and visible light environmental monitoring applications.

Electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) sensors, used in applications such as pH sensing and sodium ion sensing, are the most basic type of ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET) membranes. Currently, some of the most popular techniques for synthesizing such sensors are chemical vapor deposition, reactive sputtering and sol-gel deposition. However, there are certain limitations on such techniques, such as reliability concerns and isolation problems. In this research, a novel design of an EIS membrane consisting of an optical material of indium gallium oxide (IGO) was demonstrated. Compared with conventional treatment such as annealing, Ti doping and CF4 plasma treatment were incorporated in the fabrication of the film. Because of the effective treatment of doping and plasma treatment, the defects were mitigated and the membrane capacitance was boosted. Therefore, the pH sensitivity can be increased up to 60.8 mV/pH. In addition, the hysteresis voltage can be improved down to 2.1 mV, and the drift voltage can be suppressed to as low as 0.23 mV/h. IGO-based membranes are promising for future high-sensitivity and -stability devices integrated with optical applications.

With the rapid progress in deposition techniques for hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) thin films, this new class of photovoltaic (PV) technology has achieved material quality and power conversion efficiency comparable to those established technologies. Among the various techniques for HOIP thin films preparation, vapor based deposition technique is considered as a promising alternative process to substitute solution spin-coating method for large-area or scale-up preparation. This technique provides some unique benefits for high-quality perovskite crystallization, which are discussed in this research update.

Considering the increasing global demand for energy and the harmful ecological impact of conventional energy sources, it is obvious that development of clean and renewable energy is a necessity. Since the Sun is our only external energy source, harnessing its energy, which is clean, non-hazardous and infinite, satisfies the main objectives of all alternative energy strategies. With attractive features, i.e., good performance, low-cost potential, simple processibility, a wide range of applications from portable power generation to power-windows, photoelectrochemical solar cells like dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) represent one of the promising methods for future large-scale power production directly from sunlight. While the sensitization of n-type semiconductors (n-SC) has been intensively studied, the use of p-type semiconductor (p-SC), e.g., the sensitization of wide bandgap p-SC and hole transport materials with p-SC have also been attracting great attention. Recently, it has been proved that the p-type inorganic semiconductor as a charge selective material or a charge transport material in organometallic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) shows a significant impact on solar cell performance. Therefore the study of p-type semiconductors is important to rationally design efficient DSCs and PSCs. In this review, recent published works on p-type DSCs and PSCs incorporated with an inorganic p-type semiconductor and our perspectives on this topic are discussed.

This research aims at improving the performance of the filling line machine using fuzzy goal programming. Two main quality responses including the number of defective products and the production rate of the filling machine are of main interest. Initially, the control charts for number of nonconforming and production rate, np and I-MR, respectively, are established and indicate that the process is in statistical control. However, the process is found incapable. The fuzzy goal programming model is adopted to identify the combination of optimal factor settings utilizing the Taguchi's L16 array. The optimal factor settings are 5.6 s, 5.6 s, 6.4 s, 6.0 s, 75°, 75°, 1.9 cm, 2.5 cm, 1.0 s, 0.9 s, 5.8 s, and 0.11 s for timing nozzle # 1, timing nozzle # 2, timing nozzle # 3, timing nozzle # 4, weighing valve # 1, weighing valve # 2, crimping head # 1 height, crimping head # 2 height, crimping time # 1, crimping time # 2, crimping delay, and conveyer, respectively. Confirmation experiments are conducted at optimal factor settings. Results showed reduction in the number of defective cans and significant enhancement of the oil filling process capability. In conclusions, the fuzzy goal programming model is found to be an efficient technique in supporting the process engineers of oil filling line for obtaining significant yearly savings in quality costs and considerable productivity gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Preparation is the secret to survive in the emergency events whether they are major accidents, car crashes, bombings or even a war. Operating rooms are the most important resources in any hospital that should always be improved. The present study, therefore, proposes a mathematical model for concurrent optimal patients' scheduling and sequencing in newly opened operating rooms under emergency events. In this model, the objective function is to maximize patient's assignment over the empty available rooms. While, the model constraints include operating room, priority, surgeons, equipment, additional constraints on start time and precedence, and integrality constraints. Data related to patients (operation start time, duration, and due date) operating rooms, and equipment and surgeon availability in each room were collected from a local hospital including availability. The proposed model was then implemented to determine optimal scheduling and sequencing of operating rooms that maximizes the number of survived patients in emergency cases. The patient-to-room assignment and surgery start time are finally obtained for all patients. In conclusions, the proposed model may support hospital administration in obtaining concurrent scheduling and sequencing in emergency cases and increasing the utilization of operating rooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving processes and products became crucially important for pharmaceutical companies to be competitive in Jordanian market. Responding to market challenges, a pharmaceutical company aims to evaluate the productivity growth of its blistering lines over years 2013 and 2014 of time using Malmquist productivity index (MPI). Decomposing the Malmquist productivity index into efficiency change and technological change can help in attributing the causes of improvement or declining in productivity. The productivity remained almost constant in the period of the study in all blistering lines. According to the results of MPI, the technological change improved better than the efficiency change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining standard drugs with low doses of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) is a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy. The ability of well-tolerated doses of HDACIs that act as chemosensitizers for platinum-based chemotherapeutics has recently been proven in many types and stages of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Detection of changes in HDAC activity/expression may provide important prognostic and predictive information and influence treatment decision-making. Use of [18F] FAHA, a HDAC IIa-specific radionuclide, for molecular imaging may enable longitudinal, noninvasive assessment of HDAC activity/expression in metastatic cancer. We evaluated the synergistic anticancer effects of cisplatin and the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) in xenograft models of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using [18F] FAHA and [18F] FDG PET/CT imaging. Cisplatin alone significantly increased [18F] FAHA accumulation and reduced [18F] FDG accumulation in H441 and PC14 xenografts; coadministration of cisplatin and SAHA resulted in the opposite effects. Immunochemical staining for acetyl-histone H3 confirmed the PET/CT imaging findings. Moreover, SAHA had a more significant effect on the acetylome in PC14 (EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation) xenografts than H441 (wild-type EGFR and KRAS codon 12 mutant) xenografts. In conclusion, [18F] FAHA enables quantitative visualization of HDAC activity/expression in vivo, thus, may represent a clinically useful, noninvasive tool for the management of patients who may benefit from synergistic anticancer therapy.

