Control of the near-field radiative heat transfer between graphene-coated nanoparticle metasurfaces.

The control of near-field radiative heat transfer (NFRHT) between two metasurfaces can be achieved by manipulating the geometric and dielectric parameters of their components. Based on a 2D effective medium approximation, we describe the dielectric response of each metasurface composed of graphene-coated nanoparticles (GCNPs) on a 2D square lattice as a homogeneous uniaxial film. Wrapping Drude-like nanoparticles (NPs) with graphene enhances the effective plasmonic response of metasurfaces by significantly broadening the frequency range in which surface and hyperbolic waves can be excited by thermal photons.

Flexible Force Sensor Based on a PVA/AgNWs Nanocomposite and Cellulose Acetate.

Nanocomposites are materials of special interest for the development of flexible electronic, optical, and mechanical devices in applications such as transparent conductive electrodes and flexible electronic sensors. These materials take advantage of the electrical, chemical, and mechanical properties of a polymeric matrix, especially in force sensors, as well as the properties of a conductive filler such as silver nanowires (AgNWs). In this work, the fabrication of a force sensor using AgNWs synthesized via the polyol chemical technique is presented.

Quantification of hCG Hormone Using Tapered Optical Fiber Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles.

In this study, a novel technique for the quantification of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone using localized surface plasmons and a tapered optical fiber decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) is reported. The tapered optical fiber fabrication process involves stretching a single-mode optical fiber using the flame-brushing system. The waist of the tapered optical fiber reaches a diameter of 3 μm.

Plant-associated fungi affect above- and belowground pest responses to soybean plants.

Aim: The objective of this research was to screen fungal isolates originally isolated from cotton plants and measure their effects on the interactions between soybean and two aboveground pests (cabbage looper; Trichoplusia ni and soybean looper; Chrysodeixis includens) as well as a belowground pest (soybean cyst nematode; Heterodera glycines).

Methods And Results: For aboveground pests, we measured the leaf area consumed and larval weight. For our belowground pest tests, we measured shoot height, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight and number of cysts.

Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratios with COVID-19-related mortality.

Introduction: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein (LCR) ratios are used to predict severity and mortality in various infections.

Objective: To establish the best NLR and LCR cutoff point to predict mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in Mexico.

Method: Analytical cross-sectional study of patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 in a specialty hospital.