Search

If the tetraphenylporphyrin of a metalloporphyrin and an amyloid protein have opposite charge properties, the metalloporphyrin will be an effective inhibitor of this amyloid protein.

We propose a method for diagnosis of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by using a terahertz (THz) metamaterial (MM) biosensor. The biosensor has a resonance frequency at about 0.801 THz and can measure the concentration of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in serum. The sensitivity of the sensor is 124 GHz/refractive index unit (RIU), and the quality-factor (Q) is 6.913, respectively. When the surface of the biosensor is covered with healthy serum ( A F P ≤ 7 n g / m L ), the maximum resonance frequency shift is 50 GHz. However, when it is covered with serum from patients with cirrhosis and early HCC ( A F P > 7 n g / m L ), the resonance frequency shift is more than 59 GHz. Positive correlation exists between the frequency shift of the biosensor and serum levels of the AFP in the HCC patients. This study provides a method for quick diagnosis and prediction of cirrhosis and HCC.

As through silicon via (TSV) in three-dimensional (3-D) stacked integrated circuit (IC) has become micro-nanosized, the conventional wafer probe technology cannot fulfil the current detection requi...

Terahertz (THz) frequency coders are indispensable components of broadband wireless communication systems of the future. However, the coding of THz wave at multiple frequencies is still a challenge. In this work, a 3 bit THz coder based on a graphene composite metasurface is proposed and simulated using a full-wave electromagnetic simulation software. The unit cell of the device consists of three graphene-embedded split-ring-resonators (SRRs), i.e., SRR1, SRR2, and SRR3. The device has three transmission peaks modulated by external voltages of V1, V2, and V3. The central frequency of the peak generated by SRR1 locates at 0.864 THz and its maximum modulation depth is 79.6%. The second peak generated by SRR2 locates at 1.161 THz and has a maximum modulation depth of 87%. The third peak at 1.541 THz is produced by SRR3 and has a maximum modulation depth of 85.3%. More importantly, the device can be used as a 3 bit coder, and the codes of 111, 110, 101, 011, 100, 010, 001, and 000 are successfully realized by controlling the voltages of V1, V2 and V3. The proposed device has potential applications in next-generation broadband wireless communications.

Owing to their stability in bodily fluids, exosomes have attracted increased attention as colorectal cancer (CRC) biomarkers for early diagnosis. To validate the potential of the plasma exosomes as a novel biomarker for the monitoring of CRC, we demonstrated a terahertz (THz) metamaterials (MMs) biosensor for the detection of exosomes in this work. The biosensor with two resonant frequencies is designed using full wave electromagnetic simulation software based on the finite integration time domain (FITD) method and fabricated by a surface micromachining process. The biosensor surface is first modified using Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), and then, anti-KRAS and anti-CD147, which are specific to the exosomes, are modified on the AuNPs assembled with HS-poly(ethylene glycol)-COOH (HS-PEG-COOH). Exosomes used in the experiment are extracted via the instructions in the exosomes isolation and purification kit and identified by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blot (WB), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The biosensor covered with plasma-derived exosomes of CRC patients has a different resonance frequency shift compared to that with healthy-control-derived exosomes. This study proposes an emerging and quick method for diagnosing the CRC.

Actively controlling the phase of a terahertz (THz) wave is of great significance for beaming, tunable focusing, and holography. We present a THz phase modulator based on an electrically triggered vanadium dioxide ( V O 2 ) reconfigurable metasurface. The unit cell of the device consists of two split-ring resonators embedded with a V O 2 ribbon. By electrically triggering the insulator-to-metal transition of V O 2 , the resonance mode and resonance intensity of the unit cell can be dynamically controlled. The simulation results show that the structure can achieve a phase shift of about 360° in the range of 1.03–1.13 THz, and the reflection amplitude can reach 80%. The device has potential applications in THz imaging, radar, broadband wireless communications, and array phase control.

