Flexible sensors connected to cell phones are a promising technology that can aid in continuously monitoring signals in our daily lives, such as an individual's health status and information from ...buildings, farms, and industry. Among such signals, real-time humidity monitoring is crucial to a comfortable life, as human bodies, plants, and industrial environments require appropriate humidity to be maintained. We propose a hydrophilic polytetrafluoroethylene (H-PTFE)-based flexible humidity sensor integrated with readout circuitry, wireless communication, and a mobile battery. To enhance its sensitivity, linearity, and reliability, treatment with sodium hydroxide implements additional hydroxyl (OH) groups, which further enhance the sensitivity, create a strong linearity with respect to variations in relative humidity, and produce a relatively free hysteresis. Furthermore, to create robust mechanical stability, cyclic upward bending was performed for up to 3000 cycles. The overall electrical and mechanical results demonstrate that the flexible real-time H-PTFE humidity sensor system is suitable for applications such as wearable smart devices.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The design of a Resonant Regulating Rectifier (3R) capable of switching-mode operation is presented. The proposed 3R is a highly efficient receiver circuit intended for use in Resonant Wireless Power ...Transfer (RWPT) application with a 6.78 MHz resonant frequency. Owing to the inductance of resonant coils, the 3R does not require any additional inductor for the switching-mode regulation. The transmitted power via the RWPT with the 3R ranges from 0 W to 6 W, and its peak efficiency reaches 86%. It employs the Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) and Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) for different output power levels. This helps to increase the output power and to lower the voltage stress on the transistor. Fabricated in 0.35 μm BCD technology, the 3R circuit occupies an area of 2.35×2.35 mm 2 . The functionality of the 3R is successfully demonstrated using a transmitter circuit with resonant coils.
Conformal deposition of wide-bandgap perovskite films along pyramidal silicon surfaces through the dry process is essential for fabricating large-area textured silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells. ...However, it is difficult to control the composition of mixed perovskite films through dry processes because the deposition rate in organic and inorganic components is different when depositing perovskite films using a multi-source or premixed-source. In this study, MAPbI
3
perovskite films were deposited through radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and dry conversion processes, and wide-bandgap perovskite films with mixed halide compositions were prepared by immersion in a MABr/IPA solution. Based on the results, the bandgap of the perovskite films increased with the immersion time. In addition, a uniform depth profile of the perovskite composition was observed in the film. Perovskite solar cells were manufactured to verify their electrical characteristics. Finally, wide-bandgap perovskite films were conformally deposited on textured silicon surfaces. These results show the great potential of applications in silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells.
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DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Biomarkers have been actively investigated to supplement functional and imaging modalities to predict the severity, therapeutic responsiveness, and progression of connective tissue disease-associated ...interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD). This study aimed to evaluate Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) as a potential biomarker reflecting the severity of CTD-ILD as assessed through computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary function test (PFT) parameters.
This retrospective study included 549 Korean patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, and other CTDs with or without concurrent ILD. Serum KL-6 concentration (U/mL) was measured using the latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay method. CT and PFT results were collected within 1 year of serum collection. A semiquantitative grade of ILD extent was evaluated through CT scan (grade 1, 0-25%; grade 2, 26-50%; grade 3, 51-75%; grade 4, 76-100%).
CTD-ILD patients (n = 165) had elevated serum KL-6 levels compared to CTD patients without ILD (n = 384) (p < 0.001), and those findings were preserved after adjusting for age, sex, and CTD type. The semiquantitative grade of ILD on CT scan was significantly proportional to the KL-6 level, and the optimal cut-off KL-6 value effectively differentiated each ILD grade. The percent diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (p < 0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (p < 0.001) parameters had a moderate, negative correlation with the KL-6 level.
Serum KL-6 levels were increased in CTD-ILD patients and had a positive correlation with CT grade and a negative correlation with FVC and DLCO. Serum KL-6 levels may reflect CTD-ILD severity.
Background
Predicting the survival of cancer patients provides prognostic information and therapeutic guidance. However, improved prediction models are needed for use in diagnosis and treatment.
...Objective
This study aimed to identify genomic prognostic biomarkers related to colon cancer (CC) based on computational data and to develop survival prediction models.
Methods
We performed machine‐learning (ML) analysis to screen pathogenic survival‐related driver genes related to patient prognosis by integrating copy number variation and gene expression data. Moreover, in silico system analysis was performed to clinically assess data from ML analysis, and we identified RABGAP1L, MYH9, and DRD4 as candidate genes. These three genes and tumor stages were used to generate survival prediction models. Moreover, the genes were validated by experimental and clinical analyses, and the theranostic application of the survival prediction models was assessed.
Results
RABGAP1L, MYH9, and DRD4 were identified as survival‐related candidate genes by ML and in silico system analysis. The survival prediction model using the expression of the three genes showed higher predictive performance when applied to predict the prognosis of CC patients. A series of functional analyses revealed that each knockdown of three genes reduced the protumor activity of CC cells. In particular, validation with an independent cohort of CC patients confirmed that the coexpression of MYH9 and DRD4 gene expression reflected poorer clinical outcomes in terms of overall survival and disease‐free survival.
