Conventional Strip Research Articles

Selective metal-carbides hardmask strip with chlorine and oxygen plasma

Metal carbides (MCs) are novel hardmask materials tailored for high aspect ratio etching processes, and their strip technologies are presented. Unlike conventional plasma strip methods that target amorphous carbon layers and photoresists composed of C–H–O organic compounds, MCs require a chemically distinct approach involving Cl2-based plasma. We present an MC strip method characterized by high selectivity toward SiO2 layers. We analyze the dissociation rate of Cl2 by using optical emission spectroscopy to identify the strippable region of the MCs as a next-generation etch hardmask. We use a design of experiment to systematically investigate the influence of process parameters on the strip rate and selectivity. We optimize the gas flow rate ratio of Cl2 to O2 to identify the appropriate process conditions for stripping MCs with a sufficiently high strip rate suitable for semiconductor manufacturing standards. Notably, we observe a consistent relationship between the normalized intensity ratio of oxygen and chlorine species obtained from the optical emission spectroscopy data and the normalized strip rate of the MCs, thereby underscoring the strip mechanism of MCs with high selectivity toward SiO2.

TCAD simulation of stitching for passive CMOS strip detectors

Most of the tracking detectors for high energy particle experiments are filled with silicon detectors since they are radiation hard, they can give very small spatial resolution and they can take advantage of the silicon electronics foundries' developments and production lines.Strip detectors are very useful to cover large areas for tracking purposes, while consuming less power per area compared to pixel sensors. The majority of particle physics experiments use conventional silicon strip detectors fabricated in foundries that do not use stitching, relying on a very small number of foundries worldwide that can provide large amounts of strip detectors. Fabricating strip detectors in a CMOS foundry opens the possibility to use more foundries and to include active elements in the strips for future productions. For the passive CMOS strip detectors project we fabricated strip detectors in a CMOS foundry using two 1 cm2 reticles that are stitched together along the wafer.The fabricated strips stitched the reticles three and five times, and it was shown that the performance of those strips is not affected by the stitching.This paper shows 3D TCAD simulations of the stitching area to investigate the possible effects stitching can have on the performance of the strip detectors, considering different stitching mismatches. We will show that the mismatch of stitched structures up to 1 µm does not impact the performance with TCAD simulations which agrees with the results obtained from the measurements.

Advancing multi-weather resilient roof: Experiment augmented multifaceted thermal parameter analysis with integrated hexad PCMs under tropical steppe climate

Effective thermal energy management of building envelopes, particularly roofs, is critical for reducing space cooling demands in tropical steppe climate. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are being extensively studied for this purpose. Still, most research focuses on single PCM integration, constrained by specific melting points and efficiency under limited weather conditions. This study develops and experimentally investigates a multi-weather roof by integrating hexad PCMs into a two-way hollow concrete roof (TWHCR). The core of the TWHCR is divided into six PCM-integrated strips, grouped into two sets: S-OM30, S-OM35, S-OM42 on one side and S-OM32, S-OM37, S-OM46 on the other, creating a thermal buffering effect, while outer region functions as a conventional concrete strip (S-RCC). The outdoor thermal performance of roof is assessed by analyzing temperature profiles, thermal damping, performance index, load levelling, heat flux variations, and overall heat gain. During testing, each PCM strip's activity varied with ambient temperatures, activating or deactivating as needed to enhance overall thermal performance. S-OM30 showed the most significant temperature reduction increase between February and March (+35.4 %) before dropping in April (−34.3 %), while S-OM42 steadily rose through May (+26.0 %). All PCM strips were rated Good in March, but all were rated Fair by April due to increased thermal stress. In July, S-OM37 and S-OM35 maintained high thermal damping. S-RCC consistently exhibited higher heat flux, with other strips outperforming it by 50 % to 70 %, peaking at 65 % in August. S-OM35 showed the highest efficiency increase from February to March and remained the most efficient in July.

