Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Mostrar: 20 | 50 | 100
Resultados 1 - 20 de 40
Filtrar
1.
Cureus ; 16(3): e55916, 2024 Mar.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38601366

RESUMO

Aim  This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and texture features (TFs) for differentiating uterine endometrial carcinoma from uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods This retrospective study included 102 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed after surgery with uterine endometrial carcinoma (n=68) or uterine carcinosarcoma (n=34) between January 2008 and December 2021. We assessed conventional MRI findings and measurements (cMRFMs) and TFs on T2-weighted images (T2WI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, as well as their combinations, in differentiating between uterine endometrial carcinoma and uterine carcinosarcoma. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to select three features with the highest absolute value of the LASSO regression coefficient for each model and construct a discriminative model. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the disease models and conduct receiver operating characteristic analyses on the cMRFMs, T2WI-TFs, ADC-TFs, and their combined model to compare the two diseases. Results A total of four models were constructed from each of the three selected features. The area under the curve (AUC) of the discriminative model using these features was 0.772, 0.878, 0.748, and 0.915 for the cMRFMs, T2WI-TFs, ADC-TFs, and a combined model of cMRFMs and TFs, respectively. The combined model showed a higher AUC than the other models, with a high diagnostic performance (AUC=0.915). Conclusion A combined model using cMRFMs and TFs might be helpful for the differential diagnosis of uterine endometrial carcinoma and uterine carcinosarcoma.

2.
Heliyon ; 9(8): e19312, 2023 Aug.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37664730

RESUMO

In this work, we have experimentally investigated the impact of light trapping on the performance of InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) solar cells. To increase the amount of absorbed near-infrared photons, we fabricated a thin-film QD solar cell with a backside mirror where the positions of the QD layers were matched with the intensity peaks of one of the Fabry-Perot (FP) resonances in this structure to enable enhanced QD absorption near 1192 nm. We demonstrate that the external quantum efficiency at a given FP resonance wavelength of such an InAs/GaAs-based QD solar cell can be increased by an order of magnitude over solar cells without FP resonance by optimally positioning the QD layers.

3.
ACS Omega ; 8(25): 22414-22427, 2023 Jun 27.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37396253

RESUMO

As a well-explored chalcopyrite material, copper gallium sulfide CGS has been considered a potential material for solar cell absorber layers. However, its photovoltaic attributes still require to be improved. In this research, a novel chalcopyrite material, copper gallium sulfide telluride CGST, has been deposited and verified as a thin film absorber layer to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells by experimental testing and numerical simulations. The results display the intermediate band formation in CGST with incorporation of Fe ions. Electrical studies showed enhancement in mobility from 1.181 to 1.473 cm2 V-1 s-1 and conductivity from 2.182 to 5.952 S cm-1 for pure and 0.08 Fe-substituted thin films. The I-V curves display the photoresponse and ohmic nature of the deposited thin films, and the maximum photoresponsivity (0.109 A W-1) was observed for 0.08 Fe-substituted films. Theoretical simulation of the prepared solar cells was carried out using SCAPS-1D software, and the obtained efficiency displayed an increasing trend from 6.14 to 11.07% as the Fe concentration increased from 0.0 to 0.08. This variation in efficiency is attributed to the decrease in bandgap (2.51-1.94 eV) and the formation of an intermediate band in CGST with Fe substitution, which is evidenced in UV-vis spectroscopy. The above revealed results open the way to 0.08 Fe-substituted CGST as a promising candidate as a thin film absorber layer in solar photovoltaic technology.

