Synthesis of 2D PtSe2 Nanolayers on Glass Substrates and Their Integration in Near-Infrared Light Shutters.

PtSe2 has asserted its key role among the emerging 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, however, its simplified growth process with controlled number of layers, high crystalline quality, and on inexpensive substrates is still challenging. Here, we report the synthesis details of PtSe2 layers on soda lime glass substrates by selenization of predeposited Pt layers using the thermally assisted conversion method at atmospheric pressure. PtSe2 syntheses are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman analysis. The layers were further investigated with transmission electron microscopy and optical ellipsometry, revealing the thickness and its dependence on the metal precursor sputtering time. Finally, the integration of PtSe2 as transparent conductive layers in polymer-dispersed liquid crystal structures operating as near-infrared light shutters is demonstrated and device performance is discussed. The proposed simple and inexpensive synthesis approach opens up new directions toward PtSe2 potential technological applications, including ITO-free optoelectronics.

The Effect of Post Deposition Treatment on Properties of ALD Al-Doped ZnO Films.

In this paper, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al or AZO) thin films are grown using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and the influence of postdeposition UV-ozone and thermal annealing treatments on the films' properties are investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a polycrystalline wurtzite structure with a preferable (100) orientation. The crystal size increase after the thermal annealing is observed while UV-ozone exposure led to no significant change in crystallinity. The results of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses show that a higher amount of oxygen vacancies exists in the ZnO:Al after UV-ozone treatment, and that the ZnO:Al, after annealing, has a lower amount of oxygen vacancies. Important and practical applications of ZnO:Al (such as transparent conductive oxide layer) were found, and its electrical and optical properties demonstrate high tunability after postdeposition treatment, particularly after UV-Ozone exposure, offers a noninvasive and easy way to lower the sheet resistance values. At the same time, UV-Ozone treatment did not cause any significant changes to the polycrystalline structure, surface morphology, or optical properties of the AZO films.

Beauty perception: A historical and contemporary review.

The power of beauty influences many aspects of modern society and daily life-perceptions surrounding beauty date back to ancient philosophers and have evolved significantly throughout history. Still, there appear to be universally accepted physical characteristics of beauty that span different cultures. Human beings have an inherent ability to distinguish between attractive and nonattractive based on physical features that include facial averageness, symmetry, skin homogeneity, and sexual dimorphism (sex-typical characteristics). Although beauty standards have changed over time, youthful appearance has remained a permanent influential component of facial attractiveness. Each person's perception of beauty is influenced by environment and perceptual adaptation, an experience-based process. Perception of beauty varies by race and ethnicity. We discuss typical features of White, Asian, Black, and Latino beauty. We also review the effects of globalization on spreading foreign beauty culture and discuss how social media change traditional beauty stereotypes within the different races and ethnicities.

Anisotropic Optical Response of WTe2 Single Crystals Studied by Ellipsometric Analysis.

In this paper we report the crystal growth conditions and optical anisotropy properties of Tungsten ditelluride (WTe2) single crystals. The chemical vapor transport (CVT) method was used for the synthesis of large WTe2 crystals with high crystallinity and surface quality. These were structurally and morphologically characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, optical profilometry and Raman spectroscopy. Through spectroscopic ellipsometry analysis, based on the Tauc-Lorentz model, we identified a high refractive index value (~4) and distinct tri-axial anisotropic behavior of the optical constants, which opens prospects for surface plasmon activity, revealed by the dielectric function. The anisotropic physical nature of WTe2 shows practical potential for low-loss light modulation at the 2D nanoscale level.

ALD Deposited ZnO:Al Films on Mica for Flexible PDLC Devices.

In this work, highly conductive Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films are deposited on transparent and flexible muscovite mica substrates by using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. AZO-mica structures possess high optical transmittance at visible and near-infrared spectral range and retain low electric resistivity, even after continuous bending of up to 800 cycles. Structure performances after bending tests have been supported by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. Based on performed optical and electrical characterizations AZO films on mica are implemented as transparent conductive electrodes in flexible polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) devices. The measured electro-optical characteristics and response time of the proposed devices reveal the higher potential of AZO-mica for future ITO-free flexible optoelectronic applications.