Bamboo floorings are the most important industrial products in the bamboo sector. With the aim of providing a useful guide for the development of bamboo floorings, this study quantitatively assessed the environmental impacts of the two primary types of bamboo floorings, laminated flooring and scrimber flooring, using life cycle assessment (LCA) software SimaPro. The purpose of this study was to find out which type of bamboo flooring is more environmentally friendly through quantitatively analyzing the input and output of materials and energy during the whole life cycle of the two types of flooring products. The present study demonstrated that the majority of the environmental burdens were associated with the process of bamboo strip production for bamboo laminated flooring (59.3%), and the process of panel processing for bamboo scrimber floorings (56.9%). In terms of environmental loads, bamboo laminated flooring was considered more sustainable than bamboo scrimber flooring, as the total environmental loads of bamboo scrimber flooring was approximately 1.6 times that of bamboo laminated flooring.

Herein, we propose a tunable plasmonic sensor with Fano resonators in an inverted U-shaped resonator. By manipulating the sharp asymmetric Fano resonance peaks, a high-sensitivity refractive index sensor can be realized. Using the multimode interference coupled-mode theory and the finite element method, we numerically simulate the influences of geometrical parameters on the plasmonic sensor. Optimizing the structure parameters, we can achieve a high plasmonic sensor with the maximum sensitivity for 840 nm/RIUand figure of merit for 3.9 × 105. The research results provide a reliable theoretical basis for designing high sensitivity to the next generation plasmonic nanosensor.

In this paper, a multi-parameter integrated detection photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is proposed for its application in detecting temperature, magnetic field, and refractive index. The air holes on both sides of the fiber core were coated with gold film and introduced to the temperature-sensitive medium (PDMS) and magnetic fluid (MF), detecting temperature and magnetic field, respectively. The graphene layer is also presented on the gold film of the D-type side polished surface to improve the sensor sensitivity. The sensor&rsquo, s critical parameters&rsquo, influence on its performance is investigated using a mode solver based on the finite element method (FEM). Simulation results show when the samples refractive index (RI) detection is a range of 1.36~1.43, magnetic field detection is a range of 20~550 Oe, and the temperature detection is a range of 5~55 &deg, C, the maximum sensor&rsquo, s sensitivity obtains 76,000 nm/RIU, magnetic field intensity sensitivity produces 164.06 pm/Oe, and temperature sensitivity obtains &minus, 5001.31 pm/&deg, C.

A novel bimetallic Ni/Co-based metal-organic framework (Ni/Co-MOF) was successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal method, and used as electrode material for high performance supercapacitors. After doping of Co element, the Ni/Co-MOF materials retain the original crystalline topology structure of Ni3(BTC)2·12H2O. The as-obtained Ni/Co-MOF demonstrates an excellent specific capacitance of 1067 and 780 F/g at current density of 1 and 10 A/g, respectively, and can also retain 68.4% of the original capacitance after 2500 cycles. These results suggest that bimetallic Ni/Co-based MOFs are promising materials for the next generation supercapacitance, owing to their excellent electrochemical performance. The synthetic procedure can be applied to synthesize other bimetallic MOFs and enhance their conductive property.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, which can be induced by oxidative stress or/and the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). Therefore, ONOO- and hIAPP become the crucial targets of T2D treatment. Previously, we found heme could be an effective inhibitor of hIAPP aggregation. However, heme causes serious toxic effects on cells, tissues and organs through oxidative stress, which block it as a potential drug candidate for T2D treatment. 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato iron(III) chloride (FeTPPS), a water-soluble derivative of heme, is recognized as a high-efficient ONOO- decomposition catalyst, which is reported to have a great therapeutic potential in ONOO- -related diseases, including T2D. Here, we explored the potentiality of FeTPPS to be an inhibitor of hIAPP aggregation and the protective effects on cytotoxicity of hIAPP aggregation. It was found that the interaction between FeTPPS and hIAPP remarkably affected hIAPP fibrillation by both stabilizing hIAPP monomers and disaggregating the long fibrils into small oligomeric species. Furthermore, unlike heme, the addition of FeTPPS completely reversed the cytotoxicity and ROS level induced by hIAPP, which was consistent with its strong inhibitory activity. These results implied that FeTPPS could be a promising agent for the treatment of T2D.

