Relative Intensity Ratio Research Articles

Study on visible emission of SrZrO3 nanocrystals with Cu-ion implantation

We investigated the visible emission of SrZrO3 (SZO) nanocrystals (NCs) induced by Cu-ion implantation. The SrZrO NCs were synthesized by using the combustion method; then, as-synthesized NCs were annealed at different temperatures up to 1400 °C. The Cu-ion implantation was performed on the post-annealed NCs. In the photoluminescence spectrum for the NCs implanted with Cu ions, we observed sizable orange and blue emissions induced by the Cu-ion implantation, in addition to a violet emission due to structural disorder within the host SZO compound. The intensity of the implantation-induced emission increased with increasing Cu-ion dose. This behavior was more prominent for NCs annealed at higher temperatures. Also, the relative intensity ratio of the orange to the blue emissions changed with the annealing temperature. The relations of these intriguing emission properties to the structural properties of the implanted NCs are discussed.

Recollision induced excitation-ionization with counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field

Nonsequential double ionization of Ar by a counter-rotating two-color circularly polarized laser field is theoretically investigated. At the combined intensity in the “knee” structure range, the double ionization occurs mainly through recollision induced excitation followed by subsequent ionization of Ar+∗. By tracing the history of the recollision trajectories, we explain how the relative intensity ratio of the two colors controls the correlated electron dynamics and optimizes the ionization yields. The major channels contributing to enhancing the double ionization are through the elliptical trajectories with smaller travel time but not through the triangle shape or the other long cycle trajectories. Furthermore, the correlated electron dynamics could be limited to the attosecond time scale by adjusting the relative intensity ratio. Finally, the double ionization from doubly excited complex at low laser intensity is qualitatively discussed.

Synthesis and photoluminescent characteristics of Eu3+-doped MMoO4 (M=Sr, Ba) nanophosphors by a hydrothermal method

The europium ions doped MMoO4 (M=Sr, Ba) nanophosphors were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method using isopropanol. The relationship between phosphor crystalline phase, morphology, photoluminescent properties and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) concentration, pH value in precursor solution was investigated. The results indicated that the morphology and photoluminescent properties were strongly influenced by CTAB concentration and pH value in precursor solution. In SrMoO4:Eu3+ hosts, the phosphor surface tended to become smoother as the concentration of CTAB was increased; while particles tended to agglomerate as increasing pH value. The relative intensity ratio of charge transfer band to Eu3+ characteristic emission peaks of MMoO4:Eu3+ (M=Sr, Ba) was changed as CTAB concentration and pH value changed. The emission spectra of MMoO4:Eu3+ (M=Sr, Ba) could be adjusted by CTAB concentration and pH value due to their impacts on the structure. It was important that the different morphologies and photoluminescent properties of MMoO4:Eu3+ (M=Sr, Ba) could be obtained by the facile hydrothermal method and modulated by changing CTAB concentration and pH value.

Quantitative Evaluation of Passive Scalar Flow Mixing – A Review of Recent Developments

AbstractFlow mixing has always been of particular interest for chemical engineering, combustion, and energy industries as well as other related engineering applications. Mixing always plays a crucial role because of its ability to uniformly distribute the passive scalar in the flow field without dynamic influences to the flow field itself. This paper reviews studies which quantitatively evaluated passive scalar mixing in various engineering applications. On the one hand, passive scalar mixing in turbulence has been reviewed from the aspect of energy spectrum cascades and small temporal‐spatial scale analysis, mixing time, unmixedness, mixing time‐scale ratio, and relative mixing intensity ratio using DNS. Secondly, several different concepts (percentage mixing, mixing intensity and degree of mixing) to quantify the flow mixing in microfluidic systems were introduced and compared thoroughly, and it is believed that these methods can be extended to other macro fluid engineering systems. Furthermore, a CFD‐based approach using the statistics of temporal and spatial distribution of fluid particles was reviewed, but cannot be extended to engineering applications with special requirements of mixing time.

L x-ray production in ionization of 60Nd by 100–250 keV protons

L x rays of Nd have been measured for the bombardment of protons with the energies of 100–250keV. It is found that Lγ2 (abbreviation of Lγ2,3,4,4′) x-ray emission is largely enhanced by proton impact, compared to the case of photon radiation. It is proposed that is caused by the multiple-ionization of outer-shell electrons. To verify this explanation, the enhancement for relative intensity ratio of Lι and Lβ2 to Lα x ray and the energy shift of various L-subshell x rays are discussed. In addition, the production cross sections of Lι, Lα, Lβ and Lγ x ray are obtained and compared with theoretical calculations of PWBA, ECPSSR and ECUSAR, along with various atomic parameter databases.

