Search Results (985)

Central nervous system (CNS) cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is a severe opportunistic infection that primarily affects individuals with impaired cellular immunity. Although the classic presentation includes headache, fever, and meningeal signs, chronically immunosuppressed patients may develop atypical neuropsychiatric manifestations, leading to diagnostic delays. We report the case of a 53-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving long-term prednisolone and etanercept therapy, who presented with a 7-day history of depressive mood, anhedonia, social withdrawal, irritability, and progressive confusion. Neurological examination revealed disorientation without focal deficits. Brain imaging showed only mild cortical atrophy, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, low glucose, and elevated protein levels. Multiplex PCR (FilmArray^®) of CSF identified Cryptococcus neoformans, CSF positive to C. neoformans. The patient was treated with liposomal amphotericin B followed by fluconazole, resulting in gradual improvement of both neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This case highlights an unusual presentation of CNS cryptococcosis in a non-HIV immunosuppressed patient with RA, emphasizing that acute psychiatric or cognitive changes can be the predominant manifestation. Clinicians should consider fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of acute neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients receiving chronic corticosteroid and biologic therapy. Early recognition and molecular diagnosis can facilitate timely antifungal treatment, potentially improving prognosis and reducing morbidity associated with delayed therapy. This report underscores the importance of awareness of atypical presentations of opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed populations. Full article

Two types of devices capable of switchable infrared spectral control are demonstrated by utilizing the phase-change characteristics of In₃SbTe₂ (Indium–Antimony–Tellurium, IST), which transitions from a low-loss dielectric amorphous phase to a high-loss metallic crystalline state. Through comprehensive structural design, theoretical calculation, simulation analysis, experimental measurement, and application demonstration, we realize distinct switching effects and functions of these two devices. In the first design, IST mono-layer thin films integrated with infrared-transparent substrates (KBr and ZnSe) enable switching between amorphous high transmittance and crystalline high reflectance states over the 2.5–15 μm range, suitable for infrared optical switches and stealth applications. In the second design, introducing a Si metasurface disk array atop the IST mono-layer thin film enables switching between broadband infrared transparency and narrowband high emissivity. This configuration allows independent spectral control of the infrared spectra within the non-atmospheric (5–8 μm) and atmospheric (8–14 μm) windows, providing a versatile platform for tunable thermal radiation management and adaptive infrared camouflage. Full article

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is a promising material for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photodetection, owing to its ultra-wide bandgap and cost-effective synthesis. In this work, 2-inch high-quality hBN films were successfully deposited by magnetron sputtering, and 16×1 linear photodetector arrays were fabricated using a patterned electrode process. The fabricated devices exhibit excellent uniformity, achieving a dark current below 2 pA, a responsivity of 2.665 mA/W, a specific detectivity of 4.831 × 10⁹ Jones, and rise/decay times of 91.31 and 147.25 ms, respectively. Furthermore, clear VUV images were obtained by using the photodetector array as the imaging unit of the imaging system. These results provide a convenient way to construct high-performance linear VUV photodetector arrays based on hBN films, and thus may push forward their future applications. Full article

A novel wavelength-selective absorber is numerically designed and analyzed using a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method. The proposed solar thermal absorber consists of an array of asymmetric tungsten ring nanowires deposited on a tungsten thin film. This structure achieves high solar absorption efficiency (78.5%) and low thermal emissivity (5%) at 100 °C, resulting in a photothermal conversion efficiency of 73.55% under standard solar illumination. The selective absorption arises from the excitation of magnetic polaritons and surface plasmon polaritons. To further elucidate the physical mechanisms behind the spectral response, an equivalent inductor–capacitor circuit model is employed. The absorber also exhibits polarization-insensitive and angle-independent performance up to 50° for both transverse magnetic and transverse electric polarizations. These results demonstrate the potential of the proposed metamaterial absorber for advanced applications in solar energy harvesting, photothermal conversion, and thermal emission. Full article