4.
Adv Mater ; 35(38): e2301834, 2023 Sep.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37311157

RESUMO

A deep understanding of the effect of the A-site cation cross-exchange on the hot-carrier relaxation dynamics in perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) has profound implications on the further development of disruptive photovoltaic technologies. In this study, the hot carrier cooling kinetics of pure FAPbI3 (FA+ , CH(NH2 )2 + ), MAPbI3 (MA+ , CH3 NH3 + + ), CsPbI3 (Cs+ , Cesium) and alloyed FA0.5 MA0.5 PbI3 , FA0.5 Cs0.5 PbI3 , and MA0.5 Cs0.5 PbI3 QDs are investigated using ultrafast transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. The lifetimes of the initial fast cooling stage (<1 ps) of all the organic cation-containing PQDs are shorter than those of the CsPbI3 QDs, as verified by the electron-phonon coupling strength extracted from the temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra. The lifetimes of the slow cooling stage of the alloyed PQDs are longer under illumination greater than 1 sun, which is ascribed to the introduction of co-vibrational optical phonon modes in the alloyed PQDs. This facilitated efficient acoustic phonon upconversion and enhanced the hot-phonon bottleneck effect, as demonstrated by first-principles calculations.

5.
Acta Biomater ; 162: 110-119, 2023 05.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36924877

RESUMO

The scaly-foot gastropod (Chrysomallon squamiferum), which lives in the deep-sea zone of oceans around thermal vents, has a black shell and scales on the foot. Both the black shell and scales contain iron sulfide minerals such as greigite (Fe3S4) and pyrite (FeS2). Although pyrite nanoparticles can be used as materials for solar panels, it is difficult to synthesize stable and spherical nanoparticles in vitro. In this study, we extracted organic molecules that interact with nano-pyrite from the shell of the scaly-foot gastropod to develop a low-cost, eco-friendly method for pyrite nanoparticles synthesis. Myoglobin (csMG), a heme protein, was identified in the iron sulfide layer of the shell. We purified recombinant csMG (r-csMG) and demonstrated that r-csMG helped in the conversion of ferric ions, sulfide ions and sulfur into spherical shaped pyrite nanoparticles at 80°C. To reduce the effort and cost of production, we showed that commercially available myoglobin from Equus caballus (ecMG) also induced the in vitro synthesis of pyrite nanoparticles. Using structure-function experiments with digested peptides, we highlighted that the amino acid sequence of r-csMG peptides controlled the spherical shape of the nanoparticle while the hemin molecules, which the peptides interacted with, maintained the size of nanoparticles. Synthesized pyrite nanoparticles exhibited strong photoluminescence in the visible wavelength region, suggesting its potential application as a photovoltaic solar cell material. These results suggest that materials for solar cells can be produced at low cost and energy under eco-friendly conditions. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pyrite is a highly promising material for photovoltaic devices because of its excellent optical, electrical, magnetic, and transport properties and high optical absorption coefficient. Almost all current pyrite synthesis methods use organic solvents at high temperature and pressure under reducing conditions. Synthesized pyrite nanoparticles are unstable and are difficult to use in devices. The scaly-foot gastropod can synthesize pyrite nanoparticles in vivo, meaning that pyrite nanoparticles can be generated in an aqueous environment at low temperature. In this study, we demonstrated the synthesis of pyrite nanoparticles using a heme protein identified in the iron sulfide layer of the scaly-foot gastropod shell. These results exemplify how natural products in organisms can inspire the innovation of new technology.


Assuntos
Gastrópodes , Nanopartículas , Animais , Cavalos , Mioglobina , Sulfetos/química
6.
IJU Case Rep ; 5(6): 459-463, 2022 Nov.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36341186

RESUMO

Introduction: Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) harboring a pathological variant in the RET gene are characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma, and hyperparathyroidism. Although pheochromocytoma is currently defined as a malignant tumor, MEN2A-associated pheochromocytoma is known to have a small risk of metastasis. Case presentation: The case was a 62-year-old Japanese male with bilateral pheochromocytoma, multiple metastases in the liver and bones, and a cardiac thrombus. Genetic testing revealed a pathological variant at codon 634 of the RET gene, thereby leading a diagnosis of MTC. We considered that the multiple metastases were due to MTC; however, a liver biopsy revealed metastasis of pheochromocytoma. Conclusion: When pheochromocytoma precedes MTC, the diagnosis of MEN2A may be difficult.

