Nanohybrid structured RuO2/Mn2O3/CNF as a catalyst for Na-O2 batteries.

A 3D RuO2/Mn2O3/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite has been prepared in this study by a facile two step microwave synthesis, as a bi-functional electrocatalyst towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). RuO2 nanoparticles with the mean size of 1.57 nm are uniformly distributed on Mn2O3 nano-rods grown on electrospun CNFs. The electrocatalytic activity of the composites are investigated towards ORR/OER under alkaline condition. The ternary RuO2/Mn2O3/CNF composite showed superior ORR activity in terms of onset potential (0.95 V versus RHE) and Tafel slope (121 mV dec-1) compared to its RuO2/CNF and Mn2O3/CNF counterparts. In the case of OER, the RuO2/Mn2O3/CNF exhibited 0.34 V over-potential value measured at 10 mA cm-2 and 52 mV dec-1 Tafel slope which are lower than those of the other synthesized samples and as compared to state of the art RuO2 and IrO x type materials. RuO2/Mn2O3/CNF also exhibited higher specific capacity (9352 mAh [Formula: see text]) than CNF (1395 mAh [Formula: see text]), Mn2O3/CNF (3108 mAh [Formula: see text]) and RuO2/CNF (4859 mAh g carbon -1) as the cathode material in Na-O2 battery, which indicates the validity of the results in non-aqueous medium. Taking the benefit of RuO2 and Mn2O3 synergistic effect, the decomposition of inevitable side products at the end of charge occurs at 3.838 V versus Na/Na+ by using RuO2/Mn2O3/CNF, which is 388 mV more cathodic compared with CNF.

ITO with embedded silver grids as transparent conductive electrodes for large area organic solar cells.

In this work, development of semi-transparent electrodes for efficient large area organic solar cells (OSCs) has been demonstrated. Electron beam evaporated silver grids were embedded in commercially available ITO coatings on glass, through a standard negative photolithography process, in order to improve the conductivity of planar ITO substrates. The fabricated electrodes with embedded line and square patterned Ag grids reduced the sheet resistance of ITO by 25% and 40%, respectively, showing optical transmittance drops of less than 6% within the complete visible light spectrum for both patterns. Solution processed bulk heterojunction OSCs based on PTB7:[70]PCBM were fabricated on top of these electrodes with cell areas of 4.38 cm2, and the performance of these OSCs was compared to reference cells fabricated on pure ITO electrodes. The Fill Factor (FF) of the large-scale OSCs fabricated on ITO with embedded Ag grids was enhanced by 18% for the line grids pattern and 30% for the square grids pattern compared to that of the reference OSCs. The increase in the FF was directly correlated to the decrease in the series resistance of the OSCs. The maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the OSCs was measured to be 4.34%, which is 23% higher than the PCE of the reference OSCs. As the presented method does not involve high temperature processing, it could be considered a general approach for development of large area organic electronics on solvent resistant, flexible substrates.

A Multi Directional Perfect Reconstruction Filter Bank Designed with 2-D Eigenfilter Approach: Application to Ultrasound Speckle Reduction.

B-Mode ultrasound images are degraded by inherent noise called Speckle, which creates a considerable impact on image quality. This noise reduces the accuracy of image analysis and interpretation. Therefore, reduction of speckle noise is an essential task which improves the accuracy of the clinical diagnostics. In this paper, a Multi-directional perfect-reconstruction (PR) filter bank is proposed based on 2-D eigenfilter approach. The proposed method used for the design of two-dimensional (2-D) two-channel linear-phase FIR perfect-reconstruction filter bank. In this method, the fan shaped, diamond shaped and checkerboard shaped filters are designed. The quadratic measure of the error function between the passband and stopband of the filter has been used an objective function. First, the low-pass analysis filter is designed and then the PR condition has been expressed as a set of linear constraints on the corresponding synthesis low-pass filter. Subsequently, the corresponding synthesis filter is designed using the eigenfilter design method with linear constraints. The newly designed 2-D filters are used in translation invariant pyramidal directional filter bank (TIPDFB) for reduction of speckle noise in ultrasound images. The proposed 2-D filters give better symmetry, regularity and frequency selectivity of the filters in comparison to existing design methods. The proposed method is validated on synthetic and real ultrasound data which ensures improvement in the quality of ultrasound images and efficiently suppresses the speckle noise compared to existing methods.

ChatGPT's Inconsistency in the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease.

 A recent article by El Haj et al. provided evidence that ChatGPT could be a potential tool that complements the clinical diagnosis of various stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as well as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To reassess the accuracy and reproducibility of ChatGPT in the diagnosis of AD and MCI, we used the same prompt used by the authors. Surprisingly, we found that some of the responses of ChatGPT in the diagnoses of various stages of AD and MCI were different. In this commentary we discuss the possible reasons for these different results and propose strategies for future studies.

