Peak Ratio Research Articles

Investigation of phenol adsorption performance and mechanism using Na2EDTA-modified activated biochars produced from a fluidized bed pyrolysis system

The study investigated the characteristics and mechanisms of phenol adsorption in three types of modified activated biochars (rice straw, rice husk, and sawdust) obtained through fluidized bed pyrolysis system, particularly focusing on biochars activated with KOH and modified with Na2EDTA. The experimental comprehensively analyzed the morphology of biochars through nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), while employed mathematical descriptions with isotherm, adsorption kinetics, and thermodynamics models. The adsorption process could be better described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model, indicating the spontaneous and exothermic reaction. After being activated by KOH, results showed that KOH could generate potassium vapor for etching carbon layers at high temperatures, forming a microporous structure. With the KOH activation and Na2EDTA modification, the amino (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups were effectively loaded on the adsorbents. Especially, after Na2EDTA modification, an N1s peak appeared in the XPS spectrum, the peak area ratios of pyrrolic-N and graphitic-N drop from 54.20 % to 21.45%–49.15% and 16.62%, while that of pyridinic-N and nitrogen oxides correspondingly increased, indicating the presence and alteration of nitrogen-containing functional groups, promoting the formation of π-π bonds, and strengthening of π-π dispersion effects. Meanwhile, the specific surface area reaches 1143.60 m2/g to 1337.20 m2/g, the maximum adsorption capacities reach 156.29 mg/g to 195.17 mg/g, which outperform the commercial activated biochars. This finding suggests that Na2EDTA -modified biochars by fluidized bed could enhance the adsorption capacity for phenol, and offer economic feasibility and high production technical for the environmental protection and wastewater treatment.

LC-MS/MS analysis of components in smoke from e-cigarettes that use guarana extract as the caffeine source.

Currently, e-cigarette products to inhale caffeine (Caf) are commercially available and widely used. Guarana extract (GE) is used as the caffeine source in some e-cigarette products. In this study, an LC-MS/MS analysis of components in the smoke from e-cigarettes with GE was performed. The concentration ranges of Caf and the minor components theophylline (TP), theobromine (TB), and paraxanthine (PX) in e-liquid and cigarette smoke extract (CSE) of five e-cigarette products were determined. The concentration ranges of e-liquid and CSE were 2.17-8.62mg/mL and 0.17-1.17µg/puff for Caf, 0.09-37.58µg/mL and 0.03-11.88ng/puff for TB, 50.28-185.26ng/mL and 0.00-0.05ng/puff for TP, and 0.44-4.09µg/mL and 0.03-0.20ng/puff for PX, respectively. By comparing the peak area ratios of e-liquid and CSE, we clarified that the heat degradation of Caf to its related components in GE products was accelerated. Epicatechin, which is another typical component in GE, was determined for CSE, but not for e-liquid.

The double-peaked type I X-ray bursts with different mass accretion rate and fuel composition

ABSTRACT Using the mesa (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) code, we have carried out a detailed survey of the available parameter space for the double-peaked type I X-ray bursts. We find that the double-peaked structure appears at mass accretion rate $\dot{M}$ in the range of $\sim (4-8)\times 10^{-10}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$ when metallicity Z = 0.01, while in the range of $\sim (4-8)\times 10^{-9}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\,\rm {yr}^{-1}$ when Z = 0.05. Calculations of the metallicity impact suggest that the double peaks will disappear when Z ≲ 0.005 for $\dot{M}=5\times 10^{-10}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\,\rm {yr}^{-1}$ and Z ≲ 0.04 for $\dot{M}=5\times 10^{-9}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\,\rm {yr}^{-1}$. Besides, the impacts of base heating Qb, as well as nuclear reaction waiting points: $^{22}\rm {Mg}$, $^{26}\rm {Si}$, $^{30}\rm {S}$, $^{34}\rm {Ar}$, 56Ni, $^{60}\rm Zn$, $^{64}\rm {Ge}$, $^{68}\rm {Se}$, and $^{72}\rm {Kr}$ have been explored. The luminosity of the two peaks decreases as Qb increases. 68Se(p, γ)69Br is the most sensitive reaction, the double peaks disappear assuming that 56Ni(p, γ)57Cu, and 64Ge(p, γ)65As reaction rates have been underestimated by a factor of 100 and the 22Mg(α, p)25Al reaction rate has been overestimated by a factor of 100, which indicates that 22Mg, 56Ni, 64Ge, and 68Se are possibly the most important nuclear waiting points impedance in the thermonuclear reaction flow to explain the double-peaked bursts. Comparisons to the double-peaked bursts from 4U 1636−53 and 4U 1730−22 suggest that the nuclear origins of double-peaked type I X-ray bursts are difficult to explain the observed larger peak times ($t_{\rm p,1}\gtrsim 4\, {\rm s}$, $t_{\rm p,2}\gtrsim 8\, {\rm s}$) and smaller peak ratio (r1, 2 ≲ 0.5). The composition of ashes from double-peaked bursts is very different from the single-peaked bursts especially for the heavier p-nuclei.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging to predict early hepatic arterial complications after liver transplantation.

