Double-Sided, Omnidirectional γ-AlOOH Hierarchical Nanostructures: Imparting Enhanced Antireflective Properties with Self-Cleaning Capacity for Optical Devices.

Herein, we have successfully developed an integrated strategy to develop antireflective coatings with self-cleaning capabilities based on periodic double-sided photonic γ-AlOOH nanostructures to transmit maximum incident light photons. Interfacial reflections are instinctive and one of the fundamental phenomena occurring at interfaces owing to refractive index mismatch. The eradication of such undesirable light reflection is of significant consideration in many optical devices. A systematic approach was carried out to eradicate surface reflection and enhance optical transmission by tailored γ-AlOOH nanostructures. The γ-AlOOH photonic nanostructures with subwavelength features exhibited a gradient index, which almost eliminated the refractive index mismatch at the interface. Optical transmittance of 97% was achieved in the range of 350-800 nm at normal incidence compared to uncoated glass (89%). A multilayer model approach was adopted to extract the effective refractive index of the coating, which showed a graded index from the top to the bottom surface. Further, to fully comprehend the optics of these nanostructures, the omnidirectional (20-70°) antireflective property has been explored using variable-angle specular reflectance spectroscopy. The hierarchical γ-AlOOH nanostructures exhibited only ∼1.3% reflectance at the lower incident angle in the visible spectra and an average reflectance of ∼7.6% up to an incident angle of 70°. Moreover, the hierarchical nanostructures manifested contact angle (CA) >172° and roll-off angle (RA) <1° with excellent self-cleaning performance. Furthermore, the abrasion resistance of the coating is discussed in detail, which displayed a good resistance against sand erosion. Significantly, the photovoltaic performance of the coated modules exhibited a relative enhancement of ∼17% in efficiency, which is attributed to the efficient coupling of light rays. Thus, the integration of the antireflection (AR) property with self-cleaning ability can provide a cost-effective energy solution for optoelectronic devices, display devices, and thin-film optics.

Evolution of Temperature-Driven Interfacial Wettability and Surface Energy Properties on Hierarchically Structured Porous Superhydrophobic Pseudoboehmite Thin Films.

Interaction of water on heterogeneous nonwetting interfaces has fascinated researchers' attention for wider applications. Herein, we report the evolution of hierarchical micro-/nanostructures on superhydrophobic pseudoboehmite surfaces created from amorphous Al2O3 films and unraveled their temperature-driven wettability and surface energy properties. The influence of hot water immersion temperature on the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism and the surface geometry of the Al2O3 film have been extensively analyzed, which helped in attaining the optimal Cassie-Baxter state. The evolution of pseudoboehmite films has been structurally characterized using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Interfacial surface energy components on the structured superhydrophobic surface exhibited a very low surface energy of ∼4.6 mN/m at room temperature and ultrahigh water contact angle >175°. The interaction between water droplets on the nonwetting surface was comprehended and correlated to the temperature-dependent surface energy properties. The surface energy and wettability of the structured pseudoboehmite superhydrophobic surface exhibited an inverse behavior as a function of temperature. Interestingly, the superhydrophobic surface exhibited "Leidenfrost effect" below the boiling point of water (67 °C), which is further correlated with the intermolecular forces, interfacial water molecules and surface-terminated groups. These high-temperature wetting transition studies could be potentially valuable for solid-liquid systems working at nonambient temperatures, and also this approach can pave new pathways for better understanding of the solid/liquid interfacial interactions on nanoengineered superhydrophobic surfaces.

Molecular Oncology in Management of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancers are the third most common cancers in the world. Management of both primary and metastatic colorectal cancers has evolved over the last couple of decades. Extensive research in molecular oncology has helped us understand and identify these complex intricacies in colorectal cancer biology and disease progression. These advances coupled with improved knowledge on various mutations have helped develop targeted chemotherapeutics and has allowed planning an effective treatment regimen in this era of immunotherapy with precision. The diverse chemotherapeutic and biological agents at our disposal can make decision making a very complex process. Molecular profile, including CIN, RAS, BRAF mutations, microsatellite instability, ctDNA, and consensus molecular subtypes, are some of the important factors which are to be considered while planning an individualized treatment regimen. This article summarizes the current status of molecular oncology in the management of colorectal cancer and should serve as a practical guide for the clinical team.

Grossing and reporting of colorectal cancer resection specimens: An evidence-based approach.

Appropriate management of the patient with colorectal carcinoma depends on obtaining key prognostic and predictive information from the resection specimen. These include the quality of surgery, extent of lymph nodal clearance, presence of nodal disease, vascular invasion, residual disease post neoadjuvant treatment, and completeness of resection. A meticulous and structured approach to dissection of the resection specimen and subsequent histological examination by the pathologist is crucial in providing this information to the treating clinician. A good macroscopic examination also serves to audit the quality of other services including radiology, surgery, and oncology. This article attempts to review dissection and reporting guidelines with an evidence-based approach and hopes to guide pathologists to understand the basis behind the recommended protocols.

Current knowledge and potential applications of cavitation technologies for the petroleum industry.

Technologies based on cavitation, produced by either ultrasound or hydrodynamic means, are part of growing literature for individual refinery unit processes. In this review, we have explained the mechanism through which these cavitation technologies intensify individual unit processes such as enhanced oil recovery, demulsification of water in oil emulsions during desalting stage, crude oil viscosity reduction, oxidative desulphurisation/demetallization, and crude oil upgrading. Apart from these refinery processes, applications of this technology are also mentioned for other potential crude oil sources such as oil shale and oil sand extraction. The relative advantages and current situation of each application/process at commercial scale is explained.