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Probing interfacial states in β-Ga2O3/SiO2 TFTs for high-response broad-band photodetection
Mechanically exfoliated β-Ga2O3 flakes preserve bulk material's single crystallinity for easy integration but suffer from interfacial defects that greatly influence device performance. In this paper, we report a quantitative characterization of interfacial states in phrase β-Ga2O3/SiO2 thin-film transistors and then propose their beneficial application in achieving high-response broad-band photodetection. Photo-excited charge collection spectroscopy technique was employed to probe the interfacial states, revealing a substantial density (∼4 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1) of deep-level states ranging from 2.5 to 3.7 eV below the conduction band. Intriguingly, a photoresponsivity as high as 2 × 104 A/W was achieved via utilizing these interfacial states, along with the tunable broad-band response ranging from 335 to 496 nm. This research enhances both the well-industrialized silicon devices and the emerging β-Ga2O3 technologies. Furthermore, it introduces a profound concept: defects, once seen as flaws, can be assets when their characteristics are thoroughly understood.
Pipeline for development of acylated peptide based CGRP receptor antagonist with extended half-life for migraine treatment
Bi24Al2O39:Mn5<b>+</b>-phosphor-based single-emission ratiometric thermometer
Both excitation and single emission of Bi24Al2O39:Mn5+ phosphors are possible in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which can be simultaneously detected. Monitoring the excitation radiation allows us to prevent its fluctuations from affecting the luminescence. Single emission is a technique that involves the luminescence intensity ratio, so fluctuations in the intensity of the excitation radiation do not affect the result. This technique has the advantage of involving conventional methods and is not affected by optical dispersion, so it provides reliable results suitable for practical applications. Using this method, we investigate the temperature-sensing characteristics of Bi24Al2O39:0.5%Mn5+ phosphors from 300 to 380 K. Under 970 nm excitation, the maximal relative sensitivity is 3.54% K−1 in the physiological temperature range (300–330 K) and reaches 3.98% K−1 at 351 K. The excellent temperature sensing and NIR excitation and emission suggest that this NIR thermometer can be used for biological applications.
Exploring target selectivity in designing and identifying PI3Kα inhibitors for triple negative breast cancer with fragment-based and bioisosteric replacement approach
Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most fatal malignancies in the world, accounting for 42% of all deaths due to metastasis. The significant development is hindered by the multi-drug resistance and poor patient compliance. PIK3CA gene mutation is one of the important causes of TNBC, which causes dysregulation of the cell cycle and cell proliferation. PI3Kα selective inhibition can decrease the TNBC by a significant level with minimal off-target effects. Novel compounds with high selectivity towards PI3Kα are crucial for treating TNBC. After extensive literature analysis, it was observed that fragment-based drug discovery, combined with structure-based virtual screening and bioisosteric replacement strategy, could provide a novel way for hit-to-lead optimization. The present study focussed on the fragment-based direct linking of 11269 moieties of the ChemDiv fragment library, - to generate novel moieties and further screened them using molecular docking, MMGBSA, and target selectivity analysis. Further, the top 2 moieties – Djh1 and Djh2 were selected after MMGBSA analysis and target selectivity prediction towards kinase. Further induced fit docking (IFD) analysis, DFT analysis, and MD simulation were employed to establish that – Djh1 and Djh2 could act as potential hit molecules for selective inhibition of PI3Kα. Further bioisosteric replacement, docking analysis, and target selectivity analysis were performed with the bioisosteres. The top two bioisosteres of Djh1 – Compound 10, Compound 06 represented excellent efficacy and selectivity towards PI3Kα in the treatment of TNBC after analysis of ADMET analysis. Further, in vitro and in vivo analysis might prove the effectiveness of the hit compounds.
Strain-induced thermal switches with a high switching ratio in monolayer boron sulfide
Manipulating the thermal conductivity of materials and achieving a high thermal switching ratio is very important in fields such as thermal management and energy conversion. In this study, by utilizing first-principles calculations and semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, we find the lattice thermal conductivity (κl) of monolayer boron sulfide (BS) can reach values as low as 0.11 Wm−1 K−1 at room temperature, significantly lower than that of well-known two-dimensional materials with low thermal conductivity such as SnSe. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the strong lattice anharmonicity, which is primarily induced by the lone electron pairs. The effect of biaxial strain on κl is further investigated. It is found that a small strain of 2% can lead to a two orders of magnitude increase in κl. Moreover, this property remains stable within the strain range of 2%–7%, making it easier to achieve experimentally. The variation of κl with strain is mainly determined by the change in phonon lifetime, which is governed by the competition between the reduction of anti-bonding valence band states and the enhanced coupling between soft optical and acoustic phonons. Our results indicate that monolayer BS is a promising candidate material for thermal switches and energy conversion devices.