Background/Objectives: International guidelines recommend the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for lung transplantation (LT). Although multiplex PCR (mPCR) has been shown to hasten antibiotic adaptation during pneumonia, its use to guide antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing LT has not been described. We aimed to determine whether mPCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in donor and recipient allows the early adaptation of antibiotic prophylaxis during LT. Methods: a retrospective, single-center study to evaluate the proportion of patients for whom mPCR (FilmArray Pneumonia Plus Panel^®, Biomérieux (FAPP)) in the donor and recipient BAL resulted in an early modification of antibiotic prophylaxis. We also compared the time to results using mPCR and standard microbiology and the time spent with inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Results: Forty-one patients were included. Donor and recipient mPCR resulted in the early adaptation of antibiotic prophylaxis in 10 (24%) patients. Standard microbiology confirmed the results of mPCR in 90% of them. FAPP resulted in an antibiotic escalation based on donor (9/10) or recipient (1/10) BAL identification, mainly Group 3 Enterobacterales and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli. The time to results was 1.7 (1.5–2.4) h for mPCR vs. 74.3 (41.5–92.7) h for standard microbiology (p < 0.001) on donor BAL and 1.7 (1.5–2.4) h vs. 92.8 (48.4–112.9) h (p < 0.001) on recipient BAL. Patients with mPCR-based adaptation had a 71.9 (30.7–92.1) h reduction in the duration of inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusions: mPCR in donor and recipient BAL during LT might lead to faster adaptation and a reduction in the time spent with inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Full article

Plasmonic nanohole arrays (NAs) integrating Au and hydrogen-responsive Mg enable dynamic spectral tuning via the Mg → MgH₂ transition. Using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical simulations, we systematically investigate how layer sequence, Au/Mg ratio, total thickness, and stacking number govern extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) resonances. Mg–Au–Mg architectures exhibit the strongest hydrogen response, delivering resonance shifts up to 275 nm and FoM > 1, owing to direct plasmon–hydride coupling at surface Mg layers. Varying the Au/Mg ratio reveals a trade-off: Mg-rich stacks maximize spectral tunability but suffer from broadened, unstable resonances, while Au-rich stacks sustain sharp modes with limited sensitivity; optimal performance arises at intermediate compositions. Thickness dependence shows that ultrathin films (<50 nm) achieve giant shifts (>600 nm) with high contrast, whereas thicker multilayers lose responsiveness. Finally, stacking analysis uncovers an odd–even effect, with Mg-terminated arrays providing larger shifts than Au-terminated ones. These results establish design rules for hydrogen plasmonic sensors, emphasizing resonance engineering through rational layer ordering and composition control. Full article

We present a flexible pH sensor which leverages the unique properties of reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline (rGO/PANI) composite films through an efficient and scalable hybrid microfabrication approach, wherein the rGO/PANI films are conformally coated on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates via dip-coating and thereafter lithographically patterned into precise arrays of interdigitated electrodes (IDEs), serving both as the pH-active medium and the electrical interface. Upon dip-coating, a thermal reduction process is performed to yield uniform rGO/PANI composite layers on PET substrates, where the PANI content is adjusted to 20% to optimize conductivity and protonation-driven response. Composition optimization is first performed using inkjet-printed silver (Ag) contacts and a conductometric readout mechanism is employed to explore pH-dependent behavior. Subsequently, IDE arrays are defined in the rGO/PANI using photolithography and oxygen-plasma etching, demonstrating clean pattern transfer and dimensional control on flexible substrates. Eliminating separate contact metals in the final design simplifies the stack and reduces cost. A set of IDE geometries is evaluated through I–V measurements in buffers of different pH values, revealing a consistent, monotonic change in electrical characteristics with pH and geometry-tunable response. The present study demonstrated that the most precise pH measurement was achieved with an 80:20 rGO/PANI composition within the pH 2–10 range. These results establish rGO/PANI IDEs as a scalable route to low-cost, miniaturized, and mechanically compliant pH sensors for field and in-line monitoring applications. Full article

Candida viswanathii has been sporadically reported in Asia and South America but not in Europe. This study reports the first European outbreak of C. viswanathii in a paediatric hospital, outlining diagnostic challenges and containment measures. Fifteen C. viswanathii isolates were recovered from blood cultures of consecutive pediatric patients admitted to intensive care units between April and August 2025. Identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, chromogenic media, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. All isolates were initially misidentified as C. tropicalis by MALDI-TOF MS and undetected by the FilmArray BCID2 panel. WGS confirmed C. viswanathii, and FT-IR analysis revealed clonally related strains, indicating an outbreak. Colonies displayed a distinct deep-blue color on chromogenic CHROMagar™ medium. Elevated fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations were observed, while isolates remained susceptible to echinocandins and amphotericin B. A multidisciplinary infection-control response halted transmission within four weeks. This investigation documents the first C. viswanathii outbreak in Europe, highlighting diagnostic limitations of current commercial tools and the need for updated databases. Integration of FT-IR spectroscopy and WGS facilitated outbreak detection and containment, underscoring the importance of advanced diagnostics and surveillance for emerging fungal pathogens. Full article