Interrupting aerosol spread and nasal acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 with topical trichloroacetic acid.

The devastating effects of the coronavirus designated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have merited many approaches to combat COVID-19. Since it is transmitted largely by fine droplets and aerosols, air defense with suitable ventilation and mask use might be enhanced by attacking the virus and its likely main point of invasion, the nasal mucosa. We recommend formal clinical trials employing topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which successfully blocks the nasal entry point for airborne allergens and to be curative for the early stages of viral infections of the oral mucosa. TCA chemically redesigns the nasal and nasopharyngeal epithelia to in effect remove receptors and cell, allowing SARS-CoV-2 viral attachment. TCA fits the ideal category for medication, being inexpensive, readily available, easy-to-use, and proven to be safe for suggested use. We postulate its potential efficacy in SARS-CoV-2 infection and urge consideration of clinical trials. Local delivery of TCA in the form of contact application directly to the nasal cavity may have a preventive effect, potentially neutralizing virus entry and subsequential virus spread to the lower respiratory tract, especially for those at high risk. In addition, TCA may diminish the local viral load and its replication potential in those newly infected.

Fabrication and spectroscopic characterization of graphene transparent electrodes on flexible cyclo-olefin substrates for terahertz electro-optic applications.

We demonstrate graphene on flexible, low-loss, cyclo-olefin polymer films as transparent electrodes for terahertz electro-optic devices and applications. Graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition and transferred to cyclo-olefin polymer substrates by the thermal release tape method as layers on an approximate area of 4 cm2. The structural and electromagnetic properties of the graphene samples as well as their spatial variation were systematically mapped by means of µRaman, terahertz time-domain and mid-infrared spectroscopy. Thanks to the small thickness and very low intrinsic absorption of the employed substrates, both high transmittance and conductivity were recorded, demonstrating the suitability of the technique for the fabrication of a new class of transparent and flexible electrodes working in the terahertz spectrum.

Stigmatization in Arabic psoriatic patients in the United Arab Emirates - a cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Stigmatization is the phenomenon of labeling negatively people who differ from social norms in some aspect. It seems to be a common and important problem in dermatology. Psoriasis, being a chronic and recurrent skin disease, is frequently associated with various psychosocial consequences. AIM: To evaluate the stigmatization level in an Arabic population of psoriatic individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 108 consecutive patients suffering from psoriasis were enrolled in the study. All recruited subjects were of Arabic origin. Severity of psoriasis was documented with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Stigmatization was assessed with validated Arabic language versions of the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. Moreover, all patients were asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of patients showed feelings of stigmatization due to psoriasis. The mean level of stigmatization was 5.6 ±4.5 points assessed by the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and 98.4 ±26.4 points by the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. Positive attitudes and feeling of being flawed were the most bothersome aspects of stigmatization expressed by patients. Involvement of the face appeared to be the only independent factor influencing the stigmatization level. In the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire, itching was found to be a factor responsible for feelings of stigmatization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that stigmatization is common among psoriatic Arabic patients. We postulate that measurement of stigmatization level could contribute to the holistic therapeutic approach of psoriatic patients.

Flexible light valves using polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and TiO2/Ag/TiO2 multilayers.