A smartphone-integrated deep learning strategy-assisted rapid detection system for monitoring dual-modal immunochromatographic assay

This study focuses on the integration of a custom-built and optimally trained YOLO v5 model into a smartphone app developed with Java language. A dual-modal immunochromatographic rapid detection system based on a deep learning strategy for smartphones was developed for grade determination and predicting the concentration of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Innovative distance-type quantum dot microsphere fluorescent immunochromatographic chips enable semi-quantitative analysis by naked eye, and conventional colloidal gold nanoparticle colorimetric strips were also prepared. The compact and versatile hardware device making it easily integrable into smartphones of varying dimensions. Moreover, the wireless charging functionality of smartphones was to tackle power supply challenges. After optimized training, the accuracy, mAP@0.5, precision, and recall metrics of the YOLO v5 model all soared to 98 %. For the dual-modal immunochromatographic chips, the R2 values for the standard curve fits were as high as 0.993, with a broad linear range of 0.05–40 ng/mL and a standard deviation lower than 0.03 at each concentration. Finally, this system determined the grade of the AFB1 concentration with an accuracy of up to 98 % and it exhibited an ultra-sensitive quantitative detection capability with a limit of detection as low as 2.2 pg/mL, showcasing the reliability of the deep learning strategy for practical applications in smartphones. This robust technological foundation paves the way for potentially community-based, family-oriented, and personalized applications.

An optimization of sinusoidal rumble strip design parameters

Previous research has shown that rumble strips using a sinusoidal profile can reduce pass-by noise while creating equal or greater interior noise and vibration compared to more conventional discrete strips. Several different sinusoidal designs have been proposed and evaluated in previous research, however, a single design has yet to be confirmed. In the current research, 20 different sinusoidal designs were installed on a two-lane highway each with different parameters of wavelength, peak-to-peak amplitude, and recess below the existing pavement. The test matrix included wavelengths varying from 30.5 to 60.9 centimeters, peak-to-peak amplitudes from 7.9 to 12.7 millimeters, and recesses of 0 and 3.8 millimeters. Previous research has also shown that the performance of individual designs depends on the individual vehicles used in the testing. In this research, four vehicles of from each of four different design types were used and averaged together to judge the performance of the 20 rumble strip designs for pass-by noise, and interior noise and vibration. From this research, the recommended design is one with a 38.1 centimeters wavelength +/- 12.7 millimeters, no recess, and a peak-to-peak amplitude of 11.1 to 12.7 millimeters. The results used to justify this recommendation are presented in this paper.

Soil profile distribution of organic, inorganic, and labile carbon and nitrogen fractions vary in semi‐arid drylands under long‐term conservation tillage systems

AbstractChanges in soil carbon (C) and nutrients considerably influence soil health and agricultural sustainability. However, how agricultural management affects C and N allocation among various soil organic matter pools and their linkages with soil health are not clear for arid and semi‐arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the soil profile distribution of selected C and N fractions and associated soil health properties in conventional tillage (CT), no‐tillage (NT), and strip tillage (ST) fields and quantify the relationship of labile and inorganic C and N fractions to soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in semi‐arid dryland cropping systems. Crop rotation was a 4‐year cycle of corn (Zea mays L.)—sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)—winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)—fallow across all tillage systems. Soil samples were collected from 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths of each plot in July 2022, after 9 years of plot establishment, and analysed for potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), SOC, soil inorganic (SIC), soil total carbon (STC), soil inorganic nitrogen (SIN), total labile nitrogen (TLN), total organic nitrogen (SON), and labile organic nitrogen (LON) and other soil health indicators. The results indicate that PMC was 31% more and LON was 23% more in NT than in CT, whilst ST resulted in lower pH and had only 10%, 9%, and 24% more SON, STN, and LON, respectively, than CT in 0–60 cm profile. The SIC stock was negatively correlated with MBC, PMC, SON, STN, LON, TLN, and SIN, whilst positively correlated with depth, STC, and pH. After 9 years of conservation tillage, whilst depth‐wise distribution varied among tillage systems, soil C sequestration rate was negative in the 0–60 cm profile under both NT and ST compared with CT, mainly owing to more SIC accumulation in deeper depth of conventional system. These results show the complexity of soil C and N allocation under different tillage systems, with NT and ST supporting greater C and N storage in the surface soil and CT supporting more C and N storage in the deeper depth. Soil biological activity indicators appear to drive surface SOC accumulation, whilst soil pH and N availability influenced SIC accumulation in lower depths.