Management of Neglected Locked Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in the Elderly Population in an Indian Scenario - A Case Report.

Introduction: There is a paucity of literature regarding a neglected shoulder dislocation, as it is unusual to miss it clinically due to the apparent deformity. Nevertheless, in some cases, particularly those who receive primary treatment from a local bonesetter, they may present with a neglected shoulder dislocation. In the absence of comprehensive studies, health-care professionals have to resort to lower-tier evidence and practical experience to guide their treatment decisions. Therefore, most of the treatment recommendations are based on level four studies and the literature for recurrent dislocation of the shoulder. Case Report: We have described three cases of neglected anterior dislocation of the shoulders in two patients, which were managed by open reduction, Latarjet procedure, remplissage, and rotator cuff repair. Both of our patients after 1-year follow-up had a painless joint with an improved functional range of motion. This case discussion contributes to understanding the approach to treating these patients. Conclusion: Recurrent shoulder joint instability with bone loss in the younger and older age groups has to be managed differently. Based on this case report involving individuals older than 50 years, it can be inferred that the approach to managing neglected locked shoulder dislocations with off-track lesions is with open reduction and fixation with Latarjet procedure, coupled with RCR and remplissage, has yielded adequate joint stability and favorable post-operative outcomes.

Utility of Asymmetric Multilevel Pontes Osteotomy in Ankylosing Spondylitis with Scoliosis using Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel: Case Report.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis is a spondyloarthropathy that commonly involves the axial skeleton with predilection to the sacro-iliac joints and spine. The disease frequently results in a smooth globular kyphotic deformity of the spine; however, a coronal plane scoliotic deformity is extremely rare. We present a unique case of scoliotic deformity in a patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. To the best of our knowledge, following a review of the literature, this appears to be the first report of this kind. Case Report: A 23-year-old male patient presented with chronic back pain, stiffness, and a truncal shift of the body. He had a rigid left-sided thoracolumbar curve measuring 41° with a coronal imbalance of 3.6 cm. We present a case report on scoliosis deformity correction performed with a four-level asymmetric pontes osteotomy using a bone scalpel with excellent correction of the scoliotic deformity that was well maintained at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Scoliosis in ankylosing spondylitis has not been documented in literature. We report the complete correction of the deformity, which is well maintained at the 2-year follow-up.

Fe,Ni-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Embedded in Nanoporous Nitrogen-Doped Graphene as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

The quest for economically sustainable electrocatalysts to replace critical materials in anodes for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key goal in electrochemical conversion technologies, and, in this context, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer great promise as alternative electroactive materials. In this study, a series of nanostructured electrocatalysts was successfully synthesized by growing tailored Ni-Fe-based MOFs on nitrogen-doped graphene, creating composite systems named MIL-NG-n. Their growth was tuned using a molecular modulator, revealing a non-trivial trend of the properties as a function of the modulator quantity. The most active material displayed an excellent OER performance characterized by a potential of 1.47 V (vs. RHE) to reach 10 mA cm-2, a low Tafel slope (42 mV dec-1), and a stability exceeding 18 h in 0.1 M KOH. This outstanding performance was attributed to the synergistic effect between the unique MOF architecture and N-doped graphene, enhancing the amount of active sites and the electron transfer. Compared to a simple mixture of MOFs and N-doped graphene or the deposition of Fe and Ni atoms on the N-doped graphene, these hybrid materials demonstrated a clearly superior OER performance.

Pathways to Upscaling Highly Efficient Organic Solar Cells Using Green Solvents: A Study on Device Photophysics in the Transition from Lab-to-Fab.

As the rise of nonfullerene acceptors (NFA) has allowed lab-scale organic solar cells (OSC) to reach 20% efficiency, translating these devices into roll-to-roll compatible fabrication still poses many challenges for researchers. Among these are the use of green solvent solubility for large-scale manufacture, roll-to-roll compatible fabrication, and, not least, information on charge carrier dynamics in each upscaling step, to further understand the gap in performance. In this work, the reproducibility of champion devices using slot-die coating with 14% power conversion efficiency (PCE) is demonstrated, under the condition that the optimal thickness is maintained. It is further shown that for the donor:acceptor (D:A) blend PM6:Y12, the processing solvent has a more significant impact on charge carrier dynamics compared to the deposition technique. It is found that the devices processed with o-xylene feature a 40% decrease in the bimolecular recombination coefficient compared to those processed with CB, as well as a 70% increase in effective mobility. Finally, it is highlighted that blade-coating yields devices with similar carrier dynamics to slot-die coating, making it the optimal choice for lab-scale optimization with no significant loss in translation toward up-scale.