The purpose of this study was to propose an innovative intraoperative criterion in a liver transplantation setting that would judge arterial flow abnormality that may lead to early hepatic arterial occlusion, that is, thrombosis or stenosis, when left untreated and to carry out reanastomosis. After liver graft implantation, and after ensuring that there is no abnormality on the Doppler ultrasound (qualitative and quantitative assessment), we intraoperatively injected indocyanine green dye (0.01mg/Kg), and we quantified the fluorescence signal at the graft pedicle using ImageJ software. From the obtained images of 89 adult patients transplanted in our center between September 2017 and April 2019, we constructed fluorescence intensity curves of the hepatic arterial signal and examined their relationship with the occurrence of early hepatic arterial occlusion (thrombosis or stenosis). Early hepatic arterial occlusion occurred in 7 patients (7.8%), including 3 thrombosis and 4 stenosis. Among various parameters of the flow intensity curve analyzed, the ratio of peak to plateau fluorescence intensity and the jagged wave pattern at the plateau phase were closely associated with this dreaded event. By combining the ratio of peak to plateau at 0.275 and a jagged wave, we best predicted the occurrence of early hepatic arterial occlusion and thrombosis, with sensitivity/specificity of 0.86/0.98 and 1.00/0.94, respectively. Through a simple composite parameter, the indocyanine green fluorescence imaging system is an additional and promising intraoperative modality for identifying recipients of transplant at high risk of developing early hepatic arterial occlusion. This tool could assist the surgeon in the decision to redo the anastomosis despite normal Doppler ultrasonography.

Ratiometric electrochemical immunoassay based on 2D Co/Fe MOF decorated with toluidine blue and Fc-labeled Schiff base for accurate assay of alpha-fetoprotein in clinical serum

The high level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression is closely related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, a dual signal ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor based on chitosan-ferrocenecarboxaldehyde-spindle gold (Chit-Fc-SAu) and Co/Fe metal-organic framework-toluidine blue/polydopamine (Co/Fe MOF-TB/PDA) was proposed for quantitative analysis of AFP. Specifically, Chit-Fc-SAu worked as a substrate to trap more primary antibodies (Ab1) generating the first electrochemical signal from Fc. Thanks to the large specific surface area, the synergistic and electronic effects of Co/Fe MOF nanosheets, and the rich functional groups of PDA, Co/Fe MOF-TB/PDA could load more secondary antibodies (Ab2) and signal molecules (TB) providing another amplified electrochemical signal. In the presence of AFP, Ab1-AFP-Ab2 formed a sandwich structure, and as the AFP concentration increased, the peak current ratio of TB to Fc (ITB/IFc) also increased. The dual signal ratiometric strategy can avoid environmental signal interference and achieve signal self-calibration, thereby improving the accuracy and reproducibility of detection. After a series of exploration, this self-calibrated ratiometric immunosensor exhibited a wide linear range (0.001−200 ng mL−1), a low detection limit (0.34 pg mL−1), and good repeatability. When applied to the assay of clinical serum samples, the detection results of ratiometric sensor were consistent with that of commercial electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay, significantly superior to that of non-ratiometric sensor. The self-calibrated strategy based on ratiometric sensor helps to improve the accuracy of AFP in clinical diagnosis.