High‐frequency (470 kHz) ultrasonics‐assisted room temperature CO2 stripping and fate of Sono exposed solvent

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe conventional CO2 stripping process in solvent‐based postcombustion CO2 capture (PCCC) process uses heating to strip the CO2 (~120 °C). However, the challenges associated with this method are high energy consumption in degassing the CO2 from solvent, solvent loss and degradation resulting from the high –temperatures, resulting in high energy consumption typical of solvent‐based PCCC. The present study demonstrates the use of bath‐type sonication (470 kHz frequency) to remove CO2 from CO2 loaded 30 wt% Monoethanolamine under controlled temperature conditions. Solvent performance was evaluated following exposure to 2 h conventional heating and 75 h sonication.RESULTSIn a batch sono‐assisted process, CO2 stripping became possible at 17.5 °C compared to 102.2 °C using the conventional method. Increasing the sonication time led decreased carbon loading and increased stripping efficiency. The stripping rate was high at the initial stages of treatment. Evaluation of sono‐exposed solvents exhibited decreased pH during CO2 loading and decreased absorption capacity of the conventionally heated sample.CONCLUSIONThe sono‐assisted method consumes 3.57‐foldless energy than conventional heating. Its CO2 stripping rate was found to be higher within 5 min of sonication. Notably, the maximum temperature reached for the 1 h intervening mode of sonication at 470 kHz was 49.49 °C. The reduction in absorption capacity per hour of conventional heating was 24.5%, whereas for sonication it was <0.4% and solvent loss was 19.7% lower than conventional. There was no significant change in the color, pH and density of the sample. A 20.4% higher surface tension than that of the virgin sample was observed. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Etiological factors causing varicose veins and its advanced stratgical treatment for curing varicose veins

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the varicose vein treatment options available today. Numerous techniques exist for managing varicose veins. Treatment for varicose veins yields varying results. Compared to endovenous laser ablation and surgical stripping, foam sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation were linked to reduced discomfort and quicker recovery times. When compared to patients undergoing conventional high ligation and stripping, patients receiving endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are likely to heal more quickly and return to work sooner. It is necessary to conduct a randomised controlled trial across several sites to determine which method is most effective for treating varicose veins.

Steam Stripping for Recovery of Ammonia from Wastewater Using a High-Gravity Rotating Packed Bed

Steam stripping of ammonia from ammonia-rich wastewater (5000–20,000 mg/L) was conducted in a continuous-flow rotating packed bed (RPB) at a pH of 11. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of key operational parameters, including the steam-to-liquid ratio, rotational speed (ω), initial ammonia concentration, steam inlet temperature (TSi), and liquid inlet temperature (TLi), on critical performance metrics such as the ammonia removal efficiency (ARE), the volumetric liquid mass transfer coefficient (KLa), and the concentration of the recovered ammonia solution (CR). The findings revealed that a CR of 22.88 wt.% was achieved under the optimal conditions of a steam-to-liquid ratio of 0.175 kg/kg, an initial concentration of 20,000 mg/L, a TSi of 120 °C, and a TLi of 70 °C. Key experimental factors, including the initial ammonia concentration, TSi, and TLi, significantly impacted the achievement of higher ARE and CR values. The KLa values exhibited a decrease with the increase in the steam-to-liquid ratio, while they increased with ω. However, the KLa remained relatively consistent with ω values within the range of 600 to 1200 rpm. In comparison with prior studies, steam stripping of ammonia exhibits a higher ARE than air stripping with RPB and a higher CR than conventional stripping methods. Moreover, RPB requires a smaller size to achieve equivalent ARE compared to conventional stripping apparatuses. Thus, the steam stripping process with RPB equipment emerges as a suitable method for ammonia recovery from ammonia-rich wastewater.

Effect of two oxygen-inhibiting agents on the surface microhardness of giomer restorative materials.

