Spontaneous Modulation Doping in Semi-Crystalline Conjugated Polymers Leads to High Conductivity at Low Doping Concentration.

The possibility to control the charge carrier density through doping is one of the defining properties of semiconductors. For organic semiconductors, the doping process is known to come with several problems associated with the dopant compromising the charge carrier mobility by deteriorating the host morphology and/or introducing Coulomb traps. While for inorganic semiconductors these factors can be mitigated through (top-down) modulation doping, this concept has not been employed in organics. Here, this work shows that properly chosen host/dopant combinations can give rise to spontaneous, bottom-up modulation doping, in which the dopants preferentially sit in an amorphous phase, while the actual charge transport occurs predominantly in a crystalline phase with an unaltered microstructure, spatially separating dopants and mobile charges. Combining experiments and numerical simulations, this work shows that this leads to exceptionally high conductivities at relatively low dopant concentrations.

Heterogeneous Oriented Structure model of thermoelectric transport in conducting polymers.

Understanding transport phenomena in conducting polymers (CP) is a main issue in order to optimize their performance and despite intense investigations, the influence of their microstructure remains controversial. By analyzing the thermoelectric measurements performed on highly oriented and non-oriented CP films, we show that an Heterogeneous Oriented Structure (HOSt) model considering both ordered and disordered domains is able to account for the thermoelectric transport in CP. This model unveils the key role of the crystallinity, the anisotropy and the alignment degree of these domains. It points out the importance of the thermal conductivity in the interpretation of the thermopower [Formula: see text] and explains the frequently observed electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] cut-off in the [Formula: see text] curves due to the disordered domains. By varying the alignment degree depending on the orientation and the anisotropy according to the face-on or the edge-on polymers conformation, the HOSt model successfully describes the overall measured thermoelectric properties by demonstrating its applicability to a wide variety of both oriented and non-oriented CP.

Self-Powered Dynamic Glazing Based on Nematic Liquid Crystals and Organic Photovoltaic Layers for Smart Window Applications.

Dynamic windows allow monitoring of in-door solar radiation and thus improve user comfort and energy efficiency in buildings and vehicles. Existing technologies are, however, hampered by limitations in switching speed, energy efficiency, user control, or production costs. Here, we introduce a new concept for self-powered switchable glazing that combines a nematic liquid crystal, as an electro-optic active layer, with an organic photovoltaic material. The latter aligns the liquid crystal molecules and generates, under illumination, an electric field that changes the molecular orientation and thereby the device transmittance in the visible and near-infrared region. Small-area devices can be switched from clear to dark in hundreds of milliseconds without an external power supply. The drop in transmittance can be adjusted using a variable resistor and is shown to be reversible and stable for more than 5 h. First solution-processed large-area (15 cm2) devices are presented, and prospects for smart window applications are discussed.

Hetero-Substituted αß-Fused BODIPY.

Here, we report the synthesis and properties of heterosubtituted αß-fused BODIPY fluorophores. The compounds were obtained in good yields by sequential and selective Stille cross-coupling reactions from 2,3,5,6-tetrahalo-BODIPY, allowing the introduction of different substituents at the 3,5 and 2,6 positions of the BODIPY ring. The final fused compounds were synthesized using oxidative cyclisation with ferrous chloride. The fully fused compounds show a strong bathochromically shifted emission along with a hyperchromic shift of the absorption maxima. The fluorescence quantum yields remain relatively large for compounds emitting in this wavelength range. Computational studies have been carried out to fully understand the photophysical behaviour of these dyes.

