Publications by authors named "Firestein K"

The optoelectronic signatures of free-standing few-atomic-layer black phosphorus nanoflakes are analyzed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As compared to other 2D materials, the band gap of black phosphorus (BP) is related directly to multiple thicknesses and can be tuned by nanoflake thickness and strain. The photocurrent measurements with the TEM show a stable response to infrared light illumination and change of nanoflakes band gap with deformation while pressing them between two electrodes assembled in the microscope.

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In this study, we present microporous carbon (MPC), hollow microporous carbon (HMC) and hierarchically porous carbon (HPC) to demonstrate the importance of strategical designing of nanoarchitectures in achieving advanced catalyst (or electrode) materials, especially in the context of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and ORR studies, we identify a marked structural effect depending on the porosity. Specifically, mesopores are found to have the most profound influence by significantly improving electrochemical wettability and accessibility.

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Free-standing few-layered MoSe nanosheet stacks optoelectronic signatures are analyzed by using light compatible transmission electron microscopy (TEM) utilizing an optical TEM holder allowing for the simultaneous mechanical deformation, electrical probing and light illumination of a sample. Two types of deformation, namely, (i) bending of nanosheets perpendicular to their basal atomic planes and (ii) edge deformation parallel to the basal atomic planes, lead to two distinctly different optomechanical performances of the nanosheet stacks. The former deformation induces a stable but rather marginal increase in photocurrent, whereas the latter mode is prone to unstable nonsystematic photocurrent value changes and a red-shifted photocurrent spectrum.

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Transcriptional analysis can be utilized to reconcile variants of uncertain significance, particularly those predicted to impact splicing. Laboratory analysis of the predicted mRNA transcript may allow inference of the in vivo impact of the variant and aid prediction of its clinical significance. We present a patient with classical features of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) who was identified to have compound heterozygous variants in the gene (c.

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Two-dimensional transition metal carbides, that is, MXenes and especially TiC, attract attention due to their excellent combination of properties. TiC nanosheets could be the material of choice for future flexible electronics, energy storage, and electromechanical nanodevices. There has been limited information available on the mechanical properties of TiC, which is essential for their utilization.

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Iron powders and Fe/graphene oxide and Fe/boron nitride composites were synthesized by means of a polyol synthesis method. The effect of NaOH/Fe and ascorbic acid/Fe ratios on the characteristics of synthesized products were evaluated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption and Raman-spectroscopy.

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In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is one of the most powerful approaches for revealing physical and chemical process dynamics at atomic resolutions. The most recent developments for in situ TEM techniques are summarized; in particular, how they enable visualization of various events, measure properties, and solve problems in the field of energy by revealing detailed mechanisms at the nanoscale. Related applications include rechargeable batteries such as Li-ion, Na-ion, Li-O , Na-O , Li-S, etc.

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Aluminum nitride (AlN) has a unique combination of properties, such as high chemical and thermal stability, nontoxicity, high melting point, large energy band gap, high thermal conductivity, and intensive light emission. This combination makes AlN nanowires (NWs) a prospective material for optoelectronic and field-emission nanodevices. However, there has been very limited information on mechanical properties of AlN NWs that is essential for their reliable utilization in modern technologies.

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Research on electromechanical properties of semiconducting nanowires, including plastic behavior of Si nanowires and superb carrier mobility of Ge and Ge/Si core-shell nanowires, has attracted increasing attention. However, to date, there have been no direct experimental studies on crystallography dynamics and its relation to electrical and mechanical properties of Ge/Si core-shell nanowires. In this Letter, we in parallel investigated the crystallography changes and electrical and mechanical behaviors of Ge/Si core-shell nanowires under their deformation in a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

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Smart implementation of novel advanced nanomaterials is the key for the solution of many complex problems of modern science. In recent years, there has been a great interest in the synthesis and application of boron nitride (BN) nanotubes because of their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. By contrast, the synthesis, characterization and exploration of other morphological types of BN nanostructure - BN nanoparticles and BN nanosheets - have received less attention.

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Metal-semiconductor hybrid nanomaterials are becoming increasingly popular for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, a seed-assisted photodeposition approach is put forward for the site-specific growth of Pt on Au-ZnO particles (Pt-Au-ZnO). A similar approach was also utilized to enlarge the Au nanoparticles at epitaxial Au-ZnO particles (Au@Au-ZnO).

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Due to their excellent mechanical properties, nanoparticles have great potential as reinforcing phases in composite materials, friction modifiers in liquid lubricants, catalysts and drug-delivery agents. In the present study, the mechanical analysis of individual spherical hollow BN nanoparticles (BNNPs) using a combination of in situ compression tests inside a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM) and theoretical modelling was conducted. It was found that BNNPs display high mechanical stiffness and a large value of elastic recovery.

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BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials (HNMs) and their possible applications as novel active catalysts and antibacterial agents are investigated. BN/Ag nanoparticle (NP) hybrids were fabricated using two methods: (i) chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of BN NPs in the presence of Ag vapours, and (ii) ultraviolet (UV) decomposition of AgNO in a suspension of BN NPs. The hybrid microstructures were studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), high-angular dark field scanning TEM imaging paired with energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

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In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows one to investigate nanostructures at high spatial resolution in response to external stimuli, such as heat, electrical current, mechanical force and light. This review exclusively focuses on the optical, optoelectronic and photocatalytic studies inside TEM. With the development of TEMs and specialized TEM holders that include in situ illumination and light collection optics, it is possible to perform optical spectroscopies and diverse optoelectronic experiments inside TEM with simultaneous high resolution imaging of nanostructures.

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Herein we study the effect of doxorubicin-loaded BN nanoparticles (DOX-BNNPs) on cell lines that differ in the multidrug resistance (MDR), namely KB-3-1 and MDR KB-8-5 cervical carcinoma lines, and K562 and MDR i-S9 leukemia lines. We aim at revealing the possible differences in the cytotoxic effect of free DOX and DOX-BNNP nanoconjugates on these types of cells. The spectrophotometric measurements have demonstrated that the maximum amount of DOX in the DOX-BNNPs is obtained after saturation in alkaline solution (pH 8.

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For the first time the surface of decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) was modified via deposition of a multicomponent bioactive nanostructured film for improvement of the DECM's mechanical properties. TiCaPCON films were deposited onto the surface of intact and decellularized ulna, radius, and humerus bones by magnetron sputtering of TiC + 10%Ca(PO) and Ti targets in a gaseous mixture of Ar + N. The film structure was studied using x-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy.

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In today's fast-paced environment, traditional medical reference services alone are not adequate to meet users' information needs. Efforts to find new ways to provide comprehensive service to users, where and when needed, have often included the use of new and developing technologies. This paper describes the experience of an academic health science library in developing and providing an online, real-time reference service.

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