To compare the effect of blue and conventional Mylar strips used as oxygen inhibiting agents on the surface microhardness of giomer restorative materials. A total 96 giomer specimens were prepared in disc-shaped molds 2 mm tall x 5 mm in diameter (ISO 4049: 2019-05). The specimens were grouped according to type of giomer: Beautifil II (BII) or Beautifil II LS (BIILS), and according to the type of Mylar strip: conventional, blue, or control group without strip. They were subsequently subjected to the Knoop (KHN) microhardness test. The database was analyzed with Stata SE v18 statistical software, and two-way ANOVA was performed. Interaction was found between the type of giomer and Mylar strip (p=0.039). Significant differences were found between surface microhardness values according to the type of giomer (0.001) and the type of Mylar strip (0.001). Beautifil II LS presented significant differences between conventional Mylar strip vs. without Mylar strip (43.58 ± 1.65 vs. 40.44 ± 2.12) and between blue Mylar strip and without Mylar strip (44.69 ± 1.75 vs. 40.44 ± 2.12). In the Bonferroni Post hoc test, a significant difference was found between Conventional Mylar Strip and without Mylar Strip (p=0.001) and Blue Mylar Strip and without Mylar Strip (p=0.001). The use of blue and conventional Mylar strips inhibits the oxygen layer on the Beautifil II and Beautifil II LS giomers, endowing them with high values of surface microhardness.

Development and Analytical Validation of a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Paper Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Detection of the Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase-L1 Traumatic Brain Injury Biomarker.

Paper lateral flow immunoassays combined with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology have gained increasing attention due to their high sensitivity characteristics resulting from the amplified SERS signals of the plasmon-enhanced optical probes. In contrast to conventional colorimetric lateral flow strips, SERS paper lateral flow strips (SERS-PLFSs) are currently not commercially available for widespread use. Analytical validation is the key step for commercialization. In this work, we have developed a PLFS with a hierarchical SERS probe (gold-silver nanoparticle@Raman reporter@silica) for detection of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved traumatic brain injury (TBI) protein biomarker, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), in blood plasma samples. Analytical validation has been performed on this SERS-PLFS in terms of the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision, selectivity, and stability. The SERS-PLFS exhibits a reportable range of 0.2-100 ng/mL with a LOD of 0.08 ng/mL toward measurement of UCH-L1 in blood plasma. The SERS-PLFS has been applied to clinical TBI samples. The test results were compared with those from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), demonstrating a strong correlation between the two analytical methods. This study has important implications in the commercialization of SERS-PLFSs for rapid TBI detection in clinical practice.

Fabrication of Raman reporter molecule–embedded magnetic SERS tag for ultrasensitive immunochromatographic monitoring of Cd ions and clenbuterol in complex samples

A rapid, simple but sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous monitoring of heavy metal ions and illegal additives in complex samples remains lacking. We reported a difunctional capture–detection surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for the direct detection of the heavy metal residue Cd ion (Cd2+) and illegal additive clenbuterol (CLE) with high sensitivity and specificity herein. A novel magnetic SERS tag (Fe@RAu) with a Raman reporter molecule–embedded raspberry-like Au shell was fabricated via a one-step reduction reaction that not only simplified the fabrication of common magnetic SERS nanomaterials but also improved SERS activity to increase detection sensitivity. The difunctional SERS–ICA enabled the fast magnetic enrichment of the target small molecules in complex specimens and ultrasensitive and quantitative determination of CLE/Cd2+ on the two test lines of the ICA system. The limits of detection of the developed method for CLE and Cd2+ were as low as 0.48 and 1.88 pg/mL, respectively, and about 2000 and 500 times lower than those of conventional AuNP-based ICA strips. The excellent practicability of Fe@RAu–ICA for real food samples analysis was also demonstrated, revealing the potential of the proposed assay for rapid and on-site screening of small-molecule pollutants.