Evaluation of osseointegration of plasma treated polyaryletherketone maxillofacial implants
Abstract Osseointegration is a crucial property of biomaterials used for bone defect repair. While titanium is the gold standard in craniofacial surgeries, various polymeric biomaterials are being explored as alternatives. However, polymeric materials can be bioinert, hindering integration with surrounding tissues. In this investigation, plasma ion immersion implantation (PIII)-treated polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether ketone (PEK) implants were assessed in a sheep maxilla and mandible model. Defects were filled with PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants, produced through fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Positive controls were grade 23 titanium implants via selective laser melting, while untreated PEEK implants served as negative controls. Surface analyses using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed favorable properties. Osseointegration was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed at 8-, 10-, and 12-weeks post-implantation, showing significantly improved outcomes for both PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants compared to untreated controls. The study suggests PIII treatment enhances FFF-printed PEEK’s osseointegration, and PIII-treated SLS-printed PEK achieves comparable osseointegration to 3D printed titanium. These findings underscore surface modification strategies’ potential for polymeric biomaterials, offering insights into developing alternative implant materials for craniofacial surgeries, with enhanced biocompatibility and osseointegration capabilities for improved clinical outcomes.
Improving the thermoelectric properties of septuple atomic-layer SnBi2Se4 by regulating the carrier concentration through Nb doping
Layered semiconductor materials have garnered significant attention in the thermoelectric field due to their excellent electrical property and intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity. The septuple atomic-layered ternary compound SnBi2Se4 is reported as a promising thermoelectric material in both bulk and single-layer structures based on theoretical calculations, though experimental investigation remains unexplored. In this work, the melting and hot-press sintering methods were adopted to synthesize the septuple atomic-layered SnBi2Se4. Its unique layered crystal structure contributed to significant anisotropic transport properties and reduced thermal conductivity. However, its thermoelectric performance is constrained by a low carrier concentration that limits electrical conductivity. To solve this issue, the high-valent transition metal Nb was doped at Bi site to provide additional electrons. This doping resulted in a noticeable improvement in the performance of septuple atomic-layered SnBi2Se4 due to increased electrical conductivity and decreased thermal conductivity. Finally, a peak ZT ∼ 0.17 was obtained for SnBi1.97Nb0.03Se4 at 723 K, suggesting the effectiveness of Nb doping in enhancing the performance. These results indicate that septuple atomic-layered SnBi2Se4 is a highly promising thermoelectric material, though further performance improvements are needed.
Targeted co-delivery nanosystem based on methotrexate, curcumin, and PAMAM dendrimer for improvement of the therapeutic efficacy in cervical cancer
Lubrication for macroscopic friction pairs with single-layer graphene coating
With its strong mechanical properties, graphene has shown potential in applications for reducing friction and wear, but the underlying mechanisms for its macroscopic lubrication remain relatively unexplored. Here, we systematically study the lubrication effect of chemical vapor deposition graphene coated on the surfaces of macroscopic friction pairs made of different materials. Our findings reveal an apparent lubrication by single-layer graphene coating, as well as correlation between the COF and the brittleness of the substrate. Through a comprehensive characterization using Raman spectroscopy, we propose a protective mechanism by which graphene can effectively dissipate the resulting shear stress generated during friction and delay the wear generation until the graphene layer fails and the bare material surface starts to rub directly, which is confirmed by finite element analysis simulation. We believe our results can provide important support for the practical application of graphene coatings in lubrication for macroscopic friction pairs in industrial equipment.
Hierarchical graph-based integration network for propaganda detection in textual news articles on social media
Numerical modeling of ultrasound propagation in the inner ear for sonoporation-mediated drug delivery
To date, no treatment has been developed for targeted delivery to the inner ear (IE). Sonoporation, a promising drug delivery method, increases the permeability of round window membranes (RWMs), enhancing drug diffusion to the IE. A dedicated ultrasound protocol is essential to treat IE pathologies in combination with sonoporation. In situ acoustic pressure (AP) measurements cannot be used for RWM sonoporation because of the heterogeneous anatomy of the temporal bone. This study aimed to model ultrasound propagation in the IE to ensure adequate AP for RWM sonoporation. The impact of the position of the ultrasound probe relative to the RWM on AP as well as potential temperature increases caused by tissue/ultrasound interaction were investigated. Using MATLAB®, a surgical procedure was simulated based on the computed tomography scans of sheep heads (14 IEs). An ultrasound probe (12.7 mm in diameter, 1 MHz) with a degassed water-filled adapter was placed in front of the RWM. Mechanical properties, such as tissue density, sound speed, and ultrasound attenuation, were computed. Ultrasound propagation was simulated using k-wave. Standing waves can double the AP locally; however, the final AP is comparable to a free water field map when accounting for microbubble-induced attenuation. The angle and distance of the probe relative to the RWM have minimal effect on the AP; the main effect is caused by centering the probe on the RWM. No significant thermal elevation was observed. The developed computational model paves the way for designing an optimal and safe ultrasound protocol for sonoporation-mediated drug delivery into the IE.
