Enhanced chiroptical activity for narrow deep-blue emission in axial chiral frameworks via three-dimensional interlocking.

The advancement of desirable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) emitters is predominantly constrained by the effective regulation of magnetic and electric transition vectors, particularly within the deep-blue spectral domain. Herein, we present four pairs of novel chiral emitters with systematically varied molecular rigidity, symmetry, and chiral centers to elucidate the intrinsic coupling of key molecular parameters influencing their chiroptical properties. Notably, the incorporation of appropriate intramolecular 3D-interlocking within a natural binaphthyl chirality skeleton offers an effective approach to achieving both significantly narrowed full width at half maximum (FWHM, as low as 18 nm) and substantially enhanced chiroptical activity (luminous dissymmetry factor, g PL, up to 3.0 × 10-3). Additionally, introducing a secondary chiral center closely parallel to the primary chiral plane facilitates strong chiral-chiral interactions, further affording a 50% improvement in their g PL values. As a demonstration, vacuum-deposited circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes incorporating these pure fluorescent emitters exhibit outstanding electroluminescent performance, with maximum external quantum efficiency exceeding 5.35%, favorable FWHM of approximately 25 nm, and extreme CIE y values below 0.03.

Dense projection fusion for 3D object detection.

Fusing information from LiDAR and cameras can effectively enhance the overall perceptivity of autonomous vehicles in various scenarios. Despite the relatively good results achieved by point-wise fusion and Bird's-Eye-View (BEV) fusion, they still cannot fully leverage the image information and lack of effective depth information. For any fusion methods, the multi-modal features first need to be concatenated along the channel, and then the fused features are extracted using convolutional layers. However, this type of fusion methods is effective, but too coarse which causes that the fused features cannot pay more attention to the regions with important features and suffer from severe noise. To tackle these issues, we propose in this paper a Dense Projection Fusion (DPFusion) approach. It consists of two new modules: dense depth map guided BEV transform (DGBT) module and multi-modal feature adaptive fusion (MFAF) module. The DGBT module first quickly estimates the depth of each pixel and then projects all image features to the BEV space, making full use of the image information. The MFAF module computes the image weights and point cloud weights for each channel in each BEV grid and then adaptively weights and fuses the image BEV features with the point cloud BEV features. It is worth pointing out that the MFAF module makes the fused features pay more attention to background outline and object outline. Our proposed DPFusion demonstrates competitive results in 3D object detection, achieving a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 70.4 and a nuScenes detection score (NDS) of 72.3 on the nuScenes validation set.

Nonplanar structure accelerates reverse intersystem crossing of TADF emitters: nearly 40% EQE and relieved efficiency roll off.

Exploring strategies to enhance reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) is of great significance to develop efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) molecules. In this study, we investigate the substantial impact of nonplanar structure on improving the rate of RISC (k RISC). Three emitters based on spiroacridine donors are developed to evaluate this hypothesis. All molecules exhibit high photoluminescent quantum yields (PLQYs) of 96-98% due to their rigid donor and acceptor. Leveraging the synergistic effects of heavy element effect and nonplanar geometry, S2-TRZ exhibits an accelerated k RISC of 24.2 × 105 s-1 compared to the 11.1 × 105 s-1 of S1-TRZ, which solely incorporates heavy atoms. Additionally, O1-TRZ possesses a further lower k RISC of 9.42 × 105 s-1 because of the absence of these effects. Remarkably, owing to the high PLQYs and suitable TADF behaviors, devices based on these emitters exhibit state-of-the-art performance, including a maximum external quantum efficiency of up to 40.1% and maximum current efficiency of 124.7 cd A-1. More importantly, devices utilizing S2-TRZ as an emitter achieve a relieved efficiency roll-off of only 7% under 1000 cd m-2, in contrast to the 12% for O1-TRZ and 11% for S1-TRZ, respectively. These findings advance our fundamental understanding of TADF processes for high-performance electroluminescent devices.