Unveiling the prospects of Y2O3-based nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical assessment for supercapacitor and biosensor applications

Supercapacitors distinguish themselves in the realm of energy storage with their ability to discharge rapidly and their superior cycle life when compared to conventional batteries. This research is dedicated to the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO), GO-Y2O3, and GO-Y2O3 doped with Mg2+/Cr3+ through the Hummers and hydrothermal methods. The structural and electrochemical properties of the synthesized samples were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and a CH Analyzer (Electrochemical workstation). The XRD results for both pure and doped GO-based samples indicated a cubic phase and the effective doping of Mg2+ and Cr3+ ions into the yttrium oxide matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed GO particle sizes of approximately 35±5 nm and the encapsulation of Y2O3:Mg2+/Cr3+ within the GO matrix GO-Y2O3:Mg2+/Cr3+ nanocomposites (NCs), with an interplanar spacing of 0.1876 nm corresponding to the (440) crystal plane. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis for Y2O3 and its doped variants (Y2O3:Mg2+, Y2O3:Cr3+) showed increased current responses at various scan rates, with distinct peaks and a current peak ratio of less than 1, indicative of a quasi-reversible system. The electrodes based on Y2O3 and (Y2O3:Mg2+, Y2O3:Cr3+) NCs achieved maximum specific capacitance values of 172.54 Fg⁻¹, 279.98 Fg⁻¹, and 791.59 Fg⁻¹, respectively, at a scan rate of 2 mV/s. Galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) profiles for these yttrium-based samples yielded capacitance values of 71.66 Fg⁻¹, 112.77 Fg⁻¹, and 370 Fg⁻¹, respectively, with the highest value observed for Mg2+ doped samples. Additionally, the Y2O3:Mg2+ samples showcased superior charge transport within the electrode material, leading to a higher energy density of 18.5 Wh/kg compared to the Y2O3:Cr3+ and pure Y2O3 samples. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the Mg2+ and Cr3+ doped yttrium samples showed a linear response in both the low and high-frequency regions, demonstrating their enhanced charge storage capability. Notably, the Y2O3:Mg2+ sample achieved the highest capacity retention of 94.25%. The combination of Y2O3 and Mg2+ led to improved capacitance retention and efficient charge storage, with a Coulombic efficiency of 91.9%, compared to the pure sample. Additionally, the sensitivity and selectivity studies of Mg2+ and Cr3+ doped Y2O3 samples suggested that these developed nanocomposite materials hold potential for biosensor applications.

Resonances of Fluid‐Filled Cracks With Complex Geometry and Application to Very Long Period (VLP) Seismic Signals at Mayotte Submarine Volcano

AbstractFluid‐filled cracks sustain a slow guided wave (Krauklis wave or crack wave) whose resonant frequencies are widely used for interpreting long period (LP) and very long period (VLP) seismic signals at active volcanoes. Significant efforts have been made to model this process using analytical developments along an infinite crack or numerical methods on simple crack geometries. In this work, we develop an efficient hybrid numerical method for computing resonant frequencies of complex‐shaped fluid‐filled cracks and networks of cracks and apply it to explain the ratio of spectral peaks in the VLP signals from the Fani Maoré submarine volcano that formed in Mayotte in 2018. By coupling triangular boundary elements and the finite volume method, we successfully handle complex geometries and achieve computational efficiency by discretizing solely the crack surfaces. The resonant frequencies are directly determined through eigenvalue analysis. After proper verification, we systematically analyze the resonant frequencies of rectangular and elliptical cracks, quantifying the effect of aspect ratio and crack stiffness. We then discuss theoretically the contribution of fluid viscosity and seismic radiation to energy dissipation. Finally, we obtain a crack geometry that successfully explains the characteristic ratio between the first two modes of the VLP seismic signals from the Fani Maoré submarine volcano in Mayotte. Our work not only reveals rich eigenmodes in complex‐shaped cracks but also contributes to illuminating the subsurface plumbing system of active volcanoes. The developed model is readily applicable to crack wave resonances in other geological settings, such as glacier hydrology and hydrocarbon reservoirs.