Gate driver-on-array (GOA) circuits employing amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO)-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been successfully utilized to generate the driving signals for the commercialization of active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. The depletion-mode TFTs in GOA circuits can be completely turned off by the introduction of series-connected, two-transistor, dual low-voltage-level power signals. Simulation results demonstrate that a GOA exhibits high process stability with a threshold voltage margin from −5 V to +5 V. Furthermore, the GOA output characterization and mobility compensation effect are evaluated by the integration of the GOA and pixel in a 31-inch 4K AMOLED display. Experimental results demonstrate that full-swing driving pulses can be obtained with the GOA. Finally, the stripe mura in the display caused by mobility variation can be successfully eliminated by the introduction of GOA circuits. Full article

Developing flexible, cost-effective, and durable sensors is a key challenge for integrating Cyber–Physical–Human Systems (CPHSs) into smart homes. This paper introduces a flexible pressure sensor array designed for CPHS applications, addressing the need for cost-effective and durable sensors in smart homes. Our approach combines flexible piezoelectric materials with Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing (SFCS). Unlike previous pressure sensors made of flexible piezoelectric materials, which can only measure dynamic pressure due to charge leakage, by using SFCS, the piezoelectric material is not directly in the circuit, and our sensor can effectively measure static pressure. While traditional arrays require multiple I/O ports or a matrix configuration, our design measures four distinct locations using only a single I/O port. The sensor is also mechanically flexible and exhibits high durability, capable of functioning even after being cut or torn, provided the electrode contact area remains largely intact. To decode the complex, multiplexed signal from this single channel, we developed a two-stage deep learning pipeline. We utilized data from thin-film resistive pressure sensors as ground truth. A classification model determines which of the four sensors are being touched. Then a regression model uses this touch-state information to estimate the corresponding pressure values. This pipeline employs a hybrid architecture that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. The results show that the system can estimate pressure values at each location. To demonstrate its application, the sensor system was integrated into a power recliner, thereby transforming the chair into an interactive tool for daily exercise designed to improve the well-being of older adults. This successful implementation establishes a viable pathway for the development of intelligent, interactive furniture for in-home exercise and rehabilitation within the CPHS paradigm. Full article

In this study, we fabricated a nanostructure on the surface of the micro-lens array (MLA), which is one of the light extraction technologies of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), by performing the Reactive Ion -Etching (RIE) process. The MLA consists of a lensed area and a lens-less bottom (flat film area). We performed a systematic analysis to find ways to improve the light extraction efficiency of the MLA surface and flat film area. By controlling the RIE process time and type of gas plasma, nanostructures were formed on the surface of the MLA. O₂ and CF₄ gas plasmas resulted in nanostructures with tall heights and high aspect ratios, whereas CHF₃ and Ar gas plasmas resulted in nanostructures with small heights and low aspect ratios. Furthermore, it was found that the nanostructures were not covered over the entire area, and the extent to which the nanostructures were distributed varied depending on the process time. As the RIE process time increases, the nanostructure expands from the top surface of the MLA to the flat film area. This limited the light extraction efficiency improvement. At a short process time of 50 s, nanostructures were formed only on the upper surface of the MLA hemisphere, which increased the light extraction efficiency. However, at long process times over 50 s, the surface of the hemisphere of MLA was covered with vertically aligned nanostructures, which decreased the efficiency. While the flat film area was covered with nanostructures at the longest process time of ~3200 s, it was effective, but the total efficiency was further decreased by the trade-off between them. As a result, the high-aspect-ratio nanostructured MLA patterned only on the top surface of the hemispherical MLA with a 50 s O₂ plasma treatment showed the highest efficiency, which was slightly higher than that of the bare MLA. We expect that if the nanostructures can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the MLA surface and the flat film area simultaneously, the light extraction efficiency would be further improved. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infectious gastroenteritis (IGE) is a major global health concern due to its high morbidity and healthcare burden. The BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel (FA-GIP) enables rapid multiplex detection of enteric pathogens, offering faster results than conventional stool culture. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between FA-GIP result status and clinical outcomes in patients with suspected IGE. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at Chung-Ang University Hospital (Seoul, Republic of Korea) from July 2023 to April 2024. Patients were stratified into FA-GIP-positive and FA-GIP-negative groups, and clinical parameters were compared. The diagnostic performance of FA-GIP was also assessed relative to stool culture. Results: No significant differences were observed in the demographic variables. However, the FA-GIP-positive group demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays and time to discharge, and fewer antibiotic days, compared with the FA-GIP-negative group. Moreover, differences were observed in antibiotic modification or discontinuation rates. FA-GIP markedly shortened diagnostic turnaround time compared with culture (median 1.4 h vs. 72.3 h). Conclusions: These findings suggest that FA-GIP results are associated with clinically meaningful differences in patient management and antibiotic use. However, given the retrospective design, the relationship between FA-GIP testing and clinical decision-making should be interpreted as an association rather causative. Therefore, prospective studies are warranted to confirm the direct impact of FA-GIP-guided interventions on antibiotic stewardship and patient outcomes. Full article

