Search Results (20,569)

This study presents a simulation-based design of a silicon single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) optimized for picosecond-resolved photon detection. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics, we implement a dead-space-aware impact ionization model to accurately capture history-dependent avalanche behavior. A guard ring structure and tailored doping profiles are introduced to improve electric field confinement and suppress edge breakdown. Simulation results show that the optimized device achieves a peak electric field of 7 × 10⁷ V/m, a stable gain slope of −0.414, and consistent avalanche triggering across bias voltages. Transient analysis further confirms sub-20 ps response time under −6.5 V bias, validated by a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of ~17.8 ps. Compared to conventional structures without guard rings, the proposed design exhibits enhanced breakdown localization, reduced gain sensitivity, and improved timing response. These results highlight the potential of the proposed SPAD for integration into next-generation quantum imaging, time-of-flight LiDAR, and high-speed optical communication systems. Full article

Coating plays an important role in advancing sensing technology by significantly enhancing sensitivity, stability, and response time. The unique properties of nanostructures, including high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable porosity, make them suitable candidates for improving sensor performance. By optimizing nanostructure coatings, advancements in high-precision humidity sensing devices are achievable, enabling a wide range of industrial applications, especially in humidity-controlled industries. In this study, the effects of annealing time, annealing temperature, and the number of coating layers on the properties of additive-enhanced SnO₂ nanostructure were investigated. The experiment was carried out by subjecting the additive-enhanced SnO₂ nanostructure to different annealing times and annealing temperatures to analyze its impact on crystallinity, porosity, and moisture adsorption properties. Upon optimizing the annealing parameters, multilayer coatings were carried out to assess the effect of the total number of coating layers on hygroscopic behavior. A hygroscopicity test was carried out on each sample to evaluate its moisture adsorption and desorption capabilities. The results demonstrated that controlled annealing conditions significantly improve the nanostructure’s hygroscopic properties, and the optimized coating layers further enhanced the moisture retention, making the developed SnO₂ nanostructure a promising candidate for advanced sensing applications. Full article

Thick active layers are crucial for scalable production of organic photodetectors (OPDs). However, most OPDs with active layers thicker than 200 nm typically exhibit decreased photocurrents and responsivities due to exciton diffusion and prolonged charge transport pathways. To address these limitations, we designed and synthesized PFBDT-8ttTPD, a fluorinated polymer donor. The strategic incorporation of fluorine effectively enhanced the charge carrier mobility, enabling more efficient charge transport, even in thicker films. OPDs combining PFBDT−8ttTPD with IT−4F or Y6 non-fullerene acceptors showed a substantially lower dark current density (J_d) for active layer thicknesses of 250−450 nm. Notably, J_d in the IT-4F-based devices declined from 8.74 × 10⁻⁹ to 4.08 × 10⁻¹⁰ A cm⁻² under a reverse bias of −2 V, resulting in a maximum specific detectivity of 3.78 × 10¹³ Jones. Meanwhile, Y6 integration provided near-infrared sensitivity, with the devices achieving responsivity above 0.48 A W⁻¹ at 850 nm and detectivity over 10¹³ Jones up to 900 nm, supporting broadband imaging. Importantly, high-quality thick films (≥400 nm) free of pinholes or defects were fabricated, enabling scalable production without performance loss. This advancement ensures robust photodetection in thick uniform layers and marks a significant step toward the development of industrially viable OPDs. Full article

NO₂ is a toxic gas mainly generated by combustion processes, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities. It is a key contributor to smog, acid rain, ground-level ozone, and particulate matter, all of which pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Conventional resistive gas sensors, typically based on metal oxide semiconductors, detect NO₂ by resistance modulation through surface interactions with the gas. However, they often suffer from low responsiveness and poor selectivity. This study investigates NO₂ detection using nanoporous zinc oxide thin films integrated into a resistor structure and floating-gate field-effect transistor (FGFET). Both Silvaco-Atlas simulations and experimental fabrication were employed to evaluate sensor behavior under NO₂ exposure. The results show that FGFET provides higher sensitivity, faster response times, and improved selectivity compared to resistor-based devices. In particular, FGFET achieves a detection limit as low as 89 ppb, with optimal performance around 400 °C, and maintains stability under varying humidity levels. The enhanced performance arises from quantum well effects at the floating-gate Schottky contact, combined with NO₂ adsorption on the ZnO surface. These interactions extend the depletion region and confine charge carriers, amplifying conductivity modulation in the channel. Overall, the findings demonstrate that FGFET is a promising platform for NO₂ sensors, with strong potential for environmental monitoring and industrial safety applications. Full article