A Quantitative Investigation on the Effects of Flexure-Dominated Reinforced Concrete Column Characteristics on the Dissipated Energy

This paper presents the effects of fundamental member and loading parameters on total dissipated energy capacity of RC columns in quantitative way by using an experimental database. Specifically, concrete compressive strength, yield strength of reinforcing bars; shear span-to-depth ratio, reinforcement ratios; peak drift ratio, and axial load ratio, are considered as influencing factors. Pearson’s correlation coefficients are utilized as dependency indicators to construct a correlation matrix where the effect of each factor on dissipated energy level is quantified. Results show that the effective factors among selected features are peak drift ratio, transverse reinforcement volumetric ratios of a member, and yield strength of rebars whereas the most influencing factors are the first two.

Sampling pattern discrepancy in the application of compressed sensing hyperpolarized xenon-129 lung MRI.

Although hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe ventilation MRI can be carried out within a breath hold, it is still challenging for many sick patients. Compressed sensing (CS) is a viable alternative to accelerate this approach. However, undersampled images with identical sampling ratios differ from one another. Twenty subjects (n = 10 healthy and n = 10 patients with asthma) were scanned using a GE MR750 3 T scanner, acquiring fully sampled 2D multi-slice HP 129Xe lung ventilation images (10 s breath hold, 128 × 80 (FE × PE-frequency encoding × phase encoding) and 16 slices). Using fully sampled data, 500 variable-density Cartesian random undersampling patterns were generated, each at eight different sampling ratios from 10% to 80%. The parallel imaging and compressed sensing (PICS) command from BART was employed to reconstruct undersampled data. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), structural similarity index measurement (SSIM) and sidelobe to peak ratio of each were subsequently compared. There was a high degree of variation in both SNR and SSIM results from each of the 500 masks of each sampling rate. As the undersampling increases, there is more variation in the quantifying metrics, for both healthy and asthmatic individuals. Our study shows that random undersampling poses a significant challenge when applied at sampling ratios less than 60%, despite fulfilling CS's incoherency criteria. Such low sampling ratios will result in a large variety of undersampling patterns. Therefore, skipped segments of k-space cannot be allowed to happen randomly at low sampling rates. By optimizing the sampling pattern, CS will reach its full potential and be able to be applied to a highly undersampled 129Xe lung dataset.

Incidence and first trimester risk factors of stillbirth in Indonesia.

To determine the incidence and the risk factors of stillbirth from maternal biophysical, ultrasound, and biochemical markers at 11-13weeks of gestation in the Indonesian population. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women for first-trimester preeclampsia screening at 11-13weeks of gestation in some clinics and hospital in Jakarta. Maternal characteristics and history, mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurement, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) ultrasound, maternal ophthalmic peak ratio (Oph-PR) Doppler, and placental growth factor (PlGF) serum were collected during the visit. Stillbirth was classified into placental dysfunction-related when it occurred with preeclampsia or birth weight <10th percentile and non-placental dysfunction-related. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the risk factors associated with stillbirth. Of 1,643 eligible participants, 13 (0.79 %) stillbirth cases were reported. More than half of the stillbirths (7) were placental dysfunction-related. After adjusted with maternal age, body mass index (BMI), and parity status, chronic hypertension (aOR (adjusted odds ratio)) 24.41, 95 % CI {confidence interval} 5.93-100.43), previous pregnancy with preeclampsia (aOR 15.79, 95 % CI 4.42-56.41), MAP >101.85 (aOR 26.67, 95 % CI 8.26-86.06), UtA-PI >1.90 (aOR 10.68, 95 % CI 2.34-48.58, and PlGF <28.77 pg/mL (aOR 18.60, 95 % CI 5.59-61.92) were associated with stillbirth. The incidence of stillbirth in the population is comparable to studies conducted in developed countries. Most routine variables assessed at the 11-13weeks combined screening for preeclampsia are associated with the risk of stillbirth.