A 5-year Evaluation of the Recurrence Rate Following Conventional Surgery and Ablation for Venous Insufficiency Revealed That Although Ablation Methods Were Employed, Conventional Surgery Was Not Abandoned

Objectives: Although conventional surgery (CS) has been less frequently employed in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) in recent years, our clinic has not entirely abandoned this method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the recurrence and symptoms of patients treated with CS and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for venous insufficiency (VI) 5 years ago. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the results of 233 patients who were treated for varicose veins in our clinic 5 years ago (all in the same year). Patients aged 20 years or older with clinical class C2 to C6 clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological and GSV diameter >5.5 mm, reflux degree of at least 0.5 s were treated with RFA or conventional stripping. A total of 121 patients were treated with CS and 112 patients were treated with RFA. The method to be applied to the patients was randomly assigned without prior planning. The quality of life and recurrence rate were evaluated using the venous clinical severity score before surgery and at 1-month and 5-year intervals following surgery. Results: In 2017, 233 patients were treated with RFA and CS methods due to VI (n=112, n=121). Clinical follow-up and examinations were conducted at the 1st week, 1st month, and 5th year after surgery. A comparison of the two groups revealed that RFA was non-inferior to CS in terms of clinical relapse after 5 years. However, in terms of recurrence, the situation was 16.36% (n=9) in CS and 46.80% (n=22) in RFA. Recurrence was found to be significantly associated with the operational technique (p<0.006). Furthermore, the recurrence rate was significantly higher among patients who underwent venous pouch excision simultaneously with the main procedure (90.84%, n=139) compared to those who did not (9.15%, n=14; p<0.05). Conclusion: As long as the recurrence rate of the traditional surgical stripping method remains low in the treatment of VI, this method will continue to be valuable. Although ablation methods are effective in our clinic, we have not abandoned traditional surgery. Since traditional surgery greatly reduces the risk of reoperation after many years, it should be recommended as an alternative choice to patients who are indicated for the procedure.

Aspects of rumble strip noise at distant ranges

One aspect of rumble strips that limits the use of these devices is noise intrusion for residents nearby the roadway. To investigate this issue as part of the NCHRP quieter rumble strip project, pass-by noise measurements on the rumble strips were made beyond the standard evaluation distance of 25 feet (7.5m). Distances varied from 48 feet (14.6m) to 381 feet (116m) more typical of distances for residences near the roadway. For this assessment, pass-by noise measurements and recordings on the rumble strips were made at distances using one test vehicle from the primary research. The measurements were for sinusoidal rumble strips with wavelengths of 13, 15, 16, and 17 inches (33.0, 38.1, 40.6, and 43.2cm). For comparison, measurements were also made for more standard, discrete grind rumble strips. For all strips, the frequency of the repetition rate was apparent as the vehicle approached the microphone location and to a lesser amount after the vehicle passed the microphone. It was also demonstrated that the overall A-weighted level fell-off at a higher rate than the level at the repetition rate. The 80 Hz tone from the sinusoidal strips was observed to be barely audible, unlike the 100 Hz tone for the conventional strips.

Ethanol removal by vacuum-assisted gas stripping: Influence of operating conditions

One way to overcome the inhibitory effects caused by ethanol on yeast cell growth is the use of extractive fermentation, whereby ethanol is removed from the fermentation broth as it is produced. The present work investigates ethanol removal from solution by vacuum-assisted gas stripping, which is a promising method for enhancing performance, compared to conventional gas stripping. Evaluation was made of the effects of carbon dioxide flow rate (ϕCO2), temperature (T), and pressure (P) on ethanol removal performance. Bench-scale assays were performed using a 2-L bubble column containing 10 % v/v ethanol solution, with monitoring of the gas and liquid phases by FT-MIR spectroscopy. The ethanol entrainment factor (FE) increased with ϕCO2 and temperature, but decreased at higher pressure. Only ϕCO2 had significant and positive effects on the concentration factor (FC) and selectivity (αE/W), within the operating ranges of the variables studied. An ethanol removal model was obtained that provided an accurate description of the process behavior, with good agreement between the experimental and simulated data. In addition, the energy requirement for ethanol removal by vacuum-assisted gas stripping in the bioreactor was lower than for the conventional stripping process.