Conductive polymer hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in wearable devices, soft machinery, and energy storage due to their excellent mechanical and conductive properties. However, their preparation is often complex, expensive, and time-consuming. Herein, we report a facile precipitation method to prepare conductive polymer composite hydrogels composed of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) via straightforward solution blending and centrifugation. During the preparation, PEDOT, grown along the PAA template, is uniformly dispersed in the hydrogel matrix. After shaping and rinsing, the PEDOT/PAA/PVA hydrogel shows good mechanical and electrical properties, with a conductivity of 4.065 S/m and a Young’s modulus of 311.6 kPa. As a strain sensor, it has a sensitivity of 1.86 within 0–100% strain and a response time of 400 ms. As a bioelectrode, it exhibits lower contact impedance than commercially available electrodes and showed no signs of skin irritation in the test. The method’s versatility is confirmed by the observation of similar performance of hydrogels with different compositions (e.g., polyaniline (PANI)/PAA/PVA). These results demonstrate the broad applicability of the method. Full article

Background: The acquisition of adaptive skills is critical for independence and participation in activities of daily living (ADL). While caregiver perceptions provide valuable insights, most studies on autistic participation have focused on older children and relied on one-time clinic-based assessments. As a result, little is known about how autistic toddlers function in their natural environments across time. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a real-time, context-sensitive method in which parents can report behaviors at multiple time points in the child’s natural environment. This pilot study aimed to examine ADL independence in autistic toddlers compared to their typically developing (TD) peers, to assess the feasibility of using EMA in early childhood, and to compare EMA-based assessments with a one-time standardized report. Methods: 23 autistic toddlers and 28 TD toddlers (aged 18–40 months) participated in the study. Parents completed a one-time report on the self-care scales of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM) and then rated their child’s independence on the WeeFIM twice a day for two weeks via their smartphones. Results: EMA was feasible with high response rates (ASD: 91.1%, TD: 88.55%). Autistic toddlers showed different participation profiles, with less independent performance in ADL compared to TD peers. In the autism group, the average EMA scores (M = 16.53, SD = 6.58) were significantly higher than the one-time WeeFIM scores (M = 13.74, SD = 5.23), t (22) = 3.23, p < 0.01, suggesting underreporting in single-time assessments. In contrast, no such difference was found in the TD group. Significant positive correlations were found between the EMA mean and the one-time WeeFIM scores in both groups (r > 0.80), indicating convergent validity. In the autism group only, greater variability in EMA was moderately associated with higher functional independence (r = 0.46, p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings indicate that autistic toddlers demonstrated higher levels of participation in their natural environment than reflected by the one-time assessment, emphasizing the limitations of single-time-point evaluations. This underscores the importance of collecting data across multiple time points to accurately assess adaptive functioning and ADL participation. The EMA technique demonstrated in this study provides exploratory evidence of feasibility as an ecologically valid approach to assessing functional independence in autistic toddlers, offering a richer and more context-sensitive alternative to traditional one-time clinical assessments. Full article

Breast cancer is one of the major health threats to women worldwide; thus, a need has arisen to reduce the number of instances and deaths through new methods of diagnostic monitoring and treatment. The present review is the synthesis of the recent clinical studies and technological advances in the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor the pharmacological treatment of breast cancer. The specific focus is on high-risk groups (carriers of BRCA mutations and recipients of neoadjuvant chemotherapy) and the use of novel MRI methods (dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and radiomics tools). All the reviewed studies show that MRI is more sensitive (up to 95%) and specific than conventional imaging in detecting malignancy particularly in dense breast tissue. Moreover, MRI can be used to assess the response and residual disease in a tumor early and accurately for personalized treatment, de-escalate unneeded interventions, and maximize positive outcomes. AI-based radiomics combined with deep-learning models also expand the ability to predict the therapeutic response and molecular subtypes, and can mitigate the risk of overfitting models when using complex methods of modeling. Other developments are hybrid PET/MRI, image guidance during surgery, margin assessment intraoperatively, three-dimensional surgical templates, and the utilization of MRI in surgery planning and reducing reoperation. Although economic factors will always play a role, the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy and capability to aid in targeted treatment makes MRI a key tool for modern breast cancer. The growing complement of MRI and novel curative approaches indicate that breast cancer patients may experience better survival and recuperation, fewer recurrences, and a better quality of life. Full article