7.
J Ovarian Res ; 15(1): 65, 2022 May 25.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35610706

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based characteristics and a texture analysis (TA) for discriminating between ovarian thecoma-fibroma groups (OTFGs) and ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs). METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study enrolled 52 patients with 32 OGCTs and 21 OTFGs, which were dissected and pathologically diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2019. MRI-based features (MBFs) and texture features (TFs) were evaluated and compared between OTFGs and OGCTs. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was performed to select features and construct the discriminating model. ROC analyses were conducted on MBFs, TFs, and their combination to discriminate between the two diseases. RESULTS: We selected 3 features with the highest absolute value of the LASSO regression coefficient for each model: the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), peripheral cystic area, and contrast enhancement in the venous phase (VCE) for the MRI-based model; the 10th percentile, difference variance, and maximal correlation coefficient for the TA-based model; and ADC, VCE, and the difference variance for the combination model. The areas under the curves of the constructed models were 0.938, 0.817, and 0.941, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the MRI-based and combination models was similar (p = 0.38), but significantly better than that of the TA-based model (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The conventional MRI-based analysis has potential as a method to differentiate OTFGs from OGCTs. TA did not appear to be of any additional benefit. Further studies are needed on the use of these methods for a preoperative differential diagnosis of these two diseases.


Assuntos
Fibroma , Tumor de Células da Granulosa , Tumor da Célula Tecal , Feminino , Fibroma/diagnóstico por imagem , Tumor de Células da Granulosa/diagnóstico por imagem , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Neoplasias Ovarianas , Curva ROC , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tumor da Célula Tecal/diagnóstico por imagem
8.
Nanotechnology ; 2022 May 18.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35584615

RESUMO

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are versatile layered materials with potential applications ranging from optoelectronic devices to water splitting. Top-down fabrication methods such as exfoliation are not practical for a large-scale production of high-quality devices: a bottom-up approach such as sputtering, a low-temperature deposition method, is more suitable. However, due to its anisotropic nature, the growth mechanism of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) via sputtering is complex and remains to be investigated in detail. In this paper, we study the growth of MoS2 films co-deposited by using a sulfur (S) hot-lip cell and a molybdenum (Mo) sputtering target via reactive sputtering. The impact of S partial pressure on the structure and morphology of MoS2films was systematically characterized, and it was observed that the growth is dominated by vertically-oriented sheets with horizontal branches, resulting in a tree-like structure. The growth front of the structures is ascribed to the anisotropic incorporation of adatoms with regards to the orientation of MoS2.

9.
Abdom Radiol (NY) ; 47(6): 1917-1928, 2022 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35488897

RESUMO

PURPOSE: Schwannomas in and around the porta hepatis (porta hepatic schwannomas) are rare benign tumors easily misdiagnosed as other pathologies, including malignancies. We aimed to evaluate their imaging features on ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT). METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study by reviewing the clinical and imaging findings of pathologically proven eight porta hepatic schwannomas (mean age, 55 years; range, 38-80 years; one male and seven females). Preoperative imaging included three ultrasonography, eight CT, eight MRI, and two FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS: All patients were asymptomatic. The mean tumor size was 61.9 mm (range, 30-180 mm), and all tumors demonstrated well-defined lesions on ultrasonography and their solid components showed soft tissue attenuation on non-contrast CT. MRI showed two distinct components in all cases: the component with T1-weighted hypointensities and T2-weighted hyperintensities with poor enhancement (suggestive of Antoni B histology); the component with T2-weighted hypointensities with gradually increasing enhancement (suggestive of Antoni A histology), resulting in a heterogeneous pattern on post-contrast CT or MRI (8/8, 100%). The separated deviation of surrounding bile ducts and vessels without obstruction allowed the recognition of extrahepatic localization and their benign nature. A ginger root-like morphology (2/8, 25%) seemed to be suggestive of extension along the Glisson's sheath, although this finding was not seen frequently. CONCLUSION: Recognizing imaging features such as extrahepatic location, benign nature with internal structures suggestive of Antoni A/B histology, and characteristic tumor extension may provide key diagnostic clues for porta hepatic schwannomas.