Sistemática para el manejo del equilibrio ácido-base en pacientes graves / Systemization for the management of acid-base balance in seriously ill patients

Introducción: Las alteraciones del equilibrio ácido-base pueden ser de carácter primario. En la mayoría de los casos dependen de la complicación de una enfermedad preexistente. La frecuencia de estos trastornos es elevada, especialmente, en enfermos hospitalizados en las unidades de atención al paciente grave. Su aparición conlleva implicaciones pronósticas significativas. Objetivo: Sistematizar sobre el estado actual del manejo del equilibrio ácido-base. Método: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la que se utilizaron las herramientas del método científico. Se examinó toda la bibliografía disponible publicada en los últimos cinco años y así, elaborar una síntesis crítica, acorde al criterio y las competencias de los autores sobre la temática. Resultados: Se expone la importancia de la evaluación clínica, que unida a los niveles de PCO2, y de exceso o déficit de bases en una gasometría arterial, permiten identificar el trastorno ácido base existente. Igualmente, se destaca que el CO2 tiene una función clave en el control de la ventilación, así como las modificaciones que produce al flujo sanguíneo cerebral, el pH y el tono adrenérgico. Otro aspecto importante fue la reciente práctica clínica de la "hipercapnia permisiva" para reducir el metabolismo tisular y de esta manera, mejorar la función del surfactante e impedir la nitración de las proteínas. Conclusiones: El manejo de los desequilibrios ácido-base debe ser del dominio de todos los profesionales vinculados a la asistencia médica, pues el retraso de su diagnóstico puede empeorar la evolución y el pronóstico de los pacientes graves(AU)

Introduction: Acid-base balance alterations can be of a primary nature. In most cases, they depend on the complication of a pre-existing disease. The frequency of these disorders is high, especially in patients hospitalized in critical care units. Its appearance carries significant prognostic implications. Objective: To systematize the current state of acid-base balance management. Method: A bibliographic review was carried out, for which the tools of the scientific method were used. All the available bibliography, published in the last five years, was examined; thus, a critical synthesis was prepared, according to the criteria and competences of the authors regarding the subject. Results: The importance of the clinical evaluation is exposed, which, together with PCO2 levels as well as excess or deficit of bases in an arterial blood gas, allow to identify the existing acid-base disorder. Likewise, it is highlighted that CO2 has a key function in ventilation control, together with the modifications it produces on cerebral blood flow, pH and adrenergic tone. Another important aspect was the recent clinical practice of "permissive hypercapnia" to reduce tissue metabolism and thus improve surfactant function and prevent protein nitration. Conclusions: The management of acid-base imbalances should be mastered by all professionals associated to medical care, since any delay in its diagnosis can worsen the evolution and prognosis of seriously ill patients(AU)

Factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de lesión renal aguda en el posoperatorio inmediato / Risk factors for the development of acute renal lesion in the immediate posoperative period

Introducción: La disfunción renal aguda es frecuente en pacientes quirúrgicos. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo que influyen en el desarrollo de lesión renal aguda durante el postoperatorio inmediato en cuatro años. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo casos y controles. (750 controles y 230 casos). Fue empleado el Chi Cuadrado (α< 0,05), el OR con IC 95 por ciento y el cálculo de valores predictivos. Resultados: La frecuencia fue de un 23,4 por ciento. Los factores de riesgo en el posoperatorio fueron: mayores de 60 años (OR 4,0 IC 95 por ciento 2,9-5,6) (p=0,00), cirugía de urgencia (OR 2,7 IC 95 por ciento 2,1-3,6) (p=0,00), ASA clase 4 (OR 2,0 IC 95 por ciento 1,4-2,8,) (p=0,00). En el intra y posoperatorio: cirugía de fractura de cadera (OR 4,9 IC 95 por ciento 3,2-7,5), anestesia general (OR 3,0 IC 95 por ciento 2,2-4,2), administración mayor de 2500 mL de cristaloides (OR 186,1 IC 95 por ciento 107,4-321,9) (p=0,00), más de 60 mg de furosemida (OR 3,3 IC 95 por ciento 2,4-4,6) (p=0,00), APACHE II inicial ≥ 15 puntos (OR 46 IC 95 por ciento 28,1-74,8) (p=0,00). El mayor valor predictivo lo obtuvo el APACHE II inicial (sensibilidad 92,0 por cientoy especificidad 80,0 por ciento). Conclusiones: El control de los factores de riesgo en el posoperatorio inmediato disminuiría de forma significativa la incidencia de lesión renal aguda, en especial en aquellos mayores de 60 años, con cirugía de urgencia, anestesia general, fractura de cadera y APACHE II por encima de 15 puntos. Debe garantizarse la normovolemia, individualizar y optimizar dosis-tiempo de exposición de la furosemida, hemoderivados y aminas vasoactivas(AU)