LiGdxY1−xF4 and LiGdF4:Eu3+ Microparticles as Potential Materials for Optical Temperature Sensing

In this work, the physical characterization of LiGdxY1−xF4 (x = 0.05, 0.3, 0.7, and 1.0) and LiGdF4:Eu3+ microparticles was performed. The distribution coefficient of LiGdxY1−xF4 (x = 0.05) was determined for the first time (0.84). Based on kinetic characterization data, the LiGdF4 sample was chosen for further Eu3+ doping (0.1 and 1.0 at.%). For the LiGdF4:Eu3+ sample, Eu3+ emission was clearly observed under the excitation of Gd3+. This fact indicates an effective energy transfer from Gd3+ to Eu3+. The temperature-dependent spectral characterization of the LiGdF4:Eu3+ (1.0%) sample revealed that in the 30–250 K temperature range, a broad emission peak is evidenced. Its intensity sharply increases with the temperature decrease. We made a suggestion that this phenomenon is related to the irradiation-induced defects. The integrated luminescence intensity ratio of this broad peak and the Eu3+ emission were taken as temperature-dependent parameters. The sensitivity values are very competitive, and the first maximum occurs at 174 K (3.18%/K). The kinetic characteristics of both Gd3+ and Eu3+ did not demonstrate a notable temperature dependence. The LiGdF4:Eu3+ sample showed the possibility of being used as an optical temperature sensor, operating in the cryogenic temperature range.

A GC×GC-MS method based on solid-state modulator for non-targeted metabolomics: Comparison with traditional GC-MS method

The formidable challenge posed by the presence of extremely high amounts of compounds and large differences in concentrations in plasma significantly complicates non-targeted metabolomics analyses. In this study, a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC-qMS) method with a solid-state modulator (SSM) for non-targeted metabolomics in beagle plasma was first established based on a GC-MS method, and the qualitative and quantitative performance of the two platforms were compared. Identification of detected compounds was accomplished utilizing NIST database match scores, retention indices (RIs) and standards. Semi-quantification involved the calculation of peak area ratios to internal standards. Metabolite identification sheets were generated for plasma samples on both analytical platforms, featuring 22 representative metabolites chosen for validating qualitative accuracy, and for conducting comparisons of linearity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. The outcomes revealed a threefold increase in the number of identifiable metabolites on the GC×GC-MS platform, with lower limits of quantitation (LLOQs) reduced to 0.5–0.05 times those achieved on the GC-MS platform. Accuracy in quantification for both GC×GC-MS and GC-MS fell within the range of 85–115%, and the vast majority of intra- and inter-day precisions were within the range of 20%. These findings underscore that relative to the conventional GC-MS method, the GC×GC-MS method developed in this study, combined with SSM, exhibits enhanced qualitative capabilities, heightened sensitivity, and comparable accuracy and precision, rendering it more suitable for non-targeted metabolomics analyses.

Enrichment measurement by passive γ-ray spectrometry of uranium dioxide fuel pellets using a europium-doped, strontium iodide scintillator

The performance of a europium-doped strontium iodide scintillator for uranium enrichment measurement of a variety of sintered uranium dioxide fuel pellets is described and compared to that of caesium iodide and sodium iodide. Enrichment has been determined via passive γ-ray spectrometry of the 186 keV line from uranium-235 using gross count, net count, and peak ratio analyses. The 38 mm Ø x 38 mm strontium iodide crystal demonstrates superior energy resolution (3.43 ± 0.03% at 662 keV) and competitive detection efficiency for its size in the energy range of interest for uranium enrichment analysis (<250 keV). It demonstrates better χv2 and coefficient of determination values than caesium iodide and sodium iodide when measuring uranium enrichment using the gross- and net-count from the 186 keV emission. It is shown to have the least measurement variance of the three scintillators studied in determining the uranium enrichment of pellets in a blind test, with a relative error comparative to sodium iodide and smaller than caesium iodide. This research heralds the potential of strontium iodide in passive γ-ray uranium enrichment applications.