2-[(acryloyloxy)ethyl]Trimethylammonium chloride (AETMAC) was grafted onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as a redox initiator. A series of graft co-polymer (PVA-g-PAETMAC) membranes with different contents of AETMAC were prepared with a casting method. The incorporation of AETMAC into PVA chains was confirmed by element analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of grafting on the thermal properties, water take, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), contact angle, antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of PVA-g-PAETMAC membranes were investigated. The experiment results showed that PVA-g-PAETMAC membrane has a higher equilibrium swelling ratio, surface hydrophilicity and WVTR than pure PVA membrane. Moreover, the higher the content of AETMAC, the higher were equilibrium swelling ratio, surface hydrophilicity and WVTR. In vitro bacterial adhesion study demonstrated a significantly reduced number of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on PVA-g-PAETMAC surfaces when compared to PVA surface. In addition, no significant difference in the in vitro cytotoxicity was observed between PVA and PVA-g-PAETMAC membranes. The presence of quaternary ammonium groups did not reduce L929 cell growth. Therefore, the PVA-g-PAETMAC membranes have the potential for wound-dressing application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The small intestine is the initial organ which Toxocara canis larvae invade. Information on intestinal pathological changes associated with transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and secretory granules (SG) in Paneth cells (PCs) caused by T. canis is unclear. Mice orally inoculated with 250 T. canis infective eggs were evaluated by pathological and immunohistochemical assessments with a 294-day investigation. Pathologically, the inflammatory reactions with or without trapped larvae in the submucosa were observed only within the first 28 days post-infection (DPI), with inflammatory injury ranging from severe during 2 DPI to mild between 7 and 28 DPI. The crypts of Leiberkuhn were major larval penetration sites. Enhanced expression of SG in PCs appeared earlier than those of TGF-ß1 in infiltrating cells. The significance of both effectors might be related to the host’s defense against larval invasion in the intestinal phase of toxocaral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the structural and low-frequency vibrational properties of methylammonium lead-iodide (MAPbI3) perovskites studied by terahertz spectroscopy. The characteristic low-frequency mode splitting is observed in room-temperature tetragonal MAPbI3 films grown on Si, and the frequencies of split modes are found to coincide with those of orthorhombic phases. The strain arising from the symmetry and lattice mismatch against the substrates is responsible for the local distortion of inorganic cages and results in the mode-splitting. The use of a mesoporous TiO2 interlayer effectively reduces the strain at the perovskite-substrate interface and induces larger grain growth and the improvement of structural ordering in the tetragonal MAPbI3 films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggregation/disaggregation properties in organic/inorganic interfaces have been intensively investigated recently because modulation of the aggregation effect can enhance the fluorescent emission, facilitate light scattering and strengthen the material strength. In this study, bisindolo quinoxaline-tips (BIQ-TIPs) organic polymers dropped on ZnO nanorods (NRs) to form organic/inorganic hybrid photosensing materials. Multiple morphological and material characterizations reveal that as-deposited BIQ-TIPs polymers self-aggregated on ZnO NR surfaces. UV/VIS measurements and photoluminescence (PL) mapping indicate that the absorption spectra of ZnO NRs can be broadened by incorporating BIQ-TIPs on top of ZnO NRs. Furthermore, light photosensitive measurements indicate that BIQ-TIPs /ZnO NRs-based devices exhibited better UV sensing behaviors than ZnO NR-based devices. Interestingly, BIQ-TIPs /ZnO NRs still possessed moderate green light sensing capability while ZnO NRs and BIQ-TIPs only samples possessed no green light sensing capability. Owing to their compact size, facile fabrication, and versatility, BIQ-TIPs /ZnO NR devices show promise for integration with BIQ-TIPs analogue-based electronic devices and future broadband sensing and light-harvesting applications.

In this study, bismuth trioxide (Bi2O3) membranes in an electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) structure were fabricated with pH sensing capability. To optimize the sensing performance, the membranes were treated with two types of plasma—NH3 and N2O. To investigate the material property improvements, multiple material characterizations were conducted. Material analysis results indicate that plasma treatments with appropriate time could enhance the crystallization, remove the silicate and facilitate crystallizations. Owing to the material optimizations, the pH sensing capability could be greatly boosted. NH3 or N2O plasma treated-Bi2O3 membranes could reach the pH sensitivity around 60 mV/pH and show promise for future biomedical applications.