Bilateral Kohler's Disease: A Case Report.

Kohler's disease is characterized by osteochondritis of the navicular bone due to various factors like the lack of blood supply and late ossification of the bone. In particular, it is a disease of the pediatric age group, which has male preponderance. It may present with bony pain unilaterally or, at times, be asymptomatic and diagnosed accidentally. Clinical presentation and radiological investigations are the mainstay of diagnosis. This self-limiting condition requires only symptomatic conservative management. A surgical approach is not yet indicated. One such case of bilateral Kohler's disease is presented in this report. Here, we discuss the disease's presentation, examination, treatment, and prognosis.

A Rare Case of Urinary Bladder Exstrophy Presenting With Signet Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma in an Adult.

Due to the conspicuous morphology of the deformity and the fact that primary reconstruction is typically performed in infancy, untreated bladder exstrophy in adults is infrequent. An adult presenting with bladder exstrophy is quite uncommon. We present a 32-year-old man with a bladder mass that existed since birth. He complained of an unpleasant discharge from the mass upon presentation, and on examination, a mass was seen on the urinary bladder's exposed surface, coupled with penile epispadias, a deformed scrotum, and undersized bilateral testicles. Ultrasonography of the kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder (USG KUB), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen and pelvis, and mass biopsy were all used to investigate the patient. The patient was found to have signet ring adenocarcinoma of the urinary bladder. A radical cystectomy with an anterolateral thigh flap was performed. The clinical and radiological characteristics, treatments, and results of this uncommon presentation are discussed in this case report.

Ileal neobladder adenocarcinoma occurring twenty-five years post ileocystoplasty: a case report.

De-tubularised ileum is one of the most common segments used for augmentation cystoplasty. It is associated with complications such as metabolic disturbances, recurrent urinary tract infections, and stone formation. However, adenocarcinoma arising in an augmented bladder is a rare occurrence. We report a 37-year-old female, case of ileocystoplasty 25 years ago due to a thimble bladder (genitourinary tuberculosis) who presented with hematuria for one month. Cystoscopy showed bladder mass in the transposed ileal segments. The patient underwent transurethral resection of the bladder lesion, and the histopathology was suggestive of adenocarcinoma of the ileum. Subsequently, she underwent anterior pelvic exenteration and post-operative recovery was uneventful. The 6-month follow-up showed that the patient was asymptomatic without recurrence. In conclusion, even though adenocarcinoma in the ileal neobladder is rare, life-long with close follow-up with routine cytologic, radiologic, and cystoscopic evaluation for early cancer detection and treatment at an early stage is crucial.

An Association of Morphological Characteristics of Palatal Rugae and Dental Malocclusion in an Adult Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction The formation of palatal rugae is completed in the early intrauterine stage, and because of their unique and permanent pattern in each individual, they can be utilized in forensics to identify a person. Objective The primary objective of this study was to determine an association between the rugae pattern and the dental malocclusion system described by Angle. Materials and methods A prospective cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 400 subjects in an age range of 18-40 years. The samples were divided according to Angle's system of classification of malocclusion into Class I, Class II, and Class III. The number, length, pattern, and orientation of the three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides of the palatal region were studied. Results Significant differences were noted in the mean number of palatal rugae and mean lengths of rugae 1 and 2 on the right side (p < 0.001) and rugae 3 on the left (p < 0.001) side among the different malocclusion groups. Curved and wavy patterns were predominant, and significant differences were found among the groups (p < 0.05), whereas non-significant differences were observed in the rugae orientation between the groups on the right and left sides. Conclusions The current study showed significant differences in the length, number, and pattern of the palatal rugae among Angle's classes of malocclusion. Clinical implications Palatal rugae can be effectively used to identify dental malocclusion at an early stage and can, therefore, help intercept the developing malocclusion.

Deep learning based correction of low performing pixel in computed tomography.