B‒N covalent bond-involved π-extension of multiple resonance emitters enables high-performance narrowband electroluminescence.

Multi-boron-embedded multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) emitters show promise for achieving both high color-purity emission and high exciton utilization efficiency. However, their development is often impeded by a limited synthetic scope and excessive molecular weights, which challenge material acquisition and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fabrication by vacuum deposition. Herein, we put forward a B‒N covalent bond-involved π-extension strategy via post-functionalization of MR frameworks, leading to the generation of high-order B/N-based motifs. The structurally and electronically extended π-system not only enhances molecular rigidity to narrow emission linewidth but also promotes reverse intersystem crossing to mitigate efficiency roll-off. As illustrated examples, ultra-narrowband sky-blue emitters (full-width at half-maximum as small as 8 nm in n-hexane) have been developed with multi-dimensional improvement in photophysical properties compared to their precursor emitters, which enables narrowband OLEDs with external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax) of up to 42.6%, in company with alleviated efficiency decline at high brightness, representing the best efficiency reported for single-host OLEDs. The success of these emitters highlights the effectiveness of our molecular design strategy for advanced MR-TADF emitters and confirms their extensive potential in high-performance optoelectronic devices.

Integration of fine-tuned chiral donor with hybrid long/short-range charge-transfer for high-performance circularly polarized electroluminescence.

The synergistic integration of a fine-tuned chiral donor with a hybrid long/short-range charge-transfer mechanism offers an accessible pathway to construct highly efficient circularly polarized emitters. Consequently, a notable dissymmetry factor of 1.6 × 10-3, concomitantly with a record-setting maximum external quantum efficiency of 37.4%, is synchronously realized within a single embodiment.

Deep-Blue Narrowband Hetero[6]helicenes Showing Circularly Polarized Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Toward High-Performance OLEDs.

Helicenes exhibit substantial potential as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) active molecules. However, their application in circularly polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs) is typically hindered by the challenge of integrating both high color purity and efficient triplet-harvesting capability, particularly in the blue spectral region. Herein, a series of hetero[6]helicene-based emitters that is strategically engineered through the helical extension of a deep-blue double-boron-based multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) motif, is introduced. Importantly, the helical extension does not cause apparent structural deformation or perturb frontier molecular orbitals; thus, preserving the deep-blue emission and MR-TADF characteristics of the parent molecule. This approach also leads to reduced reorganization energy, resulting in emitters with narrower linewidth and higher photoluminescence quantum yield. Further, the helical motif enhances the racemization barrier and leads to improved CPL performance with luminescence dissymmetry factor values up to 1.5 × 10-3 . Exploiting these merits, devices incorporating the chiral dopants demonstrate deep-blue emission within the Broadcast Service Television 2020 color-gamut range, record external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) up to 29.3%, and have distinctive circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) signals. Overall, the authors' findings underscore the helical extension as a promising strategy for designing narrowband chiroptical materials and advancing high-definition displays.

Differentiating Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Migraine: Insights from Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Features.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive factors between Meniere's disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM) by Gadolinium-enhanced Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the inner ear and Clinical Features. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients (50 MD and 37 VM) underwent intratympanic injection of gadolinium and MRI was performed 24 h later. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry and caloric tests. RESULTS: In the MD group, 46 (92%) of 50 patients developed endolymphatic hydrops, although only 2 (5.4%) in the vestibular migraine (VM) group had positive results groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of migraine was 14% in the MD group and 67.7% in the VM group (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression of the two groups of patients indicated that the greater the sum of the maximum slow phase velocity (SPV) of the ipsilateral ear, the higher the risk of VM occurrence (p = 0.009). The incidence of carsickness was positively correlated with the incidence of VM (p < 0.001) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) was negatively correlated with the diagnosis of VM (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the inner ear is helpful for the differential diagnosis of VM and MD. Carsickness, decreased AHL, and increased Sum of the maximum SPV in the ipsilateral side (SSPVI) may act as diagnostic predictors of VM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:426-432, 2024.

