ABSTRACT
Selenium (Se) is one of the potential candidates as photodetector because of its outstanding properties such as high photoconductivity (â¼8 × 104 S cm-1), piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity, and nonlinear optical responses. Solution phase synthesis becomes an efficient way to produce Se, but a contamination issue that could deteriorate the electric characteristic of Se should be taken into account. In this work, a facile, controllable approach of synthesizing Se nanowires (NWs)/films via a plasma-assisted growth process was demonstrated at the low substrate temperature of 100 °C. The detailed formation mechanisms of nanowires arrays to thin films at different plasma powers were investigated. Moreover, indium (In) layer was used to enhance the adhesive strength with 50% improvement on a SiO2/Si substrate by mechanical interlocking and surface alloying between Se and In layers, indicating great tolerance for mechanical stress for future wearable devices applications. Furthermore, the direct growth of Se NWs/films on a poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate was demonstrated, exhibiting a visible to broad infrared detection ranges from 405 to 1555 nm with a high on/off ratio of â¼700 as well as the fast response time less than 25 ms. In addition, the devices exhibited fascinating stability in the atmosphere over one month.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The hydrocele of the spermatic cord (cord hydrocele) typically presents as a translucent swelling in the inguinal canal or upper scrotum, located above the testis. We report a case series and point out its distinctive characteristics. METHODS: From May 2008 to October 2009, 20 consecutive male infants or boys, ranging in age from 38 days to 54 months (mean age, 29.4 months), with cord hydrocele previously treated at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. There were 10 right and 10 left cord hydroceles. Surgery for 16 irreducible cord hydroceles was done via the open approach, whereas the remaining 4 were reducible and laparoscopy was performed. RESULTS: Five cord hydroceles were of encysted variety, and 7 were of funicular variety. The remaining 8 hydroceles, called mixed variety by the authors, had solitary or more than 1 wall-integrated cyst, but the proximal processus vaginalis remained patent. Of 4 patients with reducible cord hydrocele, 3 were of mixed variety and the remaining 1 was of funicular variety. Whether age and the hydrocele presented as reducible was similar among the 3 varieties (P = .099 and 0.232, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Because the processus vaginalis remained patent in mixed variety, herniotomy is required to prevent later occurrence of an inguinal hernia. Laparoscopy may be an alternative therapeutic tool in patients with reducible funicular or mixed varieties.
