Limited light absorption beyond the UV region and rapid photocarrier recombination are critical impediments for the improved photocatalytic performance of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) under visible-light irradiation. Herein, we demonstrate single-step microwave-assisted syntheses of O-CQDs (typical CQDs terminated by carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups) from a sucrose precursor and Cl-doped CQDs (Cl-CQDs) from a sucralose precursor in short reaction times and without using obligatory strong acids for Cl doping. The doping of Cl into the CQDs is observed to widen the absorption range and facilitate an enhanced separation of photoexcited charge carriers, which is confirmed by the results of optical absorption, photothermal response, and pump-probe ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy measurements of the O-CQDs and Cl-CQDs. The photoexcited charge carriers with their longer lifetimes in Cl-CQDs enabled the quick degradation of methylene blue dye, rapid conversion of Ag + ions to metallic Ag nanoparticles on the CQD surfaces, and reduction of GO to a welldispersed rGO through the photoelectron transfer reactions under visible-light irradiation. The facile Cl doping strategy, hybridization of Ag nanoparticles or rGO to CQDs, and the elevated charge separation mechanism would open up new avenues in designing CQD-based materials for futuristic applications.
[Purpose] The effects of various rhythmic auditory stimulation tempos on stroke gait
pattern changes when training patients with a smartphone-based rhythmic auditory
stimulation application were investigated. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen patients with
chronic stroke were included. Cadence during comfortable walking was measured (baseline).
After the baseline findings were recorded, rhythmic auditory stimulation with five
different tempos (i.e., −10%, −5%, 0%, +5%, and +10% change from baseline) was randomly
applied. Finally, comfortable walking without rhythmic auditory stimulation was initiated
to evaluate gait pattern changes. [Results] As the tempo increased, the spatiotemporal
gait parameters of the stroke patients changed significantly. Gait speed, cadence, and
gait cycle duration showed the greatest improvement in the +10% rhythmic auditory
stimulation condition compared to baseline. After gait training with rhythmic auditory
stimulation, gait speed, cadence, stride length, gait cycle duration, and step length of
the affected and unaffected sides improved significantly compared to baseline.
[Conclusion] Significant changes in the gait pattern of stroke patients were noted for
various tempos after training with rhythmic auditory stimulation. These findings could be
used to customize rehabilitative gait training for patients who experience stroke with
hemiplegia.
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