Festuca coelestis Increases Drought Tolerance and Nitrogen Use via Nutrient Supply-Demand Relationship on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Drought and nutrient deficiency pose great challenges to the successful establishment of native plants on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The dominant factors and strategies that affect the adaptation of alpine herbs to dry and nutrient-deficient environments remain unclear. Three water gradients were established using two-factor controlled experiments: low water (WL), medium water (WM), and high water (WH). The field water-holding capacities were 35%, 55%, and 75%, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer (N) was applied at four levels: control (CK), low (FL), medium (FM), and high (FH) at 0, 110, 330, and 540 mg/kg, respectively. The results revealed that N was the main limiting factor, rather than phosphorous (P), in Festuca coelestis under drought stress. Under water shortage conditions, F. coelestis accumulated more proline and non-structural carbohydrates, especially in the aboveground parts of the leaves and stems; however, the root diameter and aboveground nitrogen use efficiency were reduced. Appropriate N addition could mitigate the adverse effects by increasing the release of N, P, and enzyme activity in the bulk soil and rhizosphere to balance their ratio, and was mainly transferred to the aboveground parts, which optimized the supply uptake relationship. The effects of water and fertilizer on the physiological adaptability and nutrient utilization of F. coelestis were verified using structural equation modeling. Based on their different sensitivities to water and nitrogen, the WHFM treatment was more suitable for F. coelestis establishment. Our results demonstrated that the disproportionate nutrient supply ability and preferential supply aboveground compared to below ground were the main factors influencing F. coelestis seedling establishment under drought conditions. This study provides evidence for a better understanding of herbaceous plants living in high mountain regions and offers important information for reducing the risk of ecological restoration failure in similar alpine regions.

Inflammatory markers in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Objective: To evaluate serum inflammatory markers of YKL-40, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8(IL-8), Interleukin-10(IL-10), TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α), and CRP (C-reactive protein) in children with and without OSAS. Methods: The ELISA technique has been used to identify the concentration of inflammatory markers such as YKL-40, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, and CRP in the serum of 83 children with OSAS and 83 children without OSAS. Results: Serum levels of YKL-40, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were found to be increased in children with OSAS. YKL-40 was found to be positively correlated with IL-6 and IL-8, and negatively correlated with IL-10. At the same time,YKL-40 was also found to be positively correlated with OAHI and LoSpO2% in OSAS group. IL-8 was positively correlated with OAHI whereas IL-10 was positively correlated with LoSpO2. Conclusion: Children with OSAS are in a systemic inflammatory state. YKL-40 together with IL-8 may act as serum inflammatory markers and provide an indication for the diagnosis of children with OSAS.

Post-operative gamma knife radiosurgery for WHO grade I intracranial meningiomas: A single-center, retrospective study.

Objective: To explore the results of the Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for World Health Organization (WHO) grade I intracranial meningiomas after surgical resection. Methods: A total of 130 patients who were pathologically diagnosed as having WHO grade I meningiomas and who underwent post-operative GKRS were retrospectively reviewed in a single center. Results: Of the 130 patients, 51 patients (39.2%) presented with radiological tumor progression with a median follow-up time of 79.7 months (ranging from 24.0 to 291.3 months). The median time to radiological tumor progression was 73.4 months (ranging from 21.4 to 285.3 months), whereas 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year radiological progression-free survival (PFS) was 100, 90, 78, and 47%, respectively. Moreover, 36 patients (27.7%) presented with clinical tumor progression. Clinical PFS at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 96, 91, 84, and 67%, respectively. After GKRS, 25 patients (19.2%) developed adverse effects, including radiation-induced edema (n = 22). In a multivariate analysis, a tumor volume of ≥10 ml and falx/parasagittal/convexity/intraventricular location were significantly associated with radiological PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.841, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.018-3.331, p = 0.044; HR = 1.761, 95% CI = 1.008-3.077, p = 0.047]. In a multivariate analysis, a tumor volume of ≥10 ml was associated with radiation-induced edema (HR = 2.418, 95% CI = 1.014-5.771, p = 0.047). Of patients who presented with radiological tumor progression, nine were diagnosed with malignant transformation. The median time to malignant transformation was 111.7 months (ranging from 35.0 to 177.2 months). Clinical PFS after repeat GKRS was 49 and 20% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Secondary WHO grade II meningiomas were significantly associated with a shorter PFS (p = 0.026). Conclusions: Post-operative GKRS is a safe and effective treatment for WHO grade I intracranial meningiomas. Large tumor volume and falx/parasagittal/convexity/intraventricular location were associated with radiological tumor progression. Malignant transformation was one of the main cause of tumor progression in WHO grade I meningiomas after GKRS.

