Inverse I-V Injection Characteristics of ZnO Nanoparticle-Based Diodes.

Simple Al/ZnO(NP)/Au diodes produced by spin coating of ZnO nanoparticle dispersions (ZnO(NP)) on Al/Al2O3 and Au substrates and subsequent Au deposition have been investigated to understand electron injection properties of more complex devices, incorporating ZnO(NP) as injection layer. Inverse I-V characteristics have been observed compared to conventional Al/ZnO(SP)/Au diodes produced by reactive ion sputtering of ZnO. SEM micrographs reveal that the void-containing contact of ZnO(NP) with the bottom Al electrode and the rough morphology of the top Au electrode are likely to be responsible for the observed injection and ejection probabilities of electrons.

A whole blood-based perfusate provides superior preservation of myocardial function during ex vivo heart perfusion.

Background: Ex vivo heart perfusion (EVHP) provides the opportunity to resuscitate unused donor organs and facilitates assessments of myocardial function that are required to demonstrate organ viability before transplantation. We sought to evaluate the effect of different oxygen carriers on the preservation of myocardial function during EVHP.

Methods: Twenty-seven pig hearts were perfused ex vivo in a normothermic beating state for 6 hours and transitioned into working mode for assessments after 1 (T1), 3 (T3), and 5 (T5) hours.

A cardioprotective preservation strategy employing ex vivo heart perfusion facilitates successful transplant of donor hearts after cardiocirculatory death.

Background: Ex vivo heart perfusion (EVHP) has been proposed as a means to facilitate the resuscitation of donor hearts after cardiocirculatory death (DCD) and increase the donor pool. However, the current approach to clinical EVHP may exacerbate myocardial injury and impair function after transplant. Therefore, we sought to determine if a cardioprotective EVHP strategy that eliminates myocardial exposure to hypothermic hyperkalemia cardioplegia and minimizes cold ischemia could facilitate successful DCD heart transplantation.