Introduction: Acute renal dysfunction is frequent in surgical patients. Objective: To identify the risk factors that influence the development of acute kidney injury during the immediate postoperative period in four years. Methods: A case-control study was carried out, with 750 controls and 230 cases. Chi-square (α<0.05), odds ratio [OR] (95 percent confidence interval [95 percent CI]) and calculation of predictive values ​​were used. Results: The frequency was 23.4 percent. The postoperative risk factors were age over 60 years (OR: 4.0; 95 percent CI: 2.9-5.6) (P=0.00), emergency surgery (OR: 2.7; 95 percent CI: 2.1-3.6) (P=0.00), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class IV (OR: 2.0; 95 percent CI: 1.4-2.8) (P=0.00). In the intraoperative and postoperative periods, the risk factors were hip fracture surgery (OR: 4.9; 95 percent CI: 3.2-7.5), general anesthesia (OR: 3.0; 95 percent CI 2.2-4.2), administration of more than 2500 mL of crystalloids (OR: 186.1; 95 percent CI: 107.4-321.9) (P=0.00), more than 60 mg of furosemide (OR: 3.3; 95 percent CI: 2.4-4.6) (p=0.00), initial acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score ≥ 15 points (OR: 46; 95 percent CI: 28.1-74.8) (p=0.00). The highest predictive value was obtained by the initial APACHE II (sensitivity of 92.0 percent and specificity of 80.0 percent). Conclusions: The control of risk factors in the immediate postoperative period would reduce the incidence of acute renal injury significantly, especially in patients aged over 60 years, who underwent emergency surgery, received general anesthesia, with hip fracture and APACHE II above 15 points. Normovolemia must be guaranteed, as well as individualizing and optimizing the relationship dose-time of exposure of furosemide, blood products and vasoactive amines(AU)

Factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes graves con sangramiento digestivo alto no variceal / Prognostic factors of mortality in seriously-III patients with high nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding

Introducción: El pronóstico de morir por sangrado digestivo permite individualizar el tratamiento y disminuir la letalidad. Objetivos: Identificar los factores pronósticos de mortalidad por sangramiento digestivo no variceal en pacientes graves. Métodos: Se estudiaron casos y controles en pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Joaquín Albarrán Domínguez entre el 1ro de enero 2018 al 31 de diciembre de 2019. El universo estuvo constituido por 1060 pacientes, se seleccionaron 154 pacientes (137 controles y 17 casos). Se aplicó el Chi cuadrado y el Odds ratio (IC= 95 por ciento). Resultados: Del total de pacientes estudiados, 11,3 por ciento fallecieron, la edad promedio fue 69 ± 11,58 (grupo control) y 75± 11,42 (grupo casos). Las alteraciones del equilibrio ácido-base tuvieron 7,4 riesgo de morir con (IC 95 por ciento 2,5-21,9), la hipoxia 1,1 (IC 95 por ciento 0,41-3,2), las variaciones del potasio 4,9 (IC 95 por ciento 1,54-16,1), hiperlactemia 16,9 (IC 95 por ciento 5,3-52,0), las desviaciones del sodio 6,5 (IC 95 % 0,8-51,4). Con ventilación mecánica 2,17 (IC 95 por ciento 0,6-7,0), el apoyo de aminas vasoactivas 16,9 (IC 95 por ciento5,30-52,0), la trasfusión de glóbulos rojos, 11,7 (IC 95 por ciento 3,1-4,3) y con tratamiento dialítico 47,5 (IC 95 por ciento 8,6-258.0), las complicaciones 3,4 (IC 95 por ciento 1,15-10,4). El tratamiento endoscópico fue 93,5 por ciento de grupo control y 41,3 por ciento del grupo de casos, con OR en 0,04 (IC 95 por ciento 0,01-0,15). Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos identificados fueron: alteraciones del pH, del sodio, el potasio, elevación del lactato, la ventilación mecánica, transfusiones más de 250 mL de glóbulos rojos, apoyo de aminas vasoactivas, tratamiento dialítico, y complicaciones relacionadas con el sangrado. El tratamiento endoscópico fue un factor de protección(AU)