Evidence for identification of acute myeloid leukemia using peripheral blood's infrared spectrum and logistic regression

Invasive damage, poor prognosis and survival are problems for the traditional diagnostic and therapeutic methods of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially for the middle-aged and elderly. High sensitivity, less pain and fast speed are demands of AML diagnosis or long-term regular monitoring. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy has the potential to compensate for existing deficiencies and is explored in our work. Spectral differences between AML patients and controls are observed on the IR spectra, which indicate the changes in lipids and proteins in patients. The peak shift at 1390 cm−1 occurs on both peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) spectra of AML patients making it possible to use PB rather than BM as the diagnostic source, which can relieve the suffering of diagnosis and monitoring. The logistic regression-based classification model can perfectly identify AML patients and controls with an accuracy of 100 % and the area under curve is equal to 1.00. Besides, some markers for identifying AML patients and controls are found. Statistical analysis shows that the peak area ratio A1451/A1390 has a significant difference, and the decision tree-based classification model finds that on the first derivative spectrum, the position of the largest difference is at 1391 cm−1. Furthermore, the proposed criterion based on markers we found can distinguish AML patients and controls with high accuracy of 95 %. Results show that PB’s IR spectrum combined with classification models can monitor the molecular-level biochemical changes and accurately identify AML patients and controls, which is helpful for the effective and efficient diagnosis and prognosis of AML.

Visual Determination of Copper (II) Using a Biomass Sourced Carbon Quantum Dot (CQD) Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe

Accurate detection of copper ions is crucial since it is an essential trace element. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were prepared from apricot leaves using a hydrothermal method. These CQDs, which generated a reference signal, were combined with glutathione-bound gold nanoclusters (GSH-AuNCs) synthesized by the reduction of chloroauric acid to form a ratiometric fluorescent probe. The probe exhibited fluorescence emission at 450 nm and 568 nm. The determination of Cu(II) was performed through visual analysis of the color change and the intensity ratio (I 450/I 568) of the emission peaks. Orange fluorescent GSH-AuNCs responded to Cu(II) with fluorescence, and the blue fluorescent CQDs were chemically inert. The probes changed color from pink to purple to blue in response to different concentrations of Cu(II). The linear range of the fluorescence probe for Cu(II) was 0 to 120 µmol/L, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.65 µmol/L. This study has demonstrated that the probe provided good selectivity for detecting Cu(II) in water and has potential practical application.

Pressure-Triggered Fluorescence Intensity Ratio Variations of YNbO4:Bi3+/Ln3+ (Ln = Eu or Sm) for High-Sensitivity Optical Pressure Sensing.

Optical pressure sensing by phosphors is a growing area of research. However, the main pressure measurement methods rely on the movement of the central peak position, which has significant drawbacks for practical applications. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of different emission peaks for pressure sensing. The FIR (IBi3+/ILn3+) values of the synthesized YNbO4:Bi3+/Ln3+ (Ln = Eu or Sm) phosphors are all first-order exponentially related to pressure, and YNbO4:Bi3+/Ln3+ (Ln = Eu or Sm) phosphors have high pressure-sensing sensitivities (Sp and Spr), which are 6 times higher than those from our previously reported work. In addition, the changes in FIR values during the decompression process were also calculated, and the trend was similar to that during the compression process. The YNbO4:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphor has better pressure recovery performance. In summary, the YNbO4:Bi3+/Ln3+ (Ln = Eu or Sm) phosphors reported in this paper are expected to be applied in the field of optical pressure sensing, and this study provides a new approach and perspective for designing new phosphors for pressure measurement.

Observation of rapid decay and optical properties of micro-pyramidically grown molybdenum diselenide MoSe2 crystal

In two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs), the existence of excitons and trions promises their fascinating optical properties for applications in nanophotonic. The more exotic the nanostructure geometry, the less explored its optical responses. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique enables the synthesis of nanostructures with different geometries ranging from monolayers to pyramids driven by a screw-dislocation mechanism. Here we report the CVD synthesis of micro-pyramids with a curious optical response exotic geometry like pyramid. The photoluminescence of as-grown micro-pyramids is significantly diminished compared to their flat-layered structures. In contrast, nanostructured micro-pyramids exhibit a large number of higher-order phononic resonances when excited resonantly by the Raman signal, allowing a more detailed exploration of exciton dynamics. The spectral peak position, intensity, and ratio of the spectral peak reveal local variations in the atomic arrangement of the center and sides of the micro-pyramid. We have investigated the optical response of MoSe2 micro-pyramids and correlated them with their growth-induced nano geometry. In this study, we have taken into account the first step towards producing tunable nanophotonic devices with applications ranging from optoelectronics to nonlinear optics.

