Multiscale nano/micro-structured surfaces with superhydrophobicity are abundantly observed in nature such as lotus leaves, rose petals and butterfly wings, where microstructures typically reinforce mechanical stability, while nanostructures predominantly govern wettability. To emulate such hierarchical structures in nature, various methods have been widely applied in the past few decades to the manufacture of multiscale structures which can be applied to functionalities ranging from anti-icing and water-oil separation to self-cleaning. In this review, we highlight recent advances in nano/micro-structured superhydrophobic surfaces, with particular focus on non-metallic materials as they are widely used in daily life due to their lightweight, abrasion resistance and ease of processing properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered as a complex, intertwined multiple risk factors that directly increase the risk of various metabolic diseases, especially cardiovascular atherosclerotic diseases and diabetes mellitus type 2. While lifestyle changes, including dietary intervention are effective in mitigating or preventing MetS, there are no specific therapies against MetS. Typical western diets comprise of high saturated fatty acid, cholesterol, and simple sugar; consequently their consumption may increase the potential pathological developmental risk of MetS.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of this paper is to distinguish the vehicle detection and count the class number in each classification from the inputs. We proposed the use of Fuzzy Guided Scale Choice (FGSC)-based SSD deep neural network architecture for vehicle detection and class counting with parameter optimization. The 'FGSC' blocks are integrated into the convolutional layers of the model, which emphasize essential features while ignoring less important ones that are not significant for the operation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecently, some studies have applied the graph theory in brain network analysis in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, relatively little research has specifically explored the properties of the metabolic network in apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele carriers. In our study, all the subjects, including ADs, MCIs and NCs (normal controls) were divided into 165 APOE ε4 carriers and 165 APOE ε4 noncarriers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain networks can be divided into two categories: structural and functional networks. Many studies of neuroscience have reported that the complex brain networks are characterized by small-world or scale-free properties. The identification of nodes is the key factor in studying the properties of networks on the macro-, micro- or mesoscale in both structural and functional networks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhotoacoustic imaging is an emerging technology that can provide anatomic, functional, and molecular information about biological tissue. Intravascular spectroscopic and molecular photoacoustic imaging can potentially improve the identification of atherosclerotic plaque composition, the detection of inflammation, and ultimately the risk stratification of atherosclerosis. In this study, a first-of-its-kind intravascular optical-resolution photoacoustic tomography (OR-PAT) system with a 1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhotoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is becoming a vital tool for various biomedical studies, including functional and molecular imaging of cancer. However, due to the use of a focused ultrasonic transducer for photoacoustic detection, the image quality of conventional PAM degrades rapidly away from the ultrasonic focal zone. To improve the image quality of PAM for out-of-focus regions, we have developed compressed sensing based virtual-detector photoacoustic microscopy (CS-PAM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTheranostic agents are attracting a great deal of attention in personalized medicine. Here, we developed a protein-based, facile method for fabrication of nanosized, reduced graphene oxide (nano-rGO) with high stability and low cytotoxicity. We constructed highly integrated photoacoustic/ultrasonic dual-modality imaging and photothermal therapy platforms, and further demonstrated that the prepared nano-rGO can be used as ready-to-use theranostic agents for both photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy without further surface modification.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSheng Wu Yi Xue Gong Cheng Xue Za Zhi
December 2002
In this paper, the structure parameters and the equations to calculate these parameters are presented for the model design of the artificial bio-valve on the basis of heart anatomy, shell theory and the optimal flow of heart valve. No-root bio-valve is designed and manufactured according to the above theoies and technology. Its perfect property has been confirmed by measurement in vitro and clinical application in vivo.
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