Nitrogen recovery from reject water for improved sustainability of wastewater treatment

ABSTRACT Flows of reactive nitrogen (Nr) and greenhouse gas emissions from society are exceeding planetary boundaries, posing a serious risk to the stability of living conditions on Earth. Wastewater contains the largest flows of Nr in urban society, so recycling Nr from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) could reduce the climate impact and the need for new Nr. The reject water from dewatering anaerobically digested sludge contains high concentrations of Nr and recovery of this Nr would decrease the load on biological nitrogen removal processes, and thus nitrous oxide emissions. Simultaneously, the need for external carbon sources and energy for aeration will decrease. In a case study at Rya WWTP in Gothenburg, Sweden, three Nr recovery technologies were investigated: (1) conventional ammonia stripping to ammonium sulphate; (2) thermal stripping to ammonium sulphate and (3) distillation of ammonia from reject water to ammonia water. All three technologies were found to decrease the climate impact compared with the removal processes currently used at Rya WWTP for the removal of Nr. Recovery by distillation to ammonia water had the lowest climate impact, while conventional stripping minimised the energy requirement.

Clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation using a radiofrequency needle device for varicose ulcer: A non-randomized controlled prospective study.

To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a radiofrequency (RF) needle device for varicose ulcers. From September 2020 to September 2021, a total of 80 patients with varicose ulcers were included in this study. Based on the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into RF group and control groups, with 40 cases in each group. In the RF group, RFA was performed using an RF needle device and foam sclerotherapy was used for superficial veins. The control group was treated with conventional high-ligation stripping. The surgical data, hospitalization data, clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications of two groups were compared. Meanwhile, the correlation between RBC, HB, HCT, and ulcer healing time was analyzed. Compared to the control group, RF group had shorter surgery time, duration in the hospital, and less intraoperative bleeding (p < .05). The VCSS and CIVIQ scores in RF group were significantly higher than that in control group (p < .05). The healing time of ulcers was shorter in the RF group (x2 = 19.766, p = .000). The RF group had fewer postoperative complications. There was a positive correlation between RBC, HB, and HCT, and ulcer healing time (p < .05). The use of the RF needle device for RFA to treat patients with varicose ulcers showed acceptable short-term clinical outcomes with less incidence of trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications.

Temperature modulation enables in situ growth of gallium oxide nanostructures on thin films exhibiting diverse morphologies

In this study, we successfully synthesized three gallium oxide thin films on (0001)-faceted Al2O3 substrates using hydrogen-reduced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at different deposition temperatures, resulting in distinct morphologies and crystalline phases. These films consist of two pure-phase β-Ga2O3 films and one mixed-phase film comprising both β- and ε-Ga2O3 phases. The mixed-phase samples were subsequently annealed at high temperatures to obtain pure-phase β-Ga2O3 thin films. Furthermore, by precisely controlling the growth temperature, we achieved in-situ formation of Ga2O3 nanostructures (nanowires and nanoribbons) on the surface of the β-Ga2O3 thin films. The presence of different dominant crystal planes in the samples was confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) for verification purposes. In directly grown β-Ga2O3 films, the (−201) plane emerged as the primary crystallographic plane, while both the (−201) and (401) planes dominated in β-Ga2O3 films obtained via ε-Ga2O3 film annealing. Raman spectroscopy findings further supported these observations regarding the crystalline phase of the films as observed through XRD analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed distinct film morphologies resulting from variations in deposition temperatures. A flatter surface was observed when a higher proportion of ε-Ga2O3 was present in the film, however, regular cracking occurred after annealing. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) images demonstrated that at a deposition temperature of 800 °C, regular steps were present on the film's surface. Mixed-phase films exhibited hillock morphology that disappeared after annealing, leading to a decrease in the surface roughness in root mean square (RMS) value. By elevating the growth temperature, a significantly enhanced density of gallium oxide nanoribbons can be seamlessly integrated onto the film surface. The transferred nanoribbons exhibit an ultra-thin profile with a minimum thickness of merely 12 nm, rendering them more slender and economically advantageous in comparison to conventional mechanical stripping methods. This study presents a CVD-based approach for growing gallium oxide thin films with varying morphologies by employing temperature modulation and demonstrates an innovative one-step method for growing nanostructures on gallium oxide films in situ, providing valuable insights for future device development involving gallium oxide.