Comparative endoscopic techniques of medial rectus muscle retraction for approaching intraconal tumors: Our experience with five cases.

Objective: To examine the role of transnasal endoscopic approaches in the management of intraconal tumors and demonstrate the use of an eyelid speculum in comparison with different techniques of medial rectus muscle (MRM) retraction. Methods: Retrospective data of five patients with intraconal tumors operated on and followed up by the senior authors between December 2019 and April 2022 was collected. Presenting symptoms, technical details, imaging and histology findings, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Results: Four primary and one recurrent tumor were identified. The mean patient age was 50 (range, 29-64) years. One tumor was located lateral to the optic nerve, one central and three medial. A complete surgical resection was obtained in four primary cases and a partial resection was achieved in the recurrent case. The MRM was retracted using three different techniques: (1) an infant eyelid speculum creating an operative window between the medial and inferior rectus muscle, (2) external MRM disinsertion transconjunctivally, (3) a four-handed technique performed transseptally by two surgeons. Transient postoperative ophthalmoplegia was recorded in four cases and transient ptosis in one. Three patients completely recovered in 2-3 months while one undergoing MRM disinsertion ended up in restricted strabismus at 15-month follow-up. No other long-term complications have been noted in all five patients with a mean follow-up of 22 (range, 14-32) months. No patients with primary tumors have required additional surgery for tumor recurrence. Conclusion: The indication of endoscopic intraconal surgery may expand to lesions lateral to the optic nerve when the nerve is not in its natural position. The well-known advantages of the endoscopic techniques, namely the lack of external scars, better visualization, less bleeding, and fewer complications, were confirmed. An eye speculum provides a better surgical corridor and eases the pressure exerted on the MRM, which has a promising application prospect.

LncRNA NORAD mediates KMT2D expression by targeting miR-204-5p and affects the growth of gastric cancer.

Background: Long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs implicated in the development of many malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we investigated the functions and molecular mechanisms of non-coding RNA activated by deoxyribonucleic acid damage (NORAD) in GC. Methods: NORAD expression at the messenger RNA levels was determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction assays. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, in-vivo tumor formation assays, and Transwell assays. Cell-cycle distribution was detected by a flow cytometry analysis. NORAD location was detected by nucleocytoplasmic fractionation assays. The interaction between NORAD and the microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p)/Lysine Methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) axis was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Western blot was used to study the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. Results: NORAD was upregulated in the GC tissues and cell lines. The silencing of NORAD repressed cell proliferation and the Growth 2 (G2)/Mitosis (M) cell-cycle transition in GC. NORAD also regulated KMT2D expression by targeting miR-204-5p and mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling in GC. Conclusions: We found that NORAD acts as an oncogene in GC. Our findings might provide a novel therapeutic target for GC.