Assuntos
Fluordesoxiglucose F18 , Neurilemoma , Feminino , Humanos , Fígado/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neurilemoma/diagnóstico por imagem , Neurilemoma/patologia , Tomografia por Emissão de Pósitrons combinada à Tomografia Computadorizada/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos
10.
Anticancer Res ; 42(5): 2727-2735, 2022 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35489743

RESUMO

BACKGROUND/AIM: CheckMate 214 study revealed that nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy showed a strong and durable effect compared to sunitinib for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). Most of the patients underwent previous nephrectomy before systemic treatment. We retrospectively investigated the clinical outcomes of Japanese patients treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy following nivolumab plus ipilimumab for aRCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients were treated with systemic therapy for aRCC between October 2018 and August 2021 at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center. Ten of 61 patients treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy after the combined immunotherapy. RESULTS: The median overall survival and progression-free survival were 24.3 and 15.9 months, respectively. The objective response rate was 50.8%; 9.8% of patients had a complete response, and the median time to objective response was 3.2 (range=1.3-19.7) months. The estimated percentage of patients who sustained an objective response at 30 months was 73.0%. Twenty-three patients (74%) in the complete or partial response (CR/PR) group, 11 patients (52%) in the stable disease (SD) group, and two patients (22%) in the progressive disease (PD) group had immune-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher, respectively. For all 10 patients, cytoreductive nephrectomy following nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment were completed safely. Three patients achieved a pathological complete response without viable cancer cells. Only two patients had residual lesions on images after deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy; the remaining patients achieved radiological CR. CONCLUSION: Cytoreductive nephrectomy after nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment could be useful in a limited number of cases, possibly resulting in curative nephrectomy due to the durable therapeutic effect of immunotherapy.


Assuntos
Carcinoma de Células Renais , Neoplasias Renais , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efeitos adversos , Carcinoma de Células Renais/tratamento farmacológico , Carcinoma de Células Renais/etiologia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos de Citorredução , Feminino , Humanos , Ipilimumab/efeitos adversos , Neoplasias Renais/tratamento farmacológico , Masculino , Nefrectomia , Nivolumabe/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos
11.
Jpn J Radiol ; 40(4): 385-395, 2022 Apr.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34750737

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To generate a new discrimination method to distinguish between malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus and T2-weighted hyperintense leiomyoma based on magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 32 tumors of 32 patients with malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus and from 34 tumors of 30 patients with T2-weighted hyperintense leiomyoma were analyzed. Clinical parameters, qualitative magnetic resonance imaging features, including computed diffusion-weighted imaging, and quantitative characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging of these two tumor types were compared. Predictive values for malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus were calculated using variant discriminant analysis. RESULTS: The T1 bright area on qualitative assessment and mean apparent diffusion coefficient value on quantitative assessment yielded the most independent magnetic resonance imaging differentiators of malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus and T2-weighted hyperintense leiomyoma. The classification accuracy of the variant discriminant analysis based on three selected findings, i.e., a T1 bright area, computed diffusion-weighted imaging with a b-value of 2000s/mm2 (cDWI2000), and T2-hypointense bands, was 84.8% (56/66), indicating high accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Variant discriminant analysis using the T1 bright area, cDWI2000, and T2-hypointense bands yielded high accuracy for differentiating between malignant mesenchymal tumors of the uterus and T2-weighted hyperintense leiomyoma.


Assuntos
Leiomioma , Neoplasias Uterinas , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Imagem de Difusão por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Feminino , Humanos , Leiomioma/diagnóstico por imagem , Leiomioma/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Neoplasias Uterinas/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Uterinas/patologia , Útero/diagnóstico por imagem , Útero/patologia
12.
J Anus Rectum Colon ; 5(3): 306-312, 2021.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34395944