Neurophysiological basis of respiratory discomfort improvement by mandibular advancement in awake OSApatients.

Patients with obstructive sleep apneas (OSA) do not complain from dyspnea during resting breathing. Placement of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can lead to a sense of improved respiratory comfort ("pseudo-relief") ascribed to a habituation phenomenon. To substantiate this conjecture, we hypothesized that, in non-dyspneic awake OSA patients, respiratory-related electroencephalographic figures, abnormally present during awake resting breathing, would disappear or change in parallel with MAD-associated pseudo-relief. In 20 patients, we compared natural breathing and breathing with MAD on: breathing discomfort (transitional visual analog scale, VAS-2); upper airway mechanics, assessed in terms of pressure peak/time to peak (TTP) ratio respiratory-related electroencephalography (EEG) signatures, including slow event-related preinspiratory potentials; and a between-state discrimination based on continuous connectivity evaluation. MAD improved breathing and upper airway mechanics. The 8 patients in whom the EEG between-state discrimination was considered effective exhibited higher Peak/TTP improvement and transitional VAS ratings while wearing MAD than the 12 patients where it was not. These results support the notion of habituation to abnormal respiratory-related afferents in OSA patients and fuel the causative nature of the relationship between dyspnea, respiratory-related motor cortical activity and impaired upper airway mechanics in this setting.

Controlled synthesis of reduced graphene oxide-supported bimetallic Pt–Au nanoparticles for enhanced electrooxidation of methanol

Controlled construction of bimetallic interfaces on conductive carbon supports is extremely important for achieving better synergistic effect required for electrooxidation of small organic molecules for energy applications. Herein, controlled synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-supported bimetallic Pt–Au nanoparticles (Pt–Au/RGO) for electrooxidation of methanol using a facile and practical approach was described. By carefully adapting sequential and simultaneous reduction steps H2PtCl6 and AuCl3were reduced on RGO support using ammonia borane (AB) and ascorbic acid (AA) as reducing agents. Three types of Pt–Au/RGO catalysts were prepared and labeled as PtAu/RGO-AB1, PtAu/RGO-AB, and PtAu/RGO-AA. The reduction process was carried at ambient conditions, without the use of surfactants, and the catalysts obtained were analyzed through various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The PtAu/RGO-AB1 catalyst showed remarkable uniformity on the RGO sheets, with an average particle size of 2–3 nm. The electrochemical behavior of Pt–Au catalysts supported on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) for methanol oxidation was systematically investigated via cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques. Among the studied catalysts, PtAu/RGO-AB1 exhibited high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 92.47 m2/g, along with the highest mass and ECSA-normalized activities for the electrooxidation of methanol. PtAu/RGO-AB1 manifested exceptional resistance to accumulated CO-like species, as evidenced by its higher forward peak current density to reverse peak current density ratio (If/Ib) of 2.20. The facile and effective synthesis strategy described here provides a promising method for fabricating well-defined multi-component nanostructured electrocatalysts with potential applications for various fuel cell reactions.

Experimental and numerical investigations on controlled parameter selection methods for kerosene-fueled scramjet

Abstract In order to determine the optimal wall pressure location as the controlled parameter for kerosene-fueled scramjet, a combined approach of numerical simulation and experimental analysis was employed. The results indicate that with an increase in the equivalence ratio of kerosene, the combustor exhibits consecutive modes, including pure scramjet mode, dual-mode scramjet mode, dual-mode ramjet mode, and pressure disturbance to the isolator inlet mode. The peak pressure ratios corresponding to the mode transition boundaries are 1.95, 3.26, and 3.57, with respective isolator outlet Mach numbers of 1.62, 1.0, and 0.74. The equivalence ratio corresponding to mode transition increases with an increase in the combustor inlet total temperature. Considering the dynamic characteristics of wall pressures at different locations, the position at x/L = 0.46 demonstrates the best linearity, highest sensitivity, and greater stability. Hence, it is the most suitable choice as the controlled parameter for fuel flow in this kerosene-fueled scramjet.