Principal Component Analysis of a Real-World Cohort of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Cases: Demonstration of a Powerful Data-Mining Technique for Identifying Areas of Research.

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a descriptive exploratory statistical technique that is widely used in complex fields for data mining. However, it is rarely used in ophthalmology. We explored its research potential with a large series of eyes that underwent 3 keratoplasty techniques: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), conventional Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (ConDSAEK), or ultrathin-DSAEK (UT-DSAEK). All consecutive DMEK/DSAEK cases conducted in 2016 to 2022 that had ≥24 months of follow-up were included. ConDSAEK and UT-DSAEK were defined as preoperative central graft thickness ≥130 and <130 μm, respectively. Seventy-six patient, disease, surgical practice, and temporal outcome variables were subjected to PCA, including preoperative anterior keratometry, the use of sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) versus air for primary tamponade, and postoperative best corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Associations of interest that were revealed by PCA were assessed with the Welch t test or Pearson test. A total of 331 eyes were treated with DMEK (n = 165), ConDSAEK (n = 95), or UT-DSAEK (n = 71). PCA showed that ConDSAEK and UT-DSAEK clustered closely, including regarding postoperative best corrected visual acuity, and were clearly distinct from DMEK. PCA and follow-up univariate analyses suggested that in DMEK, 1) flatter preoperative anterior keratometry (average, K1, and K2) associated with more rebubbling (P = 0.004-0.089) and graft detachment (P = 0.007-0.022); 2) graft marking did not affect postoperative ECD; and 3) lower postoperative endothelial cell density associated with SF6 use (all P > 0.001) and longer surgery (P = 0.005-0.091). All associations are currently under additional investigation in our hospital. PCA is a powerful technique that can rapidly reveal clinically relevant associations in complex ophthalmological datasets.

A novel integrated lateral flow immunoassay platform for the detection of cardiac troponin I using hierarchical dendritic copper-nickel nanostructures

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a critical biomarker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Herein, we report a novel integrated lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for highly sensitive point-of-care testing (POCT) of cTnI using hierarchical dendritic copper-nickel (HD-nanoCu-Ni) nanostructures. The electrodeposited HD-nanoCu-Ni film (∼22 μm thick) on an ITO-coated glass substrate exhibits superior capillary action and structural integrity. These properties enable efficient sample transport and antibody immobilization, making it a compelling alternative to conventional multi-component paper-based LFIA test strips, which are often plagued by structural fragility and susceptibility to moisture damage. The biofunctionalized HD-nanoCu-Ni substrates were laser-etched with lateral flow channels, including a sample loading/conjugate release zone, a test zone, and a control zone. Numerical simulations were used to further optimize the design of these channels to achieve optimal fluid flow and target capture. The HD-nanoCu-Ni LFIA device utilizes a fluorescence quenching based sandwich immunoassay format using antibody-labeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as quenchers. Two different fluorescent materials, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and CdSe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs), were used as background fluorophores in the device. Upon the formation of a sandwich immunocomplex with cTnI on the HD-nanoCu-Ni device, introduced AuNPs led to the fluorescence quenching of the background fluorophores. The total assay time was approximately 15 min, demonstrating the rapid and efficient nature of the HD-nanoCu-Ni LFIA platform. For FITC, both inner filter effect (IFE) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) contributed to the AuNP-mediated quenching. In the case of CdSe@ZnS QDs, IFE dominated the AuNP-induced quenching. Calibration curves were established based on the relationship between the fluorescence quenching intensity and cTnI concentration in human serum samples, ranging from 0.5 to 128 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LODs) were determined to be 0.27 ng/mL and 0.40 ng/mL for FITC and CdSe@ZnS QDs, respectively. A method comparison study using Passing-Bablok regression analysis on varying cTnI concentrations in human serum samples confirmed the equivalence of the HD-nanoCu-Ni LFIA platform to a commercial fluorescence cTnI LFIA assay kit, with no significant systematic or proportional bias observed.