Possible mechanism of CHI3L1 promoting tonsil lymphocytes proliferation in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The typical characteristic of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is systemic inflammation and adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH), but the inflammatory markers and mechanism of adenotonsillar proliferation are unclear. METHODS: IHC, qPCR, and western blotting were used to identify the expression of CHI3L1 in the tonsils of children with OSAS. The primary tonsil lymphocytes (PTLCs) from children with OSAS were cultured and recombinant human CHI3L1 protein was added to culture media. After the stimulation with CHI3L1 protein of different concentrations and time points, lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 kits and flow cytometry. The activation of ERK1/2 and the effects on the proliferation of PTLCs were observed by western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of CHI3L1 was higher in the OSAS group than in the PS group. CHI3L1 (100 ng/mmol for 24 h) resulted in a significant increase in the proliferation rate. The ERK1/2 activator (PMA) promoted the proliferation of PTLCs and inhibitor AG126 significantly inhibited proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: CHI3L1 can promote the proliferation of tonsil lymphocytes via ERK1/2 pathways. This result indicates that CHI3L1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of OSAS in children. Inhibition of CHI3L1 or ERK1/2 may be potential therapeutic targets for CHI3L1-induced proliferation in childhood OSAS. IMPACT: CHI3L1 may be an inflammatory marker in childhood OSAS. CHI3L1 can promote the proliferation of PTLCs in a concentration and time-dependent condition. CHI3L1 can promote the proliferation of tonsil lymphocytes via ERK1/2 pathways.

Study on the correlation between OSAS and thoracic deformity in children: A retrospective single-center study in China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the development of thoracic deformity in Children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed with the medical records of 39 pediatric OSAS patients with thoracic deformity and matching 39 without thoracic deformity as control group between January 2015 and June 2019. The contrast was performed with age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), the lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation (loSpO2)at night, tonsil and adenoid size, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)and trace elements and metals between two groups. RESULTS: BMI, AHI, the lowest SpO2, Phosphorus and Zinc were the risk factors of thoracic deformity. Age, gender, disease history, the size of tonsil and adenoid, ALP and other trace elements were no significant difference occurred between two groups. CONCLUSION: OSAS characterized by apnea and hypoxia which are caused by narrow upper airway may be one cause of thoracic deformity in children. Pediatricians, thoracic and otolaryngologic surgeons should be alert to OSAS when thoracic deformities are diagnosed in children.

Contribution of dysregulated circRNA_100876 to proliferation and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that circRNAs regulate diverse cellular processes and cancer progression. However, it remains unclear whether circRNAs play any functional role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The significance of circRNA_100876 in ESCC was analyzed by studying circRNA_100876 expression in ESCC tissues and the association between circRNA_100876 expression and clinicopathologic parameters. The biological effects of circRNA_100876 knockdown by lentivirus-mediated siRNAs on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: CircRNA_100876 expression was upregulated (P<0.05) and was negatively correlated with survival outcome (P<0.05) in ESCC. Inhibition of proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression was confirmed after circRNA_100876 depletion. CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of circRNA_100876 expression leads to poor prognosis in ESCC by accelerating cell proliferation and metastasis.

Influence of ultrasound on the properties of dissolved organic matter with regards to proton and metal ion binding moieties.

Ultrasound is widely used in water and wastewater treatment. However, the influence of ultrasound on the composition and structure of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and consequently its behaviors is still unclear. In this study, the changes in proton and metal binding moieties in DOM caused by ultrasound at an environmentally relevant concentration (about 5 mg·L-1) were investigated using spectrophotometric titrations. The amounts of carboxylic and phenolic-like groups in DOM before and after ultrasound were quantified by the spectral parameter, Dslope350-400 (the differential slope of the Log-transformed DOM absorbance in the wavelength region of 350-400 nm) in combination with the non-ideal competitive adsorption (NICA) model. The results demonstrate that the concentration of carboxylic-like sites decreased with an increase in the ultrasound intensity at the same reaction time. However, the concentration of phenolic-like sites increased with an increase in the ultrasound intensity in most cases. The amounts of bound metal Ca(II) and Al(III) ions decreased with an increase of the ultrasound intensity due to the reduction of available total binding sites (carboxylic-like and phenolic-like groups) in the DOM after ultrasound. This study provides detailed in-situ information concerning the changes in the properties and behaviors of DOM in ultrasound, which would be useful to understand in more detail and to optimize the utility of ultrasound in water and wastewater treatment.