Introduction: The prognosis of dying from digestive bleeding allows individualizing treatment and reducing mortality. Objectives: To identify the prognostic factors of mortality due to nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding in seriously-ill patients. Methods: Cases and controls were studied in patients admitted to the intensive care unit of Joaquín Albarrán Domínguez Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital, between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019. The universe consisted of 1060 patients, 154 of which were selected to make up the sample (137 controls and 17 cases). Chi-square and odds ratio (CI: 95 percent) were applied. Results: Of the total of patients studied, 11.3 percent died, the average age was 69±11.58 (control group) and 75±11.42 (case group). Alterations in acid-base balance accounted for 7.4 as risk of dying (CI: 95 percent; 2.5-21.9), hypoxia accounted for 1.1 (CI: 95 percent; 0.41-3.2), variations in potassium accounted for 4.9 (CI: 95 percent; 1.54-16.1), hyperlacthemia accounted for 16.9 (CI: 95 percent; 5.3-52.0), and sodium deviations accounted for 6.5 (CI: 95 percent; 0.8-51, 4), mechanical ventilation accounted for 2.17 (CI: 95 percent; 0.6-7.0), vasoactive amines support accounted for 16.9 (CI: 95 percent; 5.30-52.0), red blood cell transfusion accounted for 11.7 (CI: 95 percent; 3.1-4.3), dialysis treatment accounted for 47.5 (CI: 95 percent; 8.6-258.0), and complications accounted for 3.4 (CI: 95 percent; 1.15-10.4). Endoscopic treatment was 93.5 percent in the control group and 41.3 percent in the case group, with odds ratio at 0.04 (CI: 95 percent; 0.01-0.15). Conclusions: The prognostic factors identified were alterations in pH, sodium, potassium, elevated lactate, mechanical ventilation, transfusions of more than 250 mL of red blood cells, vasoactive amine support, dialysis treatment, and complications related to bleeding. Endoscopic treatment was a protective factor(AU)

Ultra-Narrow-Band NIR Photomultiplication Organic Photodetectors Based on Charge Injection Narrowing.

Ultra-narrow-band NIR photomultiplication organic photodetectors (PM-OPDs) were realized in ITO/PEDOT:PSS/active layers/Al based on an interfacial-trap-induced charge injection narrowing (CIN) concept. The rather less Bod Ethex-Hex (BEH) is imbedded in a polymer donor matrix to form large amounts of isolated electron traps. Trapped electrons in BEH close to an Al electrode will enforce hole-tunneling injection induced by interfacial band bending, resulting in a photomultiplication phenomenon. PM-OPDs with P3HT:BEH as the active layer exhibit a narrow response peak at 850 nm with a full-width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 27 nm as well as a rather weak response from 650 to 800 nm. The EQE of 29 700% at 850 nm was achieved in PM-OPDs by incorporating 0.02 wt % of F6TCNNQ under -13 V of applied voltage. The rejection ratio (RR) of the optimized PM-OPDs with F6TCNNQ is 11 for EQE850 nm/EQE700 nm and 10 for EQE850 nm/EQE750 nm, respectively. An EQE of 15 300% at 850 nm was achieved in the ternary PM-OPDs under -13 V of applied voltage, with markedly enhanced RRs of 44 for EQE850 nm/EQE700 nm and 30 for EQE850 nm/EQE750 nm.

Factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes graves con enfermedades neurológicas agudas no traumáticas / Prognostic factors of mortality in seriously ill patients with acute non-traumatic neurological diseases