A switchable terahertz (THz) polarization converter based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) metamaterial is proposed. It is a 5-layer structure which containing metal split-ring-resonator (SRR), the first polyimide (PI) spacer, VO2 film, the second PI spacer, and metal grating. It is an array structure and the period in x and y directions is 100 μm. The performance is simulated by using finite integration technology. The simulation results show that, when the VO2 is in insulating state, the device is a transmission polarization converter. The cross-linear polarization conversion can be realized in a broadband of 0.70 THz, and the polarization conversion rate (PCR) is higher than 99%. Under thermal stimulus, the VO2 changes from insulating state to metallic state, and the device is a reflective polarization converter. The linear-to-circular polarization conversion can be successfully realized in a broadband of 0.50 THz, and the PCR is higher than 88%.

A novel composite, polydopamine-modified Mo2C/MoO2 nanoparticles (HD-Mo2C/MoO2), as anode electrocatalyst for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), is synthesized via carbon thermal reduction and following in situ polydopamine modification. The physical and electrochemical characterizations show that Mo2C/MoO2 nanoparticles can be well dispersed through polydopamine modification and the resulting HD-Mo2C/MoO2 exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity compared with unmodified Mo2C/MoO2. The MFC using HD-Mo2C/MoO2 as anode electrocatalyst achieves a maximum output power density of 1.64 ± 0.09 W m−2, which is 39% higher than that using Mo2C/MoO2 (1.18 ± 0.08 W m−2) as anode electrocatalyst. This excellent performance is attributed to modification of PDA, HD-Mo2C/MoO2 shows better hydrophilicity and electrocatalytic activity toward the direct oxidation of bacterial metabolites than unmodified Mo2C/MoO2.

A novel bi-component composite of porous self-assembled micro-/nanostructured Ni0.1Mn0.9O1.45 microellipsoids as high-performance anode electrocatalyst for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is successfully synthesized via a simple coprecipitation reaction in microemulsion and calcination method in air atmosphere. The morphology and structural characterization indicate that the as-fabricated Ni0.1Mn0.9O1.45 product is consist of Mn2O3 and NiMn2O4 (n(Mn2O3): n(NiMn2O4) = 0.35: 0.1) and has a porous microellipsoidal morphology. The microellipsoids are compose of numerous layered micro-/nanostructured blocks and the special porous microellipsoids structure of Ni0.1Mn0.9O1.45 offers a large specific surface area for bacteria adhesion. The porous Ni0.1Mn0.9O1.45 microellipsoids as anode electrocatalyst for MFCs exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity to promote the extracellular electron transfer (EET) between the anode and bacteria, hence improves the performance of MFC. The MFC equipped with Ni0.1Mn0.9O1.45/CF anode achieves a maximum power density of 1.39 ± 0.02 W m−2, is significantly higher than that of commercial carbon felt anode. This work proposes a new method for the synthesis of high-performance and environmentally friendly anode electrocatalyst for MFCs.

The anode material is a crucial factor that significantly affects the cost and performance of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). In this study, a novel macroscale porous, biocompatible, highly conductive and low cost electrode, carbonized polydopamine-modified cotton textile (NC@CCT), is fabricated by using normal cheap waste cotton textiles as raw material via a simple in situ polymerization and carbonization treatment as anode of MFCs. The physical and chemical characterizations show that the macroscale porous and biocompatible NC@CCT electrode is coated by nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles and offers a large specific surface area (888.67 m 2 g −1 ) for bacterial cells growth, accordingly greatly increases the loading amount of bacterial cells and facilitates extracellular electron transfer (EET). As a result, the MFC equipped with the NC@CCT anode achieves a maximum power density of 931 ± 61 mW m −2 , which is 80.5% higher than that of commercial carbon felt (516 ± 27 mW m −2 ) anode. Moreover, making full use of the normal cheap waste cotton textiles can greatly reduce the cost of MFCs and the environmental pollution problem.

