Sandbergabrams0985

By using saliency maps, we reveal how EndoNet captures subtle differences in scatter fields to enable classification of bacterial source and quantification of endotoxin concentration over a range that spans eight orders of magnitude (0.01 pg mL-1 to 1 μg mL-1). We attribute changes in scatter fields with bacterial origin of endotoxin, as detected by EndoNet, to the distinct molecular structures of the lipid A domains of the endotoxins derived from the three bacteria. Overall, we conclude that the combination of liquid crystal droplets and EndoNet provides the basis of a promising analytical approach for endotoxins that does not require use of complex biologically-derived reagents (e.g., Limulus amoebocyte lysate).Water adsorption on transition metal dichalcogenides and other 2D materials is generally governed by weak van der Waals interactions. This results in a hydrophobic character of the basal planes, and defects may play a significant role in water adsorption and water cluster nucleation. However, there is a lack of detailed experimental investigations on water adsorption on defective 2D materials. Here, by combining low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we study in that context the well-defined mirror twin boundary (MTB) networks separating mirror-grains in 2D MoSe2. These MTBs are dangling bond-free extended crystal modifications with metallic electronic states embedded in the 2D semiconducting matrix of MoSe2. Our DFT calculations indicate that molecular water also interacts similarly weak with these MTBs as with the defect-free basal plane of MoSe2. However, in low temperature STM experiments, nanoscopic water structures are observed that selectively decorate the MTB network. This localized adsorption of water is facilitated by functionalization of the MTBs by hydroxyls formed by dissociated water. Hydroxyls may form by dissociating of water at undercoordinated defects or adsorbing of radicals from the gas phase in the UHV chamber. Our DFT analysis indicates that the metallic MTBs adsorb these radicals much stronger than on the basal plane due to charge transfer from the metallic states into the molecular orbitals of the OH groups. read more Once the MTBs are functionalized with hydroxyls, molecular water can attach to them, forming water channels along the MTBs. This study demonstrates the role metallic defect states play in the adsorption of water even in the absence of unsaturated bonds that have been so far considered to be crucial for adsorption of hydroxyls or water.Systematic experimental and theoretical research on the role of microstructure and interface thermal resistance on the thermal conductivity of the PbTe-CoSb3 bulk polycrystalline composite is presented. In particular, the correlation between the particle size of the dispersed phase and interface thermal resistance (Rint) on the phonon thermal conductivity (κph) is discussed. With this aim, a series of PbTe-CoSb3 polycrystalline composite materials with different particle sizes of CoSb3 was prepared. The structural (XRD) and microstructural analysis (SEM/EDXS) confirmed the intended chemical and phase compositions. Acoustic impedance difference (ΔZ) was determined from measured sound velocities in PbTe and CoSb3 phases. It is shown that κph of the composite may be reduced when particle size of the dispersed phase (CoSb3) is smaller than the critical value of ∼230 nm. This relationship was concluded to be crucial for controlling the heat transport phenomena in composite thermoelectric materials. The selection of the components with different elastic properties (acoustic impedance) and particle size smaller than Kapitza radius leads to a new direction in the engineering of composite TE materials with designed thermal properties.An artificial photonic nociceptor that can accurately emulate the activation of a human visual nociceptive pathway is highly desired for the development of advanced intelligent optoelectronic information processing systems. However, the realization of such an artificial device needs sophisticated materials design and is pending to date. Herein, we demonstrate a visible light-triggered artificial nociceptor, with a simple ITO/CeO2-x/Pt sandwich structure, that can well reproduce the pain-perceptual characteristics of the human visual system. The abundant oxygen vacancies in the CeO2-x layer account for visible light activation, and the notable built-in electric field due to work function difference of the two electrodes enables the device to work even in a self-powered mode. Key nociceptive characteristics, including threshold, no adaptation, relaxation, and sensitization, are realized in the device and are attributed to the oxygen vacancy-associated electron trapping and detrapping processes within the CeO2-x layer. More importantly, the threshold light intensity to activate the device can be readily manipulated using a sub-1 V external voltage, resembling the ambient luminance-dependent tunability of threshold of the human visual system. This work opens up a new avenue towards the development of next-generation intelligent and low-power perceptual systems, such as visual prostheses, artificial eyes, and humanoid robots.Identifying catalysts for non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation has become increasingly important due to the increasing demand for propylene coupled to decreasing propylene production from steam cracking as we shift to lighter hydrocarbon feedstocks. Commercialized propane dehydrogenation (PDH) catalysts are based on Pt or Cr, which are expensive or toxic, respectively. Recent experimental work has demonstrated that earth-abundant and environmentally-benign metals, such as iron, form in situ carbide phases that exhibit good activity and high selectivity for PDH. In this work, we used density functional theory (DFT) to better understand why the PDH reaction is highly selective on Fe3C surfaces. We use ab initio thermodynamics to identify stable Fe3C surface terminations as a function of reaction conditions, which then serve as our models for investigating rate-determining and selectivity-determining kinetic barriers during PDH. We find that carbon-rich surfaces show much higher selectivity for propylene production over competing cracking reactions compared to iron-rich surfaces, which is determined by comparing the propylene desorption barrier to the C-H scission barrier for dehydrogenation steps beyond propylene.