This review critically evaluates the performance of approximately 80 commercially available mobile detectors for explosive identification. The majority of devices utilize Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), or Raman Spectroscopy (RS). IMS-based instruments, such as the M-ION (Inward Detection), typically achieve sensitivities at the ppt level, while other IMS implementations demonstrate detection ranges from low ppb to ppm. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) systems, represented by the Griffin™ G510 (Teledyne FLIR Detection), provide detection limits in the ppb range. Transportable Mass Spectrometers (Bay Spec) operate at ppb to ppt levels, whereas Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) devices, such as the Fido X4 (Teledyne FLIR Detection), achieve detection at the nanogram level. Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensors, exemplified by the EXPLOSCAN (MS Technologies Inc. 8609 Westwood Center Drive Suite 110, Tysons Corner, VA, USA), typically reach the ppb range. Only four devices employ two orthogonal analytical techniques, enhancing detection reliability and reducing false alarms. Traditional colorimetric tests based on reagent–analyte reactions remain in use, demonstrating the continued relevance of simple yet effective methods. By analyzing the capabilities, limitations, and technological trends of current detection systems, this study underscores the importance of multi-technique approaches to improve accuracy, efficiency, and operational effectiveness in real-world applications. The findings provide guidance for the development and selection of mobile detection technologies for security, defense, and emergency response. Full article

Noninvasive liquid biopsy for monitoring circulating tumor cells offers valuable insights for predicting therapeutic responses. We developed TelomeScan^® (OBP-401), based on the detection of telomerase activity as a universal cancer cell marker and an indicator of the presence of viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This system evaluated CTC subtypes characterized by programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint molecule, and vimentin, an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, using a multi-fluorescent color microscope reader. The prognostic value and therapeutic responses were predicted by dynamically monitoring CTC counts in 79 patients with advanced NSCLC. The sensitivity and specificity values of TelomeScan^® for PD-L1⁽⁺⁾ cells (≥1 cell) were 75% and 100%, respectively, indicating high diagnostic accuracy. PD-L1⁽⁺⁾ and EMT⁽⁺⁾ in CTCs were detected in 75% and 12% of patients, respectively. Detection of PD-L1⁽⁺⁾CTCs and PD-L1⁽⁺⁾EMT⁽⁺⁾ CTCs before treatment was associated with poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Monitoring of reducing and increasing PD-L1⁽⁺⁾ CTC counts in two sequential samples (baseline, cycle 2 treatment) correlated significantly with partial response (p = 0.032) and progressive disease (p = 0.023), respectively. Monitoring PD-L1⁽⁺⁾CTCs by TelomeScan^® will aid in anticipating responses or resistance to frontline treatments, optimizing precision medicine choices in patients with NSCLC. Full article

Bullying is a global issue that is associated with negative life outcomes. Anti-bullying programs have been shown to be effective, but with heterogeneity across studies. Thus, we examined how sensory processing sensitivity (SPS)—a biologically based trait associated with Differential Susceptibility to environmental factors—moderates the effects of a school-based, anti-bullying program. Students (301 middle-school students, M age = 12 years) in the United States underwent a 4-week anti-bullying and competency-enhancing program. They also completed competency (e.g., social skills) and bullying prevention skills measures prior to (T1) and after the intervention (T2); and the Highly Sensitive Child Scale (measure of SPS). Results of multivariate analyses revealed that youth with higher SPS showed greater increases in decision-making, media resistance, social, and bullying prevention skills at T2. Consistent with theories of Differential Susceptibility and Environmental Sensitivity, results revealed that high SPS was associated with stronger responsivity to a psychoeducational intervention, as shown by increased cognitive, social, and behavioral domain scores. Findings from the present study underscore the moderating role of SPS on factors that impact human health and development. Full article

A key obstacle to the efficacy of cancer drugs is the safe delivery of the drugs to the target site of the disease. Recent advances in nanomedicine have introduced smart hydrogel nanoparticles as promising, efficient, secure, and stimulus-responsive drug carriers. Herein, a bio-safe pH-sensitive nanohydrogel (NG) made of polyaminoethyl methacrylamide (AEMA)-grafted dextran was used as a carrier for liver-targeted doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. Lactobionate (SL) residue was conjugated to the prepared NG as a targeting agent, and DOX was also conjugated via Schiff base linkage. The synthesized structure was analyzed using ¹HNMR, FT-IR, and size exclusion chromatography. DOX release was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy. A pH-responsive manner in the DOX release profile was observed in a simulated medium with pH changes. In vitro toxicity assessment was performed in HepG2 and L929 cell lines, which have demonstrated the biosafety of the prepared hydrogel and its high effectiveness as an anticancer drug delivery system. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) is one of the most common hematological malignancies and remains incurable. However, the survival of multiple myeloma patients has significantly increased due to the implementation of novel therapies along with autologous stem cell transplantation, changing the natural history of the disease. Consequently, there is an unmet need for more sensitive response assessment techniques capable of quantifying minimal tumor burden to identify patients at higher risk of early relapse. Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is an essential tool for diagnosing and monitoring patients with various hematological conditions and has recently gained prominence in identifying, characterizing, and monitoring malignant plasma cells. The implementation of Next-Generation Flow (NGF) by EuroFlow aims to overcome the pitfalls of conventional MFC, including lack of standardization and lower sensitivity, by offering standardized and optimized protocols for evaluating response depth. Both MFC and NGF have wide-ranging applications in MM for diagnosis and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring. Plasma cell identification and clonality evaluation through MFC and NGF assist in diagnostic workup and are routinely used to assess therapeutic response through MRD analysis. Additionally, flow cytometry is applied for circulating tumor plasma cell (CTPC) enumeration, which has demonstrated significant prognostic value. Immune composition studies through MFC may provide better understanding of disease biology. Furthermore, MFC provides additional information about other bone marrow cell populations, assessing cellularity, immunophenotypic characteristics of plasma cells, and possible hemodilution. This review explores the applications of MFC and NGF in MM, highlighting their roles in diagnosis, response assessment, and prognosis. Beyond their established use in MRD monitoring, flow cytometry-derived immunophenotypic profiles show strong potential as cost-effective prognostic tools. We advocate for future studies to validate and integrate these markers into risk stratification models, complementing cytogenetic analyses and guiding individualized treatment strategies. Full article

