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Wavelength-selective photodetectors with high quantum efficiency using an optical blocking layer and a field-induced junction on a silicon nanowire
No full textCrystalline silicon nanowires (c-SiNWs) have unique optical characteristics that enable tuning of their spectral response. However, real-world applications of c-SiNWs as multispectral photodetectors are still hampered by their low selectivity and low quantum efficiency (<30%). The primary obstacles include the broad-spectrum light absorption of the bottom crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrate underneath the c-SiNWs and the difficulties in forming appropriate p-n junctions on c-SiNWs. In this study, an optical blocking layer was applied to block light absorption in the bottom c-Si substrate, and atomic-layer deposition-based Al2O3 was employed to form a dopant-free p-n junction on diameter-controlled c-SiNWs. Consequently, the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the fabricated photodetector is 77.4% with remarkable wavelength selectivity. This work removes major stumbling blocks for the use of c-SiNWs as selective light spectral band-pass photodetectors
Azacyclic Anchor-Enabled Cohesive Graphite Electrodes for Sustainable Anion Storage
No full textAdvanced energy-storage devices are indispensable for expanding electric mobility applications. While anion intercalation-type redox chemistry in graphite cathodes has opened the path to high-energy-density batteries, surpassing the limited energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries , a significant challenge remains: the large volume expansion of graphite upon anion intercalation. In this study, a novel polymeric binder and cohesive graphite cathode design for dual-ion batteries (DIBs) is presented, which exhibits remarkable stability even under high voltage conditions (>5 V). The innovative binder incorporates an acrylate moiety ensuring superior oxidative stability and self-healing features, along with an azide moiety, which allows for azacyclic covalent bonding with graphite and interchain crosslinking. A simple 1-h ultraviolet treatment is sufficient for binder fixation within the electrode, leading to the covalent bond formation with graphite and the creation of a robust three-dimensional network. This modification facilitates deeper and more reversible anion intercalation, leading to improved capacity, extended lifespan, and sustainable anion storage. The binder design, exhibiting exceptional adhesive properties and effective stress mitigation, enables the construction of ultrathick graphite cathodes. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of advanced binders, paving the way for high-performance DIBs
Promoting homogeneous lithiation of silicon anodes via the application of bifunctional PEDOT:PSS/PEG composite binders
No full textPolymeric conducting binders have increasingly become a subject of significant research interest due to their dual roles as both a binder and a conducting agent. This dual functionality not only increases the proportion of active materials in the electrode but also elevates the volumetric energy density of current Li-ion batteries. In this study, we explore the potential of a composite of PEDOT:PSS and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a high-performing binder for silicon anodes. This highly conductive PEDOT:PSS, enhanced by the addition of PEG polymer, displays exceptional electrochemical characteristics, including superior C-rate, Li-ion diffusivity performance, and extended cycle endurance. Of particular interest are the enhanced mechanical properties bestowed by the plasticizing effect of the PEG polymer. This improvement aids the Si anode in resisting pulverization during successive discharge and charge cycles. As a result, this enables extended cyclability without the creation of anode cracking. Additionally, the use of operando optical microscopy allows for the direct observation of lithiation kinetics within the PEDOT:PSS/PEG binder. This revealed a uniform color change with restrained volume expansion, demonstrating the successful operation of the binder. Consequently, the bifunctional PEDOT:PSS/PEG binder shows promise as a robust strategy for the next generation of high-performance lithium-ion battery binders
Single-cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Novel Cellular Factors for Response to Immunosuppressive Therapy in Aplastic Anemia
No full textAplastic anemia (AA) is a lethal hematological disorder; however, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Although immunosuppressive therapy (IST) is a major treatment option for AA, one-third of patients do not respond to IST and its resistance mechanism remains elusive. To understand AA pathogenesis and IST resistance, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of bone marrow (BM) from healthy controls and patients with AA at diagnosis. We found that CD34(+) early-stage erythroid precursor cells and PROM1(+) hematopoietic stem cells were significantly depleted in AA, which suggests that the depletion of CD34(+) early-stage erythroid precursor cells and PROM1(+) hematopoietic stem cells might be one of the major mechanisms for AA pathogenesis related with BM-cell hypoplasia. More importantly, we observed the significant enrichment of CD8(+) T cells and T cell-activating intercellular interactions in IST responders, indicating the association between the expansion and activation of T cells and the positive response of IST in AA. Taken together, our findings represent a valuable resource offering novel insights into the cellular heterogeneity in the BM of AA and reveal potential biomarkers for IST, building the foundation for future precision therapies in AA
Prediction of crystalline phase distribution of femtosecond laser-processed silicon using deep learning
No full textA droplet-based microfluidic platform for detection of cancerous exosomes from plasma samples using SERS
No full textA droplet-based microfluidic platform for detection of cancerous exosomes from plasma samples using
SER
PLC??1 in dopamine neurons critically regulates striatal dopamine release via VMAT2 and synapsin III
No full textDopamine neurons are essential for voluntary movement, reward learning, and motivation, whose dysfunction is
closely related to various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the detailed signaling mechanisms
functionally modulating dopamine neurons is crucial for the development of better therapeutic strategies against
dopamine-related disorders. In this study, we investigate the physiological role of phospholipase C??1 (PLC??1), one
of the key effector enzymes in intracellular signaling, on regulating dopaminergic function in vivo. We found that cell
type-specific deletion of PLC??1 facilitated dopamine release from dopaminergic axon terminals. Elevated dopamine
release was accompanied by increased co-localization of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) at
dopaminergic axons. Notably, dopamine neuron-specific knockout of PLC??1 also led to the heightened expression
and co-localization of synapsin III that controls the trafficking of synaptic vesicles. Our findings suggest that PLC??1 in
dopamine neurons could critically modulate dopamine release at axon terminals by directly or indirectly interacting
with synaptic machinery including VMAT2 and synapsin III
Design of a Dog-type Social Robot to Support Children???s Reading Activities and Development of a Touch Sensor Module for Users??? Touch Interaction
No full textCalcined paper mill lime mud as an activator in GGBFS-based cementless UHPC
No full textThis study investigates the potential use of calcined lime mud as an activator in the development of a sustainable, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based cementless UHPC. The effects of the calcination temperature (550 ??C to 850 ??C) of lime mud and its weight percentage in the UHPC mixture were evaluated with various tests, such as compressive strength, isothermal calorimeter, and thermogravimetric analysis. Microstructural changes and pore size distribution were also analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and MIP. The results showed that calcined lime mud can be an effective activator in the UHPC mix, and its mechanical properties are influenced by the calcination temperature and weight percentage. The addition of 10% calcined lime mud enhanced the compressive strength of the UHPC up to 150 MPa without negatively affecting its microstructural and hydration characteristics, suggesting that calcined lime mud has the potential to be used as a sustainable alternative to CaO in GGBFS-based cementless UHPC