Rapid and facile ratiometric detection of CO32− based on heterobimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Eu/Pt-MOFs)

A ratiometric fluorescent sensor towards carbonate ions (CO32−) based on a heterobimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Eu/Pt-MOFs) have been synthesized under a facile hydrothermal condition. And then the as-synthesized MOFs are characterized by PXRD, FT-IR, TG, fluorescence spectroscopy and its lifetime (τ). The Eu/Pt-MOFs not only shows dual-emission with a broad band centered at about 560 nm and a characteristic emission of Eu3+ but also have good stability in the aqueous solution, which was further used as a novel fluorescence probe for detecting CO32−. With CO32− addition, the luminescence of Eu3+ is enhanced while the broad band is suppressed significantly. The relative intensity ratio of IEu(614)/ILigand linearly with increasing concentration of CO32− with 0.021 μM detection limit, which much lower than the content of carbonate in accordance with the nutritional and hygienic standards and guidelines for quality certification in children's preferable food. Besides, the robust Eu/Pt-MOFs sustain good stability in aqueous environment, excellent selectivity, fast detection time and applying to different water samples. This work makes the direct, rapid and reliable detection of carbonate ions for practical application possible.

Photoluminescence and Photocatalysis Properties of Dual-Functional Eu3+-Doped Anatase Nanocrystals

Red-color-emitting TiO2:Eu3+ nanophosphors have been synthesized through the hydrothermal process. Samples with different morphologies have been obtained by changing pH values of solution. The structural and luminescence properties of samples were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectra, and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Most importantly, surface photovoltage spectra were used to discuss the charge transfer process and further explained the luminescence phenomenon of different morphologies for the first time. The critical transfer distance for the Eu3+ ions in TiO2 matrix was calculated, and we could conclude that the concentration quenching process was attributed to the multipole–multipole interaction. The relative intensity ratios of 5D0–7F2 transition to 5D0–7F1 transition of TiO2:x%Eu3+ (x = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) have been calculated to understand the lattice symmetry and coordination environment of Eu3+ ions. The spectral characteristics and si...

Perceptual Space of Superimposed Dual-Frequency Vibrations in the Hands.

The use of distinguishable complex vibrations that have multiple spectral components can improve the transfer of information by vibrotactile interfaces. We investigated the qualitative characteristics of dual-frequency vibrations as the simplest complex vibrations compared to single-frequency vibrations. Two psychophysical experiments were conducted to elucidate the perceptual characteristics of these vibrations by measuring the perceptual distances among single-frequency and dual-frequency vibrations. The perceptual distances of dual-frequency vibrations between their two frequency components along their relative intensity ratio were measured in Experiment I. The estimated perceptual spaces for three frequency conditions showed non-linear perceptual differences between the dual-frequency and single-frequency vibrations. A perceptual space was estimated from the measured perceptual distances among ten dual-frequency compositions and five single-frequency vibrations in Experiment II. The effect of the component frequency and the frequency ratio was revealed in the perceptual space. In a percept of dual-frequency vibration, the lower frequency component showed a dominant effect. Additionally, the perceptual difference among single-frequency and dual-frequency vibrations were increased with a low relative difference between two frequencies of a dual-frequency vibration. These results are expected to provide a fundamental understanding about the perception of complex vibrations to enrich the transfer of information using vibrotactile stimuli.

The evolution and role of NH4Cl flux used to synthesize double perovskite BaLaMgSbO6: a potential red phosphor for white LEDs

Eu3+ ions activated BaLaMgSbO6 phosphors were successfully synthesized by the solid-state reaction method using NH4Cl as the flux. The BaCl2 was selected to substitute BaCO3 as the starting material to attest that NH4Cl not only reacted with BaCO3 but also reacted with other starting materials. The analysis of TG/DSC was used to probe the role of NH4Cl flux in the process of synthesizing BaLaMgSbO6 powders. The crystal structure was investigated by XRD and Rietveld refinement, and the morphology by SEM. The phosphors had monoclinic double perovskite structure with the space group P21, as well as the rock-salt ordering of B-site. The luminescence properties, including the photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and the color coordinates were investigated. Also, the relationship between the crystalline size and the emission intensity were discussed. With increasing the calcination temperature, both the crystalline size and the emission intensity monotonously increased. The relative intensity ratio of red/orange emission was used to measure the degree of distortion from the inversion symmetry of the local environment of the Eu3+ ions in BaLaMgSbO6.