The era of flexible optoelectronics demands development of wearable and bendable structures, foldable touch screens, paper-like displays, and curved and flexible solid-state lighting devices. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of highly flexible light valves using polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) and TiO2/Ag/TiO2 transparent conductive films. TiO2/Ag/TiO2 multilayers were prepared by magnetron sputtering technique on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates at room temperature. By keeping the equivalent TiO2 layers and varying the deposition time of the Ag layer, proper metal nanograins on TiO2 planar plane were formed, providing the best tradeoff between the transmittance, sheet resistance and bending ability. The results are validated by numerical simulations that suggest the best match between the deposition time and individual layer thickness. Based on the performed characteristics of TiO2/Ag/TiO2/PET structures, several flexible light valves are fabricated and characterized. The sheet resistance values of TiO2/Ag/TiO2/PET remain unchanged over 1000 bending cycles. The measured driving voltage and response time values open great potential of TiO2/Ag/TiO2/PET for integration into next-generation ITO-free flexible and stretchable devices.

Arabic language skin-related stigmatization instruments: Translation and validation process.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases are frequently the reason for social rejection. Therefore, the assessment of stigmatization level in patients suffering from dermatoses plays a crucial role in providing proper health service. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to create and validate Arabic language versions of stigmatization instruments - the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Development of the Arabic language versions was done with international standards of forward-back translations. The validation was performed on 39 psoriatic individuals. The group included 11 females and 28 males. The subjects were asked to fill out both questionnaires: the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire (Arabic language versions) at the time of examination and 7 days after enrollment for reassessment to evaluate test-retest reliability. During the first visit the patients additionally filled out an already existing Arabic version of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), which was used as a reference questionnaire. RESULTS: The results concerning the integrity of instruments were very good, and the Cronbach's α coefficient for both scales was 0.89. The reproducibility level assessed with interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) stood at 0.91 for the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and 0.92 for the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire. There was a strong correlation between total score of the 6-item Stigmatization Scale and DLQI. Significant negative moderate correlation was documented between the Feelings of Stigmatization Questionnaire and DLQI. Moreover, both stigmatization instruments correlated significantly with each other. CONCLUSIONS: The developed Arabic language versions of the abovementioned stigmatization instruments can be successfully used in daily clinical practice as well as in clinical research.

Genome-wide expression in veterans with schizophrenia further validates the immune hypothesis for schizophrenia.

This study aimed to test whether a dysregulation of gene expression may be the underlying cause of previously reported elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in veterans with schizophrenia. We performed a genome-wide expression analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from veterans with schizophrenia and controls, and our results show that 167 genes and putative loci were differently expressed between groups. These genes were enriched primarily for pathways related to inflammatory mechanisms and formed networks related to cell death and survival, immune cell trafficking, among others, which is in line with previous reports and further validates the inflammatory hypothesis of schizophrenia.

Stigmatization in dermatology with a special focus on psoriatic patients.

A stigma is currently defined as a discrediting mark, biological or social, that sets a person off from others and disrupts interactions with them. People who differ from social norms in some respect are often negatively labeled. A number of medical conditions are recognized at present as stigmatizing their sufferers and certain skin diseases are among them. The article aimed to analyze the current understanding about stigmatization among dermatological patients, especially those with psoriasis. We performed our search on PubMed up to November 2016 and utilized combinations of key phrases containing such words as stigmatization, skin, dermatology, names of various skin conditions (psoriasis, vitiligo, acne, etc.). Following a precise selection process, 58 articles remained. Stigmatization seems to be a common and important problem in dermatology. Psoriasis appears as the most frequently studied skin disease (37.2% of articles). It was followed by vitiligo (13.7%) and leprosy (8.6%). Mainly, the visibility of skin lesions as well as cultural factors contribute to the feeling of stigmatization. There is a need for more research in the field of stigmatization in dermatological conditions and an urgent need for the creation of special anti-stigmatization program/programs for patients suffering from dermatoses.

Instruments to assess stigmatization in dermatology.