TSC complex decrease the expression of mTOR by regulated miR-199b-3p
A flexible piezoresistive three-dimensional strain sensor based on laser-induced graphene/nanosilver/MWCNTs for precise human all-range motion detection
Flexible piezoresistive strain sensors are crucial for monitoring human motion, but achieving the right balance between sensitivity and operating range has always been challenging. Additionally, the complexity of muscle movements across different body parts means that relying on sensors with limited dimensional sensing is insufficient. This paper presents a flexible piezoresistive three-dimensional strain sensor (FPTDSS) designed to address these challenges. The FPTDSS features a wide operating range capable of detecting various human movements and boasts a high sensitivity, with a maximum gauge factor of 20 479. It can capture strain information along both the X- and Y-axes, as well as small vibrations along the Z-axis, through its intrinsic stretching and vibration properties. The sensor's effectiveness comes from the synergy between laser-induced graphene, silver nanoparticles (a zero-dimensional nanomaterial), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (a one-dimensional nanomaterial). The synergistic effect of nanomaterials with different dimensions enables the FPTDSS to perform three-dimensional strain sensing, allowing for accurate detection of a broad range of complex human motions without requiring intricate circuit designs or preparation processes. This approach moves beyond limited strain information to provide a comprehensive view of three-dimensional strain, making the sensor versatile for detecting everything from subtle pulse vibrations to significant joint movements.
Author Correction: Taxonomy and Identification of the Genus Scolopendra in China Using Integrated Methods of External Morphology and Molecular Phylogenetics
Parallel manipulation of multiple ink droplets via near-infrared light on lubricant infused surface
Previous studies on light-driven droplet transport often use light to heat the substrate to generate a temperature difference, thereby changing the wettability or surface tension at two ends of a droplet, to propel the droplet forward, and not much attention has been paid to the droplets with photothermal properties. Herein, we introduce a method of ink droplet manipulation via near infrared light-driven on lubricant infused surfaces. Rather than heating the substrate itself, this method uses near-infrared light to irradiate one end of an ink droplet, creating a temperature gradient inside it and forming a Marangoni flow that pushes the droplet forward. It is demonstrated that the ink droplets would experience two stages during sliding, and the movement ability of the ink droplets depends on their absorbance and size; specifically, the average acceleration and steady velocity of the droplets are both positively correlated with their absorbance and negatively correlated with their volume. The work not only proves that the method can realize conventional individual droplet manipulation such as controllable transport along arbitrary paths, but also proposes a unique customized transport and merging strategy for multiple ink droplets. This investigation offers a simple and versatile manipulation approach for ink droplets, and the relevant results have potential applications in the fields of precise maneuver of light-driven droplets and droplet-based inkjet printing.
Extended spectrum betalactamase and Carbapenemase producing gram negative bacteria from healthcare workers gowns at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Manipulating the electronic and magnetic properties by ferroelectric polarization switching in 2D NiCl2/Ga2S3 van der Waals heterostructure
Exploring magnetoelectric coupling properties in multiferroic materials is scientifically intriguing and of great technical importance in nanoscale devices. In this work, the magnetoelectric coupling behaviors in the two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic heterostructure (HS), NiCl2/Ga2S3, are explored using density functional theory calculations. Our results show that the NiCl2/Ga2S3 HS remains in the ferromagnetic (FM) state in both ferroelectric (FE) polarization states, with the magnetic easy axis lying close to the xoz plane in the Ga2S3-P↓ state and aligning along the eclipsed z axis in the Ga2S3-P↑ state, respectively. Moreover, the HS in the Ga2S3-P↑ polarization state behaves as an FM semiconductor, while it changes to be an FM half-metal in the Ga2S3-P↓ polarization state. By applying tensile strains, the NiCl2/Ga2S3-P↓ can transit from FM quasi-half-metal to FM semiconductor with type-II band alignment. The regulation of physical properties that is induced by the FE layer in the HS originates from interfacial charge transfer due to the proximity effect. This work offers a platform to fabricate a magnetoelectric coupling interaction in 2D multiferroic devices.
Caprini score combined with thrombotic molecular markers for predicting DVT in patients with traumatic fractures
Ferromagnetism and structural phase transition in monoclinic FeGe film
Binary compound FeGe hosts multiple structures, from cubic and hexagonal to monoclinic. Compared to the well-known skyrmion lattice in the cubic phase and the antiferromagnetic charge–density wave in the hexagonal phase, the monoclinic FeGe is less explored. Here, we synthesized the monoclinic FeGe films on Al2O3 (001) and studied their structural, magnetic, and transport properties. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy characterizations indicate that the FeGe films are epitaxial to the substrate. Unlike the antiferromagnetic bulk, the monoclinic FeGe films are ferromagnetic with Curie temperature as high as ∼800 K, contributing to the anomalous Hall effect in the transport measurements. Similar to the hexagonal FeGe, we captured a structural phase transition in the monoclinic FeGe films at ∼100 K in real and reciprocal spaces by transmission electron microscope. Our work enriches the phase diagram of the FeGe family and suggests that FeGe offers an ideal platform for studying multiphase transitions and related device applications.