In Vitro Comparison of ADCC and CAR Sensitivity of Adult HER-2+ B-ALL Using the NK-92 Human Cell Line Transduced with a Human CD16 (ADCC) or an Anti-HER2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)

Introduction: Prognosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults remains dismal. Recent advances have consisted of targeted therapies with monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocytes (anti-CD19 CAR T cells), showing very encouraging results. However, relapse still occur after this new therapeutics and increasing the armamentarium for ALL is still required. Her2 is expressed in above one third of adult B-ALL (Chevallier,Haematologica 2009). The anti-HER2 antibodytrastuzumab has been tested prospectively in such patients, showing a low efficacy (Chevallier, Blood 2012).The present work was designed to compare, in vitro, thelysis sensibility of B-ALL HER2+ mediated by two mechanisms of HER2 recognition based on antibody (Ab) specificity: firstly, when the anti-HER2 monoclonalAbtrastuzumab bridges target cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes armed with a Fc receptor (antibodydependant cellular cytotoxicity, ADCC) andsecondly, when HER2-positive target cells are directly recognized by cytotoxic lymphocytes armed with a chimeric antigen receptor (anti-HER2 CAR).Methods: Frozen samples from 7 HER2+ B-ALL adults were available, including onesample expressing also CD20. Characteristics of Patients and controls are presented in Table 1.Three human breast-cancer cell lines (BCCL) expressing different validated (HercepTest, Dako) levels of HER2 (BT474 (HER2 3+), MCF-7 (HER2 0-/1+) and MDA-MB-231 (HER2 0-/1+) were used as positive control. Leukemic HER2-negative B-ALL cells from two patients were used as negative control, including one patient with CD20+ expression. The level of HER2 expression by HER2+ B-ALL was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) and compared to the HER2 expressing BCCL.Cytotoxic activity was assessed at a 30-to-1 effector-to-target ratio in a 4 hours 51Cr-release assay.We used the same cytotoxic effector lymphocytes (the human NK cell line NK-92), armed with eitheraFcγRIIIa/FcεRIγ receptor (referred to as NK-92CD16) or with an anti-HER2/FcεRIγ CAR receptor (referred to as NK-92CAR) as previously described (Clémenceau, JImmunol Research 2015). For ADCC/CAR assays, target cells were pre-incubated withtrastuzumab and /or rituximab at 10µg/ml each.The study was approved by our local review board and twoalivepatients gave informed consent.Results:The level of HER2 expression by HER2+ B-ALL (n=7) was highly variable with a mean relative fluorescence intensity ratio (RFI) of 13 (range 5 to 30). According to the HercepTestranking used for BCCL lines (see above) all B-ALL would be classified as HER2 0-/1+. In vitro HER2+ BCCL were efficiently lysed by anti-HER2 NK-92CAR in this 4 hours 51Cr-release assay and this direct pathway of killing by CAR was always more efficient than the indirect pathway mediated by ADCC. In addition, thelysis level was correlated to HER2 level expression.Trastuzumabalone has no effect on the spontaneous 51Cr-release of B-ALL cells (not shown). Anti-HER2 CAR mediatedlysis was observed for 5 out of 6 HER2+ B-ALL cells (83%, 1 case (#5) non interpretable). Although lysis levels were low, they werespecificsince the CAR mediatedlysis was inhibited when the B-ALL were pre-incubated with 10 µg/mltrastuzumab (not shown). In contrast, for these 5 HER2+ B-ALL, no anti-HER2 ADCClysis was observed. These results confirmed that in these experimental conditions, HER2 targeting by CAR is more efficient than by ADCC. For the two HER2- B-ALL, no ADCC or CARlysis were observed.Finally, for the two B-ALL expressing CD20, anti-CD20 ADCClysiscan be observed demonstrating that B-ALL cells are not intrinsically resistant to ADCCcytoxicity. Regarding the unique case of B-ALL expressing both CD20/HER2 antigens, only anti-CD20 ADCClysiswas observed. Results are presented in Table 2.Conclusion:Together, these preliminary results suggest that for the CD20-negative and HER2-positive B-ALLs, one cannot rely on ADCC as a mechanism of target celllysis, while the interest of an anti-HER2-CAR approach deserve further studies to better correlate the level of HER2 expression and the sensitivity tolysisby HER2-specific CAR. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Lanthanide-doped LuF3 mesocrystals for optical thermometry

Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ triply doped LuF3 mesocrystals have been successfully synthesized to explore their possible application in optical temperature sensors. Especially, owing to the non-resonant energy match between the 4F9/2 (Er3+) and 3F2 (Tm3+) states and thus the occurrence of multiphonon assisted energy transfer process (Er3+→ Tm3+), two upconversion (UC) emission bands corresponding to F9/24→I15/24 (Er3+) transition and F23 → H63 (Tm3+) one exhibit distinct temperature-dependent behaviors, which result in monotonous decrease of the related fluorescent intensity ratio (IEr/ITm) with increased temperature. Consequently, the high sensitivity of 20.6% per K for LuF3:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ mesocrystals may make them very promising candidate as optical temperature sensor.

Fetal autopsy: Case report

The in vitro digestibility, molecular structure and crystalline structure of waxy rice starches isolated from six Korean cultivars (Shinsun, Dongjin, Baekok, Whasun, Chungbaek, and Bosuk) were investigated. The molecular weight (Mw) of waxy rice starches ranged from 1.1 × 108 g/mol to 2.2 × 108 g/mol. Chungbaek waxy rice starch had the highest average chain length (24.3) and proportion (20.7%) of long branch chains (DP ≥ 37), and the lowest proportion (19.0%) of short branch chains (DP 6–12) among the tested six waxy rice starches. The relative crystallinity and intensity ratio of 1047/1022 ranged from 38.9% to 41.1% and from 0.691 to 0.707, respectively. Chungbaek had the highest gelatinization temperature and enthalpy. Chungbaek had the highest pasting temperature (70.7 °C), setback (324 cP) and final viscosity (943 cP), whereas Baekok showed the highest peak viscosity (1576 cP) and breakdown (1031 cP). Chungbaek had lower rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content and expected glycemic index (eGI), and higher resistant starch (RS) content, whereas Whasun exhibited higher RDS content and eGI. The slowly digestible starch (SDS) content of Shinsun (38.3%) and Bokok (32.0%) was significantly higher than that of other cultivars (11.3–22.0%).

Effects of pulse plating parameters on the microstructure and properties of high frequency pulse electrodeposited Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings

Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings were fabricated in a modified Watt’s bath by using high frequency pulse electrodeposition and the effects of pulse parameters such as frequency and duty cycle on the microstructure and properties were investigated. The surface morphology, phase structure, and microhardness of the Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Vickers’ microhardness tester. The corrosion behaviour of the nanocomposites was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The results revealed that increasing frequency and duty cycle resulted in a change of morphology from rough and porous structure to compact and homogeneous structure and reduced the ratio of relative intensity I(200)/I(111) of the Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposites by intervening the adsorption–desorption of interfacial inhibitors at the cathode/solution interface. Furthermore, the effects of frequency and duty cycle on the microhardness of Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposites should be associated with the ZrO2 nanoparticles according to dispersion strengthening from Orowan mechanism. It has been found that the corrosion resistance of the nanocomposites in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution depended on the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles and the phase structure of Ni–Co/ZrO2 nanocomposites.

Far‐red dependent changes in the chemical composition of Spirulina platensis

The influence of far‐red light (FRL) was studied on the chemical composition of Spirulina platensis biomass. The following light compositions were used during the culture white light, blue‐red LED light (BRL) and BRL supplemented with FRL (BRFRL). Chlorophyll and phenol contents were measured by spectrophotometric methods, whereas presence of carotenoids, lipids, and phycobiliproteins were estimated by Fourier‐transform Raman spectrometry. Additionally, phenol content was investigated by fluorescence intensity of algae culture in the range of 430–650 nm. The content of chlorophyll and phenols in algae cells depended on the spectral composition of light and was the highest under BRL (16.7 ± 0.5 and 9.1 ± 0.6, respectively). It was shown that there is a positive linear correlation (R = 0.902 at p < 0.0000001) between the ratio of relative fluorescence intensity of S. platensis suspensions at 450 nm to the suspensions at 540 nm (F450/F540) and the content of phenolic compounds in the biomass. Changes in the F450/F540 ratio can explain approximately 80% changes of phenol contents in algae cells. Spirulina platensis Raman spectra demonstrated that the biomass of algae growing under white light and BRL had a significantly higher intensity of phycobiliprotein bands than the algae growing under BRFRL.