Low Performing Pixel (LPP)/bad pixel in CT detectors cause ring and streaks artifacts, structured non-uniformities and deterioration of the image quality. These artifacts make the image unusable for diagnostic purposes. A missing/defective detector pixel translates to a channel missing across all views in sinogram domain and its effect gets spill over entire image in reconstruction domain as artifacts. Most of the existing ring and streak removal algorithms perform correction only in the reconstructed image domain. In this work, we propose a supervised deep learning algorithm that operates in sinogram domain to remove distortions cause by the LPP. This method leverages CT scan geometry, including conjugate ray information to learn the interpolation in sinogram domain. While the experiments are designed to cover the entire detector space, we emphasize on LPPs near detector iso-center as these have most adverse impact on image quality specially if the LPPs fall on the high frequency region (bone-tissue interface). We demonstrated efficacy of the proposed method using data acquired on GE RevACT multi-slice CT system with flat-panel detector. Experimental results on head scans show significant reduction in ring artifacts regardless of LPP location in the detector geometry. We have simulated isolated LPPs accounting for 5% and 10% of total channels. Detailed statistical analysis illustrates approximately 5dB improvement in SNR in both sinogram and reconstruction domain as compared to classical bicubic and Lagrange interpolation methods. Also, with reduction in ring and streak artifacts, the perceptual image quality is improved across all the test images.

Efficiency-Enhanced Scalable Organic Photovoltaics Using Roll-to-Roll Nanoimprint Lithography.

Light-trapping nanostructures have for decades been researched as a route to enhance the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Whereas the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of OSCs have reached above 18 %, industrially compatible devices made by scalable processing in air, using only nontoxic solvents and materials, have shown significantly lower performance values. Although light-trapping nanostructures may improve this, the methods for integrating the nanostructures are typically not compatible with industrial scale up. In this work, scalable, industrially compatible, nonfullerene-based OSCs are developed with integrated light-trapping nanostructures at the back electrodes in the devices. The OSCs are made by using scalable roll-to-roll (R2R) and sheet-to-sheet (S2S) processes and the nanostructures are made by using roll-to-plate (R2P) nanoimprint lithography. A fully scalable solution is thereby developed for industrially compatible nanostructured OSCs. The nanostructured devices show enhancements in PCE up to 25 % compared to reference cells, owing to an enhancement in the short-circuit current density (15 %) by enhanced absorption, and improved charge carrier extraction leading to an enhancement in the fill factor (7 %). Optical modeling is utilized to verify the optical effect of the nanostructures. The best devices attain a PCE of 6.5 %, which is the highest reported efficiency for air-processed slot-die coated ITO-free flexible PBDB-T : ITIC devices, here using nontoxic solvents.

Efficiency-Enhanced Scalable Organic Photovoltaics Using Roll-to-Roll Nanoimprint Lithography.

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Morten Madsen, University of Southern Denmark, together with Stensborg A/S and Dr. Shalev's group at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The image shows the integration of Roll-to-Roll (R2R) light-management foils to enhance efficiency of R2R organic photovoltaics. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202101611.

Impact of surgical intervention on progression to end-stage renal disease in patients with posterior urethral valve.

BACKGROUND: Posterior urethral valve patients present with varied presentations at any age of life and have significant associated morbidity and require long-term follow-up and care. METHODS: This was a single-center ambispective cohort study carried out over a period of 2 years. Patient data regarding the symptoms, investigations, interventions, secondary complications were recorded and were followed up regularly during the study till either normalization of their creatinine level which was maintained up to one-year post-fulguration (non-CKD) or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal transplant. Various clinical factors were then compared between these groups. RESULTS: The age of presentation varies from 6 months antenatal period to a maximum of 34 years. Most common symptom was of lower urinary tract obstruction, followed by recurrent febrile UTI. The interval between disease presentation detection and PU valve fulguration ranged from 6 days to more than 5 years, median duration being 1 month. 85.7% patients had hydroureteronephrosis on initial USG. In VCUG, there was no significant difference found between the presence of reflux and poor renal outcome. Age of presentation greater than 2 years was seen in 52% of patients with CKD compared to only 10% patients in non-CKD group (significant, p value 0.02). Among patients who developed CKD, 60% of patients had PU valve fulguration after one month of disease presentation, while in contrast, among the non-CKD group, 80% of patients had it done within one month of disease presentation. (significant, p value 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Late age of presentation, delayed fulguration with high initial creatinine, and failure of serum creatinine to return to normal after one-month post-fulguration are important risk factors in the progression of the disease to ESRD. Symptomatic improvement after interventions does not correlate with progression to ESRD. The number of interventions also does not predict progression to ESRD. Interventions should be chosen wisely on case to restore near-normal physiology and delay progression to ESRD.

A case report of emphysematous cystitis with spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder perforation in an operated case of prolapsed intervertebral disc.

This is a case report of emphysematous cystitis with spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder perforation in postoperative period of pedicle fixation surgery for prolapse intervertebral disc (L3-L4). The patient developed urinary retention with overflow incontinence with abdominal tenderness and fever 3 days after orthopedic procedure which on computed tomography (CT) scan found to have abundant air in urinary bladder with multiple air foci in bladder wall with suspected leak into intraperitoneal pelvic cavity, proven only after CT cystogram.