Study on the Clinical Features and Prognosis of Penicilliosis marneffei Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the diagnosis and treatment of Penicilliosis marneffei without human immunodeficiency virus infection. METHODS: Analyze and review the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of six cases of P. marneffei without human immunodeficiency virus infection at The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. RESULTS: Two cases were diagnosed in the ENT Department, three cases in the respiratory department and one case in the dermatological department. Penicillium marneffei infection was confirmed by sputum culture, blood culture and tissue biopsy. After definite diagnosis, one refused further treatment, and others showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION: Penicilliosis marneffei is insidious onset and easy to be escaped and misdiagnosed. To achieve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, doubtful cases should be alerted for the diagnoses as P. marneffei.

Film bulk acoustic resonators integrated on arbitrary substrates using a polymer support layer.

The film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) is a widely-used MEMS device which can be used as a filter, or as a gravimetric sensor for biochemical or physical sensing. Current device architectures require the use of an acoustic mirror or a freestanding membrane and are fabricated as discrete components. A new architecture is demonstrated which permits fabrication and integration of FBARs on arbitrary substrates. Wave confinement is achieved by fabricating the resonator on a polyimide support layer. Results show when the polymer thickness is greater than a critical value, d, the FBARs have similar performance to devices using alternative architectures. For ZnO FBARs operating at 1.3-2.2 GHz, d is ~9 µm, and the devices have a Q-factor of 470, comparable to 493 for the membrane architecture devices. The polymer support makes the resonators insensitive to the underlying substrate. Yields over 95% have been achieved on roughened silicon, copper and glass.

UV sensing using film bulk acoustic resonators based on Au/n-ZnO/piezoelectric-ZnO/Al structure.

A new type of ultraviolet (UV) light sensor based on film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR) is proposed. The new sensor uses gold and a thin n-type ZnO layer deposited on the top of piezoelectric layer of FBAR to form a Schottky barrier. The Schottky barrier's capacitance can be changed with UV light, resulting in an enhanced shift in the entire FBAR's resonant frequency. The fabricated UV sensor has a 50 nm thick n-ZnO semiconductor layer with a carrier concentration of ~ 10(17) cm(-3). A large frequency downshift is observed when UV light irradiates the FBAR. With 365 nm UV light of intensity 1.7 mW/cm(2), the FBAR with n-ZnO/Au Schottky diode has 250 kHz frequency downshift, much larger than the 60 kHz frequency downshift in a conventional FBAR without the n-ZnO layer. The shift in the new FBAR's resonant frequency is due to the junction formed between Au and n-ZnO semiconductor and its properties changes with UV light. The experimental results are in agreement with the theoretical analysis using an equivalent circuit model of the new FBAR structure.

[Multi-center study of clinical treatment on the flat type of sudden hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of different treatment options for the flat type of sudden hearing loss. METHODS: Prospective, multi-center clinical study was carried out using internationally used standardized clinical research method. Patients with the flat type of sudden hearing loss between 18 and 65 years old, within two weeks duration, and without any medical treatment were recruited. Treatment options were randomly selected according to the designed random table. RESULTS: From August 2007 to October 2011, 402 patients with the flat type of sudden hearing loss who met the criteria (account for 39.26% of the total number of patients) from the 33 hospitals were collected; the total effective rate was 82.59%, and no significant difference was detected between different treatments, (χ(2) = 10.95, P = 0.28). In the 402 cases, 139 were cured (34.58%); 118 were markedly improved (29.35%); 75 were effective (18.66%); 70 were invalid (17.41%). CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic efficacy of flat type of sudden hearing loss overall is good; the treatment of improving the inner ear blood rheology and/or reducing blood fibrinogen has clinical significance; the therapeutic efficacy of using glucocorticoid systemically is good as well; there is no obvious difference between combination and single medication.