Enhanced luminescence of a Eu3+-activated double perovskite (Na, Li)LaMgWO6 phosphor based on A site inducing energy transfer

Li+ ion substituted Na1−xLixLa0.95Eu0.05MgWO6 phosphors were successfully synthesized by an improved sol-gel method using citric acid and polyethylene glycol as complexing agents. The structural evolution was systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld structure refinement and Raman spectra. The layered ordering of A-site cations and a second-order Jahn-Teller distortion of B’ cations simultaneously existed in this double perovskite. The decreased symmetry and lattice parameters within the same space group C2/m were observed from the Li+ substituted powders. Upon increasing the Li+ concentration, the absorption intensities of the 4f−4f transitions of Eu3+ monotonically increased. Likewise, the intensity of 5D0-7F2 monotonically increased under the excitations of both near-ultraviolet and blue light, with an enhancement of ten- and six-fold, respectively. The relative intensity ratio of red/orange emissions gradually increased, and the CIE chromaticity coordinates gradually approached those of standard red light. “A site inducing energy transfer” in double perovskite was achieved by selecting a substitution element with a small radius.

Utilization of chemical shift MRI in the diagnosis of disorders affecting pediatric bone marrow.

MRI signal intensity of pediatric bone marrow can be difficult to interpret using conventional methods. Chemical shift imaging (CSI), which can quantitatively assess relative fat content, may improve the ability to accurately diagnose bone marrow abnormalities in children. Consecutive pelvis and extremity MRI at a children's hospital over three months were retrospectively reviewed for inclusion of CSI. Medical records were reviewed for final pathological and/or clinical diagnosis. Cases were classified as normal or abnormal, and if abnormal, subclassified as marrow-replacing or non-marrow-replacing entities. Regions of interest (ROI) were then drawn on corresponding in and out-of-phase sequences over the marrow abnormality or over a metaphysis and epiphysis in normal studies. Relative signal intensity ratio for each case was then calculated to determine the degree of fat content in the ROI. In all, 241 MRI were reviewed and 105 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 61 had normal marrow, 37 had non-marrow-replacing entities (osteomyelitis without abscess n = 17, trauma n = 9, bone infarction n = 8, inflammatory arthropathy n = 3), and 7 had marrow-replacing entities (malignant neoplasm n = 4, bone cyst n = 1, fibrous dysplasia n = 1, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis n = 1). RSIR averages were: normal metaphyseal marrow 0.442 (0.352-0.533), normal epiphyseal marrow 0.632 (0.566-698), non-marrow-replacing diagnoses 0.715 (0.630-0.799), and marrow-replacing diagnoses 1.06 (0.867-1.26). RSIR for marrow-replacing entities proved significantly different from all other groups (p < 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.89 for RSIR in distinguishing marrow-replacing entities. CSI techniques can help to differentiate pathologic processes that replace marrow in children from those that do not.

Regioisomeric differentiation of the alkyl-substituted synthetic cannabinoids JWH-122 and JWH-210 by GC-EI-MS/MS

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are known to have structural or positional isomers. While regulations on synthetic drugs like synthetic cathinones and SCs have been placed worldwide for the ever-growing variety of new designer drugs, laws may not necessarily be applicable to their isomers. Toxicological differences may also exist among isomers for which most new designer drugs are still uninvestigated; thus, isomer differentiation becomes of forensic importance. The aim of this study was to differentiate the regioisomers of alkyl-substituted naphthoylindole-type SCs JWH-122 and JWH-210. Reference standards of the two drugs and their regioisomers were analyzed by gas chromatography–electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC–EI-MS) first in full scan mode. Isomers that produced identical EI spectra were further analyzed by GC-tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) by selecting appropriate precursor ions. For JWH-210, comparison of the product ion spectra and the relative ion intensity ratios obtained from precursor ions at m/z 312 and 183 enabled differentiation between all seven regioisomers. Complete isomeric differentiation by MS/MS analysis was not attainable for JWH-122; however, combining chromatographic results with MS/MS analysis results enabled differentiation for all isomers. Two basic fragmentation pathways were speculated for both SCs; for JWH-210, fragmentation pathway tendencies differed among the isomers, resulting in their distinguishability. Our results demonstrated that the difference between the methyl (JWH-122) and ethyl (JWH-210) group substituents contributed to fragmentation pathway tendency differences and further distinguishability between the regioisomers. Functional group differences, especially their stereochemistries, were indicated to be critical factors in positional isomer differentiation by GC-MS/MS.