Next-generation photonic memory, leveraging broad spectral operability and electromagnetic immunity, enables ultrafast data storage with high density, overcoming the physical limitations of silicon-based electronic memory in the post-Moore era. Phase-change materials (PCMs) are particularly promising for photonic memory due to their exceptional optical contrast between amorphous and crystalline states. Furthermore, photonic phase-change memory can be deployed as tunable components (such as optical attenuators and delay lines) within reconfigurable integrated photonic systems for telecommunications and computing. Here, we optimize the thickness of PCM cells to maximize crystalline-state light absorption and enhance transmission contrast. The resulting photonic memory achieves outstanding performance: ultralow-energy programming (0.96 pJ/operation), 9 fJ detection sensitivity, >10⁵ s retention, 6000-cycle endurance, and multi-level storage capacity (209 distinct states). Furthermore, by structuring the PCM into a micro-cylinder array atop a PCM film, we achieve stable transmission contrast through 2 × 10⁶ cycles—far exceeding the durability of single-cell structures—and an 8.69 dB improvement in contrast over film-free micro-cylinder arrays. These advances highlight the critical role of microstructural optimization in enabling high-performance, on-chip photonic memory for future integrated photonic telecommunication and computing systems. Full article

Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is a well-known nanomaterial template formed under specific electrochemical conditions. By adjusting voltage, temperature, electrolyte type, and concentration, various microstructural modifications of AAO can be achieved within its hexagonally arranged pore array. To enable broader applications or enhance performance, post-treatment is often employed to further modify its nanostructure after anodization. Among these post-treatment techniques, AAO membrane detachment methods have been widely studied and can be categorized into traditional etching methods, voltage reduction methods, reverse bias voltage detachment methods, pulse voltage detachment methods, and further anodization techniques. Among various delamination processes, the mechanism is highly related to the selectivity of wet etching, as well as the Joule heating and stress generated during the process. Each of these detachment methods has its own advantages and drawbacks, including processing time, complexity, film integrity, and the toxicity of the solutions used. Consequently, researchers have devoted significant effort to optimizing and improving these techniques. Furthermore, through-hole AAO membranes have been applied in various fields, such as humidity sensors, nanomaterial synthesis, filtration, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and tribo-electrical nano-generators (TENG). In particular, the rough and porous structures formed at the bottom of AAO films significantly enhance sensor performance. Depending on specific application requirements, selecting or refining the appropriate processing method is crucial to achieving optimal results. As a versatile nanomaterial template, AAO itself is expected to play a key role in future advancements in environmental safety, bio-applications, energy technologies, and food safety. Full article

Anisotropic conductive films (ACFs) are widely used for circuit interconnection due to their easy use, low temperature bonding, higher precision than soldering and eco-friendliness. However, current ACFs are generally prepared by randomly distributing conductive particles into suitable resins. The ACFs prepared by this approach have risks to result in shortcut when applied for high precision bonding (<100 μm). In order to alleviate this problem, we designed and prepared a new kind of ACFs with conducting particles well aligned in adhesive film, which is named as array-patterned ACFs (A-ACFs). A template with 12 μm periodic microcavities was prepared and used to load 5.4 μm silver-coated polystyrene particles. Through a series of process optimizations including particles-filling cycles and particles-transferring-pressure/temperature into the used polyurethane (PU) adhesive, well-aligned particles with a spacing of 6.6 μm in the PU film was obtained. Such prepared A-ACFs were used to bond two flexible printed circuits (FPC) not only with a spacing of 200 μm (FPC-200) but also with 40 μm (FPC-40). The bonding conditions including temperature and pressure for the FPC-200 connections were investigated in detail. The connecting resistance, insulation resistance, peeling force, and the particles’ morphologies between the bonded FPCs were investigated. The reliability of the two bonded FPCs were tested under 85 °C and 85% relative humidity. Results showed that the new kinds of A-ACFs are suitable for achieving high precision circuits bonding and show better accuracy than those of traditional ACFs (T-ACFs). Thus, this study might have new insight for designing A-ACFs and great potential for applications in high-precision devices. Full article