RESUMEN Fundamento: las enfermedades neurológicas son una de las principales causas de muerte e invalidez en todo el mundo. Objetivo: identificar los factores pronósticos relacionados con la mortalidad por enfermedades neurológicas agudas no traumáticas en pacientes graves. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, transversal, del 1ro de enero al 31 de diciembre 2019. El universo estuvo representado por 130 pacientes y la muestra fue de 114. Se empleó el porcentaje, suma, el chi cuadrado y el Odd Radio para identificar los factores de riesgo, con un IC de 95 %. Resultados: predominó el grupo etario de 50-59 años del sexo masculino con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica, aunque el mayor porcentaje de fallecidos fue por enfermedad cerebrovascular hemorrágica. Los pacientes con tratamiento quirúrgico tuvieron relación con la mortalidad, con discreto predominio de la cirugía urgente. Alrededor de la mitad de los pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica y fue un factor pronóstico de mortalidad. Predominó la desnutrición y la obesidad. Las arritmias cardíacas, necesidad de apoyo de aminas vasoactivas, estadía promedio mayor de 14 días y las complicaciones fueron factores de pronóstico de mortalidad. Igual, el índice leucoglicémico mayor de 0,75 y APACHE II inicial mayor de 15 puntos. Predominó la puntuación Glasgow por encima de ocho puntos. Conclusiones: los factores pronósticos relacionados con la mortalidad por enfermedades neurológicas agudas no traumáticas en pacientes graves fueron la presencia de arritmias cardíacas, necesidad de ventilación mecánica y de apoyo de aminas vasoactivas tratamiento quirúrgico, índice leucoglicémico mayor de 0,75 puntos, puntuación APACHE II inicial mayor de 15 puntos y la presencia de complicaciones.

ABSTRACT Background: neurological diseases are one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide. Objective: to identify prognostic factors related to mortality from acute non-traumatic neurological diseases in seriously ill patients. Methods: a retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Universe was constituted of 130 patients and the sample was 114. Percentage, sum, chi-square and Odd Radio were used to identify risk factors, with an IC of 95 %. Results: the age group of 50-59 years prevailed, male with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, although the highest percentage of deaths was due to hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. Patients with surgical treatment were related to mortality, with a slight predominance of urgent surgery. About half of the patients required mechanical ventilation and it was a prognostic factor for mortality. Malnutrition and obesity predominated. Cardiac arrhythmias, need for vasoactive amine support, average length of stay greater than 14 days and complications were prognostic factors for mortality. Likewise, the leukoglycemic index greater than 0.75 and the initial APACHE II was greater than 15 points. The Glasgow score was above 8 points. Conclusions: the prognostic factors related to mortality from acute non-traumatic neurological diseases in severe patients were the presence of cardiac arrhythmias, need for mechanical ventilation and support for vasoactive amines, surgical treatment, leukoglycemic index greater than 0.75 points, initial APACHE II score greater than 15 points and the presence of complications.

Functional panchromatic BODIPY dyes with near-infrared absorption: design, synthesis, characterization and use in dye-sensitized solar cells.

We report two novel functional dyes based on a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core displaying a panchromatic absorption with an extension to the near-infrared (NIR) range. An innovative synthetic approach for preparing the 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-BODIPY unit is disclosed, and a versatile way to further functionalize this unit has been developed. The optoelectronic properties of the two dyes were computed by density functional theory modelling (DFT) and characterized through UV-vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Finally, we report preliminary results obtained using these functional dyes as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Hydrogen Bonding as a Supramolecular Tool for Robust OFET Devices.

In the present study, we demonstrated the effect of hydrogen bonding in the semiconducting behaviour of a small molecule used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). For this study, the highly soluble dumbbell-shaped molecule, Boc-TATDPP based on a Boc-protected thiophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and triazatruxene (TAT) moieties was used. The two Boc groups of the molecule were removed by annealing at 200 °C, which created a strong hydrogen-bonded network of NH-TATDPP supported by additional π-π stacking. These were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, XRD and high-resolution (HR)-TEM measurements. FETs were fabricated with the semiconducting channel made of Boc-TATDPP and NH-TATDPP separately. It is worth mentioning that the Boc-TATDPP film can be cast from solution and then annealed to get the other systems with NH-TATDPP. More importantly, NH-TATDPP showed significantly higher hole mobilities compared to Boc-TATDPP. Interestingly, the high hole mobility in the case of NH-TATDPP was unaffected upon blending with [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71 BM). Thus, this robust hydrogen-bonded supramolecular network is likely to be useful in designing efficient and stable organic optoelectronic devices.