Dextran-Encapsulated Nanoparticles and Super-Nanoparticle Assemblies: Preparation from Quantum Dots, Fluorescent Polymers, and Magnetic Nanoparticles for Application to Cellular Immunolabeling.

Nanoparticles (NPs) continue to be developed as labels for bioanalysis and imaging due to their small size and, in many cases, emergent properties such as photoluminescence (PL) and superparamagnetism. Some applications stand to benefit from amplification of the advantageous properties of a NP, but this amplification is not a simple matter of scaling for size-dependent properties. One promising approach to amplification is, therefore, to assemble many copies of a NP into a larger but still nanoscale and colloidal entity.

Synthesis of high-entropy germanides and investigation of their formation process.

High-entropy alloys and compounds have emerged as an attractive research area in part because of their distinctive solid-solution structure and multi-element compositions that provide near-limitless tailorability. A diverse array of reports describing high-entropy compounds, including carbides, nitrides, sulfides, oxides, fluorides, silicides, and borides, has resulted. Strikingly, exploration of high-entropy germanides (HEGs) has remained relatively limited.

Not all silicon quantum dots are equal: photostability of silicon quantum dots with and without a thick amorphous shell.

Luminescent colloidal silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) are sustainable alternatives to metal-based QDs for various optical applications. While the materials are reliant on their photoluminescence efficiency, the relationship between the structure and photostability of SiQDs is yet to be well studied. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) shell was recently discovered in SiQDs prepared by thermally-processed silicon oxides.

Facile synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles on germanane, Ge nanoparticles and wafers.

The unique solid-solution structure and multi-element compositions of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles (HEA NPs) have garnered substantial attention. Various methods have been developed to prepare a diverse array of HEA NPs using different substrates for support and stabilization. In this study, we present a facile surface-mediated reduction method to prepare HEA NPs (AuAgCuPdPt) decorated germanane (HEA NPs@GeNSs), and employ X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to characterize their structure, composition, and morphology.

Understanding silicon monoxide gas evolution from mixed silicon and silica powders.

Silicon on silica materials are ubiquitous in 21st century technology. From nanoparticles to integrated circuits, these systems are integral for modern semiconductor fabrication. While the Si-SiO interface is often (incorrectly) presumed to be stable, the direct reduction of silica by silicon is possible at high temperatures, resulting in the evolution of silicon monoxide (SiO) gas.

"Turning the dials": controlling synthesis, structure, composition, and surface chemistry to tailor silicon nanoparticle properties.

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can be challenging to prepare with defined size, crystallinity, composition, and surface chemistry. As is the case for any nanomaterial, controlling these parameters is essential if SiNPs are to realize their full potential in areas such as alternative energy generation and storage, sensors, and medical imaging. Numerous teams have explored and established innovative synthesis methods, as well as surface functionalization protocols to control these factors.

Translational research will fail without surgical leadership: SCOTRRCC a successful surgeon-led Nationwide translational research infrastructure in renal cancer.

Background: High quality human biosamples with associated high quality clinical data are essential for successful translational research. Despite this, the traditional approach is for the surgeon to act as a technician in the tissue collection act. Biomarker research presents multiple challenges and the field is littered with failures.

Management of a persistent ileo-ureteric anastomotic leak with bilateral ureteric occlusion using angioplasty balloon catheters.

The ileal conduit continues to be the most common form of urinary diversion performed worldwide. As a result of improved surgical technique the perioperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing ileal conduit urinary diversion has reduced remarkably. However, one early complication that may occur is that of urinary leak at the ileo-ureteric anastomosis.

Dual kidney transplantation with organs from extended criteria cadaveric donors.

Purpose: The critical shortage of kidneys available for transplantation has led to alternate strategies to expand the pool. Transplantation of the 2 kidneys into a single recipient using organs suboptimal for single kidney transplantation was suggested. We assessed results in 24 grafts allocated for dual kidney transplantation vs those in a control group of 44 designated for single kidney transplantation.

Can we avoid surgery in elderly patients with renal masses by using the Charlson comorbidity index?

OBJECTIVE To determine the safety of surveillance for localized contrast-enhancing renal masses in elderly patients whose comorbidities precluded invasive management; to provide an insight into the natural history of small enhancing renal masses; and to aid the clinician in identifying those patients who are most suitable for a non-interventional approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of 26 consecutive patients (16 men and 10 women), who were followed for > or =1 year, with localized solid enhancing renal masses between 1998 and 2006. These patients were unfit or unwilling to undergo radical or partial nephrectomy.

Novel interventional radiologic technique for removal of urethral foreign body.

Numerous accounts of foreign objects inserted into the urethra have been documented. A minimally invasive approach should be used for removal when possible. We describe a novel interventional radiologic approach that was used for removal of a hairpin located in the bulbar urethra.