Stigmatization is the assignment of negative perceptions to an individual because of a perceived difference from the population at large. Skin conditions are frequently the reason of social rejection with a consequent negative influence on the personal and social life of patients. The aim of the current study was to review the available instruments that can be successfully utilized to measure the stigmatization level among dermatological patients. We performed our search on PubMed up to November 2016 and utilized combinations of key phrases containing such words as stigmatization, skin, dermatology, names of various skin conditions (psoriasis, vitiligo, acne, etc.), measurement. The search found a considerable number of articles - 548. After filtering them through a precise selection process, 58 articles remained. We concentrated only on the methodological aspects to assess stigmatization in various dermatoses. The review ascertained that there exist numerous instruments in the form of questionnaires. They were utilized in various researches in order to assess the stigmatization level in patients with skin problems. We divided them into two main groups: dermatology specific instruments (6 questionnaires) and dermatosis/disease specific ones (8 questionnaires). It is recommended to use dermatology-specific instruments to compare the stigmatization level in various skin conditions. They can be utilized as well as a first line tools to study the feeling of stigmatization in specific skin diseases; however, where it is possible, they should be supplemented with the disease-specific instrument for deeper analysis of both qualities of life and stigmatization.

Effect of thermal and mechano-chemical activation on the photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO for drugs degradation.

Over the past few years, pharmaceutical drugs have been considered as emerging pollutants due to their continuous input and persistence in the aquatic ecosystem even at low concentrations. They have been detected worldwide in environmental matrices, indicating their ineffective removal from water and wastewaters using conventional methods. In this study we present photocatalytic purification of water from Acetaminophen and Chloramphenicol by ZnO upon UV-light illumination. Commercial ZnO powders are activated thermally (annealed at different temperatures-100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 °C for 1 h) and mechanically (treated for 5, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 60 min). The mechonoactivation is performed varying the atmosphere in air, or in suspension of ethanol and methanol. The changes in the studied material (phase composition, structure and particle size of the samples) and morphology have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. The ZnO powders annealed at 100 °C show highest photocatalytic efficiency and rate constant of dye degradation, which is due to the smaller size of nanocrystallites and their better developed surface. The degradation rate of Acetaminophen and Chloramphenicol increases with time of mechanical activation up to 30 min and then decreases. The optimal temperature and time of mechanoactivation are experimentally established.

Differential correlations between inflammatory cytokines and psychopathology in veterans with schizophrenia: potential role for IL-17 pathway.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been consistently reported to be elevated in schizophrenia patients. However, it is not known whether cytokines influence the presentation of psychotic symptoms. To address this issue, we evaluated the relationship between levels of inflammatory molecules and psychopathological parameters in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that severity of symptoms would correlate with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Serum samples from 47 veterans with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 20 healthy controls were tested for levels of 38 cytokines/chemokines involved in regulation of immune/inflammatory reactions using a Millipore multiplex bead array in a Luminex 100 system. We found significantly increased levels of GRO, MCP-1, MDC, and sCD40L, and significantly decreased levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12p70, and IL-17, in schizophrenia patients compared to controls. In addition, we observed positive correlations between levels of cytokines and the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) scores in subjects with schizophrenia for G-CSF, IL-1ß, IL1ra, IL-3, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, sCD40L and TNF-ß. Pathway analyses showed these cytokines to be part of the IL17 pathway. Using principal component analyses, we found the factor that included these cytokines and IL-17 to be associated with positive, general and total PANSS scores. These results suggest that alterations in this pathway may play a role in development of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.

Electron beam emission from a diamond-amplifier cathode.

The diamond amplifier (DA) is a new device for generating high-current, high-brightness electron beams. Our transmission-mode tests show that, with single-crystal, high-purity diamonds, the peak current density is greater than 400 mA/mm², while its average density can be more than 100 mA/mm². The gain of the primary electrons easily exceeds 200, and is independent of their density within the practical range of DA applications. We observed the electron emission. The maximum emission gain measured was 40, and the bunch charge was 50 pC/0.5 mm². There was a 35% probability of the emission of an electron from the hydrogenated surface in our tests. We identified a mechanism of slow charging of the diamond due to thermal ionization of surface states that cancels the applied field within it. We also demonstrated that a hydrogenated diamond is extremely robust.