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have examined the correlations between the arteries and veins of the right colon. In this study, we aimed to use high-resolution CT scans to understand the vascular anatomy of Henle's gastrocolic trunk and review the terminology describing the arteries and veins of the right colon. METHODS: This retrospective study has examined patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer in a single institution in Japan. Scans from consecutive patients who underwent surgery between October 2017 and March 2020 (n = 165) were examined. Preoperative CT images were used to create multiplanar reformation images and volume rendering images. RESULTS: Among the 139 patients with Henle's gastrocolic trunk (GCT) present, arteries accompanying the accessory right colic vein (ARCV) were most common on the right branch of the middle colic artery (MCA) (71.2%), followed by the right colic artery (RCA) (19.4%); meanwhile, 9.4% of the patients had no accompanying arteries. Of patients with no accompanying arteries to the ARCV, RCA was present in 15.4%. Among the 26 patients with no GCT, the right colic vein (RCV) existed in 15 patients, with the artery accompanying the RCV most commonly being the right branch of the MCA (66.6%), followed by the RCA (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the presence of GCT, approximately 70% of the arteries accompanying the drainage vein from the right colon were the right branch of the MCA. We suggest that vascular branch formation be considered preoperatively in surgical management for right colon cancer.

13.
Eur J Radiol ; 138: 109620, 2021 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33713905

RESUMO

PURPOSE: To compare the estimated quantity of intratumor gadoxetic acid retention using T1 mapping of gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) versus conventional processing methods for the differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions. METHODS: Seventy patients with hepatic lesions (colorectal metastasis (CRM) [n = 28], hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [n = 20], hemangioma [n = 12], and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) [n = 10]) underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, including pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging and T1 mapping. Quantitative analyses included the lesion-to-liver signal intensity ratio (SIR) on hepatobiliary phase images, the pre- and post-contrast lesion T1 value difference (ΔT1 [ms]), and the lesion retention index (LRI [%]), which was the estimated intralesional gadoxetic acid retention calculated on pre- and post-contrast T1 maps using a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model. Results were compared between the four subcategories of focal liver lesions using the Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by the post-hoc Dunn's test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to distinguish between pairs of the four lesion subcategories. RESULTS: This study identified significant differences in the LRI of the four lesion subcategories (p <  0.01), without significant differences in ΔT1 or SIR. Post-hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences in CRM vs. hemangioma (p <  0.01), hemangioma vs. ICC (p <  0.01), and HCC vs. ICC (p =  0.047) for the LRI. CONCLUSIONS: The quantity of intratumor gadoxetic acid retention estimated using pre- and post- contrast T1 mapping could distinguish focal liver lesions, unlike conventional processing methods, and captured unique lesion characteristics.


Assuntos
Neoplasias dos Ductos Biliares , Carcinoma Hepatocelular , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Carcinoma Hepatocelular/diagnóstico por imagem , Meios de Contraste , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Gadolínio DTPA , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico por imagem , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade
14.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 11(2)2021 Jan 29.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33573008

RESUMO

From the viewpoint of band engineering, the use of GaSb quantum nanostructures is expected to lead to highly efficient intermediate-band solar cells (IBSCs). In IBSCs, current generation via two-step optical excitations through the intermediate band is the key to the operating principle. This mechanism requires the formation of a strong quantum confinement structure. Therefore, we focused on the material system with GaSb quantum nanostructures embedded in AlGaAs layers. However, studies involving crystal growth of GaSb quantum nanostructures on AlGaAs layers have rarely been reported. In our work, we fabricated GaSb quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rings (QRs) on AlGaAs layers via molecular-beam epitaxy. Using the Stranski-Krastanov growth mode, we demonstrated that lens-shaped GaSb QDs can be fabricated on AlGaAs layers. In addition, atomic force microscopy measurements revealed that GaSb QDs could be changed to QRs under irradiation with an As molecular beam even when they were deposited onto AlGaAs layers. We also investigated the suitability of GaSb/AlGaAs QDSCs and QRSCs for use in IBSCs by evaluating the temperature characteristics of their external quantum efficiency. For the GaSb/AlGaAs material system, the QDSC was found to have slightly better two-step optical excitation temperature characteristics than the QRSC.

15.
Radiol Case Rep ; 15(2): 101-104, 2020 Feb.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31762866

RESUMO

The inferior mesenteric artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery is an extremely rare anatomic variation. We report a case with this variation demonstrated with 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which later was confirmed at surgery. The ordinary inferior mesenteric artery arising from the aorta was absent. Previously reported cases with this variation are reviewed. 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced computed tomography is useful for in vivo visualization of aberrant arterial anatomy.

