Photoassisted Water Purification through an Electrochemically Artificially Adjusted p-Cu2O Light Absorption Layer.

The implementation of photoelectrochemical water purification technology can address prevailing environmental challenges that impede the advancement and prosperity of human society. In this study, Cu, which is abundant on Earth, was fabricated using an electrochemical deposition process, in which the preferential orientation direction and carrier concentration of the Cu-based oxide semiconductor were artificially adjusted by carefully controlling the OH- and applied voltage. In particular, Cu2O grown with a sufficient supply of OH- ions exhibited the (111) preferred orientation, and the (200) surface facet was exposed, independently achieving 90% decomposition efficiency in a methyl orange (MO) solution for 100 min. This specialized method minimizes the recombination loss of electron-hole pairs by increasing the charge separation and transport efficiency of the bulk and surface of the Cu2O multifunctional absorption layer. These discoveries and comprehension not only offer valuable perspectives on mitigating self-photocorrosion in Cu2O absorbing layers but also provide a convenient and expeditious method for the mass production of water purification systems that harness unlimited solar energy. These properties enable significant energy saving and promote high-speed independent removal of organic pollutants (i.e., MO reduction) during the water purification process.

Intensive harmonized synapses with amorphous Cu2O-based memristors using ultrafine Cu nanoparticle sublayers formed via atomically controlled electrochemical pulse deposition.

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices have significant advantages for neuromorphic computing but have fatal problems of uncontrollability and abrupt resistive switching behaviors degrading their synaptic performance. In this paper, we propose the electrochemical design of an active Cu2O layer containing a strategic sublayer of ultrafine Cu nanoparticles (U-Cu NPs) to form uniformly dispersed conducting filaments, which can effectively improve the reliability for analog switching of RRAM-based neuromorphic computing. The electrochemical pulse deposited (EPD) U-Cu NPs are linked to the bottom electrode through a semi-conductive path within the bottom Cu2O layer, since the EPD is preferentially carried out on the conductive sites. All Cu2O films with U-Cu NPs are developed in situ in the single electrolyte bath without any pause. The proposed U-Cu NPs can concentrate the external electric field and can generate conductive filament paths for analog resistive switching. The applied electric field was uniformly spread to U-Cu NPs at the center of the active layer and displays resistive switching behavior via multiple conductive filaments. This shows a strong harmony between the resistance-switching characteristics and the analog operation of the active layer. This RRAM device shows outstanding gradual analog switching, great linearity, dynamic range, endurance, precision, speed, and retention characteristics simultaneously and adequately for neuromorphic computing by realizing multiple weak filament-type operation.

Safety and Tolerability of the Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: After the approval of dutastride for androgenic alopecia (AGA) in 2009, Korean authority required a post-marketing surveillance to obtain further data on its safety profile. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to monitor adverse events (AEs) of dutasteride 0.5 mg in Korean AGA male patients in a clinical practice environment. METHODS: Open label, multi-center, non-interventional observational study was done from July 2009 to July 2013. AGA subjects (18~41 years of age) with no experience of dutasteride were enrolled. Dosage regimen was recommended according to the prescribing information. The incidences of any AEs, serious adverse events (SAEs), and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression method was used to identify risk factors related to ADRs. Effectiveness was generally evaluated by physicians. RESULTS: During study period, 712 subjects were enrolled. The subjects of 29.3±6.0 years old exposed to dutasteride for 204.7±161.5 days. One hundred and ten (15.4%) of subjects reported 138 AEs. Four subjects (0.6%) reported 5 SAEs (right radius fracture, 2 events of chronic follicular tonsillitis, influenza infection, and acute appendicitis). Sixty-six subjects (9.3%) reported 80 ADRs. Most frequent ADRs were libido decreased (9 subjects, 1.3%), dyspepsia (8 subjects, 1.1%), impotence (7 subjects, 1.0%), and fatigue (5 subjects, 0.7%). Other interested ADRs were sexual function abnormality (4 subjects, 0.6%), gynecomastia (2 subjects, 0.3%), and ejaculation disorder (1 subject, 0.1%). Most subjects (78.6%) showed overall improvement after treatment of dutasteride in the effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Dutasteride 0.5 mg is to be well-tolerated in 18 to 41 years old AGA patients in a clinical practice environment.