A novel macroscale porous structure electrode, molybdenum carbide nanoparticles-modified carbonized cotton textile (Mo2C/CCT), was synthesized by a facile two-step method and used as an anode material for high-performance microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The characterization results show that the carbonized cotton textile modified with Mo2C nanoparticles offers a great specific surface area (832.17 m2 g−1) for bacterial adhesion. The MFC using Mo2C/CCT anode delivers the maximum power density of 1.12 W m−2, which is 51% and 116% higher than that of CCT and unmodified carbon felt anodes under the same conditions. The high power density is mainly due to the Mo2C nanoparticles with good biocompatibility and high conductivity and superior electrochemical activity, as well as the macroscale porous structure of carbonized cotton textile, which facilitate the formation of electroactive biofilm and improve the electron transfer. This paper introduces a feasible way to synthesize cost-effective and high-performance anode materials for MFCs.

Cobalt-modified molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles highly dispersed on nitrogen-doped carbon nanorods (Co-MoO

We report a novel anode electrocatalyst, iron carbide nanoparticles dispersed in porous graphitized carbon (Nano-Fe

Terthiophene (3THP) is evaluated as an electrolyte additive for improving cyclic stability of lithium nickel manganese oxide (LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 ) cathode for high energy density lithium-ion batteries. Charge/discharge tests demonstrate that 3THP is effective for improving the cyclic stability of LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 . With applying only 0.25% 3THP in a standard (1 M LiPF 6 in EC and DMC, 1/2 in volume) electrolyte, the capacity retention of Li/LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 cell after 350 cycles at 1C (1C = 147 mA g −1 ) under 4.9 V was improved from 50% to 91%, which is among the best that have been reported in literatures although the content of 3THP is far lower than those achieved by applying other additives. The physical characterizations from scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction, indicate that a thin cathode film has been formed on LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 particles, which suppresses the decomposition of electrolyte and protects LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 from structural destruction.

A novel bi-component composite of porous self-assembled micro-/nanostructured Ni

BackgroundPatients with mild or moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rarely receive medications, because they have few symptoms. We hypothesized that long-term use of tiotropium would improve lung function and ameliorate the decline in lung function in patients with mild or moderate COPD. MethodsIn a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that was conducted in China, we randomly assigned 841 patients with COPD of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 1 (mild) or 2 (moderate) severity to receive a once-daily inhaled dose (18 μg) of tiotropium (419 patients) or matching placebo (422) for 2 years. The primary end point was the between-group difference in the change from baseline to 24 months in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) before bronchodilator use. Secondary end points included the between-group difference in the change from baseline to 24 months in the FEV1 after bronchodilator use and the between-group difference in...

Cobalt-modified molybdenum dioxide nanoparticles highly dispersed on nitrogen-doped carbon nanorods (Co–MoO2/NCND), are synthesized from anilinium trimolybdate dihydrate nanorods, for the performance improvement of microbial fuel cell based on a mixed bacterial culture. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the as-synthesized Co–MoO2/NCND exhibits excellent electrocatalytic activity for the charge transfer on anode, providing the cell with a maximum power density of 2.06 ± 0.05 W m−2, which is strikingly higher than the bare carbon felt anode (0.49 ± 0.04 W m−2). The excellent performance of Co–MoO2/NCND is ascribed to the increased electronic conductivity of carbon nanorods by N-doping, the high ability of MoO2 to enrich electroactive bacteria, as demonstrated by high-throughput sequencing, and the enhanced activity of MoO2 by Co-modifying toward redox reactions in electroactive bacteria. This report provides a new concept of anode electrocatalyst fabrications for the application of microbial fuel cells in electricity generation and wastewater treatment.

We report a novel anode electrocatalyst, iron carbide nanoparticles dispersed in porous graphitized carbon (Nano-Fe3C@PGC), which is synthesized by facile approach involving a direct pyrolysis of ferrous gluconate and a following removal of free iron, but provides microbial fuel cells with superior performances. The physical characterizations confirm the unique configuration of iron carbide nanoparticles with porous graphitized carbon. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the as-synthesized Nano-Fe3C@PGC exhibits an outstanding electrocatalytic activity toward the charge transfer between bacteria and anode. Equipped with Nano-Fe3C@PGC, the microbial fuel cells based on a mixed bacterium culture yields a power density of 1856 mW m−2. The resulting excellent performance is attributed to the large electrochemical active area and the high electronic conductivity that porous graphitized carbon provides and the enriched electrochemically active microorganisms and enhanced activity towards the redox reactions in microorganisms by Fe3C nanoparticles.