Scientific awareness is rising regarding fish and sea invertebrates’ sensitivity to the sound field’s particle motion component. The AquaVib, a distinctive laboratory setup, provides a practical methodology for controlled sound exposure experiments on small aquatic organisms, enabling a separate assessment of their acoustic pressure- and particle motion-elicited responses across a range of realistic scenarios. The chosen facility design permits the reproduction of realistic sound exposures at different kinetic-to-potential energy ratios, with characteristics similar to underwater-radiated noise from human activities such as shipping or offshore installations (<1 kHz). It provides a cost-efficient multimodal approach to investigate potential physiological, pathological, and ultrastructural effects on small aquatic organisms at any stage of maturity. This study details the vibroacoustic characterization of the AquaVib system, identifies key challenges, and outlines planned improvements. The ultimate goal of the presented approach is to contribute to the scientific community and competent authorities in covering the main gaps in current knowledge on the sensitivity of aquatic organisms to the particle motion component and to identify and quantify potential acute and long-term detrimental effects arising from human activities. Full article

Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is commonly treated with radioactive iodine (RAI), but resistance to RAI remains a significant clinical challenge. The molecular mechanisms driving dedifferentiation and RAI refractoriness, particularly in BRAF^V600E-mutated tumors, are not fully understood. Methods: RNA sequencing was conducted on BRAF^V600E-mutated DTC and RAIR-DTC tissue samples to identify differentially expressed genes. Gadd45B was identified as significantly downregulated in RAIR-DTC. Functional studies including overexpression and knockdown experiments were performed in thyroid cancer cell lines and xenograft models. Downstream targets, including MAP3K4 and MYCBP, were evaluated through co-immunoprecipitation, luciferase assays, and Western blot. The therapeutic efficacy of recombinant Gadd45B protein in combination with BRAF^V600E and TERT inhibitors was assessed in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results: Gadd45B overexpression suppressed MAPK pathway activity by interacting with MAP3K4 and downregulated c-MYC stability through competition with MYCBP. These interactions enhanced the expression of iodine-metabolism genes (NIS, TPO, Tg), increased RAI uptake, and reversed tumor dedifferentiation. In vivo, Gadd45B restoration reduced tumor burden and improved RAI uptake. Combined treatment with Gadd45B protein, PLX4720, and BIBR1532 produced synergistic therapeutic effects in PDX models. Conclusions: Gadd45B plays a pivotal role in regulating the differentiation status and RAI sensitivity of BRAF^V600E-mutated thyroid cancer. These findings identify Gadd45B as a promising therapeutic target for restoring RAI responsiveness in RAIR-DTC patients. Full article

Accurate pressure monitoring is crucial for both human body applications and intelligent robotic arms, particularly for whole-body motion monitoring in human–machine interfaces. Conventional wearable electronic devices, however, often suffer from rigid connections, non-conformity, and inaccuracies. In this study, we propose a high-precision wireless flexible sensor using a poly(vinyl alcohol)/single-walled carbon nanotube/MXene composite as the sensitive material, combined with a randomly distributed wrinkle structure to accurately monitor pressure parameters. To validate the sensor’s performance, it was used to monitor movements of the vocal cords, bent fingers, and human pulse. The sensor exhibits a pressure measurement range of approximately 0–130 kPa and a minimum resolution of 20 Pa. At pressures below 1 kPa, the sensor exhibits high sensitivity, enabling the detection of transient pressure changes. Within the pressure range of 1–10 kPa, the sensitivity decreases to approximately 54.71 kPa⁻¹. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates response times of 12.5 ms at 10 kPa. For wireless signal acquisition, the pressure sensor was integrated with a Bluetooth chip, enabling real-time high-precision pressure monitoring. A deep learning-based training model was developed, achieving over 98% accuracy in motion recognition without additional computing equipment. This advancement is significant for streamlined human motion monitoring systems and intelligent components. Full article