Conclusions
Our survival prediction approach will contribute to providing information on patients and developing a therapeutic strategy for CC patients.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
In the present study, a three-dimensional SEAWAT model was developed to generally simulate the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on seawater intrusion (SWI) in the coastal region ...of Benin by the end of 2050. The model was calibrated and validated from 2015 to 2020, considering groundwater head and salt concentration measured in 30 wells. After calibration, a sensitivity analysis was performed with the model parameters (hydraulic conductivity, recharge, storage coefficient and boundary conditions). For the calibration, model computed and observed values displayed good correlation, approximatively 0.82 with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.97 m and 13.38 mg/L for groundwater head and salt concentration, respectively. The simulation results indicate that freshwater head had declined by 1.65 m from 2015 to 2020 (taking reference from the average groundwater head in 2015: 27.08 m), while the seawater intrusion area increased in the same period by an average of 1.92 km2 (taking reference from the seawater intrusion area in 2015: 20.03 km2). The model is therefore used to predict groundwater level decline and seawater intrusion area increase by the end of 2050, considering the predicted sea level rise (SLR) and estimated groundwater pumping rate. Furthermore, the interface fresh groundwater–saltwater change was studied using the SHARP interface developed by USGS in 1990. The interface variation was found to be influenced by the distance from shoreline, sea level, groundwater level and geological formation hydraulic conductivity. Finally, the 3D model was used to simulate the effect of a managed aquifer recharge system on reducing SWI rate in the study region.
Monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) has emerged as an active material for optoelectronic devices due to its quantum yield of photoluminescence. Despite the enormous research about physical ...characteristics of monolayer WS2, the defect-related Raman scattering has been rarely studied. Here, we report the correlation of topography and Raman scattering in monolayer WS2 by using tip-enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy and reveal defect-related Raman modes denoted as D and D′ modes. We found that the sulfur vacancies introduce not only the red-shifted A1g mode but also the D and D′ modes by the density functional theory calculations. The observed defect-related Raman modes can be utilized to evaluate the quality of monolayer WS2 and will be helpful to improve the performance of WS2 optoelectronic devices.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Hypoxemia can occur during endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) and it is difficult to achieve adequate ventilation with the prone position. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) has been recommended ...to be more effectively help ventilation than conventional low flow oxygen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HFNO during sedated ERCP and to identify predictors of desaturation during ERCP. The investigated variables were age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists classes (ASA), duration of exam, and sedative used for midazolam or/and propofol of 262 patients with sedated ERCP. The differences between categorical and continuous variables were analyzed using the Student's t test and the chi-square test. Desaturation (SpO
≤ 90%) occurred in 9(3.4%) patients among 262 patients during sedated ERCP. The variables found to predict desaturation were older age (p < 0.01), higher sedation dose for midazolam or propofol (p < 0.01), and use of midazolam (p < 0.01). Desaturation rate was lower during sedated ERCP with HFNO compared to the preliminary study with conventional low flow nasal oxygen. Patients with older age, higher sedation dose, or the use of midazolam might require close monitoring for desaturation and hypoventilation by nursing staff. The study shows the use of high-flow nasal oxygen reduces the incidence of desaturation during ERCP.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The inferomedial orbital strut (IOS) is the thin bony junction of the orbital medial wall and floor. Its fracture is common and leads to serious complications, including enophthalmos, globe dystopia ...and diplopia. However, anatomical restoration of the IOS is challenging owing to reduced structural support; sound anatomical background and accurate implants are therefore essential. The aim of the present study was to incorporate data from cadaveric orbit anatomy into three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology and to reconstruct the complex orbital fracture elaborately. After averaging the data from computed tomography (CT) images of 100 adult cadavers, the dimensions of the IOS were extracted, and a tangent sphere was created using a computer‐aided design program. The curves were compared with the CT data of 10 adult patients from the simulation test. Based on these data, a standardized 3D implant, 1.15 mm thick, was designed using polycaprolactone. The implant was placed in five patients with complex orbital fractures. The radius of the sphere in contact with the orbit, measuring 33.54 mm, was confirmed to be appropriate. A comparison between the normal side volume (V0) and the postoperative volume (Vpost) showed that they were statistically similar. Furthermore, a comparison between V0 and the preoperative volume (Vpre), and Vpost compared with Vpre also showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). On follow‐up, the preoperative ocular symptoms were resolved. The orbital data obtained from 100 cadavers provided standardized orbital anatomy, and 3D printed implants were created. The implants were anatomically accurate with regard to the orbital cavity and adequately covered the simulation model. The implant also showed satisfactory results when applied clinically in actual patients.
The aim of this study was to incorporate data from cadaveric orbit anatomy into three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, and to elaborately reconstruct the complex orbital fracture. The orbital data obtained from 100 cadavers provided standardized orbital anatomy, and 3D printed implants were created. The implants were anatomically accurate with regard to the orbital cavity and adequately covered the simulation model and the patients.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and Aims
To prevent stent migration, transpapillary stent placement has been recommended for the endoscopic treatment of malignant hilar biliary stricture. However, recent studies have ...suggested that placement above the papilla achieves better results, because it is believed to prevent reflux and prolong stent patency. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety aspects of transpapillary and suprapapillary stent placement. In addition, the success rates of stent revision were evaluated.
Materials and Methods
The medical records of 73 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic metal stent insertion between January 2005 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were assigned by stent location to a suprapapillary (S group;
N
= 44) or a transpapillary (T group;
N
= 29) cohort. Clinical outcomes, stent patency, adverse events, and revision success rates were compared between the two study groups.
Results
Patency periods were similar in the two groups (S; 140 vs. T; 157 days;
P
= 0.732). Rates of stent obstruction in the S and T groups were 63.4% and 55.2%, respectively (
P
= 0.470). An adverse event occurred in 15 (20.5%) of total study subjects, with no significant intergroup difference. The endoscopic revision success rate was significantly higher in the T group (
P
= 0.01), and the time required for revision tended to be shorter in the T group.
Conclusions
The effectiveness and safety of suprapapillary and transpapillary stent insertion were found to be similar, but the success rate of endoscopic revision was significantly higher for the T group. Therefore, we recommend that transpapillary stent placement be considered for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and biliary obstruction.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
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