Low-cost carbon nanotube aerogels with varying and controllable density

Carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogels with varying and controllable density were fabricated from low-cost raw materials via simple steps based on sol–gel technique. CNT raw powders were dispersed in water with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate as surfactant under ultrasonic wave, which then coagulated into gel at room temperature. The gels were thoroughly washed by using hot (90 °C) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) aqueous solution (mass ratio = 1 %) and then centrifuged. Finally, after solvent exchange, the gels were converted into aerogels by using supercritical CO2 fluid drying process. Free-standing and monolithic CNT aerogels with varying and controllable density (~0.06–0.35 g/cm3), elastic modulus (~0.17–0.87 MPa), electric conductivity (~0.56–4.55 S/m), specific surface area (SSA, ~100 m2/g), and average pore diameter (10–20 nm) were obtained. The density of CNT aerogels was correlated with the relative intensity ratio of the D band to the G band (I D/I G) in Raman spectrum as well, which indicated the degree of order. The residual PVA molecules intertwined CNTs, which pulled the SSA down and increased the degree of disorder of CNT aerogel in some extent. The low-cost CNT aerogels with varying and controllable density are meaningful in providing a competitive candidate for potential target materials in inertial confinement fusion experiments and laser-driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments. Free-standing and monolithic carbon nanotube (CNT) aerogels with varying and controllable density were fabricated from low-cost raw materials via simple steps based on sol–gel technique, which mainly includes dispersion, centrifugation, and drying. CNT aerogels exhibited varying and controllable density (~0.06–0.35 g/cm3), elastic modulus (~0.17–0.87 MPa), electric conductivity (~0.56 to 4.55 S/m), specific surface area (SSA, ~100 m2/g), average pore diameter (10–20 nm), and cross-linked micrograph. In addition, the Raman spectrum of CNT aerogels was given, and the correlations between density and I D/I G were discussed. The low-cost CNT aerogels with varying and controllable density are meaningful in providing a competitive candidate for potential target materials in inertial confinement fusion experiments and laser-driven quasi-isentropic compression experiments.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Reveals Signs of Subclinical Myocardial Inflammation in Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Patients

People living with chronic HIV infection are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. With this study, we aimed to determine the extent of cardiovascular involvement in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients by a comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) approach. Asymptomatic patients with chronic HIV infection undergoing combination antiretroviral therapy (n=28) and control subjects (n=22) underwent CMR. HIV-infected patients were successfully controlled for the disease with a consistent plasma viremia of <200 copies/mL (mean CD4(+)-cell count, 475.1±307.9 cells/μL). CMR protocol allowed for the determination of cardiac function, myocardial inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, aortic stiffness, and pericardial fat volume. When compared with healthy controls, HIV-infected patients showed alterations in left ventricular function as demonstrated by a lower ejection fraction (60.9±7.1% versus 65.2±5.5%; P=0.023) and lower global peak systolic longitudinal and circumferential strain values (longitudinal strain, -17.7±3.4% versus -20.2±3.2%, circumferential strain, -21.2±4.6% versus -24.7±5.1%; P<0.001, respectively). CMR parameters indicating myocardial inflammation were elevated in HIV-infected patients (native T1 relaxation times, 1128.3±53.4 ms versus 1086.5±54.5 ms; P=0.009; relative T2 signal intensity ratio, 1.6±0.3 versus 1.4±0.3; P=0.046; early gadolinium enhancement ratio, 3.1±1.2 versus 2.1±0.6; P=0.003). Myocardial fibrosis, predominantly at the subepicardium of the midventricular and basal inferolateral wall, was prevalent in 82.1% of HIV-infected patients, but only in 27.3% of healthy controls (P<0.001). Comprehensive CMR revealed a high burden of cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients. Subclinical myocardial inflammation as detected by CMR may be a potential precursor of the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in patients with chronic HIV infection.

A highly sensitive upconverting nano-glass-ceramic-based optical thermometer

Yb/Tm: YF3 nanoparticles embedded transparent bulk glass ceramic was successfully prepared to explore its possible application in optical temperature sensors. Specifically, owing to the competition of electron population in the thermally coupled Tm3+3F2,3 and 3H4 excited states, two upconversion emission bands corresponding to Tm3+: 3F2,3 → 3H6 transition and 1G4→3F4 one exhibited opposite temperature-dependent behaviors, which resulted in monotonous enhancement of the related fluorescence intensity ratio with increase of temperature. As a consequence, Tm3+ activators in the present YF3 glass ceramic had advantages of a high sensitivity of 1.84% per K, an avoidable spectral overlapping and a negligible thermal effect for accurate temperature detecting.