16.
Mol Clin Oncol ; 10(5): 506-510, 2019 May.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31007911

RESUMO

A 66-year-old Japanese male patient was referred to Saitama Medical University International Medical Center for treatment of bladder cancer (clinical stage T2 or higher without metastasis), and underwent radical cystectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. The histopathological diagnosis was high-grade urothelial carcinoma (pathological stage T2bN2, ly1, v0) and 2 cycles of adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) were administered. At 15 months after the operation, mediastinal and lung hilar lymph nodes and multiple bone metastases were identified on computed tomography imaging. After 3 cycles of the previous regimen as salvage systemic chemotherapy, the lymph node metastases had shrunk and the bone metastases were stable; therefore, further chemotherapy was planned. At 26 days after the initiation of the 4th cycle, the patient felt nausea and lower limb weakness. Spinal and brain magnetic resonance imaging with contrast medium revealed diffuse enhancement at the surface of the spinal cord and brain. In addition, abnormal signal intensity in the subarachnoid space was observed on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with meningeal carcinomatosis (MC). Treatment, including whole-brain radiotherapy, was planned for MC; however, the patient's condition rapidly worsened and he succumbed to the disease 14 days after the diagnosis of MC. The definitive diagnosis of MC was confirmed at autopsy.

17.
Nat Commun ; 10(1): 43, 2019 01 10.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30626874

RESUMO

The intermediate-band solar cell (IBSC) with quantum dots and a bulk semiconductor matrix has potential for high power conversion efficiency, exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit. However, the IBSCs reported to date have been fabricated only by dry process and their efficiencies are limited, because their photo-absorption layers have low particle density of quantum dots, defects due to lattice strain, and low bandgap energy of bulk semiconductors. Here we present solution-processed IBSCs containing photo-absorption layers where lead sulfide quantum dots are densely dispersed in methylammonium lead bromide perovskite matrices with a high bandgap energy of 2.3 eV under undistorted conditions. We confirm that the present IBSCs exhibit two-step photon absorption via intermediate-band at room temperature by inter-subband photocurrent spectroscopy.

19.
Sci Technol Adv Mater ; 19(1): 336-369, 2018.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29707072

RESUMO

Photovoltaic generation has stepped up within the last decade from outsider status to one of the important contributors of the ongoing energy transition, with about 1.7% of world electricity provided by solar cells. Progress in materials and production processes has played an important part in this development. Yet, there are many challenges before photovoltaics could provide clean, abundant, and cheap energy. Here, we review this research direction, with a focus on the results obtained within a Japan-French cooperation program, NextPV, working on promising solar cell technologies. The cooperation was focused on efficient photovoltaic devices, such as multijunction, ultrathin, intermediate band, and hot-carrier solar cells, and on printable solar cell materials such as colloidal quantum dots.

20.
Nat Commun ; 6: 8685, 2015 Nov 06.
Artigo em Inglês | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26541415

RESUMO

The direct conversion of solar energy to electricity can be broadly separated into two main categories: photovoltaics and thermal photovoltaics, where the former utilizes gradients in electrical potential and the latter thermal gradients. Conventional thermal photovoltaics has a high theoretical efficiency limit (84%) but in practice cannot be easily miniaturized and is limited by the engineering challenges of sustaining large (>1,000 K) temperature gradients. Here we show a hot-carrier-based thermophotonic solar cell, which combines the compact nature of photovoltaic devices with the potential to reach the high-efficiency regime of thermal photovoltaics. In the device, a thermal gradient of 500 K is established by hot electrons, under Stokes illumination, rather than by raising the temperature of the material itself. Under anti-Stokes (sub-bandgap) illumination we observe a thermal gradient of ∼20 K, which is maintained by steady-state Auger heating of carriers and corresponds to a internal thermal up-conversion efficiency of 30% between the collector and solar cell.

SELEÇÃO DE REFERÊNCIAS
DETALHE DA PESQUISA
...